Imagine this: you’re craving popcorn, a quick dinner, or just need to reheat leftovers. You head to the kitchen, open the cabinet, and stare at the wall of microwave options. Does this sound familiar? Choosing a new microwave can feel overwhelming, right? So many brands, sizes, and features! You want one that works great and fits your kitchen, but where do you even begin?
We get it. The struggle is real when you’re trying to find the perfect “looking microwave” – one that not only heats your food perfectly but also looks good on your counter. You don’t want to waste money on something that doesn’t meet your needs or clashes with your style. That’s why we’re here to help!
By the end of this post, you’ll feel much more confident about picking out your next microwave. We’ll break down what to look for, explain tricky terms, and help you find a microwave that’s a winner for both function and fashion. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave confusion and hello to a kitchen appliance you’ll love!
Our Top 5 Looking Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Looking Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s a 1.2 cubic foot microwave that’s big enough for most meals. This microwave has a sleek black finish and a 12.4-inch removable turntable. It also comes with a smart humidity sensor that helps cook your food perfectly every time. Plus, it has 12 auto menus, a mute function, and an ECO mode. It’s a powerful 1000-watt microwave that makes cooking easy.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor is amazing. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power so your food is never overcooked or undercooked.
- It has 12 auto menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables. This makes cooking quick and simple.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels. This gives you lots of control for different types of cooking.
- The “Easy Defrost” feature lets you defrost food by weight or time. It’s very convenient.
- The “One Touch Start” button lets you start cooking for 1 to 6 minutes at full power with just one touch.
- The mute function is a lifesaver. You can turn off the loud buzzer by pressing and holding the “8” button for 3-5 seconds. No more annoying beeps!
- The ECO mode helps save energy.
- The interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches. It might be a bit large for very small countertops.
- While it has 12 auto menus, some users might prefer even more specialized options.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart and user-friendly appliance. It simplifies cooking with its advanced features and thoughtful design.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven is a fantastic option for anyone needing a compact and capable appliance. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen, and its 0.9 cubic feet capacity is just right for small spaces like apartments or dorm rooms. This microwave makes heating up leftovers or cooking quick meals super easy.
What We Like:
- It has 900 watts of power, which cooks food quickly.
- The 6 preset menus take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn and potatoes.
- You can adjust the cooking power with 11 different levels for total control.
- The mute function is a lifesaver if you don’t want noisy beeps waking up the house.
- A two-step child lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The interior LED light lets you see your food while it’s cooking.
- Defrosting is simple, either by weight or time.
- The one-touch start feature is handy for quick heating jobs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit wider than some other compact microwaves, so measure your counter space carefully.
- While the child lock is a great safety feature, understanding the specific steps to open it might take a moment.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart and convenient addition to any small kitchen. It offers great features without taking up too much space.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for smaller spaces. Its compact 0.7 cubic feet size fits easily on your countertop. The sleek stainless steel finish looks nice, and it’s simple to use for quick meals and snacks.
What We Like:
- It has helpful pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels to heat your food just right.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for fast reheating.
- The digital display is large and easy to read.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The glass turntable spins food for even cooking and is easy to clean.
- The push-button door opens easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a bit longer to cook some things compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet interior might feel small if you often heat large dishes.
This microwave is a solid, user-friendly option for basic reheating and cooking needs. It offers convenience and safety features at a good value.
4. Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Bring a splash of retro charm and modern convenience to your kitchen with the Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven in vibrant Bebop Blue. This compact 0.7 cu ft microwave packs a punch with 700 watts of power, making it ideal for quick meals, reheating leftovers, and defrosting your favorite frozen foods. Its stylish pull handle design and LED lighting add a touch of vintage flair, while essential safety features like a child lock ensure peace of mind for families.
What We Like:
- The 700W power with six variable power levels allows for precise cooking.
- It offers easy defrosting by time or weight.
- The interior LED light lets you check food without opening the door.
- A child lock feature keeps little ones safe by preventing accidental use.
- The 360° rotating glass turntable ensures even heating and efficient cooking.
- The easy-to-read LED display clearly shows cooking time.
- The retro design and Bebop Blue color add a fun, stylish element.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity might be small for larger families or big meal prep.
- While powerful, 700W might be slower for certain cooking tasks compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This Galanz microwave is a fantastic choice for those seeking both style and functionality. Its user-friendly features and attractive design make it a welcome addition to any kitchen.
5. FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave
Rating: 9.4/10
The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave in sleek black is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and smart cooking features for busy households.
What We Like:
- The digital control panel is super easy to use. It lets you pick express cooking, change the power, set a delayed start, or just set the time.
- You get two different defrost timers. This gives you great control over warming your food exactly how you like it.
- It has a Child Safety Lock. This keeps curious little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The large display makes it easy to see your food cooking. You can keep an eye on it to make sure it’s perfect.
- There are six easy auto cooking settings. You can quickly make popcorn, cook a potato, heat up pizza, warm a frozen dinner, reheat leftovers, or warm a beverage with just a few touches.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or for cooking big dishes.
- While intuitive, some users might prefer a more robust set of manual cooking options beyond the presets.
This Frigidaire microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a simple yet effective kitchen appliance.
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Microwave
Picking a new microwave can feel like a big decision. You want something that cooks your food well, is easy to use, and fits your kitchen. This guide will help you find the best microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts. For everyday tasks like reheating leftovers or making popcorn, 900-1000 watts is usually great. If you plan to cook more complex meals, aim for 1100 watts or higher.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This is the inside space of the microwave. Think about what you’ll be heating.
- Small (0.5 – 1.0 cu. ft.): Good for dorm rooms, small apartments, or just heating small snacks.
- Medium (1.1 – 1.6 cu. ft.): A good all-around size for most families. It can fit most dinner plates and small casserole dishes.
- Large (1.7 cu. ft. and up): Best for big families or if you often cook larger meals or bake in the microwave.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a glass plate that spins. This helps cook food evenly. Make sure the turntable is large enough for your plates.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, baked potatoes, or defrosting. These make cooking specific items super simple.
- Sensor Cooking: This smart feature detects the moisture in your food and adjusts the cooking time and power automatically. It helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Child Lock: This is a safety feature that prevents little hands from accidentally turning the microwave on.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it looks.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or enamel-coated metal exterior.
- Stainless Steel: Looks sleek and modern. It’s also strong. However, it can show fingerprints easily.
- Enamel Coating: Often found on less expensive models. It’s easy to clean but can chip if hit hard.
- Interior: The inside of the microwave is usually coated with enamel or a special non-stick material.
- Enamel: Durable and easy to wipe clean.
- Non-stick: Makes cleaning up spills very easy.
- Door: The door is typically made of glass so you can see your food. The glass is usually tempered for safety.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a microwave better or not as good.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. You won’t find hot spots or cold spots in your food.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave that’s easy to wipe down inside and out saves you time and effort. Removable turntables help a lot.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others when they run. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for quieter models.
- Durability: A good microwave lasts for many years. Look for brands with good reviews for reliability.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave will guide your choice.
- Quick Reheating: If you just need to warm up leftovers or a cup of coffee, a basic, smaller microwave might be perfect. Look for easy-to-use buttons and a simple interface.
- Snack Making: For making popcorn, heating up frozen snacks, or toasting bagels, a microwave with preset functions is very handy.
- Full Meal Preparation: If you plan to cook more complex dishes or even bake in your microwave, you’ll want a larger capacity, higher wattage, and features like sensor cooking.
- Family Use: For families, a medium to large capacity microwave with child lock and simple controls for everyone to use is ideal.
- Small Spaces: For dorm rooms or small kitchens, a compact microwave is the best option. Just be sure it still has enough power for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Microwaves
Q: What is the most important feature in a microwave?
A: The most important feature depends on what you need. For most people, wattage and capacity are key. Wattage affects how fast it cooks, and capacity determines what you can fit inside.
Q: How do I know if a microwave cooks evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even cooking. Some higher-end models have special technologies to improve evenness. A good turntable that spins well also helps.
Q: Is stainless steel better than enamel for a microwave?
A: Stainless steel looks more modern and is very strong. However, it can show fingerprints. Enamel is easier to clean but can chip. Both are good choices depending on your preference.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam from your food to figure out how long it needs to cook. It helps prevent your food from getting dry or burnt.
Q: Do I need a microwave with lots of buttons?
A: Not necessarily. If you only reheat or make popcorn, simple controls are fine. If you want to cook different foods easily, preset buttons and sensor cooking are helpful.
Q: How much space do I need for a microwave?
A: Measure your counter space or where you plan to put it. Also, make sure there’s enough room around the microwave for ventilation. Check the product dimensions before buying.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave?
A: No, you should never put plain metal in the microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the microwave. Some microwave-safe dishes have a small amount of metal trim, but it’s best to avoid them.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a microwave?
A: Most microwaves last between 5 to 10 years with normal use. Taking care of it and cleaning it regularly can help it last longer.
Q: Are countertop microwaves better than over-the-range models?
A: Countertop microwaves are usually less expensive and easier to install. Over-the-range models save counter space and often have a built-in vent and light for your stovetop.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can often clean the inside by heating a bowl of water with some lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes. Then, wipe down the inside with a soft cloth. For tough spots, use a mild dish soap.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.