The Best Microwaves, Tried And Tested By Experts

If you only use your microwave to zap cold coffee or pop a bag of popcorn, almost any box with a plug will do the job. But if you rely on it for real food prep—defrosting frozen ingredients, reheating leftovers without drying them out, or making crispy bacon—you need a better machine.

We’ve tested nearly two dozen microwaves over the years. We’ve heated countless burritos, melted pounds of marshmallows to check for hot spots, and defrosted frozen chicken breasts to find the machines that cook evenly and efficiently. Whether you need a powerful midsize model for a family kitchen or a compact unit for a dorm, we have the results. So sit back and enjoy while we show you the best microwaves on the market.

Summary of best microwaves:

Best microwave overall: Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN98JS, $350 at Amazon

Best value microwave: Toshiba EM131A5C, $134 at Amazon

Best for small spaces: GE GCST07N1, $109 at Amazon

Best splurge: Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1, $499 at Amazon

*All products featured on RecipesCal are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

1) Best microwave overall: Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter, $350

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Pros: Inverter technology cooks evenly with fewer hot spots, accurate sensor reheat function, large easy-to-press door button

Cons: Lacks instant-start express settings

The Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN98JS stands out in a crowded market of look-alike appliances. While most microwaves are manufactured by the same few factories and perform similarly, this Panasonic model is an exception. It utilizes inverter technology, which allows it to zap, defrost, and steam food more evenly and efficiently than its competitors.

In our testing, it consistently cooked more precisely, leaving fewer of the hot and cold spots that plague standard microwaves. The sensor-reheat option is particularly useful; it automatically shuts off the machine when it detects the proper amount of steam, ensuring your leftovers are hot but not dried out. The 1.2-cubic-foot capacity and 1,200 watts of power make it large enough for family use without dominating the countertop.

The only downside is the lack of instant-start express settings (where pressing "1" gives you one minute of cooking time). However, the superior cooking performance and the extra-large, easy-to-use door button make it the best choice for most kitchens.

Specs: Size: 12.25" x 20.69" x 15.81" Power: 1,200 watts Warranty: One year (Five years for magnetron part) Settings: Sensor Reheat, Turbo Defrost, Popcorn, Keep Warm

2) Best value microwave: Toshiba EM131A5C, $134

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Pros: Convenient instant-start buttons, sturdy door handle, good range of functions for the price

Cons: Heats less evenly and slower than our top pick

If you prefer a microwave with a traditional handle rather than a push-button, or if you simply must have instant-start express settings, the Toshiba EM131A5C is an excellent runner-up. It features a sleek design and a broader range of functions than most other microwaves in its price range.

The "express cook" buttons are a favorite feature for many users—pressing a number from 1 to 6 automatically starts the microwave for that many minutes at full power. While it is a solid performer, our tests showed that it doesn't heat quite as quickly or evenly as the Panasonic Genius. It uses a standard transformer rather than an inverter, meaning it cycles full power on and off rather than providing a steady stream of lower power.

However, for the price, it offers great build quality and reliability. It’s a 1.2-cubic-foot, 1,100-watt machine that handles everyday tasks with ease, making it a strong contender if our top pick is out of stock or if you prioritize ease of use over precision cooking.

Specs: Size: 12.8" x 20.5" x 17.1" Power: 1,100 watts Warranty: One year Settings: Sensor Cook, Auto Defrost, Soften/Melt, Express Cook

3) Best for small spaces: GE GCST07N1, $109

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Pros: Compact footprint fits tight spaces, sturdy build quality, includes instant-start settings

Cons: Small cavity only fits medium plates, slower cooking times

For dorm rooms, small apartments, or kitchenettes, the GE GCST07N1 is the best compact microwave we tested. Unlike many small microwaves that feel flimsy and slide across the counter when you pull the door, this model is surprisingly sturdy and well-built.

It offers 700 watts of power and a 0.7-cubic-foot capacity. While this means it won't cook as fast as our larger picks—and the interior is only wide enough for a medium-sized dinner plate—it is faster than other similarly sized models we tested. Crucially, it retains the convenient instant-start express settings found on larger GE units.

It didn't cook as evenly or precisely as the Panasonic in our trials, but that is to be expected for a compact unit. If you are limited on space but still want a reliable machine that doesn't feel like a toy, this GE model is the clear winner.

Specs: Size: 10.2" x 17.3" x 12.75" Power: 700 watts Warranty: One year Settings: Popcorn, Potato, Reheat, Express Cook

4) Best splurge: Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1, $499

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Pros: Intuitive controls with on-screen instructions, soft-close door, versatile 3-in-1 cooking modes

Cons: High price point, smaller capacity relative to price, air fry pan is small

Breville has a reputation for producing luxury small appliances, and the Combi Wave 3-in-1 is no exception. It features a soft-close door—a surprisingly delightful touch—and operates much quieter than standard units. The interface is highly intuitive, using a combination of buttons and dials to navigate modes like Smart Cook, Air Fry, and Fast Combi.

The "Combi Cook" function is the star here, combining microwave, air fry, and convection functions to cook food faster than a traditional oven. In testing, we found it cooked marinated chicken thighs in just 9 minutes, keeping them moist and delicious. Even for standard tasks, the inverter technology ensures food reheats evenly without drying out.

However, the high price point might be a hurdle for some, especially considering the 1.1-cubic-foot capacity. But if you are looking for a powerful, versatile unit that can melt chocolate perfectly or air fry a quick meal, this machine is a top-tier choice.

Specs: Size: 20.5" x 20.1" x 12.6" Warranty: One year Settings: Smart Cook, Air Fry, Fast Combi, A Bit More, Melt

How we found the best microwaves

To find the top-performing microwaves, we put nearly two dozen models through a rigorous series of hands-on tests at our facility in Long Island City. We evaluated everything from cooking speed and evenness to noise levels and build quality.

We cooked dozens of foods, including burritos, frozen chicken breasts, mac and cheese, and pizza. We used marshmallows to visualize hot spots and instant-read thermometers to measure temperature consistency across the turntable. Here’s what we focused on during testing:

1. Even Heating & Inverter Technology

All microwaves have some unevenness, but the best ones minimize it. We looked for models that could heat food without leaving frozen centers or burnt edges. We found that models with inverter technology (like our top pick) produced significantly better results when defrosting or cooking at lower power levels, as they provide a continuous stream of energy rather than pulsing full power on and off.

2. Build Quality & Usability

A microwave should feel solid. We checked for flimsy control panels, wobbly doors, and units that slid around the counter. We also evaluated the door mechanism—comparing push-buttons vs. handles—and prioritized models with clear, responsive interfaces. We gave extra points to machines with well-lit displays and intuitive controls that didn't require a manual to operate.

3. Sensors & Features

We tested the accuracy of "sensor reheat" functions, which measure humidity to determine when food is done. A good sensor can save you from rubbery leftovers. We also looked for convenient features like "Add 30 Seconds" and instant-start express buttons, which our research shows are the most frequently used controls in real-world kitchens.

4. Size & Capacity

We categorized microwaves into compact (0.7 cu. ft.) and midsize (1.2 cu. ft.) groups. We ensured that midsize models could comfortably fit a 12-inch dinner plate or a square casserole dish, while compact models were judged on their ability to save space without sacrificing essential functionality.

In the end, the best microwaves balanced powerful, even cooking with a design that is pleasant to use every day.

This completes our list of the best microwaves. If you want more posts about recipes and reviews, check our other blog posts here.