Best Microwave of 2024 – CNET

measuring

You’ll probably start your microwave search by considering what size is right for you. A 2.2-cubic-foot, 1,250-watt microwave isn’t necessarily the best choice for everyone.

power

If you’re in a tight space or have wattage limitations (my dorm only had 900 watts), it’s best to look for compact models under 1000 watts. You’ll also need to consider whether you want to look at over-the-range microwaves, countertop microwaves, or inverter microwaves.

Setup and features

Once you’ve settled on size and strength, think about the functions that mean the most to you. If you never eat popcorn but eat a lot of leftover pizza, make sure the model you choose has a single-slice option. Microwaves come with dozens of features, power settings, and preset cooking programs, but except for a few like defrost or reheat, you may not find yourself using them very often.

Color and design

Narrow it down to the right size, power level and function set, and all that’s left is to choose the color. Some of the models we tested come in multiple finishes, so if your microwave becomes part of your kitchen landscape, you should be able to find the right color.

Final tip: Don’t throw away the evidence once you’ve opened the box. Your microwave owner’s manual is great A resource for exactly how to use each cooking mode. Each manufacturer seems to do things a little differently, and there were helpful timelines and explanations in every manual we encountered during testing.