8 Best Microwaves of 2026, Lab-Tested and Reviewed
CR tests countertop and over-the-range models from Commercial Chef, GE, LG, and other brands
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Before you shop for your next microwave, here’s a takeaway from our tests: Bigger can be better. Of the 23 microwaves we recommend, all but two have a claimed capacity of 1.2 cubic feet or more. That’s not to say that there aren’t some solid choices among smaller models (and we highlight one below), but medium- to large-sized microwaves are likely to offer more power and features.
Speaking of space, be aware that, based on measurements taken in our lab, most microwave ovens have less usable space than advertised. We find that both over-the-range (OTR) and countertop microwaves have a usable capacity that’s typically a bit above half of what manufacturers claim. The microwaves listed below are no exception, but they stand out in our tests for performance measurements, including heating speed, even heating, and defrosting.
Countertop microwaves represent the biggest slice of the market by far. We focus our testing on models with a claimed capacity of 1 cubic foot or larger, which are the biggest sellers. Below, you can view the top microwaves from our tests, including countertop models in each size range as well as four excellent over-the-range options, all listed alphabetically. For more information on selecting a microwave, refer to our microwave buying guide. And if you’re a CR member, you can dive into our comprehensive ratings of more than 170 models.
Best Countertop Microwaves
Countertop microwaves are generally less expensive than over-the-range models. They’re also easier to put in place—just plug the microwave into an outlet and you’re all set. Here are solid choices in small, medium, and large models.
The small and inexpensive 700-watt Commercial Chef CHM770B may be all you need for a college dorm or home office. This countertop microwave is a champ at heating evenly; it thoroughly heated a bowl of mashed potatoes in our tests. However, it’s one of the slowest microwaves in CR’s ratings, garnering the lowest score possible in our test that times how long it takes to heat a bowl of water. Also, it’s just average at defrosting. Nonetheless, you can snap one up for less than $100, so it may be worth a look if you’re on a tight budget. If you’re looking for something a little bigger at a similar price, the Commercial Chef CHM 990B (see below) might be a good pick. Commercial Chef’s countertop microwaves receive a stellar predicted reliability score in CR member surveys but a poor owner satisfaction rating.
Though it didn’t nab any top scores, the midsized Commercial Chef CHM990B impressed us in nearly every one of our tests, including heating and defrosting evenness, noise, and ease of use. The one area in which it fell short was heating speed, with a score that placed it in the middle of the pack. Despite its overall good performance, it’s a straightforward appliance without extras like convection or sensor-cook mode.
The large Panasonic NN-SD77PS demonstrated excellent performance in our tests for heating evenness, speed of heating, and noise. But where this model stands out most is in its controls. Instead of having a flat, smooth touchpad, this model has a dial and tactile buttons. It’s a handy feature for the vision-impaired and could make it easier for anyone to heat their morning oatmeal in the predawn hours without turning on the kitchen light. In CR’s member surveys, Panasonic’s countertop microwaves garner a predicted reliability score that’s near the top and a middling owner satisfaction score.
The top-rated midsized countertop GE JES1109RRSS hits CR’s defrosting and noise tests out of the park, and it performs close to the top for heating evenness. Its speed of heating is just so-so, however, and owners surveyed by CR gave GE’s countertop microwaves a middling score for predicted reliability and a lackluster rating for owner satisfaction.
Best Over-the-Range Microwaves
Over-the-range microwave ovens free up counter space, but installation may require the services of an electrician. LG currently leads our ratings in over-the-range microwaves; the following top performers are listed in alphabetical order by model name. LG over-the-range microwaves receive a top score for reliability in our member surveys but are rated just okay for owner satisfaction.
The 950-watt LG MHEC1737F features convection, along with settings for sensor cooking, auto-defrost, and speed cook. It nabbed our highest score for defrosting evenness and microwaving noise, and very good scores for heating evenness and vent noise (although we found its airflow just middling). Its score for speed of heating was also just average. If you’re open to paying a bit more for additional features, we expect the LG Studio MHES1738F to perform similarly.
With a height of just under 12 inches, the slender LG MVEF1337F will provide more clearance above your range, but you’ll pay for it in a smaller capacity. If clearance is not an issue, consider the similarly rated LG MVEL2033F, which isn’t as slim but achieves a streamlined look with a recessed handle and buttons across the bottom rather than the side. Both earned top scores for defrosting evenness and convenience, though the LG MVEL2033F has a slight edge in heating evenness. The speed of heating score was middling for both.
The LG MVEL2125F tops our over-the-range microwave ratings, boasting stellar performances in our heating and defrosting evenness tests, as well as ease of use. It’s also very quiet. On the less spectacular side, this microwave falls in the middle of the pack in terms of heating speed and venting ability.
How CR Tests Microwaves
In CR’s microwave lab, we assess how fast and evenly each machine heats food. The speed score in our microwave ratings is based on how fast a microwave heats 1 liter of room-temperature water.
To test heating evenness, we heat a bowl of cold mashed potatoes for 10 minutes and then take temperature readings at 20 different spots. We also assess how well a pound of frozen ground beef is defrosted using each microwave’s auto-defrost setting. Additionally, we measure the noise level of each microwave when set to high and assess its ease of use without consulting the manual.
In addition to these performance ratings, we factor in scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction based on our members’ experiences with 38,349 OTR microwaves and 39,995 countertop models purchased new between 2014 and 2024.
To learn more about our microwave tests and what to consider before shopping for one, check our microwave buying guide.
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