Microwave Buying Guide

Microwave Buying Guide from NFM

A microwave is one of the most-used kitchen appliances, helping you save time on everything from reheating leftovers to preparing quick meals. With so many options available, finding the right one comes down to how you cook, the space you have, and the features you’ll actually use.

This microwave buying guide walks you through everything you need to know—from types of microwaves to microwave sizes, wattage, and features—so you can feel confident choosing the best microwave for your home.

Start with Type

Choose the microwave style that fits your kitchen layout, cooking habits, and available space.

Compare Size & Wattage

Microwave dimensions, interior capacity, and power level all affect performance and daily convenience.

Focus on Features

Look for the features you’ll actually use, from sensor cooking to convection and smart controls.

Types of Microwaves

The first step is choosing the type of microwave that fits your kitchen layout and daily routine.

Countertop Microwaves

  • Simple setup—just plug it in and start using
  • Easy to move, replace, or upgrade
  • Countertop microwaves are available in a wide range of microwave sizes and styles

This is a great option if you want flexibility or need a quick solution without installation.

Over-the-Range Microwaves

  • Installed above your cooktop to free up counter space
  • Combines microwave cooking with built-in ventilation
  • Adds lighting to your cooking surface

When comparing over the range vs countertop microwave options, it comes down to whether you want to save space or keep placement flexible. Over-the-range microwaves are ideal for maximizing kitchen layout efficiency.

Built-In Microwaves

  • Installed directly into cabinetry for a seamless look
  • Designed to align with wall ovens and other appliances
  • Creates a more elevated, custom kitchen feel

A built in microwave vs countertop model is often a design-driven decision. Built-in models offer a polished appearance, while countertop options are easier to install and replace.

Drawer Microwaves

  • Installed below countertops or inside kitchen islands
  • Opens like a drawer for easier access
  • Draw microwaves reduce the need to reach overhead

This style is especially helpful in kitchens designed for accessibility or multi-user households.

Microwave Sizes and Dimensions

Choosing the right microwave size ensures it fits your space and supports how you cook every day.

Standard Microwave Size

Most microwaves range from 1.0 to 2.2 cubic feet. Mid-size models (around 1.3 to 1.6 cu. ft.) are the most popular because they balance capacity and space.

Microwave Dimensions to Consider

  • Exterior width, height, and depth for placement
  • Interior space for plates, bowls, and cookware
  • Clearance requirements for ventilation and airflow

Taking a few measurements before you shop can help avoid fit issues later.

What Size Microwave Do I Need?

  • Compact (0.7–1.0 cu. ft.): best for small kitchens or light use
  • Mid-size (1.0–1.6 cu. ft.): ideal for everyday meals
  • Large (1.6–2.2 cu. ft.): better for families or larger portions

If you frequently use large plates or cookware, choosing a slightly larger model can make daily use easier.

Microwave Wattage and Performance

Microwave wattage directly impacts how quickly and evenly your food cooks.

  • 700–900 watts: good for basic reheating and simple meals
  • 900–1200 watts: a strong everyday range for most households
  • 1200+ watts: faster cooking and better results for full meals

If you rely on your microwave daily, choosing a higher wattage model can save time and improve consistency.

Microwave Features to Consider

Modern microwave features are designed to make every day cooking more convenient, consistent, and easier to manage—especially for busy households.

Common Microwave Features

  • Sensor cooking automatically adjusts cook time and power levels based on moisture levels in your food, helping prevent overcooking or undercooking
  • Preset cooking options provide one-touch settings for common items like popcorn, pizza, beverages, and frozen meals
  • Inverter technology delivers a steady stream of power instead of cycling on and off, resulting in more even heating and better texture
  • Smart microwave features allow you to control your appliance through an app or voice assistant for added convenience
  • Child safety locks help prevent accidental use, especially in households with young children
  • Quick-start and add-time functions make it easy to adjust cooking time on the fly

Choosing the right microwave features comes down to how you cook day to day. The best setup is one that makes common tasks faster and more predictable without adding unnecessary complexity.

Control Types and Ease of Use

Microwave controls can vary by model, and choosing a style that feels intuitive can make everyday use easier.

  • Touch controls offer a clean, modern look and are easy to wipe down
  • Button or dial controls can feel more responsive and easier to use quickly
  • Simplified control panels are helpful for households that prefer fewer settings and straightforward operation

If multiple people use your microwave regularly, choosing a control style that’s easy for everyone to understand can make a noticeable difference.

Convection Microwave vs Regular Microwave

If you’re comparing a convection microwave vs regular microwave, the main difference comes down to how they cook and what you can make in them.

Regular microwaves

  • Designed for speed and everyday convenience
  • Use microwave energy to heat food quickly
  • Best for reheating leftovers, defrosting, and simple meals
  • Easy to use with straightforward controls
  • Typically more affordable

Convection microwaves

  • Combine microwave energy with convection heating
  • Use a fan and heating element to circulate hot air
  • Can bake and roast like a traditional oven
  • Provide more even cooking and better browning
  • Ideal for foods like roasted vegetables, casseroles, pizza, and baked goods

If you want quick, no-fuss heating, a regular microwave works well. If you’re looking for more cooking versatility, a convection microwave offers added flexibility.

Microwave vs Oven

Both appliances serve different purposes in the kitchen, and most homes benefit from having both.

  • Microwaves are best for quick cooking, reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen foods, and preparing simple meals
  • Ovens are better for baking, roasting, broiling, and cooking larger or more complex dishes
  • Microwaves prioritize speed and convenience, while ovens focus on texture, browning, and even heat distribution

Using both together gives you the most flexibility—your microwave handles quick tasks, while your oven takes care of more involved cooking.

Microwave vs Air Fryer

When comparing microwave vs air fryer performance, the difference comes down to cooking style and results.

  • Microwaves heat food quickly and retain moisture, making them ideal for reheating, steaming, and soft foods
  • Air fryers use circulating hot air to create crispy textures, similar to frying or roasting
  • Microwaves are better for speed and convenience, while air fryers are better for crispiness and texture

Many households use both appliances depending on the meal—microwaves for quick heating and air fryers for crisping and finishing.

Microwave Installation and Placement

Planning your microwave installation ahead of time helps ensure a smooth setup and proper performance.

  • Countertop microwaves only need a nearby outlet and enough counter space for ventilation
  • Over-the-range microwaves require secure mounting and proper ventilation, often replacing a range hood
  • Built-in and drawer microwaves are designed to fit within cabinetry and may require professional installation
  • Check electrical requirements and outlet placement before installation

It’s also important to measure your space carefully and allow for proper airflow. Making sure your microwave fits your kitchen layout helps ensure safe, efficient operation and a more seamless overall experience.

How to Choose a Microwave

If you're deciding how to choose a microwave, start with your daily habits.

Ask yourself:

  • How often do I use a microwave?
  • What types of food do I prepare most?
  • How much space do I have available?
  • Which features will actually make my life easier?

The right microwave should fit your space, match how you cook, and feel easy to use from day one.

Best Microwave for Home Use

Quick Answer:

A mid-size microwave (1.0–1.6 cu. ft.) with 900–1200 watts is the best option for most homes, offering a balance of size, performance, and everyday convenience.

The best microwave for home use depends on your kitchen space, how often you cook, and the features you need for everyday use.

  • For quick, everyday use, a countertop microwave is the most practical option, offering flexibility and easy setup
  • For frequent cooking, a microwave with 900–1200 watts and sensor cooking provides faster, more consistent results
  • For modern kitchen designs, built-in or drawer microwaves create a seamless, integrated look
  • For limited space, compact microwave sizes help maximize functionality without overcrowding your kitchen

In most homes, a mid-size microwave with strong wattage and a few key features offers the best balance of performance, convenience, and value.

Microwave Buying Tips

The best microwave buying tips focus on choosing the right size, power, and features for your kitchen and daily routine.

  • Measure your space first to ensure the microwave dimensions fit your countertop or cabinet opening
  • Look for at least 900 watts for consistent, reliable performance in everyday cooking
  • Choose the right type of microwave based on your layout, whether that’s countertop, over-the-range, or built-in
  • Focus on features you’ll actually use, like sensor cooking or preset options, to keep things simple
  • Consider a convection microwave if you want added flexibility for baking and roasting

In most cases, a mid-size microwave with strong wattage and a few practical features will cover everything you need.

FAQs

Built-in microwaves are installed into cabinetry, while countertop models are portable and easy to set up.

A microwave between 900 and 1200 watts is best for everyday use. It provides a balance of fast cooking, even heating, and reliable performance for most meals.

Most microwaves last between 8 and 10 years with regular use. Over time, performance may decline, especially if food heats unevenly or takes longer than expected.

A mid-size microwave between 1.0 and 1.6 cubic feet typically fits a standard dinner plate. This size offers enough interior space for everyday meals without taking up too much counter space.

A larger microwave is not always better. While it offers more capacity, the best size depends on your space and cooking needs. A mid-size microwave works well for most households and everyday use.

They’re a great option if you want more cooking flexibility without adding another appliance to your setup.

Not completely. Microwaves are ideal for speed, but ovens are still better for baking and roasting.

Over-the-range microwaves require ventilation, while most countertop models do not.

Shop Microwaves at NFM

The right microwave should make every day cooking easier, not more complicated. By focusing on microwave sizes, wattage, features, and how you actually use your kitchen, you can confidently choose a microwave that fits your home and your routine.