Choosing the right microwave can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. Whether you need one for quick reheating, perfect popcorn, or full meal prep, finding a reliable model that meets your needs is key. Instead of relying solely on specs and marketing claims, we’ve analyzed real customer reviews to highlight the best microwave ovens based on performance, durability, and user experience. From compact budget-friendly options to feature-packed powerhouses, here are the top-rated microwaves that buyers swear by.
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Microwave Oven
Helpful Review: I recently picked up the Black and Decker Digital Microwave, and honestly, it’s been a solid addition to my kitchen. It fits well—no annoying bulkiness—and it didn’t cost a fortune, which is nice. This microwave does exactly what you expect: it cooks food! As someone who can be mildly dependent on my microwave during the week, I’ve been able to reheat everything the last half of my morning coffee to dinner leftovers, and there are no cold spots, which is a relief. The control panel is pretty straightforward, but I did fumble a bit with the “door unlock” button at first. Still, it’s a decent safety feature if you’ve got kids around. It’s also surprisingly quiet; you know, unlike those microwaves that sound like they’re about to take off. Cleaning is easy, too—a quick wipe down and you’re done. Overall, if you’re in the market for a reliable, budget-friendly microwave that actually gets the job done, this one’s worth considering.
2. Comfee EM720CPL-PMB Microwave Oven
Helpful Review: I got it on a special deal of the day only paying about $84 for it so I can’t complain about the price. It works fine but at 700W I always have to add time for cooking directions as most frozen dishes, or other items are based on using a 1200W Microwave. I don’t have to add a lot of time, but say if it says 4 minutes, I leave it in for five etc. It does require more space than you’d think, so be sure you check the specs for safety, one side they ask for a 4 feet clearance, not sure why, I gave it two and it seems to work without any issues. You’ll also have to remember NOT to put things on top of it (you should have about a 10″ clearance above it, and at least 3 to 4″ behind it. That worked okay on my counter. I have a very limited income so when my old Sylvania died (after giving me some 23 or so good years), another 700W, I had to find an inexpensive replacement and this was it.
There is something that I find annoying. When I want to set it to a certain time, I’m so accustomed to just pressing 150 for 1 minute 50 seconds… but if you try that with this machine, as soon as you hit the one, it will begin a one minute timing no more no less, and you’ll have to stop it, and go the longer way. You must push the timer button up top first, when four 0’s appear, THEN you can enter you 150, or 430, or whatever not an even minute timing you wish.
It has a nice glass revolving tray inside. I use covers for all of my dishes because microwaved items give off a lot of water vapor since it is the water molecules it stimulates. This is what eventually killed my old machine. I didn’t realize all that moisture was just sitting on top of the inside of my microwave and eventually it rusted. (Yes, of course I regularly cleaned my microwave; but since it rarely got dirty or showed spillage, there might be a week or more before I’d wipe it down. Now I know that by having fairly inexpensive plastic covers (1 large and one small) they will trap most of the steam on them, and a quick wipe across the top of the inside, should keep it from eating away at the metal surface. Anyway, it’s a good buy for the price, it works well. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the MUCH higher priced microwaves–but it does do the job.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven
Helpful Review: In 11 years together, my husband and I have gone through exactly two microwaves before finally landing on this one. The first was a tiny relic from 2004 that barely handled Cup O’ Noodle and finally died in 2017, wailing like a thousand whales. We went without for a while (hello, homeownership-induced poverty) until my in-laws handed us their 1988 wedding gift microwave. That beast was older than me, somehow still working, but also an absolute enigma—burnt popcorn, uneven heating, and a defrost function that sometimes cooked the food instead. Years of frustration later, I finally asked if we could scrape together some money for a microwave that actually worked. After much debate, research, and a brief detour with a DOA unit, we got this one.
The first test: popcorn. At full power? Burnt. Using the popcorn button? Perfectly popped in 90 seconds. Even our toddler cheered, “You did it, Mommy!”
Defrosting? A breeze. Heated a pound of ground beef without turning it into accidental taco meat.
The real shocker? A mug of water. I set it for a minute, expecting the usual lukewarm disappointment. Instead, it boiled. Both my husband and I stood in the kitchen, staring at it, shouting, “OH MY GOD!”
In short: I can’t believe what we used to put up with. This microwave is amazing. I love it.
4. Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven
Helpful Review: I purchased this product because I had a microwave that came with the home I used to live in and needed one because I moved. This microwave is great for the price. I like that I can select the number 1 button to microwave for one minute the number 2 button for 2 minutes all the way to number 6 button for 6 minutes. It also has a half minute button so you can microwave for less time or add a 30 seconds to your time. It’s amazingly light. I could carry it into the apartment and set it up by myself. It did start to make a loud vibration noise after using it for a couple of days. I figured out when I placed a thin plastic cover and placed my cup of coffee to heat it up a bit, it didn’t make the loud vibration sound anymore. The same thing with a plate of food. Also when I place something heavy like a caseral it doesn’t make that noise either. I use this microwave everyday and I love it.
5. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Helpful Review: The first one I bought started making popping noises after the first couple months so past date to return so I called GE. They said it was still under warranty and said to call Amazon and have them pick it up and replace it. The replacement works great (knock on wood lol)There is a real learning curve to using it. The touch pad lettering is so faint it is hard to see. I ended up purchasing a small table lamp and focus the light on the buttons to be able to see them and that works but it is frustrating. That is its main con. Also I find the baked goods do not bake well on the bottoms. My other oven had a bottom and top element so I think that is why this one does not do a good job but the microwave and combi settings work great. It is quiet and nice looking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I choose the right microwave oven?
Consider size, wattage, features (like defrost, sensor cooking, and mute options), and your budget. If you reheat frequently, a higher wattage (900W+) ensures faster, more even cooking.
2. What size microwave do I need?
For basic reheating, a small (0.7–1.0 cu. ft.) microwave works. For cooking meals or larger dishes, opt for 1.2–2.0 cu. ft.
3. What is the difference between inverter and conventional microwaves?
Inverter microwaves provide continuous, even heating, preventing overcooked edges. Conventional microwaves use pulsed power, which can lead to uneven cooking.
4. Why does my microwave burn popcorn?
Not all popcorn buttons are reliable. Try setting the microwave to 80% power and stopping when popping slows to 2 seconds between pops.
5. Why does my microwave heat unevenly?
Uneven heating happens due to improper placement of food or a weak turntable motor. Stirring, rotating, or using a microwave-safe cover can help.
6. How do I defrost food properly?
Use the weight-based defrost setting, turning food halfway. If your microwave only has a time-based option, defrost in short bursts and rotate frequently.
7. Is it safe to put metal in the microwave?
No. Metal reflects microwaves, causing sparks or damage. Use only microwave-safe containers.
8. How do I clean my microwave easily?
Heat a cup of water with lemon or vinegar for 3 minutes, let it sit, then wipe with a cloth. This loosens grime and deodorizes.
9. Why does my microwave make loud noises?
Unusual noises could mean a faulty magnetron, a worn-out turntable motor, or food debris stuck inside. Clean it first; if the noise persists, check the manual or seek repairs.
10. How long do microwaves last?
Most last 7–10 years with proper care. If it heats unevenly, takes longer than usual, or sparks, it might be time to replace it.
