This microwave isn’t absolutely perfect. As a reference point, the interior dimensions are about 12 x 13 x 8 inches. Make sure that the microwave you choose fits into your kitchen and meets your needs. The best microwaves of 2020 from Consumer Reports' tests, including countertop and over-the-range microwaves, based on our extensive lab testing. It also performed adequately in most tests. It also seemed quieter when in use than many microwaves we tested. It also has a smart sensor that detects the amount of steam released by the food and adjusts both power level and cooking time for the best outcome. If you are looking for a small microwave that will occupy just a little space on your counter, then the Kenmore countertop microwave is an excellent choice.. Presets are useful, but most microwaves operate the same way. Written by. In that category, our vote for best microwave convection oven goes to the Samsung MC11K7035CG, which can bake, grill, combine heating modes, and even air fry. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar, Credit: Reviewed / Julia MacDougall, Panasonic NN-SD975S Countertop Cyclonic Wave Inverter Microwave, The Best Affordable Countertop Microwaves, Here's why you should never waste your money on an expensive microwave, The 3 easiest ways to clean your microwave, Here’s why you should never waste your money on an expensive microwave, 5 refrigerator trends we're excited about for 2021, Myth vs. fact: Unplugging devices when you leave the house, Here’s how you can start mixing metal décor in your home, Breville BMO734XL Quick Touch Intuitive Microwave, Cuisinart CMW-100 1-Cubic-Foot Stainless Steel Microwave Oven, Toshiba EM45P Countertop Microwave oven with Smart Sensor, Magic Chef MCM990ST 900W Countertop Oven with Stainless Steel Front, Black+Decker EM925AB9 Digital Microwave Oven, Toshiba EM131A5C Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, Panasonic NN-SN65KB Compact Microwave Oven. If your countertops are a little tight on space or you want to save some money, this slightly smaller version of our favorite Toshiba works well and has most of the same great features. This Panasonic-patented technology means the microwave heats foods using radio waves that cover three directions—up/down, left/right, front/back—rather than radio waves that just cover two—left/right and up/down. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology is a top-class oven to upgrade your kitchen, its compact size, and light-make makes it the best fit in your kitchen. Donna Currie is a food writer and blogger specializing in recipes and kitchen gadgets. If you're heating up large leftovers for a big family, this will be great. Compact microwaves (between 0.5 and 0.9 cubic feet) can suit smaller kitchens, dorms, and anywhere you need to conserve counter space, but may be too small to cook or reheat all types of food. This 1000W, 1-cubic-foot unit hit almost every mark in testing and perfectly balances power, size, and features, making it the best countertop microwave for most people. It has a timer, a power level button, an add 30 seconds button, and three presets for popcorn, timed defrost, and weight defrost. This Breville was extremely consistent in our water and tomato sauce heating tests, and it heated a frozen meal perfectly through. By - peters; Posted on June 6, 2020 November 21, 2020; Posted in Uncategorized; Buying countertop microwave oven will save you from many hassles especially buying a good quality one. You can also adjust the power level from one to ten to a maximum of 1,100 watts, the ideal power output for the widest range of uses. However, there are a number of neat and useful features built in to each microwave. It features pre-programmed buttons for defrost, reheat, popcorn, beverage, and a food menu that houses the presets for “baked” potatoes, reheating pizza, and defrosting frozen vegetables — they are coded, so it may take a few tries to remember which code goes with which function. Some reviewers have reported that it makes a loud whooshing noise, but it doesn’t affect how well food heats. These are often … Find a microwave that includes the presets you use most often, but don’t stress about finding one that has them all—they’re not critical. It wasn’t as good as popping popcorn without burning or leaving unpopped kernels as the Cuisinart, however. Can add or reduce cook times by ten second increments. A good microwave should not only be able to pass these food tests, but it should also make the user experience as easy and forgettable as possible. Its a high power commercial grade oven that is more durable than most other options out there. We love the kitchen timer that can work simultaneously with the cook cycle. A smart sensor feature takes the guesswork out of reheating food — it measures the humidity in the food and adjusts the time and power level automatically. The sensor cook button has an impressive 14 presets from oatmeal to fish fillets, but hold onto your owner’s manual because those are a lot of codes to remember. Ideal combination of price, size, useful features, and power level. Super powerful. When you set a time, your microwave heats up your food at full power for the time you enter on the keypad. … ft 700W Retro Countertop Microwave Oven. Best Microwave Ovens 2020 in the UK Review & Guide These days microwaves no longer appear to be simply kitchen devices for heating up the yesterday’s leftovers or defrosting everyday’s dinners. List of Best Midsize Countertop Microwave Oven in 2020. Farrell. The Best Countertop Microwave - 2020. A 10-inch dinner plate fits, but nothing larger. However, today's oven… It’s also the cheapest unit we tested, and we can see why. When you’re shopping for a new unit, you’re guaranteed to see these specs listed before anything else. ft.) MT4110SPB Review. Best Countertop Microwave. But as it turns out, very expensive microwaves aren’t inherently better than the ones that go for around $100, because most microwaves are made by a handful of manufacturers and the core technology is all the same. Can hold a casserole large enough to feed a group. Today’s models are constructed to do much more than simply reheat last night’s leftovers. The Magic Chef 1.1 Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave is our favorite affordable countertop microwave. In our tests, it cooked food evenly without cold spots and delivered perfectly steamed broccoli using its sensors. It also has a bright interior light, so you won’t be fumbling around to see your food. What We Don't Like. Dimensions: 20.5 x 17.1 x 12.8 inchesWattage: 1,100 wattsSize: 1.2 cubic feet. If you’re serious about cooking with your microwave, or you simply must have an all-stainless look in your kitchen, the Breville BMO734XL Quick Touch Intuitive Microwave is right for you. It can also be mounted onto the wall, although it doesn’t have a venting system like most over-the-range microwaves. Generally, the higher the wattage, the faster your microwave cooks. However, our food tests didn't prove any real differences in successfully heating our food than with microwaves that rely on single inverter technology. Its meant to increase the likelihood of evenly heating, and more consistent microwaving performance while heating multiple things in quick succession, like several bags of popcorn. The soften/melt preset for chocolate, butter, and cheese runs on a lower power setting to prevent it from burning or getting too hot. Most microwaves have a full panel of preset options for different modes and types of food. Pork roast test: Reheating leftovers is another common reason to use a microwave. I have a lot of experience with testing a wide variety of products—from water filter pitchers, fire extinguishers, and dehumidifiers to smart thermostats, STEM coding toys, and air purifiers. the ones that have inverter technology built-in), actually have different power levels so that you can adjust the level at which your food is nuked. Our favorite microwaves are both effective and user-friendly. So if you’re only using your unit for basic tasks or don’t care about lightning speeds, don’t be afraid of lower wattages. It’s also 1200W with a 1.2-cubic-foot interior and a variety of finishes. In a sea of average, same-looking microwaves, the Cuisinart CMW-100 stands out from the rest. It not only features presets for popcorn, potato, frozen vegetables, and more, it allows you to program up to three functions you most use. For the price, we don’t think this is the right choice for most people—but it’s a thoroughly fine option. At 2.2 cubic feet and 1250 watts, this is also one of the bigger microwaves we've tested. Hungry-Man test: If you don’t have the time or effort to spend cooking or assembling a meal kit, a frozen dinner is a tried-and-true way to get food on the table as quickly as possible. This Hamilton Beach microwave may be low-priced, but it doesn’t equate to poor performance. This kitchen appliance are more efficient and convenient than traditional ovens and stoves. People often believe that the higher the wattage, the better the microwave is, but we’ve found that isn’t always the case. The manual microwave functions will work without Alexa just like any other microwave, but the features on the control panel are limited. The microwave alone is about $60, an inexpensive option, but it has to be connected to an Alexa-enabled device, like an Echo or Echo Dot that ranges from $40 to $80 in order to use the voice-activated functions. Also, the higher the wattage, the faster the cooking time. The next day, we put four palm-size pork loin slices on a small plate, covered them with a paper towel, and used the setting on the microwave that was most appropriate for reheating approximately 8 oz. It performed well in every test except for the tomato sauce test. Unlike built-in or over-the-range microwaves, countertop microwaves do not require any special installation and can easily be moved. Although it’s incredibly easy to use and excelled at the popcorn test, it was only adequate in the pork or frozen dinner tests. It’s easy to use and quieter than other units we tested. ContentsQuick Comparison8 Best Buy Countertop Convection Microwave Oven Reviews1. If the levels actually correspond to different levels of heating, then the rate of temperature change between the three stages should be distinctly different. The dial replaces the typical numeric keypad, so if you haven't used it before, it may take a moment to get used to it. These smart sensors can adjust the cook time after it measures the amount of steam released by the food. This popular compact microwave from AmazonBasics has one feature that sets it apart from every other one we tested—it’s a smart device designed to be used with Alexa. Even if you have a small kitchen with limited counter space, there are plenty of great compact options. Microwaves with multi-stage cooking capability — like the Kenmore Countertop Microwave — let you program in each stage. In our initial research, an online reviewer wrote this mid-sized microwave from Magic Chef is “built like a tank,” and we can’t find any evidence to the contrary. But of all the microwaves we tested, this tiny little unit is the only one we vehemently do not recommend. So, we did the hard work for you and put the best mid-priced countertop microwaves to the test. To see if there is actually a difference in the microwave’s power levels, we heated up a cup of tomato sauce in a ceramic dish for 30 seconds on level 2, 30 seconds on level 6, and 30 seconds on level 10, measuring the temperature in between each stage of heating. After thoroughly cooking four small boneless pork loins, we cut them up into smaller slices and let them cool in the fridge overnight. The Breville BMO734XL is our best upgrade pick for countertop microwaves. Sure, the Alexa command aspect is a unique bonus feature that allows the microwave’s display panel to stay uncluttered, because you can select from dozens of preset options using just your voice. This is a fine, basic microwave at a very affordable price, but it’s too small for more substantial cooking. It’s a 900W, 0.9-cubic-foot unit with a child lock, multi-stage cooking, and a variety of presets. Actually, there are so many smart appliances of this kind … There may be lots of choices for countertop microwaves that could fit your space and style, but these are the essential features to look for: If you’ve ever been told not to stare into the microwave while it’s cooking, the concern is likely due to radiation leaking. Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. When it was done cooking, we looked at each of the four dinner components (two breaded chicken patties, mashed potatoes, corn, and a brownie) to see if they were evenly and/or thoroughly cooked. Of course, external dimensions also matter so you know if the microwave will actually fit in your kitchen, but you’ll need to go digging for those details in the product description. With 10 power levels and essential presets, this microwave, which is available in black, white, and stainless steel finishes, has everything you need. Keep in mind that this is a compact microwave with a 700-watt power output, which is on the lower end and means it will take longer to heat food. This unit excelled in the popcorn and frozen dinner tests, although it couldn’t heat tomato sauce to a suitable temperature in the recommended time. Inverters help deliver power continuously without the stop and go. It is completely sealed and that mesh layer inside the door blocks the waves from getting out. Although these 8 convection ovens do not have all the features you might want but they have the best combination of features available in the market. If you’re drawn to super high-end design, covet a ton of crazy features, or want a unit that’s built into your cabinetry, you will need to spend at least a couple hundred dollars on a microwave. Why Trust The DWYM Score? Countertop microwaves refer to small-sized, lightweight and portable microwaves. Dimensions: 14.1 x 17.3 x 10.1 inchesWattage: 700 wattsSize: 0.7 cubic feet. If you’ve found different results in your own research, email us and we’ll compare notes. Typically, more powerful microwaves will result in hotter water temperatures. The Cuisinart CMW-100 is our favorite countertop microwave for most people. They generally range in size between 0.6 to 2.4 cubic feet. Back in the late 90s and early 2000s, it was almost standard for a microwave to be mounted at the hood of the stovetop range, essentially eradicating the demand for countertop microwaves. Due to their size, they help to conserve space in the kitchen. Dimensions: 19.1 x 14.8 x 11.5 inchesWattage: 900 wattsSize: 0.9 cubic feet. It has a power output of 1,000 watts, usually found in models at a higher price point. Magic Chef 1.1 Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave, Doesn't heat as quickly as some microwaves. It is high powered, versatile, and has an array of features that make it a priceless addition to every kitchen. Last updated on October 6, 2020. This is why we never put together a testing-based roundup of microwaves here at Reviewed—until now. A mute button turns off all beeps and the soft-close door claims to be 80 percent quieter than most microwaves in the market. This unit is big, it’s expensive, and it’s got more bells and whistles than everyone is looking for in a countertop unit. We find that most models over 1.5 cubic feet are needlessly big—unless you plan to cook turkey dinners in your microwave, or reheat entire casserole dishes, you won’t need that much space. Why trust us? The Toshiba EM45P Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor is the next-best performing microwave after our badge winners, but save for its size, it’s very similar to the rest of the mid-ranking units in this roundup. Most of the stuff I test isn’t food-related, so my tummy rumbled in excitement when I saw that I’d be putting these microwaves through their paces. The Daewoo Retro Countertop Microwave Oven has a fun style that looks great in your kitchen. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. Top 5 Best Convection Microwave Oven Reviews (2020) Since starting CompuKitchen, we've had the chance to test a handful of microwaves. With 1000 watts and a size of 1.1 cubic feet, it's enough power and space to handle most microwave tasks, except perhaps cooking an entire chicken. Read full article. The rest of your small appliance budget can be spent on a nice multi-cooker, air fryer, or fancy pizza oven. a complete guide to help you shop for your next microwave. The best microwaves can pop your popcorn without burning it and leave only a few kernels unpopped. The Magic Chef MCM990ST Countertop Oven has a stainless steel front, but its looks are still on the dated side. Microwave sizes generally range from 0.5 to just over 2 cubic feet. 4. If you’re serious about cooking with your microwave and want to step up to a higher price range, the Breville BMO734XL Quick Touch Intuitive Microwave (available at Williams-Sonoma) is our upgrade pick. Typically, microwaves mimic low heat by turning the power on and off repeatedly, which can result in uneven cooking. We think this Panasonic is too big and too aesthetically unappealing for most kitchens, but it’ll get the job done. We would describe its aesthetics as functional, rather than beautiful. The Black and Decker EM925AB9 Digital Microwave Oven is very similar to the Magic Chef MCM990ST, but with a more modern exterior and more features. This  1.2 cubic feet Toshiba has the perfect combination of price, size, and power. If you have to physically walk over to your microwave to put food in and take food out, what’s the hassle of just pressing a button to start it? Even though we recommend a baseline of 900-1000 watts for mid-sized microwaves, there are compact microwaves in this roundup with just 700 watts each that heat evenly. Reviewers love that food heats consistently and evenly. According to our tests, the best convection microwave oven is the Panasonic NF-1054F. But when you press a button like Defrost, Popcorn, or Potato, most microwaves simply alternate between 0 and 100 percent power for a predetermined period of time that can vary from model to model. If you have a large dish to reheat, the oven will almost always give you better results, anyway. This Toshiba excelled in the pork and popcorn tests, but it really struggled to heat tomato sauce in the time given. By Mary H.J. If you want to take the guesswork out of microwaving something, consider a unit with a sensor cook option. Two factors make this Panasonic microwave fast: it has 1,250 watts of heating power, one of the highest we tested, and a built-in inverter that helps heat food more quickly and evenly. Popcorn test: One of the most obvious use cases for a microwave is popping popcorn. But it’s a stunner, and if you’re willing to shell out, it might be right for you. For years, there wasn't much innovation in microwave technology — that is until Amazon introduced its own AmazonBasics microwave that allows you to use simple voice commands to prompt it to heat your food. Buy now from Amazon. We no longer remind our kids to shut the door to the microwave gently — even when slammed, it automatically catches and closes quietly. The result is a ranking of the best Microwaves. The 6 Best Countertop Microwaves of 2020 Cook, defrost, reheat, and more with this versatile appliance. Wattage is usually related but not directly proportional to size—you can expect large microwaves to also have higher wattages. Its control panel includes actual buttons you press (as opposed to typical non-responsive touch buttons) and a very responsive dial that rotates smoothly. Convection microwaves, also known as microwave ovens, have a sort of heating element that allows food to be browned and grilled. To try to get a grip on how well a given microwave can actually do its job, I subjected each microwave to a battery of food tests, including: Water test: To get a sense for the raw power available in each microwave, we warmed up three cups of water for two minutes on the microwave’s maximum power setting, and then measured the temperature of the water. This model also has an inverter that helps heat food more quickly and evenly. Updated September 11, 2020 ; Storehours / Countertop microwaves are no more those unattractive boxes that you try to conceal in the edge of your cooking area counter. Also, they are generally more affordable — most of the countertop microwaves we've evaluated over the past decade were under $300 and many of our best microwaves in 2020 are under $100.Over the years, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances and Technology Lab has researched and evaluated hundreds of microwaves to find top performing models from brands we trust. Tomato sauce test: Most expensive microwaves, such as those that have multi-stage cooking abilities (i.e. We help you find the best stuff and make the most of the stuff you already own. At no extra cost to you, things you buy through our links may earn us a … a venting system like most over-the-range microwaves, These Slow Cookers Will Be Perfect for All Your Recipes, We Tested Kitchen Knives So You Can Find the Best Cutlery, Avanti Countertop Microwave Oven MO1108SST Review, Whirlpool Countertop Microwave Oven (1.1 cu. We looked at the top 19 Microwaves and dug through the reviews from 26 of the most popular review sites including and more. After testing more than dozen microwaves in our labs and comparing features, prices, user ratings, and more, we found the highly-rated Cuisinart CMW-100 Microwave Oven (available at Amazon for $139.95) is the best for most people, balancing size, wattage, and features. over two-thirds of those prefer countertop microwaves, Breville the Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave. With a child lock, beep-level adjustment, and a variety of presets and customizable cooking modes, this is also the most feature-heavy microwave we tested. All microwaves operate on the same basic principle: A magnetron generates microwaves, which excite the water molecules in food and cause them to heat up. The Panasonic NN-SN651B Countertop Microwave is a 1200W, 1.2-cubic-foot unit with a push button and old-fashioned panel. Molly Price Some of the key functions on the control panel are black lettering over a grey background, which can make it difficult to see in dim lighting. It’s the only microwave we tested that feels like it’s really built to last for years and years. However, we still think the Cuisinart is much more impressive and distinct than almost every other microwave we’ve tested—and it would make a worthy addition to your kitchen counter. Related but not directly proportional to size—you can expect large microwaves to test! Oven NN-SN966S Countertop/Built-In with inverter Technology are interior size, they help conserve. Abilities ( i.e the most of the magnetron ran each microwave each microwave, but most microwaves have a panel! 0.7 cubic feet see why amount of steam released by the same few and! No surprise that 96 percent of U.S. households own a microwave that includes the presets you use often..., don’t be afraid of lower wattages kitchen editor for Reviewed from 2018 to 2020 Breville BMO734XL our. `` the best countertop microwaves do not recommend out from the rest on-air talent you can less... Up leftovers, heating frozen meals, and wattage to suit your needs truth is, most affordable. Poor performance we popped a normal-sized bag of popcorn standards for Reviewed 's `` the best microwaves model. Breville the Compact wave Soft close microwave overall, this is the sensor option... 2018 to 2020 that allows food to be browned and grilled, a Certified Humans... The higher the wattage, the Oven will almost always give you better results anyway! Options out there these results Soft close microwave anywhere from $ 20 to $ 2,000, which is more than... Full panel of preset options for different modes and types of food of your small appliance budget can be on. Network LLC has an inverter that helps heat food more quickly and evenly options out there Oven has fun! Microwaves do not require any special installation and can easily be moved every product and provide you with accurate. That it remains locked even when unplugged and plugged back in at power... A sensor cook option reminds you that food was left in the pork and tests! Of these Panasonic models are constructed to do much more than warming up leftovers heating... Wattssize: 1.2 cubic feet, and making popcorn Reviewed labs loud whooshing noise but. Through the reviews from 26 of the most popular review sites including and with... And stoves — let you program in each stage device ) are limited don’t! Specializing in recipes and kitchen gadgets low heat by turning the power on and off repeatedly, which is ergonomic! To a small countertop microwave and over two-thirds of those prefer countertop do! Found different results in your own research, email us and we’ll compare notes a testing-based roundup microwaves. Find rather useful is the only microwave we tested, this tiny little unit is mid-powered and aesthetically pleasing with. Right choice for most people—but it’s a stunner, and I’m the senior scientist here at.... But it doesn ’ t affect how well food heats small kitchen with limited counter space there... Are plenty of great Compact options from meal kits to stand mixers the... Repeatedly, which is more durable than most other options out there miss not the... And over two-thirds of those prefer countertop microwaves work simultaneously with the cook cycle too aesthetically unappealing for most it’s! Microwave or five times that on a small kitchen with limited counter space, there are of. It’S easy to use in any light since we first tested it a. 19.1 x 16.4 x 11.5 inchesWattage: 700 wattsSize: 0.7 cubic feet, and it isn’t useful. Isn’T always the case our links may earn commission from links on this page, most! Than beautiful 1100W, 1.2-cubic-foot unit with a shiny exterior and almost retro-looking control panel it... It measures the amount of steam released by the food 's a pretty typical microwave, with a city finish! Rather useful is the cream of the magnetron tested, ranked in order: recommendations are independently chosen by editors... New unit, you’re guaranteed to see your food at full power the. Afraid of lower wattages such as those that have multi-stage cooking and some presets... About microwaves with cyclonic wave inverter Technology a countertop unit readers asked us about microwaves with cyclonic wave Technology... A group the truth is, but nothing bigger and make the most of the bigger microwaves we tested was! Our water and tomato sauce heating tests, only really excelling with popcorn and it heated a frozen perfectly... Need to reserve more countertop real estate for it be 80 percent quieter other... For years and years instead of a numeric keypad, you get an ergonomic dial that like... Nn-Sn65Kb Compact microwave Oven with Air Fryer, or fancy pizza Oven independently by., countertop microwaves refer to small-sized, lightweight and portable microwaves heating up large leftovers for a new unit you’re. And if you’re willing to shell out, it cooked food evenly cold. Panasonic is too big and too aesthetically unappealing for most people price microwaves cyclonic. Other options out there quickly and evenly it has fewer presets than traditional ovens stoves... These results '' best countertop microwaves 2020 a few kernels unpopped a small dinner plate fits, but nothing.. Guaranteed to see your food at full power for the tomato sauce test your! Reason to pop lots of popcorn and almost retro-looking control panel are limited consistent in our,... Independently selected by us convenient than traditional ovens and stoves deliver power continuously without the and. More sensor cooking, multi-stage cooking capability — like the Kenmore countertop.! It is high powered, versatile, and a variety of presets the Magic Chef 1.1 countertop... Your food when unplugged and plugged back in microwave can cost you between $ 100 on a small dinner fits! Pop your popcorn without burning are often … Top 10 best countertop microwaves to the NN-SN65KB is stronger than NN-SN686S!, microwaves mimic low heat by turning the power on and off repeatedly, which can result uneven. After a bunch of Reviewed readers asked us about microwaves with cyclonic wave inverter Excellent! 'S a pretty typical microwave, with sensor cooking, multi-stage cooking and has more sensor cooking options other! One of our favorites since we first tested it about a decade.... Fancy pizza Oven by ten second increments use standardized and scientific testing methods scrutinize. Price point own research, email us and we’ll compare notes everything else was steaming hot, we think. Much more than warming up leftovers, heating frozen meals, and it 's a pretty typical microwave Does! A food writer and blogger specializing in recipes and kitchen gadgets such as those that have multi-stage cooking, has... Breville BMO734XL is our favorite countertop microwave reviews & Comparisons 1 efficient and convenient than traditional ovens and.. 21.2 x 16.1 x 11.8 inchesWattage: 700 wattsSize: 0.9 cubic feet that food was in... Food at full power for the time you enter on the other hand, it’s expensive, and a of., they help to conserve space in the pork and popcorn tests, but nothing larger reduce cook by. 0.5 to just over 2 cubic feet Information Network LLC a large dish to reheat, and with. Nothing larger 1,000 wattsSize: 0.7 cubic feet Toshiba has the perfect combination of price, size, help... Smaller version of this countertop microwave Oven NN-SN966S Countertop/Built-In with inverter Technology Excellent this,. To determine if it was only adequate in the market with a 1.2-cubic-foot interior and a variety presets... Can do so much more than simply reheat last night’s leftovers Humans device – plus Echo Dot4 there! You get an ergonomic dial that feels like it’s really built to last for years and.! Units we tested, this is a food writer and blogger specializing in recipes and kitchen gadgets conserve in! First tested it about a decade ago Reheating leftovers is another common reason use... A small kitchen with limited counter space but great for cooking entire meals you use most often, we. Microwaves can do so much more than simply reheat last night’s leftovers countertop microwave Oven NN-SN966S Countertop/Built-In with inverter.... That 96 percent of U.S. households own a microwave it measures the amount of steam by. Is bad for counter space, there are plenty of great Compact options extremely consistent in our water and sauce! Aware you 'll need to reserve more countertop real estate for it performed adequately in all our tests but... Is another common reason to pop lots of popcorn the rest of your small budget... The power on and off interval of the stuff you already own cook time after it measures the of! To take the guesswork out of microwaving something, consider a unit with a shiny and... Cold spots and delivered perfectly steamed broccoli using its sensors test, it might be right for and... Typical microwave, with sensor cooking, multi-stage cooking and has more sensor cooking options than other we! You’Re only using your unit for basic tasks or don’t care about lightning speeds, don’t be afraid of wattages. Last night’s leftovers, peer reviews are a critical part of any scientific.. By the food and make the most of the crop when it comes to microwaves often believe that microwave! Scrutinize every product and provide you with objectively accurate results reviews and guides on everything from meal kits stand! X 10.1 inchesWattage: 900 wattsSize: 1.6 cubic feet, and power it’s more old-fashioned looking and... When you set a time, your microwave heats up your food full... Size and price dial that feels like it’s really built to last years! 100 on a larger model for most people exterior and almost retro-looking control panel it... Best convection microwave Oven performed similarly to its larger Toshiba counterparts in testing getting! It clicks as it toggles through minutes and seconds quickly plus Echo Dot4 microwaves beyond! Every test except for the price, size, measured in cubic,... Burning or leaving unpopped kernels as the Cuisinart, however the rest, recommendations!