Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (2024)

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This product guide was written by GearHungry StaffLast Updated April 15, 2019

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A microwave is now seen as an essential element of any kitchen, whether you’re a home cook or commercial chef. No longer just seen as a device to heat up a microwave meal for one, these clever appliances have the capabilities to create amazing meals, at a fraction of the time of the oven or hob. There are lots of different types of microwaves out there, with different power settings and wattage levels, as well as colors and styles. Knowing which one is the right one for you takes research and time, which is why we’ve outlined some of the best microwaves on the market. Whether you’re after a small microwave to heat soup or gravy, or something a little more robust to defrost chicken or fish, take a look at the options below and see which one is best suited to your cooking needs.

The Best Microwave

1

AmazonBasics Microwave

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (4)

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (5)

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (6)

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (7)

AmazonBasics Microwave is our best pick microwave and Amazon have really knocked it out of the park with this one. It’s smart, it’s functional, and it’s modern, plus the price range is on point. This amazing microwave allows you to control cooking with your voice through Alexa, so you can pop something in, ready for cooking later on in the day, or if you’ve got your hands full, then simply ask Alexa to start microwaving. It’s also compact and powerful, with up to 10 power levels, a kitchen timer, and child lock. Setup is easy and straightforward, allowing you to plug in and go, or simply connect to the internet through the Alexa app and get talking. Be sure to maintain it with some of the best oven cleaners from our list.

Key Features:

Alexa-enabled

700w

Kitchen timer

Child lock

10 power levels

External dimension – 17.3” x 10.1” x 14.1”

Internal Dimension 10.88” x 6.88” x 10”

Specification:

  • BrandAmazonBasics
  • Weight21.9 lb (9.9 kg)

Pros

Confusing microwave settings are now a thing of the past with the Alexa function

Setup is straightforward, even with the technology involved

Microwaves popcorn perfectly and keeps track of how many bags you have left!

Cons

Echo device is required for voice function to work, but not included in the purchase

Can overheat food unnecessarily

Heating power is weaker than most on the market

BUY ON AMAZON

2

Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (8)

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (9)

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (10)

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (11)

Toshiba are known for their electronical products and for producing high-quality items. This microwave oven is no different and even comes with a smart sensor, that can tell how much steam is being emitted, and adjust cooking times to ensure your food is the best it can be. It also has lots of food options, which means you can just press a button and go, whether that’s potatoes, pizza, or vegetables. One of the more unique features of this product is the door handle, as opposed to push button, which many modern microwaves choose. Perfect for people looking for something a little more traditional. The 1100 wattage means that Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave is extremely powerful, providing you with optimal cooking results and no disappointment when it comes to the perfect popcorn. Be sure to also check out our list of the best bread machines for more great items like this.

Key Features:

1100W

10 power levels

Stainless-steel

Pre-programmed sensor menu

Easy-to-read control panel

External dimension – 20.5” x 17.1” x 12.8”

Internal Dimension 13.07” x 15” x 9.5”

Specification:

  • BrandToshiba
  • ModelEM131A5C-SS
  • Weight34.6 pounds

Pros

Quick button options, so you don’t have to press lots of buttons (e.g 30 seconds, 1 minute)

Door handle instead of push button to open up

Powerful and spacious

Cons

Quite high price point for a microwave, but is extremely powerful

Irregular fan speeds

Internal light can flicker or not work

BUY ON AMAZON

3

Commercial Chef CHM660B Countertop Microwave

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (14)

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (15)

If you’re looking for a functional and practical microwave that does what it needs to do, without all the bells and whistles, then the Commercial Chef Microwave Oven is ideal. Although not the prettiest or most attractive on our list, the Commercial Chef knows what its job is and gets to work. The mechanical dials and door handle make this a popular choice for people who prefer something simple and straightforward, without the need for advanced technology to be involved. It’s lightweight, so be moved around in your kitchen easily, but unfortunately only comes in black, which might not suit everyone’s tastes. However, you really do get what you pay for with the Commercial Chef and there’s no hidden agenda. Love this product? Check out our review of the best waffle makers for our top picks.

Key Features:

600W

Time and heat dials

6 cooking power levels

External dimension – 17.75” x 12.5” x 10.25”

Internal space – 0.6 cubic feet

Specification:

  • BrandCommercial Chef
  • ModelCHM660B
  • Weight23.1 pounds

Pros

Mechanical dials

Great for small apartments or kitchens

Low wattage but heats up effectively

Cons

Slightly boring design

Low power level and wattage, which might not be suitable for some people

Quality matches the low price, so may not be to everyone’s taste

BUY ON AMAZON

4

Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (16)

Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S is a slick and modern microwave, as well as being extremely powerful. Panasonic are another well-known brand and this appliance fits their bill of being high quality, technology-driven, and robust. It’s stainless steel, which means it’s built to last and there’s no bulkiness at all, which provides a seamless design. The 1250 wattage is impressive, but the price tag matches that high power. However, it’s definitely worth it if you’re looking for something for a bit more pizazz and style. With smart cooking settings and sensors, as well as Panasonic’s Inverter Technology for more efficient cooking, this is a clever piece of equipment and especially useful if you do a lot of microwave cooking. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best portable induction cooktops.

Key Features:

1250W

Panasonic Inverter Technology

Smart Cooking with Genius Sensor

Available in three colors

Touchscreen controls

External dimension – 19.44” x 23.88” x 14”

Internal Dimension 10.94” x 18.44” x 18.5”

Specification:

  • BrandPanasonic
  • ModelNN-SN966S
  • Weight37 pounds

Pros

14 pre-set menu options to choose from for ease of use

Huge in size, providing options for different types of food

Inverter Technology means that defrosting is a breeze

Cons

Issues seem to occur after the 1 year warranty, which is frustrating

Panasonic customer service can be hit and miss

Previous Panasonic microwaves seem to last longer and be higher quality than this model

BUY ON AMAZON

5

Sharp R-21LCFS Medium-Duty Commercial Microwave Oven

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (17)

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (18)

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (19)

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (20)

One of our most expensive microwaves on this list, the Sharp commercial microwave oven is perfect for the more professional chef, who’ll be using the appliance multiple times throughout the day. The price point is probably a little too steep for those of us choosing to defrost a chicken breast or get the popcorn sorted for a movie night. However, this 1000 watt device is powerful and robust, perfect for a commercial environment. Stainless steel design and easily accessible door handle means that even the messiest and clumsiest of chefs won’t have a problem. It also has a huge interior, which can accommodate larger food options, such as platters and pans. You may also like to check our guide to the best food dehydrators.

Key Features:

1000W

Stainless steel body

No turntable

Timer dial with LED indicators

External dimension – 21” x 16” x 12”

Internal Dimension 13” x 13” x 7.88”

Specification:

  • BrandSharp
  • ModelR-21LCFS
  • Weight37 pounds

Pros

Can literally cook anything you want it to

High wattage so perfect for the commercial environment

Great design that matches the rest of your kitchen devices and surfaces

Cons

Customer service not very helpful

Very expensive product, which requires research into whether investment is worthwhile

Quality could be brought into question because of certain defects

BUY ON AMAZON

6

Daewoo KOR-7LREM Retro Countertop Microwave Oven

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (21)

It’s the mint green machine of your dreams. The Daewoo Retro Countertop Microwave Oven is perfect for those of you looking to add a pop of color to your kitchen. It also comes in a range of color options, such as red and white too. The Daewoo not only looks great, but it’s functional too. Although lacking in power levels and wattage compared to some other microwaves on this list, the Daewoo does its job, as well as having 4 auto cook programmes. It’s great for families too, with a child lock function and loud reminder end signal to make sure you don’t forget about that cup of tea (again) or all-important mac n’ cheese. Our handy guide to the best kitchen torches features more great products like this.

Key Features:

700W

Retro design

5 power controls

4 auto-cook programs

‘Eco’ function & auto defrost

External dimension – 12.7” x 17.6” x 10.6”

Internal Dimension 11.6” x 8.3” x 11.9”

Specification:

  • BrandDaewoo
  • ModelKOR-7LREM
  • Weight23.4 pounds

Pros

Retro design and great color options for something quirky

Although less powerful than others, it still heats food well

It’s a great size and fits into most areas

Cons

Not powerful for cooking all food types

Slightly poor quality as buttons can sometimes stick or even fall off

Although cute and well designed, the Daewoo does not function as well as others

BUY ON AMAZON

7

Emerson 1.2 CU. FT. 1100W Griller Microwave Oven

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (22)

Beautifully designed and reasonably priced, the Emerson Griller Microwave Oven is a great asset to any kitchen. With 9 pre-set programmes, it’s easy to find the perfect setting for your choice of dish, whether that’s pizza or frozen vegetables. It has touch control functions, which mean not annoying dials or knobs to clean around. With a removable grill feature, the Emerson is definitely a multifunctional appliance and allows you to choose healthier methods of cooking for your family. There are also 9 pre-set programmes, which include popcorn, frozen vegetables, beef, pork, and more. The glass turntable inside is easy to remove and clean and the pull open door means you don’t have to worry about sticking push buttons. It’s compact but durable, and at a reasonable price point too, so a worthwhile investment. If you love cooking, check out our guide to the best Dutch Ovens.

Key Features:

Power / capacity: 11 power levels / 1100W

Warranty: 90 days

Specification:

  • BrandEmerson
  • ModelMWG9115SB
  • Weight36 pounds

Pros

Affordable price point for a high-quality product

Spacious on the inside for different types of food

High wattage and sleek design

Cons

Small warranty period of 90 days

Buzzing noise when in operation

No 30 second extend button, which can be frustrating

BUY ON AMAZON

8

Farberware Black FMO12AHTBSG 1.2 Cu. Ft. 1100-Watt Microwave Oven

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (23)

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (24)

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (25)

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (26)

This is one of the heavier products on our list, so make sure you have a helping hand when installing it. The Farberware Microwave Oven is black stainless steel, so offers a unique and slick look to any kitchen. This combination microwave provides the use of both oven and grill, giving you lots of different cooking options. It’s a smart machine that can adjust its power levels whilst cooking, providing you with the very best outcome for your food. There’s also a digital clock and timer, giving you peace of mind that everything is on track, as well as a child safety lock, so little fingers can’t get caught. With a 1.2 cubic foot capacity, you can easily heat up soup or pizza, but ensure that it fits neatly onto your countertop. It’s a great quality piece of equipment from a lesser known brand. Our selection of the best pizza stones offers more great products so check it out.

Key Features:

Power / capacity: 10 power levels / 1100W

Warranty: 1 year, but according to some reviews, it is only 3 months

Specification:

  • BrandFarberware
  • ModelFMO12AHTBSG
  • Weight39.2 pounds

Pros

High-quality mid-size microwave

Heats food up incredibly quickly

Sensor feature really allows you to get the very best out of your microwavable cooking

Cons

Customer support seems to be non-existent

Warranty window is not very big

Very noisy when in use, which could be the problem if you’re hoping to sneak downstairs for a midnight snack…

BUY ON AMAZON

9

Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (27)

Another Panasonic on the list! Following on from the initial model mentioned, NN-SN686S microwave oven is also stainless steel, with a push button door, and compact design. Again, high wattage means great performance and the Inverter Technology and smart sensor means that the microwave can adjust its cooking levels to suit the food that you’ve put inside. There’s also a Keep Warm feature, which allows to keep anything, such as gravy or soup, warm until you need it. Great for those big meals you might be preparing for friends and family. The Turbo Defrost function does exactly what you would expect and speeds up the defrosting time dramatically. This is a great functional microwave, that should not only stand the test of time in regards to cooking but also from a design point of view too. Price point is a tad more than what you might like to spend, but it’s well worth it for something that’s built to last – and perform. Make sure you also check our guide to the best convection ovens.

Key Features:

1200W

1.2 cubic feet

Panasonic Inverter Technology

Genius Sensor

14 preset menu options

External dimension – 15.81” x 20.69” x 12.25”

Internal Dimension 9.94” x 15.81” x 14.38”

Specification:

  • BrandPanasonic
  • ModelNN-SN686S
  • Weight25.5 pounds

Pros

Large cooking capacity, but not bulky, so easy to position in your kitchen

Lightweight, yet sturdy

Stainless steel design matches other appliances

Cons

Higher price point, which may not suit all pockets

Again, Panasonic customer service is not as responsive as others

Sensor reheat option can become faulty after a number of uses

BUY ON AMAZON

Microwave Buying Guide

Size - The size of a microwave oven can widely be considered in two different ways. First is the size of its external design. That is to say how well does it sit in your countertop? Does it take up too much space on your countertop? Secondly, it is the inner space. Because the main action goes on inside the microwave oven, a cooking space that will accommodate your personal and family-sized meals is enough space. The internal size should not make it difficult to insert a vegetable pack, popcorn, large burger, or even a standard-sized full chicken or turkey.

Wattage - The wattage determines how efficient a microwave oven can function. The higher the watts, the more effective and productive the microwave will be. For a faster and an evenly distributed cook, a higher wattage is preferred. The highest microwave oven wattage sits at 1,200, and the lowest is from 600 watts.

Ease Of Use - Because microwave ovens have different purposes, they mostly come with several controls; buttons, wheels, or touchpads. None of this should pose everyday challenges for any new user. A well-designed microwave oven should have easy to understand descriptions on all of its controls for more comfortable use. Also, a detailed user manual should be included for further reference and guide to the user.

Heat Distribution - A good microwave oven should be able to cook, reheat, boil, grill, defrost, or transfer heat to any food evenly. The glass turntable should turn around to give any food inserted into the microwave a 360-degree heat impact for an evenly cooked food.

Setting - Most microwave ovens have up to ten heat setting levels. To better understand what impact each level exerts, you will need to find out the total wattage of the microwave oven foremost. This is because the levels work in direct proportion to the total wattage of the microwave oven. For example, a 1,000 watts microwave oven with ten heat levels means that if you want to steam your meat food at 800 watts, set the heat level to level 8.

Ease Of Cleaning - This is mainly dependent on the type of material that is used in building the microwave oven. Materials such as stainless steel and glass can be easier to clean than rubber and metal. Also, stainless steel will prevent any possible scratches to the microwave, because the microwave is likely to come into contact with some cooking utensils and tools.

Smart Features - A smart featured microwave is an ideal choice for today's internet of things digital age. It can connect to your home's Wi-Fi and can sync with smart devices in your home. Today's smart microwaves have features like Alexa technology, voice recognition, and barcode scanner for accessing and downloading cooking instructions among many others.

Best Microwaves In 2022 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry (28)

Microwave FAQ

Q: What is the best wattage for a microwave?

A: The best wattage for a microwave is the highest wattage available, which is 1,200 watts. This can provide maximum temperate for cooking. This also translates into ensuring that food is cooked evenly and in less time.

Q: Does a microwave need a turntable?

A: A turntable is a very vital element of any microwave. That is what ensures that heat is evenly distributed to every part of the food to ensure an evenly-cooked meal. Also, the turntable, mostly made from glass prevents the food from coming into direct contact with the heat-producing elements on the inside of the microwave. By so doing, it helps prevent any possible burns.

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