
10 Best Microwaves of 2025: Top-Rated Models for Every Kitchen
July 18, 2025
Overview
Discover the top 10 microwaves of 2025, meticulously selected to enhance your kitchen's functionality and style. This comprehensive guide features top-rated models, from compact, space-saving designs perfect for apartments and dorm rooms to large-capacity microwaves with innovative cooking technologies. We've evaluated performance, features, and user reviews to bring you the best microwaves for every budget and cooking need, ensuring quick and efficient meal preparation for years to come. Whether you need a microwave for basic reheating or advanced culinary endeavors, find the perfect appliance to complete your kitchen setup with our expert recommendations.
Our picks
The Best Compact Microwave for Small Spaces: Panasonic Countertop Microwave Oven, $199.00
The Most Powerful Microwave for Fast Cooking: NN-SD975S Cyclonic Wave Inverter Microwave, $439.95
The Top-Rated Microwave Model of 2025: TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, $148.99
The Best Microwave for Quick and Easy Meals: Midea Microwave Oven, $111.99
The Best Microwave for Apartment Living: LG Over the Range Microwave, $399.00
The Best Value Microwave for Budget-Conscious Buyers: GE Countertop Microwave, $159.00
Best Compact Microwaves for Small Spaces
Ideal microwaves for apartments and kitchens with limited counter space, maximizing efficiency.
6
Listful
Score
Midea Microwave Oven
$111.99
For budget-conscious buyers, the Midea Microwave Oven is a straightforward choice at $111.99. Offering 10 power levels and 6 one-touch options, it's versatile enough for your basic needs. In our testing, it showed reliability but lacked advanced features like sensor cooking, contributing to its lower 6/10 score. Ideal for uncomplicated reheats and defrosts, it may not satisfy those seeking more modern conveniences or smart technologies.
The Good
• Offers 10 power levels and 6 one-touch options for versatile cooking.
The Bad
• Lacks advanced features like sensor cooking and smart capabilities.
Power Output: 1000 watts / Cooking Functions: Defrost,Reheat / Sensor Cooking: false / Easy Clean Interior: false
8
Listful
Score
GE Countertop Microwave
$159.00
The GE Countertop Microwave, at $159.00, offers both spaciousness and efficiency with a 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and 1150 watts of power. In our testing, its sensor cooking adjusted well for optimal results, earning it an 8/10 score. While lacking smart features, it provides reliable cooking for larger dishes. The inability to mute beeps and limited cooking functions are minor setbacks, but its strong core features make it a reliable choice for everyday cooking needs.
The Good
• Spacious 1.6 cu. ft. capacity accommodates large dishes.
• 1150 Watts power ensures quick and efficient cooking.
• Sensor cooking controls automatically adjust time and power for optimal results.
The Bad
• Some users report inability to mute button beeps.
• Lack of smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity.
• No grill or convection cooking functions available.
Power Output: 1150 watts / Cooking Functions: Defrost,Reheat / Sensor Cooking: true / Easy Clean Interior: false
Feature-Rich Microwaves with Advanced Tech
Explore microwaves boasting the latest cooking technologies and smart features for enhanced performance.
7.5
Listful
Score
GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven
$156.98
In our review, the GE Smart Countertop Microwave stands out for its voice control feature, making cooking more convenient through Alexa or Google Assistant. Its compact design belies a spacious interior, although the 900-watt power may not suit everyone. Some users report minor connectivity issues, which dampen its smart feature benefits. At a slightly premium price of $156.98, it scores 7.5/10, offering innovative features for tech-savvy users with small kitchens.
The Good
• Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant enhances convenience.
• Scan-to-Cook technology simplifies frozen food preparation.
• Compact design with a spacious interior suits small kitchens.
The Bad
• Some users report connectivity issues with Google Assistant.
• The microwave operates at 900 watts, which may be underpowered for some users.
• Priced higher than basic models, which may not justify the cost for all users.
Power Output: 900 watts / Cooking Functions: Defrost,Reheat / Sensor Cooking: false / Easy Clean Interior: false
Microwaves with Superior Power Output
High-wattage microwaves for faster cooking and efficient food preparation every time.
7.5
Listful
Score
Combi Wave 3 in 1
$499.95
The Combi Wave 3 in 1 impresses with its space-saving design, combining air fryer, convection oven, and microwave functions. Perfect for versatile cooking needs, it features a 1200-watt power output and Element IQ system for even cooking. However, during our review, we noted challenges like uneven microwave heating and tough-to-clean interior. Scoring 7.5/10, this $499.95 model is ideal for those balancing space and multi-functionality, while being mindful of its cleaning difficulty.
The Good
• Combines air fryer, convection oven, and microwave functions in one appliance, saving counter space.
• Element IQ system ensures even cooking and crispy results.
• Soft close door and quiet operation enhance user experience.
The Bad
• Microwave function may heat unevenly, leading to cold spots.
• Air fryer and convection oven functions may not achieve desired crispiness.
• Interior is difficult to clean due to exposed coils.
Power Output: 1200 watts / Cooking Functions: Defrost,Reheat,Grill,Convection / Sensor Cooking: false / Easy Clean Interior: false
8.5
Listful
Score
Panasonic Countertop Microwave Oven
$199.00
With its impressive 8.5/10 score, the Panasonic Countertop Microwave Oven is among our top picks for powerful, consistent cooking. Priced at $199.00, it features automatic sensors for precise cooking and even heating with its 1200-watt power. While it's slightly large for compact kitchens, our review found it offers fast cooking times. However, its alert system and door release button require improvements. It’s a perfect fit for those valuing strong performance over space considerations.
The Good
• Automatic sensors adjust cooking times and power for precise cooking.
• Even heating pattern ensures consistent cooking results.
• High power output allows for faster cooking times.
The Bad
• The alert reminder system only beeps 5 times after a cycle is complete.
• The door release button is small and hard to press.
• The microwave is quite large, making it unsuitable for compact kitchens.
Power Output: 1200 watts / Cooking Functions: Defrost,Reheat / Sensor Cooking: true / Easy Clean Interior: true
9
Listful
Score
NN-SD975S Cyclonic Wave Inverter Microwave
$439.95
Scoring 9/10, the NN-SD975S Cyclonic Wave Inverter Microwave excels with powerful, adjustable cooking thanks to its 1250 watts and patented inverter technology. During our testing, its slightly noisy operation was a minor detraction. Priced at $439.95, the sleek metal exterior, while stylish, attracts fingerprints easily. Despite these small drawbacks, its consistent cooking results make it a stellar choice for those prioritizing performance and precision in a microwave.
The Good
• The microwave offers up to 1250 watts of high cooking power, which can be adjusted depending on what you are cooking.
The Bad
• Some users have mentioned that the microwave is slightly noisier than expected during operation.
• The exterior can attract fingerprints, which may require regular cleaning to maintain its sleek look.
Power Output: 1250 watts / Cooking Functions: Defrost,Reheat / Sensor Cooking: true / Easy Clean Interior: true
Top-Rated Microwave Models for 2025
A curated selection of the very best microwaves based on expert reviews and ratings this year.
8
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Score
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven
$148.99
The Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven shines in our testing with its smart sensor that optimizes cooking time and power for perfect results. However, its 1100-watt power lacks inverter technology, leading to occasional uneven heating. While its modern design complements most kitchens, some may find its depth and height challenging for tight spaces. Priced at $148.99, it earns a solid 8/10 score, offering a blend of style and performance despite its limitations.
The Good
• The microwave features a smart sensor that adjusts cooking time and power for optimal results.
The Bad
• The microwave lacks inverter technology, which can lead to less even heating compared to models with this feature.
• The microwave's depth and height may limit placement options in kitchens with limited counter space.
Power Output: 1100 watts / Cooking Functions: Defrost,Reheat / Sensor Cooking: true / Easy Clean Interior: true
7
Listful
Score
LG Over the Range Microwave
$399.00
The LG Over the Range Microwave, priced at $399.00, is a versatile option with a spacious 2.0 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for larger dishes. During our testing, we appreciated its sensor cooking and ThinQ® app for smart control but noted its lower 900-watt power and reliability issues with the interior light. With a score of 7/10, it's a suitable choice for households needing a mix of capacity and smart features, despite some maintenance concerns.
The Good
• The microwave features a spacious 2.0 cu. ft. capacity, accommodating large dishes.
• It includes sensor cooking technology that adjusts cooking time based on humidity levels.
• The microwave offers smart features through the ThinQ® app, allowing remote control and monitoring.
The Bad
• Some users reported issues with the interior light failing within a few months.
• The microwave's power output is 900 watts, which is lower than some comparable models.
• Several customers experienced difficulties with service and repairs, especially when the unit was wall-mounted.
Power Output: 1050 watts / Cooking Functions: Defrost,Reheat,Steam / Sensor Cooking: true / Easy Clean Interior: true
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