I’m a senior staff writer covering large kitchen appliances at Wirecutter, as well as a journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing about food, cooking, and the culinary industry. I’ve written guides to gas and electric ranges, induction cooktops, coffee grinders, and French-door refrigerators. I also offer advice on how to make the most of large kitchen appliances, including tips on cleaning your microwave.

Wirecutter has been evaluating microwaves since 2014. For this guide, we’ve done the following:

• We’ve interviewed home cooks, kitchen and product designers, product engineers, and multiple representatives from the brands we cover, and we’ve read numerous manuals and other product documentation.
• We’ve traveled to appliance trade shows and visited dozens of big-box stores and small showrooms to get a sense of trends and hands-on experience with common features.
• We’ve evaluated thousands of owner reviews and reader comments to identify whether these microwaves have any reliability problems or real-world quirks.
• We host paid testers with diverse backgrounds, builds, heights, and mobility levels to discuss, use, and evaluate microwaves at our office in Long Island City, New York.

Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations, and in accordance with Wirecutter standards, I return or donate all products I’ve tested once my assessment of them is complete. Read more about our editorial standards.

This guide focuses on countertop microwaves (including compact and multifunction convection/air-fryer models) that you can set up almost anywhere you have an outlet. We highlight a handful of higher-quality microwaves that work a bit better or look and feel a little better than the vast majority you can find online or in stores. But if you use a microwave only for a few small tasks that don’t require a lot of precision—popping popcorn, heating liquids—and don’t care what it looks like, you might be fine with a budget model.

Some of our recommendations have matching trim kits that allow you to install them in a cutout in the wall or a cabinet so that the machine resembles a more expensive built-in wall or drawer microwave for a fraction of the cost. We also have a separate guide to over-the-range microwaves, which generally serve as a range hood as well.

For previous versions of this guide, we analyzed microwave designs and components (including taking multiple microwaves apart, which revealed many manufacturer logos), investigated public import records, and interviewed brand representatives.

Our discovery: The majority of countertop microwaves sold in the US, no matter the logo, are manufactured by just a few companies overseas, primarily Midea and Galanz. That is why you can find dozens of mostly sub-$100 microwaves with different brand names but nearly identical prices, specs, and designs.

These lower-cost microwaves tend to be nearly identical inside and out, and they tend to perform similarly. They come under many brand names, including Black+Decker and Comfee (both of which we now know are made by Midea) or RCA and Avanti (which are made by Galanz). Hamilton Beach, Insignia (Best Buy’s house brand), Kenmore, Magic Chef, and Panasonic (some of its less expensive models without inverter motors) also have microwaves made by either Midea or Galanz. The upshot: If you want a basic, under-$100 microwave, it doesn’t make much difference which make or model you choose.

This is why we now focus on a few brands that we know either manufacture their own microwaves (such as LG, Panasonic, and Samsung) or work with these large manufacturers to produce microwaves with improved design or functionality. This group includes most well-known kitchen-appliance brands, such as GE Appliances and Whirlpool, as well as companies like Breville, IKEA (whose appliances are made to its specifications by other manufacturers), and Sharp (which has historically worked with Midea).

After years of testing, we’ve learned that these better-quality models, even compact ones, usually cost at least $100. In 2024, Catherine Ruspino​​​​, a senior vice president at Breville responsible for microwaves, spoke to us at length about the constraints of working with large manufacturers and what kinds of innovations were possible. Better-quality models have at least slightly better computer programs and algorithms for functions such as defrosting or auto-cooking. They often have slightly different designs for the contours of the interior, intended to better distribute the electromagnetic waves and result in more even cooking. They also have better-quality exterior components and materials, which is important; the door latch, for instance, serves as a kill switch for the entire microwave. And on top of all that, we’ve noticed that better microwaves tend to provide clearer advice in their manuals.

Sub-$100 microwaves can still heat or defrost your food just fine, albeit a little less evenly or quickly. But the cheapest models are likely to be smaller, flimsier, lighter (yours might move around the counter when you open and close it, which is frustrating), and more prone to breaking down. Some models lack the most basic features, such as an Add 30 Seconds button.

And some ultra-cheap models don’t list a certification from UL Solutions, a firm that sets safety standards for most small appliances in the United States, in their manuals or inside the machine, which prevents us from confirming that they’ve undergone safety testing. No matter the price, we don’t recommend buying any microwave that is not UL Solutions–certified.

In our most recent round of testing, in 2024, we evaluated nearly two dozen microwaves in our testing facility in Long Island City, New York.

To determine the cooking performance and usability of each microwave, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of foods, including burritos, butter, chicken breasts, coffee, fried rice, frozen broccoli, mac and cheese, pizza, and popcorn. When testing convection/air-fryer models, we also air-fried, baked, and toasted.

Here’s an overview of the factors we evaluate:

Size: Microwaves typically fall into three size categories, namely small/compact (0.7 to 0.9 cubic foot of capacity), midsize (1 to 1.6 cubic feet of capacity), and large (up to 2.2 cubic feet of capacity). In our testing, we’ve found that a midsize model with 1.1 or 1.2 cubic feet of capacity and a 12-inch carousel is ideal for most households. This size can fit a 12-inch dinner plate, a 9-inch square casserole dish with handles, a large bag of microwave popcorn, two frozen dinners, four mugs, or two smaller bowls.

Anything smaller than midsize is best for one person or light usage. (The smallest model we tested can’t even accommodate a New York–style slice of pizza.) And most small microwaves are so light, they move on the counter when you open or shut the door, though our pick for a compact microwave is an exception. Anything larger than midsize (1.4 cubic feet and up) costs more and takes up more counter space without offering additional benefit, unless you regularly microwave a lot of food at a time.

All microwaves vary slightly in height, width, and depth, so be sure to double-check the dimensions of the microwave and measure your favorite microwave-safe cookware and your counter or shelf space to confirm that everything will fit. For some powerful models, manufacturers also recommend allowing for extra clearance at the rear and top of the machine.

Build and design: A microwave should feel sturdy. The body should be well built, and the control panel shouldn’t be so flimsy that it bends when you press a button. The machine should be hefty enough to stay put when you open and close the door. The display should be well-lit and easy to read, and any buttons, knobs, or handles should not be especially difficult to turn, pull, or press, particularly for anyone with mobility issues.

Since a microwave lives on your counter, we also sought out models that look good, if not great, with appealing shapes and bodies made of more metal than plastic (or, at least, better-quality plastic).

Door latches: We generally prefer microwaves with a button to open the door latch, as such designs are less likely to drag the machine when you open or shut the door and are also considered ADA-compliant. But we do recommend a few options with handles, which some people prefer; feedback from our paid testers has shown that for people with hand-mobility issues, a handle can be easier to maneuver than a button.

Noise: People want a quiet microwave, but our testing has shown that they all make noise when running—and larger, more powerful, better-quality microwaves tend to be louder than smaller ones. If your microwave is especially loud or annoying, consider moving it so that the sound isn’t reflecting off a wall or cabinet.

Ease of cleaning: Most of the microwaves we test are equally easy to clean, though white interiors show splatter more than darker colors. The exposed radiant bake elements on some convection/air-fryer microwaves are very hard to clean, and we don’t recommend such models.

Reliability: Any microwave can malfunction or stop working altogether. We focus on better-quality models with warranties of at least one year, from respected brands with websites and customer service teams accessible by phone. These microwaves tend to have better-quality mechanical parts, especially the door latch, which is a point of failure for many microwaves. Note that you should never use a microwave with a broken door latch.

Even heating: All microwaves heat foods somewhat unevenly, with cooler spots leading to undercooking and hotter spots resulting in burning or overcooking. In our latest testing, we evaluated evenness by cooking different foods—including marshmallows, which visibly show hot spots and degrees of doneness—across the breadth of the turntable. We also used an instant-read thermometer to check for temperature uniformity, a process that included heating up vegetarian burritos according to the package directions and then measuring the temperature in the middle and at both ends.

Higher-performing microwaves, such as our top pick, had fewer noticeable hot spots in our tests. Microwaves with an inverter motor, which can run at variable speeds and allows for continuous cooking at lower power levels, produced more even results when cooking and defrosting with less power. Inverter motors are usually found on midsize or large microwaves; our top pick has an inverter motor. (Traditional transformer-powered microwaves, which tend to be smaller in size, cycle between bursts of full power and zero power to achieve similar results.) To assess this, we microwaved raw, frozen chicken breasts at 50% power for 14 minutes before checking the temperature at three points. Inverter microwaves tended to yield partially defrosted meat that was more evenly warmed and had fewer large ice crystals and overcooked edges.

Speed and power: All countertop microwaves have between 700 and 1,250 watts of power. Every midsize microwave we evaluated in the latest round offered at least 900 watts of power. Higher power heats things more quickly, but our testing revealed that even a small, 700-watt microwave can heat foods and liquids to appropriate temperatures, albeit slightly slower.

Most good microwaves have at least 10 power levels. Foods defrost and cook more evenly at lower power levels, which also help you avoid splattering, drying out foods, and overcooking edges.

Useful cooking functions: Nearly every microwave expert we spoke to said that the vast majority of microwave owners use the Add 30 Seconds button exclusively when cooking, reheating, or defrosting. We heard the same thing from our paid testers and regular cooks, too. So we didn’t pay much attention to specific presets for items such as a potato, popcorn, vegetables, or pizza. But we did give extra credit to microwaves whose additional functions or features produced better results without imposing a major learning curve: For instance, we appreciated an accurate sensor-reheat or sensor-cooking setting (like the one on our top pick), which measures humidity and knows when your food is done based on the amount of steam in the microwave.

Instant-start express settings: With these settings, the microwave starts automatically at its highest power when you press a numbered button or the Add 30 Seconds button—for example, pressing “2” starts the microwave for two minutes.

Top pick

Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN67HS

The best microwave

This midsize microwave offers the most even heating and the most useful, accurate sensors of any model we tested, and it opens with a button. But it lacks instant-start express settings.

Buying Options

$213 from Walmart

We’ve been recommending the Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN67HS, which is sold exclusively at Target, since 2020. We also recommend several other Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter models that are essentially identical to the NN-SN67HS but sold at different retailers. The NN-SN67HS did very well in our tests, has useful extra features, and looks good, too.

It’s powerful, and it cooked better and more evenly than any other model we tested. Panasonic is one of the few microwave brands that manufacture many of their own machines, and that independence showed in every aspect of our testing and analysis of this model.

With 1,200 watts of power (anything above 1,000 watts is great), the NN-SN67HS heated food quickly, bringing a bowl of soup to 147 degrees Fahrenheit in just 2 minutes, more than 10 degrees higher than machines we tested with about the same power. It cooks more quickly at lower power levels than some more powerful models because its inverter motor delivers continuous power at lower levels. It offers 10 power levels, which is standard and adequate for any kind of cooking.

The NN-SN67HS had the fewest hot (overcooked) and cold (undercooked) points in all of our cooking tests.

In addition, the NN-SN67HS was faster and better at more delicate tasks such as defrosting chicken breasts or cooking them at medium power, as other machines gave us icier middles and more overcooked edges. And its defrosted vegetables were a little less soggy.

Its sensor settings work really well, unlike on most other models. The NN-SN67HS’s sensor-reheat button is especially useful, as sensors monitor humidity and determine whether your food is done based on the amount of steam released. In our tests, everything from room-temperature mac and cheese to icy-cold chicken parmesan ended up at an appropriate temperature, between 170 °F and 180 °F when we used the sensor settings.

The NN-SN67HS also has 12 sensor-cook modes for foods such as pasta, rice, frozen pizza, and baked potatoes. They worked fairly well in our tests. (If you use a dish cover, make sure that it’s vented or porous enough to release the steam; otherwise the sensors won’t detect the steam.) If you make the same foods often, you can dial in these settings further with the microwave’s More and Less buttons, which add or subtract time, respectively, in 20% increments.

It has basic functions most people want, plus useful extras. The NN-SN67HS has a variety of basic features that people really like, including an Add 30 Seconds button, automatic programs for three sizes of microwave popcorn, the ability to defrost by weight or volume, and a setting to mute beeps.

On top of that, you can set delayed cooking or multi-step cooking (such as five minutes at high power and three minutes at low power) or add a “standing time” during which your food sits with the power off for a bit before it’s time to eat, as many microwaveable meals recommend. A few of these settings require reading the manual, which is the most thorough we’ve seen, but they are easy to execute.

It’s an ideal size and shape. The NN-SN67HS has 1.2 cubic feet of space and a carousel slightly more than 12 inches in diameter, which is ideal for most households. That’s spacious enough for an extra-large dinner plate, a 5-quart mixing bowl, most medium casserole dishes, two frozen dinners, or three soup bowls. This model also has a nice shape, and its footprint is slightly smaller than that of other microwaves with the same capacity.

It opens easily with a button. Our paid testers liked this model’s big, responsive button—this microwave was by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested. For most people, buttons are easier to use than handles.

It has a nice design for its price. The NN-SN67HS looks better than most countertop microwaves in its price range, with more metal than plastic and a crisply designed exterior.

The display does look a little dated, like a clock radio, and its plastic control panel is not as nice as versions of this microwave with an all-metal finish and metal buttons and knobs. But you can buy a trim kit if you’d like to install it flush in a cabinet for a built-in look. This microwave typically costs about $100 less than other Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter models and about the same as machines with similar features but less-impressive performance.

It’s durable, with a good warranty and online support. We’ve talked to multiple owners who have been using this microwave for several years—including one who uses it in a professional kitchen—and none have encountered chips, scratches, a warped control panel, or other aesthetic issues. Only one had a problem with the microwave occasionally not operating, but cleaning the door latch, which had accumulated grime after years of use, seems to have helped. (If a microwave’s door is compromised or broken, the machine won’t run as a safety precaution.)

Panasonic offers a one-year warranty for this microwave and five years for the magnetron (parts only). The company also has an extensive troubleshooting and support guide online, which is useful for deciphering error codes, resetting factory settings, or fixing other common issues. Service beyond that can be a bit of a pain, though—you must either ship your microwave to a service center or take it into a certified repair shop, if you’re lucky enough to have one within driving distance.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The NN-SN67HS is available only from Target. If you prefer to shop elsewhere, models that are functionally identical to our pick are available at Walmart (NN-SN686S) and Costco (NN-SC67NS).

It has no instant-start express settings. Unlike our runner-up, the NN-SN67HS doesn’t offer this convenience.

Key specs

• Dimensions: 12.25 by 20.69 by 15.81 inches (HWD)
• Power: 1,200 watts
• Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
• Warranty: one year, five years for the magnetron (parts only)

If you’d like our pick in a different finish, consider the all-white NN-SN65KW or the all-stainless NN-SN68KS (though both cost significantly more than our pick).

If you need a larger version of our pick, the 1.6-cubic-foot Panasonic Cyclonic Wave Inverter NN-SN76LS is a little taller and has a wider body, with a 14-inch carousel that fits extra-large plates or dishes. Its Cyclonic Wave feature (video) is designed to distribute microwaves more evenly than our pick, and it did seem to heat more uniformly and gently in our tests.

If you want a smart version of our pick, the NN-SV79MS connects via Wi-Fi to an Alexa device, which you can use to run dozens of functions via voice commands (from “microwave on high power for one minute” to “defrost 5 pounds of whole chicken”). It also looks great, with a fully stainless steel exterior and controls.

Runner-up

Toshiba EM131A5C

Instant-start settings, but less precise

This midsize microwave has instant-start express settings, a wide range of functions, and a door handle instead of a button. But it doesn’t heat as quickly or evenly as our pick.

Buying Options

$115 from Amazon

$140 from Home Depot

$150 from Wayfair

We’ve recommended the midsize Toshiba EM131A5C for years as a solid but basic microwave amid a sea of similar models. If our top pick is unavailable or out of stock, the EM131A5C will do just fine, but its overall performance is not nearly as strong as that of our top pick.

It’s a good-size machine with ample power. Roughly the same size as our top pick, the EM131A5C offers 1.2 cubic feet of space and a carousel that is slightly more than 12 inches in diameter. Its power, at 1,100 watts, is more than enough. But it’s a little deeper than our top pick, which might be a consideration if you plan to install your microwave on a narrow shelf or counter.

It has the features that most people want. Among them are an Add 30 Seconds button, the ability to mute beeps, and sensor-enabled auto-reheat and auto-cooking buttons for making popcorn or melting butter (though in our tests, the auto-cooking selections didn’t always work accurately). It also has instant-start express settings: Touch a number from 1 to 6 on the number pad, and the microwave automatically starts cooking at the highest power setting for that number of minutes.

But it isn’t as good as our pick. The EM131A5C, which does not have an inverter motor, is not as accurate or fast as our top pick, and it doesn’t heat as evenly, either. But it performs about as well as other microwaves you can find for a similar price, many of which are also made by Midea.

It looks better than most microwaves in its price range. The EM131A5C isn’t as sophisticated-looking as our top pick, but it isn’t a plastic clone.

It also has a handle, instead of a button, which some people prefer. This model is hefty enough to stay put on the counter when you pull the handle to open it.

Key specs:
Dimensions: 12.8 by 20.5 by 17.1 inches (HWD)
Power: 1,100 watts
Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
Warranty: one year

The Toshiba ML2-EM25PA is a slightly smaller version of our pick, with a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity, 900 watts of power, and a 10.6-inch turntable. Unlike the EM131A5C, it doesn’t have a sensor for auto-heating modes.

The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT is similar to the Toshiba EM131A5C, but it has an inverter motor and costs a bit more as a result. In our tests, it performed a little faster and heated more evenly than our runner-up, though not on a par with our top pick in those respects.

Best for

GE GCST07N1

Best for small spaces

The most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It has a two-step child-lock system and comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow.

Buying Options

$90 from Amazon

GE JES1072

Best for small spaces, no child lock

This is nearly the same microwave, but it does not have a two-step child-lock system.

Buying Options

$95 from Amazon

$120 from Best Buy

We’ve recommended a version of this GE Appliances 0.7-cubic-foot, 700-watt, ultra-compact microwave since 2016, both for its affordability and its small size.

There are currently two models available: the GE GCST07N1, which has a two-step child-lock system to open its door (which you can turn off if you desire), and the nearly identical GE JES1072, an older model that lacks the two-step child-lock system.

It’s a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves. This microwave is about 2 inches shorter, 3 inches narrower, and 3 inches shallower than our top pick. (If you have space constraints, every bit helps.) It is even a tad smaller than the tiny Galanz Retro, a popular cheap compact model that we tested and dismissed.

But it’s narrow inside. The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 10.4-inch carousel still accommodate a medium-size mixing bowl or dinner plate, but any vessel or food that is even slightly wider than the turntable (a New York–style pizza slice, a medium-size bag of microwave popcorn) will get stuck on the walls and begin to smoke.

It performed better than the other compact models we evaluated. In our tests, we found that this microwave cooked a little more quickly and evenly than other models of the same size, which are nearly all lower-cost clones. For example, when we heated two cups of water on the highest setting, it got the water hotter faster than the other compact models we tested, including one that had more power. And it browned marshmallows evenly, while the other models tended to create a few deeply burned spots scattered around the edges.

However, with only 700 watts of power—typical for a compact model—it takes longer to heat things up.

It has more features than most compact models. In contrast to some other models of this size, this microwave has a good assortment of automatic-cooking settings, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food. It also has an Add 30 Seconds button, as well as express-start settings in which pressing 1 through 6 automatically starts cooking for that many minutes.

It’s sturdy, and it looks and feels nice too. It has a more attractive design (the stainless steel version in particular is a step up) and a heftier body than most compact models we tested, most of which felt flimsy and cheap. It’s available in black, white, and stainless steel. Our paid testers found the shape of its metal button easier to use in comparison with those on larger microwave ovens by GE Appliances.

GE has a good reputation for customer service. GE Appliances is one of a handful of companies that work directly with large microwave manufacturers to make models to their specifications, instead of just putting their logo on a machine. The brand also has a large national network of service technicians, and in our research, we’ve found that it’s the highest ranked for service.

Key specs:
Dimensions: 10.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches (HWD)
Power: 700 watts
Capacity: 0.7 cubic foot
Warranty: one-year limited (parts and labor)

The GE GCHK07N1 Spacemaker is essentially the same microwave as our compact pick, but it has a slightly deeper body and is designed to work with a hanging kit (sold separately) so that you can mount it under a cabinet or shelf. It also has a two-step child-lock system.

The GE GCST09N1 has slightly more capacity and power than our compact pick, and it’s one of the few microwaves available that are compatible with Alexa devices and support “scan-to-cook,” both of which require the GE Appliances Smart HQ app. Scan-to-cook allows you to scan the QR code on the label of any product that is in the database, use the Smart HQ app to wirelessly send the JES109 the cooking instructions (including power-level adjustments and timing), and hit Start. From the app, you can add 30 seconds of time or turn off the microwave, as well. But Alexa commands are listed only in the manual or online, and figuring out what works can take some time. This model also has a two-step child-lock system. (Note that an older model, the GE JES109, is still available; it doesn’t have a two-step child-lock system but is otherwise identical.)

Best for

Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CD87KS

Best for convection and air frying

Microwaves with convection-oven, broiler, and air-fryer capabilities are far from perfect, but this handsome, well-made option is an excellent microwave and easier than others to clean.

Buying Options

$420 from Amazon

$500 from Best Buy

Though convection/air-fryer microwaves—those that include fan-assisted convection heating, broiling, and air frying—have improved in recent years, they still don’t bake, broil, or air fry as well as an air fryer toaster oven can. A combo microwave is best suited for a tiny kitchen or as a temporary replacement for an oven. If you really need or want one, the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CD87KS is your best choice.

Its microwave functionality is nearly identical to that of our top pick. The HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven heated just as evenly and accurately as our top pick, which is also from Panasonic. It’s slightly less powerful than that model (1,000 watts versus 1,200 watts), and it has fewer preprogrammed food settings, but most people don’t use extra modes anyway.

It combines several methods of cooking in one countertop appliance. In addition to microwave functionality, the HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven can function as a slow-but-workable broiler, air fryer, and fan-assisted convection oven. That versatility can be handy, and this model produced browned foods, crispy toast, and crunchy chicken nuggets in our tests, but it took longer than a regular oven, and the results weren’t quite as good.

It has a hidden bake element. In our tests, convection microwave ovens with a hidden bake element broiled or air fried more quickly and didn’t dry out foods nearly as much as those with an exposed element. More important, we found hidden bake elements much easier to clean.

It looks great. The HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven is fully stainless steel, with metal buttons and a large metal knob for setting the time or temperature. It also has an attractive, large LED screen.

It provides the most owner support of any convection/air-fry model we tested. The HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s extensive manual provides some helpful tips on which of the included cookware pieces to use, such as a special pan for air frying or a crisper plate for baking and broiling. These suggestions also display on screen. Panasonic partners with a recipe app called Fresco, which we found helpful for determining which styles of cooking to choose and how to combine them for the best results. The app doesn’t have many recipes yet, but the selection is growing.

It has an excellent warranty. The HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven has a three-year warranty, in contrast to most microwaves, which are covered for one year. Panasonic covers the magnetron (parts only) for four years.

It can be confusing to use, like most combination microwaves. Combination microwaves have a lot going on, with multiple settings, cookware that can work for ovens but not for microwaves (including air fryer baskets), and the potential to use more than one modality at a time (convection and microwave for baking desserts, say, or broil and convection for roasted meats).

It doesn’t work as well as a regular oven or air fryer toaster oven. The HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s broiler works fine for applications like browning and melting cheese on top of bread, but it takes upwards of 10 minutes to make toast, which in our tests ended up dry. (You also have to flip the toast halfway through.)

In our tests this model’s convection oven function baked great chocolate chip cookies but left brownies gooey in the center (10 seconds of microwaving remedied the latter). And you can’t adjust the temperature while something is cooking, as you can on a regular oven.

Key specs:
Dimensions: 13.5 by 22.1 by 17.7 inches (HWD)
Power: 1,000 watts
Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
Warranty: three years, one year for the magnetron (parts only)

If you want an attractive microwave that also performs well: The 1,250-watt, 1.2-cubic-foot Breville Smooth Wave (pictured above) looks beautiful and feels well built, with a big, easy-to-read control panel, sleek dials that spin smoothly, distinctive soft-close doors with a chunky handle reminiscent of large luxury appliances, and a shiny stainless steel exterior and interior. It also has an extensive list of preprogrammed food settings that work pretty well, though it doesn’t have as many options as our top pick. The control panel, which walks through many operations step by step, was the easiest to use by far of any we encountered in our testing; many of our paid testers commented on how simple it was to do things like dial in a weight for defrosting chicken, without needing to read the manual first.

The catch is that Breville microwaves cost significantly more than our top pick but fail to match its performance. (Breville does not produce its own microwaves but works extensively with one of the main large manufacturers on the design and internal components.)

The 900-watt, 0.9-cubic-foot Breville Compact Wave is a smaller version with a slightly different control panel. It isn’t as pleasurable to use as the larger versions, but it’s still very handsome.

If you want a smaller (and more affordable) convection/air-fryer microwave: The GE JES1109RRSS, also known as the GE GCST10A1, is slightly smaller and less expensive than our also-great pick, the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven. (The GE GCST10A1 is nearly identical to the JES1109RRSS but includes a new two-step child-lock system to open its door.) Like our also-great pick, and in contrast to many other convection/air-fryer microwaves, this model has a hidden heating element, which improves its broiling and baking performance and makes the machine much easier to clean. But its microwave performance was average in our tests—and thus wasn’t nearly as good as that of the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven—and it doesn’t provide nearly as much help in how to use all the functions.

If you need a tiny microwave: The Whirlpool WMC20005YW is cute, square-shaped, and, with 0.5 cubic foot of capacity, especially small. This model has a limited set of controls along the bottom of its door, which can be confusing at first, and it tends to slide across the counter when you open it unless you hold it down at the top. It’s also an average performer in terms of speed and evenness. But its rounded back allows it to sit in a corner, it fits a larger dinner plate, and its design, similar to that of an old-fashioned portable television or Apple iMac computer, makes it the most distinctive microwave we’ve seen.

The popular 0.7-cubic-foot, 700-watt Galanz Retro (available in many colors from Amazon and Walmart), while cute, was so light that it moved around the counter anytime we tried to use it. Its thin metal top buckled when we pressed it. This model also cooked unevenly, producing noticeable dark spots in our marshmallow tests.

The 0.9-cubic-foot, 900-watt Kenmore A-88156867, sold primarily at Target, performed better than the Galanz Retro, but merely as expected for a microwave at its price—that is, it’s totally fine if you use it only for coffee or popcorn, but it’s nowhere near as fast, even, or precise as our compact pick.

GE Appliances makes many midsize microwaves. We tested the 1.1-cubic-foot, 950-watt GE JESP113SPSS (the GE GCST11X, which is the same model with the addition of a two-step child-lock system, is also available). But in general, these machines don’t perform as well as the midsize Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter models we recommend. The door buttons on many midsize models also tend to be small and offset to the right, so they’re not as easy to use.

Our research shows that Samsung makes its own microwaves. But the company sells just a handful of more expensive models in the US, most of which come with an exposed element on the top of the cavity for what Samsung calls “grilling” functionality. Exposed elements make a microwave extremely hard to clean, which is one reason we don’t recommend models with them. And the few Samsung models we have tested, such as the Samsung MG11H2020CT, have offered only average microwave performance and have come loaded with hard-to-decipher features or functions and unhelpful manuals.

Convection/air-fryer microwaves

We tested the Breville CombiWave and the Toshiba ML-EC42P. We were impressed with the look and usability of Breville’s version, which is nearly identical to the Breville microwave that we recommend. But both the CombiWave and the ML-EC42P have an exposed baking element on the top of their cavity, a design that tends to dry out food and, more important, makes the appliance much harder to clean—especially if there’s any splatter. We don’t recommend either of them.

We plan to test a few additional microwaves, including a model from the LG NeoChef series, which offers specs similar to those of the Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter models we recommend. We’ll also test the attractively priced Whirlpool WMC30311LD, a 1.1-cubic-foot model with 950 watts of power; the Sharp Stainless Steel Carousel Convection + Microwave Oven (SMC1585BS), which caught our eye at the 2024 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show and has convection and air fry features; and a Sharp model that works with Alexa.

We also want to test the IKEA Tillreda, a sleek white microwave that matches many of IKEA’s countertop appliances (including a portable induction cooktop that we already recommend), and the Farberware Classic 1.1-Cubic Foot Microwave Oven (in a fun red finish), which is sold exclusively on QVC.

An over-the-range (OTR) microwave is a microwave and a range hood combined into one appliance, installed over your stove. We cover these in our guide to over-the-range microwaves.

We haven’t spent much time yet looking into pricier built-in microwaves that you can install in a wall or cabinet (often above an oven) or the drawer-style microwaves installed below a countertop. Many of these models are now considered “speed ovens,” as they have convection-bake and air-fryer features that are more powerful and flexible than those on countertop models.

Several kitchen-design experts we spoke with told us that drawer microwaves in particular are growing in popularity. Sarah Snouffer, the founder of Third Street Architecture in Washington, DC, explained that models like those from Sharp are particularly great for people who are aging in place because they are installed below the counter, not high above it, which reduces the risk of accidental burns when someone is taking out hot food.

These four tips will help your microwave work better over time and last longer:

Treat the door—and the button or handle—gently. Don’t yank open your microwave’s door or slam it shut, and make sure to keep the latch and door clean of food and splatter. Microwave door latches are designed with a dual kill switch, a safety mechanism that makes it impossible to turn on the machine if the door is open or compromised. The latch is a vulnerable point of failure—if it breaks, so does your microwave.

Keep it clean. The easiest approach to keeping your microwave clean is to use some kind of dish cover when cooking and to wipe the machine after every use—ideally while it’s still warm (as we learned during our tests). Food or grease in the cavity can smoke or burn. If you need to deep clean your microwave, we have advice for that too.

Don’t run it overstuffed (or empty). If a dish or item is too big, it will eventually get stuck along the sides as the carousel turns, leading to burnt food or packaging. And if you try to run it empty, without food or liquid to absorb the microwaves, the magnetron could overheat, and your machine will shut off until it cools down.

Avoid metal. Unless you’re sure that the item is microwave-safe (or you’re using a convection or air fryer setting), avoid microwaving anything with metal (though not all sparks are a sign of a malfunction). This includes recycled-paper products, which can contain trace amounts of metal.

The Food and Drug Administration has regulated microwave ovens for safety since 1971. Microwaves have metal cavities and mesh screens over the door, both of which limit any exposure to microwaves. (According to the Food and Drug Administration, microwaves are a non-ionizing form of radiation, like radio waves and sunlight.) As an extra precaution, the FDA also recommends against standing directly in front of an operating microwave for long periods (this goes for kids, too).

Microwaves are designed to not operate if the door is broken—if yours is loose, bent, or warped, stop using it immediately.

Microwave fires are mostly the result of user error. Don’t leave food unattended while cooking, so you can turn off the microwave as soon as you see sparks or if food begins to overcook. Some foods and liquids have a tendency to super-heat and bubble up without much warning (such as water) or even ignite (such as fats) if cooked at higher power levels for long periods of time.

Foods with a membrane, such as whole potatoes, eggs in the shell, or even an egg yolk, can explode and cause burns, even after you take them out of the microwave. It’s always best to use an oven mitt or a dry kitchen towel when removing things from a microwave.

Any UL Solutions–certified microwave manufactured after April 2024 will have a child-lock system designed to prevent microwave-related burns due to someone opening the door accidentally. The new standard requires a two-step process to open a microwave after a cooking cycle. (Adults can override the lock if desired.) All of our picks will eventually transition to this system; we’re updating this guide as the revised models roll out.

Don’t try to repair a microwave yourself unless you have the proper equipment and training: Microwave ovens have a capacitor inside that retains a potentially deadly high-voltage charge, even if the machine has been unplugged for several hours. The magnetron also has a ceramic ring on it that often contains beryllium, a toxic metal. (Most microwave makers will not send you parts to fix a microwave under warranty, not even the light bulb.)

Liam McCabe, Michael Sullivan, and Tim Heffernan wrote previous versions of this guide, which was first published in 2014.

This article was edited by Ingrid Skjong and Courtney Schley.