• Computers & Laptops
  • Household Appliances
  • Mobile Devices
  • TV & Accessories
PRO Best Reviews
PRO Best Reviews
  • Computers & Laptops
  • Household Appliances
  • Mobile Devices
  • TV & Accessories

Best Microwave Oven of 2019 – We’ll Help You Find the One

November 19th, 2019 PBR Editorial Team 6 comments
  • 5
  •  
  • 8
  •  
  •  
  •  
    13
    Shares

Let’s start looking at the best microwave ovens right now.

When it comes to electronics and especially kitchen appliances, there’s always a chance that you’ll be paying a small fortune for something that may not be worth half their retail price.

The same goes for finding the best microwave oven!

…especially one that will fulfill your every preference.

We’re well aware of the painstaking process involved in combing through thousands of customer reviews just to find a decent unit.

That’s why we’re taking some weight off your shoulders by showcasing our carefully reviewed best microwave oven options of the year.

10 Best Microwave Ovens This Year

Product NameDimensions (inches)Weight (pounds)Capacity (cu. ft.)Get it now
10. Sharp R-21LCF20.5 x 16 x 12.1371.0
amazon button small
9. Farberware Classic FMO11AHTBKB20.2 x 16.54 x 1234.91.1
amazon button small
8. Panasonic NN-SN966S19.4 x 23.9 x 14372.2
amazon button small
7. Frigidaire FGMC2765PF27 x 30 x 452152.0
amazon button small
6. GE JVM3160RFSS15.2 x 29.9 x 16.5621.6
amazon button small
5. Westinghouse WCM660B17.8 x 13.3 x 10.223.10.6
amazon button small
4. Panasonic NN-SD975S23.88 x 19.44 x 1436.82.2
amazon button small
3. Breville BOV845BSS18.5 x 15.75 x 1122.80.8
amazon button small
2. Daewoo KOR-7LREM17.6 x 12.7 x 10.623.40.7
amazon button small
1. Panasonic NN-SU696S20.44 x 16.62 x 12.3835.31.3
amazon button small

10. Sharp R-21LCF – Best Speed-cooking Microwave Oven

best sharp r 21lcf microwave oven
CHECK AMAZON PRICE

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS

ASK A QUESTION

While some microwave ovens focus on affordability, others have objectives such as speed and power.

In this day and age, it seems like speed-cooking is becoming more and more relevant and necessary.

Therefore, we want to present the best microwave oven that focuses on power and performance without making you lose time – the Sharp R-21LCF.

Classified as a commercial-grade microwave oven, the Sharp R-21LCF will shine in any home, office, cafeteria or other similar space. Owing to its professional orientation, it has a somewhat spicy price of around $250-$260 on Amazon. Nevertheless, as the #1 top-selling model in the Speed-cooking Microwave Oven Amazon category, it’s well worth the money.

Main Features

  • 1000 watts
  • Dial timer design
  • 1.0 cu. ft. design
  • Auto-cancel timer
  • Time guide printed on the unit

Design & Usability

Even though the R-21LCF was designed to meet commercial requirements, it’s perfect for an active household.

With full stainless steel housing, a classic door, and old school dial, it was clearly designed to be efficient rather than feature-packed.

Don’t back off when you see that it doesn’t have a turntable – it’s an aspect that actually makes your food cook more evenly.

The Sharp R-21LCF is probably the most user-friendly model on our entire list.

It was strategically crafted to withstand the test of time, all while being easy-to-handle.

In addition, the simple, no-turntable, box design makes it a piece of cake to wipe down and maintain.

Although some consider the 6-minute time limit to be an inconvenience, it’s enough to heat most average items.

Quality & Performance

There are mixed feelings regarding the R-21LCF’s overall quality.

Indeed, there’s no doubting the commercial-grade benefits you receive, but, sadly, some units burned out in less than a year.

On the other hand, plenty of customers claim that theirs has been holding up strong for years on end.

Ultimately, your unit’s condition also depends on how you take care of throughout time.

On the bright side, the model is reported to be an absolute beast among countertop microwaves.

It effectively heats up food and beverages without any cold or hot spots, all in a few minutes.

If you require more time for your meal to be ready, all you have to do is adjust the dial according to your needs.

All in all, the no-nonsense design of the R-21LCF makes it highly appealing among uselessly complicated competitors.

PROS
  • Commercial-grade model
  • Simple and effective control
  • Straight-forward design
  • Even heating
  • 1st item in the Speed-cooking Microwave Ovens Amazon category
CONS
  • Interior light burns out quickly
  • Dial light system may be confusing for some
  • Only heats 6 minutes at a time
Go to top

9. Farberware Classic FMO11AHTBKB – Best Countertop Microwave Oven

Farberware Classic FMO11AHTBKB - Best Countertop Microwave Oven
CHECK AMAZON PRICE

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS

ASK A QUESTION

For the majority of customers, a countertop microwave oven is more than enough to fulfill their daily household needs.

Even though there are literally hundreds of models on the market that you can choose from, we warmly recommend the Farberware Classic FMO11AHTBKB as the best value for your money overall.

Not too big nor too small, the FMO11AHTBKB has a reasonable price in the $100 range on online platforms such as Amazon. Additionally, it’s actually the 2nd best-selling countertop microwave oven out of all the units on the website. According to consumer reports, the FMO11AHTBKB is a top value from any point of view.

Main Features

  • 1 cubic foot capacity
  • 1000W power
  • 6 cooking buttons
  • 6-minute express cooking feature
  • 10 power levels

Design & Usability

With 20.2” x 16.54” x 12” product dimensions, this Farberware Classic model is just the right size for the average home.

The cavity is 13.9” x 14.5” x 9.1”, which can be beneficial for taller objects, but not for wider ones.

The stainless steel feature only refers to the finish, while the interior is fully gray.

Some users enjoy this aspect, while others complained about having difficulty seeing their reheated food.

We agree that the FMO11AHTBKB has just the right amount of presets and features to meet any basic kitchen requirements that a microwave in this price range should.

All in all, there are 6 preset options you can choose from popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages or dinner plate.

However, please note that the power cord is short, requiring the unit to be less than 30” away from an outlet.

Quality & Performance

For a ~$100 microwave, the FMO11AHTBKB serves its purpose well.

Unfortunately, there are a few issues that we hope the manufacturers will keep in mind when developing future models.

Quite a few users complained about the cheap build of the unit, even though they do praise the company for skipping the annoying “open” button in the design.

Also, they could improve the interior lighting.

Nevertheless, when it comes to efficiency, the FMO11AHTBKB takes the cake.

In just about a minute you can heat up an entire dinner plate, thanks to the quick start feature.

You can also add 30 seconds at a time at the touch of a button.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the 10 power levels and the time cook, time defrost and weight defrost options for when you just don’t understand the instructions off of frozen foods.

PROS
  • Fast cooking
  • Fairly sized
  • Tall cavity
  • Custom settings
  • 2nd best-selling Countertop Microwave Oven on Amazon
CONS
  • May be a bit noisy
  • No backlighting on control panel
  • Flimsy construction
Go to top

8. Panasonic NN-SN966S – Best Built in Microwave Oven

Panasonic NN-SN966S - Best Built in Microwave Oven
CHECK AMAZON PRICE

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS

ASK A QUESTION
What if you want to tuck your microwave away in the wall? The top-selling Panasonic NN-SN966S is perfect for the job. You can use it for both 27-inch and 30-inch cabinet openings, with the help of stainless steel trim kits sold separately. You should get the NN-TK922SS for a 27” cabinet, or the NN-TK932SS for a 30” one.

As for customer feedback, the NN-SN966S is easily the best built in microwave oven for an abundance of users.

Not only is it one of the top 10 best-selling countertop microwave ovens on Amazon, but it also has gained a 4.3 average star rating from users on this platform.

The price is about $200, give or take, making it one of the best microwave oven models in the mid-range class.

Main Features

  • Panasonic Inverter Technology
  • 1250 watts cooking power
  • 2 cu. ft. capacity
  • 12 preset menu items
  • Compatible with 27” & 30” openings

Design & Usability

Thanks to the aluminum build, you know the NN-SN966S is a quality product.

The grayish black stainless steel finish makes it not only look sleek, but it also ensures a long product life.

We admire the extended compatibility of the unit, for two distinct cabinet openings instead of just one.

The only apparent design flaw seems to be the lack of a beverage button on the control panel.

You can effortlessly use the NN-SN966S not only as the best built in microwave oven but also as a countertop.

You can choose from 12 items in the preset menu, according to the food you want to heat up.

In addition, this Panasonic model has an awesome keep warm feature, maintaining entrees at a pleasant temperature while they’re in the oven.

Quality & Performance

Judging that the unit is manufactured by Panasonic, you shouldn’t have any worries regarding the build quality.

Nonetheless, we were taken aback by the negative reviews regarding radiation leakage.

A handful of users complained about WiFi and Bluetooth disruptions throughout the entire house while the microwave was running.

With the hope that Panasonic will get the issue fixed, we want to continue with our praise for their patented Inverter Technology.

It also makes the unit the best flatbed microwave on our list. To put it shortly, the NN-SN966S works through a whole different system compared to classic microwaves.

Instead of pulse-cooking, this model focuses on evenly distributing the power for well-heated food all around.

Now, that’s the kind of feature we want in the best built in microwave oven.

PROS
  • High power
  • 14 auto cook options
  • Keep warm feature
  • Compact but roomy
  • Amazon best-seller
CONS
  • Interferes with Wi-Fi
  • Poor customer service
  • No beverage preset
Go to top

7. Frigidaire FGMC2765PF – Best Wall Oven Microwave Combo

Frigidaire FGMC2765PF - Best Wall Oven Microwave Combo
CHECK AMAZON PRICE

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS

ASK A QUESTION

Nowadays, it’s hard to say which appliance is the most essential in the modern kitchen – a microwave or a traditional oven.

Thankfully, you don’t have to choose, thanks to the oven-microwave combos on the market.

Out of all the offers we looked through, the FGMC2765PF model by Frigidaire caught our attention for its fantastic value.

Despite its approximately $1,700 price tag, the FGMC2765PF is actually one of the least expensive models in its class. It comes packed with an abundance of features, all topped off with 1200W cooking power. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s the 2nd best-selling Combination Microwave & Wall Oven on Amazon, with a 4.1-star rating from happy customers.

Main Features

  • 27” wide combination
  • 1200 watts power
  • Effortless Convection technology
  • 2.0 cu. ft. microwave space
  • 24 7/8″ x 23 1/2″ x 41 1/8″ – 41 1/4″ cutout dimensions

Design & Usability

Obviously, there’s no better material to complement the best microwave oven than stainless steel.

But what really blew us away regarding the FGMC2765PF is the smudge-proof feature, which works exactly as advertised by Frigidaire.

The decently-sized unit provides 2.0 cubic feet of cooking space, which is more than satisfying.

Another neat part about the FGMC2765PF is that it has a probe that lets you know the precise temperature while you cook.

We also tip our hats off to the fast self-clean cycle, which leaves your unit squeaky-clean in just about two hours.

Still, you should be careful with foils when cooking; one user placed one on the bottom and it resulted in a disaster.

Quality & Performance

Let’s take a minute to cover just how many features you have with the FGMC2765PF.

You get a total of 5 sensor cooking options for ground meat, frozen entrees, chicken breast, seafood or rice.

Moreover, you have 3 autocook options (beverage, pizza or hot dogs) and 6 for defrosting (casserole, chicken pieces, ground meat, soup and steaks, chops or fish).

Owing to the quick preheat feature, your oven will be ready for cooking in a matter of minutes.

To guarantee your safety throughout your interaction with the unit, it also has an auto shutoff feature after 6 hours of being turned on.

Extra perks include auto melt options for ice cream, chocolate, cream cheese or butter, but also 3 snack menu options.

PROS
  • Wonderful value for the features
  • Quick Preheat
  • 16 auto options
  • Auto shutoff feature
  • 2nd top-selling item in the Combination Microwave & Wall Ovens Amazon category
CONS
  • Microwave door may be tricky to open
  • Beeping continues long after heating is completed
  • Short power cord
Go to top

6. GE JVM3160RFSS – Best Over the Range Microwave Oven

GE JVM3160RFSS - Best Over the Range Microwave Oven
CHECK AMAZON PRICE

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS

ASK A QUESTION

If you prefer external venting, you may want to consider investing in an over the range microwave oven.

You’ll have a generous market selection to work through, but why settle for anything less than the very best?

From sales to feedback, features and more, the GE JVM3160RFSS takes the win as the best microwave oven with over the range technology on our list.

This GE model has tons of attractive features that lead it to be a #1 best-seller in the Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Amazon category. Just a few that will make you seal the deal are the +30 seconds button, manual or automatic power levels, effortless installation and 1-6 minute cook time. What could you want more from a microwave under $250?

Main Features

  • 6 cubic foot oven capacity
  • 1000W total power
  • Auto or manual power levels
  • 300-CFM venting
  • On & off turntable operation

Design & Usability

We’ll say from the start that the JVM3160RFSS is truly a beautiful appliance to have in a stylish kitchen.

Even more so, GE incorporated all the buttons you could ever want into the design.

We’re only upset that there seems to be a keypad backlighting problem with the JVM3160RFSS too.

Reportedly, you won’t be able to see them at all in dim light without an external source.

Be that as it may, it’s not a deal-breaker for us.

We’re delighted that countless customers claimed the installation process is as easy as pie.

We consider this aspect to be critical for appliances, considering the labor rates involved for professional installation.

As a result of the 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, you can heat up even larger dishes.

Quality & Performance

You shouldn’t have any quality concerns with the JVM3160RFSS.

After all, it is designed by one of the biggest names in the game – General Electric (GE).

The stainless steel construction will also let you sleep well at night knowing that you’ve made a smart long-term investment.

We only wish that there wouldn’t be potential door jamming issues (what is it with microwave brands and flimsy doors?!).

The performance will be a sheer joy for any appliance enthusiast.

You can quickly cook for 1-6 minutes at the touch of a button, not to mention that you can add 30 seconds at a time.

You can set power levels or defrost times either manually or automatically, based on your preferences.

The Microwave Convenience Cooking Controls for drinks, popcorn and more are cool too.

PROS
  • Sleek design
  • 10 power levels
  • Easy installation
  • 2-level nightlight
  • #1 best-selling Over-the-Range Microwave Oven on Amazon
CONS
  • Fan can’t be shut off manually
  • Weak control panel backlight
  • Minor door issues
Go to top

5. Commercial Chef CHM660B – Best Small Microwave Oven

Westinghouse WCM660B - Best Small Microwave Oven
CHECK AMAZON PRICE

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS

ASK A QUESTION

Not all of us get all pumped up about huge, hi-tech appliances.

In fact, some prefer simplicity above all, as well as conveniently compact dimensions.

If you want a practical microwave oven that won’t take up all the space on your counter, the Commercial Chef CHM660B is a must-have.

At just around $60 on Amazon, the WCM660B genuinely represents an offer you can’t refuse. Not only is it extremely inexpensive, but the unit also takes up little counter space, with 17.8 x 13.3 x 10.2 dimensions. For anyone living in a tiny apartment or a college kid in a tight dorm room, the WCM660B is simply the best small microwave possible.

Main Features

  • 6 cu. ft.
  • 600 watts
  • 30-minute timer
  • 6 power levels
  • 5” turntable size

Design & Usability

Simple as it may be, the Commercial Chef CHM660B scored major design points on our part.

In a world where almost all of the best microwave oven options with keypads seem to have the poorest lighting possible, the knobs on this Westinghouse unit are a breath of fresh air.

The microwave features two mechanical dial controls for power and time respectively. Naturally, as the best small microwave, it has compact dimensions.

These knobs are also the reason why the Commercial Chef CHM660B is highly recommended for the elderly, or generally those who have trouble reading the tiny print on digital control pads.

You also don’t have to deal with the hassle that comes with microwave ovens stuffed with technology – basically all of the cons we talked about until now.

Quality & Performance

As with all appliances, you will always get what you pay for.

In saying that, we mean that you shouldn’t expect to use the Commercial Chef CHM660B for 15 years like other pricey units.

Based on consumer reports, some units may burn out in a few months or a year.

But while you have it, you’ll enjoy the best small microwave that still boasts a pleasant plate capacity.

Honestly, you won’t even need more than the two mechanical dials provided.

The power knob has 6 power levels so you can heat your food on high, medium-high, medium, medium-low, defrost or low settings.

Although the WCM660B does its job admirably, the low 600 wattage results in significantly more time required to heat your food.

PROS
  • Highly affordable
  • Ideal dimensions for small spaces
  • Best buy for seniors
  • Intuitive design
  • #1 Amazon best-seller for compact microwave ovens
CONS
  • No techy features
  • Short product life
  • Takes longer to heat
Go to top

4. Panasonic NN-SD975S – Best Large Microwave Oven

Panasonic NN-SD975S - Best Large Microwave Oven
CHECK AMAZON PRICE

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS

ASK A QUESTION
Whether you have a big family or you just need to heat up large plates at a time, the Panasonic NN-SD975S will do just the trick. We’re talking about an incredibly spacious unit, with an interior capacity of 2.2 cubic feet. You can use it as one of the best countertop microwaves or best wall microwave ovens. However, you have to purchase the mounting bracket we linked to at the #9 entry on our list.

You can purchase the NN-SD975S on Amazon for around $300, or even $250 if you catch one of their offers.

For the price, you get more than enough perks that are worth it, such as 1-20 sensor cooking options, turbo defrosting and more.

It may not currently be a best-seller, but more than 150 customer reviews resulted in a remarkable 4.2-star rating.

Main Features

  • 2 cu. ft. food capacity
  • 20 auto cook options
  • 3D heating waves with Inverter Technology
  • Keep warm option
  • Turbo defrost feature

Design & Usability

Even though the NN-SD975S doesn’t have your typical modern keypad, the controls are actually more intuitive than you would expect.

The main knob is for determining the weight or time for cooking, as well as exploring the sensor menu.

Once you get used to the controls, you’ll see that it causes less stress than a poorly-lit keypad would.

You can use the NN-SD975S for an abundance of applications, including dedicated options for specific foods like quinoa, pizza, oatmeal or soup.

Moreover, you can choose from one of ten levels of power.

Heck, there are even 3 different levels for making popcorn, as well as a button specially made for coffee or milk.

Quality & Performance

Panasonic’s keep warm feature is definitely an aspect that will win you over.

Just by touching a button, you can have your meal maintained at just the right temperature so it won’t go cold.

Plus, the inverted turbo defrost ensures that your frozen goods will thaw in no time.

With the quick 30 option, you can add 30 seconds through a single button.

The sensor cooking and other performance-related aspects of the NN-SD975S are wonderful, but the overall quality of the unit seems to be lacking.

Not only is the stainless steel used only for the finish, but there are also recurring complaints of a lousy product life.

Also, Panasonic seems to have a real problem with radiation leakage, as this model has the same issue as the NN-SN966S.

PROS
  • Large capacity
  • Easy operation
  • Numerous autocook options
  • Intuitive controls
  • Simple setup
CONS
  • Electromagnetic radiation leakage
  • Lack of keypad
  • Weak product life
Go to top

3. Breville BOV845BSS – Best Convection Microwave Oven

Breville BOV845BSS - Best Convection Microwave Oven
CHECK AMAZON PRICE

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS

ASK A QUESTION

Not everyone is satisfied with the popular revolving plate method that most entry-level microwave ovens function with.

Quite the contrary, some won’t invest in any other unit than a convection microwave oven.

To make sure that you get the best value, we completely recommend the Breville BOV845BSS, which happens to also be the #1 best-selling convection microwave oven on Amazon.

On Amazon, the BOV845BSS has stolen the spotlight from literally any other microwave oven, regardless of category. Aside from its best-seller status, it has the highest customer rating out of all its competitors, with 4.7 stars from more than 1000 reviews. In a nutshell, you can use the BOV845BSS as an effective replacement for any traditional oven.

Main Features

  • 1800W power
  • 10 cooking presets
  • Automatic Keep Warm
  • 13” pizza capacity
  • Non-stick interior

Design & Usability

The BOV845BSS is just the right size to accommodate most households, with 18.5 x 15.75 x 11-inch dimensions.

Although the capacity is 0.8 cubic feet, it should suffice for most regular portions, from 13-inch pizzas to 6 pieces of toast.

Compliments also go to the clever tray, which you can easily pull out for fast cleaning.

Everything that Breville markets about the unit is correct.

The company talks about their non-stick feature, which actually works surprisingly as well as it’s advertised.

Moreover, you have all the options you need for using it as a classic oven.

You can select a preset cooking option for toast, cookies, pizza, bagels, broiling, roasting, reheating, baking, slow cooking or warming.

Quality & Performance

The BOV845BSS is one of the units that doesn’t just throw the term “stainless steel” around in descriptions to grab attention.

The product truly is resistant and has a noticeably solid feel to it.

Sure, there are a few cases of thermal fuse problems, but they’re mostly isolated cases.

Even the lighting is of high quality, compared to competing models.

All in all, you will be saving loads of time by heating your food with the BOV845BSS.

One user reports that “convection setting reduces cooking time by up to 30%”, which is an outstanding fact all on its own.

Not only does it cook extremely fast, but it also cooks your food the right way, at the right temperatures and all around. So if you feel like microwaved baked potatoes, you can be sure to get a good result!

PROS
  • Ultrafast cooking
  • Accurate heating
  • Amazing for cooking from scratch
  • Bright light
  • #1 best-selling Convection Oven
CONS
  • Defective thermal fuse issues
  • Slow broil feature
  • Teflon interior
Go to top

2. Daewoo KOR-7LREM – Best Microwave Oven Design

Daewoo KOR-7LREM - Best Microwave Oven Design
CHECK AMAZON PRICE

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS

ASK A QUESTION
We never thought we would ever judge an oven as being “cute”, that is until we found the Daewoo KOR-7LREM. Cute would be an understatement when describing this gorgeous little appliance that seems to come straight out of a Technicolor movie. Really now – just looking at its product shots is enough to melt your heart.

Individuals who are already customers seem to agree with us, judging by the KOR-7LREM’s 4.4-star average consumer rating and top-seller label among the best microwave oven models for countertops.

Indeed, it is a pretty small microwave, but its beautiful design and $100 price totally make up for its lack of extended space.

Main Features

  • No power consumption while off
  • 4 auto cook options
  • 700W power
  • 5 power levels
  • 10” turntable

Design & Usability

If you value 50s aesthetics, there truly is no better microwave oven on the market for you.

We honestly have never seen a more adorable microwave, nor would we have ever expected to.

Even though KOR-7LREM doesn’t stand out through any techy advantages, its breathtaking mint green/ turquoise coat will definitely have you hitting add to cart faster than you could spell retro.

As opposed to other high-end options we have talked about, the KOR-7LREM can basically be used as a normal microwave oven: push button for heating.

You can benefit, however, from four autocook settings and five levels of power that you can try out.

Amazon reviews recommend it as the best microwave to buy for smaller kitchens, owing to the compact dimensions.

Quality & Performance

There is no doubting the design quality of the KOR-7LREM.

But how about the quality of the unit itself?

Well, we hate to break it to you, but the plastic build comes with the risks you can probably imagine, the worst of which are scratches.

We’re also a bit apprehensive about the product life, seeing as the appliance has a warranty for just 30 days. That’s extremely low, even for countertop models.

You’ll have no problems heating food or beverages with the KOR-7LREM.

However, please be aware of the small cooking power the unit has: only 700 watts.

By comparison, you can realize that you’ll spend more time cooking than you would with almost any other unit on our list.

What we do like though is the full power interruption when it’s not in use.

PROS
  • Fabulous design
  • Energy-saving unit
  • Convenient controls
  • Low price
  • Fast defrost function
CONS
  • Very slow heating
  • Prone to scratches
  • Only 30-day warranty
Go to top

1. Panasonic NN-SU696S – Best Microwave Oven of 2019

Panasonic NN-SU696S - Best Microwave Oven of 2017
CHECK AMAZON PRICE

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS

ASK A QUESTION

When choosing the best microwave oven of the year, we took several aspects into consideration, including power, capacity, features, and budget.

Most of all, we wanted to find the best microwave oven from a value viewpoint.

That’s how we reached the Panasonic NN-SU696S, a nicely sized unit that meets almost all common requirements, and is, therefore, our top pick!

The NN-SU696S wouldn’t have made #1 on our list if it wasn’t a top-rated best-seller, so you can expect its spot on Amazon lists. It’s one of the best countertop microwaves based on sales. What we genuinely admire about the NN-SU696S is that it has just enough of everything you could need from a microwave – plenty of features, high power, generous size and a price that won’t make you break the bank.

Main Features

  • 1100 wattage
  • 7 cooking presets
  • 3 cubic foot capacity
  • Sensor cooking feature
  • Quick 30-second timer

Design & Usability

The modern design of the NN-SU696S makes it a fine choice for any tasteful kitchen.

Actually, it’s so sharp-looking that it even fits into an office setting well.

The stainless steel, one-piece design with gently rounded corners gives it almost chameleon-like qualities for elegantly blending into a chic home or work environment.

It would have been even better if the keypad was backlit, especially since it’s the most quiet microwave oven on the list. If you feel like you want a midnight snack, you can go for one, you just need to turn on the lights.

With the NN-SU696S, you can benefit from 7 specific cooking settings for potato, fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables, frozen pizza, frozen entree, casserole, and meat.

In addition to this, you have three options dedicated to popcorn, keep warm and sensor cook functions.

With the keep warm option, your food stays warm up to half an hour after cooking is completed.

Quality & Performance

Like with any appliance, you can get a dud.

Notwithstanding, the chances are slim and the money you invest is worth it.

You can tell that Panasonic put thought and care into tweaking the features to accommodate the daily needs of the average user, with just the right amount of custom options for cooking anything you would generally need.

While some users complain about the light being on inside only while cooking, we don’t see any need to consume more energy than necessary.

Overall, we admire the fact that Panasonic stayed true to its advertisement with the NN-SU696S.

Arguably the best part is that the sensor cooking actually works, properly determining the optimum temperature for the meal inside.

PROS
  • Great value
  • Effective sensor reheat
  • Easy to use
  • Quiet functioning
  • 3rd best-selling countertop microwave on Amazon
CONS
  • No lights on the keypad
  • Light turns on only during cooking
  • Poorly made door
Go to top

Microwave ovens are becoming smarter and smarter, see the advantages of smart microwave ovens in our post on cool apartment gadgets.

Final Verdict

In summary, it’s not impossible to find the best microwave oven on the market for a decent price.

As you now know, there is a myriad of models available for all kitchens, purposes, and users.

Still, we strongly recommend that you invest a bit of time prior to investing your earnings in a microwave.

There are several questions you should thoroughly go through before buying a unit on an impulse:

  • Size – What dimensions should I look for in my microwave oven? Have I measured my countertop or cabinet opening yet?
  • System – Do I want a convection microwave oven? Am I interested in replacing my traditional oven entirely?
  • Power – Am I willing to invest more in order to get higher cooking power?
  • Features – Do I want to have specific presets at my fingertips? Or do I prefer old-school designs with knobs?
  • Budget – Am I looking for a temporary replacement with a low amount of money? Do I want to make a long-term investment?
  • Smart Home – Do I need an Alexa-enabled microwave oven to match my smart home arsenal? Is voice control an absolute must in my next countertop?

What does the microwave oven of your dreams look like?

Did you find it on our list? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments below and enjoy the new addition to your kitchen!

This post was last updated in November 2019 and may contain Amazon affiliate links. This means that we may receive a small commission if you click one of those links and make a purchase, at no expense for you. The Amazon affiliate program helps us keep the site up and running.

probestreviews site icon
PBR Editorial Team

The PBR Editorial Team takes care that all the articles on the website are up to date and relevant to your interests. If any article you stumble upon seems outdated, leave us a comment and we’ll get to it! We’re already doing the best we can to keep everything nice and neat, but our schedule might have missed something so do let us know!


  • 5
  •  
  • 8
  •  
  •  
  •  
    13
    Shares
Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest
Previous article Best Gaming Monitor to Buy in 2019
Next article Shop and Stay Safe! – 40 Holiday Shopping Safety Tips to Know
Related Posts
Why These 10 Cool Apartment Gadgets Are Everything in 2019

Why These 10 Cool Apartment Gadgets Are Everything in 2019

100+ Alexa Commands - What Can Alexa Do Right Now?

100+ Alexa Commands - What Can Alexa Do Right Now?

Best Steam Iron to Buy in 2019

Best Steam Iron to Buy in 2019

6 Comments
  1. Abe Green
    July 10, 2018 at 4:11 pm Reply

    I got a really good deal on my Panasonic that I bought from Amazon a few years ago. That is a great make and I have no complaints about our microwave. I went with it because some brands are not so well known and Panasonic is quite reputable to begin with.

    1. Jerry Russell
      July 24, 2018 at 6:35 am Reply

      Hi, Abe,

      Thank you for the feedback. We’re happy you enjoyed our recommendations.

      Have a great day!

  2. Renee
    July 15, 2018 at 6:37 pm Reply

    There is nothing about Breville that deserves to be commended about. I am not believing this when you say this is the best selling microwave on Amazon. I had thermal fuse issues with it, and I know I was not the only one who had that experience with this brand.

    1. Jerry Russell
      July 24, 2018 at 7:54 am Reply

      Hi, Renee,

      Thanks for sharing your opinion. We’re sorry you had a bad experience with one of our picks. Which brand would you recommend instead?

      Have a great day!

  3. Tam
    July 30, 2018 at 3:58 pm Reply

    Toshiba is a very good make as I have only used Toshiba microwaves and other appliances made by them. Yes, they are costly but they are well worth what they charge. You won’t be able to get anything better than what they offer.

    1. Jerry Russell
      August 1, 2018 at 3:10 pm Reply

      Thank you for your feedback, Tam!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Pro Best Reviews


Related Posts
Why These 10 Cool Apartment Gadgets Are Everything in 2019

Why These 10 Cool Apartment Gadgets Are Everything in 2019

01671
100+ Alexa Commands - What Can Alexa Do Right Now?

100+ Alexa Commands - What Can Alexa Do Right Now?

0227
Best Steam Iron to Buy in 2019

Best Steam Iron to Buy in 2019

61815
Best Electric Shaver to Buy in 2019

Best Electric Shaver to Buy in 2019

61838
Best Coffee Makers to Buy in 2019

Best Coffee Makers to Buy in 2019

52671
Timeline
Dec 2nd 2:54 PM
Computers & Laptops

Top 10 Cool Gadgets for Men in 2019 (The Ultimate Gift Idea List)

Nov 30th 5:03 AM
Blog

Shop and Stay Safe! – 40 Holiday Shopping Safety Tips to Know

Nov 19th 7:00 AM
Household Appliances

Best Microwave Oven of 2019 – We’ll Help You Find the One

"We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites."

Copyright © Pro Best Reviews 2017 - 2019. All rights reserved.
About Us | Contact | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Cookies

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more.