The best microwaves of 2025 – CNET

Cut down

You probably have to start your microwave hunt by thinking about which size is right for you. A 2.2 cubic-foot, 1,250-watt microwave isn’t necessarily the best option for everyone.

power

If you’re in a tight space or have wattage restrictions (my college dorm limited us to a measly 900 watts), then you’d be better off looking for compact models under 1,000 watts. You’ll also want to consider whether you want to look at over-the-range microwaves, countertop microwaves or inverter microwaves.

Configuration and features

Once you’ve settled on a size and power, consider which features 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 functions, power settings and predefined cooking programs, but, except for a few, such as defrosting or heating, you may not find yourself using them that much.

Color and design

Narrow it down to the right size, power level and feature set, and all that’s left is to choose a color. A few of the models we tested come in several finishes, so if your microwave will become part of your kitchen landscape, you should be able to find the right shade.

A final tip: Do not launch the manual when you open the box. The microwave owner’s manual is a great resource for exactly how to use each cooking method. Every manufacturer seems to do things a little differently, and there were time guides and helpful explanations in every manual we came across during testing.