10 BEST MICROWAVES TO BUY FOR YOUR KITCHEN IN 2023

American engineer Percy Spencer invented the microwave after world war II from radar technology. However, the invention of the modern microwave dates back to the 1970s, when microwaves became much more affordable for commercial and residential kitchens.

A microwave oven is a tiny box-like structure that uses a low-wavelength or high-frequency electromagnetic field to warm the food.

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Microwaves consist of an electron tube (magnetron) to produce microwave radiation. These radiations reflect off the metallic interior of the oven, and further, they get absorbed by food. Thus these radiations generate intermolecular friction between the food molecules, causing them to vibrate and resulting in heat.

Electromagnetic radiation induces the polar molecules to rotate the food and generate thermal energy, this process is called dielectric heating. Microwaves prepare food inside the food chamber with the help of radiation. It is easy to use, has attractive features, cooks food at the accurate temperature, is handy, and takes minimum space.

Microwaves produce heat inside by electrons called magnetrons. Microwaves cause water molecules in the food to vibrate and produce heat.

As we see various kinds of microwaves at different places, let’s have a look at the categories of microwaves that we use today for cooking.

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This over-the-range microwave mounts above the cabinet or cooktop in place of a range hood making countertop space vacant. These microwave ovens induce proper ventilation. They vent out air and re-circulate fresh air to your kitchen. They come in large and small capacities and have different types of features with various price tags.

This microwave mounts above the cooktop and under the cabinets in place of the range hood. A low-profile microwave is a sleek design, compact, and space-saving kitchen device. It is an ideal choice for too-low kitchen cabinetry.

This microwave can fit into a wall or cabinet to free up space and maximize convenience. Also, the built-in design serves the purpose of saving counter space and vacating the range hood. It comes in high-end features which give a premium look and feel, available in a range of sizes, power levels. This built-in microwave is chosen according to your family dishes requirements. It needs a professional’s help in installation.

The countertop microwave freely stands on the kitchen counter. It is easy to start and operate and requires a simple setup process. You can shift this microwave oven anywhere in the kitchen. Also, it doesn’t require any professional support. Countertop microwave covers the counter space and adds flexibility as it is easy to relocate. It is one of the most used and best microwaves people use at their homes.

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This microwave is put up in the lower cabinet area, designed to look modern and attractive. Also, opening an under-counter microwave is as easy as sliding the oven out. Most models offer an effective lock system making it more costly than its built-in and countertop equivalents.

Convection microwave offers a perfect combination of convection and microwave oven. It helps cook food more uniformly than standard ovens. It features an oven-like heating element with a fan that circulates heat throughout. As a result, the circulated heat speeds up the cooking and prepares your dish very quickly by chopping off 25% of your cooking time.

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Wall oven microwave combo is a space-saving solution for your kitchen arrangements. The wall oven flaunts some outstanding features such as precise temperature control, steady power, and innovative properties of an electric cooker. In addition, some high-end brands include premium features like distinct cooking modes, Frozen Bake ™ technology, and multi-step cooking options. However, these unique features account for a higher price.

Both merge into one streamlined unit, providing a convenient layout that maximizes the space on and over the counter area. Its door opens swing down like an oven. Also, this combination comes with a high price level. It offers high-quality features like frozen bake technology and multi-step cooking.

The smart microwave offers high-tech features like Wi-Fi, moisture sensors, and power-saving mode to add convenience to your cooking. Also, smart microwaves are compatible with smart gadgets. In addition, advanced features like remote control, voice control, barcode scanning, and the latest recipes make it a worthy investment.

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave

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BLACK+DECKER Portable Washing Machine is well suited for camping trips or small rooms. Also, the washer has a compact design and delivers a powerful fabric wash. The tub can wash 6.6 lbs of laundry in 19-52 minutes. In addition, an LED panel and clear top window make it an easy-to-use machine.

Moreover, Black+ Decker has five wash cycle programs and three water settings. Black+Decker machine uses cold water to wash, has a washable lint filter, and uses only high-efficiency detergents for a good wash. Besides, its Automatic unbalance detection system corrects the imbalance of clothes in the tub for the effective operation of the machine.

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Hamilton Beach is a fully-featured microwave oven as it brings a whole new level of comfort and convenience to your cooking. This stainless steel is one of the best microwaves to employ a user-friendly and intuitive touchpad with an LED screen.

Moreover, Hamilton works very smoothly with its six quick-set buttons. Also, this 1.1 Cu ft. can readily heat up or defrost frozen food at your desired intensity. In addition, this countertop oven consists of a lockout feature for child safety.

However, it boasts additional hi-tech features, including a timer and clock. And finally, this budget-friendly kitchen appliance can be easily integrated into the wall.

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Panasonic NN-SN75LB can cook a broad range of foods with precision and efficiency thanks to its unique Cyclonic wave technology. Also, the Auto Sensor mechanism can save the food from overcooking and undercooking.

Moreover, this lightweight microwave consumes less space due to its smart and compact design. You can enjoy easy and quick controls like a standalone button for popcorn, child lock, timer, and 3-stage cooking with Panasonic. As a result, it is considered as one of the best microwaves which gives the joy of evenly cooked food at any time.

However, it boasts additional hi-tech features, including a timer and clock. And finally, this budget-friendly kitchen appliance can be easily integrated into the wall.

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AmazonBasics is a smart microwave introduced by Amazon which simply allows you to operate it with voice control and Alexa app using WiFi connectivity. Also, it is easy to use, as the manual function is limited compared with other microwaves.

In addition, this microwave includes some must-have features like a timer, power level button, three preset buttons, 30 seconds button, defrost timer, and weight defrost.

On top of all, AmazonBasics can cater to your needs with your voice. On an added note, it can take the guesswork out of so many kitchen situations thanks to its quick-cook presets. And lastly, this smart microwave complies with the upgraded safety norms on the back of its child lock feature.

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Breville BMO650SIL comes engineered with an 80% quieter soft-touch close door with a 25 l compact footprint. It can efficiently reheat and cook food with the help of convenient menu settings and easy shortcut options.

Also, its Defrost function can defrost the food items slowly without overheating and drying the edges. This function uses lower power levels so that it can ward off overcooking.

In addition, Breville offers some interesting features, including child lock, mute buttons, and a 30-second instant start.

Additionally, this is one of the best microwaves for those who are looking for lightweight ovens as it is a bit tight on space. And finally, it uses curved fascia as its material that is very easy to clean.

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Galanz Toastwave is a multifunctional microwave that brings you a concoction of 4-in-1 functionality. With its combination of a convection oven, air fryer, microwave, and toaster oven, Galanz takes care of your overall cooking utilities. Also, this generous cooking tool applies TotalFry 360 technology that helps you air fry your favorite meals by minimizing oil intake.

Moreover, this is one of those best microwaves that can cook fast with uniformly heating food items. In addition, its in-built Sensor Cook mechanism comes into play to alert you of overcooking or undercooking.

When your pre-cooked gourmet becomes hot and ready to eat, the Reheat Sensor stops automatically.

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Panasonic NN-SN766S can evenly cook food as this countertop oven delivers a continuous power stream. Also, this microwave includes a unique feature like a quick minute timer which sets cooking and reheating food time in one-minute intervals.

This compact inverter microwave covers less space owing to its minimal exterior. Apart from the capacious interior, it lets you tap into the pre-program quick button and four-digit display that delivers a high-end look and delicious flavor of food.

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GE JES1097 is a feature laced microwave, designed in modern style. You don’t need to read the manual, simply scan the barcode and it will automatically adjust the power level, cook time, and temperature according to your food.

Also, it incorporates some smart features, including voice control with the Alexa app or Google assistant. With the voice control feature, you can avail any cooking service with the voice from any room in your house.

On top of it, you can make the most of this device using auto power levels and defrosting time. In simple terms, this microwave automatically selects settings according to food, and you need not remember when you adjusted the required settings last time. Also, it is considered as one of the best microwaves in the USA.

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Sharp SMC microwave includes brushed stainless steel finish with scratch-resistant glass door. Also, the carousel turntable is big enough for full-size plates and best for snacks and beverages.

In addition, Quick and auto-defrost by weight or time, timer, user-friendly keypad, and blue LED add quality to this microwave oven. Besides, it uses 900 W power output to offer fast reheating and fast cooking.

On top of all, one-touch control and accurate defrosting complement your culinary styles. And finally, the Express cook feature allows you to enjoy instant cooking from 30 seconds to 6 minutes. It is as simple as pressing any button between 0 and 9.

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Panasonic NN GN68KS is a powerful combination of oven and broiler in one. Also, it contains FlashXpress infrared grilling elements to add a crispy brown finish to your gourmets. It triggers innovative heating as its common feature.

Moreover, the in-built Genius Sensor Cook can automatically state cook time by adjusting power. However, GN68KS includes 18 preset menu items, a quick timer, a delay start option, and seven preset auto cook menu items. And finally, you can enjoy chef-inspired recipes with this best microwave having large-capacity.

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Follow instructions manual – Follow user manual instructions that comes with the microwave oven to avoid any mishappening. Comply with recommended safety precautions and operating procedures. Avoid using microwave ovens when they are empty.

Use microwave-safe containers – Best microwaves are those which support every kind of cooking ware, but due to the involvement of the radiation we should avoid using some particular kind of utensils in microwaves. It is advised to use cookware designed especially for microwaves ovens. Avoid using steel pan/ bowl and aluminum pan as they are unsafe and can damage your oven. The FDA suggests using glass, ceramic cookware, or plastic bowls labeled for microwave use.

Check for leakage – Ensure that the door is firmly closed or sealed as any damage to door hinges can allow the exposure of excessive microwave radiation. As a result, it may cause body tissue heat. Also, exposure to high-intensity microwaves can cause severe burning.

Ensure the door is appropriately closed – Make sure that the door shuts firmly. Reports regarding microwave ovens staying operational when the door is open have been rising. Any defect in the door sensing switch can allow the turntable, fan, or light to be operational. In such a case, avoid using it to curtail radiation issues.

Don’t cover the vent at the top when in use – Do not cover any part of the microwave with plastic or metal foil. Plastic can melt, and metal is a conductor of heat. Consequently, the microwave might catch fire and compromise your food quality. It might burn your equipment as well.

Place the Microwave Oven away from heating sources in the kitchen. – Do not keep it near heating appliances like gas or other devices that will cause overheating.

No sealed food and beverage items – Avoid cooking packed or sealed items as they might trigger an explosion inside the equipment. Take out the food from the packet; otherwise, it might lead to a sudden blast in the inside area.

Exercise caution while heating liquid – Your microwave oven can heat water or liquids quickly to their boiling points. You should use any safety gloves to protect your hands while putting off the dish.

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Quick reheating – The most outstanding advantages of microwaves are ease of use and quick heating or cooking food. The magnetron creates radio waves which help flow heat energy to cook food evenly, and the turntable moves around the microwave.

Easy to clean – The most important benefit of a microwave oven is that it affords a very easy cleaning and cooking. The material used inside the microwave is made of glass and has a smooth finish, so the cleaning process is too simple.

Cooking programs – The most important part is cooking programs. Many best microwaves offer preset programs and many options to select before cooking according to your taste preferences. Some microwaves are designed with auto sensor technology, voice control, WiFi connectivity and can be operated from any room at home.

Defrost food – It can be used to melt frozen food cooked evenly in a short time with fresh flavor.

Low energy consumption – Cooking in the microwave is very beneficial as you can save your money on electricity bills. If wattage is between 600 to 1200, the microwave takes low energy, and you can adjust the microwave to turn on and off automatically.

Variable heat settings – The microwave offers you various heat settings and a timer to choose the cooking time and required power for your food.

Safe for children – Microwaves are safe for children; they do not produce high-temperature heat, which causes burning. On the contrary, using a convection oven or gas stove is very dangerous. It produces a heavy amount of smoke and heat in the kitchen.

No change in taste and nutrients – With the help of a quick-cooking procedure, the food doesn’t burn. Also, preserving the flavor of food cooked in the microwave is more convenient than regular gas stoves.

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There are many types of microwaves available in the market. But first, you have to choose a suitable microwave for your needs.