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Microwave Review: Top Picks and Buying Guide
Published: February 19, 2024
Looking for the best microwave? Our comprehensive review and buying guide will help you choose the perfect microwave for your needs. Explore our top picks now!
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When it comes to choosing a new microwave, there are so many options out there that it can be overwhelming. That's why we've put together this Microwave Review: Top Picks and Buying Guide to help you make an informed decision. In this guide, we'll go over some of the best microwaves on the market, their features, and what to look for when buying a new one. Whether you're looking for a compact model for a dorm room or a high-tech option for your kitchen, we've got you covered. So let's dive in and find the perfect microwave for your needs!
Overall Score: 7/10
The KINDEEP E17 LED Bulb Dimmable is designed to offer efficient lighting, featuring high lighting efficiency and a stable light output while consuming only 4 watts of power. One of its standout features is its dimmable functionality, allowing you to customize the brightness according to your preference. Made of high-quality ceramic material, it provides excellent heat dissipation and is suitable for various appliances with E17 sockets. It's ideal for use in microwave ovens, stovetops, range hoods, and ceiling fan lights. The E17 LED bulb is known for its energy-efficient LED technology, making it a reliable and long-lasting lighting solution for various applications.
Key Features
- EFFICIENT LIGHTING: 350LM light output while consuming only 4W
- DIMMABLE CONVENIENCE: Customize brightness to your preference
- DURABLE CERAMIC CONSTRUCTION: Provides excellent heat dissipation
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: Suitable for various household appliances with E17 sockets
- TRUST IN KINDEEP: Known for quality and performance
Specifications
- Color: Daylight White
- Dimension: 2.20Lx0.60Wx3.60H
- Size: 2 Count (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Energy-efficient and long-lasting
- Dimmable functionality
- Durable ceramic construction
Cons
- Some issues with dimmability reported by customers
- Limited dimming range
The KINDEEP E17 LED Bulb Dimmable offers a reliable and energy-efficient lighting solution for various household appliances. While some customers have reported issues with dimmability, the overall performance and quality of the bulb make it a suitable choice for those looking to upgrade to LED technology.
Overall Score: 8/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven offers a stylish and practical solution for your kitchen. With pre-programmed sensor menus, practical control panel, and a large 1.2 cubic feet capacity, this microwave oven is designed for easy cooking. The 1100W microwave also features a mute function and comes with a 1-year warranty. While some users are happy with its performance, others have experienced issues such as the microwave being larger than expected and the buttons sticking over time.
Key Features
- Pre-programmed sensor menu for optimal heating
- Stylish appearance with large interior, fitting a 12-inch pizza
- 1100 watts with 10 power settings and easy-to-read control panel
- Mute function and One touch start for multiple food presets
- Warranty of 1 year for added peace of mind
Specifications
- Color: Black Stainless Steel
- Dimension: 17.10Lx20.50Wx12.80H
- Size: 1.2 Cu.Ft.
Pros
- Stylish appearance and large capacity
- Easy-to-read control panel and mute function
- 1-year warranty for peace of mind
Cons
- Larger than a standard microwave
- Buttons may stick over time
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen. With its versatile features and sleek design, it offers convenience and ease of use for everyday cooking. While some users have experienced minor issues with its size and long-term button functionality, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a reliable microwave oven.
Overall Score: 7/10
The COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a stylish and compact microwave with a 0.7 cubic-foot capacity and 1050 watts power. It features a mute function, settings, clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock, and easy auto-cook functions. The microwave also offers energy-saving Eco Mode, express cooking function, two defrost settings, a bright digital display, and a 10-inch glass turntable. With a black stainless steel finish, easy-to-read control panel, and interior light, it's space-saving and convenient for small kitchens or limited counter space. The microwave comes with a one-year limited warranty and has received positive customer reviews, although there have been a few minor issues reported.
Key Features
- Stylish Compact Design: 0.7 cubic-foot capacity
- Powerful and Efficient: 1050 watts and 11 power levels
- Versatile Functions: Mute function, auto-cook presets, and defrost options
- Energy-saving Eco Mode: Minimizes standby power by 50%
- Convenient and Safe: Child safety lock and express cooking options
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 13.00Lx17.30Wx10.20H
- Size: 0.7 Cu Ft
Pros
- Stylish black stainless steel finish
- Compact size for small kitchens
- Energy-saving Eco Mode
- Easy-to-use auto-cook functions
- Mute function and express cooking
Cons
- Slight issues with door handle
- Backlit control panel would be beneficial
- Some customers received damaged units
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven offers a stylish, space-saving, and efficient solution for small kitchens or limited countertop space. With its versatile functions, energy-saving features, and positive customer feedback, it provides great value for its compact size. Despite some minor drawbacks, it is a reliable and convenient option for those seeking a small microwave with modern features.
Overall Score: 9/10
The TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a stylish black stainless steel microwave with a timeless design. It has a compact footprint, but a large capacity of 0.9 Cu. Ft. and 900 watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer. The microwave is equipped with a power-saving eco mode, sound on/off option, and child safety lock. It features 6 pre-programmed menus for popular foods, one-touch start for quick access, and a 10.6 inch removable turntable that fits a 10 inch pizza. The microwave is practical, functional, mostly silent and is rated 4.5 out of 5 by customers.
Key Features
- Stylish black stainless steel design
- 6 pre-programmed menus
- 10.6 inch removable turntable
- Power-saving eco mode
- Sound on/off option
- Child safety lock
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 16.10Lx19.20Wx11.50H
- Size: 0.9 Cu Ft/900W
Pros
- Large capacity with compact footprint
- Efficient and quiet operation
- Easy to clean and use
- Eco-friendly and energy-efficient
Cons
- Excessive door latch pressure
- Slightly noisy
The TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is an excellent choice for those in need of a compact yet spacious microwave. It offers efficient and quiet operation, a variety of useful features, and a stylish design. While it may have some minor noise and door latch pressure issues, its overall performance and convenience make it a great addition to any kitchen.
Overall Score: 8/10
The BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven is a sleek stainless steel piece of appliance that will add a modern touch to any kitchen. This microwave has a 0.7 cu.ft capacity, 700W power, and comes with pre-programmed buttons for different types of foods. The push-button door and child safety lock make it convenient and safe for families with children. The microwave has received positive reviews for its performance, user-friendly digital controls, and even heating. One notable drawback is that it is lightweight and can slide on the countertop. Overall, this microwave is a reliable and stylish choice for those in need of a compact and efficient kitchen appliance.
Key Features
- Pre-programmed buttons for easy cooking
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings
- Push-button door and child safety lock
- Large LED digital display and removable turntable
Specifications
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Dimension: 13.00L x 17.30W x 10.20H
- Size: 0.7 Cu.ft
Pros
- Sleek stainless steel design
- User-friendly digital controls
- Even heating and quick performance
- Convenient push-button door
Cons
- Lightweight and may slide on the countertop
- Metal rack may cause sparks if not flat
- Stiff control panel and door button
The BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven is a compact and efficient kitchen appliance that offers excellent value for its price. While it may have minor drawbacks such as being lightweight, the overall performance, design, and safety features make it a great addition to any kitchen.
Overall Score: 7/10
The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and powerful microwave with 700 Watts of output power. It offers 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking and 6 one-touch cooking programs. The memory function allows you to store your most used customized settings, while the child safety lock provides added security. The LED display and interior lighting make it easy to keep track of cooking. This black microwave oven is convenient for small spaces and fits well in any home or office. However, some users have reported issues with the door and the size of the unit. Overall, it is a space-saving and stylish option for quick and easy cooking.
Key Features
- Quick And Easy: Prepare meals and snacks quickly with 700 Watts of power
- Cook Easy And Powerful: 10 power levels and 6 one-touch cooking programs
- Convenient: Ideal for small spaces, fits well in home or office
- Style And Function: Stylish black design with child safety lock
- Clear View: LED display and interior LED lighting
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 13.00Lx17.00Wx10.00H
Pros
- Quick and easy cooking with 700 Watts power
- Child safety lock for added security
- LED display and interior lighting for clear view
Cons
- Some users reported issues with the door
- Smaller size than expected for some users
The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven is a stylish and convenient option for compact spaces. With 700 Watts of power and customizable cooking programs, it offers quick and easy meals. While some users have experienced issues with the door and size, it is overall a space-saving and functional choice for smaller kitchens.
Overall Score: 7/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave is a convenient and powerful microwave oven offering 700 watts of output power and a range of settings for quick and easy meals. With a compact size of 0.7 cu ft, it's perfect for small spaces and features a clear LED display, kitchen timer, and child safety lock. The Farberware microwave comes in easy-to-clean stainless steel and is suitable for apartments, dorms, and offices. However, some users have reported issues with the turntable and internal space, affecting overall functionality.
Key Features
- Prepare quick and easy meals with 700W power
- Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking options
- Clear LED display, kitchen timer, and child safety lock
Specifications
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Dimension: 12.99Lx17.30Wx10.14H
- Size: 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Pros
- Compact size ideal for small spaces
- Powerful 700W output and versatile cooking settings
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior
- Clear LED display and child safety lock
Cons
- Turntable design and internal space issues
- Limited capacity for larger dinnerware
- Concerns about long-term durability
The Farberware Countertop Microwave is a convenient and powerful appliance, perfect for small spaces like apartments and dorms. While it offers versatile cooking options and a compact design, there are some concerns about the turntable and internal space. Overall, it’s a reliable option for quick and easy meal preparation and comes at a reasonable price point.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts is a convenient and powerful microwave perfect for apartments and dorms. It comes with ten power levels and multi-stage cooking, making it easy to customize your cooking experience. Measuring 1.1 cu ft, it offers full-sized cooking in a compact space and features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior. The microwave also includes an LED display, kitchen timer, clock, and child safety lock. While it works great for most users, it may be a bit noisy and has some design quirks. Overall, it's a capable and stylish microwave at an affordable price.
Key Features
- 1000 watts of power output
- Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking
- 1.1 cu ft size, ideal for small spaces
- LED display, kitchen timer, and clock
- Child safety lock for added security
Specifications
- Color: Stainless
- Dimension: 16.54L x 20.20W x 12.03H
- Size: 1.1 cu. ft.
Pros
- Convenient and powerful for quick meals
- Easy to clean interior and exterior
- Clear LED display and kitchen timer
- Child safety lock for added security
- Compact size, perfect for small spaces
Cons
- May be a bit noisy during operation
- Some design quirks in its functionality
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts is a stylish and capable microwave for everyday use. While it may have some minor design quirks and noise issues, its performance and features make it a great value for the price.
Overall Score: 8/10
The RCA RMW733-BLACK RMW733 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave in black is the ideal choice for small living spaces like dormitories and apartments. Its compact design and digital control panel make it easy to use while offering convenient cooking with various settings. The microwave also features a child safety lock and an intuitive sensor to automatically adjust power and time. With a 0.7 cubic foot size, this microwave is perfect for personal meals and snacks. While some customers have reported issues with the interior dimensions and turntable stability, overall, the RCA RMW733 microwave is praised for its size, price, and performance.
Key Features
- Compact design ideal for small spaces
- Digital control panel for easy use
- Two different defrost timers for cooking control
- Child safety lock for prevention of accidental usage
- Smart sensor for intuitive cooking settings
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 17.00Lx12.00Wx9.00H
- Size: 0.7
Pros
- Compact design perfect for small living spaces
- Digital control panel for easy and convenient use
- Smart sensor for intuitive cooking settings
- Child safety lock for prevention of accidental usage
Cons
- Interior dimensions may be too small for some dishes
- Turntable stability issues
The RCA RMW733-BLACK RMW733 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave is a compact and convenient choice for those living in small spaces. Despite some reported issues with interior dimensions and turntable stability, the microwave offers good value for its price and features. With a customer rating of 4.3/5, the majority of users agree that this microwave is a great buy for its size and performance.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven boasts a classic design that offers 700-watts of cooking power in a small footprint. It is equipped with a digital clock and 12 pre-programmed cooking settings for popular foods. The rotating glass carousel ensures even cooking, while the LED display adds to its convenient features. The specifications include a dimension of 14.00Lx18.00Wx10.25H and a black color. Customers have praised its retro style, convenient controls, and the ability to fit on small counters. Some have mentioned the need for additional features despite the higher price. Overall, it's an attractive, easy to use, but pricey microwave.
Key Features
- 700-Watts Cooking Power
- Convenient Cooking Controls
- Digital Clock
- Even Cooking
- Interior Dimension: 13 L x 13 W x 8 H inch
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 14.00Lx18.00Wx10.25H
- Size: 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Pros
- Unique retro design
- Convenient cooking settings
- Even cooking performance
- Compact footprint
Cons
- Higher price for features offered
- Requires manual effort to open the door
The Nostalgia Retro Compact Microwave Oven is a stylish and attractive appliance that fits well in smaller spaces. Despite its higher price, it impresses with its convenient cooking features and retro appeal. However, some may find the lack of certain comfort features disappointing. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those looking for a blend of style and functionality in a compact microwave.
Buyer's Guide: Microwave
What to Consider Before Buying a Microwave
Type of Microwave
- Countertop Microwaves: These are the most common and versatile. They sit on your kitchen counter and are easy to move around.
- Over-the-Range Microwaves: These are installed above your stove and save counter space. They often have built-in ventilation systems.
- Built-In Microwaves: These are installed into your kitchen cabinetry for a seamless look.
Size and Capacity
- Consider the size of your kitchen and available space for the microwave.
- Think about the internal capacity and whether it can fit the dishes or containers you typically use.
Power and Wattage
- Look for microwaves with higher wattage for faster and more even cooking.
- 700-900 watts is suitable for most cooking tasks, but if you do a lot of heavy-duty cooking, opt for a model with higher wattage.
Features and Settings
- Turntable: A rotating plate inside the microwave that helps cook food more evenly.
- Sensor Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power levels based on the food's moisture and steam.
- Convection Cooking: Uses a fan to circulate hot air, providing faster and more even cooking.
Control Panel and Ease of Use
- Consider whether you prefer a touchpad, dial, or button controls.
- Look for microwaves with easy-to-read and easy-to-understand controls.
Safety and Maintenance Tips
- Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and maintenance.
- Do not use metal containers or utensils in the microwave, as they can cause sparks and fires.
- Periodically check the door seal and latch to ensure it is working properly to prevent microwave leakage.
How to Use Your Microwave Efficiently
- Follow the recommended cooking times and power levels for different types of food.
- Use microwave-safe containers and cover food with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent splattering.
- Avoid overcooking food by checking on it periodically during the cooking process.
Additional Considerations
- Budget: Set a budget before shopping for a microwave to avoid overspending.
- Brand and Warranty: Research reputable brands and read customer reviews. Look for warranties to protect your purchase.
- Energy Efficiency: Consider models with energy-saving features to minimize electricity usage.
Remember, when buying a microwave, it's important to consider your cooking habits and kitchen space to ensure you find the right fit for your needs. Happy microwave shopping! 🍳
Frequently Asked Questions about Microwave Review: Top Picks and Buying Guide
A microwave works by emitting electromagnetic waves that cause water molecules in food to vibrate, creating heat and cooking the food.
No, it is not safe to put metal in the microwave as it can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
It is generally safe to heat up food in microwave-safe plastic containers, but always check the label to be sure.
You can clean your microwave by heating a bowl of water and vinegar for a few minutes, then wiping down the inside with a damp cloth.
Using a microwave is quick, convenient, and can help retain more nutrients in food compared to other cooking methods.