Imagine this: you’re hungry, and you want a warm meal *fast*. What’s the first appliance that pops into your mind? For most of us, it’s the trusty microwave oven. It’s a kitchen superhero, zapping leftovers into deliciousness and making popcorn in minutes. But when it comes time to buy a new one, suddenly that superhero feels a little… confusing.
Picking the perfect microwave can be a real headache. Do you need a small one for just reheating, or a big one for more cooking? What about all those buttons and settings? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices. You want a microwave that works well and fits your life, not one that just sits there taking up space.
That’s why we’re here! In this post, we’ll break down what makes a good microwave oven. We’ll look at different types, helpful features, and what to consider before you buy. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident about finding the microwave that’s just right for your kitchen and your busy schedule. Let’s get started on making your next microwave purchase a breeze!
Our Top 5 Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper. It’s a compact, 0.7 cubic foot microwave with a sleek stainless steel finish. This microwave is designed for simplicity, making it easy for anyone to use. It’s great for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or cooking quick meals.
What We Like:
- It has helpful pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The microwave offers 10 power settings, giving you control over how your food cooks.
- A 30-second express cooking feature lets you quickly heat food with the press of a button.
- The large LED display is easy to read, and the control panel is simple to understand.
- A child safety lock adds an extra layer of security, which is great for families.
- The interior light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable 10-inch glass turntable makes cleaning simple.
- The push-button door release is convenient for opening the microwave.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity microwave for bigger meals or multiple items.
- While it has express cooking, it lacks some of the more advanced multi-stage cooking features found in higher-end models.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid option for basic cooking needs. It’s a reliable and user-friendly appliance for any kitchen.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, a powerful 1000W countertop microwave that makes reheating and cooking a breeze. Its spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior fits a large 12-inch pizza, and the smart humidity sensor ensures your food is heated perfectly every time. With 12 auto menus, a handy mute function, and an ECO mode, this sleek black microwave is designed for convenience and efficiency.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of reheating.
- It has a generous 1.2 cubic feet capacity, big enough for a 12-inch pizza.
- You can silence the annoying beeps with the mute function.
- The ECO mode helps save energy.
- There are 12 auto menus for popular foods like veggies and potatoes.
- The interior is easy to clean.
- It looks stylish on any countertop.
- The large digital display is easy to read.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel has a protective film that needs to be removed before use.
- You need to keep the original packaging for warranty claims or returns.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering smart features and ample space. It’s a reliable appliance for all your daily heating needs.
3. 5304509493 Oven Control Board for Frigidaire Electrolux Kenmore Oven 316557115 Clock/Timer Oven Control Board (Include The Covering Panel)
Rating: 9.3/10
Is your oven acting up? This 5304509493 Oven Control Board is a direct replacement for many Frigidaire, Electrolux, and Kenmore ovens. It even comes with the covering panel! This board can bring your oven back to life, fixing common problems like uneven heating or the oven not turning on at all. It’s designed to ensure your oven heats properly and the timer works like it should.
What We Like:
- Direct Replacement: Works with many Frigidaire, Kenmore, Electrolux, and other brand ovens, including specific models like FFEF3050LSR and CRE3860QBB.
- Solves Common Issues: Fixes problems like your oven not heating correctly, not starting, or having temperature problems. It helps get your baking and broiling back on track.
- Quality Parts: Made with good quality components to ensure accurate temperature control and reliable timer functions. It runs on 120V/60Hz.
- Durable Design: Built with a strong circuit board and a tough, heat-resistant plastic casing to handle kitchen conditions.
- Warranty Included: Comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind. Customer support is available if you need help.
What Could Be Improved:
- Model Compatibility Check: While it fits many models, it’s always best to double-check your specific oven model number to ensure a perfect match.
This control board is a solid fix for common oven malfunctions. It’s a reliable way to get your oven working perfectly again.
4. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a stylish stainless steel microwave that’s perfect for small kitchens, apartments, and dorm rooms. It’s compact at 0.9 cubic feet but packs a punch with 900 watts of cooking power. This microwave makes heating up leftovers or cooking quick meals super easy.
What We Like:
- It has 6 helpful auto-cook menus for things like popcorn and potatoes.
- You can adjust the power with 11 different levels for precise cooking.
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sounds, which is great for quiet kitchens.
- A two-step child lock adds an important safety feature to prevent accidental use.
- The bright LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food.
- Defrosting is simple, whether you know the weight or just the time needed.
- The one-touch start gets you cooking for up to 6 minutes instantly.
- It comes with a large 10.6-inch removable glass turntable that’s easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might still be a bit large for very tiny spaces.
- While it has auto menus, some users might prefer more advanced cooking options.
Overall, this TOSHIBA microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance for their compact living space. It balances convenience and safety well.
5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.5/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse designed for your kitchen. It offers 700 watts of power and a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for quick meals and snacks. With 10 power levels and 6 one-touch cooking presets, it simplifies your cooking routine.
What We Like:
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Six popular presets (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers) make cooking easy. You can also simply press number keys for minutes of cooking.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: 10 power levels let you melt butter or cook food fast.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: Setting time and power is simple. The +30 seconds button adds extra cooking time easily.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program your favorite cooking functions for one-touch access.
- SAFETY FIRST: A child safety lock on the handle prevents accidental opening. The control panel can be locked.
- MUTE OPTION: The Audio Button turns off beeps so you can cook quietly.
- MODERN DESIGN: Its sleek black finish and compact size fit well in any kitchen. Eco Mode saves power and turns off the display.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with advanced safety features and a 1-year Chefman assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger families or cooking big dishes.
- While it has many features, the 700-watt power might be less powerful than some higher-wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and safety in a stylish package. It’s a reliable choice for everyday cooking needs.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Microwave Oven
Choosing a new microwave oven can feel like a big decision. You want one that heats your food quickly and evenly, is easy to use, and fits your kitchen. This guide will help you find the perfect microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This is how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For everyday use, 900-1000 watts is usually a good choice.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food can fit inside.
- Small (0.5-1.0 cu. ft.): Good for small kitchens or for reheating snacks.
- Medium (1.1-1.5 cu. ft.): Great for families and cooking larger meals.
- Large (1.6+ cu. ft.): Ideal for big families or when you need to cook a lot at once.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a spinning glass plate. This helps food cook more evenly. Some newer models have a turntable that can be turned off if you need to fit a large rectangular dish.
- Pre-programmed Settings: These are buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. They take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Convection Cooking: Some microwaves can also bake and roast like a regular oven. This is a great feature if you have limited oven space.
- Grill Function: This feature adds browning and crispiness to food, like a grill.
Important Materials
The inside of your microwave is usually made of:
- Stainless Steel: This is a durable and easy-to-clean material. It also looks very modern.
- Enamel Coating: This is a common and affordable option. It’s usually easy to wipe clean, but can chip or scratch over time.
- Ceramic Enamel: This is a more premium option. It’s very scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
The outside can be plastic, stainless steel, or a combination. Stainless steel often looks sleeker and is more durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly, and the buttons should feel responsive. A flimsy microwave might not last as long.
- Even Heating: The best microwaves heat food evenly without hot or cold spots. This is often related to the wattage and the internal design.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior that wipes clean easily is a big plus. Removable turntables and simple control panels help with this.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are advertised as quiet.
- Durability: Good quality materials and construction mean your microwave will last longer.
User Experience and Use Cases
Microwave ovens are used for many things every day:
- Reheating Leftovers: This is the most common use. A good microwave reheats food quickly and evenly.
- Cooking Quick Meals: Many people use microwaves to cook frozen dinners or simple meals.
- Defrosting: Microwaves are great for thawing frozen meats and other foods.
- Making Popcorn: The pre-programmed popcorn button is a favorite for many.
- Baking and Roasting (with Convection): If your microwave has convection, you can bake cookies or roast chicken.
- Simple Cooking Tasks: Melting butter, warming milk, or cooking vegetables can all be done easily.
A good user experience means the controls are easy to understand and use. The display should be clear, and the buttons should be well-placed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in a microwave?
A: The most important feature is usually wattage, as it determines how quickly your food cooks.
Q: How do I choose the right size microwave?
A: Consider how much food you typically cook. Small microwaves are for one or two people, while larger ones are for families.
Q: Is a turntable really necessary?
A: Yes, a turntable helps food cook more evenly by rotating it. Some models let you turn it off if needed.
Q: What does “convection cooking” mean?
A: Convection cooking means the microwave also has a fan and heating element that allows it to bake and roast like a traditional oven.
Q: How do I clean a microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth. For tough stains, microwave a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: Are more expensive microwaves always better?
A: Not always. While higher-end models often have more features and better build quality, you can find excellent, affordable microwaves that do a great job.
Q: What is a good wattage for a microwave?
A: For most households, 900-1000 watts is a good balance of power and efficiency.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How long do microwave ovens typically last?
A: With proper care, most microwave ovens can last between 7 to 10 years.
Q: What are the benefits of a microwave with a grill function?
A: A grill function adds browning and crispiness to foods, making them taste more like they were cooked in a grill or oven.
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.