Home > Microwave Ovens
Ranking Updated: February 2012

Microwave ovens are truly one of the most convenient inventions of the 20th century when it comes to kitchen and cooking. No wonder they have become a standard kitchen appliance in every home. Today, there are quite a few options available on various websites. From different sizes to different looks and styles to features that provide easier and nearly effortless operation, there are many aspects that you should consider about your new microwave oven. In addition to reheating, thawing and cooking, you might also want one that can grill and bake. Here at IntelliReview, we take the guesswork out of choosing the perfect microwave oven for your home. We offer you a list of the best models by compiling reviews from multiple websites and ranking products based on the amount of positive and negative reviews. (That's right - WE do the hard work for YOU.) By shopping with us, you can save hours of time researching the top products. From the conventional white or black models to the stainless steel ovens which are more appealing, we are sure you'll find what you've been looking for from the product listing below. Let IntelliReview help you pick the right microwave no matter your needs.

TIPS
  1. There are two types of microwave ovens available in the market: The conventional type and the newer convection type microwaves that include a heating element and a fan that circulates the hot air inside the cooking section.
  2. Convection microwaves offer the ability to brown, crisp and even bake food.
  3. Full-sized microwave ovens can deliver a maximum of about 1600 watts of power, which can easily cook food but can also consume a lot of energy.
  4. An important thing to look for when buying microwaves is if it has safety features like interlocks, automatic shutoffs and child lockouts.
  • Sharp R930CS Countertop Microwave (1.5 Cu. Ft., Stainless Steel, Convection)

    Sharp R930CS Countertop Microwave (1.5 Cu. Ft., Stainless Steel, Convection)

    139 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Most passionate
    Popularity : Very popular
     Price: $498.00  See It
     Price: $569.97  See It
     Price: $508.00  See It

    Pros: Easy to clean, User-friendly, Advanced features
    Cons: Large, Heavy

    For its great combination of pre-programmed settings, Sharp's R930CS is an excellent all-around microwave oven. It not only lets you heat food, boil water and defrost frozen meat, it also features a 4-Way Convection System which allows it to handle most cooking tasks including baking, crisping, broiling and browning. With its CompuRoast, CompuBroil, and CompuBake operating modes, you'll get great cooking results all the time. In terms of construction, it is housed in stainless steel which makes it attractive and a lot easier to clean than most ovens. This 900-watt countertop appliance has a 15 3/8-inch turntable that offers even heating, with the tray large enough to accommodate different types and large quantities of food at the same time.. The R930Cs eliminates guesswork because it is embedded with a Smart & Easy Sensor that automatically calculates and sets the right time and power level. Other benefits include high and low racks, a KeepWarm function, a Minute Timer and a Safety Lock that prevents household accidents. The Sharp R930CS is a great step-up from your average microwave/convection oven. It may be heavy and large but its outstanding features and usability make it worthy of its space on your kitchen counter.

  • Panasonic NN-SD797S Prestige Countertop Microwave (1.6 Cu. Ft., Stainless Steel)

    Panasonic NN-SD797S Prestige Countertop Microwave (1.6 Cu. Ft., Stainless Steel)

    95 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Most passionate
    Popularity : Most popular
     Price: $171.99  See It
     Price: $218.00  See It
     Price: $229.99  See It
  • Panasonic NN-SD797S Prestige Countertop Microwave (1.3 Cu. Ft., Stainless Steel)

    Panasonic NN-SD797S Prestige Countertop Microwave (1.3 Cu. Ft., Stainless Steel)

    65 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Most passionate
    Popularity : Very popular
     Price: $173.99  See It
     Price: $239.97  See It
     Price: $191.00  See It
  • General Electric JES2051DNBB Black 2.0 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven

    General Electric JES2051DNBB Black 2.0 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven

    18 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Most passionate
    Popularity : Very popular
     Price: $184.33  See It
     Price: $170.00  See It
    Lowes.com  Price: $159.00  See It
  • Sharp SuperSteam AX1200K Black 1.1 cu. ft. Microwave Oven

    Sharp SuperSteam AX1200K Black 1.1 cu. ft. Microwave Oven

    17 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Most passionate
    Popularity : Moderately popular
     Price: $815.00  See It
    Lowes.com  Price: $999.00  See It
     Price: $569.00  See It

    Pros: Stylish design, Solid build quality, Easy to use, Includes high quality pans and racks, Lots of cooking functions
    Cons: Large, Expensive, only 700W, Needs more lighting

    The Sharp AX-1200S is more than just a microwave oven. It is ideal for those who want to explore the world of cooking as it can take the place of four of your countertop appliances. There are 43 Automatic settings and in addition to being a regular microwave oven, it can also be used as a steam, SuperSteam and convection oven. From vegetables and eggs to meat and seafood, the SuperSteam can handle everything with its multiple cooking options and 11 power levels that ensure right and even cooking temperature. The package includes a steam basket, two porcelain enamel baking trays and two non-stick finish racks. These supplied accessories are well-made and durable. A SuperSteam Cookbook for trying out new and healthy recipes is also provided. The looks of the AX-1200S can be intimidating but it is, in fact, user-friendly. It has a bright LCD display and a control panel that make it simple to use. There are also two color options (black and stainless steel) to suit individual preferences and it measures a total of 21-3/4" x 17-1/4" x 18-3/8" (wxhxd), larger than most microwave ovens but definitely more space-saving compared to buying four separate kitchen appliances. Using Sharp's optional deluxe built-in Kit, you can even attach it into a 30-inch wall oven cabinet to make your kitchen more professional- and neat-looking. Aside from the fact that it is not at all affordable, the Sharp AX-1200S is only 700W. Those who are replacing an oven with a higher wattage may need some time to adjust as it may take a while to heat up. Also, the lighting is not very good. It only uses a single light which causes it to be a little dark than most microwave ovens. Finally, remember to take extra caution as there are risks of burning due to the drop down door. Otherwise, this solid-looking, all-in-one oven has significant advantages over step-down models thus, making it a favorite among bigger-spending cooks.

  • Sharp AX1100S Black Countertop Microwave (0.9 Cu. Ft, 900 Watts)

    Sharp AX1100S Black Countertop Microwave (0.9 Cu. Ft, 900 Watts)

    17 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Most passionate
    Popularity : Moderately popular
     Price: $498.00  See It
     Price: $419.00  See It
  • Sharp KB-6524PK Black Built-In Microwave (1.2 Cu. Ft, 1000 Watts)

    Sharp KB-6524PK Black Built-In Microwave (1.2 Cu. Ft, 1000 Watts)

    14 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Most passionate
    Popularity : Mildly popular
     Price: $758.00  See It
     Price: $817.56  See It
     Price: $697.00  See It

    Pros: Powerful, Easy to use and clean, Auto-touch control, Professional-looking and convenient drawer design
    Cons: Few controls, No turntable

    Aesthetically pleasing and easy to install, the Sharp KB-6524P series is a great start if you want to modernize your kitchen. Of course, in addition to great cooking performance, design is also one of the key elements when choosing a kitchen appliance. Sharp takes it a step further with this 1000-watt built-in microwave. Its drawer design is very space-saving and the KB-6524P is so powerful that you can cook without the wait. Boasting a large 1.2 cu. ft. capacity, you can fit a 9" x 13" dish and tall mugs up to 20 oz. or 7" in size while the overall dimensions remain the same as other 24-inch microwaves at 23 7/8" x 15 13/32" x 26 3/16". Aside from the usual white exterior, it is likewise available in black and stainless steel. The digital LCD display stays readable at a distance and the front-mounted touch controls are laid out nicely and ready to be accessed anytime. However, it does have a few minor inconveniences like the lack of a turntable and push-button controls for heating frequently-served foods. It also requires a few presses before it can start heating your food/beverage. A melt, soften, warm and defrost function as well as a beverage center for heating coffee, tea or hot water and sensor popcorn, cook and reheat are present though, along with 11 power levels. The Sharp KB-6524P can keep your food warm up to 30 minutes and you can safely monitor cooking progress through the window. Minute Plus also allows you to quickly add a minute to your current cooking session. Basically, there are two ways to open or close the microwave: by simply pushing or pulling the microwave drawer handle or by pressing the Auto touch control which automatically opens or closes the drawer. Needless to say, the latter makes it more convenient and easy to operate and at the same time, innovative and professional-looking.

  • General Electric PEM31DMWW Profile Spacemaker II Countertop Microwave (1.0 Cu. Ft., White)

    General Electric PEM31DMWW Profile Spacemaker II Countertop Microwave (1.0 Cu. Ft., White)

    13 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Most passionate
    Popularity : Most popular
     Price: $214.33  See It
     Price: $249.97  See It
    Lowes.com  Price: $249.00  See It

    Pros: Small and slim basic microwave oven, 800 watts with sensor-based cooking and 10 power levels, Intuitive and automated cooking.
    Cons: Not that powerful, Plain design

    The small and slim form factor of the GE Profile Spacemaker II Countertop Microwave Oven is a perfect fit for places where space is a premium, like small offices, apartments or dorms. Offering a quick and easy way to have hot meals and even hot water for coffee or tea, this 1 cubic foot capacity microwave has 10 power levels and 6 sensor settings. A decent 800 watt consumption gives the GE Profile Microwave just enough power for reheating and light cooking without pushing your electric bills overboard. The controls on the Spacemaker II Microwave are the usual electronic soft touch selectors with a small LCD display on top, and its glass turntable, which measures 11 5/16", rotates for more even cooking. Like most microwaves, the GE Profile has presets to cook your food perfectly without going either under or overcooked. Vegetables, for example, come out just right and not mushy or rubbery. Its sensors also adjust the time and intensity of the microwave automatically based on the food being cooked. The GE Profile Spacemaker II has a 1-6 minute Express Cook function, with an option to quickly add 30 seconds to the cooking time. One particular feature that sets this microwave apart from other models is that it has a beverage key for, as mentioned earlier, quick water heating for hot drinks. Reheating and quick cooking of food isn't the only thing the GE Profile can do though; with its handy defrost option, you can quickly thaw even heavily frozen food items. Since this function can be automated, you can set the microwave to switch on and start defrosting at specific times. The delayed start-up likewise works with the cooking function too. Easily the best thing about the GE Profile Microwave is that since it is so small, it has a very small footprint, easily fitting into niches or alcoves or directly on your counter. If in case your counter tops are a little short on room and your kitchen has an overhead cabinet, you can also get the optional mounting bracket that allows you to mount this microwave to the bottom of your cabinet. Lastly. A child lock safety feature secures the microwave from unsupervised or unattended use. It's not that powerful compared to other larger microwaves, but we like the GE Profile Spacemaker II Countertop Microwave Oven, especially with regards to the size. Another plus point is thatit has most of the usual microwave features. Lastly, even though it does look a bit ordinary with an all-white look, it's priced just right for budget conscious buyers.

  • LG LCRT2010ST Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave (2.0 Cu Ft, 1200 Watts)
  • General Electric PVM1790SRSS Profile Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave (1.7 Cu Ft, 1000 Watts)

    General Electric PVM1790SRSS Profile Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave (1.7 Cu Ft, 1000 Watts)

    4 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Most passionate
    Popularity : Most popular
     Price: $519.00  See It
     Price: $460.72  See It
     Price: $497.32  See It

    Pros: Dual function convection cooker, 1.7 cu.ft. capacity, Easy to use
    Cons: May take longer to heat up and cool down, May consume more electricity, Could require advance planning to maximize cooking time

    Since it uses an advanced convection technology instead of the traditional microwave radiation, the GE Profile PVM1790 Stainless Steel Microwave oven makes sure that your food is cooked more thoroughly, so you won't have any raw spots especially when cooking poultry. The 1000-watt output of the convection cooking system also turns this 1.7 cubic foot capacity microwave into an oven that you can use to bake bread or cakes, or roast small cuts of meat. Choose from the dual functions of the GE Profile PVM1790 Convection Microwave - either oven style or microwave style - and make cooking less of a chore. Its long list of automatic features is impressive and very much in keeping with modern microwaves. For example, you won't need to bother that much with adjusting settings when cooking; simply set the controls according to the recipe, and let the Auto Recipe Conversion do the rest. When it comes to using the unit as a microwave, it performs solidly and very quickly. It also has a lot of presets and options, making the GE Profile a very intuitive device to use. Instead of being a freestanding microwave, GE's Profile PVM1790 mounts to the underside of kitchen fixtures or above your cooking range, saving counter space that can be used for the actual food preparation. A stainless steel design inside and out makes the Profile easy to clean and adds elegance and style, and a touch pad console combined with a dial for the microwave functions ups the ease of use factor. The well-written manual and a handy laminated guide included with the unit likewise adds to the usability. Because it uses heat convection instead of electromagnetic radiation, the GE Profile PVM1790 Stainless Steel Microwave oven may take a bit of time when heating up especially in oven mode. This may result in a slightly higher power consumption than the alternative, as well as a longer cool-down period before the unit can be safely touched again. It's recommended to plan your cooking thoroughly beforehand, since this microwave won't be available for warmups on an as-needed basis. However, for a practical addition to your kitchen, the GE Profile PVM1790 is a premium choice.