Microwave Buying Guide
How to Choose a Microwave
How Much Do You Want to Spend?
Countertop microwaves are the most widely sold and usually cost less than over-the-range types. Small models in our ratings start around $60, and midsized models are typically priced from just under $100 up to $500. Some OTR microwaves are available for under $200, but most we’ve tested cost $400 or more. Some countertop models are available with kits that give you a built-in look for less.
Where Will You Put It?
Think about where a microwave will work best, and how much space you have. Midsized countertop models, for example, are typically a little over 20 inches wide and up to 18 inches deep; large microwaves can be an inch or two larger. You’ll want to factor in height as well, but unless you have very low cabinets—the standard spacing is 18 inches—a countertop model should fit in nicely. We list dimensions on the model page for each microwave in our ratings.
How Big Is Big Enough?
The size of the unit doesn’t always translate into usable cooking space. Our research shows that usable capacity for tested microwaves is about 50 percent of what manufacturers claim.
What About Wattage?
Models with more watts typically have more cooking power, but a difference of 100 watts or so doesn’t matter much. All the microwaves in our tests have a minimum of 700 watts; models with higher wattages provide faster and more even cooking. The microwaves we recommend feature power levels between 1,050 and 1,250 watts. (You can see the watts in the full view of our microwave ratings by sliding the Ratings & Specs bar to the right.) The usable capacity and wattages presented below are based on our tested models.
Microwave Types
Depending on your kitchen layout, you’ll want either a countertop microwave or an over-the-range model. Here are some primary differences between the two.
Countertop Microwaves
Countertop microwaves are available at a range of prices and don’t require installation. You can plug them into an ordinary outlet, but use one dedicated to the microwave or it might trip your circuit breaker. Check the usable capacity in our ratings and note the microwave’s external dimensions to make sure it will fit in the space you have for it. Some are equipped with a convection mode that uses a heating element and a fan to bake or roast items as you would in a traditional oven.
Usable Capacity
Most of the models we tested in this category have a usable capacity of about 50 to 60 percent of what manufacturers claim.
Watts
Around 700 for small
800 to 1,250 for midsized
1,000 to 1,250 for large
Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens
OTRs free up counter space and tend to give you more space to heat food because they’re fairly wide. Because of their placement, though, they may be a bit hard to reach if you’re on the shorter side. They have exhaust fans, some of which can be vented to the outside, but don’t expect an OTR to exhaust cooking gases as well as a range hood. When we test venting ability, we measure the volume of air drawn in by the microwave’s internal fan on its highest setting. OTR microwave installation might require an electrician.
Usable Capacity
Most of our tested OTR models have a usable capacity of about 40 to 50 percent of what manufacturers claim.
Watts
900 to 1,200
Features to Focus On
As prices for microwaves go up, so do the number of features. One that we find invaluable is a sensor, which measures the steam that food emits and turns off the microwave when cooking is done. Here are other features to consider.
Turntables and Trays
They keep food moving for uniform heating. Most microwaves have a turntable that rotates food. Others have a rectangular tray that slides from side to side, which might work better for large casseroles or platters.
Quick Keys
A 1-minute or 30-second key requires just a tap to extend the preset cooking time, maintaining whichever power level was selected. It also allows quick adjustments to your previous settings. Pushing the button more than once multiplies the time extension.
Racks
These let you speed things up by cooking multiple dishes simultaneously. They may also improve convection cooking by allowing heat to flow beneath the cooking dish. But you may have trouble fitting even a coffee mug in some models unless you remove the rack, so check those dimensions when shopping.
Shortcut Keys
They take the guesswork out of cooking popular foods such as popcorn and frozen vegetables, and some models have shortcuts for oatmeal, pasta, stew, and grits.
Convection Cooking, Grilling, and Browning
These features offer the appeal of a second oven in your kitchen. But none of the models we tested consistently provided the results you’d get from a traditional oven or a grill.
Child Lock
If there are children in the house, a lockout function prevents them from opening the door and possibly getting burned by hot food.
Air-Fry Mode
A microwave with an air-fry setting can crisp your food using a convection fan to disperse heat across the surface, drying it ever so slightly on all sides.
Turntables and Trays
They keep food moving for uniform heating. Most microwaves have a turntable that rotates food. Others have a rectangular tray that slides from side to side, which might work better for large casseroles or platters.
Microwave Brands
Recently Tested Microwave Ovens
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