Microwaves Reviews

The reviews below are assigned ratings by ConsumerSearch. These ratings are based on credibility in testing, evaluating and identifying the best Microwaves. See our ratings criteria

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Microwaves Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Microwaves Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Microwave Ovens Editors of Consumer Reports Feb. 2008		Consumer Reports tests about 60 microwave ovens, from large countertop models to over-the-range microwaves. Results are compiled in a large ratings chart. The main body of the report was written in February 2007, but ratings were updated in January 2008. Consumer Reports notes that improvements over earlier models are most notable in two areas: speed cooking using convection cooking and/or halogen bulbs, and manufacturers attempts at boosting capacity without enlarging the appliance itself (through smaller electronics and recessed turntables) Scores are based mainly upon ease of use, defrosting ability and evenness of heating. Repair history is included. Consumer Reports surveys subscribers to reach these figures. About a dozen microwave ovens are recommended overall.

Microwaves Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Microwaves Ratings Comments on Reviews

2. Good Housekeeping.com	A Microwave for All Reasons Editors of Good Housekeeping Mar. 2006		Good Housekeeping Institute experts test 17 different models and award “Top Picks” to ovens in six different categories. We wish the editors explained their testing methodology, and we'd also like to know which microwaves didn't make the cut. Among the magazine's top picks are the Sharp R-426HS, chosen as the most stylish. Their pick for the best large microwave is the Panasonic NN-T995SSF, while the best compact model is the Sharp R-230KW. The Kenmore Elite Speedcook 64282 is selected as the best microwave/convection combo, and the LG LCRM1240 is noted for its included 6-cup coffee maker. The GE JE1289SK offers a rotisserie spit and crisping mode.
3. Amazon.com	Microwave Ovens Contributors to Amazon.com As of Mar. 2008		While quite a few microwaves receive reviews from owners, Amazon.com doesn't provide a good way to compare ratings. Microwaves reviewed by one person are given equal weight compared to those rated by 30 people, though recent Amazon.com improvements allow you to now see how many reviews have been written without having to click onto the product page. In general, owners seem less satisfied with small microwaves than with larger models. Once you have your choice narrowed, Amazon.com is worth a look. Quite a few microwaves have amassed more that 20 reviews, which provides a good picture of satisfaction.
4. Sears.com	Countertop Microwaves Contributors to Sears.com As of Mar. 2008		Sears has become an especially valuable spot for user reviews, especially for Kenmore products, which aren't sold elsewhere. Some models have more than ten owner-written reviews, enough to start to get an idea of overall owner satisfaction. There are reviews here for other brands as well. Sears.com is a good site if you're looking to cross-reference the picks at Consumer Reports and other websites.

Microwaves Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Microwaves Ratings Comments on Reviews

5. Choice.com.au >> Details/Subscribe	Test: Compact Microwaves Editors of Choice.com.au Apr. 2007		Choice is the magazine of the Australian Consumers' Association, and as such, it functions a lot like Consumer Reports. If you are looking for a model for use in Australia, you should start your research here. Editors say that most small microwaves have the hardest time with solid food that can't be stirred, such as lasagna. Their top-rated microwave is the Panasonic Inverter NN- S235WF. While it is not available in the U.S., the Panasonic model NN-SD377S is comparable in most features, dimensions and power, and many of Panasonic's U.S. models use the same well-reviewed inverter technology. Choice has another similar report from May 2006 on mid-sized microwave ovens available in Australia.
6. Consumer.org.nz >> Details/Subscribe	Test: Best Mid-Sized and Compact Models Editors of Consumer.org.nz June 8, 2007		This is another foreign publication that tests microwaves, and if you live in New Zealand, Consumer magazine is the go-to source. It is not helpful for those who live in the U.S., since models do not correspond. Editors have a similar article in compact microwave ovens.
7. Which.co.uk >> Details/Subscribe	Microwaves Editors of Which.com Dec. 10, 2007		Similar to Choice above, this magazine is the British counterpart to Consumer Reports and also regularly tests microwaves. The most recent testing of 61 microwaves was lengthy and thorough, but most of the models aren't available in the U.S. There's an interesting section here on Panasonic's inverter technology, which makes cooking on low and medium settings more even than traditional microwave pulsing at those settings. Since Panasonic uses this technology in some of its U.S. microwaves, this article has some usefulness for North American consumers.
8. Epinions	Microwaves Contributors to Epinions As of Mar. 2008		Few models featured here are rated by more than a handful of owners, and we even found a review for the GE Advantium, written by a person who has never used it (he gives it five stars). There are more reviews for countertop models than other types, but it is rare to find more than two or three reviews for any given model. A whopping 34 reviewers voted against the GE JVM1650 because of serious issues with power failures, but that model has been discontinued. We found more relevant user reviews for microwave ovens at Amazon.com and Sears.com.
9. Consumer Guide.com	Microwave Ovens Editors of ConsumerGuide.com As of Mar. 2008		Reviews at ConsumerGuide are a mixed bag. There are over 200 microwaves listed here with retail links. Some models include a link to a review. A few of the review write-ups make mention of at least some kind of casual testing, but there is no information on who's doing the testing, no indication of how many other microwaves were tested, and no comparisons to other models. There's no explanation at all for why some of these models are said to be 'better' than others. It might be worth checking here once you narrow down your decision somewhat.
10. The Gadget Guy	The Panasonic Inverter The Gadget Guy Not Dated		In this Australian blog and website devoted to chronicling the developing trends in technology, The Gadget Guy writes a detailed account of the Panasonic Inverter and how the inverter technology has nearly been under exclusive development under Panasonic. The Gadget Guy explains why this microwave improvement is innovative.

Microwaves Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Microwaves Ratings Comments on Reviews

11. About.com	Before You Buy a Microwave Oven Linda Larsen Not Dated		Larsen does not explain the specific criteria she uses to select these five microwaves. However, she does preface her choices with a brief statement about choosing a microwave best suited for family life. Most of the microwave ovens on this page have been discontinued, so the article isn't as useful as it could be. Note that ConsumerSearch and About.com are owned by the same parent company, The New York Times.

Microwaves Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Microwaves Ratings Comments on Reviews

12. Home Appliance Blog	Latest Trends in Home Appliances Maria As of Mar. 2008		Home appliance enthusiast "Maria" posts photos and news clips about new microwaves and other cooking appliances. There aren't any reviews here, but there are some photographs and links to other articles.
13. The Guardian	Is it OK... to use a microwave oven? Leo Hackman Sept. 13, 2005		In Hackman's column, Guide to the Good Life, he addresses the topic of microwaves in terms of how energy efficient they are. The article is an interesting piece for those concerned about cutting down on their energy use and whether or not the microwave really does help them do that. No models are mentioned, though. Hackman also briefly goes through various international laws that once applied to the microwave, as well as a few microwave studies.
14. Good Housekeeping.com >> Details/Subscribe	Microwave FAQs Sharon Franke Not Dated		The Good Housekeeping Institute's Food Appliances Director, Sharon Franke, answers general questions about microwave ovens. No product recommendations are given, and no models are rated, but there's good general advice to be found here.