High End Microwaves in 2023

Best Overall: Panasonic NN-SN68KS Compact Microwave Oven

The Panasonic NN-SN68KS Compact Microwave Oven is a feature-packed appliance that offers convenience and efficiency in the kitchen. With its compact size and sleek stainless steel design, it easily fits on any countertop, making it suitable for residential use.

One of the standout features of this microwave is its 1200 watts of power, providing fast and even heating for your food. The inverter technology ensures that your meals are cooked uniformly, from the edGEs to the center, eliminating any hot or cold spots.

The smart cooking settings with Genius sensor take the guesswork out of everyday cooking. The microwave automatically adjusts power and cooking times based on the food being prepared, ensuring optimal results. With 16 sensor cook settings, you have a wide variety of options to choose from. The sensor reheat function warms leftovers evenly, retaining their nutrients and texture.

Defrosting frozen foods is a breeze with the Inverter Turbo defrost feature. It accelerates the defrosting time, thawing your items quickly and thoroughly for more flavorful results.

For popcorn enthusiasts, the 3-level popcorn button allows you to select the perfect popping temperature and time for different microwave bag capacities. Whether you prefer a smaller or larger bag of popcorn, this microwave has you covered.

In terms of usability, the microwave features easy-to-use controls and an LED display. The 1.2 cubic feet capacity and the 13.4-inch turntable provide ample space for various dish sizes. Cleaning is also hassle-free with the easy-clean interior.

In conclusion, the Panasonic NN-SN68KS Compact Microwave Oven offers impressive performance and a range of useful features. With its powerful heating capabilities, smart cooking settings, and intuitive controls, it simplifies the cooking process and delivers delicious results. Whether you're heating leftovers, defrosting frozen foods, or enjoying a bag of popcorn, this microwave is a reliable companion in the kitchen.

Best Budget: Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S is a powerful and versatile appliance that brings convenience and efficiency to your kitchen. With its sleek stainless steel design and spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity, this microwave is perfect for both countertop and built-in installations in residential settings.

At 1250 watts, this microwave delivers high power for even cooking and delicious flavors. The Inverter Technology with Turbo Defrost ensures consistent and evenly prepared food without the risk of overcooking. The advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost feature also speeds up the defrosting time, saving you precious minutes in the kitchen.

The large family size of this microwave is a great advantage, offering a 16.5-inch turntable and a more efficient design. It allows you to maximize the interior capacity while taking up less space on your countertop or in your kitchen. The internal dimensions of 10.94 inches in height, 18.44 inches in width, and 18.50 inches in depth provide ample space for various dish sizes.

The smart cooking settings with Genius Sensor make cooking a breeze. The built-in automatic genius sensor adjusts power and cooking times based on the specific food being prepared, taking the guesswork out of achieving perfect results. With 14 preset menu items, a quick minute timer, delay start option, and child safety lock, this microwave offers a range of convenient features.

One standout feature of this microwave is the Keep Warm feature. It allows you to keep soups, gravies, or desserts warm and fresh until you're ready to serve, ensuring that your dishes retain their flavors and temperatures.

In conclusion, the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S is a top-of-the-line appliance that combines power, versatility, and convenience. With its seamless stream of cooking power, advanced features such as the Genius Sensor and Turbo Defrost, and the ability to keep food warm, this microwave is a reliable companion for everyday cooking and reheating needs. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking enthusiast, or someone who appreciates efficiency in the kitchen, this microwave is an excellent choice.

Best Value: Dacor DMW2420S Distinctive Series Counter Top or Built Microwave

The Dacor DMW2420S Distinctive Series Microwave is a versatile and efficient appliance that offers excellent performance for your cooking needs. With its sleek stainless steel design and spacious 2.0 cubic feet capacity, this microwave is suitable for both countertop and built-in installations.

With 1,100 watts of power, this microwave provides fast reheating and cooking capabilities, allowing you to save time in the kitchen. The sensor technology is a standout feature, as it automatically adjusts time and temperature for nine popular microwave favorites, including popcorn, reheating, vegetables, frozen entrees, rice, baked potatoes, ground meat, poultry, fish, and seafood. This ensures that your food is cooked or reheated to perfection, eliminating any guesswork.

The three defrost options are another advantage of this microwave. You can quickly defrost meats and poultry by weight, and the programs for each category guarantee excellent and even results.

With its 2.0 cubic feet capacity, this microwave is perfect for large families or entertaining guests. Whether you need to reheat leftovers or cook larger portions, this microwave offers ample space for your needs.

Installation options are versatile, as the Dacor DMW2420S can be used as a standalone unit or integrated into your kitchen with built-in installations. This flexibility allows you to customize your kitchen layout according to your preferences.

In conclusion, the Dacor DMW2420S Distinctive Series Microwave combines power, versatility, and convenience in a sleek stainless steel package. With its fast reheating and cooking capabilities, sensor technology for precise cooking, three defrost options for efficient thawing, and spacious capacity, this microwave is a reliable and practical addition to any kitchen. Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or simply looking for a dependable appliance, this microwave offers excellent performance and functionality.

Editor's Choise: Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile and powerful appliance that offers an all-in-one solution for your cooking needs. With its combination of microwave, broiler, air fryer, and convection oven functions, this appliance provides flexibility and convenience in the kitchen.

One of the standout features of this microwave oven is the air fryer mode. It quickly circulates hot air around the food, producing crispy and brown results without the need for preheating. This allows you to enjoy healthier versions of your favorite fried foods like french fries and nuggets, with less oil and guilt.

The convection bake function is another advantage, allowing you to bake and roast with ease. With a temperature range of up to 425°F, you can achieve delicious results with or without preheating. The FlashXpress broiler is perfect for toasting, browning, and crisping, adding versatility to your cooking options.

The 1000-watt Panasonic inverter microwave technology ensures smart and even cooking power. It provides precise defrosting, reheating, cooking, and warming capabilities. The Genius Sensor Cook, Turbo Defrost, and other dedicated settings make cooking easier and more convenient.

Despite its multifunctionality, this microwave oven has a sleek and space-saving design. With a large capacity of 1.2 cubic feet and a small overall footprint, it can easily fit on your countertop. Alternatively, you can choose to make it a built-in microwave oven with the optional trim kit (NN-TK81KCS), allowing you to customize your kitchen layout.

In conclusion, the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a highly versatile appliance that combines convenience, functionality, and efficiency. With its various cooking modes, including air frying, convection baking, broiling, and microwave cooking, it offers a wide range of options for preparing delicious meals. Whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this microwave oven provides excellent performance and versatility. Its sleek design and space-saving features make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Energy and Cooking Efficiency
The wattage of a microwave is directly proportional to its cooking efficacy. The higher the wattage, the quicker and more efficient the preparation. For optimal efficacy, seek microwaves with at least 1,000 watts of power. This will ensure that your food is heated swiftly and uniformly, saving you time in the kitchen.

Volume and Size
Consider the microwave's capacity and size in light of your cooking requirements and available kitchen space. Microwaves are typically available in capacities ranging from 0.5 to 2.2 cubic feet. Choose a microwave with a larger capacity if you routinely prepare large meals or use cookware with a larger capacity. To ensure a correct fit, however, you should measure your kitchen space.

Aesthetics and the Arts
The streamlined and contemporary designs of many high-end microwaves can enhance the overall appearance of your kitchen. Consider finishes like stainless steel or black stainless steel to complement your existing appliances. Consider the control panel configuration, door handle design, and overall aesthetics when searching for a microwave that matches your kitchen's design.

Features and Functions of Cooking
Innovative cookery functions and features can significantly enhance your culinary experience. Consider microwaves with convection cooking, sensor cooking, and food-specific preprogrammed settings. Multi-stage cooking, quick-cook options, and defrosting capabilities can add versatility and simplify the culinary process to your microwave.

Usability and Cleanliness
A user-friendly microwave is essential for cooking without hassle. Look for microwaves with user-friendly controls, clear displays, and straightforward features. Consider models with convenience features such as one-touch buttons or voice control. Additionally, select a microwave with a detachable turntable and a simple-to-clean interior.

Energy Efficiency Not only do energy-efficient microwaves reduce your carbon footprint, but they also save you money on your electricity bill. Look for Energy Star-certified microwaves, as they meet stringent efficiency standards. These models consume less power in standby mode and while in operation, ensuring that you receive the best of both worlds: high performance and energy efficiency.

Noise Level
Some microwave models may generate more noise than others, despite the fact that microwaves are not typically known for being loud appliances. Consider reading customer reviews or reviewing product specifications for information on noise levels if a quiet environment is important to you. Look for microwaves with a silent operation so that you can cook meals without being interrupted.

Cost and Guarantee
The price of high-end microwaves can vary substantially based on brand, features, and overall quality. Before beginning your quest, establish a budget and compare the prices of various models. Additionally, examine the manufacturer's warranty information. A extended warranty period provides peace of mind and protection from any potential flaws or problems.

Can sophisticated microwave ovens supplant conventional ovens for baking?

A: While high-end microwaves with convection heating can perform baking tasks, the results may not be identical to those of a conventional oven. However, they provide a practical alternative for modest to moderate baking requirements.

Are premium microwaves more energy-efficient than standard models?

A: Yes, many high-end microwaves include energy-saving features and adhere to more stringent efficiency standards. Look for Energy Star-certified models for the greatest energy efficiency.

Can I simultaneously cook multiple dishes in a high-end microwave?

A: Certain high-end microwaves feature multi-stage cookery, allowing you to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously. Check the product specifications to determine if this feature is supported by the microwave of interest.

How frequently should the interior of my high-end microwave be cleaned?

A: It is advised that you clean the interior of your microwave on a regular basis, particularly after any spillage or splatters. To maintain hygiene and avoid buildup, wipe it down with a mild detergent or microwave-safe cleaner.

Do premium microwaves include extended warranties?

A: Extended warranties are available for select models of premium microwaves. Check with the manufacturer or retailer for extended warranty coverage options.

When it comes to choosing the best high-end microwave, it's important to consider factors such as power, capacity, design, cooking features, ease of use, energy efficiency, noise level, and price. By assessing your specific needs and preferences, you can find a high-end microwave that perfectly suits your kitchen and culinary requirements. Remember to explore top models, read customer reviews, and compare prices to make an informed decision.