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MicrowavesHelping You Find the Best
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MicrowavesHelping You Find the Best
11 Best Microwaves  [Tested and Reviewed]

11 Best Microwaves [Tested and Reviewed]

Since its invention in the 1940s, the microwave has transformed kitchens around the world, with its ease of use and convenience sparking drastic changes in the food industry and in domestic life. Because it has fewer functions than more professional-grade cooking appliances, the microwave is more affordable, making it a popular item for all types of households and social settings—from families to individuals to communal spaces like dormitories and workplaces. Sold by popular manufacturers including TOSHIBA, Panasonic, and Black + Decker, many people may have trouble finding which brand is best for them.

To help make this important decision, our team chose eleven of the bestselling microwaves from some of the most popular manufacturers and ranked them in 4 categories. 


The most common trademarks of a low-quality microwave are inconsistent temperatures and uneven heating. So, naturally, mybest defines the best microwave as one that heats evenly, is easy to use, and has a variety of functions. In this article, we explain how to choose the best standalone microwave for you based on the testing methods we used to rank the following products.

Last updated 11/22/2024
Jim Quast
Expert
Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!

Jim Quast's Profile
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Nanami Den
Guide
Head of Kitchen and Food at mybest
Nanami Den

Nanami Den oversees the creation of content related to food and lifestyle, including kitchen appliances and kitchenware. Dedicated to delivering a healthy eating lifestyle to as many users as possible, she has tested over 300 products, focusing on health foods, supplements, and drinks. A true foodie, she enjoys exploring restaurants of all kinds, and her must-visit list exceeds 500 establishments nationwide.

Nanami Den's Profile
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How We Tested the Products

We gathered the 11 bestselling Microwaves and put them through rigorous testing.
  1. Uniformity of Heating

    1
    Uniformity of Heating

    The gold standard for a high-performing microwave is the ability to heat products evenly enough to eat without worrying about temperature differences in the food. Models that performed well in this category show high customer satisfaction. 

  2. Even Thawing of Frozen Ingredients

    2
    Even Thawing of Frozen Ingredients

    Our standard for the defrosting test included even warming of a frozen sample that is ready to use in cooking immediately after. 

  3. Even Warming of Frozen Food

    3
    Even Warming of Frozen Food

    Since frozen, ready-made meals are a staple of microwave cooking, our last ranking criteria for microwaves measures how evenly they heat frozen food without the need for reheating.

  4. Ease of Use

    4
    Ease of Use

    Last but certainly not least, the ideal microwave should be easy to use, with buttons and settings that make microwaving food a smooth and stress-free process from beginning to end.

All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest

Company Facility
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.

Table of Contents

How to Choose Microwaves

Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Microwaves.

1

Our Choice For Even Heating: Panasonic's Microwave Oven NN-SN67HS

When using a microwave, it's important that there are no inconsistent temperatures or uneven defrosting, which are trademarks of a low-quality microwave. Factoring in these essential criteria, mybest puts the Microwave Oven NN-SN67HS from Panasonic at the top of the list. The liquid egg test (explained below) shows why this particular model beats the rest.

Even Heating Ability Minimizes Temperature Differences Between All Sides of the Dish

Even Heating Ability Minimizes Temperature Differences Between All Sides of the Dish

To see exactly how even the product heats food, we used liquid egg whites and checked their texture and consistency after cooking for a controlled amount of time. 


The models that ranked higher in our test, like Panasonic's Microwave Oven NN-SN67HS, showed the egg whites solidified evenly in one heating, while other products had some remaining liquid egg due to inefficient heating functions. The ideal microwave should be able to heat food so that you can eat the warmed food without worrying about drastic temperature differences throughout the dish.

Defrosting Ability Is A Good Indicator of Microwave Quality

Defrosting Ability Is A Good Indicator of Microwave Quality

Microwaves are often used to defrost frozen foods quickly in order to get ingredients to just the right pre-frozen state for cooking. However, some microwaves perform better than others in this arena. Lower-quality microwaves carry the risk of irregular thawing, allowing some foods to retain too much water from their frozen state or even partially cook the sample while other parts remain raw or frozen. To measure how well the models defrosted ingredients, we thawed frozen beef patties to check for any thawing irregularities—the model from Panasonic thawed ingredients to perfection.

Good Microwaves Can Fully Cook Frozen Food That is Ready to Eat Without Additional Heating

Good Microwaves Can Fully Cook  Frozen Food That is Ready to Eat Without Additional Heating

The final test to gauge a microwave's ability to heat foods evenly is observing how well it cooks fully frozen foods, like ready-made meals. To visualize this, we heated frozen ravioli according to the wattage and time instructions on the package and checked the temperature condition of the meal for each model.


The Panasonic NN-SN67HS and other models that came out on top were able to heat the ravioli to a consistent temperature throughout the whole dish, producing a ready-to-eat meal with no need for additional heating. The more inefficient models produced meals that had cold spots or were partially frozen and therefore inedible.

2

Our Choice For a Compact Microwave: Black+Decker's Digital Microwave Oven EM720CB7

Microwaves are generally easy to move, and their simple shape and size make them versatile appliances that can be placed in different areas of a kitchen. After reviewing top microwaves on the market, we think Black+Decker's Digital Microwave Oven EM720CB7 is a great option for kitchens without a lot of space.

Takes Up Minimal Space in the Kitchen and Easy on the Wallet Too

Takes Up Minimal Space in the Kitchen and Easy on the Wallet Too

While counter space is precious in a small kitchen, the functionality and versatility of microwaves often make it worth the space, especially if it’s going to be the most-used appliance. The Microwave Oven EM720CB7 from Black+Decker is small, easy to install, and doesn’t require much programming. This model is also one of the more affordable microwaves on the market. While higher quality models with more customizable functions do come with a higher price tag, in general, a perfectly serviceable microwave can be found for $100 or less.

Look Out For Uneven Heating and Defrosting

Look Out For Uneven Heating and Defrosting

Though the convenience of a smaller microwave often outweighs the downsides, one disadvantage that buyers should consider is their tendency to heat things unevenly. As their name implies, microwave technology creates waves that vibrate the water molecules inside to generate heat that thaws or cooks the food. Because of the irregular patterns these waves make inside the microwave, and depending on the density, surface area, and water content of the food, the waves may not always reach all parts of the dish equally, sometimes leaving cold spots and hot spots. 


Black+Decker's Digital Microwave Oven EM720CB7 achieves even temperatures better than others. We tested the other brands below in our ranking on how well they were able to heat a variety of foods and measured the differences in temperature in different places in each dish. 

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11 Best Microwaves Ranking

Here are the best Microwaves we found after testing them. We ranked them after weighting each of our testing specs.
Recommended
Price Performance
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Filter
Compact Models
For Frozen Meals
Products
Image
mybest Score
Click to purchase
Key features
Main Score
Details
Uniformity of Heating
Uniformity in Defrosting Frozen Ingredients
Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods
Ease of Use
Capacity
Adjustable Power Range
Width
Depth
Height
Power Consumption
Weight
Cord Length
Door Opening Mechanism
Interior Shape
Automatic Heating Function
One-Touch Heating Capability
Mute Mode Available
Child Lock Feature
Accessories Included
1

Panasonic

Microwave OvenNN-SN67HS

Panasonic Microwave Oven 1
4.89

No Flaws in Heating Performance, User-friendly, and Unquestionably the Best Buy!

5.00
5.00
5.00
4.50

1.2 cu. ft.

1200W (10 power levels available)

20.6 in.

15.8 in.

12.2 in.

1480W

25.5 lb.

42 in.

Button

Turn

Glass tray

2

Cuisinart

Stainless Steel Microwave OvenCMW-110

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Microwave Oven 1
4.66

Warming Performance Is Excellent, but Defrosting Results Are Disappointing

5.00
4.00
5.00
4.50

1.1 cu. ft.

1000W (11 power levels available)

20.2 in.

16.9 in.

12.1 in.

1500W

32 lb.

41 in.

Handle

Turn

Glass tray, recipe book

3

MCA

Magic ChefCountertop Microwave OvenMC110MB

MCA Countertop Microwave Oven 1
4.26

Great for Heating Frozen Food; Even Heating and High Functionality

4.00
4.00
5.00
4.50

1.1 cu. ft.

1000W (10 power levels available)

20.3 in.

15.6 in.

12 in.

1500W

30.6 lb.

38in.

Button

Turn

Glass turntable

4

Black + Decker

Digital Microwave OvenEM720CB7

Black + Decker Digital Microwave Oven 1
4.19

Heating Performance Varies, but Worth Considering as a User-friendly Space-saving Option

4.00
4.00
4.50
4.50

0.7 cu. ft.

700W (10 power levels available)

17.3 in.

13 in.

10.2 in.

1050W

21.6 lb.

40 in.

Button

Turn

Glass turntable

4

Englewood Marketing

FarberwareCountertop MicrowaveFMO11AHTBKB

Englewood Marketing Countertop Microwave 1
4.19

Minimal Temperature Difference in Heating and Warming, but Defrosting Is Unsatisfactory

4.00
4.00
4.50
4.50

1.1 cu. ft.

1000W (10 power levels available)

20.2 in.

16.5 in.

12.1 in.

1500W

31 lb.

40 in.

Handle

Turn

Glass tray

6

Englewood Marketing

FarberwareCountertop MicrowaveFMO07ABTBKA

Englewood Marketing Countertop Microwave 1
3.59

Great for Defrosting, but Uneven Warming Performance

3.00
4.00
4.50
4.50

0.7 cu. ft.

700W (10 power levels available)

17.3 in.

12.8 in.

10.2 in.

1050W

21.4 lb.

40in.

Button

Turn

Glass tray

7

Comfee’

Countertop Microwave OvenEM720CPL-PMB

Comfee’ Countertop Microwave Oven 1
3.45

Good at Defrosting, but the Warming Isn’t Quite Balanced

3.00
5.00
3.00
5.00

0.7 cu. ft.

700W (11 power levels available)

17.3 in.

13 in.

10.2 in.

1050W

20.3 lb.

40 in.

Handle

Turn

Glass tray

8

Toshiba

Microwave OvenEM131A5C

Toshiba Microwave Oven 1
3.36

User-friendly Programming, But the Warming Performance is Inadequate

3.00
4.00
3.00
5.00

1.2 cu. ft.

1100W (10 power levels available)

20.5 in.

17.2 in.

12.8 in.

1550W

34.6 lb.

41 in.

Handle

Turn

Turntable

8

Toshiba

Small Countertop Microwave OvenML2-EM09PA

Toshiba Small Countertop Microwave Oven 1
3.36

Uniform Heating But Requires Additional Heat

3.00
4.00
3.00
5.00

0.9 cu. ft.

900W (10 power levels available)

19.2 in.

15.9 in.

11.5 in.

1350W

28.7 lb.

40 in.

Handle

Turn

Turntable

10

Kenmore

MicrowaveKMCMB809BK09

Kenmore Microwave 1
3.26

User Friendly But Requires Reheating

3.00
3.50
3.00
4.50

0.9 cu. ft.

900W (10 power levels available)

19 in.

14.8 in.

10.8 in.

1400W

24.9 lb.

40 in.

Handle

Turn

Glass turntable

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1
Top Choice Microwaves
No.1 in Uniformity of Heating
No.1 in Uniformity in Defrosting Frozen Ingredients
No.1 in Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods

Panasonic
Microwave OvenNN-SN67HS

mybest Score
4.89
Uniformity of Heating
5.00
Uniformity in Defrosting Frozen Ingredients
5.00
Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods
5.00
Ease of Use
4.50
View on Amazon
Microwave Oven 1
Lowest price
$154.99
High Mid
Lowest price
$154.99
High Mid
Capacity1.2 cu. ft.
Adjustable Power Range1200W (10 power levels available)
Automatic Heating Function
One-Touch Heating Capability
Mute Mode Available

No Flaws in Heating Performance, User-friendly, and Unquestionably the Best Buy!

What we loved

  • User-friendly
  • Even heating and defrosting
  • LED lighting makes for helpful display
  • Automatic warming mode

What we didn't love

  • No mute mode

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN67HS has a stainless steel finish and stylish design, featuring blue LED lights in the display section for easy viewing. 


This model performed well in our liquid egg white test, being able to cook the eggs evenly with a single round of heating and showing no hot spots. When reheating side dishes, the differences in temperature in different parts of the sample dishes were minimal. Even frozen foods, which are difficult to heat evenly with most appliances, were heated to an even temperature with this model. Being able to heat frozen food without having to reheat it multiple times is a rare occurrence with microwaves. 


This model also passed our defrosting test with flying colors, achieving perfectly defrosted beef patties to their pre-frozen state. Since there is no partial burning or water discharge, foods warmed using this model’s defrosting feature can be cooked without delay. 


Its automatic warming mode that automatically adjusts the wattage and time after placing food inside and pressing a button, making it a user-friendly option. However, since there is no mute mode some noise disturbance can be expected.


Overall, with its consistent heating or defrosting capabilities and user-friendliness, this product is a top candidate if you are looking for a versatile solo microwave. 

Width20.6 in.
Depth15.8 in.
Height12.2 in.
Power Consumption1480W
Weight25.5 lb.
Cord Length42 in.
Door Opening MechanismButton
Interior ShapeTurn
Child Lock Feature
Accessories IncludedGlass tray
View all
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2
No.1 in Uniformity of Heating
No.1 in Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods

Cuisinart
Stainless Steel Microwave OvenCMW-110

mybest Score
4.66
Uniformity of Heating
5.00
Uniformity in Defrosting Frozen Ingredients
4.00
Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods
5.00
Ease of Use
4.50
Lowest price
$226.99
High
Capacity1.1 cu. ft.
Adjustable Power Range1000W (11 power levels available)
Automatic Heating Function
One-Touch Heating Capability
Mute Mode Available

Warming Performance Is Excellent, but Defrosting Results Are Disappointing

What we loved

  • Customizing features and recipe book included
  • Mostly even heating
  • User-friendly express buttons

What we didn't love

  • Defrosting sample partially cooked
  • No mute mode
  • Expensive

The Cuisinart Stainless Steel Microwave Oven CMW-110 is equipped with a memory function that can save your favorite cooking options and comes with a dedicated recipe book, giving this particular model a few perks for being able to personalize its settings. 


It received high ratings for its mostly even heating ability. In the egg white test, it was able to cook the entire sample in one heating, and the center and corners were evenly warmed, which outperformed several of the other models we tested. It also performed well in heating frozen foods. There were no cold spots, and it heated everything evenly in one heat cycle


Our evaluation dropped slightly in the defrosting test.. Although it was able to defrost the entire patty, it was partially cooked.


The usability was also satisfactory, with the express buttons, making it convenient to start warming with just one touch. However, note that it does not have a ‘mute’ mode.

Width20.2 in.
Depth16.9 in.
Height12.1 in.
Power Consumption1500W
Weight32 lb.
Cord Length41 in.
Door Opening MechanismHandle
Interior ShapeTurn
Child Lock Feature
Accessories IncludedGlass tray, recipe book
View all
No.3
No.1 in Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods

MCA
Magic ChefCountertop Microwave OvenMC110MB

mybest Score
4.26
Uniformity of Heating
4.00
Uniformity in Defrosting Frozen Ingredients
4.00
Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods
5.00
Ease of Use
4.50
Lowest price
$116.76
Capacity1.1 cu. ft.
Adjustable Power Range1000W (10 power levels available)
Automatic Heating Function
One-Touch Heating Capability
Mute Mode Available

Great for Heating Frozen Food; Even Heating and High Functionality

What we loved

  • Evenly heats up food
  • Has Express buttons, and an automatic heating mode

What we didn't love

  • No mute mode for silent cooking

MCA’s Magic Chef Countertop Microwave Oven MC110MB is highly recommended for those who frequently use frozen foods. We found it uniformly warms up commercial frozen foods, allowing you to eat immediately after just one heating cycle.


The microwave ensures minimal uneven heating, with about 80% of egg whites solidifying effectively in our egg cooking test. Though the center was slightly harder to warm in our tests, the performance was notably superior compared to other products we tested, where less than 50% of solidification was typical.


It also successfully defrosted a frozen hamburger patty in one go. Note, however, that some moisture was released from the meat, and slight cooking was observed in parts of the patty.


Although it lacks a mute mode, its usability is enhanced by Express Buttons, which allow immediate start of heating at the selected time, and an automatic warming mode, making operation straightforward and user-friendly.

Width20.3 in.
Depth15.6 in.
Height12 in.
Power Consumption1500W
Weight30.6 lb.
Cord Length38in.
Door Opening MechanismButton
Interior ShapeTurn
Child Lock Feature
Accessories IncludedGlass turntable
View all
No.4

Black + Decker
Digital Microwave OvenEM720CB7

mybest Score
4.19
Uniformity of Heating
4.00
Uniformity in Defrosting Frozen Ingredients
4.00
Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods
4.50
Ease of Use
4.50
Lowest price
$99.99
Mid
Capacity0.7 cu. ft.
Adjustable Power Range700W (10 power levels available)
Automatic Heating Function
One-Touch Heating Capability
Mute Mode Available

Heating Performance Varies, but Worth Considering as a User-friendly Space-saving Option

What we loved

  • Compact
  • User-friendly pre-programmed cooking modes
  • Minimal temperature difference in heating and warming
  • Affordable

What we didn't love

  • Tested poorly in defrosting
  • No mute mode

The Digital Microwave Oven EM720CB7 from Black + Decker is compact, with a size of 0.7 cu. ft., making it ideal for small kitchens and areas where counter space is limited. 


It’s also a user-friendly model, equipped with an automatic warming function, and it has 10 pre-programmed modes for certain foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. However, it does not have a mute mode so the typical beep noises should be factored into this purchase. 


In tests for even heating, it failed to evenly harden the entire egg white in one heating, however, the area that was hard to heat in the center was small, so there was not much of a temperature difference. It achieved a high rating in tests for evenly heating frozen food. While there was one spot where the temperature was slightly lower than the rest, most of it was warm, and the difference was largely unnoticeable when eating. The model performed poorly in the defrosting test, with parts of the sample being burnt and other parts retaining excess water. To defrost it to the same state as before freezing, it's necessary to adjust the heating time. 

Width17.3 in.
Depth13 in.
Height10.2 in.
Power Consumption1050W
Weight21.6 lb.
Cord Length40 in.
Door Opening MechanismButton
Interior ShapeTurn
Child Lock Feature
Accessories IncludedGlass turntable
View all
No.4

Englewood Marketing
FarberwareCountertop MicrowaveFMO11AHTBKB

mybest Score
4.19
Uniformity of Heating
4.00
Uniformity in Defrosting Frozen Ingredients
4.00
Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods
4.50
Ease of Use
4.50
Lowest price
$129.99
High Mid
Capacity1.1 cu. ft.
Adjustable Power Range1000W (10 power levels available)
Automatic Heating Function
One-Touch Heating Capability
Mute Mode Available

Minimal Temperature Difference in Heating and Warming, but Defrosting Is Unsatisfactory

What we loved

  • Add 30 seconds with one touch
  • Satisfactory heating and warming
  • User-friendly one-touch programming

What we didn't love

  • Defrosting left food partially burned

The Countertop Microwave FMO11AHTBKB by Farberware comes equipped with both a kitchen timer and a clock. With the option to add 30 seconds of extra heating time by simply pressing the start button, the usability of this microwave received high ratings. The express buttons, which start heating just by pressing the button with the corresponding number within a range of 1 to 6 minutes, were well-liked for their ease of use.


There were tendencies for slightly uneven heating, however, since over 80% of egg whites were solidified, there's little worry about feeling a significant temperature difference when warming food and eating it. The test for warming up frozen food yielded generally positive results. There were areas where the temperature was slightly low, but the range was so narrow that it didn't give an impression of being cold when eating.


The model did fall short in the test for defrosting frozen food, which left the patties partially charred. An adjustment of heating time is necessary to defrost thoroughly. 

Width20.2 in.
Depth16.5 in.
Height12.1 in.
Power Consumption1500W
Weight31 lb.
Cord Length40 in.
Door Opening MechanismHandle
Interior ShapeTurn
Child Lock Feature
Accessories IncludedGlass tray
View all
No.6

Englewood Marketing
FarberwareCountertop MicrowaveFMO07ABTBKA

mybest Score
3.59
Uniformity of Heating
3.00
Uniformity in Defrosting Frozen Ingredients
4.00
Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods
4.50
Ease of Use
4.50
Lowest price
$79.99
Capacity0.7 cu. ft.
Adjustable Power Range700W (10 power levels available)
Automatic Heating Function
One-Touch Heating Capability
Mute Mode Available

Great for Defrosting, but Uneven Warming Performance

What we loved

  • Express buttons and automatic heating mode

What we didn't love

  • Noticeable uneven heating

In our tests, Farberware's countertop microwave FMO07ABTBKA proved to heat up frozen food with little unevenness. Although some areas only reached up to 113℉, the overall warming was nearly uniform, making the food ready to eat without the need for additional heating.


Additionally, it's very user-friendly with features like Express buttons, which start heating with a single press, and an automatic warming mode for further convenience.


However, its heating functionality is not without issues; only about half of the egg whites in our egg cooking test solidified after one round in the microwave. Depending on the food, effective cooking may be challenging.


When we tried to defrost a frozen hamburger patty, it also showed noticeable unevenness and moisture release and even started to cook. This might not make it the best choice for cooks who work with frozen ingredients and need to defrost them quickly.

Width17.3 in.
Depth12.8 in.
Height10.2 in.
Power Consumption1050W
Weight21.4 lb.
Cord Length40in.
Door Opening MechanismButton
Interior ShapeTurn
Child Lock Feature
Accessories IncludedGlass tray
View all
No.7
No.1 in Uniformity in Defrosting Frozen Ingredients
No.1 in Ease of Use

Comfee’
Countertop Microwave OvenEM720CPL-PMB

mybest Score
3.45
Uniformity of Heating
3.00
Uniformity in Defrosting Frozen Ingredients
5.00
Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods
3.00
Ease of Use
5.00
Lowest price
$79.53
Low Mid
Capacity0.7 cu. ft.
Adjustable Power Range700W (11 power levels available)
Automatic Heating Function
One-Touch Heating Capability
Mute Mode Available

Good at Defrosting, but the Warming Isn’t Quite Balanced

What we loved

  • Energy-saving features
  • Compact
  • Performs well in defrosting
  • Mute mode
  • Affordable

What we didn't love

  • Uneven heating
  • Needs additional time to heat frozen foods

Comfee's Countertop Microwave Oven EM720CPL-PMB is compact, with a capacity of 0.7 cu. ft. and has some advantages over other models with its built-in energy-saving eco mode which minimizes standby power consumption.


However, the test results for consistent heating were disappointing. The egg white test showed 70% of the sample still liquid after a single heat cycle. The model also doesn't seem to handle frozen foods well. In our heating test, the center of the frozen meal remained cold to the point of feeling chilly when touched, showing that additional heating would be required to get previously frozen food to a uniform temperature.


On the other hand, its defrosting performed quite well in comparison to other models. In our frozen patty test, the microwave was able to defrost the whole patty without partially cooking it, making it ideal for thawing items quickly for immediate cooking.


The usability of the product also rated highly with our testers. They reported that it can be operated smoothly, and features a ‘mute’ mode for convenient use at odd hours or to prevent disturbing others in a communal space.

Width17.3 in.
Depth13 in.
Height10.2 in.
Power Consumption1050W
Weight20.3 lb.
Cord Length40 in.
Door Opening MechanismHandle
Interior ShapeTurn
Child Lock Feature
Accessories IncludedGlass tray
View all
No.8
No.1 in Ease of Use

Toshiba
Microwave OvenEM131A5C

mybest Score
3.36
Uniformity of Heating
3.00
Uniformity in Defrosting Frozen Ingredients
4.00
Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods
3.00
Ease of Use
5.00
Lowest price
$149.99
High Mid
Capacity1.2 cu. ft.
Adjustable Power Range1100W (10 power levels available)
Automatic Heating Function
One-Touch Heating Capability
Mute Mode Available

User-friendly Programming, But the Warming Performance is Inadequate

What we loved

  • User-friendly
  • Mute mode
  • Add 30 seconds with one touch during heating

What we didn't love

  • Large temperature variance in warming and heating
  • Defrosting feature partially burned the food

Toshiba's Microwave Oven EM131A5C has many helpful features that allow for easy programming, including the ability to select output levels in 10 stages, up to 1100W. To extend the cooking time while heating, you can add 30 seconds by pressing the start button. With features like ‘express’ buttons that allow for one-touch warming without setting the wattage and time and a ‘mute’ mode for beep sounds, it received a high evaluation for its ease of use.


However, this model received low evaluations for both the lack of even warming, heating frozen foods, and defrosting. In the egg white warming test only on the right edge of the egg white solidified while the rest remained liquid, showing the large variance in temperature. In the frozen food test the center remained frozen, indicating the difficulty this model has in warming evenly with just one heat cycle.


This model fared better in the defrosting test, with the frozen patty thawed entirely. However, because the bottom surface was partially burned, it cannot be said to be in the same state before it was frozen. Some finesse may be required to defrost things to the desired temperature.

Width20.5 in.
Depth17.2 in.
Height12.8 in.
Power Consumption1550W
Weight34.6 lb.
Cord Length41 in.
Door Opening MechanismHandle
Interior ShapeTurn
Child Lock Feature
Accessories IncludedTurntable
View all
No.8
No.1 in Ease of Use

Toshiba
Small Countertop Microwave OvenML2-EM09PA

mybest Score
3.36
Uniformity of Heating
3.00
Uniformity in Defrosting Frozen Ingredients
4.00
Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods
3.00
Ease of Use
5.00
Lowest price
$124.99
Mid
Capacity0.9 cu. ft.
Adjustable Power Range900W (10 power levels available)
Automatic Heating Function
One-Touch Heating Capability
Mute Mode Available

Uniform Heating But Requires Additional Heat

What we loved

  • Compact
  • LED light allows for easy monitoring
  • Mute mode
  • User-friendly one-touch programming

What we didn't love

  • Uneven heating
  • Defrosting feature left food partially burned

Toshiba's Small Countertop Microwave Oven ML2-EM09PA is more compact than the company's Microwave Oven EM131A5C. Equipped with an LED light inside, this model makes it easy to monitor your food while it's heating.


However, the heating and defrosting tests yielded subpar results. At the end of one heating cycle for the egg white test, only the edges of the dish were solidified, while the middle part remained liquid. The same was true for frozen food, with only the edges being warmed while the center remained frozen. For this model, additional time is essential to heat the food evenly. In the defrosting test, the thawed patty was partially burned, indicating that the heating time would need to be adjusted to thaw foods back to the same state as before freezing.


However, it rated highly in terms of usability. Its one-touch heating features reduce the number of steps to reach the desired operation. Moreover, it has a ‘mute mode’ so you won't have to worry about waking up family members or roommates with beeping noises in the middle of the night.

Width19.2 in.
Depth15.9 in.
Height11.5 in.
Power Consumption1350W
Weight28.7 lb.
Cord Length40 in.
Door Opening MechanismHandle
Interior ShapeTurn
Child Lock Feature
Accessories IncludedTurntable
View all
No.10

Kenmore
MicrowaveKMCMB809BK09

mybest Score
3.26
Uniformity of Heating
3.00
Uniformity in Defrosting Frozen Ingredients
3.50
Uniformity in Heating Frozen Foods
3.00
Ease of Use
4.50
Lowest price
$79.99
Low Mid
Capacity0.9 cu. ft.
Adjustable Power Range900W (10 power levels available)
Automatic Heating Function
One-Touch Heating Capability
Mute Mode Available

User Friendly But Requires Reheating

What we loved

  • User-friendly
  • Helpful reminder for when food is warm
  • Affordable

What we didn't love

  • Inefficient warming and defrosting requires additional time

With a capacity of 0.9 cu. ft., the Kenmore Microwave KMCMB809BK09 is compact and equipped with a cooking complete reminder, so you can avoid unintentionally leaving food in the microwave after it's done warming.


However, we found that both warming and defrosting in this model may result in uneven heating. The egg whites remained mostly liquid after one round of heating, with only one corner of the eggs in the container partially solidifying. Despite the edges of frozen foods getting warm, the center tended to remain cold. Even patties remained frozen on the surface, needing additional heat before they could be used in cooking.


On the bright side, its usability is commendable. For times within one to six minutes, its preprogrammed ’express’ buttons started heating with just a click of the corresponding number, making it easy to operate quickly.

Width19 in.
Depth14.8 in.
Height10.8 in.
Power Consumption1400W
Weight24.9 lb.
Cord Length40 in.
Door Opening MechanismHandle
Interior ShapeTurn
Child Lock Feature
Accessories IncludedGlass turntable
View all
No.10

Hamilton Beach Brands
Countertop Microwave OvenHB54SS100112161

Lowest price
$70.00
Low
Capacity0.9 cu. ft.
Adjustable Power Range900W (10 power levels available)
Automatic Heating Function
One-Touch Heating Capability
Mute Mode Available

Has Difficulty Warming or Defrosting Foods Evenly With One Heat Cycle

What we loved

  • Compact size saves counter space
  • User friendly
  • Affordable

What we didn't love

  • Significantly uneven heating and defrosting
  • Requires additional heat time

The Countertop Microwave Oven HB54SS100112161 by Hamilton Beach Brands is equipped with 10 power levels and six automatic cooking menus. Its relatively small size doesn't take up much space on a kitchen counter.


However, its warming and defrosting capabilities were found lacking in our testing. Only the corners of the container were heated when warming egg whites and frozen food, which showed significant unevenness. Without additional heating, the temperature difference might be bothersome enough to affect your eating experience. In the defrosting test, the surface of the patty remained cold and frozen.


Its usability was satisfactory in our testing, with the ’express’ buttons heating with one touch and an automatic warming mode making it easy to skip programming the microwave and having to set the wattage or the timer.

Width18.9 in.
Depth14.1 in.
Height10.6 in.
Power Consumption1400W
Weight24.3 lb.
Cord Length34 in.
Door Opening MechanismHandle
Interior ShapeTurn
Child Lock Feature
Accessories IncludedTurntable
View all

How We Tested the Microwaves

Microwaves Evaluation

At mybest, we define the best microwave as one with even heating ability and one that offers a variety of features.


To find the best product, we collected eleven top-selling solo microwaves from popular manufacturers sold on Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other large retailers, rigorously testing them on the following 4 points:


  • Uniformity of Heating
  • Even Thawing of Frozen Ingredients

  • Even Warming of Frozen Food

  • Ease of Use

Products we tested

  1. Black + DeckerDigital Microwave OvenEM720CB7
  2. Comfee’Countertop Microwave OvenEM720CPL-PMB
  3. CuisinartStainless Steel Microwave OvenCMW-110
  4. Englewood MarketingFarberwareCountertop MicrowaveFMO07ABTBKA
  5. Englewood MarketingFarberwareCountertop MicrowaveFMO11AHTBKB
  6. Hamilton Beach BrandsCountertop Microwave OvenHB54SS100112161
  7. KenmoreMicrowaveKMCMB809BK09
  8. MCAMagic ChefCountertop Microwave OvenMC110MB
  9. PanasonicMicrowave OvenNN-SN67HS
  10. ToshibaSmall Countertop Microwave OvenML2-EM09PA
  11. ToshibaMicrowave OvenEM131A5C
1

Uniformity of Heating

Uniformity of Heating

The gold standard for a high-performing microwave is the ability to heat products evenly enough to eat without worrying about temperature differences in the food. Models that performed well in this category show high customer satisfaction. 

Scoring Method

The tester checked the condition of the egg whites warmed by each product, and measured the doneness of each product. 


Testing Procedure:

1. Put 350g of egg whites in a reusable container and warm them at the maximum wattage for each product: 1200W: 2 minutes 5 seconds / 1100W: 2 minutes 16 seconds / 1000W: 2 minutes 30 seconds / 900W: 2 minutes 47 seconds / 700W: 3 minutes 34 seconds

2. Remove the egg whites that did not solidify during heating, and calculate the percentage of solidified egg whites.

What We Checked

  • Are the egg whites uniformly set from the center to the corners?
2

Even Thawing of Frozen Ingredients

Even Thawing of Frozen Ingredients

Our standard for the defrosting test included even warming of a frozen sample that is ready to use in cooking immediately after. 

Scoring Method

After using the defrosting feature of each model the tester evaluated the quality of each sample. 


 Testing Procedure: 

1. Heat 100g of frozen patties in defrost mode.

What We Checked

  • Whether the patty is fully thawed

  • Whether the patty is half thawed

  • Whether the patty is overheated and burnt

  • Whether water is coming out from the ingredients

3

Even Warming of Frozen Food

Even Warming of Frozen Food

Since frozen, ready-made meals are a staple of microwave cooking, our last ranking criteria for microwaves measures how evenly they heat frozen food without the need for reheating.

Scoring Method

After heating a sample meal in each product, the tester checked the condition of the frozen food and scored the doneness of each sample. 


Testing Procedure:

1. Heat the frozen ravioli at 600W for 7 minutes and 30 seconds

2. Measure the temperature of the meal with a thermometer

What We Checked

  • Is the center and all four corners evenly heated?
4

Ease of Use

Ease of Use

Last but certainly not least, the ideal microwave should be easy to use, with buttons and settings that make microwaving food a smooth and stress-free process from beginning to end.

Scoring Method

The tester scored each product based on the following points, quantifying how likely they would recommend each product.

What We Checked

  • Are there ‘express’ buttons?
  • Is there an automatic warming mode?
  • Is there a mute mode?

After Choosing Your Microwave Don’t Forget the Upkeep! Here’s an Easy Way to Clean It

After Choosing Your Microwave Don’t Forget the Upkeep! Here’s an Easy Way to Clean It

While microwaves are built for convenience, one unavoidable challenge is cleaning them. And with its small, enclosed space microwaves can be the perfect place for bacteria and grime to build up over time. Luckily there is a quick, simple solution to keeping your microwave sanitary even with heavy use. 


First, dissolve citric acid in water and pour it into a microwave-safe cup, then warm it in the microwave for a few minutes. It can be found in most general stores, but if you don’t have this lying around, a mix of lemon juice or white vinegar and water is an easy substitute. 


As the citric acid solution is warmed in the microwave, it produces steam that loosens the hardened food particles. When it’s done, all that's left is to wipe down the inside of the cabinet with a towel. Just be careful not to drop and break the turntable in the process.

Jim Quast
Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

Citric acid can break down stubborn oil and food stains, making it easier to wipe off dirt and eliminate odors inside cabinets.

Top 5 Microwaves

No. 1: PanasonicMicrowave OvenNN-SN67HS

No. 2: CuisinartStainless Steel Microwave OvenCMW-110

No. 3: MCAMagic ChefCountertop Microwave OvenMC110MB

No. 4: Black + DeckerDigital Microwave OvenEM720CB7

No. 4: Englewood MarketingFarberwareCountertop MicrowaveFMO11AHTBKB

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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