Best Microwaves of 2025
These countertop and over-the-range models top CR's tests in heating and defrosting
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Before you shop for your next microwave, here’s a takeaway from our tests: Bigger can be better. Of the 15 microwaves we recommend, all have a claimed capacity of 1.2 cubic feet or more. That’s not to say that there aren’t some solid choices among smaller models (and we highlight one below), but medium- to large-sized microwaves are likely to offer more power and features.
Speaking of space, be aware that based on measurements we take in our lab, most microwave ovens have less usable space than advertised. We find that both over-the-range (OTR) and countertop microwaves have a usable capacity that’s typically a bit above half of what manufacturers claim. The best microwaves listed below are no exception, but they stand out in our tests for such performance measurements as heating speed, heating evenness, and defrosting.
Countertop microwaves represent the biggest slice of the market by far. We focus our testing on models with a claimed capacity of 1 cubic foot or larger, which are the biggest sellers. Below, you can view the top microwaves from our tests, including a countertop model in each size range as well as three excellent over-the-range options, all listed alphabetically. For more information on choosing a microwave, see our microwave buying guide. And if you’re a CR member, you can dive into our comprehensive ratings of more than 150 models.
Best Countertop Microwaves
Countertop microwaves are generally less expensive than over-the-range models. They’re also easier to put in place—just plug the microwave into an outlet, and you’re all set. Here are solid choices in small, medium, and large models.
The small and inexpensive 700-watt Commercial Chef CHM770B may be all you need for a college dorm or home office. This countertop microwave is a champ at heating evenly; it thoroughly heated up a bowl of mashed potatoes in our tests. However, it’s one of the slowest microwaves in CR’s ratings, garnering the lowest score possible in our test that times how long it takes to heat a bowl of water. Also, it’s just average at defrosting. Nonetheless, you can snap one up for less than $100, so it may be worth a look if you’re on a tight budget. If you’re looking for something a little bigger at a similar price, the Commercial Chef CHM 990B might be a good pick.
Though it didn’t nab any top scores, the midsized Commercial Chef CHM990B impressed us in nearly every one of our tests, including heating and defrosting evenness, noise, and ease of use. The one area in which it slipped up a bit was heating speed, with a score that fell in the middle of the pack. Despite its overall good performance, it’s a straightforward appliance without extras like convection or sensor-cook mode.
The large Panasonic NN-SD77PS demonstrated excellent performance in our heating evenness, speed of heating, and noise tests. But where this model most obviously stands out is its controls. Instead of having a flat, smooth touchpad, this model has a dial and tactile buttons. It’s a handy feature for the vision-impaired and could make it easier for anyone to heat up their morning oatmeal in the predawn hours without turning on the kitchen light.
Best Over-the-Range Microwaves
Over-the-range microwave ovens free up counter space, but installation may require an electrician. Here are a few of our top performers, in alphabetical order.
With a height of just under 12 inches, the slender LG MVEF1337F will provide more clearance above your range, but you’ll pay for it in a smaller capacity. If clearance is not an issue, consider the similarly rated LG MVEL2033F, which isn’t as slim but achieves a streamlined look with a recessed handle and buttons across the bottom rather than the side. Both earned top scores for defrosting evenness and convenience, though the LG MVEL2033F has a slight edge in heating evenness. The speed of heating score was middling for both. LG over-the-range microwaves get a top score for reliability in our member surveys but rate just okay for owner satisfaction.
The LG MVEL2125F tops our over-the-range microwave ratings with stellar performances in our heating and defrosting evenness tests as well as its ease of use. It’s also very quiet. On the less spectacular side, this microwave falls in the middle of the pack in terms of heating speed and venting ability.
The Thermador MU30WSU earns a top mark for heating evenness and very good ratings for speed of heating and defrosting evenness. This model comes with a sensor that prevents overcooking and a wire rack for bi-level cooking. It’s also relatively quiet. In our member surveys, Thermador over-the-range microwaves receive strong ratings for predicted reliability and midlevel marks for owner satisfaction.
How CR Tests Microwaves
In CR’s microwave lab, we assess how fast and evenly each machine heats food. The speed score in our microwave ratings is based on how fast a microwave heats 1 liter of room-temperature water.
To test heating evenness, we heat a bowl of cold mashed potatoes for 10 minutes, then take temperature readings in 20 spots. We also assess how well a pound of frozen ground beef is defrosted using each microwave’s auto-defrost setting. Plus, we measure how much noise each microwave makes when set on high and how easy it is to use without consulting the manual.
In addition to these performance ratings, we factor in scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction based on our members’ experiences with 38,349 OTR microwaves and 39,995 countertop models purchased new between 2014 and 2024.
To learn more about our microwave tests and what to know before you shop for one, check our microwave buying guide.
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