Microwave Buying Guide: Features, Types, and FAQs 2026

Types of Microwaves

When purchasing a microwave, the best place to start is to decide which type is best for your kitchen setup. There are three main types of microwaves for you to choose from.

Built-In Microwaves

Built-in microwaves reside within a recessed wall cavity or cabinet. They can also be installed underneath a countertop as a microwave drawer. Built-in microwaves help create a seamless look in your kitchen but typically have a higher price point than other microwave types.

Built-in microwaves can also be particularly challenging to install, especially if you didn’t previously have one. These units range in wattage from around 900 watts to 1,100 or more watts.

Pro Tip

Steve Thomas, longtime This Old House host, advises: “In a small kitchen, the more you can build in, the bigger the space will seem. This demands precise measuring.” Getting exact measurements of your wall cavity or cabinet opening before shopping is essential to ensuring a seamless fit.

Built-in microwaves also offer flexible installation configurations. Some models can be installed as standalone wall units, while others can be paired with a standard convection oven in a stacked arrangement. Higher-end built-in combo units may include features like convection cooking, quartz broiling elements, roasting racks, and crisper pans — turning a simple microwave cavity into a versatile cooking station.

Countertop Microwaves

Countertop microwaves are small, portable devices you plug into a wall outlet and keep on your counter. They range in size from 700 watts for a small countertop microwave to more than 1,200 watts for a large microwave and have many of the same functions as other model types.

Small microwaves may be a good option for renters, but countertop models also may take up valuable counter space, which can be an issue for those with small kitchens.

Over-the-Range Microwaves

Over-the-range microwaves, or OTR for short, are designed to be mounted over your stove, eliminating the device from taking up any counter space and creating a stylish look in your kitchen. They can also help reduce odors as you cook but may not be as effective as a range hood or exhaust fan.

OTR microwaves typically max out at about 1,100 watts and may be challenging to install since they need to fit precisely above your cooktop.

Installation Insight: Over-the-range microwaves double as exhaust fans, with intake ports on the top and underneath the unit. Depending on your kitchen layout, you can exhaust up through the roof or out the back wall against an outside wall — but either way, you’ll need a dedicated electrical line run to an outlet inside the cabinet above. As one TOH project demonstrated, once the electrician runs the line, you simply drill a hole in the cabinet for the plug and mount from there.

Pro Tip

If you’re weighing a standard microwave against a convection-microwave combo, keep in mind that traditional microwaves excel at reheating and defrosting but won’t brown or crisp food. As Eve Felder, associate dean at the Culinary Institute of America, explains: “Microwaves are fast, but they don’t caramelize food, which is what causes browning.” A convection-microwave hybrid marries microwave speed with the browning and crisping ability of a convection oven—an important distinction when choosing your type.

Key Features

Depending on their type, brand, and size, microwaves may include several valuable features to make heating food easier. Here are some critical factors to look out for when researching microwave ovens.

Capacity

The capacity of a microwave, usually measured in cubic feet, refers to how much interior space the model has. If your microwave has a high capacity, it will allow you to cook larger food items but may cost more. Most microwaves have a capacity of 1 cubic foot to 2 cubic feet.

Child Locks

Some microwaves include child-proof locks that stop curious kids from opening the door and possibly hurting themselves by handling hot food. This may be particularly relevant for countertop microwaves that are more easily accessible for young children.

Convection Cooking

You may also be interested in convection microwaves, which have settings that allow you to bake and roast foods in addition to heating them. These microwaves use a heating element and a fan to distribute heat evenly onto your food as it cooks.

Cooking Power

The higher the microwave wattage is on your device, the faster it will heat food. However, microwaves with lower wattage will typically have a cheaper price point. When heating food, it’s important to be aware of the wattage of your microwave and adjust your cooking time accordingly. If your microwave has a low wattage, such as 700 or 800 watts, you may need to leave food in longer than is suggested in the cooking directions.

Worth Knowing: While wattage determines raw heating speed, the real convenience factor lies in how easily you can adjust power levels. As the TOH team observed during an Arlington House kitchen project, dual-career families rely on microwaves as a primary time-saving tool — and getting the power level right matters just as much as total wattage. When possible, look for models with intuitive power-level controls and sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts time and power based on steam detected from the food.

Quick Keys

Quick-cook keys allow you to set specific cooking times with the touch of a button. Most microwaves with quick keys have shortcuts that allow for 30 seconds and minute-by-minute intervals. Some models also allow you to add 30 seconds or a minute to an existing cooking setting, ensuring the power level won’t adjust when adding time to food that’s not fully warm.

Racks

Some microwaves include removable racks that allow you to cook multiple food items simultaneously. Included racks are typically made with wire and may also be helpful for convection cooking. However, they will limit the overall space you have in your microwave and can typically only fit small items.

Sensors

A few popular microwave models use sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts cooking times and power levels based on the steam emitted from the food. This function helps take the guesswork out of how long to heat your food, preventing you from over or undercooking it.

Shortcut Keys

Many modern microwaves also have shortcut keys designed for cooking specific food items. Some standard shortcut keys include popcorn, pizza, frozen vegetables, potatoes and beverages, and cooking settings such as defrosting and steaming.

Sound Control

Microwave beepers can help let you know when your food is finished cooking, but it can get annoying if it’s constantly beeping while you’re doing other things and aren’t ready to take it out yet. Many microwaves can toggle the beeping noise on and off, so you decide if it’s necessary for you.

Turntables

Most microwaves include turntables or trays that hold your food as it cooks. These tables rotate as the food cooks, allowing heat to distribute evenly. While most microwaves feature round turntables, some have rectangular trays that slide from side to side, which may be a better option for large food items.

How Much Should You Spend on a Microwave?

Many factors determine how much you will spend on a new microwave, including its type, brand, capacity, and special microwave features. You can find small countertop microwaves for $50 or less, but they will lack size and power. Most countertop models will fall in the $100 to $300 range depending on the above factors.

Over-the-range microwaves, sometimes called OTR microwaves, can be found for as little as around $200 but typically exceed $350. Built-in models are usually the most expensive, ranging from $400 on the low end to $1,000 or more for the most high-end models.

When purchasing a microwave, start by figuring out your overall budget and then compare various models to see what will give you the most bang for your buck.

Average Microwave Prices

Type of Microwave	Estimated Price
Small	$50-$600
Over-the-Range	$150-$500
Built-In	$300-$1,000

The Most Trusted Microwave Brands

There are dozens of brands that make microwaves, but buying from a well-established brand that is known for quality can help ensure your appliance will last for years to come. Some of the most-trusted brands on the market include:

Amana
Amazon Basics
Black & Decker
Bosch
Breville
Electrolux
Farberware
Frigidaire
GE
Haier
Hamilton Beach
Hotpoint
Kenmore
KitchenAid
LG
Magic Chef
Maytag
Panasonic
Samsung
Sharp
Whirlpool

Installing a Microwave

If you’re purchasing a built-in or over-the-range microwave, you will need to have it installed, either by replacing your existing model or by creating the opening for the appliance to be installed in your wall or cabinetry.

When installing an over-the-range microwave hood with an exhaust fan, you can either exhaust it through the roof, or out the back of a window.

If you’re installing a new built-in microwave, you will first need to apply the spacer kit that comes with your microwave, remove the old unit, ensure the wiring is connected to the new appliance, and then install the new unit into the open space using a drill and mounting brackets.

Installation Detail: When mounting an over-the-range microwave, look for the two tabs on the bottom of the wall-mounting bracket—they slot into corresponding openings in the back of the microwave. After tipping the unit into place and feeding the power cord through the drilled hole in the cabinet above, secure the microwave with screws through the top to prevent it from tipping forward. For the exhaust vent, cut the exterior siding first with an appropriate blade to avoid damage, then use a reciprocating saw for the rest of the opening. Before inserting the outside damper, add insulation around the opening to create a proper seal.

Check out this guide from KitchenAid for more detailed step-by-step instructions on installing a new built-in microwave.

Structural Prep for Exterior Venting: If your over-the-range microwave exhaust needs to vent through an exterior wall and you encounter a stud in the way, you’ll need to cut the stud and frame the opening properly. As demonstrated in a TOH project, cut the stud higher than the vent hole to accommodate a header, then install the header by screwing it into the adjacent studs on both ends. Add a bottom plate the same way, and install jack studs on both sides for support. Always have an electrician run a dedicated line to an outlet inside the cabinet above the microwave before you begin the installation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Microwaves

Is microwaving food safe?

If used correctly, microwaving food is perfectly safe. However, if cooking meats or other foods with potentially harmful effects when eaten raw, you should test the food with a meat thermometer to ensure there aren’t any cold spots that weren’t cooked thoroughly in the microwave.

How do I choose the right microwave?

To choose the best microwave for your needs, you should consider the size, capacity and features that work best for your current kitchen setup and budget. You should also consider how frequently you think you will use the microwave and what foods you plan on cooking. For example, if you only expect to reheat leftovers and other small items in a microwave, you can skip some features that may drive up the price, such as a higher wattage or extra cooking racks.

Is 1100 watts good for a microwave?

A 1,100-watt microwave should be powerful enough to handle most cooking needs and can even be used commercially. Microwaves at 1,100 watts or higher will heat your food quickly and reduce the cooking time.

Is it safe to microwave paper?

Some types of paper are suitable for the microwave. For example, paper towels and parchment paper are safe to place inside a microwave. However, you should avoid putting newspapers and brown bags in the microwave due to their toxicity and flammability.

How do you clean a microwave?

If you have a spill in your microwave, clean it as soon as possible so it does not harden or become sticky. Regularly cleaning your microwave is also recommended to keep it in pristine condition. Use a solution of water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl for several minutes, and then wipe the microwave down with a paper towel will help clear out any excess food stains. You should also clean your turntable with warm water and a sponge or put it in the dishwasher if it is dishwasher-safe.

How big should your microwave be?

Consider how much space you have to work with when buying a microwave to determine which microwave size is best for you. Many mid-sized microwaves have around 20 inches of width, while some compact models are smaller, making them a good choice for those with limited space. The height of your microwave may also be a factor if they are in danger of hitting the bottom of your kitchen cabinetry. Measure how much space you have to work with before purchasing.