Best Microwave of 2024 – CNET
Size
Chances are, you’ll start your microwave search 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.
Performance
If you’re in a tight space or have wattage limitations (my college dorm limited us to a measly 900 watts), your best bet is to look for compact models under 1,000 watts. You should also consider whether you choose long-range, countertop, or inverter microwaves.
Setting and functions
Once you’ve decided on size and performance, consider which features are most important 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 functions, power settings, and preset cooking programs, but aside from a few, like defrosting or reheating, you may not use them all that often.
Galanz makes affordable microwaves with a touch of retro charm.
Color and design
Narrow it down to the right size, power level and feature set and all you have to do is pick a color. Some of the models we tested are available in several versions. So if your microwave becomes part of your kitchen landscape, you should be able to find the right shade.
One final tip: Don’t throw away the manual immediately after opening the package. Your microwave’s instruction manual is one Great Resource for exactly how to use each cooking mode. Every manufacturer seems to do things a little differently, and every manual we came across during testing had timings and helpful explanations.
