By Brittany Rowland

Perfect for college students and apartment dwellers, the Danby DMW077BLSDD has a small footprint but doesn’t sacrifice on quality of design or performance. Although you’ll probably use it mainly for warming, it still has 10 power levels and can auto cook or defrost based on weight. We appreciated some of the common-sense features that some other microwaves miss. For example, the interior light comes on when the door opens, and the beeps are not at an annoyingly loud level. The popcorn feature also works as it should; it popped a full bag without burning it. Of course, since this is a smaller model with not as many fancy features, you may find it difficult to cook large dishes. Also, we would have liked to see an Add 30 Seconds button for convenience, but it’s not a huge deal. Ultimately, this Danby model is great for those on a budget or those who just desire a small, no-frills, reliable microwave.

Quick Specs

• 0.7 cu. ft.
• Glass turntable
• 700 watts
• 10.19” H x 14.25” D x 17.31” W
• $74

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

If you’re tired of the plain black, white, or stainless steel appliances, you’ll likely love this retro Nostalgia Electrics RMO400RED microwave, which has a cheery red color, chrome accents, and oval window. Visitors will be sure to comment on its unique appearance, and it will fit in with any eclectic or retro kitchen. And we weren’t disappointed with its cooking performance, either. Although 800 watts isn’t as powerful as some more expensive models, it’s more than adequate for the average heating or defrosting task. We were also pleased with the overall sturdiness and ease of use. The only complaint we had was the turntable, which could use more stability. This model is available for $114.

Quick Specs

• 0.9 cu. ft.
• Glass turntable
• 800 watts
• Interior dimensions 12.5 in. L x 11.5 in. W x 8 in. H
• $114

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

The sensor heating is one of the nicest features of the Whirlpool WMC30516AS, as it eliminates the guesswork involved in heating up food the appropriate level. This model has 10 cooking levels, which makes it easy to boil, reheat, and defrost food, as well as cook a bag of popcorn with just one press of a button! We like the simple yet elegant design, the combination of black and brushed stainless steel. We also appreciated that, while it has a generous capacity of 1.6 cubic feet, big enough to hold most dishes, it doesn’t dominate the countertop. It even has the option to be a built-in, if that’s your preference. Other pluses for this model are the fact that it’s quiet, it heats evenly with a recessed turntable, and it’s easy to keep clean. Our main complaints are that the button to open the door requires a lot of pressure. This model is available for $229.

Quick Specs

• 1.6 cu. ft.
• Stainless steel
• 1200 watts
• 13” H x 17.25” D x 21.75” W
• $229

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

Guaranteed to lend a modern edge to a kitchen with its sleek, asymmetrical design, the Samsung MG14H3020CM impresses not only with its design but its grilling element that makes it possible to grill foods like pizza so that they stay crispy. One aspect of this model that impressed us was the ceramic enamel interior, which was extremely easy to wipe down. Additionally, at 1.4 cubic feet, this Samsung model doesn’t take up too much space on the counter, but it’s still capacious enough to accommodate most dishes. And we especially appreciated the auto-cook options, which takes the guesswork out of heating or defrosting foods. Although the mirror-like front of the microwave looks very modern, some people may miss not being able to watch their food heat up, but that’s a personal preference. This model’s available for $175.

Quick Specs

• 1.4 cu. ft.
• Stainless steel
• 950 watts
• 18.1 x 21.9 x 12.3 inches

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

One thing that especially impressed us with the Panasonic NN-SN752S was that, while it has a generous 1.6 cubic foot capacity, it is still compact enough not to take up too much counter space. And the cooking performance of this model will more than satisfy users, as will the sensor cooking that takes out the guesswork in heating or defrosting meals by sensing the amount of steam. We also liked the perfect melding of form and function, as this model is sleek and attractive and is also easy to use. A downside with stainless steel, however, is that it collects fingerprints easily, especially since this model has no handle, just a button. Another issue we saw was that the green digital display is quite dim and can be hard to read from a distance. Still, this microwave’s array of features and superior performance make it a purchase worthy of consideration.

Quick Specs

• 1.6 cu. ft.
• 1250 watts
• Stainless steel
• 22 in. W x 19-1/2 in. D x 12 in. H

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

If you appreciate having a large countertop microwave that can hold large casseroles and make cooking dinner easy, then you’ll probably find the GE JES2051DNBB a perfect fit. This 2.0-cubic-foot microwave has an array of convenient features designed to take the hassle and guesswork out of heating or defrosting dishes. For instance, we liked the auto defrost option, which calculates the appropriate power level and time for defrosting something based on the weight you enter. This model is designed to look attractive, sleek, and modern, with a glossy finish that unfortunately tends to pick up fingerprints easily. However, the inside doesn’t need to be cleaned often because food “explosions” don’t happen often. Of course, the obvious downside of a microwave with such great capacity is that it has a large footprint on your counter, so be aware of how much space you are willing to sacrifice for this model, available for $169.

Quick Specs

• 2.0 cu. ft.
• 13.75” H x 19.50” D x 24.12” W
• 1200 watts
• Turntable

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

As soon as we tested the Panasonic NN-SD972S’s cooking power, we were impressed by how quietly this model ran. The spin dial is something different but is easy to get used to, especially with the large, clear display that makes operation simple. However, some users may prefer the traditional touch pad and will want to keep the manual handy in order to learn all the buttons’ functions. The features for this model are well thought out, particularly the one-touch cooking option and the keep warm feature, which kept a dish warm enough to eat without overcooking it or drying it out. Ultimately, despite a slight learning curve, this Panasonic model is designed to provide convenience and excellent cooking power. Just be aware that, as a large model, it takes up a lot of room on the counter. This model is available for $169-$200.

Quick Specs

• 2.2 cu. ft.
• 14” H x 23 7/8” W x 19 15/16” D
• 1250 watts
• Stainless steel

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

A stable, recessed and stoppable glass turntable makes this a very flexibile Whirlpool over the range budget model. The WMH31017A is a very bare bones microwave but with 1000 watts of cooking power food heats up evenly and quickly. The turntable measures in at 12 inches in diameter, so all sorts of plates and dishes will easily fit inside. The controls are simple and easy to program. There are convenience cooking buttons for making it easy to start foods that are most commonly cooked in the microwave. The Add 30 Seconds button is one of the most useful. Best of all, this Whirlpool microwave packs in a lot of features for a low price of $189.99.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

If you’re looking for a high-quality microwave on a budget, you know that you don’t want to sacrifice performance for price. Efficient microwaves heat quickly and evenly and have adequate capacity, convenient one-touch cooking options, easy-to-use controls, and reliable, durable construction. The following microwaves, both countertop and over-the-range models, have their share of great qualities, and the most expensive selection is roughly $250. See the budget microwave comparison and ratings below with a link to the full review of each.

Budget Microwaves Buying Guide

Microwave Oven Technology: How They Work

For an invention that’s only been around in the last century, microwave ovens are incredibly efficient. For one, they heat only the food, not the oven, using considerably less energy than other cooking methods. Also, their most appreciated benefit is that they heat food in just a matter of minutes.

The machine releases microwaves, a type of radio wave, at a frequency of 2,500 megahertz. Fats, sugars, and water absorb these microwaves, a process that produces heat. The radio waves in a microwave oven cook food by entering the food and interacting with the fat and water particles. People commonly believe that microwave ovens cook food “from the inside out,” but this is not exactly the case. Food is cooked evenly throughout and instantaneously, not from the outside in as it does in regular ovens.

Of course, there are exceptions. Thick pieces of food may not cook all the way through because the microwaves cannot reach to the very center. Sometimes food gets hot or cold spots because something interferes with the radio waves.

Unlike traditional ovens, microwave ovens do not typically brown food or give it a crust because the temperature inside the microwave does not change. That’s why snacks like microwavable pastries often come in a sleeve with a foil lining. The metal reacts to the radio waves by getting hot, which gives Hot Pockets and Toaster Strudels their flaky, crusty exterior.

Microwave ovens may not have the capabilities to fully bake extravagant or gourmet meals (yet), but they’re still a modern convenience that we’ve come to love. Nothing else makes reheating last night’s leftovers or popping popcorn easier or more efficient.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Microwave Articles

The Best Features to Have in Your Microwave Oven

Today’s microwave ovens are getting fancier and more versatile, offering various special features that promise quick, satisfactory cooking results for nearly any type of food. It can be overwhelming for a shopper who’s trying to pick out a new microwave to decide which features are necessary… [more]

Microwave Safety Tips

Microwave ovens have become such an essential modern convenience that roughly 90 percent of homes have them. However, many people still do not recognize or understand the most basic safety tips, the dos and don’ts of microwave use. Following these tips will … [more]

More Microwave Top 10 Lists

Best Convection Microwave

If you want a microwave with a little more power, a convection microwave may be just what you are looking for. They work a differently than a standard microwave. The method of heating and cooking your food is improved in just about every way. Fans are used to move very hot air… [more]

Best 4 Slice Toaster

A 4 slice toaster is perfect for a household full of toast lovers. If three or four people are around for breakfast every morning, a toaster this size is going to be just right. Even if one person wants toast and another wants a frozen waffle, you’ll be covered…. [more]

Top 10 Countertop Microwaves

As we looked at various countertop microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user … [more]

Top 10 Over the Range Microwaves

As we looked at various over-the-range microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user … [more]

Best Crock Pot

Comfort food is a necessity when the cold winter months hit. What kind of food is that exactly? We turn to stews, roasts, soups, and chili. Crock pots and slow cookers make preparing these types of dishes more than easy. All you’ve got to do is put the indredients… [more]

More Budget Microwaves

Back to Top Budget Microwaves

By Brittany Rowland

Defrosting frozen food can be tricky business; sometimes microwaves leave parts certain soggy and other parts frustratingly rock solid. The Samsung SMH1622 over-the-range microwave makes simple business of thawing food quickly and evenly. A wide interior of 1.6 cubic feet is able to fit a variety of plates and dishes. One unique feature that won’t fail to impress today’s green audiences is the eco mode, which cuts back energy use by 80 percent with the touch of a button. The 300 CFM ventilation system is another big plus of the model. This works to quickly get rid of excess heat and odors from the unit. As far as appearances go, this model has a clean, simple look with an uncomplicated control panel. The door swings open easily and closes with a solid click. With more than satisfactory performance and plenty of options for, this Samsung model is a smart purchase. It sell for just around $200, so it may be entering the higher price range for a microwave.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

Back to Top Over the Range Microwvaes

By Brittany Rowland

As we looked at various over-the-range microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user and being stuffed with frivolous “bells and whistles.” At the same time, a variety of options are favorable, giving the microwave versatility and usefulness in a wide range of settings. Other basic qualities we took into account while compiling a top 10 list include:
1.Size and appearance
2. Cooking time
3. Quality construction
4. Heating performance
With this list, you’ll find a selection of quality microwaves for any budget and your choice of unique features. If you know what features you need to suit your family’s cooking habits, making a smart purchase will be even easier. See the over-the-range microwave comparison and ratings below with a link to the full review of each.

Over the Range Microwaves Buying Guide

How Convection Microwave Ovens Work

If you’ve been shopping for a new microwave, you’ve probably noticed some more expensive models that offer convection cooking. If you’re like me, you may have initially wondered what convection microwave ovens do and why they’re pricier than standard microwaves.

Put simply, convection microwave ovens use a fan to circulate hot air inside the microwave, browning and crisping food at lower temperatures. Other benefits of convection cooking include:

• Faster baking and roasting
• Keeping meats juicy instead of drying them out
• More evenly cooked food

The theory behind convection cooking goes like this: With hot air constantly blowing on food, not just surrounding it, the food tends to cook faster. The chemical processes that occur when food cooks also become quicker; thus, pastries turn out flakier, meat retains its juices, and vegetables have a crispy outside and moist, flavorful inside. Also helpfully, convection microwave ovens cut down cooking time by about 25 percent.

As anyone who has ever baked cookies in a conventional oven knows, the cookies can vary in consistency based on whether they were on the top rack or the bottom rack. Convection ovens eliminate that inconsistency, evenly browning food no matter where it’s located in the oven. With hot air circulating evenly throughout the oven interior, you’ll get food baked or roasted uniformly and won’t have to worry about those tricky hot or cold spots with each mouthful.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Microwave Articles

The Best Features to Have in Your Microwave Oven

Today’s microwave ovens are getting fancier and more versatile, offering various special features that promise quick, satisfactory cooking results for nearly any type of food. It can be overwhelming for a shopper who’s trying to pick out a new microwave to decide which features are necessary… [more]

Comparing Two Over-the-Range Microwaves: The GE PVM1790SRSS vs. the Bosch HMV30

Two over-the-range microwaves in our top 10 list, the GE PVM1790SRSS and the Bosch HMV30, are in the $300 price range, which is the higher end as far as microwaves go. Let’s see how these two models compare as far as features and offerings go … [more]

Microwave Safety Tips

Microwave ovens have become such an essential modern convenience that roughly 90 percent of homes have them. However, many people still do not recognize or understand the most basic safety tips, the dos and don’ts of microwave use. Following these tips will … [more]

How Convection Microwave Ovens Work

If you’ve been shopping for a new microwave, you’ve probably noticed some more expensive models that offer convection cooking. If you’re like me, you may have initially wondered what convection microwave ovens do… [more]

More Microwave Top 10 Lists

Best Convection Microwave

If you want a microwave with a little more power, a convection microwave may be just what you are looking for. They work a differently than a standard microwave. The method of heating and cooking your food is improved in just about every way. Fans are used to move very hot air… [more]

Top 10 Countertop Microwaves

As we looked at various countertop microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user … [more]

Top 10 Budget Microwaves

If you’re looking for a high-quality microwave on a budget, you know that you don’t want to sacrifice performance for price. Efficient microwaves heat quickly and evenly and have adequate capacity, convenient one-touch … [more]

Best Crock Pot

Comfort food is a necessity when the cold winter months hit. What kind of food is that exactly? We turn to stews, roasts, soups, and chili. Crock pots and slow cookers make preparing these types of dishes more than easy. All you’ve got to do is put the indredients… [more]

More Over the Range Microwvaes

By Brittany Rowland

This may be one of the smaller countertop microwaves on the list, but GE has provided plenty of durability and power with this one. It’s a small and boxy model, but 1,100 watts gives it powerful cooking abilities. Foods heat up very quickly and evenly thanks to all of that power. The controls are simple and the unit even offers 13 different one touch cook options for anything you can come up with for dinner. Sadly, there is no sensor cook mode. You’ll have to provide the info on what’s inside for the proper cook and thaw cycles. Best of all, this GE microwave packs in a lot of features for just a bit more than $100.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

As we looked at various countertop microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user and being stuffed with frivolous “bells and whistles.” At the same time, a variety of options are favorable, giving the microwave versatility and usefulness in a wide range of settings. Other basic qualities we took into account while compiling this top 10 list include:

1. Size and appearance
2. Cooking time
3. Quality construction
4. Heating performance

With this list, you’ll find a selection of quality microwaves for any budget and your choice of unique features. If you know what features you need to suit your family’s cooking habits, making a smart purchase will be even easier. See the microwave comparison and ratings below with a link to the full review of each.

Microwaves Buying Guide

How Your Microwave’s Wattage Affects Cooking

Visiting the appliance store, I found a wall of microwave ovens of all sizes and colors, countertop, combination, and over-the-range models. For someone looking for a new microwave, the wide spread of choices could be staggering. A helpful salesperson explained some of the key features to consider when buying a microwave. “I would pick any model that has at least 1,000 watts,” he said. Any microwave with less than 1,000 watts won’t have the heating power to justify the space it takes up.

The microwaves on display ranged from 600 to 1,200 watts, with most falling above the 1,000-watt mark. Surprisingly, even top-performing models with powerful cooking power are reasonably priced. The knowledgeable salesperson explained that microwaves in general have come down in price over the years; families can get quality models for reasonable prices. The fact that buying a microwave is not as big a financial investment as it once was is certainly good news. I decided to research more about microwave wattage and how it affects heating food.

How many watts a microwave has determines how long it takes to cook food. The higher the wattage, the faster food heats up. The instructions for microwaving food are usually geared toward a 800-watt microwave. If your microwave has 1,000 or more watts, you may need to adjust the cooking time to avoid burning or overheating your meals.

It’s also important to know the microwave wattage for food safety reasons. No one wants a cold, undercooked meal. Not only does it not taste as good, but it may contain harmful bacteria if not cooked and stored properly. You can typically find your microwave’s wattage in the instruction manual, inside the door, or on the back serial number label. If those methods fail, there’s a simple test you can use to estimate how many watts your microwave uses.

The time to boil test: Measure a cup of cold water in a clear glass and set it in the microwave on high for four minutes. Watch through the window to see when it starts to boil.

For the best performance and efficiency, look for microwaves with at least 1,000 watts. Even a wattage of 800 is considered high, though. If you go any lower, you’ll be sacrificing time and performance for a few saved bucks: not worth it in the long run.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Microwave Articles

The Best Features to Have in Your Microwave Oven

Today’s microwave ovens are getting fancier and more versatile, offering various special features that promise quick, satisfactory cooking results for nearly any type of food. It can be overwhelming for a shopper who’s trying to pick out a new microwave to decide which features are necessary… [more]

Microwave Safety Tips

Microwave ovens have become such an essential modern convenience that roughly 90 percent of homes have them. However, many people still do not recognize or understand the most basic safety tips, the dos and don’ts of microwave use. Following these tips will … [more]

How Convection Microwave Ovens Work

If you’ve been shopping for a new microwave, you’ve probably noticed some more expensive models that offer convection cooking. If you’re like me, you may have initially wondered what convection microwave ovens do… [more]

More Microwave Top 10 Lists

Best Convection Microwave

If you want a microwave with a little more power, a convection microwave may be just what you are looking for. They work a differently than a standard microwave. The method of heating and cooking your food is improved in just about every way. Fans are used to move very hot air… [more]

Top 10 Over the Range Microwaves

As we looked at various over-the-range microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user … [more]

Top 10 Budget Microwaves

If you’re looking for a high-quality microwave on a budget, you know that you don’t want to sacrifice performance for price. Efficient microwaves heat quickly and evenly and have adequate capacity, convenient one-touch … [more]

Best 2-Slice Toasters

A 2 slice toaster is perfect for a household that goes light on the toast. If one or two people are around every morning for breakfast, it is going to be just right. A toaster this size is also going to be great for making toasty sandwiches… [more]

Best Crock Pot

Comfort food is a necessity when the cold winter months hit. What kind of food is that exactly? We turn to stews, roasts, soups, and chili. Crock pots and slow cookers make preparing these types of dishes more than easy. All you’ve got to do is put the indredients… [more]

By Brittany Rowland

I noticed the solid and top quality construction as one of the best features of this LG countertop microwave. While many other microwave have a flimsy swinging door, the door on this one door feels heavier and closes with a confident snap. The sleek stainless steel finish makes for a sophisticated look, offset by the black window and console. It has a child-lockout safety feature for an added sense of security for homes worried about their little ones accidentally starting the unit. There are even energy saving features built right causing this microwave to use almost no power when in standby mode. For only $250, the LG microwave is a valuable purchase offering high-quality performance.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices