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What Are The Best Microwaves in 2025

Finding Your Perfect Microwave: A Friendly Guide to Kitchen Essentials When it comes to choosing the best microwaves for your kitchen, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. First and foremost, think about your cooking habits—do you primarily reheat leftovers, or do you enjoy experimenting with new recipes? Size and capacity matter too; ensure you pick one that fits your kitchen space and can accommodate the dishes you use most. Don't overlook the power wattage, as higher wattage typically means faster cooking times. Features like sensor cooking and pre-programmed settings can really elevate your experience, making meal prep easier and more efficient. Additionally, consider ease of cleaning—microwaves with smooth interiors or steam-clean options can save you a lot of time. Finally, check for energy efficiency ratings to ensure you're making a smart investment for both your wallet and the environment. Happy microwaving!

1

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
Buy Now $149.99

Why We Love It

Users and experts alike praised the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS for its smart sensor technology, which takes the guesswork out of cooking. Many were impressed with its easy clean interior and energy saving mode, which helps reduce electricity costs. The sleek black stainless steel finish is also a hit, adding a touch of sophistication to any kitchen setup.

Pros

  • Smart sensor technology
  • Easy clean interior
  • Energy saving mode

Cons

  • May be too large for small kitchens
  • Some users found the door hard to open

Toshiba microwave with easy clean interior, ECO mode and sound on/off option

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven equipped with Smart Sensor technology, automatically adjusts power based on the food type. It has a large digital display, easy-to-read control panel, power saving mode, sound on/off option and child safety lock. It also comes with a glass turntable and a black stainless steel exterior which adds a sleek touch to any kitchen.

2

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven

Buy Now $120.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the powerful cooking capability and smart sensor feature, which takes the guesswork out of cooking. The large capacity is also appreciated, particularly for larger families. The easy-to-read digital display and multiple power settings are also often highlighted in reviews.

Pros

  • Smart sensor cooking
  • Easy-to-read digital display
  • Multiple power settings

Cons

  • May be too large for small kitchens
  • Some users found the sensor cooking inconsistent

Stainless steel microwave oven with easy-to-read digital display.

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven is a 1.2 cubic feet capacity microwave with an impressive 1100 watts of cooking power. It features 10 power settings, a kitchen timer, and a defrosting function by weight or time. The smart sensor function automatically adjusts power levels and cooking time to cook a variety of items. The black stainless steel exterior is sleek and modern, ideal for contemporary kitchens.

3

Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop

Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop
Buy Now $259.95

Why We Love It

The Panasonic NN-SN686S has won over users and experts with its high power and compact design, which makes it perfect for kitchens with limited counter space. The Inverter Technology ensures even cooking and defrosting, making meal preparation a breeze. The sleek dial and button control panel were also praised for their ease of use.

Pros

  • High power for quick heating
  • Compact design
  • Inverter technology for even cooking

Cons

  • May be noisy
  • Some users reported issues with the door latch

Panasonic Microwave with 1200 Watts of high power and 1.2 cubic foot capacity

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a high-power, 1200 Watt stainless steel countertop microwave with Panasonic’s Inverter Technology that delivers a seamless stream of cooking power. It features a compact design, a 13.4-inch turntable and 1.2 cubic foot capacity. The microwave also has a sleek dial and button control panel for easy use.

4

Panasonic NN-SN686S Countertop/Built-In Microwave

Buy Now $260.00

Why We Love It

Customers rave about the inverter technology that ensures even and thorough cooking. The compact design makes it a favorite for smaller kitchens, yet it still offers a large capacity. The quick-minute and delay start features are also frequently mentioned positively in reviews.

Pros

  • Inverter technology for even cooking
  • Compact design
  • Large turntable

Cons

  • Digital interface may be confusing for some
  • Stainless steel exterior may show fingerprints

Compact microwave with a stainless steel finish and 1.2 cubic foot capacity.

The Panasonic NN-SN686S is a compact microwave that packs a punch with 1200 watts of power. The innovative inverter technology delivers a seamless stream of cooking power, making it ideal for even cooking and delivering delicious flavor. It also has a 13.4-inch turntable to ensure even heating for your meals. The microwave also includes quick-minute timer, delay start, and child safety lock features.

5

Farberware FMO11AHTPLB 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1000-Watt Microwave Oven

Buy Now $100.00

Why We Love It

The multi-stage cooking feature is a hit among reviewers as it allows them to customize their cooking to a greater extent. Users also appreciate the one-touch cooking programs and the large cooking capacity of this microwave. The LED display with kitchen timer and clock is also frequently mentioned as a useful feature.

Pros

  • Multi-stage cooking feature
  • 6 one-touch cooking programs
  • Large capacity

Cons

  • Takes up a large countertop space
  • Some users reported issues with the door latch

1.1 cubic foot microwave oven with 1000 watts of cooking power and 10 power levels.

The Farberware FMO11AHTPLB Microwave Oven offers 1.1 cubic foot of cooking capacity and 1000 watts of power for efficient heating and defrosting. It features multi-stage cooking for customized recipes, allowing you to program power levels and cooking times in advance. The microwave also has 6 one-touch cooking programs for pizza, popcorn, potato, frozen vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate. The LED display with kitchen timer and clock provides convenience during use.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 10 Products Updated Oct 04, 2025
Product Power (Watts) Capacity (Cubic Feet) Smart Features Design Special Cooking Functions Child Safety Lock
1 Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
Yes Yes Smart sensor cooking Black stainless steel 10 power settings, defrost by weight/time Yes
1 Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
Yes Yes Smart sensor technology Black stainless steel Energy saving mode, easy clean interior Yes
2 Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop
Yes Yes Inverter technology Stainless steel Compact design, 13.4-inch turntable Yes
2 Panasonic NN-SN686S Countertop/Built-In Microwave
Yes Yes Inverter technology Stainless steel Quick-minute timer, delay start Yes
3 COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven
Yes Yes Eco-mode Compact design 11 power levels, express cooking Yes
4 Black+Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven
Yes Yes Pre-programmed buttons Digital display 10 power levels Yes
5 Farberware FMO11AHTPLB 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1000-Watt Microwave Oven
Yes Yes Multi-stage cooking LED display 6 one-touch cooking programs Yes
6 AmazonBasics Microwave, Small, 0.7 Cu. Ft, 700W, Works with Alexa
Yes Yes Alexa compatibility Compact design 10 power levels Yes
7 Galanz GLCMKA07RDR-07 Retro Microwave Oven
Yes Yes Auto-cook menus Retro style Defrost function Yes
8 Cuisinart CMW-100 1-Cubic-Foot Stainless Steel Microwave Oven
Yes Yes 25 preprogrammed settings Stainless steel interior Two-stage cooking operation Yes
1

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven

Power (Watts)
Yes
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Yes
Smart Features
Smart sensor cooking
Design
Black stainless steel
Special Cooking Functions
10 power settings, defrost by weight/time
Child Safety Lock
Yes
1

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor

Power (Watts)
Yes
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Yes
Smart Features
Smart sensor technology
Design
Black stainless steel
Special Cooking Functions
Energy saving mode, easy clean interior
Child Safety Lock
Yes
2

Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop

Power (Watts)
Yes
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Yes
Smart Features
Inverter technology
Design
Stainless steel
Special Cooking Functions
Compact design, 13.4-inch turntable
Child Safety Lock
Yes
2

Panasonic NN-SN686S Countertop/Built-In Microwave

Power (Watts)
Yes
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Yes
Smart Features
Inverter technology
Design
Stainless steel
Special Cooking Functions
Quick-minute timer, delay start
Child Safety Lock
Yes
3

COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven

Power (Watts)
Yes
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Yes
Smart Features
Eco-mode
Design
Compact design
Special Cooking Functions
11 power levels, express cooking
Child Safety Lock
Yes
4

Black+Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven

Power (Watts)
Yes
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Yes
Smart Features
Pre-programmed buttons
Design
Digital display
Special Cooking Functions
10 power levels
Child Safety Lock
Yes
5

Farberware FMO11AHTPLB 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1000-Watt Microwave Oven

Power (Watts)
Yes
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Yes
Smart Features
Multi-stage cooking
Design
LED display
Special Cooking Functions
6 one-touch cooking programs
Child Safety Lock
Yes
6

AmazonBasics Microwave, Small, 0.7 Cu. Ft, 700W, Works with Alexa

Power (Watts)
Yes
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Yes
Smart Features
Alexa compatibility
Design
Compact design
Special Cooking Functions
10 power levels
Child Safety Lock
Yes
7

Galanz GLCMKA07RDR-07 Retro Microwave Oven

Power (Watts)
Yes
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Yes
Smart Features
Auto-cook menus
Design
Retro style
Special Cooking Functions
Defrost function
Child Safety Lock
Yes
8

Cuisinart CMW-100 1-Cubic-Foot Stainless Steel Microwave Oven

Power (Watts)
Yes
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Yes
Smart Features
25 preprogrammed settings
Design
Stainless steel interior
Special Cooking Functions
Two-stage cooking operation
Child Safety Lock
Yes

Frequently Asked Questions About Microwaves

What makes a microwaves the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your microwaves recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of microwaves?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.