In every kitchen, there are a handful of staples that make cooking, prepping and everything in between easier. For some, that may be a toaster oven, for others perhaps it's a blender or juicer. However, for me, there's one that stands out the most: the microwave. Whether you're simply reheating leftovers or prepping popcorn for a movie night, a good microwave is an essential appliance in most kitchens.
- Best Microwaves of 2025, Tested and Reviewed
- What is the best microwave of 2025?
- Best microwaves for 2025
- Best overall microwave
- Best small microwave
- Best smart microwave
- Best multifunctional microwave
- Best countertop microwave
- Best budget microwave
- Best microwave ovens compared
- How we evaluated the best microwave ovens for 2025
- Microwave buying guide: What to consider
- More on microwaves
Microwaves come in plenty of sizes, powers, colors and functions.
Molly Price/CNETChoosing the right microwave isn’t always straightforward. With so many models and features to sort through, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and worry about picking the wrong one. That’s where CNET’s kitchen experts come in. We’ve analyzed all the top models so you can shop with confidence and find the microwave that’s perfect for your needs.
Here's everything to know about picking the best microwave for your needs.
What is the best microwave of 2025?
After hands-on testing, we've landed on Farberware's 1,100-Watt Microwave with Smart Sensor as the best microwave of the year. It's large enough to make all of your microwaving needs possible, but still at a median price point making it the ideal choice for most customers.
Best microwaves for 2025
Pros
- Roomy
- Good price (less than $200)
- Sensor cook features
Why we like it:
Farberware takes top honors in our list of best microwaves as it's a model that delivers most consistently on overall performance. It's roomy, less than $200, boils water in just less than three minutes and boasts a popcorn setting that works. This is thanks to the sensor cook feature, meaning that it detects (through steam) when something is finished cooking (or reheating), so you don't have to worry about burning your meals or second-guessing cooking times.
While it isn't the most technologically advanced on this list, it is certainly the most reliable after testing nearly a dozen of the best microwaves. Frankly, consistency and durability should be some of the most important factors to keep in mind while searching for long-term kitchen appliances.
We're also big fans of the Memory option that allows you to store customized settings so that frequent meals can be cooked with a simple press of a button.
Who is it for:
This is the best option for most people, given its median price and above-average features and performance.
Who should avoid it:
It's the largest model on our list so it's not the best choice for someone with a small kitchen or limited counter space.
Pros
- Pre-programmed heating features
- Child safety lock
- Available in larger options
Cons
- Only available in stainless steel
Why we like it:
If you're cooking for one and are looking at compact microwaves that won't take up too much counter space, Black & Decker's small but mighty digital option is a kitchen (or dorm room) necessity.
In addition to its preprogrammed buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen food and beverages, its large, LED digital display makes the control panel easy to read and navigate. It also boasts a child safety lock so that little ones aren't sneaking things into its compartment to pose a potential fire risk.
The 0.7 cubic foot capacity makes this on the smaller side, helping to save counter space, but it is also available in two larger options for bigger households.
Who is it for:
This microwave is ideal for those who want to save space and money, as it's also more affordable.
Who should avoid it:
If you don't have stainless steel appliances, this is probably not the choice for you as that's the only finish it's available in.
Pros
- Various control methods (voice commands, app control, buttons)
- Energy saving features
- Quiet options
Why we like it:
Unsurprisingly, practically any kitchen appliance can be found with smart-home capabilities. While syncing something like microwave ovens to your phone and/or Amazon Echo may give "robots are taking over the world" vibes, the ability to control your device from afar is pretty nifty.
Toshiba is already a leader in innovative technology and its countertop microwaves are no exception. You can manage its use with voice commands, app control or through its simple button panel. An LED cavity life with eco mode helps to reduce energy consumption. At the same time, an option to mute sound will ensure that no annoying beeping noises will disrupt those around you, especially in the wee morning hours when you're getting ready for work.
Who is it for:
Given its innovative features, this is great for modern homes and those who want to upgrade their kitchen appliances with more creative options.
Who should avoid it:
If you don't want or need a smart microwave, this expensive model isn't the best choice.
Pros
- Versatile (air fryer, convection bake, broiler, microwave)
Why we like it:
We love a hybrid that will save you money and space and Panasonic's four-in-one HomeChef is a pricey but worthwhile investment. Featuring an air fryer, convection bake, broiler and microwave, you can cook practically anything in the sleek, large-capacity unit that has garnered thousands of five-star reviews from Amazon alone.
What also separates this model from the pack is its ability to transform from countertop microwave use to a built-in with the purchase of a trim kit. This versatility allows it to travel easily if and when you move. With a stainless steel exterior, it should vibe with the most contemporary kitchen decor.
Who is it for:
This is an excellent option for those who want to minimize their kitchen appliances. It is also your choice if you'd rather have multiple appliances in one.
Who should avoid it:
Someone on a strict budget will want to choose one of our other picks as this is the most expensive item on our list.
Pros
- Sleek design, customizable look
- Three sizes
- Adjustable power levels
Cons
- Smaller than some other options
Why we like it:
As far as we're concerned, style is as important as quality in countertop microwaves. Because the appliance will be visible to you and your guests, it must look sleek and clean rather than ugly and archaic. Enter the Galanz Retro Microwave: a bright-colored device with a chrome handle on the door that looks pretty and can perfectly cook food.
Not only can you customize the color and choose between a more modern or classic look but Galanz also offers three sizes to accommodate daily microwave needs.
A rotating glass turntable keeps the temperature consistent. Still, Galanz has also enhanced the product with adjustable power levels, a child safety lock and a defrost option that works (instead of cooking whatever you put in it).
Who is it for:
Anyone who wants to add style to their kitchen would love this eye-catching microwave.
Who should avoid it:
If you want a traditional-looking microwave, our top pick is the better choice than this retro design.
Pros
- Cheapest option
- Isn't bulky
Cons
- Fewer features
- No digital controls
- Only black finishes
Why we like it:
At less than $85, Avanti's no-frills machine makes an excellent addition to any starter home. What you save on money, you don't sacrifice in quality. It is extremely easy to use with five power levels and a defrost function, making it an affordable microwave for anyone who couldn't care less about the cutting-edge features of more modern alternatives.
Who is it for:
This is ideal for minimalists who want an easy-to-use microwave.
Who should avoid it:
Our only gripes are that it is entirely manual (not digital) and only available in an all-black finish but don't let that deter you from buying if you're on a budget and just need something that gets the job done.
Best microwave ovens compared
| 17 x 20.5 x 12 | 13 x 17.3 x 10 | 16.6 x 20.4 x 12.4 | 15 x 15.4 x 9 | 13.8 x 18 x 10.3 | 13 x 17.5 x 9.8 |
| 1.6 | $1 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| 1,100 | $700 | 1,100 | 1,000 | 700 | 700 |
| Stainless steel with black | Stainless steel | Black, stainless steel | Stainless steel | Black, blue, green, red | Black |
| Safety lock, inverter precision cooking, LED display | Interior light, safety lock, express cooking | Alexa-enabled, humidity sensor, eco mode and muting | Air fryer, convection bake, genius sensor cooking, broiler | Eco mode, safety lock, timer presets | Defrost, five power levels |
| $170 | $90 | $180 | $475 | $80 | $84 |
We scoured the popular online retailers Amazon, Best Buy and The Home Depot to compile a list of their highest-rated microwaves. With the help of chefs and food editors, we relied on their industry knowledge to help narrow this list down to a dozen options, representing categories such as low-budget, multifunctional and sleek design. We dug deep into reviews and user ratings to ensure there will be no red flags related to performance and durability.
We tested many of the microwaves on this list at home. We also visited local small appliance showrooms to evaluate build quality and test their intuitive controls. We also considered preexisting "best of" round-ups and dedicated microwave reviews on CNET, which were based on more extensive real-world testing of the products.
Size
Chances are, you'll start your microwave hunt 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.
Power
If you're in a tight space or have restrictions on wattage (my college dorm capped us at a measly 900 watts), you'll do best to look for compact models (less than 1,000 watts). You'll also want to consider whether to look at over-the-range microwaves, countertop microwaves or inverter microwaves.
Setting and features
Once you've settled on a size and power, consider which functions mean the most to you. If you never eat popcorn but a lot of leftover pizza, ensure your model has the single-slice option. Microwaves come with dozens of features, power settings and preset cooking programs, but you might not find yourself using them all that much, except for a few, such as defrost or warm.
Galanz makes affordable microwaves with a touch of retro charm.
GalanzColor and design
Narrow it down to the right size, power level and function set, and all that's left is to choose a color. A few of the models we tested come in multiple finishes, so if your microwave will become part of your kitchen landscape, you should be able to find the right hue.
One final tip: Don't toss the manual as soon as you open the box. Your microwave's owner's manual is an excellent resource for how to use each cooking mode. Every manufacturer seems to do things just a bit differently and there were time guides and helpful explanations in every manual we encountered during testing.
Microwaves are differentiated by the number of watts they put out; the higher the wattage, the faster the cooking. The range can vary from 500 to 1,500, although we recommend a minimum of 700 for anyone who microwaves often and/or in larger quantities. The exception is dorm rooms and certain small apartments where electrical outlets may not be able to handle a higher wattage.
Because of the use of electromagnetic radiation, many often wonder if using a microwave is dangerous but there is very little evidence that microwaves pose a risk on their own. The US Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization have reiterated that microwave use is completely safe and without risk of radiation exposure.
Certain materials like plastic have been scientifically proven to release BPA and phthalates (chemicals used to create plastics) into your food when heated in microwaves, which can have adverse effects on the body's hormones and reproductive system. Using glass or porcelain plates, bowls and other containers to heat food in a microwave is the safest way to guard against potential exposure to BPAs.
Microwaves have changed a lot since the first commercial model was released in 1947. If you're not familiar with this essential appliance's origin, here's a quick rundown: While working on magnetron production for the military in World War II, Percy Spencer, a Raytheon employee and physicist, discovered that a candy bar in his pocket had melted. Spencer quickly filed a patent for an invention based on the strange accident and the microwave oven was born.
Microwaves can either be over the range/built-in or designed for countertop use only. Conventional microwaves turn power on and off to distribute the heat, whereas inverter microwaves continuously run power and typically result in fewer hot and cold spots and more evenly cooked food.
Ceramic enamel stands out for its durability and protective features, offering significantly higher scratch resistance than other microwave interiors. Under equal force, its surface roughness increases by just 7.5%, compared to a hefty 106% for stainless steel making it a better choice for microwaves.
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