The Best Microwaves

If you only use your microwave to reheat a cup of coffee or pop a quick bag of popcorn, almost any model will get the job done. But once you start defrosting meat, reheating leftovers, or trying to make something like crispy bacon without turning on the stove, the difference between a cheap unit and a good one becomes clear. A well-designed microwave can heat food more evenly, preserve texture and flavor, and save you from the frustration of half-cold, half-scalding meals.

Most countertop microwaves share similar designs and come from just a handful of manufacturers, so it’s easy to assume they all perform alike. In reality, the small differences in sensor accuracy, power delivery, and build quality can have a big impact on how consistently and quickly your food heats up. The best microwaves strike a balance between efficiency, thoughtful design, and ease of use, combining solid power with smart features that make everyday cooking a little smoother and more reliable.

Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or reheating dinner for the family, a high-quality microwave can be one of the most underrated tools in your kitchen. The models that stand out don’t just cook faster; they handle a wider variety of tasks gracefully, from defrosting frozen ingredients to gently steaming vegetables or warming up leftovers to restaurant-worthy results.

Panasonic NN-SV79MS

Best Overall Option

A powerful 1200 W inverter microwave with Alexa voice control, smart sensor cooking, and even heating for effortless daily cooking and reheating.

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The Panasonic NN-SV79MS is a high-performance countertop microwave that blends power, precision, and convenience with a touch of modern smart technology. It’s one of Panasonic’s most advanced inverter models, designed to heat food quickly and evenly without the overcooked edges and cold centers that plague cheaper units. Built with the company’s hallmark inverter and sensor systems, it handles everything from defrosting meat to reheating leftovers with remarkable consistency, while its stainless steel exterior gives it a refined, modern look that fits easily into almost any kitchen.

With 1,200 watts of power and Panasonic’s inverter technology, the NN-SV79MS delivers steady energy instead of pulsing on and off like many traditional microwaves. This results in more even heating at all power levels and faster cooking overall. Whether you’re warming a bowl of soup, cooking vegetables, or gently defrosting frozen meat, the difference is noticeable in both speed and texture. It includes ten power levels to handle a wide variety of tasks, and its inverter system ensures that even delicate foods like fish or custards come out evenly cooked instead of rubbery or overdone.

The sensor cooking and reheating features are another standout. The microwave uses built-in humidity sensors to gauge how much steam is released from your food and automatically adjusts cooking time and power accordingly. It’s particularly reliable for reheating meals, everything from pasta to rice dishes tends to come out hot throughout without the need to guess at timing. The sensor menu also includes dedicated settings for common foods like frozen pizza, baked potatoes, and vegetables, all of which perform well when used with a vented cover or plate.

Beyond the basics, the NN-SV79MS includes thoughtful extras that make everyday cooking easier. You can defrost by weight or time, add 30 seconds with a single button, mute the beeps, or set up multi-step cooking programs that automatically switch between power levels or add resting periods. These options make it surprisingly versatile for something as simple as a countertop microwave. Panasonic’s digital interface is intuitive once you get used to it, and the manual provides clear instructions for customizing these advanced functions.

Physically, the NN-SV79MS strikes a great balance of size and capacity. Its 1.4 cubic feet of interior space can accommodate large dinner plates, casserole dishes, and multiple bowls at once, while still fitting comfortably on most countertops. The turntable is wide enough for everyday cookware, and the design feels sturdier than many competitors at this price point. The one-touch door release works smoothly, and the build quality gives the impression that it’s made to last.

Where this model really distinguishes itself is with its smart functionality. The NN-SV79MS connects to Wi-Fi and integrates with Amazon Alexa, allowing hands-free control through voice commands. You can tell Alexa to reheat leftovers, defrost a certain weight of food, or cook on specific power settings, all without touching the control panel. It’s a surprisingly useful feature for busy kitchens or multitaskers who want a seamless smart home experience.

Aesthetically, the NN-SV79MS stands out with its brushed stainless steel finish and minimalistic control panel. It feels more premium than most microwaves in its range, avoiding the plasticky look that dominates many competitors. While the display is simple and functional rather than flashy, the overall build feels solid and professional.

Panasonic backs the NN-SV79MS with a one-year warranty on parts and labor and five years on the magnetron, the heart of the microwave. The company’s online resources include troubleshooting guides and setup instructions for both traditional and smart features, making maintenance straightforward. For anyone looking for a reliable, powerful, and modern microwave that blends performance with smart convenience, the NN-SV79MS is one of the best options available today.

Toshiba EM131A5C

Best Budget Option

A dependable 1.2 cu ft microwave with 1100 W of power, one-touch controls, sensor reheat, and a stainless steel finish that looks great in any kitchen.

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The Toshiba EM131A5C is a dependable, straightforward microwave that covers all the essentials without unnecessary extras. It’s a popular midsize model that delivers reliable heating performance for everyday use, making it a solid option if you want something functional and affordable. While it doesn’t have the precision or premium feel of higher-end models, it consistently performs well for basic cooking, reheating, and defrosting tasks.

With 1.2 cubic feet of interior space and 1,100 watts of power, the EM131A5C is large enough for most households while remaining compact enough to fit comfortably on a kitchen counter. The turntable measures just over 12 inches across, accommodating large dinner plates, mixing bowls, and casserole dishes with ease. It’s slightly deeper than some competitors, which might matter for smaller kitchens, but the added space inside makes it more versatile for everyday meals.

In terms of features, it includes the key conveniences most users expect. The Add 30 Seconds button provides quick control for extra heating, while sensor-based auto cook and reheat functions adjust power and time based on humidity levels in your food. These work well for simple tasks like popcorn or melting butter, though results can vary depending on portion size and moisture. The express cook feature allows you to start cooking instantly by pressing any number from 1 to 6, with each number representing a minute of high-power cooking. There’s also a mute option for those who prefer a quieter kitchen environment.

Unlike higher-end models that use inverter technology, the EM131A5C relies on traditional power cycling, which can result in slightly uneven heating compared to premium designs. Still, for its price, it performs on par with other midrange microwaves and offers dependable results for everyday cooking. It feels sturdier than many budget options, and its stainless steel exterior gives it a cleaner, more polished appearance than the plastic-heavy designs common at this level.

The handle-based door adds to its appeal, offering a satisfying, solid pull without causing the unit to slide on the counter. Overall, the Toshiba EM131A5C is an excellent value choice that balances performance, size, and usability. For most kitchens, it delivers exactly what a microwave should: dependable heating, intuitive controls, and a sleek design that blends easily with other appliances.

GE GCST07N1

Best Compact Option

A 0.7 cu ft, 700 W compact microwave ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices, offering reliable performance and essential cooking presets in a sleek design.

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The GE GCST07N1 is a compact countertop microwave that offers a rare mix of performance, style, and reliability in a truly space-saving design. With just 0.7 cubic feet of capacity and 700 watts of power, it’s built for small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, or anywhere counter space is at a premium. Despite its smaller footprint, it delivers steady, dependable performance that makes it more than just a budget option.

At 10.2 inches tall, 17.3 inches wide, and 12.75 inches deep, the GCST07N1 is noticeably smaller than most compact models. That size advantage means it can fit comfortably where bulkier microwaves simply won’t. Inside, the 10.4-inch turntable accommodates a standard dinner plate or medium-sized bowl, though it’s best suited for smaller portions, beverages, and snacks. Larger items, like wide casserole dishes or oversized bags of popcorn, can bump against the walls, so it’s ideal for simpler heating tasks rather than big family meals.

For its class, this microwave performs impressively well. Heating is consistent across small portions, and it handles tasks like warming soup or defrosting frozen vegetables more evenly than most other 700-watt models. It includes sensor-free auto programs for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, and reheating, plus time and weight-based defrost modes. The Add 30 Seconds button and express-start options (pressing numbers 1 through 6 starts that many minutes of cooking) make it easy to use without constant button mashing or menu scrolling.

Design-wise, the GCST07N1 feels sturdier than its size and price suggest. Available in black, white, or stainless steel, it looks sleek enough for modern kitchens and has a solid metal push button that feels more durable than many competing models’ plastic interfaces. The exterior has a clean, polished aesthetic, while the interior feels well-built and stable during use.

Backed by GE Appliances’ one-year limited warranty and supported by a nationwide service network, the GCST07N1 is a dependable small-space solution that doesn’t feel disposable. It’s an ideal pick for anyone who needs a compact microwave that heats evenly, fits anywhere, and looks good doing it.

Panasonic HomeChef Multi-Oven

Best Multifunction Option

A premium 4-in-1 microwave that combines convection baking, air frying, broiling, and smart Wi-Fi controls for crisp, even results in a compact design.

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The Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-Oven NN-CV87QS is one of the most versatile countertop appliances available, designed for those who want the power of a microwave combined with the flexibility of a convection oven and air fryer. It’s an excellent solution for small kitchens, dorms, or apartments where space is limited and a full-sized oven isn’t an option. While combination microwaves still can’t fully match the performance of dedicated air fryers or toaster ovens, this model comes closer than most, offering a practical balance between convenience and capability.

At its core, the HomeChef Connect performs as a 1,000-watt microwave with the same even heating and reliability that Panasonic is known for. It handles reheating, defrosting, and cooking tasks with precision similar to the brand’s standard inverter models, maintaining consistent temperatures without hot or cold spots. Though it has fewer preprogrammed modes than other Panasonic units, its sensor and manual settings are intuitive and effective, covering everything most home cooks need.

Beyond microwaving, the 4-in-1 functionality expands its usefulness considerably. It can switch between convection baking, broiling, and air frying, giving users multiple ways to prepare food in one device. The convection fan helps distribute heat evenly for baking or roasting, while the air-fry mode produces crisp textures without the need for oil. It takes a bit longer to achieve results compared to a traditional oven, but the tradeoff is space efficiency and flexibility. The hidden bake element also improves performance and makes cleanup much easier by preventing food from burning onto exposed metal surfaces.

The design feels premium and thoughtfully built. Its full stainless steel body, metal buttons, and large control knob give it a modern, professional look. The display is bright and easy to read, and the included accessories, such as the crisper tray and air-fry basket, feel sturdy and well-integrated into the overall design. Panasonic also provides an app that connects via Wi-Fi and offers recipes through its Fresco partnership. This app guides you step by step, suggesting cooking methods and automatically adjusting times or temperatures as needed.

Panasonic backs the NN-CV87QS with one of the best warranties in its category: three years on the appliance and four years on the magnetron (parts only). Like other combination microwaves, it can take time to learn which settings and accessories work best for each task, but once mastered, it becomes an impressively capable all-in-one cooking tool. For anyone looking for a compact yet multifunctional option that can handle everything from reheating leftovers to baking and crisping, the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-Oven stands out as a top-tier choice.

Microwaves have evolved far beyond their reputation as simple reheating tools. Today’s models combine efficiency, precision, and design in ways that make them indispensable kitchen companions. Whether you’re cooking from scratch, defrosting ingredients, or just warming up a late-night snack, a good microwave can save time without sacrificing quality. The best ones don’t just cook faster, they make everyday tasks smoother, more consistent, and more intuitive.

When choosing one, the most important factors often come down to how it fits your lifestyle and space. Power, capacity, and usability matter more than extra presets or flashy features. A microwave that balances speed, control, and ease of use will likely serve you well for years, quietly proving its worth in every quick meal or reheated plate.