Best Microwave for 2024
We tested the top brands and models available in 2024 to pick the best microwave ovens to buy today.
Our Picks
If you want to cut down cooking and meal prep time in the kitchen, a microwave can be an immensely helpful appliance to have. It can make cooking with meal kits and grocery delivery services even simpler. Microwaves get a bad rap, but they can be helpful assistants in the kitchen if you know how to use them properly. There are thousands of options on the market today, though, which makes it difficult to pick the right one for you, considering your needs and budget.
You may want to ask yourself a few questions while buying a microwave: Do I need something small? Something stylish? Should I opt for a solo microwave or a multifunctional unit? What about a smart microwave you can control from a phone? Or perhaps something simple without all the costly bells and whistles?
The answers to these questions will depend largely on your cooking habits, space, and budget, but we've picked out excellent options for a variety of scenarios. We dug deep into dozens of the most popular models to find the best microwaves available in 2024.
Modern microwave options come with plenty of size, power, color and function to choose from.
Best microwaves for 2024
Farberware takes top honors with a microwave that delivers most consistently on overall performance. It's roomy, under $200, boils water in just under three minutes and boasts a popcorn setting that works. This is due to its sensor heating technology that detects (through steam) when something is finished cooking (or reheating), so you don't have to worry about burning your meals or second-guessing cooking times.
While it isn't the most technologically advanced on this list, it is certainly the most reliable after testing nearly a dozen models. Frankly, consistency and durability should be some of the most important factors to keep in mind while searching for long-term kitchen appliances.
We're also big fans of the Memory option that allows you to store customized settings so that frequent meals can be cooked with a simple press of a button.
Farberware with Smart Sensor specs:
- Dimensions (D, W, H): 17 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches
- Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet
- Wattage: 1,100
- Finishes: Stainless steel with black
- Features: Safety lock, inverter precision cooking technology, blue LED display
Best small microwave
Black & Decker EM720CB7
If you're cooking for one and don't need a microwave that takes up too much counter space, Black & Decker's small but mighty digital option is a kitchen (or dorm room) necessity.
In addition to its pre-programmed buttons for ingredients like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables and beverages, its large, LED digital display makes the control panel easy to read and navigate. It also boasts a child safety lock so that little ones aren't sneaking things into its compartment to pose a potential fire risk.
A 0.7 cubic feet capacity puts this on the smaller side, but it is also available in two larger options for bigger households (or very hungry individuals).
Black & Decker EM720CB7 specs:
- Dimensions (D, W, H): 13 x 17.3 x 10.2 inches
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage: 700
- Finishes: Stainless steel
- Features: Interior light, safety lock, express cooking
Best smart microwave
Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS)
It's no surprise that practically any kitchen appliance can be found with smart home capabilities. While syncing something like a microwave to your phone and/or Amazon Echo may give "robots are taking over the world" vibes, the ability to control your device from afar is pretty nifty.
Toshiba is already a leader in smart technology and its countertop microwave is no exception. You can manage its use with voice commands, app control or through its simple button panel. An LED cavity life with eco mode helps to reduce energy consumption while an option to mute sound will ensure that no annoying beeping noises will disrupt those around you, especially in the wee hours of the morning when you're getting ready for work.
Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS) specs:
- Dimensions (D, W, H): 16.6 x 20.4 x 12.4 inches
- Capacity: 1.3 cubic feet
- Wattage: 1,100
- Finishes: Black, stainless steel
- Features: Works with Alexa, humidity sensor, eco mode and muting
Best countertop microwave
Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro
As far as we're concerned, style is just as important as quality when it comes to countertop microwaves. Since the appliance will be sitting out for you and guests to see, it needs to look sleek and clean rather than ugly and archaic. Enter the Galanz Retro Microwave: a chrome-handled, bright-colored device that sits pretty and produces food cooked to perfection.
Not only can you customize the color and choose between a more modern or classic look, but Galanz also offers three different sizes to accommodate daily microwave needs.
A rotating glass turntable keeps the temperature consistent, but Galanz has also enhanced the product with adjustable power levels, a child safety lock and a defrost option that works (instead of cooking whatever you put in it).
Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 specs:
- Dimensions (D, W, H): 13.8 x 17.9 x 10.3 inches
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage: 700
- Finishes: Black, blue, green, red
- Features: Eco mode, safety lock, timer presets
Best multifunctional microwave
Panasonic HomeChef NN-CD87KS
We love a hybrid that will ultimately save you money and space and Panasonic's four-in-one HomeChef is a pricey but worthwhile investment. Featuring an air fryer, convection bake, broiler and microwave all in one, you can cook practically anything in the sleek, large-capacity unit that has garnered thousands of five-star reviews from Amazon alone.
What also separates this model from the pack is its ability to transform from countertop use to a build-in with the purchase of a trim kit. This versatility allows it to travel with you easily if and when you move. With a stainless steel exterior, it should vibe with the most contemporary kitchen decor.
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 specs:
- Dimensions (D, W, H): 15 x 15.4 x 9 inches
- Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage: 1,000
- Finishes: Stainless steel
- Features: Air fryer, convection bake, genius sensor cooking, broiler
Best budget microwave
Avanti MM07K1B (Update: out of stock)
At less than $75, Avanti's no-frills machine makes an awesome addition to any starter home. What you save on money, you don't sacrifice in quality -- it is extremely easy to use with five power levels and a defrost function, making it an ideal option for anyone who couldn't care less about the cutting-edge features of more modern alternatives.
Our only gripes are that it is completely manual (not digital) and only available in an all-black finish, but don't let that deter you from buying if you're on a budget and just need something that gets the job done. If you're deadset on digital controls, Insignia is a small appliance brand we recommend and its smallest model retails for just $80 at Best Buy.
Avanti MM07K1B specs:
- Dimensions (D, W, H): 13 x 17.5 x 9.75 inches
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage: 700
- Finishes: Black
- Features: Defrost, rotating turntable, five power levels
Best microwaves compared
| Model | Farberware FMO16AHTPLB | Avanti MM07K1B | Black & Decker EM720CB7 | Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 | Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS) | Panasonic HomeChef NN-CD87KS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (D x W x H, inches) | 17 x 20.5 x 12 | 13 x 17.5 x 9.8 | 13 x 17.3 x 10 | 13.8 x 18 x 10.3 | 16.6 x 20.4 x 12.4 | 15 x 15.4 x 9 |
| Capacity (cubic feet) | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 1.2 |
| Wattage | 1,100 | 700 | 700 | 700 | 1,100 | 1,000 |
| Finishes | Stainless steel with black | Black | Stainless steel | Black, blue, green, red | Black, stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Features | Safety lock, inverter precision cooking, LED display | Defrost, five power levels | Interior light, safety lock, express cooking | Eco mode, safety lock, timer presets | Alexa-enabled, humidity sensor, eco mode and muting | Air fryer, convection bake, genius sensor cooking, broiler |
| Price | $170 | $73 | $100 | $69 | $177 | $550 |
How we evaluated the best microwaves for 2024
We scoured the most popular online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and The Home Depot to compile a list of their highest-rated microwaves. With the help of chefs and food editors, we relied on their industry knowledge to help narrow this list down to a dozen or so options, representing categories like low-budget, multifunctional and sleek design. We dug deep into reviews and user ratings to make sure there will be no red flags as it relates to performance and durability.
From there, we visited a local small appliance showroom to get our hands on each model to ensure they were well-constructed and test how intuitive the controls were. We also took preexisting "best of" round-ups and dedicated microwave reviews on CNET into consideration, as these were a result of real-world testing of the products.
Microwave buying guide: What to consider
Size
Chances are, you'll start your microwave hunt by thinking about what size is right for you. A 2.2-cubic-foot, 1,250-watt microwave isn't necessarily the best option for everyone.
Power
If you're in a tight space or have restrictions on wattage (my college dorm capped us off at a measly 900 watts), then you'll do best to look for compact models under 1,000 watts. You'll also want to consider whether you want to look at over-the-range microwaves, countertop microwaves or inverter microwaves.
Setting and features
Once you've settled on a size and power, consider which functions mean the most to you. If you never eat popcorn but eat a lot of leftover pizza, make sure the model you choose has the single-slice option. Microwaves come with dozens of features, power settings and preset cooking programs but, except for a few such as defrost or warm, you might not find yourself using them all that much.
Galanz makes affordable microwaves with a touch of retro charm.
Color and design
Narrow it down to the right size, power level and function set, and all that's left is to pick a color. A few of the models we tested come in multiple finishes, so if your microwave will become part of your kitchen landscape, you should be able to find the right hue.
One final tip: Don't toss the manual as soon as you open the box. Your microwave's owner's manual is a great resource for exactly how to use each cooking mode. Every manufacturer seems to do things just a bit differently, and there were time guides and helpful explanations in every manual we encountered during testing.