You rely on your microwave. It’s a must for zapping leftovers, defrosting frozen items, melting butter and so much more. Microwaves are a necessity in most kitchens. But we also know that it can be hard to find a good one—you know, one that has the right popcorn button, one that doesn’t leave cold spots in your food.
But those finer points aren’t always captured on the specs on the side of the box. You’ll never know if the microwave has a chime that’s too loud or presets that are just right for your cooking style. That’s why our Test Kitchen snagged the most popular countertop microwave brands to test side by side. We wanted to know which were best for home kitchens (and our Test Kitchen, too!).
How Our Test Kitchen Found the Best Countertop Microwaves
To test countertop microwaves, our Test Kitchen devised a series of tests. Our cooks wanted to see how the ovens did melting chocolate, reheating soup, boiling water, steaming broccoli, popping popcorn and making a few microwave recipes. Our crew also kept these criteria in mind:
- Size: How large was the microwave? Does it take up a lot of valuable counter space? Is the interior large enough for a dinner plate? What about a small casserole dish?
- Noise: Is the microwave noisy while heating?
- Ease of operation: Is the microwave easy and intuitive to use?
- Heating: Does the microwave evenly heat food?
- Appearance: Is the microwave sleek? Stylish? Is it something you don’t mind having on the counter?
- Additional features: Does the microwave offer any new or noteworthy features? Are they easy to use? Are they helpful?
Our Test Kitchen-Preferred Countertop Microwaves
Best Family-Sized Microwave: LG NeoChef Countertop Microwave
When you’ve got a family, no one wants to wait on individual plates of leftovers to reheat. You need a larger microwave, like the LG NeoChef microwave. This microwave easily accommodated a 13×9 pan and other large dishes. It does have a larger footprint, but our Test Kitchen thinks the great performance justifies that.
But beyond the size, this microwave performed well in our tests. The popcorn button left only a few unpopped kernels. Butter and chocolate melted well and the soup heated up without cold spots or scalding tongues. The intuitive controls and neat sensor cooking setting made this ‘wave a breeze to use the second we unboxed it.
One thing to note: This microwave plays a little tune when it’s done cooking. To some, this is a nice change from beeping, but we know it might drive other folks crazy!
- Size: 1.5 cubic feet
- Wattage: 1,250
- Additional features: Sensor cooking, anti-bacterial coating
- Price: $188
Best Small-Scale Microwave: Breville the Smooth Wave Microwave
If it’s just you or you and a partner at home, you don’t need a giant microwave to heat up mountains of leftovers. Instead, a more compact model is more suitable. Our Test Kitchen’s favorite smaller microwave came from Breville. The Smooth Wave microwave has a streamlined but almost retro appearance—perfect for vintage kitchen-lovers. You can’t fit a 13×9 pan inside, but dinner plates and 9×9 casserole dishes fit just fine.
This microwave also performed well in our tests. It left no hot or cold spots while reheating soup or melting butter. This is a big deal! You know how unpleasant it is to reheat yesterday’s leftovers only to find that there’s an ice-cold spot right in the center. This model was also quiet (so you can heat up your leftover pizza for a midnight snack without waking the whole house).
The only feature that left something to be desired: the popcorn button. Our bags were only about 75% popped when the microwave dinged. But the “A Bit More” function (adding 30 seconds of time) helps here.
- Size: 1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage: 1,250
- Additional features: 15 presets, LED display
- Price: $349
Best Presets: Panasonic Microwave with Inverter and Genius Sensor Technology
There are two types of microwave users: Those that type in the precise time specified on the package and those that punch a preset button and call it a day. If you’re more of the latter, you want this Panasonic microwave.
Our Test Kitchen team found that the buttons on this microwave performed perfectly. The popcorn button popped the most kernels (without burning the bag) every single time we tested. And the sensor cooking to reheat leftovers and soup worked shockingly well. Nothing was left cold or heated to scorching temperatures. The Genius Sensor here definitely deserves its name.
- Size: 1.6 cubic feet
- Wattage: 1,250
- Additional features: 20 preset options, dial selector
- Price: $270
All the Bells and Whistles: GE Cafe Countertop Convection Microwave
If you’re looking for a microwave that’s more than just a microwave, try the GE Cafe Countertop Convection Microwave Oven. This multi-function appliance serves as a microwave, toaster oven and convection oven. So while this appliance has a larger footprint than its competitors, it can end up saving you space by replacing other gadgets.
This microwave is definitely for folks that love technology. The GE Cafe line connects to your smartphone so you can control it with an app or your voice. And if you’re big on microwave meals or sides, you’re going to love this: You can scan a product barcode and the microwave will heat it to the exact specifications. Pretty neat! Another feature our Test Kitchen loved was the alarm that alerted you to hot plates. It’s a nice safe guard to remind you not to grab a sizzling hot plate.
But what about the basics? Well, the GE Cafe microwave cooked evenly. Our Microwaved Parmesan Chicken turned out exactly how our Test Kitchen pros wanted, broccoli steamed up perfectly and the butter was softened without any hard spots.
- Size: 1.5 cubic feet
- Wattage: 1,000
- Additional features: Voice commands, smartphone compatibility, convection option, sensor cooking
- Price: $719
What to Make in Your Microwave
We know that your microwave is the go-to when it comes to reheating leftovers, but you can also put it to good use making recipes from start to end. Mug cakes come to mind! But you can also use a microwave to whip up dinner in a hurry.
Microwave Oatmeal Bars
My mother shared this speedy recipe with me. There are not a lot of ingredients, so these chewy treats are easy to fix in the microwave. —Annette Self, Junction City, Ohio
Honey-Lemon Chicken Enchiladas
Honey, lemon and chili flavors blend wonderfully in enchiladas. My family devours this dish, so I also use the chicken filling for soft tacos with toppings. —Kristi Moak, Gilbert, Arizona
15-Minute Meat Loaf
I combined a few great-tasting meatloaf recipes to create this flavorful 15-minute version, which my husband loves. And because it's made in the microwave, the entree is perfect for busy nights. For an extra boost, I flavor the meatloaf with onion soup mix.—Deb Thompson, Lincoln, Nebraska
Fruit & Granola Crisp with Yogurt
Here's an easy recipe you can feel good about. Blueberries and peaches are such a delightful flavor combination. —Sue Schmidtke, Oro Valley, Arizona
Microwave Egg Sandwich
If you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Zucchini Ham Frittata
This frittata is so quick to make--it cooks in the microwave in just minutes! Add a red pepper garnish for a colorful look. —Mildred Fox, Fostoria, Ohio
Microwaved Parmesan Chicken
This quick way to prepare chicken has been a family staple ever since a friend gave me the recipe. It's too good not to share. — Michael Herman, Carney, Michigan
Cod Delight
I used to make this in the oven, but then I discovered that microwave lets me enjoy it even faster. It's a pretty dish to serve company. In fact, many of my friends and family now cook this at home. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Dressed-Up Meatballs
Frozen meatballs and a jar of sweet-and-sour sauce make this microwave meal a last-minute lifesaver when racing against the clock. The flavorful sauce is dressed up with a hint of garlic and nicely coats the colorful mixture of meatballs, carrots, green pepper and onion. —Ivy Eresmas, Dade City, Florida
Breakfast Potatoes
These cheesy potatoes are a super morning side dish. I prepare them often for my husband and myself. They go great with just about any breakfast main dish. —Judy Dupree, Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Deli Roast Beef Sandwiches with Mashed Potatoes
Just like Mom or Grandma used to make—but so much quicker! Store-bought mashed potatoes and gravy and deli roast beef help you turn out this heartwarming combination before you can say, “Order up!” —Ruth Ann Bott, Lake Wales, Florida
Salmon with Tarragon Sauce
Here’s a fast and foolproof microwave method for tender salmon steaks covered with a distinctive Dijon and green onion sauce. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Minted Beet Salad
We have neighbors who share vegetables from their garden, and every year my husband and I look forward to their beets. My interest in Mediterranean food inspired this beet salad recipe—the vinegar and oil dressing with fresh mint will tone down the sweetness of the beets, and the kalamata olives add a salty touch. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, Wisconsin
Coconut Acorn Squash
Save yourself some time in the kitchen and toss the squash in the microwave for a truly quick dish. Sometimes squash can be a bit tasteless. I conquer this by adding a bit of mango chutney and coconut. It really makes the flavor pop. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Microwave Beef & Cheese Enchiladas
Every time I make these enchiladas, they go really fast. Fix them for a speedy weeknight meal, a neighborhood potluck or even a tailgate. —Karen Moore, Jacksonville, Florida
Quick Poached Salmon with Cucumber Sauce
There’s no reason to shy away from cooking fish at home with a recipe as effortless as this one. Besides basil, try using dill, fennel or coriander in the herby sauce. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Microwaved Chicken Kiev
I fix these microwave-easy chicken breasts all the time and love the taste. —Dorothy LaCombe, Hamburg, New York
Chipotle Ranch Chicken Tacos
Chop, chop...or not. These tacos are easy on the cook with ready-to-use produce, pico, dressing and cheese. Thinly slice the radishes and hot peppers, and your fiesta is ready. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Italian Chicken Cordon Bleu
Streamline any weeknight with this pretty main dish full of pleasing flavors. Chop the pepper ahead and pick up sliced mushrooms, and you’ll have this microwaved in moments. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
Mini Burgers with the Works
I started preparing these mini burgers several years ago as a creative way to use up bread crusts accumulating in my freezer. They're delicious. —Linda Lane, Bennington, Vermont
Super-Stuffed Mexican Potatoes
These taters are packed! Your whole family will enjoy these hearty stuffed Mexican potatoes. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Turkey Enchilada Stack
As a child, my husband was one of the pickiest kids around, but my mother-in-law could always get him to dig in to this enchilada dish. —Ashley Wolf, Alabaster, Alabama
Granola Cereal Bars
These sweet peanut butter bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert or anytime as a quick snack. You can add raisins instead of chocolate chips if you prefer. —Helen Velichko, Kansas City, Missouri
Chicken and Rice Soup Mix
The recipient of this gift will have one hearty bowl of soup, that will chase away the chills on a blustery winter's day. Suggest they have it with a salad or roll for a satisfying meal.—Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Bart's Black Bean Soup for Two
This soup is made in minutes. We enjoy it with Herbed Dinner Rolls from an older issue of Simple & Delicious. Add a salad for a complete meal that’s really tasty! —Sharon Ullyot, London, OntarioThe post The Best Countertop Microwave for Your Family, According to Kitchen Pros appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lisa Kaminski