The best microwaves

The Panasonic NN-SN65KB is a high-powered, full-sized, inverter microwave with almost every capability one could ask for, including different power settings that allow you to do things like draw butter, defrost foods, or cook low and slow. The inverter technology allows you to adjust the power level of the microwave and have your food cook at a consistent temperature the whole time it's being zapped.

It performs the same functions more expensive microwaves do without the extra bells and whistles, save for internal heat sensors to ensure even cooking throughout. Settings are pretty minimal aside from a popcorn button, a frozen setting, and a coffee setting, so you won't have to experiment with too many features that may or may not actually cook your food the way you want. Simply set your cook time and walk away or add 30-second intervals with one touch.

I've had an earlier version of this microwave for the better part of a decade, at least, and have yet to come across a single issue. While I don't use the microwave all that often, others in the household rely almost exclusively upon it.

Pros: Powerful, well-priced

Cons: The warranty and associated customer service may be lacking

Over-the-range microwaves are more permanent installations than countertop models, and they're also taking the place of a range hood so we think they're worth spending a little more money. The Whirlpool convection model is an 1100-watt (1600-watt convection) machine that borders on industrial quality. It includes a four-speed, 400-cubic-foot-per-minute (cfm) blower that should handle even the heaviest of steams and smokes.

Whirlpool's Over-the-Range Convection Microwave is equipped for "scan-to-cook" technology so that you can scan a food item's barcode with your phone and send its cooking instructions directly to your microwave. It also offers steam control and sensor cooking to prevent overcooking. The convection rack is a nice, unique touch that lets you heat multiple items at once, and the large 14-inch turntable should accommodate almost any dish you'd use in the microwave.

Because this is a convection oven, you can easily get away with cooking most dishes in the microwave, even if your aim is to brown or crisp your cuisine.

Whirlpool also has a "SteamClean" technology that steams and loosens particles so all you have to do is give a quick wipe with the sponge — a much easier cleaning job than with other microwaves. While you can do this simply enough by microwaving a bowl of water and wiping the microwave clean, it's more convenient to save yourself the step.

Pros: Optional convection rack, steam cleaning, sleek design with backlit controls that only turn on when in use

Cons: Expensive, automatic fan can be annoying, may have WiFi connectivity issues

With 1250 watts, this Panasonic is the most powerful microwave on our list, and it's among the more powerful microwaves on the market. Panasonic's patented Inverter technology allows you to steam, braise, and poach, but it also performs more traditional microwave functions. That is to say yes, of course, it will still pop your corn.

Along with 10 power levels, there are 19 preset options that let you easily cook everything from oatmeal to pasta, and many things in between with the simple touch of a button.

Regardless of the size you require, the Panasonic NN-SD945S has more space on the inside than most microwaves, thanks to the inverter, which kicks out more power than a machine of this size usually would. Its 15-inch turntable tray will accommodate large plates, too.

This microwave works as both a countertop unit and as a built-in. And, if you want to deck out your microwave in fancy trim to complete the look of your built-in microwave, Panasonic offers kits on Amazon.

Pros: Exceptionally even cooking, decent price, inverter tech, many presets

Cons: Louder than some other microwaves

The Commercial Chef 0.6-cubic-foot Microwave is a no-frills option for those who are either on a budget or just don't want to be bothered with an excessively complex set of electronic buttons they may well never use.

The Commercial Chef (formerly known as Westinghouse) unit has little more than two simple dials, so there are fewer potential parts to break. Ultimately, 900 watts and 0.6 cubic feet don't make this the most powerful or the biggest microwave you can buy, but it is powerful enough for everyday cooking tasks, and 0.6 cubic feet is just enough space to cook medium-sized dishes. This is the ideal microwave for someone with precious little kitchen space to spare or someone traveling in a camper or RV.

On the other hand, if you must have an electronic interface, Toshiba's EM925A5A-SS is another tremendously popular budget option. Or, if you prefer your affordable microwave to have a vintage look, the ultra-micro Daewoo Retro is a bona fide throwback to the golden age of electromagnetic radiation (especially in turquoise).

Pros: Affordable, fool-proof, small, dials instead of electronic buttons

Cons: May be too small for some and not enough presets for others

If you're not going to invest in a microwave with an inverter, but you still want something that's suitable for more than just cooking Cup of Noodles or reheating coffee, then consider a convection oven, which will also even out the heat and keep the edges and center of your dish from burning.

The Toshiba EC042A5C-SS isn't exactly cheap, by any means, but we don't think it's completely out of the question if you're looking for a good microwave that can handle heating most foods. Like with most things, the less you spend on a microwave up front, the sooner you'll end up having to replace it anyhow.

More to that point, there are more than enough online reviews about microwaves shorting out and bursting into flames than even we have time to read, and that's enough to scare us into spending a little more for some peace of mind in the kitchen.

With all of its enthusiastic customer reviews and the great price tag, which is about half the going rate for comparable Panasonic and GE microwaves, we're convinced Toshiba is the way to go for a convection microwave.

Pros: Affordable, positive reviews citing positive customer service experiences

Cons: Might not get quite as hot as other convection microwave ovens

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