The best microwaves

• Panasonic's NN-SN65KB Microwave is our choice for the best all-around microwave for most kitchens.
• It's a simple design, a standard size, and it heats evenly enough to accommodate most dishes.

Since their inception in the 1940s, microwave ovens have come a long way from the absurdly expensive, six-foot-tall, 750-pound behemoths of WWII-era technology they once were.

When hunting for a microwave, consider what you'll be using it for and where it will live, and then decide on how many functions you'll need. While cheap microwaves sort of work, they usually have less wattage and don't distribute heat in the same way that a high-wattage convection microwave oven does. We've got a guide on what to look for over here. 

After hours of research, here are the best microwaves for different types of kitchen set ups and budgets.

Here are the best microwaves:

• Best microwave overall: Panasonic Countertop Microwave Oven NN-SN65KB
• Best over-the-range microwave: Whirlpool 1.9-cubic-foot Over-the-Range Microwave
• Best built-in microwave: Panasonic Countertop Microwave NN-SD975S
• Best on a budget: Commercial Chef 0.6-cubic-foot Microwave
• Best convection microwave on a budget: Toshiba Countertop Microwave EC042A5C-SS

Prices and links are current as of 8/13/20. We updated our best built-in pick to a Panasonic microwave similar to our original pick which has cyclonic inverter tech and allows for even better flavor and texture retention when reheating foods. We're currently testing the Panasonic NN-CD87KS Home Chef  for a future update.

The best overall

The Panasonic NN-SN65KB Microwave is powerful but simple, and it looks sleek enough to suit most kitchens.

The Panasonic NN-SN65KB is a high-powered, full-sized, inverter microwave with almost every capability one could ask for, including different power settings can draw butter, defrost foods, cook low and slow, and more. 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

The best over-the-range microwave

Whirlpool's 1.9-cubic-foot Convection Over-the-Range Microwave is easy to install, has a sensor that adjusts cooking time and power based on the weight of your dish, and comes with a powerful blower to whisk steam and smoke from your kitchen.

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: Automatic fan can be annoying, may have Wi-Fi connectivity issues 

The best built-in microwave

Panasonic's NN-SD975S Microwave is powerful, featuring unique cyclonic inverter technology, but it's still compact enough that it should fit your cabinet or counter space. 

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.

There are 20 preset options that let you easily cook everything from oatmeal to pasta, and many things in between with the simple touch of a button. Meanwhile, the special cyclonic inverter will circulate heat in waves, resulting in more texture, color, and nutrient retention. Delicate foods can also heat up without being overcooked. 

Regardless of the size you require, the Panasonic NN-SD975S 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 16.5-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, cyclonic inverter tech, many presets

Cons: Louder than some other microwaves

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