Microwaves: Reviews

Many microwaves get mixed user reviews, but the Sharp R-530E is a rare microwave that has both a large number of reviews and a high overall rating. The 2-cubic foot Sharp R-530E microwave has touchpad controls and a… expand16-inch turntable that can handle large dishes. Like most full-size microwaves, it's bulky -- roughly 24 by 19 inches. Owners are enthusiastic about its large capacity and many cooking options, including 13 sensor settings for everything from poultry to popcorn. However, we did see a few complaints that this model's sensors can be unreliable, leading to overheating or uneven cooking. The Sharp R-530E comes in black, white and stainless-steel finishes. collapse

Among midsized microwave ovens, we found the best reviews for the 1.2-cubic-foot Kenmore 6633. This model measures 22 inches wide and comes in black only. It has 1,200 watts of cooking power, plus sensor cooking and… expandelectronic touchpad controls. This model is one of the top performers in one professional test, with high marks for defrosting performance and ease of use. Users generally agree, adding that the microwave heats evenly. However, we did see a few complaints about this machine's durability and hard-to-read display. The Kenmore 6633 is backed by a one-year warranty. collapse

With a 1-cubic-foot capacity and a 24-by-12-inch footprint, the GE Profile SpaceMaker II PEM31 is larger than most compact microwave ovens, but it's only 11-inches tall, so it's a better fit under cabinets. The PEM31 has… expandonly 800 watts of power (so it will require longer cooking times), but it does include sensors, touchpad controls and two-stage cooking (e.g., eight minutes on defrost and three on high). This model is recommended by Good Housekeeping, but its performance in another professional test is mixed, with high scores for cooking but poor marks for defrosting. Users are generally happy with this microwave's even heating, attractive design and easy cleanup, although a few find the controls tricky to use. Overall, we saw fewer complaints about durability for the PEM31 than we did for most other microwaves. collapse

In general, over-the-range microwaves (also called microhoods) are more expensive than countertop models, and the 2-cubic-foot Whirlpool GH7208XR is more expensive than most. However, many reviewers say its versatility… expandjustifies its high price tag. This Whirlpool microhood fares well in two professional reviews. One standout feature: it includes a 1,500-watt convection oven, which allows it to bake, brown and crisp foods. It also has cooking sensors, multi-stage cooking and a steam function. This convection microwave is praised by experts for its even heating and defrosting and its ease of use, but we found little feedback from owners. While some rave about this microwave's versatility, others complain about its durability. With so few user reviews available, it's hard to evaluate this microwave's long-term performance. collapse

For those who don't need a convection feature in an over-the-range microwave, the Samsung SMH9187ST gets very good reviews. This affordable stainless-steel microhood is the top performer in one test. It has a capacity of… expand1.8 cubic feet, and it includes a cooking sensor, a 14-inch turntable and electronic touch controls. Users appreciate its sleek design and powerful venting system, which draws heat and smoke away from the range below. Most owners also like its variety of features. However, some users report that the exhaust fan is very loud, and we also saw some complaints about this model's durability. The Samsung microhood has a one-year warranty, with five years of coverage for the magnetron. collapse