Best Microwave Oven to Buy in 2018

Shopping for appliances is never an easy task. Whether you’re browsing online options or checking out the newest models in stores, there’s always a chance that you’ll be paying a small fortune for electronics 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 want to take some weight off your shoulders by showcasing our carefully reviewed best microwave oven options of the year. See which models made the list below and choose yours with confidence!

Best Microwave Oven 2018

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

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.

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 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.

9. Farberware Classic FMO11AHTBKB – Best Countertop Microwave Oven

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.

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 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.

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

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 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.

7. Frigidaire FGMC2765PF – Best Wall Oven Microwave Combo

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.

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.

6. GE JVM3160RFSS – Best Over the Range Microwave Oven

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.

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.

5. Westinghouse WCM660B – Best Small Microwave Oven

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 #1 best-selling compact microwave oven on Amazon, Westinghouse WCM660B, is a must-have.

Main Features

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

Design & Usability

Simple as it may be, the WCM660B 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 WCM660B 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 WCM660B 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.

4. Panasonic NN-SD975S – Best Large Microwave Oven

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.

3. Breville BOV845BSS – Best Convection Microwave Oven

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.

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.

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

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: for heating. You can benefit, however, from four autocook settings and five levels of power that you can try out. We particularly recommend it 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.

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.

1. Panasonic NN-SU696S – Best Microwave Oven of 2018

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.

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.

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. If you want to shop for more appliances, we also recommend our best washer and dryer and best coffee maker guides for home inspiration.

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?

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!