9 Microwaves That Will Make It Easier Than Ever to Cook Dinner

KitchenAid Over-the-Range Microwave

Where to buy: $629.10 (Originally $699), Home Depot

They say the devil's in the details, and there’s certainly true of this over-the-range-microwave: Thoughtful, smartly-designed features set it apart from the pack. Case in point? The clever keep warm function that will keep your dishes from going cold and the steam vs. simmer feature that will automatically adjust based on your food’s cooking progress. Add in a three-speed venting system for clearing the air once you’ve microwaved something stinky, like, say, bacon, and you've got all the makings of a five-star machine — just ask the collective crowd of nearly 2,000 that have reviewed it. 

Costway Retro Countertop Microwave

Where to buy: $104.99 , Walmart

Though you’d never know it by looking at it, this darling little retro device from Costway is one of the most cost-effective machines on our list. Ringing in at just over $100, it’s super compact for smaller spaces, but still manages to thoroughly nuke your food thanks to its five power levels (100 to 200%). There are also eight pre-set cooking functions for popular foods (think pizza, popcorn, meat, fish, and more).

Breville Quick-Touch Intuitive Microwave

Where to buy: $249.95, QVC

This sleek machine does it all. It can reheat. It can defrost (smartly, might we add: no overheating or drying out here!). It melts. It softens. And it does it all with an intuitive read that can sense when your food has been warmed to exactly the right temp. There’s a favorite button to store your most-loved foods and plenty of easy, one-touch shortcuts to boot. This microwave comes with a one year warranty.

Toshiba Microwave Oven With Smart Sensor

Where to buy: $119.99, Amazon

The people have spoken, and this smart sensor microwave from Toshiba is one to beat: Nearly 1,000 reviewers have given it their five-star seal of approval. Many enthused over its whisper-quiet operation, particularly when using the “mute sound” function, which nixes any would-be annoying beeps. Others, meanwhile, praised it for its 1100 wattage and 10 power settings.  

Summed up one Amazon shopper: “Space-saving, quiet operation, easy to use, heats perfectly, very fair pricing, highly recommended.”

AmazonBasics Microwave

Where to buy: $87.03, Amazon

If you’re short on space, check out this .7 cubic foot microwave from AmazonBasics. Small though it may be, it comes with an Echo Dot to equip you with all of the bells and whistles you could ever want from a countertop cooker — including Alexa compatibility. That means you can do everything from make your meal on command (it will recognize your voice) to ordering more popcorn when you’re low — all without ever lifting a finger to push a button.

Magic Chef Retro Countertop Microwave

Where to buy: $77.29, Home Depot

Since countertop microwaves are more or less on display at all times, it only makes sense that you’d want to opt for one that’s not an eyesore. We adore the old-school look of this mini model from Magic Chef, which comes in three colors and features classic vintage dial controls. It’s not all about the look, however: Seven power levels and 700 watts of power also make it fully functional.

Samsung Countertop Microwave 

Where to buy: $229.99, Best Buy

Industrialists will adore this state-of-the-art appliance from Samsung, which has a mirror-like stainless steel finish, 950 watts of power, and a 1.4 cubic-feet capacity. According to its more than 1,000 reviewers, not only will it elevate the look of your kitchen with its fancy exterior, it comes with a handy grilling feature (a rack and a crisping dish are included) to experiment with. A sound-off feature for beeps sweetens the deal.  

Café Smart Over the Range Microwave With Sensor Cooking

Where to buy: $854.10 (Originally $949), Home Deport

If it’s a large device you’re after, look no further than this Café Smart system from Home Depot. With its impressive 2.1 cubic-feet capacity, you’ll have all the room you need for bigger-than-average plates. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! It's also equipped scan-to-cook technology, so you can tell this microwave everything it needs to know about how long to cook your food simply by scanning a barcode on your meal’s packaging. This microwave can remember the time and temperate for your favorite foods, and you can wirelessly sync it to your phone to heat up on demand. Welcome to the future! 

Galanz Countertop Speed Wave Microwave

Where to buy: $349.99, Kohl’s

SAVE NOW: Use coupon codes SPRINGTIME and HOME10 to take $78 off through April 11. Customers who pay with a Kohl’s charge card will get an even greater discount.

You won’t believe the meals you can make with this top-rated machine. For starters, not only does in have traditional microwaving and convection oven capabilities, you can also use it as an air fryer! That’s right — using little to no oil, you can use the included air fryer attachments to gently crisp your fare. This popular Galanz model also has a 1.6 cubic-foot capacity, 10 power levels, and comes with a year-long warranty.

One shopper loved this pick so much, she said it’s replaced more traditional methods of cooking in her home: “I am so pleased with [this microwave] that I've all but STOPPED USING MY ACTUAL STOVE!” she wrote. “The modes of cooking are very simple to master and have beautiful yummy results. A big two thumbs up for this oven!” Sold!