Best Microwaves You Can Buy in 2025
CNET's experts have rounded up all the best microwaves for your kitchen from simple ovens to high-end machines.
Our Picks
What is the best microwave overall?
Even if you're someone who loves cooking, a great microwave really can change your kitchen game. Whether you're reheating last night's dinner or getting the popcorn ready for date night, the humble microwave can be your best friend. But choosing the right one for your home can be daunting and with so many models and features to choose from, the fear of making the wrong decision can be paralyzing. Don't worry, CNET's kitchen experts are here to help. We've tested all of the best models so you can make the right buying decision.
Before choosing, ask yourself: How will you use your microwave? If it’s just for heating coffee or frozen meals, a basic model will do. But if you want a microwave that doubles as a cooking tool, consider more advanced features such as convection settings. You’ll also need to decide between a countertop model, a whisper-quiet option or even a space-saving built-in design. Looking at online discussions on forums such as Reddit we observed that people are conflicted between a stainless steel finish vs. ceramic and the type of technology used.
After testing dozens of models for size, features and budget, we’ve narrowed down the best picks for every type of kitchen. Whether you’re moving into a new place or simply upgrading your current appliance, check out our expert-tested recommendations below.
Microwaves come in plenty of sizes, powers, colors and functions.
Best microwaves for 2025
- Roomy
- Good price (under $200)
- Sensor cook features
- Not tech advanced
Farberware takes top honors in our list of best microwaves as it's a model that delivers most consistently on overall performance. It's roomy, less than $200, boils water in just less than three minutes and boasts a popcorn setting that works. This is thanks to the sensor cook feature, meaning that it detects (through steam) when something is finished cooking (or reheating), so you don't have to worry about burning your meals or second-guessing cooking times.
While it isn't the most technologically advanced on this list, it is certainly the most reliable after testing nearly a dozen of the best microwaves. Frankly, consistency and durability should be some of the most important factors to keep in mind while searching for long-term kitchen appliances.
We're also big fans of the Memory option that allows you to store customized settings so that frequent meals can be cooked with a simple press of a button.
If you're cooking for one and are looking at compact microwaves that won't take up too much counter space, Black & Decker's small but mighty digital option is a kitchen (or dorm room) necessity.
In addition to its preprogrammed buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen food and beverages, its large, LED digital display makes the control panel easy to read and navigate. It also boasts a child safety lock so that little ones aren't sneaking things into its compartment to pose a potential fire risk.
A 0.7 cubic feet capacity puts this on the smaller side, helping to save counter space, but it is also available in two larger options for bigger households (or very hungry individuals).
It's no surprise that practically any kitchen appliance can be found with smart-home capabilities. While syncing something like microwave ovens to your phone and/or Amazon Echo may give "robots are taking over the world" vibes, the ability to control your device from afar is pretty nifty.
Toshiba is already a leader in smart technology and its countertop microwaves are no exception. You can manage its use with voice commands, app control or through its simple button panel. An LED cavity life with eco mode helps to reduce energy consumption while an option to mute sound will ensure that no annoying beeping noises will disrupt those around you, especially in the wee hours of the morning when you're getting ready for work.
- Versatile (air fryer, convection bake, broiler, microwave)
- Pricey
We love a hybrid that will ultimately save you money and space and Panasonic's four-in-one HomeChef is a pricey but worthwhile investment. Featuring an air fryer, convection bake, broiler and microwave all in one, you can cook practically anything in the sleek, large-capacity unit that has garnered thousands of five-star reviews from Amazon alone.
What also separates this model from the pack is its ability to transform from countertop microwave use to a built-in with the purchase of a trim kit. This versatility allows it to travel with you easily if and when you move. With a stainless steel exterior, it should vibe with the most contemporary kitchen decor.
As far as we're concerned, style is just as important as quality in countertop microwaves. Because the appliance will be sitting out for you and guests to see, it needs to look sleek and clean rather than ugly and archaic. Enter the Galanz Retro Microwave: a chrome-handle on the door and a bright-colored device that sits pretty and can cook food to perfection.
Not only can you customize the color and choose between a more modern or classic look but Galanz also offers three sizes to accommodate daily microwave needs.
A rotating glass turntable keeps the temperature consistent, but Galanz has also enhanced the product with adjustable power levels, a child safety lock and a defrost option that works (instead of cooking whatever you put in it).
- Cheapest option
- Isn't bulky
- Less features
- No digital controls
- Only black finishes
At less than $75, Avanti's no-frills machine makes an awesome addition to any starter home. What you save on money, you don't sacrifice in quality. It is extremely easy to use with five power levels and a defrost function, making it an affordable microwave for anyone who couldn't care less about the cutting-edge features of more modern alternatives.
Our only gripes are that it is completely manual (not digital) and only available in an all-black finish, but don't let that deter you from buying if you're on a budget and just need something that gets the job done. If you're dead set on digital controls, Insignia is a small appliance brand we recommend and its smallest model retails for just $80 at Best Buy. Plus you won't have to worry about it taking up too much counter space.
Best microwave ovens compared
| Model | Farberware FMO16AHTPLB | Avanti MM07K1B | Black & Decker EM720CB7 | Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 | Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS) | Panasonic HomeChef NN-CD87KS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (D x W x H, inches) | 17 x 20.5 x 12 | 13 x 17.5 x 9.8 | 13 x 17.3 x 10 | 13.8 x 18 x 10.3 | 16.6 x 20.4 x 12.4 | 15 x 15.4 x 9 |
| Capacity (cubic feet) | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 1.2 |
| Wattage | 1,100 | 700 | 700 | 700 | 1,100 | 1,000 |
| Finishes | Stainless steel with black | Black | Stainless steel | Black, blue, green, red | Black, stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Features | Safety lock, inverter precision cooking, LED display | Defrost, five power levels | Interior light, safety lock, express cooking | Eco mode, safety lock, timer presets | Alexa-enabled, humidity sensor, eco mode and muting | Air fryer, convection bake, genius sensor cooking, broiler |
| Price | $170 | $73 | $100 | $69 | $170 | $500 |
How we evaluated the best microwave ovens for 2025
We scoured the popular online retailers Amazon, Best Buy and The Home Depot to compile a list of their highest-rated microwaves. With the help of chefs and food editors, we relied on their industry knowledge to help narrow this list down to a dozen or so options, representing categories such as low-budget, multifunctional and sleek design. We dug deep into reviews and user ratings to make sure there will be no red flags as it relates to performance and durability.
From there, we visited a local small appliance showroom to get our hands on each model to ensure they were well-constructed and test how intuitive the controls were. We also took preexisting "best of" round-ups and dedicated microwave reviews on CNET into consideration, as these were a result of real-world testing of the products.
Microwave buying guide: What to consider
Size
Chances are, you'll start your microwave hunt by thinking about what size is right for you. A 2.2-cubic-foot, 1,250-watt microwave isn't necessarily the best option for everyone.
Power
If you're in a tight space or have restrictions on wattage (my college dorm capped us at a measly 900 watts), then you'll do best to look for compact models (less than 1,000 watts). You'll also want to consider whether you want to look at over-the-range microwaves, countertop microwaves or inverter microwaves.
Setting and features
Once you've settled on a size and power, consider which functions mean the most to you. If you never eat popcorn but eat a lot of leftover pizza, make sure the model you choose has the single-slice option. Microwaves come with dozens of features, power settings and preset cooking programs but except for a few, such as defrost or warm, you might not find yourself using them all that much.
Galanz makes affordable microwaves with a touch of retro charm.
Color and design
Narrow it down to the right size, power level and function set and all that's left is to pick a color. A few of the models we tested come in multiple finishes, so if your microwave will become part of your kitchen landscape, you should be able to find the right hue.
One final tip: Don't toss the manual as soon as you open the box. Your microwave's owner's manual is a great resource for exactly how to use each cooking mode. Every manufacturer seems to do things just a bit differently and there were time guides and helpful explanations in every manual we encountered during testing.