The 5 Best Microwaves of 2025

Our Picks of Microwave Ovens

Best Overall Microwave

Magic Chef MC110MB

Capacity	1.1 cu. ft
Power i	1000 watts
Measured Turntable Diameter	12.4"
Measured External Size i	20.6" x 11.8" x 14.7"
Measured Internal Size i	13.1" x 8.2" x 12.5"

How the Magic Chef performed in our taste testing: The Magic Chef MC110MB impressed me with its ability to cook a wide array of foods well. It cooked some of the best frozen lasagna we've had, which was perfectly warmed throughout the dish. The cheese was delightfully melty, and the tomato sauce hot and savory. The Hot Pocket had golden, flaky layers on the outside and hot, gooey cheese on the inside.

The 1000-Watt Magic Chef is an excellent choice for households that use their microwave for just about everything. As someone who eats frozen Trader Joe's meals on the regular, I love this microwave for its superior frozen food heating and remarkably fast heating (the fastest we tested). The preset functions also work as intended, particularly the popcorn setting that left just 23 unpopped kernels. As our lead tester noted, “The popcorn I tasted was delightful and had good texture.”

When reheating pizza, I was pleased to see that the cheese melted nicely, while the crust avoided becoming overly chewy. That said, other microwaves, like the Panasonic NN-SN686S, reheated our leftover pizza so well that it almost tasted fresh out of the box. But I found it performed well for everyday tasks for my family.

With its spacious 1.1 cubic foot capacity and user-friendly interface featuring convenient one-touch quick start buttons, this microwave proves ideal for busy families. But, for those working with limited counter space, the Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft offers reliable performance in a more compact footprint, though its lower wattage means slightly slower heating times. Ultimately, the Magic Chef MC110MB represents an exceptional value that punches well above its price point, delivering tasty results for everyday microwave tasks without the premium price tag of higher-end models.

Read more: Magic Chef MC110MB review

Best Compact Microwave

Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft

Capacity	0.7 cu. ft
Power i	700 watts
Measured Turntable Diameter	10"
Measured External Size i	17.3" x 10.2" x 14.1"
Measured Internal Size i	10.8" x 6.8" x 10.2"

How the Farberware 700W performed in our taste testing: The Farberware 700W delivered mixed results in taste-related performance. While reheated pizza achieved high enough temperatures for me to have a pleasurable slice of pizza, I was disappointed to find that the cheese wasn't hot and melty like the Magic Chef's. The frozen lasagna we heated tasted had a mushier texture, with significant temperature variations between the edges and the center. To get better heating results, I had to put it back in just a little longer.

The Farberware 700W is a small, 0.7 cu. ft microwave that is great for those looking to save money and space, and only want to use their microwave for reheating. We found that it consistently delivered tasty, evenly heated leftovers despite its lower wattage, with temperatures ranging from 130°F to 180°F across slices. The lower wattage is an advantage when defrosting, successfully thawing 80% of a one-pound frozen turkey, whereas other units like the Black+Decker EM031MB11 only thawed 43% of ground meat. It also comes with nifty quick buttons, like a one-touch QuickStart and +30 seconds.

There are some trade-offs, like how slowly it heats. When we tested heating speed by warming a beaker of refrigerated water for 45 seconds, the Farberware only heated up to 120°F, falling short of models like the Magic Chef, which reached 150°F in the same timeframe. That said, I was still able to get my rewarmed coffee drinkable in a decent amount of time, but having to add an extra 30 seconds is a slight inconvenience. It also failed when heating frozen foods. Our frozen lasagna emerged very wet and mushy with a concerning 76-degree temperature spread between hot and cold spots.

Read more: Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft review

Most Versatile Microwave

Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1

Capacity	1.2 cu. ft
Power i	1000 watts
Measured Turntable Diameter	14.1"
Measured External Size i	21.6" x 13.3" x 18.2"
Measured Internal Size i	15" x 9.2" x 15.3"

How the Panasonic HomeChef performed in our taste testing: The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 delivered the tastiest results in our heating tests. This unit makes a mouthwatering Hot Pocket, as one tester noted, “I could actually see the layers in the crust, it was so delicious.” Where the Panasonic truly excelled was in reheating leftovers. One tester commented, “The crust stayed soft and delicious” when tasting reheated pizza.

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 has great functionality. It can air fry, broil, and convection bake, and comes with over 20 presets for everything from hot chocolate to croissants. It can even steam vegetables! Cleaning the inside of my microwave is my least favorite part of owning one, which is why I appreciate the stellar steam-cleaning feature.

This unit also had the most evenly heated food we tested, thanks to its inverter technology. Our heat map test revealed remarkably even browning across the 14.1-inch turntable, with no significant cold spots, demonstrating the unit's ability to maintain consistent power delivery throughout the cooking cycle. It's also one of the fastest units we tested, thanks to its 1000-watt power.

The frozen food and defrosting performance proved adequate but showed room for improvement compared to competitors. It took 9 minutes and 28 seconds to defrost a pound of ground turkey with multiple interruptions for turning, while the GE GCST10A1WSS completed the same task in 7 minutes and 8 seconds with its more sophisticated auto-defrost algorithm. The Panasonic left 2.75 ounces still frozen, requiring additional defrosting time, which seems excessive for a premium microwave with sensor technology. This unit is also very expensive, and the interface takes a minute to get accustomed to. However, it could be worth the cost if you plan on using it to bake, broil, and air fry. All told, if you want a multi-function appliance that makes your food taste truly amazing, this is the best option.

Read more: Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 review

Best Large Capacity Microwave

Toshiba EM131A5C

How the Toshiba EM131A5C performed in our taste testing: The Toshiba EM131A5C made a hot, golden, and gooey Hot Pocket test that was wonderfully crispy. On the other hand, the frozen lasagna had some cold spots and tasted cooler around the edges. When reheating pizza, the cheese softened and was warm enough without burning my mouth. I also appreciated that the crust remained soft inside.

The larger, 20.5" x 12.8" x 17.1" Toshiba EM131A5C can easily fit even the heftiest dinner plate inside. The spacious 12.4-inch turntable easily accommodated large casserole dishes, and the straightforward control panel with express cooking buttons made daily operation refreshingly simple. If you use your microwave for defrosting, this unit perfectly thaws meat without any cooked edges. This powerful 1100-watt unit is fairly fast, heating beverages by 79°F in just 45 seconds. Although this is noticeably less than the lightning-fast Magic Chef.

Capacity	1.2 cu. ft
Power i	1100 watts
Measured Turntable Diameter	12.4"
Measured External Size i	20.5" x 12.8" x 17.1"
Measured Internal Size i	15" x 9.5" x 13.1"

When it comes to popcorn, this machine really shines. The popcorn button cooked it for 1 minute and 50 seconds, and I was delighted to find zero burned pieces and a minimal amount of unpopped kernels. The popcorn produced by this unit was described as “light, fluffy, and delicious” by our taste testers.

That said, the heat map test revealed a troubling pattern of concentrated hot spots in the center, with the middle burning while leaving an almost raw outer ring. This unevenness in heat correlates with what we experienced in the frozen lasagna test, where the center was warmed, but the rest was cold. And while the pizza reheated well enough that our taste testers enjoyed eating it, it didn't reach the epitome of meltiness that the Panasonic HomeChef achieved. While the EM131A5C isn't perfect, it remains a solid choice for those who prioritize defrosting and need a high-capacity microwave for basic tasks like reheating leftovers.

Read more: Toshiba EM131A5C review

Best Convection Microwave for Most

GE GCST10A1WSS

Capacity	1.0 cu. ft
Power i	1050 watts
Measured Turntable Diameter	12.4"
Measured External Size i	20" x 11.7" x 16.4"
Measured Internal Size i	14" x 8.3" x 12.8"

How the GE GCST10A1WSS performed in our taste testing: The GE GCST10A1WSS made moist, softened cheese pizza that our taste testers enjoyed, but didn't achieve the hot, meltiness of the Magic Chef. I liked that the frozen lasagna heated evenly, but I found the watery bottom to be unappetizing and required a few more minutes of heating for the sauce to get the right consistency.

Despite its heating inconsistencies, the GE GCST10A1WSS excels in defrosting capabilities and offers versatile preset options, including convection, air fry, and broil modes. The defrost function impressed with its ability to thaw a one-pound block of ground beef without any cooking, aided by helpful audio prompts throughout the 7-minute cycle. Our lead tester raved, “The defrost setting is nearly flawless. I like that it can accommodate 6 pounds of frozen meat.”

While the GE GCST10A1WSS delivers decent heating performance with its 1050-watt power, it struggles with consistency. During testing, it managed to raise water temperature by 84°F in 45 seconds—placing it mid-pack among tested models, which indicates it can handle heating your coffee or soup, but won't do so as quickly as the Magic Chef. For those seeking even heating in a more compact design, the Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft delivers more consistent heating despite its lower wattage and smaller size, proving that effective microwave performance isn't always about raw power or capacity.

Read more: GE GCST10A1WSS review

How We Tested

To comprehensively evaluate these microwaves, we developed a rigorous testing methodology that examines their real-world performance across numerous tests. We test across four specific metrics that matter most to home cooks. Each metric includes multiple tests designed to reveal how these appliances perform with different types of food and how they affect the taste.

• Heating Performance (40% of overall score weighting)

• Frozen Foods (30% weighting)

• Defrosting (20% weighting)

• Presets (10% weighting)

For heating performance, we reheat leftover pizza and taste each slice to evaluate the heat and texture. We then use an infrared camera to capture heat distribution patterns and time how quickly each unit heats water to see how effectively each unit reheats beverages. The frozen foods tests challenge each microwave with a single-serve frozen lasagna and Hot Pockets to assess how well they handle common convenience foods. Our defrosting tests use standardized portions of ground meat to determine which models can thaw food evenly without cooking the edges. Finally, we examine the preset functions, including the ever-popular popcorn button, to see which microwaves truly deliver on their convenience.

Why Trust GearLab

My team and I have a strong science and testing background that we've utilized to carefully craft GearLab's microwave review. I'm Mallory Paige. I have a Bachelor of Food Science degree from Colorado State University, which prepared me to analyze large datasets. I have been a writer for more than a decade, with a focus on creating detailed and useful gear reviews. I've worked in several high-end resort restaurants and successfully ran an in-home catering business. And as a busy mom of three, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and know the importance of finding appliances that work well without any fuss.

Lead tester and kitchen connoisseur Lesley Robinson has a B.S. degree in Food Science from CalPoly and has worked in quality control for a chocolate company as a professional baker. She has tested nearly every kitchen appliance at GearLab, from air fryers to sous-vide cookers.

Throughout the testing process, the entire GearLab team became frozen food connoisseurs, consuming far more pizza, lasagna, and Hot Pockets than anyone perhaps should.

What's the Best Value?

The Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft is the best value for anyone who only wants their microwave to perform the basics like reheating beverages or last night's supper. Despite its lower wattage, this compact model delivered surprisingly even heating and handled our meals with finesse, creating delicious leftovers that rival more expensive units. Its consistent performance across multiple tests, combined with its budget-friendly price point, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.

That said, value depends on your kitchen space and even the inside of your microwave. If you can't fit a full-size dinner plate in your microwave (which the Farberware is guilty of), then it may be worth increasing your budget for a microwave that can, which is why it's also worth mentioning the larger and slightly more expensive Magic Chef MC110MB. It warmed food that was delicious and evenly heated, with particularly impressive results in our speed heating tests, where it achieved a remarkable 106-degree temperature increase.

Analysis and Test Results

For the microwaves we tested, we divided our suite of testing assessments into four weighted metrics: heating performance, frozen foods, defrosting, and presets, and paid particular attention to the taste of each food we heated.

Heating Performance

Heating performance is the cornerstone of any microwave's functionality, accounting for 40% of our overall scoring. We evaluate how evenly each model distributes heat, how quickly it can warm food, and how well it handles the universal microwave challenge: reheating yesterday's pizza to mouthwatering perfection.

Pizza Reheating

The true test of any microwave lies in its ability to resurrect leftover pizza into something approaching its former glory. We placed two cold cheese pizza slices in each microwave for 45 seconds, evaluating temperature consistency, cheese meltiness, and crust texture.

The Black+Decker EM031MB11 delivered slices that were not just hot but deliciously so. The cheese achieved that perfect stretchy, melty consistency we all crave, while the temperature remained beautifully even across both slices, save for one small cool spot. The Panasonic NN-SN686S also excelled here, producing warmed pizza with exceptional cheese pull that made our taste testers genuinely excited about leftovers. One taste tester also noted, “the crust was well warmed, but not too hard or crusty.”

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 reheated pizza that emerged hot and appetizing. As our lead tester raved, “This is the meltiest of the bunch — just look at that cheese pull!” Both the GE GCST10A1WSS and Magic Chef MC110MB delivered solid results with good heat distribution and satisfying cheese melt, making them reliable choices for pizza lovers. The Nostalgia RMO4AQ and Comfee EM720CPL-PMB both produced surprisingly tasty results given their budget positioning, with the Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft managing respectable warming despite its lower wattage, though the crust remained somewhat limp compared to higher-powered models.

Heat Map

For this portion of the heating test, we use an infrared camera to capture how evenly each microwave heats. We spread Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallow creme evenly on parchment paper cut to the size of the turntable and microwave on high for two minutes, looking for consistent browning patterns that indicate even heat distribution.

Commercial Chef CHM770B GE GCST10A1WSS

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 dominated this test with the most uniform heating we observed. The marshmallow creme showed consistent browning from center to edge, with the infrared camera revealing impressively even heat distribution across the entire turntable. While the center ran slightly hotter, there were no cold spots, and the outer edges looked perfectly done rather than undercooked. The GE GCST10A1WSS was fairly even, showing three distinct heating rings but maintaining good overall coverage that would translate to evenly warmed leftovers.

The Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft surprised us with its heat distribution performance, especially given its lower wattage. After an extra minute of cooking time to compensate for the 700-watt power, it produced minimal color change with just a few golden spots and no burning, indicating gentle, even heating ideal for delicate foods.

In contrast, the Magic Chef MC110MB showed a more aggressive heating pattern with a burnt center spot surrounded by golden areas, suggesting it excels at speed over finesse. The Panasonic NN-SN686S fell somewhere in the middle, with a hot center and noticeable temperature variations across the surface that could lead to unevenly heated meals.

Heating Speed Test

Speed matters when you're rushing to warm your morning coffee or heat soup for lunch. We tested each microwave's heating prowess by warming 125 mL of refrigerated water for 45 seconds, measuring the temperature increase to determine heating efficiency.

Measured 45 Second Temperature Rise

Product	Temperature Change
Magic Chef MC110MB	106
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1	99
Panasonic NN-SN686S	91
Panasonic NN-SB458S	89
GE GCST10A1WSS	84
Black+Decker EM031MB11	83
Toshiba EM131A5C	79
Farberware 700W	76
Nostalgia RMO4AQ	75
Commercial Chef CHM770B	74
Black+Decker EM720CB7	73
Comfee EM720CPL-PMB	67

The Magic Chef MC110MB absolutely crushed this test with an astounding 106-degree temperature increase, demonstrating raw heating power that translates to faster meal prep times. The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 followed closely, combining speed with the even heating we observed in other tests. These powerhouse microwaves can significantly reduce waiting times for everything from morning oatmeal to evening tea.

The Panasonic NN-SN686S and Panasonic NN-SB458S both achieved respectable temperature increases of 91 and 89 degrees, respectively, offering solid heating speed that balances power consumption with performance. The GE GCST10A1WSS delivered a middle-of-the-road 84-degree increase, adequate for most daily heating tasks without being exceptional. Meanwhile, the Toshiba EM131A5C managed a 79-degree increase, sufficient for patient users who prioritize other features over raw speed.

Overall Heating Performance

Based on hours spent analyzing infrared camera data for hot spots, timing heating speed, and eating reheated pizza, our overall scores for Heating Performance can be found in the chart below.

Overall Heating Performance

Product	Heat Map	Heat Speed Test	Pizza Taste
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1	8	8	7.5
Magic Chef MC110MB	4	9	7
Panasonic NN-SN686S	5	7	8
Black+Decker EM031MB11	4	6	9
GE GCST10A1WSS	7	6	6
Farberware 700W	7	5	6
Toshiba EM131A5C	4	6	6
Nostalgia RMO4AQ	3	5	7
Panasonic NN-SB458S	6	7	2
Comfee EM720CPL-PMB	3	4	7
Commercial Chef CHM770B	4	5	5
Black+Decker EM720CB7	5	5	3

Frozen Foods

The frozen foods test separates adequate microwaves from exceptional ones, challenging each model with both delicate pasta dishes and hefty Hot Pockets. These tests comprise 30% of our overall scoring because, let's face it, being able to quickly and confidently heat up your favorite Trader Joe's frozen meal is half the reason you even have a microwave.

Frozen Lasagna

We tested each microwave's ability to heat frozen lasagna according to package directions, measuring temperature consistency across multiple zones and evaluating the final taste and texture. A great microwave should deliver piping hot pasta with bubbling cheese and no cold centers or overcooked edges.

The Magic Chef MC110MB proved itself a frozen food champion, heating our test lasagna to perfection with minimal temperature variation across zones. Every bite delivered that satisfying combination of molten cheese, tender pasta, and well-heated sauce that makes frozen lasagna actually enjoyable. The GE GCST10A1WSS followed closely, producing evenly heated results that would satisfy any hungry diner, with cheese that achieved beautiful golden spots without burning.

The Panasonic NN-SN686S demonstrated why it commands a premium price, delivering restaurant-quality results from a frozen brick. The lasagna emerged with perfectly melted cheese displaying appetizing browning, while the interior reached food-safe temperatures throughout without any dried edges. Even the typically problematic corners were heated through, making every portion equally delectable. The Commercial Chef CHM770B, while not a top overall performer, surprised us with competent lasagna heating that resulted in a satisfying meal, though with slightly more temperature variation than our leaders.

Average Difference in Temperature for Microwaved Frozen Lasagna

Product	Average Temperature Difference
GE GCST10A1WSS	8
Magic Chef MC110MB	9
Commercial Chef CHM770B	10
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB	13
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1	13
Panasonic NN-SN686S	17
Black+Decker EM031MB11	21
Farberware 700W	27
Black+Decker EM720CB7	29
Panasonic NN-SB458S	29
Toshiba EM131A5C	36
Nostalgia RMO4AQ	43

Hot Pocket

Hot Pockets represent the ultimate microwave challenge: achieving consistent heating throughout a thick, dough-wrapped filling without creating molten lava spots or frozen centers. We measured temperatures at three points and evaluated overall texture and palatability.

The Toshiba EM131A5C, Black+Decker EM720CB7, Magic Chef, and Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 all delivered Hot Pocket perfection, achieving remarkably even heating that eliminated the usual temperature roulette. Every bite offered the same satisfying warmth without any mouth-scorching surprises, while the crust maintained a pleasant texture rather than becoming rubbery or tough. The filling was consistently heated to an ideal eating temperature that made these convenience foods genuinely enjoyable.

The GE GCST10A1WSS and Panasonic NN-SN686S both produced excellent results with minimal temperature variation and delicious outcomes. The filling reached perfect eating temperatures without mouth-burning hot spots, while the crust retained enough structure to hold everything together. The Commercial Chef didn't quite achieve the golden brown, flaky crust that I wanted, but the inside was heavenly.

Overall Frozen Foods Performance

After weeks of stuffing ourselves with frozen foods and getting technical with temp probes, this chart shows the overall frozen foods performance ratings.

Overall Frozen Food

Product	Lasagna Taste	Hot Pocket Taste
Magic Chef MC110MB	8	9
Commercial Chef CHM770B	8	7
Toshiba EM131A5C	4	10
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1	6	8
Black+Decker EM031MB11	5	8
GE GCST10A1WSS	7	5
Panasonic NN-SN686S	5	7
Black+Decker EM720CB7	1	10
Comfee EM720CPL-PMB	3	8
Nostalgia RMO4AQ	1	9
Panasonic NN-SB458S	2	8
Farberware 700W	3	6

Defrosting

Defrosting represents one of the microwave's most valuable yet challenging functions. We tested each model's ability to thaw one pound of frozen ground meat using the defrost setting, evaluating how evenly the meat thawed without cooking the edges—a common microwave defrosting failure.

Percentage of Meat Defrosted

Product	Percentage Defrosted
Toshiba EM131A5C	93.75
GE GCST10A1WSS	88
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1	85.9
Nostalgia RMO4AQ	79.7
Farberware 700W	78.1
Magic Chef MC110MB	78.1
Panasonic NN-SN686S	76.4
Black+Decker EM720CB7	75
Comfee EM720CPL-PMB	73.75
Commercial Chef CHM770B	66.3
Panasonic NN-SB458S	54.7
Black+Decker EM031MB11	43

The Toshiba EM131A5C and GE GCST10A1WSS emerged as our defrosting champions, gently and evenly thawing meat without any cooked edges or frozen centers. The Toshiba thawed 93.75% of the meat in 9 minutes and 40 seconds, and the GE thawed 88% in just 7 minutes and 8 seconds.

The intelligent defrost cycle on the GE included well-timed pauses and power adjustments that resulted in perfectly thawed meat ready for cooking. This level of defrosting precision makes meal prep significantly easier when you've forgotten to move meat from the freezer to the fridge.

The Magic Chef MC110MB also excelled at defrosting, removing an impressive 78.1% of frost quickly in only 7 minutes and 8 seconds while maintaining the meat's raw state throughout. Its defrost cycle seemed particularly well-calibrated for the one-pound portions most home cooks use regularly.

The Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft, despite its low power and cost, did surprisingly well here, defrosting 78.1% with no cooked edges. That said, it took a bit longer at 10 minutes and 44 seconds.

Presets

Preset functions promise one-touch convenience, but their effectiveness varies dramatically between models. We evaluated both the variety and accuracy of preset options, with special attention to the popcorn setting—arguably the most used preset in American kitchens.

The GE GCST10A1WSS impressed us with its comprehensive preset selection and intelligent sensor technology that actually delivered on convenience promises. Beyond standard options, it included genuinely useful presets for specific foods, and most importantly, they worked as advertised. One-touch operation meant truly one touch—no need to hit start afterward—and the 30-second addition button proved invaluable for fine-tuning heating times.

The Commercial Chef CHM770B and Magic Chef MC110MB both offered solid preset selections with intuitive operation. Both models featured the essential quick-start options, where pressing “2” immediately starts two minutes of heating, plus dedicated 30-second buttons for quick adjustments. The Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft kept things simple but functional with basic presets that covered most common uses without overwhelming users with options they'll never touch.

We initially struggled with the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1. Because there are over 20 settings, you have to scroll through them with the knob and then wait for the rest of the word to scroll across the screen. It also doesn't show what the preset is all at once. You can only see a number and the first four letters of the word, which is a bit frustrating. That said, once you get the hang of using this device, it offers a ton of built-in presets and functionality that work well.

In my house, we love to use the popcorn preset for movie night snacks. On a good microwave, it will eliminate the need to stand by and listen carefully. We tested each microwave's popcorn setting with standard 3.2-ounce bags, evaluating cook time, kernel pop rate, and most critically, whether the results were delicious or disappointingly burnt.

Unpopped Popcorn Kernals

Product	Unpopped Kernals
Panasonic NN-SB458S	8
Black+Decker EM031MB11	21
Magic Chef MC110MB	23
Panasonic NN-SN686S	37
Toshiba EM131A5C	39
GE GCST10A1WSS	67
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1	81
Nostalgia RMO4AQ	82
Black+Decker EM720CB7	95
Commercial Chef CHM770B	112
Farberware 700W	126
Comfee EM720CPL-PMB	192

The Panasonic NN-SB458S was the most effective in terms of quantity, popping nearly the entire bag of popcorn with no burnt pieces left over. Though it didn't have the same amazing, light, and fluffy taste as other microwaves.

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 produced popcorn perfection with its sensor-based popcorn setting. Nearly every kernel popped into light, airy perfection without any burnt pieces or excess unpopped kernels littering the bottom of the bag. The finished popcorn had that ideal movie theater texture—crispy but not dry, with butter distributed evenly throughout.

The Magic Chef MC110MB also delivered excellent popcorn with minimal unpopped kernels and no burning. The preset timing seemed perfectly calibrated for standard bag sizes, producing consistently delicious results that made movie night a success. The Toshiba EM131A5C surprised us with well-popped corn that maintained great texture, though a few more kernels remained unpopped compared to our top performers.

Overall Presets Score

Product	Presets	Popcorn Preset Effectiveness
Toshiba EM131A5C	9	9
Black+Decker EM031MB11	9	8
Magic Chef MC110MB	9	8
GE GCST10A1WSS	9	6
Black+Decker EM720CB7	9	5
Panasonic NN-SB458S	5	9
Farberware 700W	9	5
Commercial Chef CHM770B	9	5
Comfee EM720CPL-PMB	9	4
Panasonic NN-SN686S	5	8
Nostalgia RMO4AQ	5	5
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1	5	5

How to Pick the Best Microwave for Your Kitchen

Selecting the perfect microwave involves balancing multiple factors against your specific needs and kitchen constraints. Consider these key aspects to find your ideal appliance.

Size and Capacity

Microwave capacity directly impacts what you can cook and how efficiently you use counter space. Compact models under 1 cubic foot work well for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or occasional use, handling mugs, small plates, and individual portions.

Mid-size units from 1 to 1.5 cubic feet accommodate most dinner plates and standard casserole dishes, making them ideal for couples or small families. Large models exceeding 1.5 cubic feet can handle party platters, large casseroles, and multiple items simultaneously, perfect for family cooking or entertaining. Remember to measure your available counter space and consider the door swing clearance before falling in love with a particular model.

Cost vs Cooking Performance

Finding the sweet spot between price and performance requires honest assessment of your microwave usage patterns. Budget models under $100 can deliver surprisingly competent basic heating, as the Farberware demonstrates. However, spending slightly more often yields significant improvements in heating evenness, defrosting capabilities, and useful features.

Premium models above $200 typically offer sensor cooking, inverter technology for consistent power delivery, and convection capabilities that can replace several countertop appliances. Consider the cost per use over the microwave's lifetime—if you use it daily, investing in better heating performance often proves worthwhile.

Types of Microwaves

Today's market offers far more than basic reheating boxes. Standard countertop models focus on microwave cooking with very basic presets. Multi-use microwaves often add convection cooking, broiling, or even air frying capabilities, effectively providing multiple appliances in one package.

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 is a great example, as it offers microwave, convection, broiling, and air frying functions that can handle everything from defrosting to baking cookies. These multi-function units cost more but can replace several kitchen appliances, making them excellent values for versatile cooks with limited space.

Essential Features vs Your Cooking Habits

You'll want to match your microwave to your actual usage. If you mostly reheat coffee and warm leftovers, a basic model with good heating distribution will serve you perfectly. Popcorn enthusiasts should prioritize models with accurate sensor-based popcorn settings that consistently deliver perfectly popped kernels.

Frozen food aficionados need strong, even heating performance and intelligent sensor cooking that can handle everything from individual dinners to family-size lasagnas. If you frequently cook from scratch but rely on the microwave for defrosting, prioritize models with sophisticated defrost cycles that won't partially cook your ingredients. And, consider preset options realistically. While dozens of presets seem impressive, most users rely on just a handful of frequently used settings.

Safety Standards

The updated UL safety regulations require a two-step child lock system when opening the door. Any microwave made after April 2024 will have this child lock system in place. We found that it is often possible to override it on many models, but we also grew accustomed to it, and it wasn't a major inconvenience when microwaving.

Conclusion

After extensive testing and countless reheated meals, we've found that the best microwave for your kitchen depends on balancing performance, features, and value against your specific needs. The perfect microwave transforms mundane reheating into consistently delicious results, making every leftover meal, frozen dinner, and bag of popcorn turn out exactly as intended.

If you need to fully outfit a new kitchen, or simply need to upgrade some outdated appliances, we've also tested toaster ovens and other handy kitchen appliances like food processors, and top-rated griddles.