🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 84 (from laksa028)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa084.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/","crawl_time":1771405419,"first_indexed_time":1590684570,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,nytimes!www,\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/ s443","src_root_hash":"4566504020376537684","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"The 4 Best Microwaves of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter","meta_descriptions":["Most microwaves are nearly identical, but the Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S stands out for its even heating and useful features."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nBy\nRachel Wharton\nRachel Wharton is a writer covering kitchen appliances. She used 72 bags of popcorn to find the best microwave (and set the office on fire only once).\nIf you use your countertop microwave only to zap cold coffee or nuke bags of buttered popcorn,\nany model\nwill do. But nearly any other food prep — defrosting the latest\nfrozen flavors from Trader Joe’s\n, reheating leftovers, making\ncrispy bacon\n— benefits from a better machine.\nMost microwaves are made by the same two or three factories and tend to look, feel, and function similarly, and are sold at comparable prices. But the\nPanasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S\nand\nits iterations\nare an exception, as they can zap, nuke, defrost, reheat, and steam more evenly and efficiently than competitors. The NN-SN686S also comes with more thoughtful features and functionality, and it looks and feels a little nicer than the rest.\nEverything we recommend\nTop pick\nRunner-up\nBest for...\nBest for small spaces\nGE GCST07N1\nThe most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow.\nBest for...\nWhat to consider\nHandle or button\nA button tends to look nicer and is easier to use, but some people prefer a handle. We have picks with both.\nInstant start\nSome models automatically start cooking at the highest power when you press a number — preferable for shared kitchens but not great for most food.\nSizes\nMidsize is ideal for most kitchens. Extra-large or extra-powerful microwaves are typically unnecessary, while compact models are too small.\nA combo option\nYou can pay more for a microwave with convection-bake, broil, and air-fryer functions, but it isn’t a total replacement for all those countertop appliances.\nTop pick\nThe well-priced, midsize\nPanasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S\n— and the similar\nNN-SN65QSD\n  (sold exclusively at Target) — cooked more evenly and precisely than any other microwaves we tested, with fewer hot and cold spots. They have a modern aesthetic with an appealingly large button that opens the door latch and was the easiest to use among the microwaves we tried.\nThese models don’t have instant-start express settings, such as a button to add 30 seconds, which many people love. But the sensor-reheat option is especially useful, as it automatically shuts off when it senses the proper amount of steam.\nOne drawback of these models is that they’re often sold out. But because they are available in many similar versions (as well as\nother finishes and sizes\n), you’ll typically be able to find options. The NN-SN686S is usually available only online from\nAmazon\n,\nWalmart\n(may be out of stock),\nHome Depot\n, and\nPanasonic.com\n. Another version, the\nNN-SN68QB\n, is sold by Costco (\nmembership required\n).\nBoth the NN-SN686S and the NN-SN65QSD allow for an optional matching trim kit for a built-in look.\nKey specs\nDimensions:\n12.25 by 20.69 by 15.81 inches (HWD)\nPower:\n1,200 watts\nCapacity:\n1.2 cubic feet\nWarranty:\none year, five years for the magnetron (parts only)\nRunner-up\nThe midsize\nToshiba EM131A5C\nhas a nicer design and a broader range of functions — including convenient instant-start settings that many people consider a must-have — than most other microwaves at its price.\nIt performed solidly in our tests, but it didn’t heat as quickly, precisely, or evenly as our top pick, and it’s slightly less powerful. This model has a sturdy door handle, which some people prefer over a push button.\nThe EM131A5C is available in two finishes, as well as\nother sizes\n.\nKey specs\nDimensions:\n12.8 by 20.5 by 17.1 inches (HWD)\nPower:\n1,100 watts\nCapacity:\n1.2 cubic feet\nWarranty:\none year\nBest for...\nBest for small spaces\nGE GCST07N1\nThe most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow.\nThe\nGE GCST07N1\nis a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than any other compact microwave we tested. It’s sturdier, too, though the cavity is wide enough for only a medium-size dinner plate.\nThis microwave didn’t cook as evenly or precisely as our top pick, but it was faster than similarly sized models with higher wattage, and it has convenient instant-start express settings.\nIt is available in three finishes (the most of our picks) and\na version\nthat you can mount under a cabinet.\nKey specs\nDimensions:\n10.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches (HWD)\nPower:\n700 watts\nCapacity:\n0.7 cubic foot\nWarranty:\none year\nBest for...\nThe\nPanasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS\ncombines microwaving, fan-assisted convection baking, broiling, and air frying in one sleek stainless steel machine. It’s a nice option for a tiny kitchen or as a temporary replacement for an oven.\nIt microwaved as well as our top pick in our tests. Like other combination microwaves, though, it can’t brown or crisp foods as effectively or quickly as a traditional oven or\nair fryer toaster oven\n. But its hidden baking element (in contrast to most other combination microwaves, which have an exposed element) seems to improve results, and it’s easier to clean.\nThe HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven also provided the most support for learning how to use the admittedly complicated machine. (A recipe app can also connect to the microwave via Wi-Fi, so that you could monitor timers or change a handful of settings remotely.)\nKey specs\nDimensions:\n13.5 by 22.1 by 17.7 inches (HWD)\nPower:\n1,000 watts\nCapacity:\n1.2 cubic feet\nWarranty:\nthree years, one year for the magnetron (parts only)\nThe research\nWhy you should trust us\nI’m a writer covering large kitchen appliances at Wirecutter, and I have nearly 20 years of experience writing about food, cooking, and the culinary industry. I’ve written guides to\ngas\nand\nelectric ranges\n,\ninduction cooktops\n, and\nrefrigerators\n. I also offer advice on how to make the most of large kitchen appliances, including tips on\ncleaning your microwave\nand\nimproving its performance\n.\nFor this guide:\nWe researched and tested dozens of microwaves since 2014.\nWe interviewed home cooks, kitchen and product designers, product engineers, and multiple representatives from the brands we cover. We evaluated thousands of owner reviews to gauge reliability and common flaws.\nWe attended appliance trade shows and visited dozens of big-box stores and small showrooms to get a sense of trends and gain hands-on experience with common features.\nWe disassembled microwaves and analyzed public import records.\nWe’ve hosted paid testers with diverse backgrounds, builds, heights, and mobility levels to discuss and test microwaves at our office in Long Island City, New York.\nLike all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any\nbusiness implications\nof my editorial recommendations, and in accordance with\nWirecutter standards\n, I return or donate all products I’ve tested once my assessment of them is complete. Read more about our\neditorial standards\n.\nWho this is for\nThis guide focuses on countertop microwaves, including\ncompact\nand multifunction\nconvection\/air-fryer models\n. Most microwaves have similar components, so this guide highlights a handful of higher-quality microwaves that work a bit better or look and feel a little nicer than the vast majority (they also cost a little more). But if you use a microwave only for a few small tasks that don’t require a lot of precision — popping popcorn, heating liquids — and don’t care what it looks like, you might be fine with a\nbudget model\n.\nSome of our recommendations have matching trim kits that allow you to install them in a cutout in the wall or a cabinet so the machine resembles a more expensive built-in microwave or microwave drawer for a fraction of the cost of a built-in model.\nHow we picked and tested\n \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nTo test each microwave, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of foods, including burritos, butter, chicken breasts, coffee, fried rice, frozen broccoli, mac and cheese, pizza, and popcorn. For convection\/air-fryer models, we also air-fried, baked, and toasted.\nSpecifically, we evaluate:\nSize:\nMicrowaves can be small\/compact (0.7 to 0.9 cubic foot of capacity), midsize (1 to 1.6 cubic feet of capacity), and large (up to 2.2 cubic feet of capacity). We’ve found around 1.2 cubic feet of capacity and a 12-inch carousel is ideal for most households. This size can fit a 12-inch dinner plate, a 9-inch square casserole dish with handles, a large bag of microwave popcorn, two frozen dinners, four mugs, or two smaller bowls.\nBuild and design:\nA microwave should feel sturdy and be hefty enough to stay put when you open and close the door. The display should be easy to read, and any buttons, knobs, or handles should not be difficult to turn, pull, or press, particularly for anyone with mobility issues.\nWe also sought out models that look good, if not great, with appealing shapes and bodies made of more metal than plastic (or, at least, better-quality plastic).\nDoor latches:\nWe prefer microwaves with a button to open the door latch because they are generally easier to use (and\nADA-compliant\n) and safer (you’re less likely to drag the machine when you open the door). But we do recommend a few options with handles, which some people (including some of our paid testers) prefer.\nNoise:\nLarger, more powerful, better-quality microwaves tend to be louder than smaller ones. If your microwave is especially loud or annoying, consider moving it so that the sound isn’t reflecting off a wall or cabinet.\nEven heating:\nAll microwaves heat foods somewhat unevenly. We evaluated evenness by cooking different foods — including marshmallows, which show hot spots and degrees of doneness — across the breadth of the turntable. Microwaves with an\ninverter\nmotor, which can run at variable speeds and allows for continuous cooking at lower power levels, cooked and defrosted more evenly with less power. (Traditional transformer-powered microwaves cycle between bursts of full power and zero power to achieve similar results.) To assess evenness, we microwaved raw, frozen chicken breasts at 50% power for 14 minutes before checking the temperature at three points.\nIn our testing, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of different foods.\nMarki WIlliams\/NYT Wirecutter\nSpeed and power:\nAll countertop microwaves have between 700 and 1,250 watts of power. Higher power heats things more quickly, but our testing revealed that even\na small, 700-watt microwave\ncan heat foods and liquids to appropriate temperatures, albeit slightly slower. Plus, foods defrost and cook more evenly at lower power levels, which also helps avoid splattering, drying out foods, and overcooking edges.\nUseful cooking functions:\nNearly every microwave expert we spoke to said that the vast majority of microwave owners use the “add 30 seconds” button exclusively. We heard the same thing from our paid testers and regular cooks, too. So we didn’t pay much attention to specific presets for items such as a potato, popcorn, or pizza, or instant-start express settings (for example, pressing “2” starts the microwave at its highest power for two minutes). But we did give extra credit to microwaves whose additional features produced better results without imposing a major learning curve.\nFrom left: an RCA-brand model, manufactured by Galanz, and models from Amazon, Black+Decker, and GE, all manufactured by Midea and built around the same core components. \nMichael Murtaugh\/NYT Wirecutter\nBrand and reliability:\nThe majority of under-$100 countertop microwaves sold in the US, regardless of brand name, are made by a few companies overseas, primarily Midea and Galanz.\nWe focus on microwaves made by the few brands that either manufacture their own microwaves or work with large manufacturers to produce models with improved design or functionality. Their microwaves also tend to have better-quality mechanical parts, especially the door latch, which often breaks (the machine won’t operate with a broken latch). We checked for accessible company websites and customer service.\nUL Solutions certification:\nWe only considered microwaves with certification from\nUL Solutions\n, a firm that sets safety standards for most small appliances in the United States. (Any UL Solutions–certified microwave manufactured after April 1, 2024, requires a\nchild-lock system\nto help prevent burns. Adults can override the lock.)\nTop pick: Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves\n \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nTop pick\nWe’ve been recommending Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves since 2020. The\nPanasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S\naced our tests, has useful extra features, and looks good, too. We also recommend the similar\nNN-SN65QSD\n, sold exclusively at Target, and the Costco-exclusive\nNN-SN68QB\n(\nmembership required\n).\nIt’s powerful, and it cooked better and more evenly than any other model we tested.\nThe NN-SN686S heated food quickly, bringing a bowl of soup to 147 °F in just 2 minutes, more than 10 degrees higher than machines we tested with about the same power (1,200 watts). It cooks more quickly at lower power levels than some more powerful models thanks to its\ninverter motor\n.\nThe NN-SN686S had the fewest hot (overcooked) and cold (undercooked) points in all of our cooking tests. It was also faster and better at more delicate tasks such as defrosting chicken breasts or cooking them at medium power, as other machines gave us icier middles and more overcooked edges. And its defrosted vegetables were a little less soggy.\nThe NN-SN686S’s sensor-reheat setting (top row, middle button), which monitors humidity and determines whether your food is done based on the amount of steam in the cavity, worked well in our tests. \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nIts sensor-reheat settings work really well, unlike on most other models.\nThe NN-SN686S’s sensors monitor humidity and determine whether your food is done based on the amount of steam released. In our tests, everything from room-temperature mac and cheese to icy-cold chicken parmesan ended up at an\nappropriate temperature\n, between 170 °F and 180 °F when we used the sensor settings.\nThe NN-SN686S has 12 sensor-cook modes for foods such as pasta, rice, frozen pizza, and baked potatoes, all of which worked fairly well in our tests. You select them by number. \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nThe NN-SN686S also has 12 sensor-cook modes for foods such as pasta, rice, frozen pizza, and baked potatoes. They worked fairly well in our tests. You can dial in these settings further with the microwave’s More and Less buttons, which add or subtract time.\nOur paid testers liked the big, responsive button that opened the door of the NN-SN686S — by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested. \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nIt has basic functions most people want, plus useful extras.\nThe NN-SN686S has an Add 30 Seconds button, automatic programs for three sizes of microwave popcorn, the ability to defrost by weight or volume, and a setting to mute beeps.\nYou can also set delayed or multi-step cooking (such as five minutes at high power and three minutes at low power) or add a “standing time” during which your food sits with the power off for a bit before it’s time to eat, as many microwaveable meals recommend.\nThe NN-SN686S is spacious enough for a variety of cookware, including a 1-quart measuring cup and a 5-quart mixing bowl. \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nIt’s an ideal size and has a nice design for its price.\nThe NN-SN686S is spacious enough for an extra-large dinner plate, a 5-quart mixing bowl, most medium casserole dishes, two frozen dinners, or three soup bowls. It also looks better than most similarly priced countertop microwaves, with more metal than plastic and a crisply designed exterior. (You can buy a\ntrim kit\nif you’d like to install it flush in a cabinet for a\nbuilt-in look\n.)\nIt opens easily with a button.\nOur\npaid testers\nliked this model’s big, responsive button — the NN-SN686S was by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested.\nIt’s durable, with good online support.\nWe’ve talked to multiple owners who have been using this microwave for several years — including one who uses it in a professional kitchen — and none have encountered chips, scratches, or a warped control panel. The company also has an extensive\ntroubleshooting and support guide\nonline.\nFlaws but not dealbreakers\nIt has no instant-start express settings.\nUnlike on our\nrunner-up\n, you’ll have to enter a time or power level and press the start button to begin cooking.\nService can be a bit of a pain.\nYou must either ship your microwave to a service center or take it into a certified repair shop, if you’re lucky enough to have one\nwithin driving distance\n.\nKey specs\nDimensions:\n12.25 by 20.69 by 15.81 inches (HWD)\nPower:\n1,200 watts\nCapacity:\n1.2 cubic feet\nWarranty:\none year, five years for the magnetron (parts only)\nOther Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves to consider\nIf you’d like our pick in a different finish, consider the all-white\nNN-SN65KW\nor the all-stainless\nNN-SN68KS\n.\nIf you need a larger version of our pick, the 1.6-cubic-foot\nPanasonic Cyclonic Wave Inverter NN-SN76LS\nis a little taller and has a wider body, with a 14-inch carousel that fits extra-large plates or dishes. Its\nCyclonic Wave feature\nis designed to distribute microwaves more evenly than our pick, and it did seem to heat more uniformly and gently in our tests.\nIf you want a smart version of our pick, the\nNN-SV79MS\nconnects via Wi-Fi to an Alexa device, which you can use to run dozens of functions via voice commands (like “microwave on high power for one minute”). It has a fully stainless steel exterior and controls.\nRunner-up: Toshiba EM131A5C\n \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nRunner-up\nWe’ve recommended the midsize\nToshiba EM131A5C\nfor years as a solid but basic microwave amid a sea of similar models. The EM131A5C has ample power and will do just fine, but its overall performance is not nearly as strong as that of our top pick.\nIt’s a good-size machine with plenty of power.\nRoughly the same size as our top pick but a little deeper, the 1,100-watt EM131A5C has a carousel that is slightly more than 12 inches in diameter.\nTouch any number from 1 to 6 on the number pad, and the Toshiba EM131A5C automatically starts at the highest power setting — no need to set a power level or touch the start button. \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nIt has the features that most people want.\nThese include a +30Sec. button, the ability to mute beeps, and sensor-enabled auto-reheat and auto-cooking buttons for making popcorn or melting butter (though in our tests, the auto-cooking selections didn’t always work accurately). It also has instant-start express settings: Press 1 to 6 on the number pad, and the microwave starts cooking at the highest power setting for that number of minutes.\nIt looks better than most microwaves in its price range.\nThe EM131A5C isn’t as sophisticated-looking as our top pick, but it isn’t a plastic clone. It also has a handle, instead of a button, which some people prefer. This model is hefty enough to stay put on the counter when you pull the handle to open it.\nFlaws but not dealbreakers\nIt isn’t as good as our pick.\nThe EM131A5C, which does not have an\ninverter motor\n, is not as accurate or fast as our top pick, and it doesn’t heat as evenly, either. But it performs about as well as other microwaves you can find for a similar price.\nKey specs\nDimensions:\n12.8 by 20.5 by 17.1 inches (HWD)\nPower:\n1,100 watts\nCapacity:\n1.2 cubic feet\nWarranty:\none year\nOther Toshiba Lifestyle microwaves to consider\nThe\nToshiba ML-EM09PA\nis a slightly smaller version of our pick, with a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity, 900 watts of power, and a 10.6-inch turntable. It doesn’t have a sensor for auto-heating modes.\nThe\nToshiba ML-EM45PIT\nhas an\ninverter motor\nand costs a bit more. It performed a little faster and heated more evenly than our runner-up, though not on a par with our\ntop pick\n.\nBest for small spaces: GE GCST07N1\n \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nBest for...\nBest for small spaces\nGE GCST07N1\nThe most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow.\nWe’ve recommended a version of the GE Appliances\nGE GCST07N1\nultra-compact microwave since 2016, both for its affordability and its small size. Here's why we're fans:\nIt’s a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves.\nThe GCST07N1 is about 2 inches shorter, 3 inches narrower, and 3 inches shallower than our top pick. It is even a tad smaller than the tiny Galanz Retro, a popular cheap compact model that we\ntested and dismissed\n.\nBut it’s narrow inside.\nThe 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 10.4-inch carousel still accommodate a medium-size mixing bowl or dinner plate, but anything even slightly wider than the turntable (a New York–style pizza slice, a medium-size bag of microwave popcorn) will get stuck on the walls.\nThe GE GCST07N1 is a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves — and more attractive, too. \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nIt performed better than the other compact models we evaluated.\nThis microwave cooked a little more quickly and evenly than other models of the same size, which are nearly all lower-cost\nclones\n.\nThe GE GCST07N1 has more automatic-cooking settings than other models of the same size, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food. \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nIt has more features than most compact models.\nThis microwave has a good assortment of automatic-cooking settings, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food. It also has an Add 30 Sec button, as well as express-start settings.\nIt’s sturdy, and it looks and feels nice.\nIt has a more attractive design (the stainless steel version in particular) and a heftier body than most compact models we tested, most of which felt flimsy and cheap. Its metal button is also easy to use.\nGE has a good reputation for customer service\n. GE Appliances is one of a handful of companies that work directly with large microwave manufacturers to make models to their specifications, instead of just putting their logo on a machine.\nFlaws but not dealbreakers\nIt takes longer to heat things up.\nWith only 700 watts of power, it is a little slower than our other picks, but this performance is typical for a compact model.\nKey specs\nDimensions:\n10.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches (HWD)\nPower:\n700 watts\nCapacity:\n0.7 cubic foot\nWarranty:\none-year limited (parts and labor)\nOther GE Appliances microwaves to consider\nThe\nGE GCHK07N1 Spacemaker\nis essentially the same microwave as\nour compact pick\n, but it has a slightly deeper body and is designed to work with a hanging kit (sold separately) so that you can mount it under a cabinet or shelf.\nThe\nGE GCST09N1\nhas slightly more capacity and power than\nour compact pick\n, and it’s one of the few microwaves available that are compatible with Alexa devices and support “scan-to-cook,” both of which require the GE Appliances Smart HQ app. Scan-to-cook allows you to scan the QR code on the label of\nany product that is in the database\n, use the Smart HQ app to wirelessly send the GCST09N1 the cooking instructions (including power-level adjustments and timing), and hit Start. From the app, you can add 30 seconds of time or turn off the microwave. But figuring out the Alexa commands is tricky.\nBest for convection and air frying: Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS\n \nPanasonic\nBest for...\nConvection\/air-fryer microwaves include fan-assisted convection heating, broiling, and air frying. Though they’ve improved in recent years, they still don’t bake, broil, or air fry as well as a standalone\nair fryer toaster oven\ncan. But a combo microwave can be useful for a tiny kitchen or as a temporary replacement for an oven, and the\nPanasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS\nis your best choice.\nIt microwaves almost as well as our top pick.\nThe HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven heated just as evenly and accurately as our\ntop pick\n, which is also from Panasonic. It’s slightly less powerful (1,000 watts versus 1,200 watts), and it has fewer preprogrammed food settings, but most people don’t use extra modes anyway.\nWe made well-browned and crispy fries using the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s air fryer setting and included air fryer basket.\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nIt can broil, air fry, and bake (but slowly and imperfectly).\nThe HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is a slow-but-workable broiler, air fryer, and fan-assisted convection oven, producing browned foods, crispy toast, and crunchy chicken nuggets. But it takes longer than a regular oven, and the results aren’t quite as good.\nIt has a hidden bake element.\nIn our tests, convection microwave ovens with a hidden bake element broiled or air fried more quickly and didn’t dry out foods nearly as much as those with an exposed element. And hidden bake elements are much easier to clean.\nIt looks great.\nThe HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is fully stainless steel, with metal buttons and a large metal knob for setting the time or temperature. It also has an attractive, large LED screen.\nThe Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is fully stainless steel, with a knob for setting the time or temperature. It also has an attractive, large LED screen. \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nIt provides extensive owner support.\nThe HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s comprehensive manual provides some helpful tips on which of the included cookware pieces to use, such as a special pan for air frying or a crisper plate for baking and broiling. These suggestions also display on screen. Panasonic has\na recipe app\ndeveloped in partnership with\nFresco\n, which gives step-by-step instructions for determining which styles of cooking to choose and how to combine them for the best results. The app can connect to the microwave via Wi-Fi, so that you could monitor times or change a handful of settings remotely.\nIt has an excellent warranty.\nThe HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven has a three-year warranty, in contrast to most microwaves, which are covered for one year. Panasonic covers the magnetron (parts only) for four years.\nFlaws but not dealbreakers\nIt can be confusing to use, like most combination microwaves.\nCombination microwaves have multiple settings, cookware that can work for ovens but not for microwaves (including air fryer baskets), and the potential to use more than one modality at a time (convection and microwave for baking desserts, say, or broil and convection for roasted meats).\nIt doesn’t work as well as a regular oven or air fryer toaster oven.\nThe HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s broiler works fine for browning or melting cheese on top of bread, but it takes upwards of 10 minutes to make toast, which in our tests ended up dry. (You also have to flip it halfway through.)\nIn our tests, this model’s convection oven function baked great chocolate chip cookies but left brownies gooey in the center (remedied with 10 seconds of microwaving). And you can’t adjust the temperature while something is cooking, as you can on a regular oven.\nKey specs\nDimensions:\n13.5 by 22.1 by 17.7 inches (HWD)\nPower:\n1,000 watts\nCapacity:\n1.2 cubic feet\nWarranty:\nthree years, one year for the magnetron (parts only)\nOther microwaves worth considering\n \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nIf you want an attractive microwave that also works well:\nThe 1,250-watt, 1.2-cubic-foot\nBreville Smooth Wave\n(pictured above) looks beautiful and feels well built, with a big, easy-to-read control panel, sleek dials, distinctive soft-close doors, and a chunky handle reminiscent of luxury appliances. It also has an extensive list of preprogrammed food settings that work pretty well, though it doesn’t have as many options as\nour top pick\n.\nThe control panel, which walks through many operations step by step, was the easiest to use by far; many of our paid testers commented on how simple it was to do things like dial in a weight for defrosting chicken, without needing to read the manual first.\nThe control panel of the Breville Smooth Wave is the easiest to use of any microwave we tested. Most functions were so easy to figure out, we didn’t need to read the manual first. \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nThe catch is that Breville microwaves cost significantly more than our top pick but fail to match its performance.\nThe 900-watt, 0.9-cubic-foot\nBreville Compact Wave\nis a smaller version with a slightly different control panel. It isn’t as pleasurable to use as the larger versions, but it’s still very handsome.\nIf you want a smaller (and more affordable) convection\/air-fryer microwave:\nThe\nGE GCST10A1\nis slightly smaller and less expensive than\nour pick for convection and air frying\n, the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven. This model also has a hidden heating element, but the microwave wasn’t nearly as good as that of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven, and it doesn’t provide nearly as much help in how to use all the functions.\nThe competition\n \nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\nThe popular 0.7-cubic-foot, 700-watt\nGalanz Retro\n(available in a few colors from Amazon), while cute, was so light that it moved around the counter anytime we tried to use it. Its thin metal top buckled when we pressed it. This model also cooked unevenly, producing noticeable dark spots in our marshmallow tests.\nGE Appliances makes\nmany midsize microwaves\n. We tested an older version of the 1.1-cubic-foot, 950-watt\nGE GCST11X\n. But in general, these machines don’t perform as well as the midsize\nPanasonic Genius Sensor Inverter\nmodels we recommend. The door buttons on many midsize models also tend to be small and offset to the right, so they’re not as easy to use.\nWe tested a 0.9-cubic-foot, 900-watt Kenmore model (recently replaced by\nslightly smaller\nand\nslightly larger\nmodels sold primarily at Target). It performed better than the Galanz Retro, but merely as expected for a microwave at its price — that is, it’s totally fine if you use it only for coffee or popcorn.\nOur research shows that Samsung makes its own microwaves. But the company sells just a\nhandful of more expensive models\nin the US, most of which come with an exposed element on the top of the cavity for what Samsung calls “grilling” functionality. Exposed elements make a microwave extremely hard to clean. More importantly, the few Samsung models we have tested have offered only average microwave performance yet come loaded with hard-to-decipher features or functions and unhelpful manuals.\nConvection\/air-fryer microwaves\nWe tested the\nBreville Combi Wave 3 in 1\nand the\nToshiba ML-EC42P\n. We were impressed with the look and usability of Breville’s version, which is nearly identical to the Breville microwave that\nwe recommend\n. But both the Combi Wave and the ML-EC42P have an exposed baking element on the top of their cavity, a design that tends to dry out food and, more important, makes the appliance much harder to clean.\nWhat to look forward to\nWe plan to test an inverter model from the\nLG NeoChef\nseries, which offers specs similar to those of tour top picks. We’ll also test some new Whirlpool models, such as the attractive\nWhirlpool WMC30311LD\n, and several new Sharp microwaves, including the inverter\nSMC1464KS\n; the\nSMC1585\n, which has convection; and a\nmodel that works with Alexa\n(there’s also an\ninverter version\n).\nAdditionally, we want to test the\nIKEA Tillreda\n, a sleek white microwave that matches many of IKEA’s countertop appliances (including a\nportable induction cooktop\nthat we already recommend).\nLiam McCabe, Michael Sullivan, and Tim Heffernan wrote previous versions of this guide, which was first published in 2014.\nThis article was edited by Ingrid Skjong and Courtney Schley.\nSources\nCatherine Ruspino,\nsenior vice president, product and solutions, Americas, Breville\n, phone interview, March 1, 2024\nJessica Focarino,\nsenior product marketing specialist, Sharp Home Appliances\n, in-person interview, February 28, 2024\nHarriette Thomas,\nbrand manager, JennAir\n, in-person interview, January 26, 2024\nRobert DellaValle,\nprincipal engineer, UL Solutions\n, video interview, February 22, 2024\nBruce Albertson, Jr.,\nsenior commercial director for global specialty products, GE Appliances\n, video interview, February 16, 2024\nMatthew Sandercock,\nproduct marketing senior manager global specialty products, GE Appliances\n, video interview, February 16, 2024\nDaryl Williams,\nexecutive director global specialty products, GE Appliances\n, video interview, February 16, 2024\nWalter Taffarello,\ndirector, new business development and strategic partnerships, Panasonic\n, video interview, February 1, 2024\nHiroko Watanabe,\nappliance group manager, Panasonic\n, video interview, February 1, 2024\nKanchan Swaroop,\nsenior technical advocacy associate, Appliance Standards Awareness Project\n, video interview, October 11, 2023\nSarah Snouffer,\nfounder, Third Street Architecture, Washington, DC\n, phone interview, June 26, 2023\nMeet your guide\nRachel Wharton\nWhat I Cover\nI am based in Brooklyn, New York, and I write about refrigerators, ranges, ovens, microwaves, cooktops, kitchen ventilation, and any other large appliances that relate to cooking, eating, or food. This work includes conducting hands-on tests and researching the best products. It also requires staying on top of environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as related trends in cooking, smart home, accessibility, tech, and kitchen design.","attrs_markdown":"- Home & Garden\n  \n  - Vacuums, Cleaning, & Laundry\n    - Vacuum Cleaners\n      - [Vacuum cleaners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vacuum-cleaner\/)\n      - [Upright vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-upright-canister-vacuums\/)\n      - [Cordless vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cordless-stick-vacuum\/)\n      - [Robot vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-robot-vacuum\/)\n      - [Handheld vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-handheld-vacuum\/)\n      - [Hardwood floor vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vacuum-for-hardwood-floors\/)\n      - [Vacuums for pet hair](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vacuum-for-pet-hair\/)\n      - [Car vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-car-vacuum\/)\n    - Mops & Cleaners\n      - [Wet mops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wet-mop\/)\n      - [Robot mop‑vac combos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-robot-vacuum-mop-combo\/)\n      - [Portable carpet & upholstery cleaners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-carpet-and-upholstery-cleaner\/)\n      - [Carpet cleaners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-upright-carpet-cleaners\/)\n      - [Wet\/dry vacs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/a-great-shop-vacuum-or-wet-dry-vac\/)\n      - [Brooms, dustpans, & dust mops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-broom-dustpan-dustmop\/)\n      - [Surface cleaners & disinfectants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-all-purpose-cleaner\/)\n    - [Laundry](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/closet-laundry\/)\n      - [Washers & dryers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-washer-and-dryer\/)\n      - [Compact washers & dryers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-compact-washer-and-dryer\/)\n      - [Irons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-clothes-iron\/)\n      - [Ironing boards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ironing-board\/)\n      - [Clothing steamers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-clothing-steamers\/)\n      - [Laundry detergents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-laundry-detergent\/)\n      - [Stain removers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laundry-stain-remover\/)\n  - Bathroom\n    - Toilet\n      - [Toilets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toilet\/)\n      - [Bidets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bidet-toilet-seat-washlet\/)\n      - [Toilet papers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-toilet-paper\/)\n      - [Toilet brushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toilet-brush\/)\n      - [Toilet plungers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toilet-plunger\/)\n      - [Squatty potties](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/squatty-potty-review\/)\n    - Shower\n      - [Shower heads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-shower-head\/)\n      - [Shower curtains](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-shower-curtain\/)\n      - [Shower caddies](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-shower-caddy\/)\n      - [Shower mats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-shower-mat\/)\n      - [Body washes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-body-wash\/)\n      - [Bar soaps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bar-soap\/)\n    - Bathroom\n      - [Bathroom scales](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-bathroom-scales\/)\n      - [Bath towels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bath-towel\/)\n      - [Bath mats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bathroom-rugs-and-bath-mats\/)\n      - [Grab bars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-grab-bars\/)\n  - Garden & Outdoors\n    - [Gardening & Lawn](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/gardening\/)\n      - [Garden hoses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-garden-hose\/)\n      - [Hose nozzles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-hose-nozzle\/)\n      - [Gardening gloves](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-gardening-gloves\/)\n      - [Garden pruners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-garden-pruners\/)\n      - [Gifts for gardeners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-gardeners\/)\n      - [Lawn mowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lawnmower\/)\n      - [Robot lawn mowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-robot-lawn-mower\/)\n      - [Reel mowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-reel-mower\/)\n      - [Sprinklers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-sprinkler\/)\n      - [Smart sprinkler timers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-sprinkler-controller\/)\n    - [Maintenance](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/garage\/)\n      - [Leaf blowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-leafblowers\/)\n      - [Snow blowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-snow-blowers\/)\n      - [Pressure washers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pressure-washer\/)\n      - [Chainsaws](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-chainsaw\/)\n      - [String trimmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-string-trimmers\/)\n      - [Snow shovels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-snow-shovels\/)\n      - [Wet\/dry vacs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/a-great-shop-vacuum-or-wet-dry-vac\/)\n    - Patio\n      - [Patio furniture](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-patio-furniture\/)\n      - [Outdoor sofas & chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-sofas\/)\n      - [Patio umbrellas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-patio-umbrella-and-stand\/)\n      - [Patio heaters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-patio-heaters\/)\n      - [Smokeless fire pits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smokeless-fire-pits\/)\n      - [Mosquito repellents for yards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/mosquito-control-gear\/)\n  - Heating, Cooling, & Air Quality\n    - Heating\n      - [Space heaters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-space-heaters\/)\n      - [Heat pumps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/heat-pump-buying-guide\/)\n    - [Cooling](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/cooling\/)\n      - [Air conditioners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-conditioner\/)\n      - [Portable air conditioners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-portable-air-conditioner\/)\n      - [Ductless air conditioners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-ductless-mini-split-air-conditioner\/)\n      - [Fans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-fan\/)\n      - [Cordless fans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cordless-fans\/)\n      - [Smart thermostats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-thermostat\/)\n    - Air Quality\n      - [Air purifiers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-purifier\/)\n      - [Humidifiers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-humidifier\/)\n      - [Dehumidifiers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dehumidifier\/)\n      - [Home air quality monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-home-air-quality-monitor\/)\n    - Water Quality\n      - [Water filter pitchers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-filter-pitcher\/)\n      - [Under‑sink water filters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/)\n      - [Faucet‑mounted water filters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-faucet-water-filter\/)\n      - [Water quality test kits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-quality-test-kit-for-your-home\/)\n  - Home & Decor\n    - Decor\n      - [Area rugs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-area-rugs\/)\n      - [Rug pads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rug-pads\/)\n      - [Removable wallpapers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-removable-wallpapers\/)\n      - [Throw blankets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-throw-blankets\/)\n      - [Essential oil diffusers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-essential-oil-diffusers\/)\n      - [Scented candles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-candles\/)\n      - [Jewelry boxes & organizers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-jewelry-boxes-and-organizers\/)\n    - Window Treatments\n      - [Curtains](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-window-curtains\/)\n      - [Blackout curtains](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blackout-curtains\/)\n      - [Blackout shades](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blackout-shades\/)\n    - [Furniture](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/furniture\/)\n      - [Sofas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/buying-a-sofa\/)\n      - [Sleeper sofas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleeper-sofas\/)\n      - [Massage chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-massage-chairs\/)\n      - [Dining tables](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/dining-and-kitchen-tables-we-like-under-1000\/)\n    - Lighting\n      - [Floor lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-floor-lamps-under-300\/)\n      - [Desk lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-led-desk-lamp\/)\n      - [Table lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-table-lamps\/)\n      - [Bedside lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-bedside-lamps-under-200\/)\n    - [All Home](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/)\n  - Home Improvement\n    - [Tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/tools\/)\n      - [Drills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-drill-for-common-household-projects\/)\n      - [Multi‑tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-multitool\/)\n      - [Stud finders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-stud-finder\/)\n      - [Screwdrivers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-screwdriver\/)\n      - [Basic toolkits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-basic-home-toolkit\/)\n      - [Toolboxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toolbox\/)\n      - [Ladders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ladders\/)\n    - [Storage & Organization](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/storage-home-garden\/)\n      - [Storage containers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-storage-containers\/)\n      - [Shoe racks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-shoe-rack\/)\n      - [Hangers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hangers\/)\n    - Electric\n      - [LED light bulbs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-led-lightbulb\/)\n      - [Surge protectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-surge-protector\/)\n      - [Extension cords](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-extension-cords-for-your-home-and-garage\/)\n    - Pest Control\n      - [Roach killers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-roach-killers\/)\n      - [Ant killers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ant-killer\/)\n      - [Mousetraps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mousetrap\/)\n      - [Mosquito repellents for yards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/mosquito-control-gear\/)\n      - [Wasp & hornet sprays](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hornet-wasp-spray\/)\n      - [Bug‑killing gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-bug-killing-gear\/)\n  - Home Security & Safety\n    - Security Systems & Cameras\n      - [Home security systems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-security-system\/)\n      - [Indoor security cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-home-security-camera\/)\n      - [Outdoor security cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera\/)\n      - [Doorbell cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-doorbell-camera\/)\n    - Locks\n      - [Electronic keypad door locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electronic-keypad-door-lock\/)\n      - [Smart locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-smart-lock\/)\n      - [Door locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-door-lock\/)\n    - Safety\n      - [Basic smoke alarms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-basic-smoke-alarm\/)\n      - [Smart smoke alarms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-smoke-alarm\/)\n      - [Fire extinguishers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-fire-extinguisher\/)\n      - [Flashlights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-flashlight\/)\n    - [Emergency Preparedness](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/emergency-preparedness\/)\n      - [Emergency preparedness supplies](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/emergency-preparedness\/)\n      - [Emergency weather radios](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-emergency-weather-radio\/)\n      - [Portable generators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-generator\/)\n    - [All Home Security & Safety](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/safety-home-garden\/)\n  - Office\n    - Printers\n      - [All‑in‑one printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-all-in-one-printer\/)\n      - [Home printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-home-printers\/)\n      - [Laser printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laser-printer\/)\n    - Monitors\n      - [Monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-monitors\/)\n      - [4K monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-4k-monitors\/)\n      - [27‑inch monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-27-inch-monitor\/)\n      - [Portable monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-monitor\/)\n    - Office Essentials\n      - [Webcams](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-webcams\/)\n      - [Office headsets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-headset-for-the-office\/)\n      - [Laptop stands](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptop-stands\/)\n      - [Monitor arms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-monitor-arms\/)\n      - [Label makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-label-maker\/)\n    - Document Security\n      - [Paper shredders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-paper-shredders\/)\n      - [Fireproof document safes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-fireproof-document-safe\/)\n    - Stationery\n      - [Pens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-pen\/)\n      - [Notebooks & notepads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-notebooks\/)\n      - [Planners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-paper-planners\/)\n    - [Office Furniture](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/office\/furniture-office\/)\n      - [Standing desks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-standing-desk\/)\n      - [Office chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-office-chair\/)\n      - [Ergonomic seat cushions](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ergonomic-seat-cushions\/)\n    - [All Office](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/office\/)\n  - Sleep\n    - [Mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/sleep\/mattresses\/)\n      - [Mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mattress\/)\n      - [Mattresses for side sleepers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mattresses-for-side-sleepers\/)\n      - [Mattresses for back pain](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/mattresses-for-back-pain\/)\n      - [Memory foam mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-foam-mattresses-you-can-buy-online\/)\n      - [Cheap mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cheap-mattress\/)\n      - [Hybrid mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hybrid-mattresses\/)\n      - [Innerspring mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-innerspring-mattress\/)\n      - [Air mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-mattress\/)\n      - [Mattress toppers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mattress-toppers\/)\n      - [Latex mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-latex-mattresses\/)\n    - [Bedding](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/sleep\/sheets-bedding\/)\n      - [Sheets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sheets\/)\n      - [Cotton sheets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cotton-sheets\/)\n      - [Comforters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-comforter\/)\n      - [Duvet covers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-duvet-cover\/)\n    - [Pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/sleep\/pillows\/)\n      - [Pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bed-pillows\/)\n      - [Pillows for side sleepers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pillow-for-side-sleepers\/)\n      - [Memory foam pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-memory-foam-pillows\/)\n    - [Bedroom](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/bedroom\/)\n      - [Modern bed frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-modern-bed-frames\/)\n      - [Platform bed frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-platform-bed-frames-under-300\/)\n      - [Nightstands](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nightstands\/)\n      - [Blankets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blankets\/)\n      - [Weighted blankets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-weighted-blankets\/)\n      - [White noise machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-white-noise-machine\/)\n      - [Alarm clocks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-alarm-clock\/)\n      - [Sunrise alarm clocks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sunrise-alarm-clock\/)\n    - [All Sleep](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/sleep\/)\n- Kitchen\n  \n  - Large Appliances\n    - Fridges\n      - [Refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-refrigerator\/)\n      - [French door refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-french-door-refrigerators\/)\n      - [Side‑by‑side refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-side-by-side-refrigerators\/)\n      - [Garage refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-garage-refrigerator\/)\n      - [Counter‑depth refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-counter-depth-refrigerator\/)\n      - [Wine coolers & fridges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wine-fridges\/)\n    - Freezers\n      - [Upright freezers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-freezer\/)\n      - [Chest freezers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-chest-freezers\/)\n    - Stoves, Ranges, & Ovens\n      - [Electric stoves & ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-and-gas-ranges\/)\n      - [Gas stoves & ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gas-ranges\/)\n      - [Slide‑in electric ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slide-in-electric-ranges\/)\n      - [Slide‑in gas ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slide-in-gas-ranges\/)\n      - [High‑end ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-high-end-ranges\/)\n      - [Induction cooktops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-induction-cooktop\/)\n      - [Wall ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wall-ovens\/)\n    - Dishwashers\n      - [Dishwashers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-dishwasher\/)\n    - [All Large Appliances](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/large-appliances\/)\n  - Small Appliances\n    - Small Appliances\n      - [Microwaves](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/)\n      - [Food processors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-food-processor\/)\n      - [Toasters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toaster\/)\n      - [Electric kettles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-kettle\/)\n      - [Portable induction cooktops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-induction-cooktop\/)\n      - [Mini fridges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mini-fridge\/)\n      - [Countertop ice makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-ice-maker\/)\n      - [Stand mixers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-stand-mixer\/)\n      - [Juicers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-juicer\/)\n    - Blenders\n      - [Blenders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blender\/)\n      - [Personal blenders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-personal-blender\/)\n      - [Immersion blenders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-immersion-blender\/)\n    - Specialty\n      - [Ice cream makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ice-cream-maker\/)\n      - [Soda makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-soda-maker\/)\n      - [Waffle makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-waffle-maker\/)\n      - [Pizza ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pizza-oven\/)\n    - Air Fryers & Toaster Ovens\n      - [Air fryers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-fryer\/)\n      - [Air fryer toaster ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven\/)\n      - [Toaster ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-toaster-oven\/)\n    - Cookers\n      - [Rice cookers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-rice-cooker\/)\n      - [Pressure cookers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-pressure-cooker\/)\n      - [Slow cookers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slow-cooker\/)\n    - [All Small Appliances](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/appliances\/small\/)\n  - Cooking & Baking\n    - Cookware & Bakeware\n      - [Cookware sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cookware-set\/)\n      - [Nonstick pans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nonstick-pan\/)\n      - [Stainless steel pans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-skillet\/)\n      - [Carbon steel pans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-carbon-steel-pan\/)\n      - [Cast iron skillets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cast-iron-skillet\/)\n      - [Dutch ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dutch-oven\/)\n      - [Woks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-woks\/)\n      - [Induction cookware](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-induction-cookware\/)\n      - [Pizza stones & baking steels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pizza-stone-and-baking-steel\/)\n      - [Baking sheets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cookie-sheet\/)\n    - [Tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/tools-kitchen-dining\/)\n      - [Meat thermometers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-instant-read-thermometer\/)\n      - [Cutting boards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cutting-board\/)\n      - [Kitchen scales](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kitchen-scale\/)\n      - [Oven mitts & pot holders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-oven-mitts-and-pot-holders\/)\n      - [Vacuum sealers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vacuum-sealer\/)\n      - [Pepper mills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pepper-mill\/)\n      - [Spatulas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-spatula\/)\n      - [Mixing bowls](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mixing-bowls\/)\n    - Knives\n      - [Chef’s knives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-chefs-knife-for-most-cooks\/)\n      - [Knife sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-knife-set\/)\n      - [Steak knife sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-steak-knife-set\/)\n      - [Serrated bread knives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-serrated-knife\/)\n      - [Paring knives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-paring-knife\/)\n      - [Knife sharpeners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-knife-sharpening-tool\/)\n  - Coffee & Tea\n    - Coffee Makers\n      - [Coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-coffee-maker\/)\n      - [Drip coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drip-coffee-maker\/)\n      - [Single‑serve coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-single-serve-coffee-maker\/)\n      - [Cheap coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cheap-coffee-maker\/)\n      - [Cold‑brew coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cold-brew-coffee-maker\/)\n    - Espresso Machines\n      - [Espresso machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-espresso-machine-grinder-and-accessories-for-beginners\/)\n      - [Nespresso machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nespresso-machine\/)\n    - Coffee Gear\n      - [Coffee grinders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-coffee-grinder\/)\n      - [French presses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-french-press\/)\n      - [Pour‑over coffee gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/gear-for-making-great-coffee\/)\n      - [Milk frothers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-milk-frothers\/)\n    - Tea\n      - [Electric kettles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-kettle\/)\n      - [Teas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-teas\/)\n    - [All Coffee & Tea](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/coffee\/)\n  - Food & Drinks\n    - Pantry\n      - [Olive oils](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-olive-oil\/)\n      - [Instant noodles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-noodles\/)\n      - [Canned tomatoes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-canned-tomatoes\/)\n      - [Tinned fish](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tinned-fish\/)\n      - [Peanut butters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-creamy-peanut-butter\/)\n      - [Potato chips](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-potato-chips\/)\n      - [Boxed cake mixes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-boxed-cake-mix\/)\n      - [Boxed brownie mixes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-boxed-brownie-mix\/)\n      - [Boxed mac and cheese](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-boxed-mac-and-cheese\/)\n      - [Jarred marinara sauce](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-jarred-marinara-sauce\/)\n    - Refrigerator\n      - [American cheeses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-american-cheese\/)\n      - [Ketchups](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ketchup\/)\n      - [Mayonnaises](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mayonnaise\/)\n      - [Butters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-butter\/)\n      - [BBQ sauces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-barbecue-sauce\/)\n      - [Yogurts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-yogurt\/)\n    - Freezer\n      - [Frozen pizzas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-frozen-pizzas\/)\n      - [Pie crusts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-store-bought-pie-crust\/)\n    - Drinks\n      - [Blanco tequilas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blanco-tequilas\/)\n      - [Vodkas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vodka\/)\n      - [Gins](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gins\/)\n      - [Nonalcoholic drinks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-non-alcoholic-drinks\/)\n      - [Nonalcoholic wines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nonalcoholic-wines\/)\n    - [All Food & Drinks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/food\/)\n  - Dining, Entertaining, & Grilling\n    - Tableware\n      - [Flatware](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-flatware\/)\n      - [Dinnerware sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dinnerware-set\/)\n      - [Steak knife sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-steak-knife-set\/)\n      - [Drinking glasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drinking-glass\/)\n      - [Cloth napkins](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-napkins-and-tablecloth\/)\n      - [Tablecloths](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tablecloths\/)\n      - [Tapered candles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-tapered-candles\/)\n      - [Outdoor dinnerware](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-dishes-for-outdoors\/)\n    - [Wine & Bar](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/wine-bar\/)\n      - [Wine glasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wine-glass\/)\n      - [Corkscrews](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-corkscrew\/)\n      - [Wine coolers & fridges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wine-fridges\/)\n      - [Cocktail barware](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-barware-for-making-cocktails-at-home\/)\n    - Dining Tables & Seating\n      - [Dining tables](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/dining-and-kitchen-tables-we-like-under-1000\/)\n      - [Folding tables](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-folding-tables\/)\n      - [Folding chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-folding-chairs\/)\n      - [Patio furniture](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-patio-furniture\/)\n    - Grilling\n      - [Gas grills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gas-grill\/)\n      - [Charcoal grills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-charcoal-grill\/)\n      - [Pellet smoker grills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pellet-grill\/)\n      - [Portable grills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-grills\/)\n      - [Outdoor griddles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-griddle\/)\n      - [Grill tools & accessories](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-grill-tools\/)\n    - [All Dining & Entertaining](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/entertaining\/)\n  - Supplies\n    - [Storage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/storage\/)\n      - [Food storage containers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-food-storage-containers\/)\n      - [Dry food storage containers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dry-food-storage-containers\/)\n      - [Lunch boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lunch-boxes\/)\n    - Cleaning\n      - [Dish racks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dish-rack\/)\n      - [Kitchen towels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kitchen-towels\/)\n      - [Dish soaps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dish-soap\/)\n      - [Dishwasher detergents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dishwasher-detergent\/)\n    - Waste\n      - [Kitchen trash cans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-trash-can\/)\n      - [Compost bins](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-compost-bins\/)\n      - [Food recyclers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/countertop-composter-food-recyclers\/)\n- Health & Lifestyle\n  \n  - Fitness\n    - [Exercise](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/exercise\/)\n      - [Treadmills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-treadmill\/)\n      - [Under‑desk treadmills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-desk-treadmills\/)\n      - [Exercise bikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-exercise-bikes\/)\n      - [Elliptical machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-elliptical-machine\/)\n      - [Rowing machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rowing-machine\/)\n      - [Adjustable dumbbells](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-adjustable-dumbbells\/)\n      - [Yoga mats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-yoga-mats\/)\n      - [Massage guns](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-massage-guns\/)\n      - [Gym bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gym-bag\/)\n      - [Running headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-running-headphones\/)\n    - Trackers\n      - [Fitness trackers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-fitness-trackers\/)\n      - [GPS running watches](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-running-watch\/)\n    - Bikes & Scooters\n      - [Hybrid bikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hybrid-commuter-bike\/)\n      - [Electric scooters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-scooter\/)\n      - [Ebikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ebike-for-commuters\/)\n    - [Biking Gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/cycling\/)\n      - [Bike helmets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-helmet-for-commuters\/)\n      - [Bike lights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-commuter-bike-lights\/)\n      - [Bike locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-lock\/)\n      - [Bike phone mounts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-phone-mount\/)\n      - [Rear bike racks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rear-bike-rack\/)\n      - [Bike pumps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-pump\/)\n      - [Bike storage ideas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-racks-for-small-homes-and-apartments\/)\n      - [Car bike racks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-rack-for-cars\/)\n    - [All Fitness](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/)\n  - Health\n    - [Medical](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/medical-supplies\/)\n      - [Blood pressure monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blood-pressure-monitors-for-home-use\/)\n      - [Thermometers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-thermometer-for-kids-and-adults\/)\n      - [Heating pads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-heating-pad\/)\n      - [Pill boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pill-boxes\/)\n      - [Compression socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-compression-socks\/)\n      - [Over‑the‑counter hearing aids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-over-the-counter-hearing-aids\/)\n    - [Accessibility & Aging](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/accessibility\/)\n      - [Walkers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-walkers\/)\n      - [Medical alert systems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-medical-alert-systems\/)\n      - [Adult diapers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-adult-diapers\/)\n      - [Incontinence underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-incontinence-underwear\/)\n      - [Grabber tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-grabber-tools\/)\n    - Mental Health\n      - [Meditation apps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-meditation-apps\/)\n      - [Light therapy lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-light-therapy-lamp\/)\n    - [All Health](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/)\n  - Personal Care\n    - [Skin‑Care & Sunscreen](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/beauty\/skincare\/)\n      - [Sunscreens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sunscreen\/)\n      - [Face sunscreens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-face-sunscreens\/)\n      - [Moisturizers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-moisturizers\/)\n      - [Body lotions](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-body-lotions\/)\n      - [Vitamin C serums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vitamin-c-serums\/)\n      - [Retinols](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-retinol-products\/)\n      - [Exfoliants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-exfoliants\/)\n      - [Facial cleansers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-facial-cleansers\/)\n      - [Korean skin‑care products](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-korean-skin-care-products\/)\n    - Personal Hygiene\n      - [Antiperspirants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-antiperspirants\/)\n      - [Deodorants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-deodorants\/)\n    - Dental\n      - [Electric toothbrushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-toothbrush\/)\n      - [Water flossers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-flossers\/)\n    - Menstruation\n      - [Period underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/thinx-period-panties\/)\n      - [Menstrual cups & discs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-menstrual-cup\/)\n    - Adult & Sex\n      - [Vibrators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vibrators\/)\n      - [Anal toys](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-anal-toys\/)\n      - [Condoms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-condoms\/)\n      - [Lube](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-personal-lubricants\/)\n      - [Portable vaporizers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-vaporizer\/)\n      - [Cannabis grinders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cannabis-grinder\/)\n  - Beauty & Hair\n    - Makeup\n      - [Eyeliners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-eyeliner\/)\n      - [Mascaras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mascara\/)\n      - [Foundations](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-foundations\/)\n      - [Concealers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-concealers\/)\n      - [Blushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blush\/)\n      - [Makeup brushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-makeup-brushes\/)\n      - [Makeup removers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-makeup-remover\/)\n      - [Drugstore makeup](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drugstore-makeup-skincare\/)\n    - Lips\n      - [Lip balms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lip-balm\/)\n      - [Lipsticks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lipstick\/)\n      - [Lip glosses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lip-gloss\/)\n    - Hair Removal & Shaving\n      - [Electric razors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-razor\/)\n      - [Beard trimmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-beard-trimmer\/)\n      - [Pubic hair trimmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pubic-hair-trimmer\/)\n      - [Hair clippers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hair-clippers-for-home-use\/)\n    - Hair\n      - [Hair dryers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-hair-dryer\/)\n      - [Shampoos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-shampoo\/)\n      - [Shampoo bars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-solid-shampoo-bars\/)\n      - [Dry shampoos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dry-shampoo\/)\n      - [Conditioners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hair-conditioner\/)\n      - [Drugstore hair products](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drugstore-hair-products\/)\n  - Outdoors\n    - [Outdoors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/outdoors\/)\n      - [Bug repellents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bug-repellent\/)\n      - [Coolers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-hard-cooler\/)\n      - [Umbrellas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-umbrella\/)\n      - [Binoculars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-binoculars\/)\n      - [Ski goggles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ski-and-snowboard-goggles\/)\n    - [Apparel](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/outdoors\/apparel\/)\n      - [Rain jackets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-everyday-rain-jacket\/)\n      - [Down jackets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-insulated-jacket\/)\n      - [UPF clothing](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sun-protection-clothing\/)\n    - Camping\n      - [Camping tents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tent-for-family-and-car-camping\/)\n      - [Sleeping bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleeping-bag-for-car-camping\/)\n      - [Sleeping pads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleeping-pads-for-backpacking-and-car-camping\/)\n      - [Camping chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-outdoor-chairs\/)\n    - Hiking\n      - [Hiking boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hiking-boots\/)\n      - [Hiking socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hiking-socks\/)\n      - [Trekking poles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-trekking-poles\/)\n      - [Filtered water bottles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-filtered-water-bottles\/)\n    - [Beach](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/outdoors\/swim\/)\n      - [Beach umbrellas & shades](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-beach-umbrella-is-not-an-umbrella\/)\n      - [Beach bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-beach-bag\/)\n      - [Beach towels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-beach-towel\/)\n    - Safety\n      - [Portable generators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-generator\/)\n      - [Pocket knives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pocket-knife\/)\n      - [Headlamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-headlamp\/)\n      - [Hand warmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-hand-warmer\/)\n      - [Flashlights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-flashlight\/)\n  - Travel\n    - Luggage\n      - [Checked luggage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-checked-luggage\/)\n      - [Duffel bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-duffle-bags\/)\n      - [Garment bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-garment-bag\/)\n      - [Underseat luggage & personal‑item bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/best-personal-item-carry-ons\/)\n      - [Carry‑on luggage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-carry-on-luggage\/)\n      - [Hard‑shell carry‑on luggage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hard-shell-carry-on-luggage\/)\n      - [Carry‑on travel backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-carry-on-travel-bags\/)\n      - [Travel backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-backpack\/)\n    - Packing\n      - [Toiletry bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toiletry-bags\/)\n      - [Packing cubes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-packing-cubes\/)\n      - [Packable daypacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-packable-daypack-for-travel\/)\n    - Hydration\n      - [Water bottles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-bottle\/)\n      - [Travel mugs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-mug\/)\n    - [Gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/travel\/gear-travel\/)\n      - [Travel gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/travel-guide\/)\n      - [Travel pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-pillow\/)\n      - [Sleep masks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleep-mask\/)\n      - [Plug adapters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-plug-adapter\/)\n      - [Luggage tags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-luggage-tags\/)\n  - Hobbies\n    - [Hobbies](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/hobby-crafts\/)\n      - [Pickleball paddles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pickleball-paddles\/)\n      - [Drones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drones\/)\n      - [DNA testing kits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dna-test\/)\n      - [Telescopes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-telescopes-for-beginners\/)\n      - [Reading lights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-reading-light\/)\n      - [Electric scooters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-scooter\/)\n      - [Language learning apps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-language-learning-apps\/)\n    - [Music & Instruments](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/hobby-crafts\/music\/)\n      - [Beginner digital pianos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-budget-digital-piano-for-beginners\/)\n      - [Beginner ukuleles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ukulele-for-beginners\/)\n    - Art & Design\n      - [3D printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-home-3d-printer\/)\n      - [3D pens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-3d-pen\/)\n      - [Drawing tablets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drawing-tablets\/)\n      - [Sewing machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sewing-machine\/)\n      - [Colored pencils](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-colored-pencils\/)\n      - [Soldering irons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-soldering-irons\/)\n    - Photo\n      - [Photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-inkjet-printer\/)\n      - [Instant photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-photo-printer\/)\n      - [Online photo printing services](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-online-photo-printing\/)\n      - [Photo book services](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-book-service\/)\n      - [Digital photo frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-digital-photo-frame\/)\n    - Cameras\n      - [Instant cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-camera\/)\n      - [Mirrorless cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mirrorless-camera\/)\n      - [Point‑and‑shoot cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-point-and-shoot-camera\/)\n  - Games & Puzzles\n    - Board & Card Games\n      - [Board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-we-love\/)\n      - [Two‑player board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-two-player-board-games\/)\n      - [Solo board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-solo-board-games\/)\n      - [Beginner board games for adults](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-for-adults\/)\n      - [Strategy board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-strategy-board-games\/)\n      - [Kids board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-for-kids\/)\n      - [Card games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-card-games\/)\n      - [Party games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-party-games\/)\n    - [Video Gaming](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/gaming\/)\n      - [Gaming consoles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-game-consoles\/)\n      - [Handheld gaming consoles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-handheld-gaming-consoles\/)\n      - [VR headsets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-standalone-vr-headset\/)\n      - [Gaming laptops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-budget-gaming-laptop-so-far\/)\n      - [Gaming mice](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wired-wireless-gaming-mouse\/)\n      - [Gaming monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gaming-monitor\/)\n      - [Graphics cards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-graphics-cards\/)\n      - [Gaming chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gaming-chairs\/)\n    - Lego\n      - [Lego sets for adults](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/our-favorite-lego-sets-for-adults\/)\n      - [Lego sets for kids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lego-sets-for-kids\/)\n    - Puzzles\n      - [Speed cubes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-speed-cubes\/)\n    - [All Games & Puzzles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/hobby-crafts\/games-puzzles\/)\n  - Pets\n    - [Dogs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/pets\/dogs\/)\n      - [Dog leashes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-everyday-dog-leash\/)\n      - [Dog harnesses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-harness\/)\n      - [Dog beds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-beds\/)\n      - [Dog crates](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-crate\/)\n      - [Dog DNA tests](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-dna-test\/)\n      - [Dog nail grinders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-nail-grinders\/)\n      - [Dog jackets & raincoats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-winter-jackets-and-raincoats-for-dogs\/)\n    - [Cats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/pets\/cats\/)\n      - [Cat litters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-litter\/)\n      - [Litter boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-litter-boxes\/)\n      - [Automatic cat litter boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-automatic-cat-litter-box-but-we-dont-recommend-it\/)\n      - [Cat litter mats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-litter-mat\/)\n      - [Cat scratchers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-scratchers\/)\n      - [Cat beds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-beds\/)\n      - [New cat checklist](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/new-cat-checklist\/)\n    - Home\n      - [Pet cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pet-camera\/)\n      - [Water fountains](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-fountain-for-cats-and-dogs\/)\n      - [Automatic feeders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-automatic-feeder-for-cats-and-small-dogs\/)\n    - [All Pets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/pets\/)\n- Tech\n  \n  - Electronics & Networking\n    - [Networking](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/networking\/)\n      - [Wi‑Fi mesh‑networking kits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-mesh-networking-kits\/)\n      - [Routers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-router\/)\n      - [Modems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cable-modem\/)\n      - [Wi‑Fi extenders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-extender\/)\n    - [Digital Storage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/storage-devices\/)\n      - [External hard drives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-external-hard-drives\/)\n      - [NAS devices](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-network-attached-storage\/)\n      - [External SSDs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-ssd\/)\n    - [Batteries & Charging](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/batteries\/)\n      - [Portable chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-battery-packs\/)\n      - [Lightning cables](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lightning-cable\/)\n      - [Portable power stations](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-power-stations\/)\n      - [Rechargeable batteries](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rechargeable-batteries\/)\n      - [Uninterruptible power supplies](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-uninterruptible-power-supply-ups\/)\n      - [Surge protectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-surge-protector\/)\n      - [Extension cords](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-extension-cords-for-your-home-and-garage\/)\n      - [Electric vehicle chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-vehicle-chargers-for-home\/)\n    - Wireless Charging\n      - [Wireless chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-qi-wireless-charger-for-iphone-and-android-phones\/)\n      - [Apple charging stations](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-apple-wireless-charging-pads\/)\n    - [USB‑C](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/usb-c\/)\n      - [USB phone chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-multiport-usb-wall-charger\/)\n      - [USB‑C cables & adapters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-c-cables\/)\n      - [USB‑C laptop chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-c-macbook-and-laptop-chargers\/)\n      - [USB‑C hubs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-c-hubs-and-docks\/)\n    - [All Electronics](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/)\n  - Phones, Tablets, & Smartwatches\n    - Phones\n      - [Android phones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-android-phone\/)\n      - [Budget Android phones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-budget-android-phone\/)\n      - [iPhones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone\/)\n      - [iPhone cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-cases\/)\n      - [iPhone 17 cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-17-case\/)\n      - [iPhone 16 cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-16-case\/)\n      - [iPhone screen protectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-x-screen-protectors\/)\n      - [Cell phones for older adults](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cell-phones-for-older-adults\/)\n      - [Car phone mounts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartphone-car-mount\/)\n      - [Cell phone plans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-carrier\/)\n    - Tablets\n      - [Tablets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tablets\/)\n      - [Android tablets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-android-tablet\/)\n      - [iPads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-ipad-is-the-best-tablet\/)\n      - [iPad keyboard cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ipad-keyboard-case\/)\n      - [iPad Pro keyboard cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ipad-pro-keyboard-cases\/)\n      - [iPad Pro cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ipad-pro-cases\/)\n      - [iPad styluses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ipad-stylus\/)\n    - E‑readers\n      - [E‑readers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/amazon-kindle-is-the-best-ebook-reader\/)\n    - Smartwatches\n      - [For Android phones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartwatch-android\/)\n      - [For iPhones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartwatch-iphone\/)\n  - Computers\n    - Laptops\n      - [Laptops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptops\/)\n      - [Chromebooks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-chromebook\/)\n      - [MacBooks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-macbooks\/)\n      - [Business laptops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-business-laptops\/)\n      - [Laptops for college students](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptops-for-college-students\/)\n      - [Laptops under \\$500](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptop-under-500\/)\n    - [Computers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/computers\/)\n      - [All‑in‑one computers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-all-in-one-computer\/)\n      - [Mini desktop PCs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mini-desktop-pcs\/)\n    - Monitors\n      - [Monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-monitors\/)\n      - [4k monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-4k-monitors\/)\n      - [24‑inch monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-24-inch-monitor\/)\n      - [27‑inch monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-27-inch-monitor\/)\n      - [Ultrawide monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ultrawide-monitors\/)\n      - [Portable monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-monitor\/)\n    - [Accessories](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/accessories\/)\n      - [Wireless mice](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-mouse\/)\n      - [Security keys](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-security-keys\/)\n    - Keyboards\n      - [Keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-keyboards\/)\n      - [Wireless keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-bluetooth-keyboard\/)\n      - [Mechanical keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-mechanical-keyboards\/)\n      - [Ergonomic keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/comfortable-ergo-keyboard\/)\n      - [Gaming keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-keyboards-for-gaming\/)\n    - [Software](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/software\/)\n      - [Password managers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-password-managers\/)\n      - [VPNs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vpn-service\/)\n      - [Free VPNs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-free-vpn\/)\n  - Audio\n    - Speakers\n      - [Bluetooth speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-home-bluetooth-speaker\/)\n      - [Portable bluetooth speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bluetooth-speaker\/)\n      - [Surround‑sound speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bookshelf-speakers\/)\n      - [Computer speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-computer-speakers\/)\n      - [Outdoor speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-speakers\/)\n      - [Multiroom wireless speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-multiroom-wireless-speaker-system\/)\n      - [Smart speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-speakers\/)\n      - [Soundbars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-soundbar\/)\n    - Headphones\n      - [Headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-headphones\/)\n      - [Over‑ear headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-over-ear-headphones\/)\n      - [Noise‑cancelling headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-noise-cancelling-headphones\/)\n      - [Sleep headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleep-headphones\/)\n      - [Bone‑conduction headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bone-conduction-headphones\/)\n    - Earbuds\n      - [Wireless earbuds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-earbuds\/)\n      - [Wired earbuds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-200-in-ear-headphones\/)\n      - [Workout earbuds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-workout-headphones\/)\n    - Home Audio\n      - [Turntables & record players](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-turntable\/)\n      - [CD players](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-cd-player\/)\n      - [AV receivers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-receiver\/)\n      - [Stereo amps & receivers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mini-stereo-amplifier\/)\n      - [USB audio interfaces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-audio-interface\/)\n    - [All Audio](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/audio\/)\n  - Video\n    - [TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/tvs\/)\n      - [TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tv\/)\n      - [OLED TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-oled-tv\/)\n      - [4K TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-4k-tv\/)\n      - [LCD\/LED TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lcd-led-tv\/)\n      - [32‑inch TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-small-tv\/)\n      - [40‑ to 49‑inch TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-40-to-49-inch-tvs\/)\n      - [TV wall mounts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tv-wall-mount\/)\n      - [Gaming TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tv-for-video-games\/)\n    - [Home Theater](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/home-theater\/)\n      - [Streaming devices](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-media-streamers\/)\n      - [4K Blu‑ray players](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-4k-blu-ray-player\/)\n      - [HDMI video transmitters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-wireless-hdmi-video-transmitter\/)\n      - [HDTV antennas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-indoor-hdtv-antenna\/)\n      - [Soundbars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-soundbar\/)\n    - [Projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/projectors\/)\n      - [Projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-projectors\/)\n      - [Portable mini projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-pico-projector\/)\n      - [Budget projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cheap-projector\/)\n      - [Projector screens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-projector-screen\/)\n      - [Outdoor projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-projector\/)\n  - Cameras & Photo\n    - Cameras\n      - [Instant cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-camera\/)\n      - [Mirrorless cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mirrorless-camera\/)\n      - [Point‑and‑shoot cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-point-and-shoot-camera\/)\n      - [Dash cams](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dash-cam\/)\n    - [Camera Accessories](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/camera-accessories\/)\n    - Smartphone Photography\n      - [iPhone photo lenses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lenses-for-iphone\/)\n      - [Smartphone tripods](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tripod-for-iphones-smartphones\/)\n      - [Smartphone gimbals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-android-and-iphone-gimbal\/)\n    - Photo\n      - [Holiday photo cards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-custom-photo-card-service\/)\n      - [Photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-inkjet-printer\/)\n      - [Instant photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-photo-printer\/)\n      - [Online photo printing services](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-online-photo-printing\/)\n      - [Photo book services](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-book-service\/)\n      - [Digital photo frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-digital-photo-frame\/)\n  - Smart Home\n    - Indoor\n      - [Plug‑in smart outlets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-switch\/)\n      - [Smart thermostats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-thermostat\/)\n      - [Smart window shades & blinds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-blinds\/)\n      - [Smart LED light bulbs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-led-light-bulbs\/)\n      - [In‑wall smart light switches & dimmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-in-wall-wireless-light-switch-and-dimmer\/)\n      - [Smart water‑leak detectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-smart-leak-detector\/)\n      - [Smart smoke alarms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-smoke-alarm\/)\n      - [Smart locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-smart-lock\/)\n      - [Smart speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-speakers\/)\n    - Outdoor\n      - [Smart outdoor lighting](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-outdoor-lighting-for-backyards-pathways-and-more\/)\n      - [Smart sprinkler timers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-sprinkler-controller\/)\n      - [Smart garage door openers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-garage-door-controller\/)\n    - [Security Systems & Cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/safety-home-garden\/)\n      - [Home security systems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-security-system\/)\n      - [Outdoor security cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera\/)\n      - [Indoor security cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-home-security-camera\/)\n      - [Smart doorbell cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-doorbell-camera\/)\n    - [All Smart Home](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/smart-home\/)\n- Baby & Kid\n  \n  - Pregnancy & Nursing\n    - Pregnancy\n      - [Pregnancy tests](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pregnancy-test\/)\n      - [Body pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-body-pillow\/)\n    - Nursing & Pumping\n      - [Breast pumps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-breast-pumps\/)\n      - [Wearable breast pumps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wearable-breast-pumps\/)\n      - [Pumping bras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pumping-bra\/)\n      - [Nursing bras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nursing-bras\/)\n      - [Nursing pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nursing-pillows\/)\n    - Bottles & Formula\n      - [Baby bottles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-bottles-and-bottle-brush\/)\n      - [Bottle warmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bottle-warmers\/)\n      - [Baby formulas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-formula\/)\n    - [All Pregnancy & Nursing](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/baby-kid\/pregnancy-nursing\/)\n  - Baby\n    - Sleep\n      - [Bassinets & co‑sleepers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-co-sleepers\/)\n      - [Cribs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cribs\/)\n      - [Crib mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-crib-mattresses\/)\n      - [Baby monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-monitor\/)\n      - [Baby swaddles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-swaddles\/)\n    - Carry\n      - [Baby carriers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-carriers\/)\n      - [Baby wraps & slings](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-wraps-and-slings\/)\n    - Diapering & Bath\n      - [Diapers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-diapers\/)\n      - [Cloth diapers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cloth-diapers\/)\n      - [Diaper pails](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-diaper-pail\/)\n      - [Diaper bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-diaper-bag\/)\n      - [Baby bathtubs & bath seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-bathtubs-and-bath-seats\/)\n      - [Baby care essentials](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/baby-care-essentials\/)\n    - [Home Safety](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/baby-kid\/safety\/)\n      - [Baby‑proofing tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-baby-proofing-tools\/)\n      - [Baby gates](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-gate\/)\n    - Car Seats\n      - [Infant car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-infant-car-seat\/)\n      - [Convertible car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-convertible-car-seats\/)\n      - [Travel car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-car-seats\/)\n    - Seats\n      - [Baby bouncers & rockers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-bouncers-and-rockers\/)\n      - [Baby swings](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-swings\/)\n      - [High chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-high-chairs\/)\n  - Clothing & Health\n    - Clothing\n      - [Kids pajamas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-kids-pajamas\/)\n      - [Kids underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-underwear\/)\n      - [Kids beachwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-kids-beachwear\/)\n      - [Kids rain and snow boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-rain-snow-boots\/)\n      - [Kids sandals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-sandals-water-shoes\/)\n    - Health\n      - [Kids electric toothbrushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-toothbrush-for-kids\/)\n      - [Thermometers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-thermometer-for-kids-and-adults\/)\n  - School & Tech\n    - [Backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/travel\/backpacks\/)\n      - [Kids backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-school-backpacks-for-elementary-school-students\/)\n      - [High school & college backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-school-backpack-for-high-school-and-college\/)\n    - Lunch & Hydration\n      - [Kids lunch boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-lunch-boxes\/)\n      - [Kids water bottles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-water-bottles\/)\n      - [Food thermoses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-food-thermos\/)\n      - [Nonplastic plates and cups](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-plastic-free-tableware-for-babies-and-kids\/)\n    - School Supplies\n      - [Pencils for schoolwork](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pencils\/)\n      - [Mechanical pencils](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mechanical-pencils\/)\n      - [Pens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-pen\/)\n      - [Notebooks & notepads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-notebooks\/)\n      - [Planners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-paper-planners\/)\n      - [Kids labels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-labels-for-kids-lunch-boxes-and-clothing\/)\n    - Tech\n      - [First phones for kids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartphone-for-kids\/)\n      - [Smartwatches for kids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartwatch-for-kids\/)\n      - [Apps for managing kids' phones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-apps-to-manage-your-kids-phone\/)\n      - [Kids tablets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tablet-for-kids\/)\n      - [Kids headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-headphones\/)\n    - [All School](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/baby-kid\/school\/)\n  - Toys\n    - Indoor Toys\n      - [Lego sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lego-sets-for-kids\/)\n      - [Dolls](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dolls\/)\n      - [Kids board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-for-kids\/)\n      - [Bath toys](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bath-toys\/)\n      - [Toy subscription boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toy-subscription-boxes\/)\n      - [Craft subscription boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-craft-subscription-boxes\/)\n    - Outdoor Toys\n      - [Scooters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-scooters\/)\n      - [Balance bikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-balance-bike\/)\n      - [First pedal bikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-first-pedal-bike\/)\n      - [Kids bike helmets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-bike-helmets\/)\n      - [Tricycles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tricycles\/)\n      - [Collapsible folding wagons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-folding-wagons\/)\n      - [Sleds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleds\/)\n      - [Trampolines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-trampoline\/)\n    - [All Toys](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/baby-kid\/toys\/)\n  - Travel\n    - Car Seats\n      - [Infant car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-infant-car-seat\/)\n      - [Convertible car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-convertible-car-seats\/)\n      - [Travel car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-car-seats\/)\n      - [Booster car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-booster-car-seats\/)\n    - Strollers\n      - [Strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-strollers\/)\n      - [Double strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-double-strollers\/)\n      - [Jogging strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-jogging-strollers\/)\n      - [Travel strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-strollers\/)\n      - [Umbrella strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-umbrella-strollers\/)\n    - Wagons\n      - [Collapsible folding wagons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-folding-wagons\/)\n      - [Stroller wagons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-stroller-wagons\/)\n    - Travel\n      - [Kids bike seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-bike-seats\/)\n      - [Kids travel gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/gear-for-traveling-with-babies-and-kids\/)\n      - [Kids luggage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-luggage\/)\n- Style\n  \n  - Apparel\n    - Tops\n      - [Men’s button‑up shirts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-button-up-shirts\/)\n      - [Men’s white t‑shirts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-white-t-shirts-for-men\/)\n      - [Women’s blouses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-tops-blouses\/)\n      - [Women’s button ups](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-button-up-shirts\/)\n      - [Women’s white t‑shirts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-white-t-shirts\/)\n      - [Cashmere sweaters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cashmere-sweaters\/)\n      - [Thermal underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-base-layers-and-thermal-underwear\/)\n    - Pants\n      - [Men’s jeans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-jeans-for-men\/)\n      - [Women’s jeans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-jeans\/)\n      - [Men’s dress pants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-work-pants\/)\n      - [Women's office pants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-work-pants\/)\n      - [Leggings](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-leggings\/)\n      - [Rain pants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rain-pants\/)\n      - [Sweatpants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sweatpants-sweatshirts\/)\n    - Kids\n      - [Kids pajamas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-kids-pajamas\/)\n      - [Kids underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-underwear\/)\n    - Jackets\n      - [Rain jackets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-everyday-rain-jacket\/)\n      - [Down jackets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-insulated-jacket\/)\n      - [Insulated vests](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-insulated-vest\/)\n      - [Men’s suits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-suits\/)\n      - [Women’s wool coats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-wool-coat\/)\n    - [All Style](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/style\/)\n  - Underwear & Sleep\n    - Underwear\n      - [Bras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bra-brands\/)\n      - [Women’s underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-underwear\/)\n      - [Period underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/thinx-period-panties\/)\n      - [Boxer briefs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-underwear\/)\n    - Sleep\n      - [Robes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-robes\/)\n      - [Pajamas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-pajamas-for-women-and-men\/)\n      - [Slippers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slippers\/)\n      - [Sleep masks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleep-mask\/)\n  - Shoes\n    - Boots\n      - [Winter boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-winter-boots-for-men-and-women\/)\n      - [Rain boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rain-boots\/)\n      - [Hiking boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hiking-boots\/)\n    - Sneakers\n      - [Running shoes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-running-shoes\/)\n      - [White sneakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-white-sneakers\/)\n    - Seasonal\n      - [Flats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-flats\/)\n      - [Sandals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sandals\/)\n      - [Ice cleats for shoes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ice-cleats\/)\n    - Socks\n      - [Socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-socks\/)\n      - [Compression socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-compression-socks\/)\n      - [Hiking socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hiking-socks\/)\n  - Bags & Accessories\n    - [Bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/travel\/bags\/)\n      - [Handbags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-handbags-under-500\/)\n      - [Tote bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-tote-bags\/)\n      - [Laptop tote bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptop-tote-bags\/)\n      - [Fanny packs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-fanny-packs\/)\n      - [Men’s work bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-work-bags\/)\n    - [Backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/travel\/backpacks\/)\n      - [Laptop backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-laptop-backpacks\/)\n      - [High school & college backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-school-backpack-for-high-school-and-college\/)\n      - [Kids backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-school-backpacks-for-elementary-school-students\/)\n    - Bag Accessories\n      - [Slim wallets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slim-wallet\/)\n    - Accessories\n      - [Umbrellas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-umbrella\/)\n      - [Black tights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-black-tights\/)\n      - [Shapewear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-shapewear\/)\n      - [Hair ties & clips](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-hair-ties-scrunchies-clips\/)\n    - Glasses\n      - [Cheap sunglasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cheap-sunglasses\/)\n      - [Blue‑light blocking glasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blue-light-blocking-glasses\/)\n      - [Online prescription glasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-places-to-buy-glasses-online\/)\n- Gifts\n  \n  - Gifts for Everyone\n    - [All Gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/)\n    - Tech\n      - [Digital photo frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-digital-photo-frame\/)\n      - [Instant cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-camera\/)\n      - [Instant photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-photo-printer\/)\n      - [Turntables & record players](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-turntable\/)\n      - [Massage guns](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-massage-guns\/)\n      - [Karaoke machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-karaoke-machines\/)\n      - [3D pens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-3d-pen\/)\n    - [Games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/hobby-crafts\/games-puzzles\/)\n      - [Board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-we-love\/)\n      - [Two‑player board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-two-player-board-games\/)\n      - [Board games for kids & families](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-for-kids\/)\n      - [Card games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-card-games\/)\n    - DNA Test Kits\n      - [DNA testing kits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dna-test\/)\n      - [Dog DNA tests](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-dna-test\/)\n    - Everything Else\n      - [Smokeless fire pits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smokeless-fire-pits\/)\n      - [Mug warmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mug-warmers\/)\n      - [Smart bird feeders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-bird-feeder\/)\n      - [Disposable cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-disposable-cameras\/)\n  - Gifts for Grown-Ups\n    - For Occasions\n      - [Housewarming gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-housewarming-gifts\/)\n      - [Anniversary gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-anniversary-gifts\/)\n      - [Retirement gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-retirement-gifts\/)\n      - [Birthday gifts for her](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-birthday-gifts-for-her\/)\n      - [Gifts for coworkers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-coworkers\/)\n      - [Gifts for new moms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/gifts-for-new-moms\/)\n      - [Bridal shower gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-bridal-shower-gifts\/)\n      - [Flower delivery](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-online-flower-delivery\/)\n      - [Gift baskets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gift-baskets\/)\n      - [Photo gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-gifts\/)\n    - For Loved Ones\n      - [Gifts for husbands](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gifts-for-husband\/)\n      - [Gifts for wives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gifts-for-wife\/)\n      - [Gifts for boyfriends](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-boyfriend\/)\n      - [Gifts for girlfriends](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-girlfriend\/)\n      - [Gifts for moms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-mom\/)\n      - [Gifts for dads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-dad\/)\n      - [Gifts for grandparents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-grandparents\/)\n      - [Gifts for someone who has everything](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything\/)\n    - Under Budget\n      - [Gifts under \\$25](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-under-25\/)\n      - [Gifts under \\$50](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-under-50\/)\n      - [Gifts under \\$100](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-under-100\/)\n    - [Wrapping Paper](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wrapping-paper\/)\n    - [All Gifts for Grown‑Ups](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/adults\/)\n  - Gifts for Kids\n    - Ages Younger Than 6\n      - [Gifts for infants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-infant-gifts\/)\n      - [Gifts for 1‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-toys-for-1-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 2‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-toys-for-2-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 3‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-3-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 4‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-4-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 5‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-5-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 6‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-6-year-olds\/)\n    - Ages 7 & Up\n      - [Gifts for 7‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-7-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 8‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-8-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 9‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-9-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 10‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-10-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for tweens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-tweens\/)\n      - [Gifts for teens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-teens\/)\n    - [All Gifts for Kids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/kids\/)\n- [Podcast](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/the-wirecutter-show-podcast\/)\n- [Deals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/deals\/)\n\n[Wirecutter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/ \"Wirecutter\")\n\nLog inAccount\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/subscription\/wirecutter?return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fwirecutter%2Freviews%2Fbest-microwave%2F)\n\n[Skip To Content](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#main)\n\nWe independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. [Learn more›](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/about\/)\n\nBROWSESections in this article\n\n[Why you should trust us](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#why-you-should-trust-us)\n\n[Who this is for](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#who-this-is-for)\n\n[How we picked and tested](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#how-we-picked-and-tested)\n\n[Top pick: Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves)\n\n[Other Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves to consider](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves-to-consider)\n\n[Runner-up: Toshiba EM131A5C](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#runner-up-toshiba-em131a5c)\n\n[Other Toshiba Lifestyle microwaves to consider](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-toshiba-lifestyle-microwaves-to-consider)\n\n[Best for small spaces: GE GCST07N1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1)\n\n[Other GE Appliances microwaves to consider](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-ge-appliances-microwaves-to-consider)\n\n[Best for convection and air frying: Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-convection-and-air-frying-panasonic-homechef-connect-4-in-1-multi-oven-nn-cv87qs)\n\n[Other microwaves worth considering](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-microwaves-worth-considering)\n\n[The competition](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#the-competition)\n\n[What to look forward to](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#what-to-look-forward-to)\n\n[Sources](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#sources)\n\n1. [Appliances](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/appliances\/)\n2. [Small home appliances](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/appliances\/small\/)\n# The Best Microwave\nUpdated\n\nJanuary 28, 2026\n\nSave\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-14-2x1-1.jpg?width=150&quality=20&crop=2:1&auto=webp)\n\n![Our five picks for best microwave alongside an assortment of microwavable food.]()\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nBy [Rachel Wharton](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/authors\/rachel-wharton\/)\n\nRachel Wharton is a writer covering kitchen appliances. She used 72 bags of popcorn to find the best microwave (and set the office on fire only once).\n\nFYI\n\nWe’ve noticed ongoing stock issues with our top-pick microwave, the [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244869\/?merchant=Amazon), and some of its variants. We now recommend multiple versions of this model.\n\nJanuary 2026\n\nIf you use your countertop microwave only to zap cold coffee or nuke bags of buttered popcorn, [any model](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#how-we-picked-and-tested) will do. But nearly any other food prep — defrosting the latest [frozen flavors from Trader Joe’s](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/our-favorite-things-trader-joes\/), reheating leftovers, making [crispy bacon](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ub3jmvzFmtE) — benefits from a better machine.\n\nMost microwaves are made by the same two or three factories and tend to look, feel, and function similarly, and are sold at comparable prices. But the [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244869\/?merchant=Amazon) and [its iterations](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves-to-consider) are an exception, as they can zap, nuke, defrost, reheat, and steam more evenly and efficiently than competitors. The NN-SN686S also comes with more thoughtful features and functionality, and it looks and feels a little nicer than the rest.\n\n### Everything we recommend\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/72807\/Panasonic-Genius-Sensor-Inverter-NN-SN686S_20260122-225659_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [The best microwave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon \"The best microwave\")\n### [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon \"Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S\")\n\nThis midsize microwave offers the most even heating and the most useful, accurate sensors of any model we tested, and it opens with a button. But it lacks instant-start express settings.\n\n[\\$292 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$288 from The Home Depot](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/227826\/4\/244860?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot)\n\n[\\$295 from Panasonic](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221894\/4\/244860?merchant=Panasonic)\n\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/63707\/Panasonic-NN-SN65QSD_20260122-225600_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target)\n\n## [The best microwave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target \"The best microwave\")\n### [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN65QSD](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target \"Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN65QSD\")\n\nThis version of our pick has a slightly different facade and is sold only at Target.\n\n[\\$170 from Target](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target)\n\n#### Runner-up\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/28187\/Toshiba-EM131A5C_20250418-043534_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Instant-start settings, but less precise](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon \"Instant-start settings, but less precise\")\n### [Toshiba EM131A5C](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon \"Toshiba EM131A5C\")\n\nThis midsize microwave has instant-start express settings, a wide range of functions, and a door handle instead of a button. But it doesn’t heat as quickly or as evenly as our pick.\n\n[\\$149 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon)\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/66110\/GE-GCST07N1_20250716-211751_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Best for small spaces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon \"Best for small spaces\")\n### [GE GCST07N1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon \"GE GCST07N1\")\n\nThe most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow.\n\n[\\$110 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$109 from The Home Depot](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/233657\/4\/244867?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot)\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/72809\/Panasonic-HomeChef-Connect-4-in-1-Multi-oven-NN-CV87QS_20250716-211908_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy)\n\n## [Best for convection and air frying](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy \"Best for convection and air frying\")\n### [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy \"Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS\")\n\nMicrowaves with convection-oven, broiler, and air-fryer capabilities are far from perfect, but this handsome, well-made option is an excellent microwave and easier than others to clean.\n\n[\\$486 from Best Buy](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy)\n\n[\\$530 from Panasonic](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/221901\/4\/244868?merchant=Panasonic)\n\n# What to consider\n***\n- Handle or button\n  \n  A button tends to look nicer and is easier to use, but some people prefer a handle. We have picks with both.\n- Instant start\n  \n  Some models automatically start cooking at the highest power when you press a number — preferable for shared kitchens but not great for most food.\n- Sizes\n  \n  Midsize is ideal for most kitchens. Extra-large or extra-powerful microwaves are typically unnecessary, while compact models are too small.\n- A combo option\n  \n  You can pay more for a microwave with convection-bake, broil, and air-fryer functions, but it isn’t a total replacement for all those countertop appliances.\n\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/72807\/Panasonic-Genius-Sensor-Inverter-NN-SN686S_20260122-225659_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [The best microwave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon \"The best microwave\")\n### [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon \"Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S\")\n\nThis midsize microwave offers the most even heating and the most useful, accurate sensors of any model we tested, and it opens with a button. But it lacks instant-start express settings.\n\n[\\$292 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$288 from The Home Depot](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/227826\/4\/244860?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot)\n\n[\\$295 from Panasonic](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221894\/4\/244860?merchant=Panasonic)\n\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/63707\/Panasonic-NN-SN65QSD_20260122-225600_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target)\n\n## [The best microwave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target \"The best microwave\")\n### [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN65QSD](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target \"Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN65QSD\")\n\nThis version of our pick has a slightly different facade and is sold only at Target.\n\n[\\$170 from Target](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target)\n\nThe well-priced, midsize [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244869\/?merchant=Amazon) — and the similar [NN-SN65QSD](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/192104\/?merchant=Target) (sold exclusively at Target) — cooked more evenly and precisely than any other microwaves we tested, with fewer hot and cold spots. They have a modern aesthetic with an appealingly large button that opens the door latch and was the easiest to use among the microwaves we tried.\n\nThese models don’t have instant-start express settings, such as a button to add 30 seconds, which many people love. But the sensor-reheat option is especially useful, as it automatically shuts off when it senses the proper amount of steam.\n\nOne drawback of these models is that they’re often sold out. But because they are available in many similar versions (as well as [other finishes and sizes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves-to-consider)), you’ll typically be able to find options. The NN-SN686S is usually available only online from [Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244869\/?merchant=Amazon), [Walmart](https:\/\/wrctr.co\/3NCmYPp) (may be out of stock), [Home Depot](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/227826\/4\/244869\/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot), and [Panasonic.com](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221894\/4\/244869\/?merchant=Panasonic). Another version, the [NN-SN68QB](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72808\/221898\/4\/244878\/?merchant=Costco), is sold by Costco ([membership required](https:\/\/www.costco.com\/join-costco.html?redirectLogin=false)).\n\nBoth the NN-SN686S and the NN-SN65QSD allow for an optional matching trim kit for a built-in look.\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 12.25 by 20.69 by 15.81 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 1,200 watts  \n**Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet  \n**Warranty:** one year, five years for the magnetron (parts only)\n\n#### Runner-up\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/28187\/Toshiba-EM131A5C_20250418-043534_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Instant-start settings, but less precise](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon \"Instant-start settings, but less precise\")\n### [Toshiba EM131A5C](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon \"Toshiba EM131A5C\")\n\nThis midsize microwave has instant-start express settings, a wide range of functions, and a door handle instead of a button. But it doesn’t heat as quickly or as evenly as our pick.\n\n[\\$149 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon)\n\nThe midsize [Toshiba EM131A5C](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/80685\/?merchant=Amazon) has a nicer design and a broader range of functions — including convenient instant-start settings that many people consider a must-have — than most other microwaves at its price.\n\nIt performed solidly in our tests, but it didn’t heat as quickly, precisely, or evenly as our top pick, and it’s slightly less powerful. This model has a sturdy door handle, which some people prefer over a push button.\n\nThe EM131A5C is available in two finishes, as well as [other sizes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-toshiba-lifestyle-microwaves-to-consider).\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 12.8 by 20.5 by 17.1 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 1,100 watts  \n**Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet  \n**Warranty:** one year\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/66110\/GE-GCST07N1_20250716-211751_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Best for small spaces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon \"Best for small spaces\")\n### [GE GCST07N1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon \"GE GCST07N1\")\n\nThe most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow.\n\n[\\$110 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$109 from The Home Depot](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/233657\/4\/244867?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot)\n\nThe [GE GCST07N1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/200615\/?merchant=Amazon) is a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than any other compact microwave we tested. It’s sturdier, too, though the cavity is wide enough for only a medium-size dinner plate.\n\nThis microwave didn’t cook as evenly or precisely as our top pick, but it was faster than similarly sized models with higher wattage, and it has convenient instant-start express settings.\n\nIt is available in three finishes (the most of our picks) and [a version](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-ge-appliances-microwaves-to-consider) that you can mount under a cabinet.\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 10.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 700 watts  \n**Capacity:** 0.7 cubic foot  \n**Warranty:** one year\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/72809\/Panasonic-HomeChef-Connect-4-in-1-Multi-oven-NN-CV87QS_20250716-211908_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy)\n\n## [Best for convection and air frying](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy \"Best for convection and air frying\")\n### [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy \"Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS\")\n\nMicrowaves with convection-oven, broiler, and air-fryer capabilities are far from perfect, but this handsome, well-made option is an excellent microwave and easier than others to clean.\n\n[\\$486 from Best Buy](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy)\n\n[\\$530 from Panasonic](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/221901\/4\/244868?merchant=Panasonic)\n\nThe [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244879\/?merchant=Best%20Buy) combines microwaving, fan-assisted convection baking, broiling, and air frying in one sleek stainless steel machine. It’s a nice option for a tiny kitchen or as a temporary replacement for an oven.\n\nIt microwaved as well as our top pick in our tests. Like other combination microwaves, though, it can’t brown or crisp foods as effectively or quickly as a traditional oven or [air fryer toaster oven](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven\/). But its hidden baking element (in contrast to most other combination microwaves, which have an exposed element) seems to improve results, and it’s easier to clean.\n\nThe HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven also provided the most support for learning how to use the admittedly complicated machine. (A recipe app can also connect to the microwave via Wi-Fi, so that you could monitor timers or change a handful of settings remotely.)\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:**13\\.5 by 22.1 by 17.7 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 1,000 watts  \n**Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet  \n**Warranty:** three years, one year for the magnetron (parts only)\n\n### Get today’s recommendation\nExpert advice. Very good deals. The absolute best (and worst) things we’ve tested lately. Sent to your inbox daily.\n\nEmail Address\n\n## The research\n## Why you should trust us\nI’m a writer covering large kitchen appliances at Wirecutter, and I have nearly 20 years of experience writing about food, cooking, and the culinary industry. I’ve written guides to [gas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gas-ranges\/) and [electric ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-and-gas-ranges\/), [induction cooktops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-induction-cooktop\/), and [refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-refrigerator\/). I also offer advice on how to make the most of large kitchen appliances, including tips on [cleaning your microwave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/how-to-clean-a-microwave\/) and [improving its performance](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/how-to-improve-microwave-performance\/).\n\nFor this guide:\n\n- We researched and tested dozens of microwaves since 2014.\n- We interviewed home cooks, kitchen and product designers, product engineers, and multiple representatives from the brands we cover. We evaluated thousands of owner reviews to gauge reliability and common flaws.\n- We attended appliance trade shows and visited dozens of big-box stores and small showrooms to get a sense of trends and gain hands-on experience with common features.\n- We disassembled microwaves and analyzed public import records.\n- We’ve hosted paid testers with diverse backgrounds, builds, heights, and mobility levels to discuss and test microwaves at our office in Long Island City, New York.\n\nLike all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any [business implications](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/how-wirecutter-makes-money\/) of my editorial recommendations, and in accordance with [Wirecutter standards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/blog\/yes-i-work-at-wirecutter-no-we-dont-get-a-bunch-of-free-stuff\/), I return or donate all products I’ve tested once my assessment of them is complete. Read more about our [editorial standards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/editorial-standards\/).\n\n## Who this is for\nThis guide focuses on countertop microwaves, including [compact](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1) and multifunction [convection\/air-fryer models](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-convection-and-air-frying-panasonic-homechef-connect-4-in-1-multi-oven-nn-cv87qs). Most microwaves have similar components, so this guide highlights a handful of higher-quality microwaves that work a bit better or look and feel a little nicer than the vast majority (they also cost a little more). But if you use a microwave only for a few small tasks that don’t require a lot of precision — popping popcorn, heating liquids — and don’t care what it looks like, you might be fine with a [budget model](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#how-we-picked-and-tested).\n\nSome of our recommendations have matching trim kits that allow you to install them in a cutout in the wall or a cabinet so the machine resembles a more expensive built-in microwave or microwave drawer for a fraction of the cost of a built-in model.\n\n## How we picked and tested\n![A bag of popcorn inside one of the microwaves we tested.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00047.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nTo test each microwave, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of foods, including burritos, butter, chicken breasts, coffee, fried rice, frozen broccoli, mac and cheese, pizza, and popcorn. For convection\/air-fryer models, we also air-fried, baked, and toasted.\n\nSpecifically, we evaluate:\n\n**Size:** Microwaves can be small\/compact (0.7 to 0.9 cubic foot of capacity), midsize (1 to 1.6 cubic feet of capacity), and large (up to 2.2 cubic feet of capacity). We’ve found around 1.2 cubic feet of capacity and a 12-inch carousel is ideal for most households. This size can fit a 12-inch dinner plate, a 9-inch square casserole dish with handles, a large bag of microwave popcorn, two frozen dinners, four mugs, or two smaller bowls.\n\n**Build and design:** A microwave should feel sturdy and be hefty enough to stay put when you open and close the door. The display should be easy to read, and any buttons, knobs, or handles should not be difficult to turn, pull, or press, particularly for anyone with mobility issues.\n\nWe also sought out models that look good, if not great, with appealing shapes and bodies made of more metal than plastic (or, at least, better-quality plastic).\n\n**Door latches:** We prefer microwaves with a button to open the door latch because they are generally easier to use (and [ADA-compliant](https:\/\/www.geappliances.com\/ge\/ada-compliant\/#ada-microwave-requirements)) and safer (you’re less likely to drag the machine when you open the door). But we do recommend a few options with handles, which some people (including some of our paid testers) prefer.\n\n**Noise:** Larger, more powerful, better-quality microwaves tend to be louder than smaller ones. If your microwave is especially loud or annoying, consider moving it so that the sound isn’t reflecting off a wall or cabinet.\n\n**Even heating:** All microwaves heat foods somewhat unevenly. We evaluated evenness by cooking different foods — including marshmallows, which show hot spots and degrees of doneness — across the breadth of the turntable. Microwaves with an [inverter](https:\/\/www.panasonic.com\/mea\/en\/consumer\/cooking-learn\/technology\/what_s-an-inverter-.html) motor, which can run at variable speeds and allows for continuous cooking at lower power levels, cooked and defrosted more evenly with less power. (Traditional transformer-powered microwaves cycle between bursts of full power and zero power to achieve similar results.) To assess evenness, we microwaved raw, frozen chicken breasts at 50% power for 14 minutes before checking the temperature at three points.\n\n![Some of the foods we used to test the microwaves, including frozen burritos and chilled butter.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00199.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nIn our testing, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of different foods. Marki WIlliams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A food thermometer measuring the temperature of a post-microwave frozen burrito.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00266.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nTo test how evenly each microwave heated, we microwaved foods such as frozen burritos on high and then took temperature readings at three different points. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A person taking the temperature of a reheated frozen meal with a food thermometer.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00247.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nWe took the temperature of frozen meals to test how evenly each microwave heated. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A person checking on a bowl of microwavable macaroni in the microwave.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00145-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nWe tested the pasta setting on automatic cooking sensors with bowls of microwavable macaroni. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A person testing the temperature of a bowl of microwaved macaroni with a food thermometer.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00096.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nTo test automatic sensor reheat settings, we heated a variety of foods and made sure that the temperature reached at least 165 °F, according to the USDA’s food-safety rules. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A person putting two chilled sticks of butter in the microwave.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00201.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nTo test low-power and melt settings, we warmed room-temperature and frozen butter. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A person holding a tray of air-fried chicken nuggets.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00310.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nFor combination microwaves that also had convection-oven and air-fryer capabilities, we baked, fried (chicken nuggets), broiled, and toasted. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nIn our testing, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of different foods. Marki WIlliams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![Some of the foods we used to test the microwaves, including frozen burritos and chilled butter.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00199.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150)\n\n![A food thermometer measuring the temperature of a post-microwave frozen burrito.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00266.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150)\n\n![A person taking the temperature of a reheated frozen meal with a food thermometer.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00247.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150)\n\n![A person checking on a bowl of microwavable macaroni in the microwave.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00145-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150)\n\n![A person testing the temperature of a bowl of microwaved macaroni with a food thermometer.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00096.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150)\n\n![A person putting two chilled sticks of butter in the microwave.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00201.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150)\n\n![A person holding a tray of air-fried chicken nuggets.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00310.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150)\n\n**Speed and power:** All countertop microwaves have between 700 and 1,250 watts of power. Higher power heats things more quickly, but our testing revealed that even [a small, 700-watt microwave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1) can heat foods and liquids to appropriate temperatures, albeit slightly slower. Plus, foods defrost and cook more evenly at lower power levels, which also helps avoid splattering, drying out foods, and overcooking edges.\n\n**Useful cooking functions:** Nearly every microwave expert we spoke to said that the vast majority of microwave owners use the “add 30 seconds” button exclusively. We heard the same thing from our paid testers and regular cooks, too. So we didn’t pay much attention to specific presets for items such as a potato, popcorn, or pizza, or instant-start express settings (for example, pressing “2” starts the microwave at its highest power for two minutes). But we did give extra credit to microwaves whose additional features produced better results without imposing a major learning curve.\n\n![View of the inner workings of three microwaves that we tested to find the best.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwave-2048px-5.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nFrom left: an RCA-brand model, manufactured by Galanz, and models from Amazon, Black+Decker, and GE, all manufactured by Midea and built around the same core components. Michael Murtaugh\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**Brand and reliability:** The majority of under-\\$100 countertop microwaves sold in the US, regardless of brand name, are made by a few companies overseas, primarily Midea and Galanz.\n\nWe focus on microwaves made by the few brands that either manufacture their own microwaves or work with large manufacturers to produce models with improved design or functionality. Their microwaves also tend to have better-quality mechanical parts, especially the door latch, which often breaks (the machine won’t operate with a broken latch). We checked for accessible company websites and customer service.\n\n**UL Solutions certification:** We only considered microwaves with certification from [UL Solutions](https:\/\/www.ul.com\/look-ul-safety-mark-you-buy#:~:text=The%20UL%20safety%20Mark%20means,they%20still%20meet%20the%20requirements.), a firm that sets safety standards for most small appliances in the United States. (Any UL Solutions–certified microwave manufactured after April 1, 2024, requires a [child-lock system](https:\/\/ulse.org\/insight\/ul-standards-engagement-standards-matter-standards-microwaves-helping-minimize-risk-thermal-burns\/) to help prevent burns. Adults can override the lock.)\n\n## Top pick: Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves\n![Our pick for best microwave, the Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwave.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-4.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/72807\/Panasonic-Genius-Sensor-Inverter-NN-SN686S_20260122-225659_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [The best microwave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon \"The best microwave\")\n### [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon \"Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S\")\n\nThis midsize microwave offers the most even heating and the most useful, accurate sensors of any model we tested, and it opens with a button. But it lacks instant-start express settings.\n\n[\\$292 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$288 from The Home Depot](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/227826\/4\/244860?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot)\n\n[\\$295 from Panasonic](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221894\/4\/244860?merchant=Panasonic)\n\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/63707\/Panasonic-NN-SN65QSD_20260122-225600_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target)\n\n## [The best microwave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target \"The best microwave\")\n### [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN65QSD](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target \"Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN65QSD\")\n\nThis version of our pick has a slightly different facade and is sold only at Target.\n\n[\\$170 from Target](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target)\n\nWe’ve been recommending Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves since 2020. The [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244869\/?merchant=Amazon) aced our tests, has useful extra features, and looks good, too. We also recommend the similar [NN-SN65QSD](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/192104\/?merchant=Target), sold exclusively at Target, and the Costco-exclusive [NN-SN68QB](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72808\/221898\/4\/244878\/?merchant=Costco) ([membership required](https:\/\/www.costco.com\/join-costco.html?redirectLogin=false)).\n\n**It’s powerful, and it cooked better and more evenly than any other model we tested.**  The NN-SN686S heated food quickly, bringing a bowl of soup to 147 °F in just 2 minutes, more than 10 degrees higher than machines we tested with about the same power (1,200 watts). It cooks more quickly at lower power levels than some more powerful models thanks to its [inverter motor](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#how-we-picked-and-tested).\n\nThe NN-SN686S had the fewest hot (overcooked) and cold (undercooked) points in all of our cooking tests. It was also faster and better at more delicate tasks such as defrosting chicken breasts or cooking them at medium power, as other machines gave us icier middles and more overcooked edges. And its defrosted vegetables were a little less soggy.\n\n![A close-up of the buttons on the NN-SN67HS.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-5.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe NN-SN686S’s sensor-reheat setting (top row, middle button), which monitors humidity and determines whether your food is done based on the amount of steam in the cavity, worked well in our tests. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**Its sensor-reheat settings work really well, unlike on most other models.** The NN-SN686S’s sensors monitor humidity and determine whether your food is done based on the amount of steam released. In our tests, everything from room-temperature mac and cheese to icy-cold chicken parmesan ended up at an [appropriate temperature](https:\/\/www.fsis.usda.gov\/food-safety\/safe-food-handling-and-preparation\/food-safety-basics\/safe-temperature-chart), between 170 °F and 180 °F when we used the sensor settings.\n\nThe NN-SN686S has 12 sensor-cook modes for foods such as pasta, rice, frozen pizza, and baked potatoes, all of which worked fairly well in our tests. You select them by number. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nThe NN-SN686S also has 12 sensor-cook modes for foods such as pasta, rice, frozen pizza, and baked potatoes. They worked fairly well in our tests. You can dial in these settings further with the microwave’s More and Less buttons, which add or subtract time.\n\n![A piece of cheese pizza seen through the open door of the NN-SN67HS.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-7.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nOur paid testers liked the big, responsive button that opened the door of the NN-SN686S — by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It has basic functions most people want, plus useful extras.** The NN-SN686S has an Add 30 Seconds button, automatic programs for three sizes of microwave popcorn, the ability to defrost by weight or volume, and a setting to mute beeps.\n\nYou can also set delayed or multi-step cooking (such as five minutes at high power and three minutes at low power) or add a “standing time” during which your food sits with the power off for a bit before it’s time to eat, as many microwaveable meals recommend.\n\n![A pyrex measuring cup of water seen through the open door of the NN-SN67HS alongside a couple of glass bowls.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-6.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe NN-SN686S is spacious enough for a variety of cookware, including a 1-quart measuring cup and a 5-quart mixing bowl. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It’s an ideal size and has a nice design for its price.** The NN-SN686S is spacious enough for an extra-large dinner plate, a 5-quart mixing bowl, most medium casserole dishes, two frozen dinners, or three soup bowls. It also looks better than most similarly priced countertop microwaves, with more metal than plastic and a crisply designed exterior. (You can buy a [trim kit](https:\/\/help.na.panasonic.com\/answers\/trim-kit-finder-use-this-trim-kit-finder-to-find-compatible-trim-kits-for-microwave-ovens-sold-in-the-usa) if you’d like to install it flush in a cabinet for a [built-in look](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63738\/204623\/4\/192202\/?merchant=Panasonic).)\n\n**It opens easily with a button.** Our [paid testers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#why-you-should-trust-us) liked this model’s big, responsive button — the NN-SN686S was by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested.\n\n**It’s durable, with good online support.** We’ve talked to multiple owners who have been using this microwave for several years — including one who uses it in a professional kitchen — and none have encountered chips, scratches, or a warped control panel. The company also has an extensive [troubleshooting and support guide](https:\/\/help.na.panasonic.com\/microwave-multi-ovens\/microwave-ovens) online.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**It has no instant-start express settings.** Unlike on our [runner-up](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#runner-up-toshiba-em131a5c), you’ll have to enter a time or power level and press the start button to begin cooking.\n\n**Service can be a bit of a pain.** You must either ship your microwave to a service center or take it into a certified repair shop, if you’re lucky enough to have one [within driving distance](https:\/\/repairs.hwy905.com\/panasonicservicelocator).\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 12.25 by 20.69 by 15.81 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 1,200 watts  \n**Capacity:** 1\\.2 cubic feet  \n**Warranty:** one year, five years for the magnetron (parts only)\n\n## Other Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves to consider\nIf you’d like our pick in a different finish, consider the all-white [NN-SN65KW](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63708\/204558\/4\/244870\/?merchant=Best%20Buy) or the all-stainless [NN-SN68KS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63709\/204559\/4\/192108\/?merchant=Amazon).\n\nIf you need a larger version of our pick, the 1.6-cubic-foot [Panasonic Cyclonic Wave Inverter NN-SN76LS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63710\/204560\/4\/192109\/?merchant=Panasonic) is a little taller and has a wider body, with a 14-inch carousel that fits extra-large plates or dishes. Its [Cyclonic Wave feature](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=SEILEEPYiEs) is designed to distribute microwaves more evenly than our pick, and it did seem to heat more uniformly and gently in our tests.\n\nIf you want a smart version of our pick, the [NN-SV79MS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63711\/204561\/4\/244871\/?merchant=Amazon) connects via Wi-Fi to an Alexa device, which you can use to run dozens of functions via voice commands (like “microwave on high power for one minute”). It has a fully stainless steel exterior and controls.\n\n## Runner-up: Toshiba EM131A5C\n![Our pick for best runner-up microwave, the Toshiba EM131A5C.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-8.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Runner-up\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/28187\/Toshiba-EM131A5C_20250418-043534_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Instant-start settings, but less precise](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon \"Instant-start settings, but less precise\")\n### [Toshiba EM131A5C](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon \"Toshiba EM131A5C\")\n\nThis midsize microwave has instant-start express settings, a wide range of functions, and a door handle instead of a button. But it doesn’t heat as quickly or as evenly as our pick.\n\n[\\$149 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon)\n\nWe’ve recommended the midsize [Toshiba EM131A5C](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/80685\/?merchant=Amazon) for years as a solid but basic microwave amid a sea of similar models. The EM131A5C has ample power and will do just fine, but its overall performance is not nearly as strong as that of our top pick.\n\n**It’s a good-size machine with plenty of power.** Roughly the same size as our top pick but a little deeper, the 1,100-watt EM131A5C has a carousel that is slightly more than 12 inches in diameter.\n\n![A close-up of the buttons on the Toshiba EM131A5C.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-9.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nTouch any number from 1 to 6 on the number pad, and the Toshiba EM131A5C automatically starts at the highest power setting — no need to set a power level or touch the start button. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It has the features that most people want.** These include a +30Sec. button, the ability to mute beeps, and sensor-enabled auto-reheat and auto-cooking buttons for making popcorn or melting butter (though in our tests, the auto-cooking selections didn’t always work accurately). It also has instant-start express settings: Press 1 to 6 on the number pad, and the microwave starts cooking at the highest power setting for that number of minutes.\n\n**It looks better than most microwaves in its price range.** The EM131A5C isn’t as sophisticated-looking as our top pick, but it isn’t a plastic clone. It also has a handle, instead of a button, which some people prefer. This model is hefty enough to stay put on the counter when you pull the handle to open it.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**It isn’t as good as our pick.** The EM131A5C, which does not have an [inverter motor](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#how-we-picked-and-tested), is not as accurate or fast as our top pick, and it doesn’t heat as evenly, either. But it performs about as well as other microwaves you can find for a similar price.\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 12\\.8 by 20.5 by 17.1 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 1,100 watts  \n**Capacity:** 1\\.2 cubic feet  \n**Warranty:** one year\n\n## Other Toshiba Lifestyle microwaves to consider\nThe [Toshiba ML-EM09PA](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/68344\/212899\/4\/208875\/?merchant=Amazon) is a slightly smaller version of our pick, with a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity, 900 watts of power, and a 10.6-inch turntable. It doesn’t have a sensor for auto-heating modes.\n\nThe [Toshiba ML-EM45PIT](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/50378\/180341\/4\/192111\/?merchant=Amazon) has an [inverter motor](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#how-we-picked-and-tested) and costs a bit more. It performed a little faster and heated more evenly than our runner-up, though not on a par with our [top pick](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves).\n\n## Best for small spaces: GE GCST07N1\n![Our pick for best ultra-compact and sturdy microwave, the GE GCST07N1.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/66110\/GE-GCST07N1_20250716-211751_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Best for small spaces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon \"Best for small spaces\")\n### [GE GCST07N1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon \"GE GCST07N1\")\n\nThe most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow.\n\n[\\$110 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$109 from The Home Depot](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/233657\/4\/244867?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot)\n\nWe’ve recommended a version of the GE Appliances [GE GCST07N1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/200615\/?merchant=Amazon) ultra-compact microwave since 2016, both for its affordability and its small size. Here's why we're fans:\n\n**It’s a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves.** The GCST07N1 is about 2 inches shorter, 3 inches narrower, and 3 inches shallower than our top pick. It is even a tad smaller than the tiny Galanz Retro, a popular cheap compact model that we [tested and dismissed](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#the-competition).\n\n**But it’s narrow inside.** The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 10.4-inch carousel still accommodate a medium-size mixing bowl or dinner plate, but anything even slightly wider than the turntable (a New York–style pizza slice, a medium-size bag of microwave popcorn) will get stuck on the walls.\n\n![The GE JES1072 sitting next to a crock of wooden spoons and two colorful storage tins.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-2.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe GE GCST07N1 is a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves — and more attractive, too. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It performed better than the other compact models we evaluated.** This microwave cooked a little more quickly and evenly than other models of the same size, which are nearly all lower-cost [clones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#how-we-picked-and-tested).\n\n![A close-up of the buttons on the GE JES1072.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-3.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe GE GCST07N1 has more automatic-cooking settings than other models of the same size, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It has more features than most compact models.** This microwave has a good assortment of automatic-cooking settings, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food. It also has an Add 30 Sec button, as well as express-start settings.\n\n**It’s sturdy, and it looks and feels nice.** It has a more attractive design (the stainless steel version in particular) and a heftier body than most compact models we tested, most of which felt flimsy and cheap. Its metal button is also easy to use.\n\n**GE has a good reputation for customer service**. GE Appliances is one of a handful of companies that work directly with large microwave manufacturers to make models to their specifications, instead of just putting their logo on a machine.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**It takes longer to heat things up.** With only 700 watts of power, it is a little slower than our other picks, but this performance is typical for a compact model.\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 10\\.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 700 watts  \n**Capacity:** 0.7 cubic foot  \n**Warranty:** one-year limited (parts and labor)\n\n## Other GE Appliances microwaves to consider\nThe [GE GCHK07N1 Spacemaker](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66115\/209026\/4\/200624\/?merchant=Amazon) is essentially the same microwave as [our compact pick](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1), but it has a slightly deeper body and is designed to work with a hanging kit (sold separately) so that you can mount it under a cabinet or shelf.\n\nThe [GE GCST09N1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66118\/209027\/4\/244872\/?merchant=Amazon) has slightly more capacity and power than [our compact pick](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1), and it’s one of the few microwaves available that are compatible with Alexa devices and support “scan-to-cook,” both of which require the GE Appliances Smart HQ app. Scan-to-cook allows you to scan the QR code on the label of [any product that is in the database](https:\/\/products.geappliances.com\/appliance\/gea-support-search-content?contentId=37351&_ga=2.148303735.1940934662.1716333483-508954188.1715182832), use the Smart HQ app to wirelessly send the GCST09N1 the cooking instructions (including power-level adjustments and timing), and hit Start. From the app, you can add 30 seconds of time or turn off the microwave. But figuring out the Alexa commands is tricky.\n\n## Best for convection and air frying: Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS\n![Our pick for best convection and air-fryer microwave, the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/07\/NN-CV87KS_handout_from_Panasonic-1-scaled.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nPanasonic\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/72809\/Panasonic-HomeChef-Connect-4-in-1-Multi-oven-NN-CV87QS_20250716-211908_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy)\n\n## [Best for convection and air frying](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy \"Best for convection and air frying\")\n### [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy \"Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS\")\n\nMicrowaves with convection-oven, broiler, and air-fryer capabilities are far from perfect, but this handsome, well-made option is an excellent microwave and easier than others to clean.\n\n[\\$486 from Best Buy](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy)\n\n[\\$530 from Panasonic](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/221901\/4\/244868?merchant=Panasonic)\n\nConvection\/air-fryer microwaves include fan-assisted convection heating, broiling, and air frying. Though they’ve improved in recent years, they still don’t bake, broil, or air fry as well as a standalone [air fryer toaster oven](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven\/) can. But a combo microwave can be useful for a tiny kitchen or as a temporary replacement for an oven, and the [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244879\/?merchant=Best%20Buy) is your best choice.\n\n**It microwaves almost as well as our top pick.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven heated just as evenly and accurately as our [top pick](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves), which is also from Panasonic. It’s slightly less powerful (1,000 watts versus 1,200 watts), and it has fewer preprogrammed food settings, but most people don’t use extra modes anyway.\n\n![A tray of air-fried crinkle-cut fries.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2454.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nWe made well-browned and crispy fries using the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s air fryer setting and included air fryer basket. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A tray of brownies baked in the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2438.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nBrownies developed a nice, flaky top and crusty edges when we used the convection setting of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven. We had to microwave them for 10 seconds to fully cook the center, though. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A tray of crunchy chocolate chip cookies baked in the Panasonic.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2716.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nCookies, which are a little thinner than brownies, baked well with the convection setting of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven. Rachel Wharton\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A tray of flaky biscuits baked beautifully in the Panasonic.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2713.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nReady-to-cook biscuits baked beautifully on the convection oven setting of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A tray of browned cheese toast broiled in the Panasonic.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2596.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe broil setting of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven works well for making items such as browned cheese toast. This model comes with a short metal grill table for use with this function. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A piece of toast made in the Panasonic.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2375.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nYou can make toast in the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven, though it takes longer than a toaster (and you have to flip the bread). This model comes with a metal pan designed to help with crisping and browning. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nWe made well-browned and crispy fries using the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s air fryer setting and included air fryer basket. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A tray of air-fried crinkle-cut fries.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2454.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n![A tray of brownies baked in the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2438.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n![A tray of crunchy chocolate chip cookies baked in the Panasonic.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2716.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n![A tray of flaky biscuits baked beautifully in the Panasonic.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2713.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n![A tray of browned cheese toast broiled in the Panasonic.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2596.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n![A piece of toast made in the Panasonic.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2375.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n**It can broil, air fry, and bake (but slowly and imperfectly).** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is a slow-but-workable broiler, air fryer, and fan-assisted convection oven, producing browned foods, crispy toast, and crunchy chicken nuggets. But it takes longer than a regular oven, and the results aren’t quite as good.\n\n**It has a hidden bake element.** In our tests, convection microwave ovens with a hidden bake element broiled or air fried more quickly and didn’t dry out foods nearly as much as those with an exposed element. And hidden bake elements are much easier to clean.\n\n**It looks great.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is fully stainless steel, with metal buttons and a large metal knob for setting the time or temperature. It also has an attractive, large LED screen.\n\nThe Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is fully stainless steel, with a knob for setting the time or temperature. It also has an attractive, large LED screen. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It provides extensive owner support.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s comprehensive manual provides some helpful tips on which of the included cookware pieces to use, such as a special pan for air frying or a crisper plate for baking and broiling. These suggestions also display on screen. Panasonic has [a recipe app](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/78509\/233355\/4\/244873\/?merchant=Google%20Play) developed in partnership with [Fresco](https:\/\/recipes.frescocooks.com\/collection\/653103\/new-panasonic-4-in-1-recipes), which gives step-by-step instructions for determining which styles of cooking to choose and how to combine them for the best results. The app can connect to the microwave via Wi-Fi, so that you could monitor times or change a handful of settings remotely.\n\n**It has an excellent warranty.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven has a three-year warranty, in contrast to most microwaves, which are covered for one year. Panasonic covers the magnetron (parts only) for four years.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**It can be confusing to use, like most combination microwaves.** Combination microwaves have multiple settings, cookware that can work for ovens but not for microwaves (including air fryer baskets), and the potential to use more than one modality at a time (convection and microwave for baking desserts, say, or broil and convection for roasted meats).\n\n**It doesn’t work as well as a regular oven or air fryer toaster oven.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s broiler works fine for browning or melting cheese on top of bread, but it takes upwards of 10 minutes to make toast, which in our tests ended up dry. (You also have to flip it halfway through.)\n\nIn our tests, this model’s convection oven function baked great chocolate chip cookies but left brownies gooey in the center (remedied with 10 seconds of microwaving). And you can’t adjust the temperature while something is cooking, as you can on a regular oven.\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 13\\.5 by 22.1 by 17.7 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 1,000 watts  \n**Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet  \n**Warranty:** three years, one year for the magnetron (parts only)\n\n## Other microwaves worth considering\n![Another good choice for a microwave, the Breville Smooth Wave.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-10.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**If you want an attractive microwave that also works well:** The 1,250-watt, 1.2-cubic-foot [Breville Smooth Wave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/38877\/233511\/4\/192115\/?merchant=Amazon) (pictured above) looks beautiful and feels well built, with a big, easy-to-read control panel, sleek dials, distinctive soft-close doors, and a chunky handle reminiscent of luxury appliances. It also has an extensive list of preprogrammed food settings that work pretty well, though it doesn’t have as many options as [our top pick](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves).\n\nThe control panel, which walks through many operations step by step, was the easiest to use by far; many of our paid testers commented on how simple it was to do things like dial in a weight for defrosting chicken, without needing to read the manual first.\n\n![A close-up of the control panel and buttons on the Breville Smooth Wave.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-11.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe control panel of the Breville Smooth Wave is the easiest to use of any microwave we tested. Most functions were so easy to figure out, we didn’t need to read the manual first. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nThe catch is that Breville microwaves cost significantly more than our top pick but fail to match its performance.\n\nThe 900-watt, 0.9-cubic-foot [Breville Compact Wave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63714\/233513\/4\/192116\/?merchant=Amazon) is a smaller version with a slightly different control panel. It isn’t as pleasurable to use as the larger versions, but it’s still very handsome.\n\n**If you want a smaller (and more affordable) convection\/air-fryer microwave:** The [GE GCST10A1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63715\/233514\/4\/192118\/?merchant=Best%20Buy) is slightly smaller and less expensive than [our pick for convection and air frying](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-convection-and-air-frying-panasonic-homechef-connect-4-in-1-multi-oven-nn-cv87qs), the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven. This model also has a hidden heating element, but the microwave wasn’t nearly as good as that of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven, and it doesn’t provide nearly as much help in how to use all the functions.\n\n## The competition\n![A lineup of the other microwaves we tested.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-09974.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nThe popular 0.7-cubic-foot, 700-watt [Galanz Retro](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63716\/204620\/4\/192130\/?merchant=Amazon) (available in a few colors from Amazon), while cute, was so light that it moved around the counter anytime we tried to use it. Its thin metal top buckled when we pressed it. This model also cooked unevenly, producing noticeable dark spots in our marshmallow tests.\n\nGE Appliances makes [many midsize microwaves](https:\/\/wrctr.co\/469rafA). We tested an older version of the 1.1-cubic-foot, 950-watt [GE GCST11X](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66119\/209028\/4\/200627\/?merchant=Amazon). But in general, these machines don’t perform as well as the midsize [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves) models we recommend. The door buttons on many midsize models also tend to be small and offset to the right, so they’re not as easy to use.\n\nWe tested a 0.9-cubic-foot, 900-watt Kenmore model (recently replaced by [slightly smaller](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/78514\/233517\/4\/244874\/?merchant=Walmart) and [slightly larger](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/78513\/233361\/4\/244875\/?merchant=Target) models sold primarily at Target). It performed better than the Galanz Retro, but merely as expected for a microwave at its price — that is, it’s totally fine if you use it only for coffee or popcorn.\n\nOur research shows that Samsung makes its own microwaves. But the company sells just a [handful of more expensive models](https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/home-appliances\/microwaves\/all-microwaves\/?type=Countertop) in the US, most of which come with an exposed element on the top of the cavity for what Samsung calls “grilling” functionality. Exposed elements make a microwave extremely hard to clean. More importantly, the few Samsung models we have tested have offered only average microwave performance yet come loaded with hard-to-decipher features or functions and unhelpful manuals.\n\n### Convection\/air-fryer microwaves\nWe tested the [Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63720\/233519\/4\/192121\/?merchant=Amazon) and the [Toshiba ML-EC42P](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63721\/226279\/4\/192122\/?merchant=Amazon). We were impressed with the look and usability of Breville’s version, which is nearly identical to the Breville microwave that [we recommend](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-microwaves-worth-considering). But both the Combi Wave and the ML-EC42P have an exposed baking element on the top of their cavity, a design that tends to dry out food and, more important, makes the appliance much harder to clean.\n\n## What to look forward to\nWe plan to test an inverter model from the [LG NeoChef](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63739\/204624\/4\/192201\/?merchant=LG) series, which offers specs similar to those of tour top picks. We’ll also test some new Whirlpool models, such as the attractive [Whirlpool WMC30311LD](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63722\/204573\/4\/192123\/?merchant=Whirlpool), and several new Sharp microwaves, including the inverter [SMC1464KS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/78510\/233523\/4\/244876\/?merchant=Amazon); the [SMC1585](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63723\/204575\/4\/192124\/?merchant=Sharp%20USA), which has convection; and a [model that works with Alexa](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63724\/204576\/4\/192125\/?merchant=Sharp%20USA) (there’s also an [inverter version](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/78511\/233358\/4\/244877\/?merchant=Amazon)).\n\nAdditionally, we want to test the [IKEA Tillreda](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63725\/204577\/4\/192126\/?merchant=IKEA), a sleek white microwave that matches many of IKEA’s countertop appliances (including a [portable induction cooktop](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-induction-cooktop\/#other-induction-cooktops-worth-considering) that we already recommend).\n\n*Liam McCabe, Michael Sullivan, and Tim Heffernan wrote previous versions of this guide, which was first published in 2014.*\n\n*This article was edited by Ingrid Skjong and Courtney Schley.*\n\n## Sources\n1. Catherine Ruspino, [senior vice president, product and solutions, Americas, Breville](https:\/\/www.breville.com\/en-us \"senior vice president, product and solutions, Americas, Breville\"), phone interview, March 1, 2024\n2. Jessica Focarino, [senior product marketing specialist, Sharp Home Appliances](https:\/\/shop.sharpusa.com\/ \"senior product marketing specialist, Sharp Home Appliances\"), in-person interview, February 28, 2024\n3. Harriette Thomas, [brand manager, JennAir](https:\/\/www.jennair.com\/ \"brand manager, JennAir\"), in-person interview, January 26, 2024\n4. Robert DellaValle, [principal engineer, UL Solutions](https:\/\/www.ul.com\/ \"principal engineer, UL Solutions\"), video interview, February 22, 2024\n5. Bruce Albertson, Jr., [senior commercial director for global specialty products, GE Appliances](https:\/\/geappliancesco.com\/ \"senior commercial director for global specialty products, GE Appliances\"), video interview, February 16, 2024\n6. Matthew Sandercock, [product marketing senior manager global specialty products, GE Appliances](https:\/\/geappliancesco.com\/ \"product marketing senior manager global specialty products, GE Appliances\"), video interview, February 16, 2024\n7. Daryl Williams, [executive director global specialty products, GE Appliances](https:\/\/geappliancesco.com\/ \"executive director global specialty products, GE Appliances\"), video interview, February 16, 2024\n8. Walter Taffarello, [director, new business development and strategic partnerships, Panasonic](https:\/\/shop.panasonic.com\/collections\/microwave-ovens \"director, new business development and strategic partnerships, Panasonic\"), video interview, February 1, 2024\n9. Hiroko Watanabe, [appliance group manager, Panasonic](https:\/\/shop.panasonic.com\/collections\/microwave-ovens \"appliance group manager, Panasonic\"), video interview, February 1, 2024\n10. Kanchan Swaroop, [senior technical advocacy associate, Appliance Standards Awareness Project](https:\/\/appliance-standards.org\/mission-and-history \"senior technical advocacy associate, Appliance Standards Awareness Project\"), video interview, October 11, 2023\n11. Sarah Snouffer, [founder, Third Street Architecture, Washington, DC](https:\/\/www.thirdstreetarchitecture.com\/ \"founder, Third Street Architecture, Washington, DC\"), phone interview, June 26, 2023\n\n## Meet your guide\n![](https:\/\/dv-siren-prd.global.ssl.fastly.net\/static\/img\/favicon-wirecutter.svg)\n\nRachel Wharton\n\nWhat I Cover\n\nI am based in Brooklyn, New York, and I write about refrigerators, ranges, ovens, microwaves, cooktops, kitchen ventilation, and any other large appliances that relate to cooking, eating, or food. This work includes conducting hands-on tests and researching the best products. It also requires staying on top of environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as related trends in cooking, smart home, accessibility, tech, and kitchen design.\n\n## Further reading\n- [![An illustration of an open microwave with flames inside.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/20200512_mwave-fire-630.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/blog\/why-microwaves-catch-on-fire\/)\n  \n  ### [Why Microwaves Can Catch Fire—And How to Use Yours Safely](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/blog\/why-microwaves-catch-on-fire\/)\n  by Liam McCabe\n  \n  We occasionally hear from readers about sparking in their microwaves, or even microwave fires, and we decided to get to the bottom of it.\n- [![Our pick for the best over the range microwave the GE JVM6175.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/otr-microwave-lowres-2092727.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-over-the-range-microwave\/)\n  \n  ### [The Best Over-the-Range Microwave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-over-the-range-microwave\/)\n  by Liam McCabe\n  \n  We tested six over-the-range microwaves and found that they’re all very similar, but we like the GE JVM6175 because it’s easier to use than most.\n- [![Various products recommended for cleaning a microwave.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2022\/11\/clean-everything-microwave-2048px-6877-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/how-to-clean-a-microwave\/)\n  \n  ### [How to Clean a Microwave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/how-to-clean-a-microwave\/)\n  by Rachel Wharton\n  \n  This is the easiest method to clean your microwave. All you need is about half an hour and some kitchen staples you likely already have at home.\n- [![Kitchen with a flat cooktop installed in a kitchen island.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2023\/05\/cooktop-2048px-kitchen-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/blog\/a-cooktop-is-better-than-a-range\/)\n  \n  ### [Redesigning Your Kitchen? Here’s Why a Cooktop Is Better Than a Range.](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/blog\/a-cooktop-is-better-than-a-range\/)\n  by Rachel Wharton\n  \n  Versatile, design-forward, and great to cook on, a cooktop allows you to customize your kitchen with more flexibility than a freestanding stove.\n\n[Edit](https:\/\/thewirecutter.com\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=10455&action=edit)\n\n## Get today’s recommendation\nExpert advice. Very good deals. The absolute best (and worst) things we've tested lately. Sent to your inbox daily.\n\nEmail Address\n\n[Wirecutter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/ \"Wirecutter\")\n\nWirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). [Subscribe now](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/subscription\/wirecutter?return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fwirecutter%2F) for unlimited access.\n\n- [About Wirecutter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/about\/ \"About Wirecutter\")\n- [Our team](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/masthead\/ \"Our team\")\n- [Staff demographics](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/staff-demographics\/ \"Staff demographics\")\n- [Jobs at Wirecutter](https:\/\/job-boards.greenhouse.io\/thenewyorktimes?keyword=wirecutter \"Jobs at Wirecutter\")\n- [How to pitch](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/how-to-pitch\/ \"How to pitch\")\n\n- [Contact The New York Times](https:\/\/help.nytimes.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/115015385887-Contact-The-New-York-Times \"Contact The New York Times\")\n- [Send us feedback](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/article\/wirecutter-feedback.html \"Send us feedback\")\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/newsletters\/ \"Newsletters\")\n\n- © 2026 Wirecutter, Inc., [A New York Times Company](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/privacy\/privacy-policy \"Privacy Policy\")\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/help.nytimes.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/115014893428-Terms-of-service \"Terms of Service\")\n- [Cookie Policy](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/privacy\/cookie-policy \"Cookie Policy\")\n- [Partnerships & Advertising](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/partners\/ \"Partnerships & Advertising\")\n- [Licensing & Reprints](https:\/\/info.wrightsmedia.com\/nyt-wirecutter-licensing \"Licensing & Reprints\")\n- [RSS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/feed\/ \"RSS\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"![Our five picks for best microwave alongside an assortment of microwavable food.]()\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nBy [Rachel Wharton](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/authors\/rachel-wharton\/)\n\nRachel Wharton is a writer covering kitchen appliances. She used 72 bags of popcorn to find the best microwave (and set the office on fire only once).\n\nIf you use your countertop microwave only to zap cold coffee or nuke bags of buttered popcorn, [any model](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#how-we-picked-and-tested) will do. But nearly any other food prep — defrosting the latest [frozen flavors from Trader Joe’s](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/our-favorite-things-trader-joes\/), reheating leftovers, making [crispy bacon](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ub3jmvzFmtE) — benefits from a better machine.\n\nMost microwaves are made by the same two or three factories and tend to look, feel, and function similarly, and are sold at comparable prices. But the [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244869\/?merchant=Amazon) and [its iterations](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves-to-consider) are an exception, as they can zap, nuke, defrost, reheat, and steam more evenly and efficiently than competitors. The NN-SN686S also comes with more thoughtful features and functionality, and it looks and feels a little nicer than the rest.\n\nEverything we recommend\n\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/72807\/Panasonic-Genius-Sensor-Inverter-NN-SN686S_20260122-225659_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/63707\/Panasonic-NN-SN65QSD_20260122-225600_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target)\n\n#### Runner-up\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/28187\/Toshiba-EM131A5C_20250418-043534_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon)\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/66110\/GE-GCST07N1_20250716-211751_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[Best for small spaces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon \"Best for small spaces\")[GE GCST07N1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon \"GE GCST07N1\")\n\nThe most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow.\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/72809\/Panasonic-HomeChef-Connect-4-in-1-Multi-oven-NN-CV87QS_20250716-211908_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy)\n\n## What to consider\n***\n- Handle or button\n  \n  A button tends to look nicer and is easier to use, but some people prefer a handle. We have picks with both.\n- Instant start\n  \n  Some models automatically start cooking at the highest power when you press a number — preferable for shared kitchens but not great for most food.\n- Sizes\n  \n  Midsize is ideal for most kitchens. Extra-large or extra-powerful microwaves are typically unnecessary, while compact models are too small.\n- A combo option\n  \n  You can pay more for a microwave with convection-bake, broil, and air-fryer functions, but it isn’t a total replacement for all those countertop appliances.\n\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/72807\/Panasonic-Genius-Sensor-Inverter-NN-SN686S_20260122-225659_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/63707\/Panasonic-NN-SN65QSD_20260122-225600_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target)\n\nThe well-priced, midsize [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244869\/?merchant=Amazon) — and the similar [NN-SN65QSD](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/192104\/?merchant=Target) (sold exclusively at Target) — cooked more evenly and precisely than any other microwaves we tested, with fewer hot and cold spots. They have a modern aesthetic with an appealingly large button that opens the door latch and was the easiest to use among the microwaves we tried.\n\nThese models don’t have instant-start express settings, such as a button to add 30 seconds, which many people love. But the sensor-reheat option is especially useful, as it automatically shuts off when it senses the proper amount of steam.\n\nOne drawback of these models is that they’re often sold out. But because they are available in many similar versions (as well as [other finishes and sizes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves-to-consider)), you’ll typically be able to find options. The NN-SN686S is usually available only online from [Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244869\/?merchant=Amazon), [Walmart](https:\/\/wrctr.co\/3NCmYPp) (may be out of stock), [Home Depot](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/227826\/4\/244869\/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot), and [Panasonic.com](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221894\/4\/244869\/?merchant=Panasonic). Another version, the [NN-SN68QB](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72808\/221898\/4\/244878\/?merchant=Costco), is sold by Costco ([membership required](https:\/\/www.costco.com\/join-costco.html?redirectLogin=false)).\n\nBoth the NN-SN686S and the NN-SN65QSD allow for an optional matching trim kit for a built-in look.\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 12.25 by 20.69 by 15.81 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 1,200 watts  \n**Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet  \n**Warranty:** one year, five years for the magnetron (parts only)\n\n#### Runner-up\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/28187\/Toshiba-EM131A5C_20250418-043534_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon)\n\nThe midsize [Toshiba EM131A5C](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/80685\/?merchant=Amazon) has a nicer design and a broader range of functions — including convenient instant-start settings that many people consider a must-have — than most other microwaves at its price.\n\nIt performed solidly in our tests, but it didn’t heat as quickly, precisely, or evenly as our top pick, and it’s slightly less powerful. This model has a sturdy door handle, which some people prefer over a push button.\n\nThe EM131A5C is available in two finishes, as well as [other sizes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-toshiba-lifestyle-microwaves-to-consider).\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 12.8 by 20.5 by 17.1 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 1,100 watts  \n**Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet  \n**Warranty:** one year\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/66110\/GE-GCST07N1_20250716-211751_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[Best for small spaces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon \"Best for small spaces\")[GE GCST07N1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon \"GE GCST07N1\")\n\nThe most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow.\n\nThe [GE GCST07N1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/200615\/?merchant=Amazon) is a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than any other compact microwave we tested. It’s sturdier, too, though the cavity is wide enough for only a medium-size dinner plate.\n\nThis microwave didn’t cook as evenly or precisely as our top pick, but it was faster than similarly sized models with higher wattage, and it has convenient instant-start express settings.\n\nIt is available in three finishes (the most of our picks) and [a version](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-ge-appliances-microwaves-to-consider) that you can mount under a cabinet.\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 10.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 700 watts  \n**Capacity:** 0.7 cubic foot  \n**Warranty:** one year\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/72809\/Panasonic-HomeChef-Connect-4-in-1-Multi-oven-NN-CV87QS_20250716-211908_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy)\n\nThe [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244879\/?merchant=Best%20Buy) combines microwaving, fan-assisted convection baking, broiling, and air frying in one sleek stainless steel machine. It’s a nice option for a tiny kitchen or as a temporary replacement for an oven.\n\nIt microwaved as well as our top pick in our tests. Like other combination microwaves, though, it can’t brown or crisp foods as effectively or quickly as a traditional oven or [air fryer toaster oven](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven\/). But its hidden baking element (in contrast to most other combination microwaves, which have an exposed element) seems to improve results, and it’s easier to clean.\n\nThe HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven also provided the most support for learning how to use the admittedly complicated machine. (A recipe app can also connect to the microwave via Wi-Fi, so that you could monitor timers or change a handful of settings remotely.)\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:**13\\.5 by 22.1 by 17.7 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 1,000 watts  \n**Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet  \n**Warranty:** three years, one year for the magnetron (parts only)\n\nThe research\n\n## Why you should trust us\nI’m a writer covering large kitchen appliances at Wirecutter, and I have nearly 20 years of experience writing about food, cooking, and the culinary industry. I’ve written guides to [gas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gas-ranges\/) and [electric ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-and-gas-ranges\/), [induction cooktops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-induction-cooktop\/), and [refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-refrigerator\/). I also offer advice on how to make the most of large kitchen appliances, including tips on [cleaning your microwave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/how-to-clean-a-microwave\/) and [improving its performance](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/how-to-improve-microwave-performance\/).\n\nFor this guide:\n\n- We researched and tested dozens of microwaves since 2014.\n- We interviewed home cooks, kitchen and product designers, product engineers, and multiple representatives from the brands we cover. We evaluated thousands of owner reviews to gauge reliability and common flaws.\n- We attended appliance trade shows and visited dozens of big-box stores and small showrooms to get a sense of trends and gain hands-on experience with common features.\n- We disassembled microwaves and analyzed public import records.\n- We’ve hosted paid testers with diverse backgrounds, builds, heights, and mobility levels to discuss and test microwaves at our office in Long Island City, New York.\n\nLike all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any [business implications](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/how-wirecutter-makes-money\/) of my editorial recommendations, and in accordance with [Wirecutter standards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/blog\/yes-i-work-at-wirecutter-no-we-dont-get-a-bunch-of-free-stuff\/), I return or donate all products I’ve tested once my assessment of them is complete. Read more about our [editorial standards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/editorial-standards\/).\n\n## Who this is for\nThis guide focuses on countertop microwaves, including [compact](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1) and multifunction [convection\/air-fryer models](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-convection-and-air-frying-panasonic-homechef-connect-4-in-1-multi-oven-nn-cv87qs). Most microwaves have similar components, so this guide highlights a handful of higher-quality microwaves that work a bit better or look and feel a little nicer than the vast majority (they also cost a little more). But if you use a microwave only for a few small tasks that don’t require a lot of precision — popping popcorn, heating liquids — and don’t care what it looks like, you might be fine with a [budget model](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#how-we-picked-and-tested).\n\nSome of our recommendations have matching trim kits that allow you to install them in a cutout in the wall or a cabinet so the machine resembles a more expensive built-in microwave or microwave drawer for a fraction of the cost of a built-in model.\n\n## How we picked and tested\n![A bag of popcorn inside one of the microwaves we tested.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-00047.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nTo test each microwave, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of foods, including burritos, butter, chicken breasts, coffee, fried rice, frozen broccoli, mac and cheese, pizza, and popcorn. For convection\/air-fryer models, we also air-fried, baked, and toasted.\n\nSpecifically, we evaluate:\n\n**Size:** Microwaves can be small\/compact (0.7 to 0.9 cubic foot of capacity), midsize (1 to 1.6 cubic feet of capacity), and large (up to 2.2 cubic feet of capacity). We’ve found around 1.2 cubic feet of capacity and a 12-inch carousel is ideal for most households. This size can fit a 12-inch dinner plate, a 9-inch square casserole dish with handles, a large bag of microwave popcorn, two frozen dinners, four mugs, or two smaller bowls.\n\n**Build and design:** A microwave should feel sturdy and be hefty enough to stay put when you open and close the door. The display should be easy to read, and any buttons, knobs, or handles should not be difficult to turn, pull, or press, particularly for anyone with mobility issues.\n\nWe also sought out models that look good, if not great, with appealing shapes and bodies made of more metal than plastic (or, at least, better-quality plastic).\n\n**Door latches:** We prefer microwaves with a button to open the door latch because they are generally easier to use (and [ADA-compliant](https:\/\/www.geappliances.com\/ge\/ada-compliant\/#ada-microwave-requirements)) and safer (you’re less likely to drag the machine when you open the door). But we do recommend a few options with handles, which some people (including some of our paid testers) prefer.\n\n**Noise:** Larger, more powerful, better-quality microwaves tend to be louder than smaller ones. If your microwave is especially loud or annoying, consider moving it so that the sound isn’t reflecting off a wall or cabinet.\n\n**Even heating:** All microwaves heat foods somewhat unevenly. We evaluated evenness by cooking different foods — including marshmallows, which show hot spots and degrees of doneness — across the breadth of the turntable. Microwaves with an [inverter](https:\/\/www.panasonic.com\/mea\/en\/consumer\/cooking-learn\/technology\/what_s-an-inverter-.html) motor, which can run at variable speeds and allows for continuous cooking at lower power levels, cooked and defrosted more evenly with less power. (Traditional transformer-powered microwaves cycle between bursts of full power and zero power to achieve similar results.) To assess evenness, we microwaved raw, frozen chicken breasts at 50% power for 14 minutes before checking the temperature at three points.\n\nIn our testing, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of different foods. Marki WIlliams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**Speed and power:** All countertop microwaves have between 700 and 1,250 watts of power. Higher power heats things more quickly, but our testing revealed that even [a small, 700-watt microwave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1) can heat foods and liquids to appropriate temperatures, albeit slightly slower. Plus, foods defrost and cook more evenly at lower power levels, which also helps avoid splattering, drying out foods, and overcooking edges.\n\n**Useful cooking functions:** Nearly every microwave expert we spoke to said that the vast majority of microwave owners use the “add 30 seconds” button exclusively. We heard the same thing from our paid testers and regular cooks, too. So we didn’t pay much attention to specific presets for items such as a potato, popcorn, or pizza, or instant-start express settings (for example, pressing “2” starts the microwave at its highest power for two minutes). But we did give extra credit to microwaves whose additional features produced better results without imposing a major learning curve.\n\n![View of the inner workings of three microwaves that we tested to find the best.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwave-2048px-5.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nFrom left: an RCA-brand model, manufactured by Galanz, and models from Amazon, Black+Decker, and GE, all manufactured by Midea and built around the same core components. Michael Murtaugh\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**Brand and reliability:** The majority of under-\\$100 countertop microwaves sold in the US, regardless of brand name, are made by a few companies overseas, primarily Midea and Galanz.\n\nWe focus on microwaves made by the few brands that either manufacture their own microwaves or work with large manufacturers to produce models with improved design or functionality. Their microwaves also tend to have better-quality mechanical parts, especially the door latch, which often breaks (the machine won’t operate with a broken latch). We checked for accessible company websites and customer service.\n\n**UL Solutions certification:** We only considered microwaves with certification from [UL Solutions](https:\/\/www.ul.com\/look-ul-safety-mark-you-buy#:~:text=The%20UL%20safety%20Mark%20means,they%20still%20meet%20the%20requirements.), a firm that sets safety standards for most small appliances in the United States. (Any UL Solutions–certified microwave manufactured after April 1, 2024, requires a [child-lock system](https:\/\/ulse.org\/insight\/ul-standards-engagement-standards-matter-standards-microwaves-helping-minimize-risk-thermal-burns\/) to help prevent burns. Adults can override the lock.)\n\n## Top pick: Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves\n![Our pick for best microwave, the Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwave.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-4.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/72807\/Panasonic-Genius-Sensor-Inverter-NN-SN686S_20260122-225659_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244860?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/63707\/Panasonic-NN-SN65QSD_20260122-225600_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/244865?merchant=Target)\n\nWe’ve been recommending Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves since 2020. The [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72807\/221893\/4\/244869\/?merchant=Amazon) aced our tests, has useful extra features, and looks good, too. We also recommend the similar [NN-SN65QSD](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63707\/221900\/4\/192104\/?merchant=Target), sold exclusively at Target, and the Costco-exclusive [NN-SN68QB](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72808\/221898\/4\/244878\/?merchant=Costco) ([membership required](https:\/\/www.costco.com\/join-costco.html?redirectLogin=false)).\n\n**It’s powerful, and it cooked better and more evenly than any other model we tested.**  The NN-SN686S heated food quickly, bringing a bowl of soup to 147 °F in just 2 minutes, more than 10 degrees higher than machines we tested with about the same power (1,200 watts). It cooks more quickly at lower power levels than some more powerful models thanks to its [inverter motor](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#how-we-picked-and-tested).\n\nThe NN-SN686S had the fewest hot (overcooked) and cold (undercooked) points in all of our cooking tests. It was also faster and better at more delicate tasks such as defrosting chicken breasts or cooking them at medium power, as other machines gave us icier middles and more overcooked edges. And its defrosted vegetables were a little less soggy.\n\n![A close-up of the buttons on the NN-SN67HS.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-5.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe NN-SN686S’s sensor-reheat setting (top row, middle button), which monitors humidity and determines whether your food is done based on the amount of steam in the cavity, worked well in our tests. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**Its sensor-reheat settings work really well, unlike on most other models.** The NN-SN686S’s sensors monitor humidity and determine whether your food is done based on the amount of steam released. In our tests, everything from room-temperature mac and cheese to icy-cold chicken parmesan ended up at an [appropriate temperature](https:\/\/www.fsis.usda.gov\/food-safety\/safe-food-handling-and-preparation\/food-safety-basics\/safe-temperature-chart), between 170 °F and 180 °F when we used the sensor settings.\n\nThe NN-SN686S has 12 sensor-cook modes for foods such as pasta, rice, frozen pizza, and baked potatoes, all of which worked fairly well in our tests. You select them by number. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nThe NN-SN686S also has 12 sensor-cook modes for foods such as pasta, rice, frozen pizza, and baked potatoes. They worked fairly well in our tests. You can dial in these settings further with the microwave’s More and Less buttons, which add or subtract time.\n\n![A piece of cheese pizza seen through the open door of the NN-SN67HS.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-7.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nOur paid testers liked the big, responsive button that opened the door of the NN-SN686S — by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It has basic functions most people want, plus useful extras.** The NN-SN686S has an Add 30 Seconds button, automatic programs for three sizes of microwave popcorn, the ability to defrost by weight or volume, and a setting to mute beeps.\n\nYou can also set delayed or multi-step cooking (such as five minutes at high power and three minutes at low power) or add a “standing time” during which your food sits with the power off for a bit before it’s time to eat, as many microwaveable meals recommend.\n\n![A pyrex measuring cup of water seen through the open door of the NN-SN67HS alongside a couple of glass bowls.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-6.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe NN-SN686S is spacious enough for a variety of cookware, including a 1-quart measuring cup and a 5-quart mixing bowl. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It’s an ideal size and has a nice design for its price.** The NN-SN686S is spacious enough for an extra-large dinner plate, a 5-quart mixing bowl, most medium casserole dishes, two frozen dinners, or three soup bowls. It also looks better than most similarly priced countertop microwaves, with more metal than plastic and a crisply designed exterior. (You can buy a [trim kit](https:\/\/help.na.panasonic.com\/answers\/trim-kit-finder-use-this-trim-kit-finder-to-find-compatible-trim-kits-for-microwave-ovens-sold-in-the-usa) if you’d like to install it flush in a cabinet for a [built-in look](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63738\/204623\/4\/192202\/?merchant=Panasonic).)\n\n**It opens easily with a button.** Our [paid testers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#why-you-should-trust-us) liked this model’s big, responsive button — the NN-SN686S was by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested.\n\n**It’s durable, with good online support.** We’ve talked to multiple owners who have been using this microwave for several years — including one who uses it in a professional kitchen — and none have encountered chips, scratches, or a warped control panel. The company also has an extensive [troubleshooting and support guide](https:\/\/help.na.panasonic.com\/microwave-multi-ovens\/microwave-ovens) online.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**It has no instant-start express settings.** Unlike on our [runner-up](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#runner-up-toshiba-em131a5c), you’ll have to enter a time or power level and press the start button to begin cooking.\n\n**Service can be a bit of a pain.** You must either ship your microwave to a service center or take it into a certified repair shop, if you’re lucky enough to have one [within driving distance](https:\/\/repairs.hwy905.com\/panasonicservicelocator).\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 12.25 by 20.69 by 15.81 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 1,200 watts  \n**Capacity:** 1\\.2 cubic feet  \n**Warranty:** one year, five years for the magnetron (parts only)\n\n## Other Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves to consider\nIf you’d like our pick in a different finish, consider the all-white [NN-SN65KW](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63708\/204558\/4\/244870\/?merchant=Best%20Buy) or the all-stainless [NN-SN68KS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63709\/204559\/4\/192108\/?merchant=Amazon).\n\nIf you need a larger version of our pick, the 1.6-cubic-foot [Panasonic Cyclonic Wave Inverter NN-SN76LS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63710\/204560\/4\/192109\/?merchant=Panasonic) is a little taller and has a wider body, with a 14-inch carousel that fits extra-large plates or dishes. Its [Cyclonic Wave feature](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=SEILEEPYiEs) is designed to distribute microwaves more evenly than our pick, and it did seem to heat more uniformly and gently in our tests.\n\nIf you want a smart version of our pick, the [NN-SV79MS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63711\/204561\/4\/244871\/?merchant=Amazon) connects via Wi-Fi to an Alexa device, which you can use to run dozens of functions via voice commands (like “microwave on high power for one minute”). It has a fully stainless steel exterior and controls.\n\n## Runner-up: Toshiba EM131A5C\n![Our pick for best runner-up microwave, the Toshiba EM131A5C.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-8.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Runner-up\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/28187\/Toshiba-EM131A5C_20250418-043534_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/244866?merchant=Amazon)\n\nWe’ve recommended the midsize [Toshiba EM131A5C](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/28187\/204613\/4\/80685\/?merchant=Amazon) for years as a solid but basic microwave amid a sea of similar models. The EM131A5C has ample power and will do just fine, but its overall performance is not nearly as strong as that of our top pick.\n\n**It’s a good-size machine with plenty of power.** Roughly the same size as our top pick but a little deeper, the 1,100-watt EM131A5C has a carousel that is slightly more than 12 inches in diameter.\n\n![A close-up of the buttons on the Toshiba EM131A5C.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-9.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nTouch any number from 1 to 6 on the number pad, and the Toshiba EM131A5C automatically starts at the highest power setting — no need to set a power level or touch the start button. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It has the features that most people want.** These include a +30Sec. button, the ability to mute beeps, and sensor-enabled auto-reheat and auto-cooking buttons for making popcorn or melting butter (though in our tests, the auto-cooking selections didn’t always work accurately). It also has instant-start express settings: Press 1 to 6 on the number pad, and the microwave starts cooking at the highest power setting for that number of minutes.\n\n**It looks better than most microwaves in its price range.** The EM131A5C isn’t as sophisticated-looking as our top pick, but it isn’t a plastic clone. It also has a handle, instead of a button, which some people prefer. This model is hefty enough to stay put on the counter when you pull the handle to open it.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**It isn’t as good as our pick.** The EM131A5C, which does not have an [inverter motor](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#how-we-picked-and-tested), is not as accurate or fast as our top pick, and it doesn’t heat as evenly, either. But it performs about as well as other microwaves you can find for a similar price.\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 12\\.8 by 20.5 by 17.1 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 1,100 watts  \n**Capacity:** 1\\.2 cubic feet  \n**Warranty:** one year\n\n## Other Toshiba Lifestyle microwaves to consider\nThe [Toshiba ML-EM09PA](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/68344\/212899\/4\/208875\/?merchant=Amazon) is a slightly smaller version of our pick, with a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity, 900 watts of power, and a 10.6-inch turntable. It doesn’t have a sensor for auto-heating modes.\n\nThe [Toshiba ML-EM45PIT](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/50378\/180341\/4\/192111\/?merchant=Amazon) has an [inverter motor](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#how-we-picked-and-tested) and costs a bit more. It performed a little faster and heated more evenly than our runner-up, though not on a par with our [top pick](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves).\n\n## Best for small spaces: GE GCST07N1\n![Our pick for best ultra-compact and sturdy microwave, the GE GCST07N1.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/66110\/GE-GCST07N1_20250716-211751_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[Best for small spaces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon \"Best for small spaces\")[GE GCST07N1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/244867?merchant=Amazon \"GE GCST07N1\")\n\nThe most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow.\n\nWe’ve recommended a version of the GE Appliances [GE GCST07N1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66110\/209000\/4\/200615\/?merchant=Amazon) ultra-compact microwave since 2016, both for its affordability and its small size. Here's why we're fans:\n\n**It’s a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves.** The GCST07N1 is about 2 inches shorter, 3 inches narrower, and 3 inches shallower than our top pick. It is even a tad smaller than the tiny Galanz Retro, a popular cheap compact model that we [tested and dismissed](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#the-competition).\n\n**But it’s narrow inside.** The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 10.4-inch carousel still accommodate a medium-size mixing bowl or dinner plate, but anything even slightly wider than the turntable (a New York–style pizza slice, a medium-size bag of microwave popcorn) will get stuck on the walls.\n\n![The GE JES1072 sitting next to a crock of wooden spoons and two colorful storage tins.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-2.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe GE GCST07N1 is a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves — and more attractive, too. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It performed better than the other compact models we evaluated.** This microwave cooked a little more quickly and evenly than other models of the same size, which are nearly all lower-cost [clones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#how-we-picked-and-tested).\n\n![A close-up of the buttons on the GE JES1072.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-3.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe GE GCST07N1 has more automatic-cooking settings than other models of the same size, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It has more features than most compact models.** This microwave has a good assortment of automatic-cooking settings, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food. It also has an Add 30 Sec button, as well as express-start settings.\n\n**It’s sturdy, and it looks and feels nice.** It has a more attractive design (the stainless steel version in particular) and a heftier body than most compact models we tested, most of which felt flimsy and cheap. Its metal button is also easy to use.\n\n**GE has a good reputation for customer service**. GE Appliances is one of a handful of companies that work directly with large microwave manufacturers to make models to their specifications, instead of just putting their logo on a machine.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**It takes longer to heat things up.** With only 700 watts of power, it is a little slower than our other picks, but this performance is typical for a compact model.\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 10\\.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 700 watts  \n**Capacity:** 0.7 cubic foot  \n**Warranty:** one-year limited (parts and labor)\n\n## Other GE Appliances microwaves to consider\nThe [GE GCHK07N1 Spacemaker](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66115\/209026\/4\/200624\/?merchant=Amazon) is essentially the same microwave as [our compact pick](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1), but it has a slightly deeper body and is designed to work with a hanging kit (sold separately) so that you can mount it under a cabinet or shelf.\n\nThe [GE GCST09N1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66118\/209027\/4\/244872\/?merchant=Amazon) has slightly more capacity and power than [our compact pick](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1), and it’s one of the few microwaves available that are compatible with Alexa devices and support “scan-to-cook,” both of which require the GE Appliances Smart HQ app. Scan-to-cook allows you to scan the QR code on the label of [any product that is in the database](https:\/\/products.geappliances.com\/appliance\/gea-support-search-content?contentId=37351&_ga=2.148303735.1940934662.1716333483-508954188.1715182832), use the Smart HQ app to wirelessly send the GCST09N1 the cooking instructions (including power-level adjustments and timing), and hit Start. From the app, you can add 30 seconds of time or turn off the microwave. But figuring out the Alexa commands is tricky.\n\n## Best for convection and air frying: Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS\n![Our pick for best convection and air-fryer microwave, the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/07\/NN-CV87KS_handout_from_Panasonic-1-scaled.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nPanasonic\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/72809\/Panasonic-HomeChef-Connect-4-in-1-Multi-oven-NN-CV87QS_20250716-211908_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy)\n\nConvection\/air-fryer microwaves include fan-assisted convection heating, broiling, and air frying. Though they’ve improved in recent years, they still don’t bake, broil, or air fry as well as a standalone [air fryer toaster oven](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven\/) can. But a combo microwave can be useful for a tiny kitchen or as a temporary replacement for an oven, and the [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/72809\/233381\/4\/244879\/?merchant=Best%20Buy) is your best choice.\n\n**It microwaves almost as well as our top pick.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven heated just as evenly and accurately as our [top pick](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves), which is also from Panasonic. It’s slightly less powerful (1,000 watts versus 1,200 watts), and it has fewer preprogrammed food settings, but most people don’t use extra modes anyway.\n\nWe made well-browned and crispy fries using the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s air fryer setting and included air fryer basket. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It can broil, air fry, and bake (but slowly and imperfectly).** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is a slow-but-workable broiler, air fryer, and fan-assisted convection oven, producing browned foods, crispy toast, and crunchy chicken nuggets. But it takes longer than a regular oven, and the results aren’t quite as good.\n\n**It has a hidden bake element.** In our tests, convection microwave ovens with a hidden bake element broiled or air fried more quickly and didn’t dry out foods nearly as much as those with an exposed element. And hidden bake elements are much easier to clean.\n\n**It looks great.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is fully stainless steel, with metal buttons and a large metal knob for setting the time or temperature. It also has an attractive, large LED screen.\n\nThe Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is fully stainless steel, with a knob for setting the time or temperature. It also has an attractive, large LED screen. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It provides extensive owner support.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s comprehensive manual provides some helpful tips on which of the included cookware pieces to use, such as a special pan for air frying or a crisper plate for baking and broiling. These suggestions also display on screen. Panasonic has [a recipe app](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/78509\/233355\/4\/244873\/?merchant=Google%20Play) developed in partnership with [Fresco](https:\/\/recipes.frescocooks.com\/collection\/653103\/new-panasonic-4-in-1-recipes), which gives step-by-step instructions for determining which styles of cooking to choose and how to combine them for the best results. The app can connect to the microwave via Wi-Fi, so that you could monitor times or change a handful of settings remotely.\n\n**It has an excellent warranty.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven has a three-year warranty, in contrast to most microwaves, which are covered for one year. Panasonic covers the magnetron (parts only) for four years.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**It can be confusing to use, like most combination microwaves.** Combination microwaves have multiple settings, cookware that can work for ovens but not for microwaves (including air fryer baskets), and the potential to use more than one modality at a time (convection and microwave for baking desserts, say, or broil and convection for roasted meats).\n\n**It doesn’t work as well as a regular oven or air fryer toaster oven.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s broiler works fine for browning or melting cheese on top of bread, but it takes upwards of 10 minutes to make toast, which in our tests ended up dry. (You also have to flip it halfway through.)\n\nIn our tests, this model’s convection oven function baked great chocolate chip cookies but left brownies gooey in the center (remedied with 10 seconds of microwaving). And you can’t adjust the temperature while something is cooking, as you can on a regular oven.\n\n### Key specs\n**Dimensions:** 13\\.5 by 22.1 by 17.7 inches (HWD)  \n**Power:** 1,000 watts  \n**Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet  \n**Warranty:** three years, one year for the magnetron (parts only)\n\n## Other microwaves worth considering\n![Another good choice for a microwave, the Breville Smooth Wave.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-10.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**If you want an attractive microwave that also works well:** The 1,250-watt, 1.2-cubic-foot [Breville Smooth Wave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/38877\/233511\/4\/192115\/?merchant=Amazon) (pictured above) looks beautiful and feels well built, with a big, easy-to-read control panel, sleek dials, distinctive soft-close doors, and a chunky handle reminiscent of luxury appliances. It also has an extensive list of preprogrammed food settings that work pretty well, though it doesn’t have as many options as [our top pick](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves).\n\nThe control panel, which walks through many operations step by step, was the easiest to use by far; many of our paid testers commented on how simple it was to do things like dial in a weight for defrosting chicken, without needing to read the manual first.\n\n![A close-up of the control panel and buttons on the Breville Smooth Wave.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwaves-2048px-2-11.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe control panel of the Breville Smooth Wave is the easiest to use of any microwave we tested. Most functions were so easy to figure out, we didn’t need to read the manual first. Marki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nThe catch is that Breville microwaves cost significantly more than our top pick but fail to match its performance.\n\nThe 900-watt, 0.9-cubic-foot [Breville Compact Wave](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63714\/233513\/4\/192116\/?merchant=Amazon) is a smaller version with a slightly different control panel. It isn’t as pleasurable to use as the larger versions, but it’s still very handsome.\n\n**If you want a smaller (and more affordable) convection\/air-fryer microwave:** The [GE GCST10A1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63715\/233514\/4\/192118\/?merchant=Best%20Buy) is slightly smaller and less expensive than [our pick for convection and air frying](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#best-for-convection-and-air-frying-panasonic-homechef-connect-4-in-1-multi-oven-nn-cv87qs), the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven. This model also has a hidden heating element, but the microwave wasn’t nearly as good as that of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven, and it doesn’t provide nearly as much help in how to use all the functions.\n\n## The competition\n![A lineup of the other microwaves we tested.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/08\/microwavetesting-2048px-09974.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nMarki Williams\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nThe popular 0.7-cubic-foot, 700-watt [Galanz Retro](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63716\/204620\/4\/192130\/?merchant=Amazon) (available in a few colors from Amazon), while cute, was so light that it moved around the counter anytime we tried to use it. Its thin metal top buckled when we pressed it. This model also cooked unevenly, producing noticeable dark spots in our marshmallow tests.\n\nGE Appliances makes [many midsize microwaves](https:\/\/wrctr.co\/469rafA). We tested an older version of the 1.1-cubic-foot, 950-watt [GE GCST11X](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/66119\/209028\/4\/200627\/?merchant=Amazon). But in general, these machines don’t perform as well as the midsize [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves) models we recommend. The door buttons on many midsize models also tend to be small and offset to the right, so they’re not as easy to use.\n\nWe tested a 0.9-cubic-foot, 900-watt Kenmore model (recently replaced by [slightly smaller](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/78514\/233517\/4\/244874\/?merchant=Walmart) and [slightly larger](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/78513\/233361\/4\/244875\/?merchant=Target) models sold primarily at Target). It performed better than the Galanz Retro, but merely as expected for a microwave at its price — that is, it’s totally fine if you use it only for coffee or popcorn.\n\nOur research shows that Samsung makes its own microwaves. But the company sells just a [handful of more expensive models](https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/home-appliances\/microwaves\/all-microwaves\/?type=Countertop) in the US, most of which come with an exposed element on the top of the cavity for what Samsung calls “grilling” functionality. Exposed elements make a microwave extremely hard to clean. More importantly, the few Samsung models we have tested have offered only average microwave performance yet come loaded with hard-to-decipher features or functions and unhelpful manuals.\n\n### Convection\/air-fryer microwaves\nWe tested the [Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63720\/233519\/4\/192121\/?merchant=Amazon) and the [Toshiba ML-EC42P](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63721\/226279\/4\/192122\/?merchant=Amazon). We were impressed with the look and usability of Breville’s version, which is nearly identical to the Breville microwave that [we recommend](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/#other-microwaves-worth-considering). But both the Combi Wave and the ML-EC42P have an exposed baking element on the top of their cavity, a design that tends to dry out food and, more important, makes the appliance much harder to clean.\n\n## What to look forward to\nWe plan to test an inverter model from the [LG NeoChef](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63739\/204624\/4\/192201\/?merchant=LG) series, which offers specs similar to those of tour top picks. We’ll also test some new Whirlpool models, such as the attractive [Whirlpool WMC30311LD](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63722\/204573\/4\/192123\/?merchant=Whirlpool), and several new Sharp microwaves, including the inverter [SMC1464KS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/78510\/233523\/4\/244876\/?merchant=Amazon); the [SMC1585](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63723\/204575\/4\/192124\/?merchant=Sharp%20USA), which has convection; and a [model that works with Alexa](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63724\/204576\/4\/192125\/?merchant=Sharp%20USA) (there’s also an [inverter version](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/78511\/233358\/4\/244877\/?merchant=Amazon)).\n\nAdditionally, we want to test the [IKEA Tillreda](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/63725\/204577\/4\/192126\/?merchant=IKEA), a sleek white microwave that matches many of IKEA’s countertop appliances (including a [portable induction cooktop](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-induction-cooktop\/#other-induction-cooktops-worth-considering) that we already recommend).\n\n*Liam McCabe, Michael Sullivan, and Tim Heffernan wrote previous versions of this guide, which was first published in 2014.*\n\n*This article was edited by Ingrid Skjong and Courtney Schley.*\n\n## Sources\n1. Catherine Ruspino, [senior vice president, product and solutions, Americas, Breville](https:\/\/www.breville.com\/en-us \"senior vice president, product and solutions, Americas, Breville\"), phone interview, March 1, 2024\n2. Jessica Focarino, [senior product marketing specialist, Sharp Home Appliances](https:\/\/shop.sharpusa.com\/ \"senior product marketing specialist, Sharp Home Appliances\"), in-person interview, February 28, 2024\n3. Harriette Thomas, [brand manager, JennAir](https:\/\/www.jennair.com\/ \"brand manager, JennAir\"), in-person interview, January 26, 2024\n4. Robert DellaValle, [principal engineer, UL Solutions](https:\/\/www.ul.com\/ \"principal engineer, UL Solutions\"), video interview, February 22, 2024\n5. Bruce Albertson, Jr., [senior commercial director for global specialty products, GE Appliances](https:\/\/geappliancesco.com\/ \"senior commercial director for global specialty products, GE Appliances\"), video interview, February 16, 2024\n6. Matthew Sandercock, [product marketing senior manager global specialty products, GE Appliances](https:\/\/geappliancesco.com\/ \"product marketing senior manager global specialty products, GE Appliances\"), video interview, February 16, 2024\n7. Daryl Williams, [executive director global specialty products, GE Appliances](https:\/\/geappliancesco.com\/ \"executive director global specialty products, GE Appliances\"), video interview, February 16, 2024\n8. Walter Taffarello, [director, new business development and strategic partnerships, Panasonic](https:\/\/shop.panasonic.com\/collections\/microwave-ovens \"director, new business development and strategic partnerships, Panasonic\"), video interview, February 1, 2024\n9. Hiroko Watanabe, [appliance group manager, Panasonic](https:\/\/shop.panasonic.com\/collections\/microwave-ovens \"appliance group manager, Panasonic\"), video interview, February 1, 2024\n10. Kanchan Swaroop, [senior technical advocacy associate, Appliance Standards Awareness Project](https:\/\/appliance-standards.org\/mission-and-history \"senior technical advocacy associate, Appliance Standards Awareness Project\"), video interview, October 11, 2023\n11. Sarah Snouffer, [founder, Third Street Architecture, Washington, DC](https:\/\/www.thirdstreetarchitecture.com\/ \"founder, Third Street Architecture, Washington, DC\"), phone interview, June 26, 2023\n\n## Meet your guide\n![](https:\/\/dv-siren-prd.global.ssl.fastly.net\/static\/img\/favicon-wirecutter.svg)\n\nRachel Wharton\n\nWhat I Cover\n\nI am based in Brooklyn, New York, and I write about refrigerators, ranges, ovens, microwaves, cooktops, kitchen ventilation, and any other large appliances that relate to cooking, eating, or food. This work includes conducting hands-on tests and researching the best products. It also requires staying on top of environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as related trends in cooking, smart home, accessibility, tech, and kitchen design.","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Home_and_Garden\":907,\"\/Home_and_Garden\/Home_Appliances\":893,\"\/Home_and_Garden\/Home_Appliances\/Other\":888,\"\/Shopping\":166}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":962,\"\/Article\/Product_or_Brand_Review\":946}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Commercial\":964,\"Informational\":202}","meta_language":"en","attrs_author":"Rachel Wharton","attrs_publish_time":1769623742,"attrs_original_publish_time":1590684570,"attrs_is_republished":1,"attrs_nr_words":"9199","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"5561","body_ext_links_number":52,"body_int_links_number":886,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":0,"props_was_rendered":1,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":503,"download_ttfb_msec":449,"download_size":109065}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

2 months ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	2.2 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property

Value

URL

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/

Last Crawled

2026-02-18 09:03:39 (2 months ago)

First Indexed

2020-05-28 16:49:30 (5 years ago)

HTTP Status Code

200

Content

Meta Title

The 4 Best Microwaves of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter

Meta Description

Most microwaves are nearly identical, but the Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S stands out for its even heating and useful features.

Meta Canonical

null

Boilerpipe Text

Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter By Rachel Wharton Rachel Wharton is a writer covering kitchen appliances. She used 72 bags of popcorn to find the best microwave (and set the office on fire only once). If you use your countertop microwave only to zap cold coffee or nuke bags of buttered popcorn, any model will do. But nearly any other food prep — defrosting the latest frozen flavors from Trader Joe’s , reheating leftovers, making crispy bacon — benefits from a better machine. Most microwaves are made by the same two or three factories and tend to look, feel, and function similarly, and are sold at comparable prices. But the Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S and its iterations are an exception, as they can zap, nuke, defrost, reheat, and steam more evenly and efficiently than competitors. The NN-SN686S also comes with more thoughtful features and functionality, and it looks and feels a little nicer than the rest. Everything we recommend Top pick Runner-up Best for... Best for small spaces GE GCST07N1 The most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow. Best for... What to consider Handle or button A button tends to look nicer and is easier to use, but some people prefer a handle. We have picks with both. Instant start Some models automatically start cooking at the highest power when you press a number — preferable for shared kitchens but not great for most food. Sizes Midsize is ideal for most kitchens. Extra-large or extra-powerful microwaves are typically unnecessary, while compact models are too small. A combo option You can pay more for a microwave with convection-bake, broil, and air-fryer functions, but it isn’t a total replacement for all those countertop appliances. Top pick The well-priced, midsize Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S — and the similar NN-SN65QSD (sold exclusively at Target) — cooked more evenly and precisely than any other microwaves we tested, with fewer hot and cold spots. They have a modern aesthetic with an appealingly large button that opens the door latch and was the easiest to use among the microwaves we tried. These models don’t have instant-start express settings, such as a button to add 30 seconds, which many people love. But the sensor-reheat option is especially useful, as it automatically shuts off when it senses the proper amount of steam. One drawback of these models is that they’re often sold out. But because they are available in many similar versions (as well as other finishes and sizes ), you’ll typically be able to find options. The NN-SN686S is usually available only online from Amazon , Walmart (may be out of stock), Home Depot , and Panasonic.com . Another version, the NN-SN68QB , is sold by Costco ( membership required ). Both the NN-SN686S and the NN-SN65QSD allow for an optional matching trim kit for a built-in look. Key specs Dimensions: 12.25 by 20.69 by 15.81 inches (HWD) Power: 1,200 watts Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet Warranty: one year, five years for the magnetron (parts only) Runner-up The midsize Toshiba EM131A5C has a nicer design and a broader range of functions — including convenient instant-start settings that many people consider a must-have — than most other microwaves at its price. It performed solidly in our tests, but it didn’t heat as quickly, precisely, or evenly as our top pick, and it’s slightly less powerful. This model has a sturdy door handle, which some people prefer over a push button. The EM131A5C is available in two finishes, as well as other sizes . Key specs Dimensions: 12.8 by 20.5 by 17.1 inches (HWD) Power: 1,100 watts Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet Warranty: one year Best for... Best for small spaces GE GCST07N1 The most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow. The GE GCST07N1 is a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than any other compact microwave we tested. It’s sturdier, too, though the cavity is wide enough for only a medium-size dinner plate. This microwave didn’t cook as evenly or precisely as our top pick, but it was faster than similarly sized models with higher wattage, and it has convenient instant-start express settings. It is available in three finishes (the most of our picks) and a version that you can mount under a cabinet. Key specs Dimensions: 10.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches (HWD) Power: 700 watts Capacity: 0.7 cubic foot Warranty: one year Best for... The Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS combines microwaving, fan-assisted convection baking, broiling, and air frying in one sleek stainless steel machine. It’s a nice option for a tiny kitchen or as a temporary replacement for an oven. It microwaved as well as our top pick in our tests. Like other combination microwaves, though, it can’t brown or crisp foods as effectively or quickly as a traditional oven or air fryer toaster oven . But its hidden baking element (in contrast to most other combination microwaves, which have an exposed element) seems to improve results, and it’s easier to clean. The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven also provided the most support for learning how to use the admittedly complicated machine. (A recipe app can also connect to the microwave via Wi-Fi, so that you could monitor timers or change a handful of settings remotely.) Key specs Dimensions: 13.5 by 22.1 by 17.7 inches (HWD) Power: 1,000 watts Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet Warranty: three years, one year for the magnetron (parts only) The research Why you should trust us I’m a writer covering large kitchen appliances at Wirecutter, and I have nearly 20 years of experience writing about food, cooking, and the culinary industry. I’ve written guides to gas and electric ranges , induction cooktops , and refrigerators . I also offer advice on how to make the most of large kitchen appliances, including tips on cleaning your microwave and improving its performance . For this guide: We researched and tested dozens of microwaves since 2014. We interviewed home cooks, kitchen and product designers, product engineers, and multiple representatives from the brands we cover. We evaluated thousands of owner reviews to gauge reliability and common flaws. We attended appliance trade shows and visited dozens of big-box stores and small showrooms to get a sense of trends and gain hands-on experience with common features. We disassembled microwaves and analyzed public import records. We’ve hosted paid testers with diverse backgrounds, builds, heights, and mobility levels to discuss and test microwaves at our office in Long Island City, New York. Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations, and in accordance with Wirecutter standards , I return or donate all products I’ve tested once my assessment of them is complete. Read more about our editorial standards . Who this is for This guide focuses on countertop microwaves, including compact and multifunction convection/air-fryer models . Most microwaves have similar components, so this guide highlights a handful of higher-quality microwaves that work a bit better or look and feel a little nicer than the vast majority (they also cost a little more). But if you use a microwave only for a few small tasks that don’t require a lot of precision — popping popcorn, heating liquids — and don’t care what it looks like, you might be fine with a budget model . Some of our recommendations have matching trim kits that allow you to install them in a cutout in the wall or a cabinet so the machine resembles a more expensive built-in microwave or microwave drawer for a fraction of the cost of a built-in model. How we picked and tested Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter To test each microwave, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of foods, including burritos, butter, chicken breasts, coffee, fried rice, frozen broccoli, mac and cheese, pizza, and popcorn. For convection/air-fryer models, we also air-fried, baked, and toasted. Specifically, we evaluate: Size: Microwaves can be small/compact (0.7 to 0.9 cubic foot of capacity), midsize (1 to 1.6 cubic feet of capacity), and large (up to 2.2 cubic feet of capacity). We’ve found around 1.2 cubic feet of capacity and a 12-inch carousel is ideal for most households. This size can fit a 12-inch dinner plate, a 9-inch square casserole dish with handles, a large bag of microwave popcorn, two frozen dinners, four mugs, or two smaller bowls. Build and design: A microwave should feel sturdy and be hefty enough to stay put when you open and close the door. The display should be easy to read, and any buttons, knobs, or handles should not be difficult to turn, pull, or press, particularly for anyone with mobility issues. We also sought out models that look good, if not great, with appealing shapes and bodies made of more metal than plastic (or, at least, better-quality plastic). Door latches: We prefer microwaves with a button to open the door latch because they are generally easier to use (and ADA-compliant ) and safer (you’re less likely to drag the machine when you open the door). But we do recommend a few options with handles, which some people (including some of our paid testers) prefer. Noise: Larger, more powerful, better-quality microwaves tend to be louder than smaller ones. If your microwave is especially loud or annoying, consider moving it so that the sound isn’t reflecting off a wall or cabinet. Even heating: All microwaves heat foods somewhat unevenly. We evaluated evenness by cooking different foods — including marshmallows, which show hot spots and degrees of doneness — across the breadth of the turntable. Microwaves with an inverter motor, which can run at variable speeds and allows for continuous cooking at lower power levels, cooked and defrosted more evenly with less power. (Traditional transformer-powered microwaves cycle between bursts of full power and zero power to achieve similar results.) To assess evenness, we microwaved raw, frozen chicken breasts at 50% power for 14 minutes before checking the temperature at three points. In our testing, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of different foods. Marki WIlliams/NYT Wirecutter Speed and power: All countertop microwaves have between 700 and 1,250 watts of power. Higher power heats things more quickly, but our testing revealed that even a small, 700-watt microwave can heat foods and liquids to appropriate temperatures, albeit slightly slower. Plus, foods defrost and cook more evenly at lower power levels, which also helps avoid splattering, drying out foods, and overcooking edges. Useful cooking functions: Nearly every microwave expert we spoke to said that the vast majority of microwave owners use the “add 30 seconds” button exclusively. We heard the same thing from our paid testers and regular cooks, too. So we didn’t pay much attention to specific presets for items such as a potato, popcorn, or pizza, or instant-start express settings (for example, pressing “2” starts the microwave at its highest power for two minutes). But we did give extra credit to microwaves whose additional features produced better results without imposing a major learning curve. From left: an RCA-brand model, manufactured by Galanz, and models from Amazon, Black+Decker, and GE, all manufactured by Midea and built around the same core components. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Brand and reliability: The majority of under-$100 countertop microwaves sold in the US, regardless of brand name, are made by a few companies overseas, primarily Midea and Galanz. We focus on microwaves made by the few brands that either manufacture their own microwaves or work with large manufacturers to produce models with improved design or functionality. Their microwaves also tend to have better-quality mechanical parts, especially the door latch, which often breaks (the machine won’t operate with a broken latch). We checked for accessible company websites and customer service. UL Solutions certification: We only considered microwaves with certification from UL Solutions , a firm that sets safety standards for most small appliances in the United States. (Any UL Solutions–certified microwave manufactured after April 1, 2024, requires a child-lock system to help prevent burns. Adults can override the lock.) Top pick: Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Top pick We’ve been recommending Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves since 2020. The Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S aced our tests, has useful extra features, and looks good, too. We also recommend the similar NN-SN65QSD , sold exclusively at Target, and the Costco-exclusive NN-SN68QB ( membership required ). It’s powerful, and it cooked better and more evenly than any other model we tested. The NN-SN686S heated food quickly, bringing a bowl of soup to 147 °F in just 2 minutes, more than 10 degrees higher than machines we tested with about the same power (1,200 watts). It cooks more quickly at lower power levels than some more powerful models thanks to its inverter motor . The NN-SN686S had the fewest hot (overcooked) and cold (undercooked) points in all of our cooking tests. It was also faster and better at more delicate tasks such as defrosting chicken breasts or cooking them at medium power, as other machines gave us icier middles and more overcooked edges. And its defrosted vegetables were a little less soggy. The NN-SN686S’s sensor-reheat setting (top row, middle button), which monitors humidity and determines whether your food is done based on the amount of steam in the cavity, worked well in our tests. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Its sensor-reheat settings work really well, unlike on most other models. The NN-SN686S’s sensors monitor humidity and determine whether your food is done based on the amount of steam released. In our tests, everything from room-temperature mac and cheese to icy-cold chicken parmesan ended up at an appropriate temperature , between 170 °F and 180 °F when we used the sensor settings. The NN-SN686S has 12 sensor-cook modes for foods such as pasta, rice, frozen pizza, and baked potatoes, all of which worked fairly well in our tests. You select them by number. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The NN-SN686S also has 12 sensor-cook modes for foods such as pasta, rice, frozen pizza, and baked potatoes. They worked fairly well in our tests. You can dial in these settings further with the microwave’s More and Less buttons, which add or subtract time. Our paid testers liked the big, responsive button that opened the door of the NN-SN686S — by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter It has basic functions most people want, plus useful extras. The NN-SN686S has an Add 30 Seconds button, automatic programs for three sizes of microwave popcorn, the ability to defrost by weight or volume, and a setting to mute beeps. You can also set delayed or multi-step cooking (such as five minutes at high power and three minutes at low power) or add a “standing time” during which your food sits with the power off for a bit before it’s time to eat, as many microwaveable meals recommend. The NN-SN686S is spacious enough for a variety of cookware, including a 1-quart measuring cup and a 5-quart mixing bowl. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter It’s an ideal size and has a nice design for its price. The NN-SN686S is spacious enough for an extra-large dinner plate, a 5-quart mixing bowl, most medium casserole dishes, two frozen dinners, or three soup bowls. It also looks better than most similarly priced countertop microwaves, with more metal than plastic and a crisply designed exterior. (You can buy a trim kit if you’d like to install it flush in a cabinet for a built-in look .) It opens easily with a button. Our paid testers liked this model’s big, responsive button — the NN-SN686S was by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested. It’s durable, with good online support. We’ve talked to multiple owners who have been using this microwave for several years — including one who uses it in a professional kitchen — and none have encountered chips, scratches, or a warped control panel. The company also has an extensive troubleshooting and support guide online. Flaws but not dealbreakers It has no instant-start express settings. Unlike on our runner-up , you’ll have to enter a time or power level and press the start button to begin cooking. Service can be a bit of a pain. You must either ship your microwave to a service center or take it into a certified repair shop, if you’re lucky enough to have one within driving distance . Key specs Dimensions: 12.25 by 20.69 by 15.81 inches (HWD) Power: 1,200 watts Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet Warranty: one year, five years for the magnetron (parts only) Other Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves to consider If you’d like our pick in a different finish, consider the all-white NN-SN65KW or the all-stainless NN-SN68KS . If you need a larger version of our pick, the 1.6-cubic-foot Panasonic Cyclonic Wave Inverter NN-SN76LS is a little taller and has a wider body, with a 14-inch carousel that fits extra-large plates or dishes. Its Cyclonic Wave feature is designed to distribute microwaves more evenly than our pick, and it did seem to heat more uniformly and gently in our tests. If you want a smart version of our pick, the NN-SV79MS connects via Wi-Fi to an Alexa device, which you can use to run dozens of functions via voice commands (like “microwave on high power for one minute”). It has a fully stainless steel exterior and controls. Runner-up: Toshiba EM131A5C Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Runner-up We’ve recommended the midsize Toshiba EM131A5C for years as a solid but basic microwave amid a sea of similar models. The EM131A5C has ample power and will do just fine, but its overall performance is not nearly as strong as that of our top pick. It’s a good-size machine with plenty of power. Roughly the same size as our top pick but a little deeper, the 1,100-watt EM131A5C has a carousel that is slightly more than 12 inches in diameter. Touch any number from 1 to 6 on the number pad, and the Toshiba EM131A5C automatically starts at the highest power setting — no need to set a power level or touch the start button. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter It has the features that most people want. These include a +30Sec. button, the ability to mute beeps, and sensor-enabled auto-reheat and auto-cooking buttons for making popcorn or melting butter (though in our tests, the auto-cooking selections didn’t always work accurately). It also has instant-start express settings: Press 1 to 6 on the number pad, and the microwave starts cooking at the highest power setting for that number of minutes. It looks better than most microwaves in its price range. The EM131A5C isn’t as sophisticated-looking as our top pick, but it isn’t a plastic clone. It also has a handle, instead of a button, which some people prefer. This model is hefty enough to stay put on the counter when you pull the handle to open it. Flaws but not dealbreakers It isn’t as good as our pick. The EM131A5C, which does not have an inverter motor , is not as accurate or fast as our top pick, and it doesn’t heat as evenly, either. But it performs about as well as other microwaves you can find for a similar price. Key specs Dimensions: 12.8 by 20.5 by 17.1 inches (HWD) Power: 1,100 watts Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet Warranty: one year Other Toshiba Lifestyle microwaves to consider The Toshiba ML-EM09PA is a slightly smaller version of our pick, with a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity, 900 watts of power, and a 10.6-inch turntable. It doesn’t have a sensor for auto-heating modes. The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT has an inverter motor and costs a bit more. It performed a little faster and heated more evenly than our runner-up, though not on a par with our top pick . Best for small spaces: GE GCST07N1 Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Best for... Best for small spaces GE GCST07N1 The most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow. We’ve recommended a version of the GE Appliances GE GCST07N1 ultra-compact microwave since 2016, both for its affordability and its small size. Here's why we're fans: It’s a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves. The GCST07N1 is about 2 inches shorter, 3 inches narrower, and 3 inches shallower than our top pick. It is even a tad smaller than the tiny Galanz Retro, a popular cheap compact model that we tested and dismissed . But it’s narrow inside. The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 10.4-inch carousel still accommodate a medium-size mixing bowl or dinner plate, but anything even slightly wider than the turntable (a New York–style pizza slice, a medium-size bag of microwave popcorn) will get stuck on the walls. The GE GCST07N1 is a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves — and more attractive, too. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter It performed better than the other compact models we evaluated. This microwave cooked a little more quickly and evenly than other models of the same size, which are nearly all lower-cost clones . The GE GCST07N1 has more automatic-cooking settings than other models of the same size, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter It has more features than most compact models. This microwave has a good assortment of automatic-cooking settings, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food. It also has an Add 30 Sec button, as well as express-start settings. It’s sturdy, and it looks and feels nice. It has a more attractive design (the stainless steel version in particular) and a heftier body than most compact models we tested, most of which felt flimsy and cheap. Its metal button is also easy to use. GE has a good reputation for customer service . GE Appliances is one of a handful of companies that work directly with large microwave manufacturers to make models to their specifications, instead of just putting their logo on a machine. Flaws but not dealbreakers It takes longer to heat things up. With only 700 watts of power, it is a little slower than our other picks, but this performance is typical for a compact model. Key specs Dimensions: 10.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches (HWD) Power: 700 watts Capacity: 0.7 cubic foot Warranty: one-year limited (parts and labor) Other GE Appliances microwaves to consider The GE GCHK07N1 Spacemaker is essentially the same microwave as our compact pick , but it has a slightly deeper body and is designed to work with a hanging kit (sold separately) so that you can mount it under a cabinet or shelf. The GE GCST09N1 has slightly more capacity and power than our compact pick , and it’s one of the few microwaves available that are compatible with Alexa devices and support “scan-to-cook,” both of which require the GE Appliances Smart HQ app. Scan-to-cook allows you to scan the QR code on the label of any product that is in the database , use the Smart HQ app to wirelessly send the GCST09N1 the cooking instructions (including power-level adjustments and timing), and hit Start. From the app, you can add 30 seconds of time or turn off the microwave. But figuring out the Alexa commands is tricky. Best for convection and air frying: Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS Panasonic Best for... Convection/air-fryer microwaves include fan-assisted convection heating, broiling, and air frying. Though they’ve improved in recent years, they still don’t bake, broil, or air fry as well as a standalone air fryer toaster oven can. But a combo microwave can be useful for a tiny kitchen or as a temporary replacement for an oven, and the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS is your best choice. It microwaves almost as well as our top pick. The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven heated just as evenly and accurately as our top pick , which is also from Panasonic. It’s slightly less powerful (1,000 watts versus 1,200 watts), and it has fewer preprogrammed food settings, but most people don’t use extra modes anyway. We made well-browned and crispy fries using the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s air fryer setting and included air fryer basket. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter It can broil, air fry, and bake (but slowly and imperfectly). The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is a slow-but-workable broiler, air fryer, and fan-assisted convection oven, producing browned foods, crispy toast, and crunchy chicken nuggets. But it takes longer than a regular oven, and the results aren’t quite as good. It has a hidden bake element. In our tests, convection microwave ovens with a hidden bake element broiled or air fried more quickly and didn’t dry out foods nearly as much as those with an exposed element. And hidden bake elements are much easier to clean. It looks great. The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is fully stainless steel, with metal buttons and a large metal knob for setting the time or temperature. It also has an attractive, large LED screen. The Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is fully stainless steel, with a knob for setting the time or temperature. It also has an attractive, large LED screen. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter It provides extensive owner support. The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s comprehensive manual provides some helpful tips on which of the included cookware pieces to use, such as a special pan for air frying or a crisper plate for baking and broiling. These suggestions also display on screen. Panasonic has a recipe app developed in partnership with Fresco , which gives step-by-step instructions for determining which styles of cooking to choose and how to combine them for the best results. The app can connect to the microwave via Wi-Fi, so that you could monitor times or change a handful of settings remotely. It has an excellent warranty. The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven has a three-year warranty, in contrast to most microwaves, which are covered for one year. Panasonic covers the magnetron (parts only) for four years. Flaws but not dealbreakers It can be confusing to use, like most combination microwaves. Combination microwaves have multiple settings, cookware that can work for ovens but not for microwaves (including air fryer baskets), and the potential to use more than one modality at a time (convection and microwave for baking desserts, say, or broil and convection for roasted meats). It doesn’t work as well as a regular oven or air fryer toaster oven. The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s broiler works fine for browning or melting cheese on top of bread, but it takes upwards of 10 minutes to make toast, which in our tests ended up dry. (You also have to flip it halfway through.) In our tests, this model’s convection oven function baked great chocolate chip cookies but left brownies gooey in the center (remedied with 10 seconds of microwaving). And you can’t adjust the temperature while something is cooking, as you can on a regular oven. Key specs Dimensions: 13.5 by 22.1 by 17.7 inches (HWD) Power: 1,000 watts Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet Warranty: three years, one year for the magnetron (parts only) Other microwaves worth considering Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter If you want an attractive microwave that also works well: The 1,250-watt, 1.2-cubic-foot Breville Smooth Wave (pictured above) looks beautiful and feels well built, with a big, easy-to-read control panel, sleek dials, distinctive soft-close doors, and a chunky handle reminiscent of luxury appliances. It also has an extensive list of preprogrammed food settings that work pretty well, though it doesn’t have as many options as our top pick . The control panel, which walks through many operations step by step, was the easiest to use by far; many of our paid testers commented on how simple it was to do things like dial in a weight for defrosting chicken, without needing to read the manual first. The control panel of the Breville Smooth Wave is the easiest to use of any microwave we tested. Most functions were so easy to figure out, we didn’t need to read the manual first. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The catch is that Breville microwaves cost significantly more than our top pick but fail to match its performance. The 900-watt, 0.9-cubic-foot Breville Compact Wave is a smaller version with a slightly different control panel. It isn’t as pleasurable to use as the larger versions, but it’s still very handsome. If you want a smaller (and more affordable) convection/air-fryer microwave: The GE GCST10A1 is slightly smaller and less expensive than our pick for convection and air frying , the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven. This model also has a hidden heating element, but the microwave wasn’t nearly as good as that of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven, and it doesn’t provide nearly as much help in how to use all the functions. The competition Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The popular 0.7-cubic-foot, 700-watt Galanz Retro (available in a few colors from Amazon), while cute, was so light that it moved around the counter anytime we tried to use it. Its thin metal top buckled when we pressed it. This model also cooked unevenly, producing noticeable dark spots in our marshmallow tests. GE Appliances makes many midsize microwaves . We tested an older version of the 1.1-cubic-foot, 950-watt GE GCST11X . But in general, these machines don’t perform as well as the midsize Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter models we recommend. The door buttons on many midsize models also tend to be small and offset to the right, so they’re not as easy to use. We tested a 0.9-cubic-foot, 900-watt Kenmore model (recently replaced by slightly smaller and slightly larger models sold primarily at Target). It performed better than the Galanz Retro, but merely as expected for a microwave at its price — that is, it’s totally fine if you use it only for coffee or popcorn. Our research shows that Samsung makes its own microwaves. But the company sells just a handful of more expensive models in the US, most of which come with an exposed element on the top of the cavity for what Samsung calls “grilling” functionality. Exposed elements make a microwave extremely hard to clean. More importantly, the few Samsung models we have tested have offered only average microwave performance yet come loaded with hard-to-decipher features or functions and unhelpful manuals. Convection/air-fryer microwaves We tested the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 and the Toshiba ML-EC42P . We were impressed with the look and usability of Breville’s version, which is nearly identical to the Breville microwave that we recommend . But both the Combi Wave and the ML-EC42P have an exposed baking element on the top of their cavity, a design that tends to dry out food and, more important, makes the appliance much harder to clean. What to look forward to We plan to test an inverter model from the LG NeoChef series, which offers specs similar to those of tour top picks. We’ll also test some new Whirlpool models, such as the attractive Whirlpool WMC30311LD , and several new Sharp microwaves, including the inverter SMC1464KS ; the SMC1585 , which has convection; and a model that works with Alexa (there’s also an inverter version ). Additionally, we want to test the IKEA Tillreda , a sleek white microwave that matches many of IKEA’s countertop appliances (including a portable induction cooktop that we already recommend). Liam McCabe, Michael Sullivan, and Tim Heffernan wrote previous versions of this guide, which was first published in 2014. This article was edited by Ingrid Skjong and Courtney Schley. Sources Catherine Ruspino, senior vice president, product and solutions, Americas, Breville , phone interview, March 1, 2024 Jessica Focarino, senior product marketing specialist, Sharp Home Appliances , in-person interview, February 28, 2024 Harriette Thomas, brand manager, JennAir , in-person interview, January 26, 2024 Robert DellaValle, principal engineer, UL Solutions , video interview, February 22, 2024 Bruce Albertson, Jr., senior commercial director for global specialty products, GE Appliances , video interview, February 16, 2024 Matthew Sandercock, product marketing senior manager global specialty products, GE Appliances , video interview, February 16, 2024 Daryl Williams, executive director global specialty products, GE Appliances , video interview, February 16, 2024 Walter Taffarello, director, new business development and strategic partnerships, Panasonic , video interview, February 1, 2024 Hiroko Watanabe, appliance group manager, Panasonic , video interview, February 1, 2024 Kanchan Swaroop, senior technical advocacy associate, Appliance Standards Awareness Project , video interview, October 11, 2023 Sarah Snouffer, founder, Third Street Architecture, Washington, DC , phone interview, June 26, 2023 Meet your guide Rachel Wharton What I Cover I am based in Brooklyn, New York, and I write about refrigerators, ranges, ovens, microwaves, cooktops, kitchen ventilation, and any other large appliances that relate to cooking, eating, or food. This work includes conducting hands-on tests and researching the best products. It also requires staying on top of environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as related trends in cooking, smart home, accessibility, tech, and kitchen design.

Markdown

- Home & Garden - Vacuums, Cleaning, & Laundry - Vacuum Cleaners - [Vacuum cleaners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vacuum-cleaner/) - [Upright vacuums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-upright-canister-vacuums/) - [Cordless vacuums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cordless-stick-vacuum/) - [Robot vacuums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-robot-vacuum/) - [Handheld vacuums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-handheld-vacuum/) - [Hardwood floor vacuums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vacuum-for-hardwood-floors/) - [Vacuums for pet hair](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vacuum-for-pet-hair/) - [Car vacuums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-car-vacuum/) - Mops & Cleaners - [Wet mops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wet-mop/) - [Robot mop‑vac combos](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-robot-vacuum-mop-combo/) - [Portable carpet & upholstery cleaners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-carpet-and-upholstery-cleaner/) - [Carpet cleaners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-upright-carpet-cleaners/) - [Wet/dry vacs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/a-great-shop-vacuum-or-wet-dry-vac/) - [Brooms, dustpans, & dust mops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-broom-dustpan-dustmop/) - [Surface cleaners & disinfectants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-all-purpose-cleaner/) - [Laundry](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/closet-laundry/) - [Washers & dryers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-washer-and-dryer/) - [Compact washers & dryers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-compact-washer-and-dryer/) - [Irons](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-clothes-iron/) - [Ironing boards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ironing-board/) - [Clothing steamers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-clothing-steamers/) - [Laundry detergents](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-laundry-detergent/) - [Stain removers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laundry-stain-remover/) - Bathroom - Toilet - [Toilets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toilet/) - [Bidets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bidet-toilet-seat-washlet/) - [Toilet papers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-toilet-paper/) - [Toilet brushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toilet-brush/) - [Toilet plungers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toilet-plunger/) - [Squatty potties](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/squatty-potty-review/) - Shower - [Shower heads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-shower-head/) - [Shower curtains](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-shower-curtain/) - [Shower caddies](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-shower-caddy/) - [Shower mats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-shower-mat/) - [Body washes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-body-wash/) - [Bar soaps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bar-soap/) - Bathroom - [Bathroom scales](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-bathroom-scales/) - [Bath towels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bath-towel/) - [Bath mats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bathroom-rugs-and-bath-mats/) - [Grab bars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-grab-bars/) - Garden & Outdoors - [Gardening & Lawn](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/gardening/) - [Garden hoses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-garden-hose/) - [Hose nozzles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-hose-nozzle/) - [Gardening gloves](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-gardening-gloves/) - [Garden pruners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-garden-pruners/) - [Gifts for gardeners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-gardeners/) - [Lawn mowers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lawnmower/) - [Robot lawn mowers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-robot-lawn-mower/) - [Reel mowers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-reel-mower/) - [Sprinklers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-sprinkler/) - [Smart sprinkler timers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-sprinkler-controller/) - [Maintenance](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/garage/) - [Leaf blowers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-leafblowers/) - [Snow blowers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-snow-blowers/) - [Pressure washers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pressure-washer/) - [Chainsaws](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-chainsaw/) - [String trimmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-string-trimmers/) - [Snow shovels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-snow-shovels/) - [Wet/dry vacs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/a-great-shop-vacuum-or-wet-dry-vac/) - Patio - [Patio furniture](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-patio-furniture/) - [Outdoor sofas & chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-sofas/) - [Patio umbrellas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-patio-umbrella-and-stand/) - [Patio heaters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-patio-heaters/) - [Smokeless fire pits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smokeless-fire-pits/) - [Mosquito repellents for yards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/mosquito-control-gear/) - Heating, Cooling, & Air Quality - Heating - [Space heaters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-space-heaters/) - [Heat pumps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/heat-pump-buying-guide/) - [Cooling](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/cooling/) - [Air conditioners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-conditioner/) - [Portable air conditioners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-portable-air-conditioner/) - [Ductless air conditioners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-ductless-mini-split-air-conditioner/) - [Fans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-fan/) - [Cordless fans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cordless-fans/) - [Smart thermostats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-thermostat/) - Air Quality - [Air purifiers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-purifier/) - [Humidifiers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-humidifier/) - [Dehumidifiers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dehumidifier/) - [Home air quality monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-air-quality-monitor/) - Water Quality - [Water filter pitchers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-filter-pitcher/) - [Under‑sink water filters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/) - [Faucet‑mounted water filters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-faucet-water-filter/) - [Water quality test kits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-quality-test-kit-for-your-home/) - Home & Decor - Decor - [Area rugs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-area-rugs/) - [Rug pads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rug-pads/) - [Removable wallpapers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-removable-wallpapers/) - [Throw blankets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-throw-blankets/) - [Essential oil diffusers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-essential-oil-diffusers/) - [Scented candles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-candles/) - [Jewelry boxes & organizers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-jewelry-boxes-and-organizers/) - Window Treatments - [Curtains](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-window-curtains/) - [Blackout curtains](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blackout-curtains/) - [Blackout shades](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blackout-shades/) - [Furniture](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/furniture/) - [Sofas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/buying-a-sofa/) - [Sleeper sofas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleeper-sofas/) - [Massage chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-massage-chairs/) - [Dining tables](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/dining-and-kitchen-tables-we-like-under-1000/) - Lighting - [Floor lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-floor-lamps-under-300/) - [Desk lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-led-desk-lamp/) - [Table lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-table-lamps/) - [Bedside lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-bedside-lamps-under-200/) - [All Home](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/) - Home Improvement - [Tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/tools/) - [Drills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-drill-for-common-household-projects/) - [Multi‑tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-multitool/) - [Stud finders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-stud-finder/) - [Screwdrivers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-screwdriver/) - [Basic toolkits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-basic-home-toolkit/) - [Toolboxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toolbox/) - [Ladders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ladders/) - [Storage & Organization](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/storage-home-garden/) - [Storage containers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-storage-containers/) - [Shoe racks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-shoe-rack/) - [Hangers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hangers/) - Electric - [LED light bulbs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-led-lightbulb/) - [Surge protectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-surge-protector/) - [Extension cords](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-extension-cords-for-your-home-and-garage/) - Pest Control - [Roach killers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-roach-killers/) - [Ant killers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ant-killer/) - [Mousetraps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mousetrap/) - [Mosquito repellents for yards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/mosquito-control-gear/) - [Wasp & hornet sprays](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hornet-wasp-spray/) - [Bug‑killing gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-bug-killing-gear/) - Home Security & Safety - Security Systems & Cameras - [Home security systems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-home-security-system/) - [Indoor security cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-home-security-camera/) - [Outdoor security cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera/) - [Doorbell cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-doorbell-camera/) - Locks - [Electronic keypad door locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electronic-keypad-door-lock/) - [Smart locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-lock/) - [Door locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-door-lock/) - Safety - [Basic smoke alarms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-basic-smoke-alarm/) - [Smart smoke alarms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-smoke-alarm/) - [Fire extinguishers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-fire-extinguisher/) - [Flashlights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-flashlight/) - [Emergency Preparedness](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/emergency-preparedness/) - [Emergency preparedness supplies](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/emergency-preparedness/) - [Emergency weather radios](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-emergency-weather-radio/) - [Portable generators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-generator/) - [All Home Security & Safety](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/safety-home-garden/) - Office - Printers - [All‑in‑one printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-all-in-one-printer/) - [Home printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-printers/) - [Laser printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laser-printer/) - Monitors - [Monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-monitors/) - [4K monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-4k-monitors/) - [27‑inch monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-27-inch-monitor/) - [Portable monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-monitor/) - Office Essentials - [Webcams](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-webcams/) - [Office headsets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-headset-for-the-office/) - [Laptop stands](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptop-stands/) - [Monitor arms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-monitor-arms/) - [Label makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-label-maker/) - Document Security - [Paper shredders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-paper-shredders/) - [Fireproof document safes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-fireproof-document-safe/) - Stationery - [Pens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-pen/) - [Notebooks & notepads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-notebooks/) - [Planners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-paper-planners/) - [Office Furniture](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/office/furniture-office/) - [Standing desks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-standing-desk/) - [Office chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-office-chair/) - [Ergonomic seat cushions](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ergonomic-seat-cushions/) - [All Office](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/office/) - Sleep - [Mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/sleep/mattresses/) - [Mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mattress/) - [Mattresses for side sleepers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mattresses-for-side-sleepers/) - [Mattresses for back pain](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/mattresses-for-back-pain/) - [Memory foam mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-foam-mattresses-you-can-buy-online/) - [Cheap mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cheap-mattress/) - [Hybrid mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hybrid-mattresses/) - [Innerspring mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-innerspring-mattress/) - [Air mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-mattress/) - [Mattress toppers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mattress-toppers/) - [Latex mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-latex-mattresses/) - [Bedding](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/sleep/sheets-bedding/) - [Sheets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sheets/) - [Cotton sheets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cotton-sheets/) - [Comforters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-comforter/) - [Duvet covers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-duvet-cover/) - [Pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/sleep/pillows/) - [Pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bed-pillows/) - [Pillows for side sleepers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pillow-for-side-sleepers/) - [Memory foam pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-memory-foam-pillows/) - [Bedroom](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/bedroom/) - [Modern bed frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-modern-bed-frames/) - [Platform bed frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-platform-bed-frames-under-300/) - [Nightstands](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nightstands/) - [Blankets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blankets/) - [Weighted blankets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-weighted-blankets/) - [White noise machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-white-noise-machine/) - [Alarm clocks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-alarm-clock/) - [Sunrise alarm clocks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sunrise-alarm-clock/) - [All Sleep](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/sleep/) - Kitchen - Large Appliances - Fridges - [Refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-refrigerator/) - [French door refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-french-door-refrigerators/) - [Side‑by‑side refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-side-by-side-refrigerators/) - [Garage refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-garage-refrigerator/) - [Counter‑depth refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-counter-depth-refrigerator/) - [Wine coolers & fridges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wine-fridges/) - Freezers - [Upright freezers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-freezer/) - [Chest freezers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-chest-freezers/) - Stoves, Ranges, & Ovens - [Electric stoves & ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-and-gas-ranges/) - [Gas stoves & ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gas-ranges/) - [Slide‑in electric ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-slide-in-electric-ranges/) - [Slide‑in gas ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-slide-in-gas-ranges/) - [High‑end ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-high-end-ranges/) - [Induction cooktops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-induction-cooktop/) - [Wall ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wall-ovens/) - Dishwashers - [Dishwashers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-dishwasher/) - [All Large Appliances](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/large-appliances/) - Small Appliances - Small Appliances - [Microwaves](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/) - [Food processors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-food-processor/) - [Toasters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toaster/) - [Electric kettles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-home-kettle/) - [Portable induction cooktops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-induction-cooktop/) - [Mini fridges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mini-fridge/) - [Countertop ice makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-ice-maker/) - [Stand mixers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-stand-mixer/) - [Juicers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-juicer/) - Blenders - [Blenders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blender/) - [Personal blenders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-personal-blender/) - [Immersion blenders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-immersion-blender/) - Specialty - [Ice cream makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ice-cream-maker/) - [Soda makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-soda-maker/) - [Waffle makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-waffle-maker/) - [Pizza ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pizza-oven/) - Air Fryers & Toaster Ovens - [Air fryers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer/) - [Air fryer toaster ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven/) - [Toaster ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-toaster-oven/) - Cookers - [Rice cookers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-rice-cooker/) - [Pressure cookers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-pressure-cooker/) - [Slow cookers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-slow-cooker/) - [All Small Appliances](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/appliances/small/) - Cooking & Baking - Cookware & Bakeware - [Cookware sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cookware-set/) - [Nonstick pans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nonstick-pan/) - [Stainless steel pans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-skillet/) - [Carbon steel pans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-carbon-steel-pan/) - [Cast iron skillets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cast-iron-skillet/) - [Dutch ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dutch-oven/) - [Woks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-woks/) - [Induction cookware](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-induction-cookware/) - [Pizza stones & baking steels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pizza-stone-and-baking-steel/) - [Baking sheets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cookie-sheet/) - [Tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/tools-kitchen-dining/) - [Meat thermometers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-instant-read-thermometer/) - [Cutting boards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cutting-board/) - [Kitchen scales](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kitchen-scale/) - [Oven mitts & pot holders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-oven-mitts-and-pot-holders/) - [Vacuum sealers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vacuum-sealer/) - [Pepper mills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pepper-mill/) - [Spatulas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-spatula/) - [Mixing bowls](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mixing-bowls/) - Knives - [Chef’s knives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-chefs-knife-for-most-cooks/) - [Knife sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-knife-set/) - [Steak knife sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-steak-knife-set/) - [Serrated bread knives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-serrated-knife/) - [Paring knives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-paring-knife/) - [Knife sharpeners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-knife-sharpening-tool/) - Coffee & Tea - Coffee Makers - [Coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-coffee-maker/) - [Drip coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drip-coffee-maker/) - [Single‑serve coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-single-serve-coffee-maker/) - [Cheap coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cheap-coffee-maker/) - [Cold‑brew coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cold-brew-coffee-maker/) - Espresso Machines - [Espresso machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-espresso-machine-grinder-and-accessories-for-beginners/) - [Nespresso machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nespresso-machine/) - Coffee Gear - [Coffee grinders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-coffee-grinder/) - [French presses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-french-press/) - [Pour‑over coffee gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/gear-for-making-great-coffee/) - [Milk frothers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-milk-frothers/) - Tea - [Electric kettles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-home-kettle/) - [Teas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-teas/) - [All Coffee & Tea](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/coffee/) - Food & Drinks - Pantry - [Olive oils](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-olive-oil/) - [Instant noodles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-noodles/) - [Canned tomatoes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-canned-tomatoes/) - [Tinned fish](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tinned-fish/) - [Peanut butters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-creamy-peanut-butter/) - [Potato chips](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-potato-chips/) - [Boxed cake mixes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-boxed-cake-mix/) - [Boxed brownie mixes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-boxed-brownie-mix/) - [Boxed mac and cheese](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-boxed-mac-and-cheese/) - [Jarred marinara sauce](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-jarred-marinara-sauce/) - Refrigerator - [American cheeses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-american-cheese/) - [Ketchups](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ketchup/) - [Mayonnaises](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mayonnaise/) - [Butters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-butter/) - [BBQ sauces](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-barbecue-sauce/) - [Yogurts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-yogurt/) - Freezer - [Frozen pizzas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-frozen-pizzas/) - [Pie crusts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-store-bought-pie-crust/) - Drinks - [Blanco tequilas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blanco-tequilas/) - [Vodkas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vodka/) - [Gins](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gins/) - [Nonalcoholic drinks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-non-alcoholic-drinks/) - [Nonalcoholic wines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nonalcoholic-wines/) - [All Food & Drinks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/food/) - Dining, Entertaining, & Grilling - Tableware - [Flatware](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-flatware/) - [Dinnerware sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dinnerware-set/) - [Steak knife sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-steak-knife-set/) - [Drinking glasses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drinking-glass/) - [Cloth napkins](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-napkins-and-tablecloth/) - [Tablecloths](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tablecloths/) - [Tapered candles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-tapered-candles/) - [Outdoor dinnerware](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-dishes-for-outdoors/) - [Wine & Bar](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/wine-bar/) - [Wine glasses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wine-glass/) - [Corkscrews](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-corkscrew/) - [Wine coolers & fridges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wine-fridges/) - [Cocktail barware](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-barware-for-making-cocktails-at-home/) - Dining Tables & Seating - [Dining tables](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/dining-and-kitchen-tables-we-like-under-1000/) - [Folding tables](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-folding-tables/) - [Folding chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-folding-chairs/) - [Patio furniture](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-patio-furniture/) - Grilling - [Gas grills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gas-grill/) - [Charcoal grills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-charcoal-grill/) - [Pellet smoker grills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pellet-grill/) - [Portable grills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-grills/) - [Outdoor griddles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-griddle/) - [Grill tools & accessories](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-grill-tools/) - [All Dining & Entertaining](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/entertaining/) - Supplies - [Storage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/storage/) - [Food storage containers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-food-storage-containers/) - [Dry food storage containers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dry-food-storage-containers/) - [Lunch boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lunch-boxes/) - Cleaning - [Dish racks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dish-rack/) - [Kitchen towels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kitchen-towels/) - [Dish soaps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dish-soap/) - [Dishwasher detergents](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dishwasher-detergent/) - Waste - [Kitchen trash cans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-trash-can/) - [Compost bins](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-compost-bins/) - [Food recyclers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/countertop-composter-food-recyclers/) - Health & Lifestyle - Fitness - [Exercise](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/exercise/) - [Treadmills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-treadmill/) - [Under‑desk treadmills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-desk-treadmills/) - [Exercise bikes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-exercise-bikes/) - [Elliptical machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-elliptical-machine/) - [Rowing machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rowing-machine/) - [Adjustable dumbbells](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-adjustable-dumbbells/) - [Yoga mats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-yoga-mats/) - [Massage guns](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-massage-guns/) - [Gym bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gym-bag/) - [Running headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-running-headphones/) - Trackers - [Fitness trackers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-fitness-trackers/) - [GPS running watches](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-running-watch/) - Bikes & Scooters - [Hybrid bikes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hybrid-commuter-bike/) - [Electric scooters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-scooter/) - [Ebikes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ebike-for-commuters/) - [Biking Gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/cycling/) - [Bike helmets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-helmet-for-commuters/) - [Bike lights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-commuter-bike-lights/) - [Bike locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-lock/) - [Bike phone mounts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-phone-mount/) - [Rear bike racks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rear-bike-rack/) - [Bike pumps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-pump/) - [Bike storage ideas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-racks-for-small-homes-and-apartments/) - [Car bike racks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-rack-for-cars/) - [All Fitness](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/) - Health - [Medical](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/medical-supplies/) - [Blood pressure monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blood-pressure-monitors-for-home-use/) - [Thermometers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-thermometer-for-kids-and-adults/) - [Heating pads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-heating-pad/) - [Pill boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pill-boxes/) - [Compression socks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-compression-socks/) - [Over‑the‑counter hearing aids](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-over-the-counter-hearing-aids/) - [Accessibility & Aging](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/accessibility/) - [Walkers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-walkers/) - [Medical alert systems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-medical-alert-systems/) - [Adult diapers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-adult-diapers/) - [Incontinence underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-incontinence-underwear/) - [Grabber tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-grabber-tools/) - Mental Health - [Meditation apps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-meditation-apps/) - [Light therapy lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-light-therapy-lamp/) - [All Health](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/) - Personal Care - [Skin‑Care & Sunscreen](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/beauty/skincare/) - [Sunscreens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sunscreen/) - [Face sunscreens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-face-sunscreens/) - [Moisturizers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-moisturizers/) - [Body lotions](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-body-lotions/) - [Vitamin C serums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vitamin-c-serums/) - [Retinols](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-retinol-products/) - [Exfoliants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-exfoliants/) - [Facial cleansers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-facial-cleansers/) - [Korean skin‑care products](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-korean-skin-care-products/) - Personal Hygiene - [Antiperspirants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-antiperspirants/) - [Deodorants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-deodorants/) - Dental - [Electric toothbrushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-toothbrush/) - [Water flossers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-flossers/) - Menstruation - [Period underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/thinx-period-panties/) - [Menstrual cups & discs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-menstrual-cup/) - Adult & Sex - [Vibrators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vibrators/) - [Anal toys](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-anal-toys/) - [Condoms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-condoms/) - [Lube](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-personal-lubricants/) - [Portable vaporizers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-vaporizer/) - [Cannabis grinders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cannabis-grinder/) - Beauty & Hair - Makeup - [Eyeliners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-eyeliner/) - [Mascaras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mascara/) - [Foundations](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-foundations/) - [Concealers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-concealers/) - [Blushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blush/) - [Makeup brushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-makeup-brushes/) - [Makeup removers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-makeup-remover/) - [Drugstore makeup](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drugstore-makeup-skincare/) - Lips - [Lip balms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lip-balm/) - [Lipsticks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lipstick/) - [Lip glosses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lip-gloss/) - Hair Removal & Shaving - [Electric razors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-razor/) - [Beard trimmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-beard-trimmer/) - [Pubic hair trimmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pubic-hair-trimmer/) - [Hair clippers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hair-clippers-for-home-use/) - Hair - [Hair dryers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-hair-dryer/) - [Shampoos](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-shampoo/) - [Shampoo bars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-solid-shampoo-bars/) - [Dry shampoos](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dry-shampoo/) - [Conditioners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hair-conditioner/) - [Drugstore hair products](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drugstore-hair-products/) - Outdoors - [Outdoors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/outdoors/) - [Bug repellents](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bug-repellent/) - [Coolers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-hard-cooler/) - [Umbrellas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-umbrella/) - [Binoculars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-binoculars/) - [Ski goggles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ski-and-snowboard-goggles/) - [Apparel](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/outdoors/apparel/) - [Rain jackets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-everyday-rain-jacket/) - [Down jackets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-insulated-jacket/) - [UPF clothing](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sun-protection-clothing/) - Camping - [Camping tents](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tent-for-family-and-car-camping/) - [Sleeping bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleeping-bag-for-car-camping/) - [Sleeping pads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleeping-pads-for-backpacking-and-car-camping/) - [Camping chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-outdoor-chairs/) - Hiking - [Hiking boots](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hiking-boots/) - [Hiking socks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hiking-socks/) - [Trekking poles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-trekking-poles/) - [Filtered water bottles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-filtered-water-bottles/) - [Beach](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/outdoors/swim/) - [Beach umbrellas & shades](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-beach-umbrella-is-not-an-umbrella/) - [Beach bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-beach-bag/) - [Beach towels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-beach-towel/) - Safety - [Portable generators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-generator/) - [Pocket knives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pocket-knife/) - [Headlamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-headlamp/) - [Hand warmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-hand-warmer/) - [Flashlights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-flashlight/) - Travel - Luggage - [Checked luggage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-checked-luggage/) - [Duffel bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-duffle-bags/) - [Garment bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-garment-bag/) - [Underseat luggage & personal‑item bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/best-personal-item-carry-ons/) - [Carry‑on luggage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-carry-on-luggage/) - [Hard‑shell carry‑on luggage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hard-shell-carry-on-luggage/) - [Carry‑on travel backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-carry-on-travel-bags/) - [Travel backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-backpack/) - Packing - [Toiletry bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toiletry-bags/) - [Packing cubes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-packing-cubes/) - [Packable daypacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-packable-daypack-for-travel/) - Hydration - [Water bottles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-bottle/) - [Travel mugs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-mug/) - [Gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/travel/gear-travel/) - [Travel gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/travel-guide/) - [Travel pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-pillow/) - [Sleep masks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleep-mask/) - [Plug adapters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-plug-adapter/) - [Luggage tags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-luggage-tags/) - Hobbies - [Hobbies](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/hobby-crafts/) - [Pickleball paddles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pickleball-paddles/) - [Drones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drones/) - [DNA testing kits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dna-test/) - [Telescopes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-telescopes-for-beginners/) - [Reading lights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-reading-light/) - [Electric scooters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-scooter/) - [Language learning apps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-language-learning-apps/) - [Music & Instruments](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/hobby-crafts/music/) - [Beginner digital pianos](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-budget-digital-piano-for-beginners/) - [Beginner ukuleles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ukulele-for-beginners/) - Art & Design - [3D printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-3d-printer/) - [3D pens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-3d-pen/) - [Drawing tablets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drawing-tablets/) - [Sewing machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sewing-machine/) - [Colored pencils](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-colored-pencils/) - [Soldering irons](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-soldering-irons/) - Photo - [Photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-inkjet-printer/) - [Instant photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-photo-printer/) - [Online photo printing services](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-online-photo-printing/) - [Photo book services](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-book-service/) - [Digital photo frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-digital-photo-frame/) - Cameras - [Instant cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-camera/) - [Mirrorless cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mirrorless-camera/) - [Point‑and‑shoot cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-point-and-shoot-camera/) - Games & Puzzles - Board & Card Games - [Board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-we-love/) - [Two‑player board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-two-player-board-games/) - [Solo board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-solo-board-games/) - [Beginner board games for adults](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-for-adults/) - [Strategy board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-strategy-board-games/) - [Kids board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-for-kids/) - [Card games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-card-games/) - [Party games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-party-games/) - [Video Gaming](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/gaming/) - [Gaming consoles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-game-consoles/) - [Handheld gaming consoles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-handheld-gaming-consoles/) - [VR headsets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-standalone-vr-headset/) - [Gaming laptops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-budget-gaming-laptop-so-far/) - [Gaming mice](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wired-wireless-gaming-mouse/) - [Gaming monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gaming-monitor/) - [Graphics cards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-graphics-cards/) - [Gaming chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gaming-chairs/) - Lego - [Lego sets for adults](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/our-favorite-lego-sets-for-adults/) - [Lego sets for kids](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lego-sets-for-kids/) - Puzzles - [Speed cubes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-speed-cubes/) - [All Games & Puzzles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/hobby-crafts/games-puzzles/) - Pets - [Dogs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/pets/dogs/) - [Dog leashes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-everyday-dog-leash/) - [Dog harnesses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-harness/) - [Dog beds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-beds/) - [Dog crates](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-crate/) - [Dog DNA tests](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-dna-test/) - [Dog nail grinders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-nail-grinders/) - [Dog jackets & raincoats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-winter-jackets-and-raincoats-for-dogs/) - [Cats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/pets/cats/) - [Cat litters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-litter/) - [Litter boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-litter-boxes/) - [Automatic cat litter boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-automatic-cat-litter-box-but-we-dont-recommend-it/) - [Cat litter mats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-litter-mat/) - [Cat scratchers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-scratchers/) - [Cat beds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-beds/) - [New cat checklist](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/new-cat-checklist/) - Home - [Pet cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pet-camera/) - [Water fountains](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-fountain-for-cats-and-dogs/) - [Automatic feeders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-automatic-feeder-for-cats-and-small-dogs/) - [All Pets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/pets/) - Tech - Electronics & Networking - [Networking](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/networking/) - [Wi‑Fi mesh‑networking kits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-mesh-networking-kits/) - [Routers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-router/) - [Modems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cable-modem/) - [Wi‑Fi extenders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-extender/) - [Digital Storage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/storage-devices/) - [External hard drives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-external-hard-drives/) - [NAS devices](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-network-attached-storage/) - [External SSDs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-ssd/) - [Batteries & Charging](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/batteries/) - [Portable chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-battery-packs/) - [Lightning cables](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lightning-cable/) - [Portable power stations](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-power-stations/) - [Rechargeable batteries](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rechargeable-batteries/) - [Uninterruptible power supplies](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-uninterruptible-power-supply-ups/) - [Surge protectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-surge-protector/) - [Extension cords](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-extension-cords-for-your-home-and-garage/) - [Electric vehicle chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-vehicle-chargers-for-home/) - Wireless Charging - [Wireless chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-qi-wireless-charger-for-iphone-and-android-phones/) - [Apple charging stations](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-apple-wireless-charging-pads/) - [USB‑C](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/usb-c/) - [USB phone chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-multiport-usb-wall-charger/) - [USB‑C cables & adapters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-cables/) - [USB‑C laptop chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-macbook-and-laptop-chargers/) - [USB‑C hubs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-hubs-and-docks/) - [All Electronics](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/) - Phones, Tablets, & Smartwatches - Phones - [Android phones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-phone/) - [Budget Android phones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-budget-android-phone/) - [iPhones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone/) - [iPhone cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-cases/) - [iPhone 17 cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-17-case/) - [iPhone 16 cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-16-case/) - [iPhone screen protectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-x-screen-protectors/) - [Cell phones for older adults](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cell-phones-for-older-adults/) - [Car phone mounts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartphone-car-mount/) - [Cell phone plans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-carrier/) - Tablets - [Tablets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tablets/) - [Android tablets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-tablet/) - [iPads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-ipad-is-the-best-tablet/) - [iPad keyboard cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ipad-keyboard-case/) - [iPad Pro keyboard cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ipad-pro-keyboard-cases/) - [iPad Pro cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ipad-pro-cases/) - [iPad styluses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ipad-stylus/) - E‑readers - [E‑readers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/amazon-kindle-is-the-best-ebook-reader/) - Smartwatches - [For Android phones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartwatch-android/) - [For iPhones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartwatch-iphone/) - Computers - Laptops - [Laptops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptops/) - [Chromebooks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-chromebook/) - [MacBooks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-macbooks/) - [Business laptops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-business-laptops/) - [Laptops for college students](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptops-for-college-students/) - [Laptops under \$500](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptop-under-500/) - [Computers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/computers/) - [All‑in‑one computers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-all-in-one-computer/) - [Mini desktop PCs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mini-desktop-pcs/) - Monitors - [Monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-monitors/) - [4k monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-4k-monitors/) - [24‑inch monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-24-inch-monitor/) - [27‑inch monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-27-inch-monitor/) - [Ultrawide monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ultrawide-monitors/) - [Portable monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-monitor/) - [Accessories](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/accessories/) - [Wireless mice](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-mouse/) - [Security keys](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-security-keys/) - Keyboards - [Keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-keyboards/) - [Wireless keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-bluetooth-keyboard/) - [Mechanical keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-mechanical-keyboards/) - [Ergonomic keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/comfortable-ergo-keyboard/) - [Gaming keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-keyboards-for-gaming/) - [Software](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/software/) - [Password managers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-password-managers/) - [VPNs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vpn-service/) - [Free VPNs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-free-vpn/) - Audio - Speakers - [Bluetooth speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-bluetooth-speaker/) - [Portable bluetooth speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bluetooth-speaker/) - [Surround‑sound speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bookshelf-speakers/) - [Computer speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-computer-speakers/) - [Outdoor speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-speakers/) - [Multiroom wireless speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-multiroom-wireless-speaker-system/) - [Smart speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-speakers/) - [Soundbars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-soundbar/) - Headphones - [Headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-headphones/) - [Over‑ear headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-over-ear-headphones/) - [Noise‑cancelling headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-noise-cancelling-headphones/) - [Sleep headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleep-headphones/) - [Bone‑conduction headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bone-conduction-headphones/) - Earbuds - [Wireless earbuds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-earbuds/) - [Wired earbuds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-200-in-ear-headphones/) - [Workout earbuds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-workout-headphones/) - Home Audio - [Turntables & record players](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-turntable/) - [CD players](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-cd-player/) - [AV receivers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-receiver/) - [Stereo amps & receivers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mini-stereo-amplifier/) - [USB audio interfaces](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-audio-interface/) - [All Audio](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/audio/) - Video - [TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/tvs/) - [TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tv/) - [OLED TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-oled-tv/) - [4K TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-4k-tv/) - [LCD/LED TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lcd-led-tv/) - [32‑inch TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-small-tv/) - [40‑ to 49‑inch TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-40-to-49-inch-tvs/) - [TV wall mounts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tv-wall-mount/) - [Gaming TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tv-for-video-games/) - [Home Theater](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/home-theater/) - [Streaming devices](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-media-streamers/) - [4K Blu‑ray players](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-4k-blu-ray-player/) - [HDMI video transmitters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-wireless-hdmi-video-transmitter/) - [HDTV antennas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-indoor-hdtv-antenna/) - [Soundbars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-soundbar/) - [Projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/projectors/) - [Projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-projectors/) - [Portable mini projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-pico-projector/) - [Budget projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cheap-projector/) - [Projector screens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-projector-screen/) - [Outdoor projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-projector/) - Cameras & Photo - Cameras - [Instant cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-camera/) - [Mirrorless cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mirrorless-camera/) - [Point‑and‑shoot cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-point-and-shoot-camera/) - [Dash cams](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dash-cam/) - [Camera Accessories](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/camera-accessories/) - Smartphone Photography - [iPhone photo lenses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lenses-for-iphone/) - [Smartphone tripods](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tripod-for-iphones-smartphones/) - [Smartphone gimbals](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-and-iphone-gimbal/) - Photo - [Holiday photo cards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-custom-photo-card-service/) - [Photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-inkjet-printer/) - [Instant photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-photo-printer/) - [Online photo printing services](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-online-photo-printing/) - [Photo book services](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-book-service/) - [Digital photo frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-digital-photo-frame/) - Smart Home - Indoor - [Plug‑in smart outlets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-switch/) - [Smart thermostats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-thermostat/) - [Smart window shades & blinds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-blinds/) - [Smart LED light bulbs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-led-light-bulbs/) - [In‑wall smart light switches & dimmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-in-wall-wireless-light-switch-and-dimmer/) - [Smart water‑leak detectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-leak-detector/) - [Smart smoke alarms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-smoke-alarm/) - [Smart locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-lock/) - [Smart speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-speakers/) - Outdoor - [Smart outdoor lighting](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-outdoor-lighting-for-backyards-pathways-and-more/) - [Smart sprinkler timers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-sprinkler-controller/) - [Smart garage door openers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-garage-door-controller/) - [Security Systems & Cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/safety-home-garden/) - [Home security systems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-home-security-system/) - [Outdoor security cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera/) - [Indoor security cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-home-security-camera/) - [Smart doorbell cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-doorbell-camera/) - [All Smart Home](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/smart-home/) - Baby & Kid - Pregnancy & Nursing - Pregnancy - [Pregnancy tests](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pregnancy-test/) - [Body pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-body-pillow/) - Nursing & Pumping - [Breast pumps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-breast-pumps/) - [Wearable breast pumps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wearable-breast-pumps/) - [Pumping bras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pumping-bra/) - [Nursing bras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nursing-bras/) - [Nursing pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nursing-pillows/) - Bottles & Formula - [Baby bottles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-bottles-and-bottle-brush/) - [Bottle warmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bottle-warmers/) - [Baby formulas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-formula/) - [All Pregnancy & Nursing](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/baby-kid/pregnancy-nursing/) - Baby - Sleep - [Bassinets & co‑sleepers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-co-sleepers/) - [Cribs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cribs/) - [Crib mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-crib-mattresses/) - [Baby monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-monitor/) - [Baby swaddles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-swaddles/) - Carry - [Baby carriers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-carriers/) - [Baby wraps & slings](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-wraps-and-slings/) - Diapering & Bath - [Diapers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-diapers/) - [Cloth diapers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cloth-diapers/) - [Diaper pails](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-diaper-pail/) - [Diaper bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-diaper-bag/) - [Baby bathtubs & bath seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-bathtubs-and-bath-seats/) - [Baby care essentials](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/baby-care-essentials/) - [Home Safety](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/baby-kid/safety/) - [Baby‑proofing tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-baby-proofing-tools/) - [Baby gates](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-gate/) - Car Seats - [Infant car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-infant-car-seat/) - [Convertible car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-convertible-car-seats/) - [Travel car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-car-seats/) - Seats - [Baby bouncers & rockers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-bouncers-and-rockers/) - [Baby swings](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-swings/) - [High chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-high-chairs/) - Clothing & Health - Clothing - [Kids pajamas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-kids-pajamas/) - [Kids underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-underwear/) - [Kids beachwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-kids-beachwear/) - [Kids rain and snow boots](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-rain-snow-boots/) - [Kids sandals](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-sandals-water-shoes/) - Health - [Kids electric toothbrushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-toothbrush-for-kids/) - [Thermometers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-thermometer-for-kids-and-adults/) - School & Tech - [Backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/travel/backpacks/) - [Kids backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-school-backpacks-for-elementary-school-students/) - [High school & college backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-school-backpack-for-high-school-and-college/) - Lunch & Hydration - [Kids lunch boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-lunch-boxes/) - [Kids water bottles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-water-bottles/) - [Food thermoses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-food-thermos/) - [Nonplastic plates and cups](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-plastic-free-tableware-for-babies-and-kids/) - School Supplies - [Pencils for schoolwork](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pencils/) - [Mechanical pencils](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mechanical-pencils/) - [Pens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-pen/) - [Notebooks & notepads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-notebooks/) - [Planners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-paper-planners/) - [Kids labels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-labels-for-kids-lunch-boxes-and-clothing/) - Tech - [First phones for kids](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartphone-for-kids/) - [Smartwatches for kids](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartwatch-for-kids/) - [Apps for managing kids' phones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-apps-to-manage-your-kids-phone/) - [Kids tablets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tablet-for-kids/) - [Kids headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-headphones/) - [All School](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/baby-kid/school/) - Toys - Indoor Toys - [Lego sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lego-sets-for-kids/) - [Dolls](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dolls/) - [Kids board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-for-kids/) - [Bath toys](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bath-toys/) - [Toy subscription boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toy-subscription-boxes/) - [Craft subscription boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-craft-subscription-boxes/) - Outdoor Toys - [Scooters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-scooters/) - [Balance bikes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-balance-bike/) - [First pedal bikes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-first-pedal-bike/) - [Kids bike helmets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-bike-helmets/) - [Tricycles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tricycles/) - [Collapsible folding wagons](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-folding-wagons/) - [Sleds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleds/) - [Trampolines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-trampoline/) - [All Toys](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/baby-kid/toys/) - Travel - Car Seats - [Infant car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-infant-car-seat/) - [Convertible car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-convertible-car-seats/) - [Travel car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-car-seats/) - [Booster car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-booster-car-seats/) - Strollers - [Strollers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-strollers/) - [Double strollers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-double-strollers/) - [Jogging strollers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-jogging-strollers/) - [Travel strollers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-strollers/) - [Umbrella strollers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-umbrella-strollers/) - Wagons - [Collapsible folding wagons](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-folding-wagons/) - [Stroller wagons](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-stroller-wagons/) - Travel - [Kids bike seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-bike-seats/) - [Kids travel gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/gear-for-traveling-with-babies-and-kids/) - [Kids luggage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-luggage/) - Style - Apparel - Tops - [Men’s button‑up shirts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mens-button-up-shirts/) - [Men’s white t‑shirts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-white-t-shirts-for-men/) - [Women’s blouses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-tops-blouses/) - [Women’s button ups](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-button-up-shirts/) - [Women’s white t‑shirts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-white-t-shirts/) - [Cashmere sweaters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cashmere-sweaters/) - [Thermal underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mens-base-layers-and-thermal-underwear/) - Pants - [Men’s jeans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-jeans-for-men/) - [Women’s jeans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-jeans/) - [Men’s dress pants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mens-work-pants/) - [Women's office pants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-work-pants/) - [Leggings](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-leggings/) - [Rain pants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rain-pants/) - [Sweatpants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sweatpants-sweatshirts/) - Kids - [Kids pajamas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-kids-pajamas/) - [Kids underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-underwear/) - Jackets - [Rain jackets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-everyday-rain-jacket/) - [Down jackets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-insulated-jacket/) - [Insulated vests](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-insulated-vest/) - [Men’s suits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mens-suits/) - [Women’s wool coats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-wool-coat/) - [All Style](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/style/) - Underwear & Sleep - Underwear - [Bras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bra-brands/) - [Women’s underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-underwear/) - [Period underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/thinx-period-panties/) - [Boxer briefs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mens-underwear/) - Sleep - [Robes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-robes/) - [Pajamas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-pajamas-for-women-and-men/) - [Slippers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-slippers/) - [Sleep masks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleep-mask/) - Shoes - Boots - [Winter boots](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-winter-boots-for-men-and-women/) - [Rain boots](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rain-boots/) - [Hiking boots](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hiking-boots/) - Sneakers - [Running shoes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-running-shoes/) - [White sneakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-white-sneakers/) - Seasonal - [Flats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-flats/) - [Sandals](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sandals/) - [Ice cleats for shoes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ice-cleats/) - Socks - [Socks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-socks/) - [Compression socks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-compression-socks/) - [Hiking socks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hiking-socks/) - Bags & Accessories - [Bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/travel/bags/) - [Handbags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-handbags-under-500/) - [Tote bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-tote-bags/) - [Laptop tote bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptop-tote-bags/) - [Fanny packs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-fanny-packs/) - [Men’s work bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mens-work-bags/) - [Backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/travel/backpacks/) - [Laptop backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-laptop-backpacks/) - [High school & college backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-school-backpack-for-high-school-and-college/) - [Kids backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-school-backpacks-for-elementary-school-students/) - Bag Accessories - [Slim wallets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-slim-wallet/) - Accessories - [Umbrellas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-umbrella/) - [Black tights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-black-tights/) - [Shapewear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-shapewear/) - [Hair ties & clips](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-hair-ties-scrunchies-clips/) - Glasses - [Cheap sunglasses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cheap-sunglasses/) - [Blue‑light blocking glasses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blue-light-blocking-glasses/) - [Online prescription glasses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-places-to-buy-glasses-online/) - Gifts - Gifts for Everyone - [All Gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/) - Tech - [Digital photo frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-digital-photo-frame/) - [Instant cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-camera/) - [Instant photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-photo-printer/) - [Turntables & record players](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-turntable/) - [Massage guns](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-massage-guns/) - [Karaoke machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-karaoke-machines/) - [3D pens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-3d-pen/) - [Games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/hobby-crafts/games-puzzles/) - [Board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-we-love/) - [Two‑player board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-two-player-board-games/) - [Board games for kids & families](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-for-kids/) - [Card games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-card-games/) - DNA Test Kits - [DNA testing kits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dna-test/) - [Dog DNA tests](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-dna-test/) - Everything Else - [Smokeless fire pits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smokeless-fire-pits/) - [Mug warmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mug-warmers/) - [Smart bird feeders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-bird-feeder/) - [Disposable cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-disposable-cameras/) - Gifts for Grown-Ups - For Occasions - [Housewarming gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-housewarming-gifts/) - [Anniversary gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-anniversary-gifts/) - [Retirement gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-retirement-gifts/) - [Birthday gifts for her](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-birthday-gifts-for-her/) - [Gifts for coworkers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-coworkers/) - [Gifts for new moms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/gifts-for-new-moms/) - [Bridal shower gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-bridal-shower-gifts/) - [Flower delivery](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-online-flower-delivery/) - [Gift baskets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gift-baskets/) - [Photo gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-gifts/) - For Loved Ones - [Gifts for husbands](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gifts-for-husband/) - [Gifts for wives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gifts-for-wife/) - [Gifts for boyfriends](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-boyfriend/) - [Gifts for girlfriends](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-girlfriend/) - [Gifts for moms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-mom/) - [Gifts for dads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-dad/) - [Gifts for grandparents](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-grandparents/) - [Gifts for someone who has everything](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything/) - Under Budget - [Gifts under \$25](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-under-25/) - [Gifts under \$50](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-under-50/) - [Gifts under \$100](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-under-100/) - [Wrapping Paper](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wrapping-paper/) - [All Gifts for Grown‑Ups](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/adults/) - Gifts for Kids - Ages Younger Than 6 - [Gifts for infants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-infant-gifts/) - [Gifts for 1‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-toys-for-1-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 2‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-toys-for-2-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 3‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-toys-gifts-for-3-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 4‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-4-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 5‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-5-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 6‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-toys-gifts-for-6-year-olds/) - Ages 7 & Up - [Gifts for 7‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-toys-gifts-for-7-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 8‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-toys-gifts-for-8-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 9‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-toys-gifts-for-9-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 10‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-toys-gifts-for-10-year-olds/) - [Gifts for tweens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-tweens/) - [Gifts for teens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-teens/) - [All Gifts for Kids](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/kids/) - [Podcast](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/the-wirecutter-show-podcast/) - [Deals](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/deals/) [Wirecutter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ "Wirecutter") Log inAccount [Subscribe](https://www.nytimes.com/subscription/wirecutter?return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fwirecutter%2Freviews%2Fbest-microwave%2F) [Skip To Content](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#main) We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. [Learn more›](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/about/) BROWSESections in this article [Why you should trust us](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#why-you-should-trust-us) [Who this is for](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#who-this-is-for) [How we picked and tested](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#how-we-picked-and-tested) [Top pick: Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves) [Other Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves to consider](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves-to-consider) [Runner-up: Toshiba EM131A5C](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#runner-up-toshiba-em131a5c) [Other Toshiba Lifestyle microwaves to consider](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-toshiba-lifestyle-microwaves-to-consider) [Best for small spaces: GE GCST07N1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1) [Other GE Appliances microwaves to consider](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-ge-appliances-microwaves-to-consider) [Best for convection and air frying: Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-convection-and-air-frying-panasonic-homechef-connect-4-in-1-multi-oven-nn-cv87qs) [Other microwaves worth considering](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-microwaves-worth-considering) [The competition](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#the-competition) [What to look forward to](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#what-to-look-forward-to) [Sources](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#sources) 1. [Appliances](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/appliances/) 2. [Small home appliances](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/appliances/small/) # The Best Microwave Updated January 28, 2026 Save ![](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-14-2x1-1.jpg?width=150&quality=20&crop=2:1&auto=webp) ![Our five picks for best microwave alongside an assortment of microwavable food.]() Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter By [Rachel Wharton](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/authors/rachel-wharton/) Rachel Wharton is a writer covering kitchen appliances. She used 72 bags of popcorn to find the best microwave (and set the office on fire only once). FYI We’ve noticed ongoing stock issues with our top-pick microwave, the [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244869/?merchant=Amazon), and some of its variants. We now recommend multiple versions of this model. January 2026 If you use your countertop microwave only to zap cold coffee or nuke bags of buttered popcorn, [any model](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#how-we-picked-and-tested) will do. But nearly any other food prep — defrosting the latest [frozen flavors from Trader Joe’s](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/our-favorite-things-trader-joes/), reheating leftovers, making [crispy bacon](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub3jmvzFmtE) — benefits from a better machine. Most microwaves are made by the same two or three factories and tend to look, feel, and function similarly, and are sold at comparable prices. But the [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244869/?merchant=Amazon) and [its iterations](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves-to-consider) are an exception, as they can zap, nuke, defrost, reheat, and steam more evenly and efficiently than competitors. The NN-SN686S also comes with more thoughtful features and functionality, and it looks and feels a little nicer than the rest. ### Everything we recommend #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/72807/Panasonic-Genius-Sensor-Inverter-NN-SN686S_20260122-225659_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon) ## [The best microwave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon "The best microwave") ### [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon "Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S") This midsize microwave offers the most even heating and the most useful, accurate sensors of any model we tested, and it opens with a button. But it lacks instant-start express settings. [\$292 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon) [\$288 from The Home Depot](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/227826/4/244860?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) [\$295 from Panasonic](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221894/4/244860?merchant=Panasonic) [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/63707/Panasonic-NN-SN65QSD_20260122-225600_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target) ## [The best microwave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target "The best microwave") ### [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN65QSD](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target "Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN65QSD") This version of our pick has a slightly different facade and is sold only at Target. [\$170 from Target](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target) #### Runner-up [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/28187/Toshiba-EM131A5C_20250418-043534_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon) ## [Instant-start settings, but less precise](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon "Instant-start settings, but less precise") ### [Toshiba EM131A5C](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon "Toshiba EM131A5C") This midsize microwave has instant-start express settings, a wide range of functions, and a door handle instead of a button. But it doesn’t heat as quickly or as evenly as our pick. [\$149 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon) #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/66110/GE-GCST07N1_20250716-211751_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon) ## [Best for small spaces](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon "Best for small spaces") ### [GE GCST07N1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon "GE GCST07N1") The most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow. [\$110 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon) [\$109 from The Home Depot](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/233657/4/244867?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/72809/Panasonic-HomeChef-Connect-4-in-1-Multi-oven-NN-CV87QS_20250716-211908_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy) ## [Best for convection and air frying](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy "Best for convection and air frying") ### [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy "Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS") Microwaves with convection-oven, broiler, and air-fryer capabilities are far from perfect, but this handsome, well-made option is an excellent microwave and easier than others to clean. [\$486 from Best Buy](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy) [\$530 from Panasonic](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/221901/4/244868?merchant=Panasonic) # What to consider *** - Handle or button A button tends to look nicer and is easier to use, but some people prefer a handle. We have picks with both. - Instant start Some models automatically start cooking at the highest power when you press a number — preferable for shared kitchens but not great for most food. - Sizes Midsize is ideal for most kitchens. Extra-large or extra-powerful microwaves are typically unnecessary, while compact models are too small. - A combo option You can pay more for a microwave with convection-bake, broil, and air-fryer functions, but it isn’t a total replacement for all those countertop appliances. #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/72807/Panasonic-Genius-Sensor-Inverter-NN-SN686S_20260122-225659_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon) ## [The best microwave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon "The best microwave") ### [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon "Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S") This midsize microwave offers the most even heating and the most useful, accurate sensors of any model we tested, and it opens with a button. But it lacks instant-start express settings. [\$292 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon) [\$288 from The Home Depot](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/227826/4/244860?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) [\$295 from Panasonic](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221894/4/244860?merchant=Panasonic) [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/63707/Panasonic-NN-SN65QSD_20260122-225600_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target) ## [The best microwave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target "The best microwave") ### [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN65QSD](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target "Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN65QSD") This version of our pick has a slightly different facade and is sold only at Target. [\$170 from Target](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target) The well-priced, midsize [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244869/?merchant=Amazon) — and the similar [NN-SN65QSD](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/192104/?merchant=Target) (sold exclusively at Target) — cooked more evenly and precisely than any other microwaves we tested, with fewer hot and cold spots. They have a modern aesthetic with an appealingly large button that opens the door latch and was the easiest to use among the microwaves we tried. These models don’t have instant-start express settings, such as a button to add 30 seconds, which many people love. But the sensor-reheat option is especially useful, as it automatically shuts off when it senses the proper amount of steam. One drawback of these models is that they’re often sold out. But because they are available in many similar versions (as well as [other finishes and sizes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves-to-consider)), you’ll typically be able to find options. The NN-SN686S is usually available only online from [Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244869/?merchant=Amazon), [Walmart](https://wrctr.co/3NCmYPp) (may be out of stock), [Home Depot](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/227826/4/244869/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot), and [Panasonic.com](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221894/4/244869/?merchant=Panasonic). Another version, the [NN-SN68QB](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72808/221898/4/244878/?merchant=Costco), is sold by Costco ([membership required](https://www.costco.com/join-costco.html?redirectLogin=false)). Both the NN-SN686S and the NN-SN65QSD allow for an optional matching trim kit for a built-in look. ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 12.25 by 20.69 by 15.81 inches (HWD) **Power:** 1,200 watts **Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet **Warranty:** one year, five years for the magnetron (parts only) #### Runner-up [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/28187/Toshiba-EM131A5C_20250418-043534_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon) ## [Instant-start settings, but less precise](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon "Instant-start settings, but less precise") ### [Toshiba EM131A5C](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon "Toshiba EM131A5C") This midsize microwave has instant-start express settings, a wide range of functions, and a door handle instead of a button. But it doesn’t heat as quickly or as evenly as our pick. [\$149 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon) The midsize [Toshiba EM131A5C](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/80685/?merchant=Amazon) has a nicer design and a broader range of functions — including convenient instant-start settings that many people consider a must-have — than most other microwaves at its price. It performed solidly in our tests, but it didn’t heat as quickly, precisely, or evenly as our top pick, and it’s slightly less powerful. This model has a sturdy door handle, which some people prefer over a push button. The EM131A5C is available in two finishes, as well as [other sizes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-toshiba-lifestyle-microwaves-to-consider). ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 12.8 by 20.5 by 17.1 inches (HWD) **Power:** 1,100 watts **Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet **Warranty:** one year #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/66110/GE-GCST07N1_20250716-211751_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon) ## [Best for small spaces](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon "Best for small spaces") ### [GE GCST07N1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon "GE GCST07N1") The most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow. [\$110 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon) [\$109 from The Home Depot](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/233657/4/244867?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) The [GE GCST07N1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/200615/?merchant=Amazon) is a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than any other compact microwave we tested. It’s sturdier, too, though the cavity is wide enough for only a medium-size dinner plate. This microwave didn’t cook as evenly or precisely as our top pick, but it was faster than similarly sized models with higher wattage, and it has convenient instant-start express settings. It is available in three finishes (the most of our picks) and [a version](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-ge-appliances-microwaves-to-consider) that you can mount under a cabinet. ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 10.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches (HWD) **Power:** 700 watts **Capacity:** 0.7 cubic foot **Warranty:** one year #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/72809/Panasonic-HomeChef-Connect-4-in-1-Multi-oven-NN-CV87QS_20250716-211908_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy) ## [Best for convection and air frying](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy "Best for convection and air frying") ### [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy "Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS") Microwaves with convection-oven, broiler, and air-fryer capabilities are far from perfect, but this handsome, well-made option is an excellent microwave and easier than others to clean. [\$486 from Best Buy](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy) [\$530 from Panasonic](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/221901/4/244868?merchant=Panasonic) The [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244879/?merchant=Best%20Buy) combines microwaving, fan-assisted convection baking, broiling, and air frying in one sleek stainless steel machine. It’s a nice option for a tiny kitchen or as a temporary replacement for an oven. It microwaved as well as our top pick in our tests. Like other combination microwaves, though, it can’t brown or crisp foods as effectively or quickly as a traditional oven or [air fryer toaster oven](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven/). But its hidden baking element (in contrast to most other combination microwaves, which have an exposed element) seems to improve results, and it’s easier to clean. The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven also provided the most support for learning how to use the admittedly complicated machine. (A recipe app can also connect to the microwave via Wi-Fi, so that you could monitor timers or change a handful of settings remotely.) ### Key specs **Dimensions:**13\.5 by 22.1 by 17.7 inches (HWD) **Power:** 1,000 watts **Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet **Warranty:** three years, one year for the magnetron (parts only) ### Get today’s recommendation Expert advice. Very good deals. The absolute best (and worst) things we’ve tested lately. Sent to your inbox daily. Email Address ## The research ## Why you should trust us I’m a writer covering large kitchen appliances at Wirecutter, and I have nearly 20 years of experience writing about food, cooking, and the culinary industry. I’ve written guides to [gas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gas-ranges/) and [electric ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-and-gas-ranges/), [induction cooktops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-induction-cooktop/), and [refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-refrigerator/). I also offer advice on how to make the most of large kitchen appliances, including tips on [cleaning your microwave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-a-microwave/) and [improving its performance](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/how-to-improve-microwave-performance/). For this guide: - We researched and tested dozens of microwaves since 2014. - We interviewed home cooks, kitchen and product designers, product engineers, and multiple representatives from the brands we cover. We evaluated thousands of owner reviews to gauge reliability and common flaws. - We attended appliance trade shows and visited dozens of big-box stores and small showrooms to get a sense of trends and gain hands-on experience with common features. - We disassembled microwaves and analyzed public import records. - We’ve hosted paid testers with diverse backgrounds, builds, heights, and mobility levels to discuss and test microwaves at our office in Long Island City, New York. Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any [business implications](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/how-wirecutter-makes-money/) of my editorial recommendations, and in accordance with [Wirecutter standards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/yes-i-work-at-wirecutter-no-we-dont-get-a-bunch-of-free-stuff/), I return or donate all products I’ve tested once my assessment of them is complete. Read more about our [editorial standards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/editorial-standards/). ## Who this is for This guide focuses on countertop microwaves, including [compact](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1) and multifunction [convection/air-fryer models](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-convection-and-air-frying-panasonic-homechef-connect-4-in-1-multi-oven-nn-cv87qs). Most microwaves have similar components, so this guide highlights a handful of higher-quality microwaves that work a bit better or look and feel a little nicer than the vast majority (they also cost a little more). But if you use a microwave only for a few small tasks that don’t require a lot of precision — popping popcorn, heating liquids — and don’t care what it looks like, you might be fine with a [budget model](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#how-we-picked-and-tested). Some of our recommendations have matching trim kits that allow you to install them in a cutout in the wall or a cabinet so the machine resembles a more expensive built-in microwave or microwave drawer for a fraction of the cost of a built-in model. ## How we picked and tested ![A bag of popcorn inside one of the microwaves we tested.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00047.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter To test each microwave, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of foods, including burritos, butter, chicken breasts, coffee, fried rice, frozen broccoli, mac and cheese, pizza, and popcorn. For convection/air-fryer models, we also air-fried, baked, and toasted. Specifically, we evaluate: **Size:** Microwaves can be small/compact (0.7 to 0.9 cubic foot of capacity), midsize (1 to 1.6 cubic feet of capacity), and large (up to 2.2 cubic feet of capacity). We’ve found around 1.2 cubic feet of capacity and a 12-inch carousel is ideal for most households. This size can fit a 12-inch dinner plate, a 9-inch square casserole dish with handles, a large bag of microwave popcorn, two frozen dinners, four mugs, or two smaller bowls. **Build and design:** A microwave should feel sturdy and be hefty enough to stay put when you open and close the door. The display should be easy to read, and any buttons, knobs, or handles should not be difficult to turn, pull, or press, particularly for anyone with mobility issues. We also sought out models that look good, if not great, with appealing shapes and bodies made of more metal than plastic (or, at least, better-quality plastic). **Door latches:** We prefer microwaves with a button to open the door latch because they are generally easier to use (and [ADA-compliant](https://www.geappliances.com/ge/ada-compliant/#ada-microwave-requirements)) and safer (you’re less likely to drag the machine when you open the door). But we do recommend a few options with handles, which some people (including some of our paid testers) prefer. **Noise:** Larger, more powerful, better-quality microwaves tend to be louder than smaller ones. If your microwave is especially loud or annoying, consider moving it so that the sound isn’t reflecting off a wall or cabinet. **Even heating:** All microwaves heat foods somewhat unevenly. We evaluated evenness by cooking different foods — including marshmallows, which show hot spots and degrees of doneness — across the breadth of the turntable. Microwaves with an [inverter](https://www.panasonic.com/mea/en/consumer/cooking-learn/technology/what_s-an-inverter-.html) motor, which can run at variable speeds and allows for continuous cooking at lower power levels, cooked and defrosted more evenly with less power. (Traditional transformer-powered microwaves cycle between bursts of full power and zero power to achieve similar results.) To assess evenness, we microwaved raw, frozen chicken breasts at 50% power for 14 minutes before checking the temperature at three points. ![Some of the foods we used to test the microwaves, including frozen burritos and chilled butter.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00199.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) In our testing, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of different foods. Marki WIlliams/NYT Wirecutter ![A food thermometer measuring the temperature of a post-microwave frozen burrito.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00266.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) To test how evenly each microwave heated, we microwaved foods such as frozen burritos on high and then took temperature readings at three different points. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter ![A person taking the temperature of a reheated frozen meal with a food thermometer.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00247.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) We took the temperature of frozen meals to test how evenly each microwave heated. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter ![A person checking on a bowl of microwavable macaroni in the microwave.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00145-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) We tested the pasta setting on automatic cooking sensors with bowls of microwavable macaroni. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter ![A person testing the temperature of a bowl of microwaved macaroni with a food thermometer.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00096.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) To test automatic sensor reheat settings, we heated a variety of foods and made sure that the temperature reached at least 165 °F, according to the USDA’s food-safety rules. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter ![A person putting two chilled sticks of butter in the microwave.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00201.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) To test low-power and melt settings, we warmed room-temperature and frozen butter. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter ![A person holding a tray of air-fried chicken nuggets.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00310.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) For combination microwaves that also had convection-oven and air-fryer capabilities, we baked, fried (chicken nuggets), broiled, and toasted. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter In our testing, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of different foods. Marki WIlliams/NYT Wirecutter ![Some of the foods we used to test the microwaves, including frozen burritos and chilled butter.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00199.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150) ![A food thermometer measuring the temperature of a post-microwave frozen burrito.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00266.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150) ![A person taking the temperature of a reheated frozen meal with a food thermometer.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00247.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150) ![A person checking on a bowl of microwavable macaroni in the microwave.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00145-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150) ![A person testing the temperature of a bowl of microwaved macaroni with a food thermometer.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00096.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150) ![A person putting two chilled sticks of butter in the microwave.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00201.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150) ![A person holding a tray of air-fried chicken nuggets.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00310.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150) **Speed and power:** All countertop microwaves have between 700 and 1,250 watts of power. Higher power heats things more quickly, but our testing revealed that even [a small, 700-watt microwave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1) can heat foods and liquids to appropriate temperatures, albeit slightly slower. Plus, foods defrost and cook more evenly at lower power levels, which also helps avoid splattering, drying out foods, and overcooking edges. **Useful cooking functions:** Nearly every microwave expert we spoke to said that the vast majority of microwave owners use the “add 30 seconds” button exclusively. We heard the same thing from our paid testers and regular cooks, too. So we didn’t pay much attention to specific presets for items such as a potato, popcorn, or pizza, or instant-start express settings (for example, pressing “2” starts the microwave at its highest power for two minutes). But we did give extra credit to microwaves whose additional features produced better results without imposing a major learning curve. ![View of the inner workings of three microwaves that we tested to find the best.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwave-2048px-5.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) From left: an RCA-brand model, manufactured by Galanz, and models from Amazon, Black+Decker, and GE, all manufactured by Midea and built around the same core components. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter **Brand and reliability:** The majority of under-\$100 countertop microwaves sold in the US, regardless of brand name, are made by a few companies overseas, primarily Midea and Galanz. We focus on microwaves made by the few brands that either manufacture their own microwaves or work with large manufacturers to produce models with improved design or functionality. Their microwaves also tend to have better-quality mechanical parts, especially the door latch, which often breaks (the machine won’t operate with a broken latch). We checked for accessible company websites and customer service. **UL Solutions certification:** We only considered microwaves with certification from [UL Solutions](https://www.ul.com/look-ul-safety-mark-you-buy#:~:text=The%20UL%20safety%20Mark%20means,they%20still%20meet%20the%20requirements.), a firm that sets safety standards for most small appliances in the United States. (Any UL Solutions–certified microwave manufactured after April 1, 2024, requires a [child-lock system](https://ulse.org/insight/ul-standards-engagement-standards-matter-standards-microwaves-helping-minimize-risk-thermal-burns/) to help prevent burns. Adults can override the lock.) ## Top pick: Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves ![Our pick for best microwave, the Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwave.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-4.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/72807/Panasonic-Genius-Sensor-Inverter-NN-SN686S_20260122-225659_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon) ## [The best microwave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon "The best microwave") ### [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon "Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S") This midsize microwave offers the most even heating and the most useful, accurate sensors of any model we tested, and it opens with a button. But it lacks instant-start express settings. [\$292 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon) [\$288 from The Home Depot](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/227826/4/244860?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) [\$295 from Panasonic](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221894/4/244860?merchant=Panasonic) [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/63707/Panasonic-NN-SN65QSD_20260122-225600_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target) ## [The best microwave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target "The best microwave") ### [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN65QSD](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target "Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN65QSD") This version of our pick has a slightly different facade and is sold only at Target. [\$170 from Target](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target) We’ve been recommending Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves since 2020. The [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244869/?merchant=Amazon) aced our tests, has useful extra features, and looks good, too. We also recommend the similar [NN-SN65QSD](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/192104/?merchant=Target), sold exclusively at Target, and the Costco-exclusive [NN-SN68QB](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72808/221898/4/244878/?merchant=Costco) ([membership required](https://www.costco.com/join-costco.html?redirectLogin=false)). **It’s powerful, and it cooked better and more evenly than any other model we tested.** The NN-SN686S heated food quickly, bringing a bowl of soup to 147 °F in just 2 minutes, more than 10 degrees higher than machines we tested with about the same power (1,200 watts). It cooks more quickly at lower power levels than some more powerful models thanks to its [inverter motor](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#how-we-picked-and-tested). The NN-SN686S had the fewest hot (overcooked) and cold (undercooked) points in all of our cooking tests. It was also faster and better at more delicate tasks such as defrosting chicken breasts or cooking them at medium power, as other machines gave us icier middles and more overcooked edges. And its defrosted vegetables were a little less soggy. ![A close-up of the buttons on the NN-SN67HS.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-5.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The NN-SN686S’s sensor-reheat setting (top row, middle button), which monitors humidity and determines whether your food is done based on the amount of steam in the cavity, worked well in our tests. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **Its sensor-reheat settings work really well, unlike on most other models.** The NN-SN686S’s sensors monitor humidity and determine whether your food is done based on the amount of steam released. In our tests, everything from room-temperature mac and cheese to icy-cold chicken parmesan ended up at an [appropriate temperature](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart), between 170 °F and 180 °F when we used the sensor settings. The NN-SN686S has 12 sensor-cook modes for foods such as pasta, rice, frozen pizza, and baked potatoes, all of which worked fairly well in our tests. You select them by number. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The NN-SN686S also has 12 sensor-cook modes for foods such as pasta, rice, frozen pizza, and baked potatoes. They worked fairly well in our tests. You can dial in these settings further with the microwave’s More and Less buttons, which add or subtract time. ![A piece of cheese pizza seen through the open door of the NN-SN67HS.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-7.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Our paid testers liked the big, responsive button that opened the door of the NN-SN686S — by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **It has basic functions most people want, plus useful extras.** The NN-SN686S has an Add 30 Seconds button, automatic programs for three sizes of microwave popcorn, the ability to defrost by weight or volume, and a setting to mute beeps. You can also set delayed or multi-step cooking (such as five minutes at high power and three minutes at low power) or add a “standing time” during which your food sits with the power off for a bit before it’s time to eat, as many microwaveable meals recommend. ![A pyrex measuring cup of water seen through the open door of the NN-SN67HS alongside a couple of glass bowls.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-6.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The NN-SN686S is spacious enough for a variety of cookware, including a 1-quart measuring cup and a 5-quart mixing bowl. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **It’s an ideal size and has a nice design for its price.** The NN-SN686S is spacious enough for an extra-large dinner plate, a 5-quart mixing bowl, most medium casserole dishes, two frozen dinners, or three soup bowls. It also looks better than most similarly priced countertop microwaves, with more metal than plastic and a crisply designed exterior. (You can buy a [trim kit](https://help.na.panasonic.com/answers/trim-kit-finder-use-this-trim-kit-finder-to-find-compatible-trim-kits-for-microwave-ovens-sold-in-the-usa) if you’d like to install it flush in a cabinet for a [built-in look](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63738/204623/4/192202/?merchant=Panasonic).) **It opens easily with a button.** Our [paid testers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#why-you-should-trust-us) liked this model’s big, responsive button — the NN-SN686S was by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested. **It’s durable, with good online support.** We’ve talked to multiple owners who have been using this microwave for several years — including one who uses it in a professional kitchen — and none have encountered chips, scratches, or a warped control panel. The company also has an extensive [troubleshooting and support guide](https://help.na.panasonic.com/microwave-multi-ovens/microwave-ovens) online. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **It has no instant-start express settings.** Unlike on our [runner-up](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#runner-up-toshiba-em131a5c), you’ll have to enter a time or power level and press the start button to begin cooking. **Service can be a bit of a pain.** You must either ship your microwave to a service center or take it into a certified repair shop, if you’re lucky enough to have one [within driving distance](https://repairs.hwy905.com/panasonicservicelocator). ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 12.25 by 20.69 by 15.81 inches (HWD) **Power:** 1,200 watts **Capacity:** 1\.2 cubic feet **Warranty:** one year, five years for the magnetron (parts only) ## Other Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves to consider If you’d like our pick in a different finish, consider the all-white [NN-SN65KW](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63708/204558/4/244870/?merchant=Best%20Buy) or the all-stainless [NN-SN68KS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63709/204559/4/192108/?merchant=Amazon). If you need a larger version of our pick, the 1.6-cubic-foot [Panasonic Cyclonic Wave Inverter NN-SN76LS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63710/204560/4/192109/?merchant=Panasonic) is a little taller and has a wider body, with a 14-inch carousel that fits extra-large plates or dishes. Its [Cyclonic Wave feature](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEILEEPYiEs) is designed to distribute microwaves more evenly than our pick, and it did seem to heat more uniformly and gently in our tests. If you want a smart version of our pick, the [NN-SV79MS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63711/204561/4/244871/?merchant=Amazon) connects via Wi-Fi to an Alexa device, which you can use to run dozens of functions via voice commands (like “microwave on high power for one minute”). It has a fully stainless steel exterior and controls. ## Runner-up: Toshiba EM131A5C ![Our pick for best runner-up microwave, the Toshiba EM131A5C.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-8.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter #### Runner-up [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/28187/Toshiba-EM131A5C_20250418-043534_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon) ## [Instant-start settings, but less precise](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon "Instant-start settings, but less precise") ### [Toshiba EM131A5C](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon "Toshiba EM131A5C") This midsize microwave has instant-start express settings, a wide range of functions, and a door handle instead of a button. But it doesn’t heat as quickly or as evenly as our pick. [\$149 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon) We’ve recommended the midsize [Toshiba EM131A5C](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/80685/?merchant=Amazon) for years as a solid but basic microwave amid a sea of similar models. The EM131A5C has ample power and will do just fine, but its overall performance is not nearly as strong as that of our top pick. **It’s a good-size machine with plenty of power.** Roughly the same size as our top pick but a little deeper, the 1,100-watt EM131A5C has a carousel that is slightly more than 12 inches in diameter. ![A close-up of the buttons on the Toshiba EM131A5C.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-9.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Touch any number from 1 to 6 on the number pad, and the Toshiba EM131A5C automatically starts at the highest power setting — no need to set a power level or touch the start button. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **It has the features that most people want.** These include a +30Sec. button, the ability to mute beeps, and sensor-enabled auto-reheat and auto-cooking buttons for making popcorn or melting butter (though in our tests, the auto-cooking selections didn’t always work accurately). It also has instant-start express settings: Press 1 to 6 on the number pad, and the microwave starts cooking at the highest power setting for that number of minutes. **It looks better than most microwaves in its price range.** The EM131A5C isn’t as sophisticated-looking as our top pick, but it isn’t a plastic clone. It also has a handle, instead of a button, which some people prefer. This model is hefty enough to stay put on the counter when you pull the handle to open it. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **It isn’t as good as our pick.** The EM131A5C, which does not have an [inverter motor](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#how-we-picked-and-tested), is not as accurate or fast as our top pick, and it doesn’t heat as evenly, either. But it performs about as well as other microwaves you can find for a similar price. ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 12\.8 by 20.5 by 17.1 inches (HWD) **Power:** 1,100 watts **Capacity:** 1\.2 cubic feet **Warranty:** one year ## Other Toshiba Lifestyle microwaves to consider The [Toshiba ML-EM09PA](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/68344/212899/4/208875/?merchant=Amazon) is a slightly smaller version of our pick, with a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity, 900 watts of power, and a 10.6-inch turntable. It doesn’t have a sensor for auto-heating modes. The [Toshiba ML-EM45PIT](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/50378/180341/4/192111/?merchant=Amazon) has an [inverter motor](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#how-we-picked-and-tested) and costs a bit more. It performed a little faster and heated more evenly than our runner-up, though not on a par with our [top pick](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves). ## Best for small spaces: GE GCST07N1 ![Our pick for best ultra-compact and sturdy microwave, the GE GCST07N1.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/66110/GE-GCST07N1_20250716-211751_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon) ## [Best for small spaces](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon "Best for small spaces") ### [GE GCST07N1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon "GE GCST07N1") The most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow. [\$110 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon) [\$109 from The Home Depot](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/233657/4/244867?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) We’ve recommended a version of the GE Appliances [GE GCST07N1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/200615/?merchant=Amazon) ultra-compact microwave since 2016, both for its affordability and its small size. Here's why we're fans: **It’s a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves.** The GCST07N1 is about 2 inches shorter, 3 inches narrower, and 3 inches shallower than our top pick. It is even a tad smaller than the tiny Galanz Retro, a popular cheap compact model that we [tested and dismissed](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#the-competition). **But it’s narrow inside.** The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 10.4-inch carousel still accommodate a medium-size mixing bowl or dinner plate, but anything even slightly wider than the turntable (a New York–style pizza slice, a medium-size bag of microwave popcorn) will get stuck on the walls. ![The GE JES1072 sitting next to a crock of wooden spoons and two colorful storage tins.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-2.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The GE GCST07N1 is a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves — and more attractive, too. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **It performed better than the other compact models we evaluated.** This microwave cooked a little more quickly and evenly than other models of the same size, which are nearly all lower-cost [clones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#how-we-picked-and-tested). ![A close-up of the buttons on the GE JES1072.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-3.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The GE GCST07N1 has more automatic-cooking settings than other models of the same size, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **It has more features than most compact models.** This microwave has a good assortment of automatic-cooking settings, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food. It also has an Add 30 Sec button, as well as express-start settings. **It’s sturdy, and it looks and feels nice.** It has a more attractive design (the stainless steel version in particular) and a heftier body than most compact models we tested, most of which felt flimsy and cheap. Its metal button is also easy to use. **GE has a good reputation for customer service**. GE Appliances is one of a handful of companies that work directly with large microwave manufacturers to make models to their specifications, instead of just putting their logo on a machine. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **It takes longer to heat things up.** With only 700 watts of power, it is a little slower than our other picks, but this performance is typical for a compact model. ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 10\.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches (HWD) **Power:** 700 watts **Capacity:** 0.7 cubic foot **Warranty:** one-year limited (parts and labor) ## Other GE Appliances microwaves to consider The [GE GCHK07N1 Spacemaker](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66115/209026/4/200624/?merchant=Amazon) is essentially the same microwave as [our compact pick](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1), but it has a slightly deeper body and is designed to work with a hanging kit (sold separately) so that you can mount it under a cabinet or shelf. The [GE GCST09N1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66118/209027/4/244872/?merchant=Amazon) has slightly more capacity and power than [our compact pick](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1), and it’s one of the few microwaves available that are compatible with Alexa devices and support “scan-to-cook,” both of which require the GE Appliances Smart HQ app. Scan-to-cook allows you to scan the QR code on the label of [any product that is in the database](https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=37351&_ga=2.148303735.1940934662.1716333483-508954188.1715182832), use the Smart HQ app to wirelessly send the GCST09N1 the cooking instructions (including power-level adjustments and timing), and hit Start. From the app, you can add 30 seconds of time or turn off the microwave. But figuring out the Alexa commands is tricky. ## Best for convection and air frying: Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS ![Our pick for best convection and air-fryer microwave, the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/07/NN-CV87KS_handout_from_Panasonic-1-scaled.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Panasonic #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/72809/Panasonic-HomeChef-Connect-4-in-1-Multi-oven-NN-CV87QS_20250716-211908_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy) ## [Best for convection and air frying](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy "Best for convection and air frying") ### [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy "Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS") Microwaves with convection-oven, broiler, and air-fryer capabilities are far from perfect, but this handsome, well-made option is an excellent microwave and easier than others to clean. [\$486 from Best Buy](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy) [\$530 from Panasonic](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/221901/4/244868?merchant=Panasonic) Convection/air-fryer microwaves include fan-assisted convection heating, broiling, and air frying. Though they’ve improved in recent years, they still don’t bake, broil, or air fry as well as a standalone [air fryer toaster oven](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven/) can. But a combo microwave can be useful for a tiny kitchen or as a temporary replacement for an oven, and the [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244879/?merchant=Best%20Buy) is your best choice. **It microwaves almost as well as our top pick.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven heated just as evenly and accurately as our [top pick](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves), which is also from Panasonic. It’s slightly less powerful (1,000 watts versus 1,200 watts), and it has fewer preprogrammed food settings, but most people don’t use extra modes anyway. ![A tray of air-fried crinkle-cut fries.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2454.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) We made well-browned and crispy fries using the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s air fryer setting and included air fryer basket. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter ![A tray of brownies baked in the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2438.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Brownies developed a nice, flaky top and crusty edges when we used the convection setting of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven. We had to microwave them for 10 seconds to fully cook the center, though. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter ![A tray of crunchy chocolate chip cookies baked in the Panasonic.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2716.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Cookies, which are a little thinner than brownies, baked well with the convection setting of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven. Rachel Wharton/NYT Wirecutter ![A tray of flaky biscuits baked beautifully in the Panasonic.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2713.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Ready-to-cook biscuits baked beautifully on the convection oven setting of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter ![A tray of browned cheese toast broiled in the Panasonic.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2596.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The broil setting of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven works well for making items such as browned cheese toast. This model comes with a short metal grill table for use with this function. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter ![A piece of toast made in the Panasonic.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2375.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) You can make toast in the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven, though it takes longer than a toaster (and you have to flip the bread). This model comes with a metal pan designed to help with crisping and browning. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter We made well-browned and crispy fries using the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s air fryer setting and included air fryer basket. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter ![A tray of air-fried crinkle-cut fries.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2454.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) ![A tray of brownies baked in the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2438.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) ![A tray of crunchy chocolate chip cookies baked in the Panasonic.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2716.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) ![A tray of flaky biscuits baked beautifully in the Panasonic.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2713.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) ![A tray of browned cheese toast broiled in the Panasonic.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2596.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) ![A piece of toast made in the Panasonic.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2375.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) **It can broil, air fry, and bake (but slowly and imperfectly).** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is a slow-but-workable broiler, air fryer, and fan-assisted convection oven, producing browned foods, crispy toast, and crunchy chicken nuggets. But it takes longer than a regular oven, and the results aren’t quite as good. **It has a hidden bake element.** In our tests, convection microwave ovens with a hidden bake element broiled or air fried more quickly and didn’t dry out foods nearly as much as those with an exposed element. And hidden bake elements are much easier to clean. **It looks great.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is fully stainless steel, with metal buttons and a large metal knob for setting the time or temperature. It also has an attractive, large LED screen. The Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is fully stainless steel, with a knob for setting the time or temperature. It also has an attractive, large LED screen. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **It provides extensive owner support.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s comprehensive manual provides some helpful tips on which of the included cookware pieces to use, such as a special pan for air frying or a crisper plate for baking and broiling. These suggestions also display on screen. Panasonic has [a recipe app](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/78509/233355/4/244873/?merchant=Google%20Play) developed in partnership with [Fresco](https://recipes.frescocooks.com/collection/653103/new-panasonic-4-in-1-recipes), which gives step-by-step instructions for determining which styles of cooking to choose and how to combine them for the best results. The app can connect to the microwave via Wi-Fi, so that you could monitor times or change a handful of settings remotely. **It has an excellent warranty.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven has a three-year warranty, in contrast to most microwaves, which are covered for one year. Panasonic covers the magnetron (parts only) for four years. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **It can be confusing to use, like most combination microwaves.** Combination microwaves have multiple settings, cookware that can work for ovens but not for microwaves (including air fryer baskets), and the potential to use more than one modality at a time (convection and microwave for baking desserts, say, or broil and convection for roasted meats). **It doesn’t work as well as a regular oven or air fryer toaster oven.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s broiler works fine for browning or melting cheese on top of bread, but it takes upwards of 10 minutes to make toast, which in our tests ended up dry. (You also have to flip it halfway through.) In our tests, this model’s convection oven function baked great chocolate chip cookies but left brownies gooey in the center (remedied with 10 seconds of microwaving). And you can’t adjust the temperature while something is cooking, as you can on a regular oven. ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 13\.5 by 22.1 by 17.7 inches (HWD) **Power:** 1,000 watts **Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet **Warranty:** three years, one year for the magnetron (parts only) ## Other microwaves worth considering ![Another good choice for a microwave, the Breville Smooth Wave.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-10.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **If you want an attractive microwave that also works well:** The 1,250-watt, 1.2-cubic-foot [Breville Smooth Wave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/38877/233511/4/192115/?merchant=Amazon) (pictured above) looks beautiful and feels well built, with a big, easy-to-read control panel, sleek dials, distinctive soft-close doors, and a chunky handle reminiscent of luxury appliances. It also has an extensive list of preprogrammed food settings that work pretty well, though it doesn’t have as many options as [our top pick](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves). The control panel, which walks through many operations step by step, was the easiest to use by far; many of our paid testers commented on how simple it was to do things like dial in a weight for defrosting chicken, without needing to read the manual first. ![A close-up of the control panel and buttons on the Breville Smooth Wave.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-11.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The control panel of the Breville Smooth Wave is the easiest to use of any microwave we tested. Most functions were so easy to figure out, we didn’t need to read the manual first. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The catch is that Breville microwaves cost significantly more than our top pick but fail to match its performance. The 900-watt, 0.9-cubic-foot [Breville Compact Wave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63714/233513/4/192116/?merchant=Amazon) is a smaller version with a slightly different control panel. It isn’t as pleasurable to use as the larger versions, but it’s still very handsome. **If you want a smaller (and more affordable) convection/air-fryer microwave:** The [GE GCST10A1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63715/233514/4/192118/?merchant=Best%20Buy) is slightly smaller and less expensive than [our pick for convection and air frying](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-convection-and-air-frying-panasonic-homechef-connect-4-in-1-multi-oven-nn-cv87qs), the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven. This model also has a hidden heating element, but the microwave wasn’t nearly as good as that of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven, and it doesn’t provide nearly as much help in how to use all the functions. ## The competition ![A lineup of the other microwaves we tested.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-09974.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The popular 0.7-cubic-foot, 700-watt [Galanz Retro](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63716/204620/4/192130/?merchant=Amazon) (available in a few colors from Amazon), while cute, was so light that it moved around the counter anytime we tried to use it. Its thin metal top buckled when we pressed it. This model also cooked unevenly, producing noticeable dark spots in our marshmallow tests. GE Appliances makes [many midsize microwaves](https://wrctr.co/469rafA). We tested an older version of the 1.1-cubic-foot, 950-watt [GE GCST11X](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66119/209028/4/200627/?merchant=Amazon). But in general, these machines don’t perform as well as the midsize [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves) models we recommend. The door buttons on many midsize models also tend to be small and offset to the right, so they’re not as easy to use. We tested a 0.9-cubic-foot, 900-watt Kenmore model (recently replaced by [slightly smaller](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/78514/233517/4/244874/?merchant=Walmart) and [slightly larger](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/78513/233361/4/244875/?merchant=Target) models sold primarily at Target). It performed better than the Galanz Retro, but merely as expected for a microwave at its price — that is, it’s totally fine if you use it only for coffee or popcorn. Our research shows that Samsung makes its own microwaves. But the company sells just a [handful of more expensive models](https://www.samsung.com/us/home-appliances/microwaves/all-microwaves/?type=Countertop) in the US, most of which come with an exposed element on the top of the cavity for what Samsung calls “grilling” functionality. Exposed elements make a microwave extremely hard to clean. More importantly, the few Samsung models we have tested have offered only average microwave performance yet come loaded with hard-to-decipher features or functions and unhelpful manuals. ### Convection/air-fryer microwaves We tested the [Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63720/233519/4/192121/?merchant=Amazon) and the [Toshiba ML-EC42P](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63721/226279/4/192122/?merchant=Amazon). We were impressed with the look and usability of Breville’s version, which is nearly identical to the Breville microwave that [we recommend](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-microwaves-worth-considering). But both the Combi Wave and the ML-EC42P have an exposed baking element on the top of their cavity, a design that tends to dry out food and, more important, makes the appliance much harder to clean. ## What to look forward to We plan to test an inverter model from the [LG NeoChef](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63739/204624/4/192201/?merchant=LG) series, which offers specs similar to those of tour top picks. We’ll also test some new Whirlpool models, such as the attractive [Whirlpool WMC30311LD](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63722/204573/4/192123/?merchant=Whirlpool), and several new Sharp microwaves, including the inverter [SMC1464KS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/78510/233523/4/244876/?merchant=Amazon); the [SMC1585](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63723/204575/4/192124/?merchant=Sharp%20USA), which has convection; and a [model that works with Alexa](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63724/204576/4/192125/?merchant=Sharp%20USA) (there’s also an [inverter version](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/78511/233358/4/244877/?merchant=Amazon)). Additionally, we want to test the [IKEA Tillreda](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63725/204577/4/192126/?merchant=IKEA), a sleek white microwave that matches many of IKEA’s countertop appliances (including a [portable induction cooktop](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-induction-cooktop/#other-induction-cooktops-worth-considering) that we already recommend). *Liam McCabe, Michael Sullivan, and Tim Heffernan wrote previous versions of this guide, which was first published in 2014.* *This article was edited by Ingrid Skjong and Courtney Schley.* ## Sources 1. Catherine Ruspino, [senior vice president, product and solutions, Americas, Breville](https://www.breville.com/en-us "senior vice president, product and solutions, Americas, Breville"), phone interview, March 1, 2024 2. Jessica Focarino, [senior product marketing specialist, Sharp Home Appliances](https://shop.sharpusa.com/ "senior product marketing specialist, Sharp Home Appliances"), in-person interview, February 28, 2024 3. Harriette Thomas, [brand manager, JennAir](https://www.jennair.com/ "brand manager, JennAir"), in-person interview, January 26, 2024 4. Robert DellaValle, [principal engineer, UL Solutions](https://www.ul.com/ "principal engineer, UL Solutions"), video interview, February 22, 2024 5. Bruce Albertson, Jr., [senior commercial director for global specialty products, GE Appliances](https://geappliancesco.com/ "senior commercial director for global specialty products, GE Appliances"), video interview, February 16, 2024 6. Matthew Sandercock, [product marketing senior manager global specialty products, GE Appliances](https://geappliancesco.com/ "product marketing senior manager global specialty products, GE Appliances"), video interview, February 16, 2024 7. Daryl Williams, [executive director global specialty products, GE Appliances](https://geappliancesco.com/ "executive director global specialty products, GE Appliances"), video interview, February 16, 2024 8. Walter Taffarello, [director, new business development and strategic partnerships, Panasonic](https://shop.panasonic.com/collections/microwave-ovens "director, new business development and strategic partnerships, Panasonic"), video interview, February 1, 2024 9. Hiroko Watanabe, [appliance group manager, Panasonic](https://shop.panasonic.com/collections/microwave-ovens "appliance group manager, Panasonic"), video interview, February 1, 2024 10. Kanchan Swaroop, [senior technical advocacy associate, Appliance Standards Awareness Project](https://appliance-standards.org/mission-and-history "senior technical advocacy associate, Appliance Standards Awareness Project"), video interview, October 11, 2023 11. Sarah Snouffer, [founder, Third Street Architecture, Washington, DC](https://www.thirdstreetarchitecture.com/ "founder, Third Street Architecture, Washington, DC"), phone interview, June 26, 2023 ## Meet your guide ![](https://dv-siren-prd.global.ssl.fastly.net/static/img/favicon-wirecutter.svg) Rachel Wharton What I Cover I am based in Brooklyn, New York, and I write about refrigerators, ranges, ovens, microwaves, cooktops, kitchen ventilation, and any other large appliances that relate to cooking, eating, or food. This work includes conducting hands-on tests and researching the best products. It also requires staying on top of environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as related trends in cooking, smart home, accessibility, tech, and kitchen design. ## Further reading - [![An illustration of an open microwave with flames inside.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200512_mwave-fire-630.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/why-microwaves-catch-on-fire/) ### [Why Microwaves Can Catch Fire—And How to Use Yours Safely](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/why-microwaves-catch-on-fire/) by Liam McCabe We occasionally hear from readers about sparking in their microwaves, or even microwave fires, and we decided to get to the bottom of it. - [![Our pick for the best over the range microwave the GE JVM6175.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/otr-microwave-lowres-2092727.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-over-the-range-microwave/) ### [The Best Over-the-Range Microwave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-over-the-range-microwave/) by Liam McCabe We tested six over-the-range microwaves and found that they’re all very similar, but we like the GE JVM6175 because it’s easier to use than most. - [![Various products recommended for cleaning a microwave.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2022/11/clean-everything-microwave-2048px-6877-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-a-microwave/) ### [How to Clean a Microwave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-a-microwave/) by Rachel Wharton This is the easiest method to clean your microwave. All you need is about half an hour and some kitchen staples you likely already have at home. - [![Kitchen with a flat cooktop installed in a kitchen island.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/05/cooktop-2048px-kitchen-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/a-cooktop-is-better-than-a-range/) ### [Redesigning Your Kitchen? Here’s Why a Cooktop Is Better Than a Range.](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/a-cooktop-is-better-than-a-range/) by Rachel Wharton Versatile, design-forward, and great to cook on, a cooktop allows you to customize your kitchen with more flexibility than a freestanding stove. [Edit](https://thewirecutter.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=10455&action=edit) ## Get today’s recommendation Expert advice. Very good deals. The absolute best (and worst) things we've tested lately. Sent to your inbox daily. Email Address [Wirecutter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ "Wirecutter") Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). [Subscribe now](https://www.nytimes.com/subscription/wirecutter?return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fwirecutter%2F) for unlimited access. - [About Wirecutter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/about/ "About Wirecutter") - [Our team](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/masthead/ "Our team") - [Staff demographics](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/staff-demographics/ "Staff demographics") - [Jobs at Wirecutter](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/thenewyorktimes?keyword=wirecutter "Jobs at Wirecutter") - [How to pitch](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/how-to-pitch/ "How to pitch") - [Contact The New York Times](https://help.nytimes.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015385887-Contact-The-New-York-Times "Contact The New York Times") - [Send us feedback](https://www.nytimes.com/article/wirecutter-feedback.html "Send us feedback") - [Newsletters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ "Newsletters") - © 2026 Wirecutter, Inc., [A New York Times Company](https://www.nytimes.com/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.nytimes.com/privacy/privacy-policy "Privacy Policy") - [Terms of Service](https://help.nytimes.com/hc/en-us/articles/115014893428-Terms-of-service "Terms of Service") - [Cookie Policy](https://www.nytimes.com/privacy/cookie-policy "Cookie Policy") - [Partnerships & Advertising](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/partners/ "Partnerships & Advertising") - [Licensing & Reprints](https://info.wrightsmedia.com/nyt-wirecutter-licensing "Licensing & Reprints") - [RSS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/feed/ "RSS")

Readable Markdown

![Our five picks for best microwave alongside an assortment of microwavable food.]() Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter By [Rachel Wharton](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/authors/rachel-wharton/) Rachel Wharton is a writer covering kitchen appliances. She used 72 bags of popcorn to find the best microwave (and set the office on fire only once). If you use your countertop microwave only to zap cold coffee or nuke bags of buttered popcorn, [any model](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#how-we-picked-and-tested) will do. But nearly any other food prep — defrosting the latest [frozen flavors from Trader Joe’s](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/our-favorite-things-trader-joes/), reheating leftovers, making [crispy bacon](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub3jmvzFmtE) — benefits from a better machine. Most microwaves are made by the same two or three factories and tend to look, feel, and function similarly, and are sold at comparable prices. But the [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244869/?merchant=Amazon) and [its iterations](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves-to-consider) are an exception, as they can zap, nuke, defrost, reheat, and steam more evenly and efficiently than competitors. The NN-SN686S also comes with more thoughtful features and functionality, and it looks and feels a little nicer than the rest. Everything we recommend #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/72807/Panasonic-Genius-Sensor-Inverter-NN-SN686S_20260122-225659_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon) [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/63707/Panasonic-NN-SN65QSD_20260122-225600_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target) #### Runner-up [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/28187/Toshiba-EM131A5C_20250418-043534_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon) #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/66110/GE-GCST07N1_20250716-211751_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon) [Best for small spaces](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon "Best for small spaces")[GE GCST07N1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon "GE GCST07N1") The most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow. #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/72809/Panasonic-HomeChef-Connect-4-in-1-Multi-oven-NN-CV87QS_20250716-211908_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy) ## What to consider *** - Handle or button A button tends to look nicer and is easier to use, but some people prefer a handle. We have picks with both. - Instant start Some models automatically start cooking at the highest power when you press a number — preferable for shared kitchens but not great for most food. - Sizes Midsize is ideal for most kitchens. Extra-large or extra-powerful microwaves are typically unnecessary, while compact models are too small. - A combo option You can pay more for a microwave with convection-bake, broil, and air-fryer functions, but it isn’t a total replacement for all those countertop appliances. #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/72807/Panasonic-Genius-Sensor-Inverter-NN-SN686S_20260122-225659_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon) [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/63707/Panasonic-NN-SN65QSD_20260122-225600_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target) The well-priced, midsize [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244869/?merchant=Amazon) — and the similar [NN-SN65QSD](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/192104/?merchant=Target) (sold exclusively at Target) — cooked more evenly and precisely than any other microwaves we tested, with fewer hot and cold spots. They have a modern aesthetic with an appealingly large button that opens the door latch and was the easiest to use among the microwaves we tried. These models don’t have instant-start express settings, such as a button to add 30 seconds, which many people love. But the sensor-reheat option is especially useful, as it automatically shuts off when it senses the proper amount of steam. One drawback of these models is that they’re often sold out. But because they are available in many similar versions (as well as [other finishes and sizes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves-to-consider)), you’ll typically be able to find options. The NN-SN686S is usually available only online from [Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244869/?merchant=Amazon), [Walmart](https://wrctr.co/3NCmYPp) (may be out of stock), [Home Depot](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/227826/4/244869/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot), and [Panasonic.com](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221894/4/244869/?merchant=Panasonic). Another version, the [NN-SN68QB](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72808/221898/4/244878/?merchant=Costco), is sold by Costco ([membership required](https://www.costco.com/join-costco.html?redirectLogin=false)). Both the NN-SN686S and the NN-SN65QSD allow for an optional matching trim kit for a built-in look. ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 12.25 by 20.69 by 15.81 inches (HWD) **Power:** 1,200 watts **Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet **Warranty:** one year, five years for the magnetron (parts only) #### Runner-up [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/28187/Toshiba-EM131A5C_20250418-043534_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon) The midsize [Toshiba EM131A5C](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/80685/?merchant=Amazon) has a nicer design and a broader range of functions — including convenient instant-start settings that many people consider a must-have — than most other microwaves at its price. It performed solidly in our tests, but it didn’t heat as quickly, precisely, or evenly as our top pick, and it’s slightly less powerful. This model has a sturdy door handle, which some people prefer over a push button. The EM131A5C is available in two finishes, as well as [other sizes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-toshiba-lifestyle-microwaves-to-consider). ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 12.8 by 20.5 by 17.1 inches (HWD) **Power:** 1,100 watts **Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet **Warranty:** one year #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/66110/GE-GCST07N1_20250716-211751_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon) [Best for small spaces](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon "Best for small spaces")[GE GCST07N1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon "GE GCST07N1") The most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow. The [GE GCST07N1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/200615/?merchant=Amazon) is a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than any other compact microwave we tested. It’s sturdier, too, though the cavity is wide enough for only a medium-size dinner plate. This microwave didn’t cook as evenly or precisely as our top pick, but it was faster than similarly sized models with higher wattage, and it has convenient instant-start express settings. It is available in three finishes (the most of our picks) and [a version](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-ge-appliances-microwaves-to-consider) that you can mount under a cabinet. ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 10.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches (HWD) **Power:** 700 watts **Capacity:** 0.7 cubic foot **Warranty:** one year #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/72809/Panasonic-HomeChef-Connect-4-in-1-Multi-oven-NN-CV87QS_20250716-211908_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy) The [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244879/?merchant=Best%20Buy) combines microwaving, fan-assisted convection baking, broiling, and air frying in one sleek stainless steel machine. It’s a nice option for a tiny kitchen or as a temporary replacement for an oven. It microwaved as well as our top pick in our tests. Like other combination microwaves, though, it can’t brown or crisp foods as effectively or quickly as a traditional oven or [air fryer toaster oven](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven/). But its hidden baking element (in contrast to most other combination microwaves, which have an exposed element) seems to improve results, and it’s easier to clean. The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven also provided the most support for learning how to use the admittedly complicated machine. (A recipe app can also connect to the microwave via Wi-Fi, so that you could monitor timers or change a handful of settings remotely.) ### Key specs **Dimensions:**13\.5 by 22.1 by 17.7 inches (HWD) **Power:** 1,000 watts **Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet **Warranty:** three years, one year for the magnetron (parts only) The research ## Why you should trust us I’m a writer covering large kitchen appliances at Wirecutter, and I have nearly 20 years of experience writing about food, cooking, and the culinary industry. I’ve written guides to [gas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gas-ranges/) and [electric ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-and-gas-ranges/), [induction cooktops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-induction-cooktop/), and [refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-refrigerator/). I also offer advice on how to make the most of large kitchen appliances, including tips on [cleaning your microwave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-a-microwave/) and [improving its performance](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/how-to-improve-microwave-performance/). For this guide: - We researched and tested dozens of microwaves since 2014. - We interviewed home cooks, kitchen and product designers, product engineers, and multiple representatives from the brands we cover. We evaluated thousands of owner reviews to gauge reliability and common flaws. - We attended appliance trade shows and visited dozens of big-box stores and small showrooms to get a sense of trends and gain hands-on experience with common features. - We disassembled microwaves and analyzed public import records. - We’ve hosted paid testers with diverse backgrounds, builds, heights, and mobility levels to discuss and test microwaves at our office in Long Island City, New York. Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any [business implications](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/how-wirecutter-makes-money/) of my editorial recommendations, and in accordance with [Wirecutter standards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/yes-i-work-at-wirecutter-no-we-dont-get-a-bunch-of-free-stuff/), I return or donate all products I’ve tested once my assessment of them is complete. Read more about our [editorial standards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/editorial-standards/). ## Who this is for This guide focuses on countertop microwaves, including [compact](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1) and multifunction [convection/air-fryer models](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-convection-and-air-frying-panasonic-homechef-connect-4-in-1-multi-oven-nn-cv87qs). Most microwaves have similar components, so this guide highlights a handful of higher-quality microwaves that work a bit better or look and feel a little nicer than the vast majority (they also cost a little more). But if you use a microwave only for a few small tasks that don’t require a lot of precision — popping popcorn, heating liquids — and don’t care what it looks like, you might be fine with a [budget model](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#how-we-picked-and-tested). Some of our recommendations have matching trim kits that allow you to install them in a cutout in the wall or a cabinet so the machine resembles a more expensive built-in microwave or microwave drawer for a fraction of the cost of a built-in model. ## How we picked and tested ![A bag of popcorn inside one of the microwaves we tested.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-00047.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter To test each microwave, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of foods, including burritos, butter, chicken breasts, coffee, fried rice, frozen broccoli, mac and cheese, pizza, and popcorn. For convection/air-fryer models, we also air-fried, baked, and toasted. Specifically, we evaluate: **Size:** Microwaves can be small/compact (0.7 to 0.9 cubic foot of capacity), midsize (1 to 1.6 cubic feet of capacity), and large (up to 2.2 cubic feet of capacity). We’ve found around 1.2 cubic feet of capacity and a 12-inch carousel is ideal for most households. This size can fit a 12-inch dinner plate, a 9-inch square casserole dish with handles, a large bag of microwave popcorn, two frozen dinners, four mugs, or two smaller bowls. **Build and design:** A microwave should feel sturdy and be hefty enough to stay put when you open and close the door. The display should be easy to read, and any buttons, knobs, or handles should not be difficult to turn, pull, or press, particularly for anyone with mobility issues. We also sought out models that look good, if not great, with appealing shapes and bodies made of more metal than plastic (or, at least, better-quality plastic). **Door latches:** We prefer microwaves with a button to open the door latch because they are generally easier to use (and [ADA-compliant](https://www.geappliances.com/ge/ada-compliant/#ada-microwave-requirements)) and safer (you’re less likely to drag the machine when you open the door). But we do recommend a few options with handles, which some people (including some of our paid testers) prefer. **Noise:** Larger, more powerful, better-quality microwaves tend to be louder than smaller ones. If your microwave is especially loud or annoying, consider moving it so that the sound isn’t reflecting off a wall or cabinet. **Even heating:** All microwaves heat foods somewhat unevenly. We evaluated evenness by cooking different foods — including marshmallows, which show hot spots and degrees of doneness — across the breadth of the turntable. Microwaves with an [inverter](https://www.panasonic.com/mea/en/consumer/cooking-learn/technology/what_s-an-inverter-.html) motor, which can run at variable speeds and allows for continuous cooking at lower power levels, cooked and defrosted more evenly with less power. (Traditional transformer-powered microwaves cycle between bursts of full power and zero power to achieve similar results.) To assess evenness, we microwaved raw, frozen chicken breasts at 50% power for 14 minutes before checking the temperature at three points. In our testing, we opened and shut doors, pressed buttons, and warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated dozens of different foods. Marki WIlliams/NYT Wirecutter **Speed and power:** All countertop microwaves have between 700 and 1,250 watts of power. Higher power heats things more quickly, but our testing revealed that even [a small, 700-watt microwave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1) can heat foods and liquids to appropriate temperatures, albeit slightly slower. Plus, foods defrost and cook more evenly at lower power levels, which also helps avoid splattering, drying out foods, and overcooking edges. **Useful cooking functions:** Nearly every microwave expert we spoke to said that the vast majority of microwave owners use the “add 30 seconds” button exclusively. We heard the same thing from our paid testers and regular cooks, too. So we didn’t pay much attention to specific presets for items such as a potato, popcorn, or pizza, or instant-start express settings (for example, pressing “2” starts the microwave at its highest power for two minutes). But we did give extra credit to microwaves whose additional features produced better results without imposing a major learning curve. ![View of the inner workings of three microwaves that we tested to find the best.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwave-2048px-5.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) From left: an RCA-brand model, manufactured by Galanz, and models from Amazon, Black+Decker, and GE, all manufactured by Midea and built around the same core components. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter **Brand and reliability:** The majority of under-\$100 countertop microwaves sold in the US, regardless of brand name, are made by a few companies overseas, primarily Midea and Galanz. We focus on microwaves made by the few brands that either manufacture their own microwaves or work with large manufacturers to produce models with improved design or functionality. Their microwaves also tend to have better-quality mechanical parts, especially the door latch, which often breaks (the machine won’t operate with a broken latch). We checked for accessible company websites and customer service. **UL Solutions certification:** We only considered microwaves with certification from [UL Solutions](https://www.ul.com/look-ul-safety-mark-you-buy#:~:text=The%20UL%20safety%20Mark%20means,they%20still%20meet%20the%20requirements.), a firm that sets safety standards for most small appliances in the United States. (Any UL Solutions–certified microwave manufactured after April 1, 2024, requires a [child-lock system](https://ulse.org/insight/ul-standards-engagement-standards-matter-standards-microwaves-helping-minimize-risk-thermal-burns/) to help prevent burns. Adults can override the lock.) ## Top pick: Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves ![Our pick for best microwave, the Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwave.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-4.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/72807/Panasonic-Genius-Sensor-Inverter-NN-SN686S_20260122-225659_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244860?merchant=Amazon) [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/63707/Panasonic-NN-SN65QSD_20260122-225600_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/244865?merchant=Target) We’ve been recommending Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves since 2020. The [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72807/221893/4/244869/?merchant=Amazon) aced our tests, has useful extra features, and looks good, too. We also recommend the similar [NN-SN65QSD](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63707/221900/4/192104/?merchant=Target), sold exclusively at Target, and the Costco-exclusive [NN-SN68QB](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72808/221898/4/244878/?merchant=Costco) ([membership required](https://www.costco.com/join-costco.html?redirectLogin=false)). **It’s powerful, and it cooked better and more evenly than any other model we tested.** The NN-SN686S heated food quickly, bringing a bowl of soup to 147 °F in just 2 minutes, more than 10 degrees higher than machines we tested with about the same power (1,200 watts). It cooks more quickly at lower power levels than some more powerful models thanks to its [inverter motor](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#how-we-picked-and-tested). The NN-SN686S had the fewest hot (overcooked) and cold (undercooked) points in all of our cooking tests. It was also faster and better at more delicate tasks such as defrosting chicken breasts or cooking them at medium power, as other machines gave us icier middles and more overcooked edges. And its defrosted vegetables were a little less soggy. ![A close-up of the buttons on the NN-SN67HS.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-5.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The NN-SN686S’s sensor-reheat setting (top row, middle button), which monitors humidity and determines whether your food is done based on the amount of steam in the cavity, worked well in our tests. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **Its sensor-reheat settings work really well, unlike on most other models.** The NN-SN686S’s sensors monitor humidity and determine whether your food is done based on the amount of steam released. In our tests, everything from room-temperature mac and cheese to icy-cold chicken parmesan ended up at an [appropriate temperature](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart), between 170 °F and 180 °F when we used the sensor settings. The NN-SN686S has 12 sensor-cook modes for foods such as pasta, rice, frozen pizza, and baked potatoes, all of which worked fairly well in our tests. You select them by number. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The NN-SN686S also has 12 sensor-cook modes for foods such as pasta, rice, frozen pizza, and baked potatoes. They worked fairly well in our tests. You can dial in these settings further with the microwave’s More and Less buttons, which add or subtract time. ![A piece of cheese pizza seen through the open door of the NN-SN67HS.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-7.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Our paid testers liked the big, responsive button that opened the door of the NN-SN686S — by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **It has basic functions most people want, plus useful extras.** The NN-SN686S has an Add 30 Seconds button, automatic programs for three sizes of microwave popcorn, the ability to defrost by weight or volume, and a setting to mute beeps. You can also set delayed or multi-step cooking (such as five minutes at high power and three minutes at low power) or add a “standing time” during which your food sits with the power off for a bit before it’s time to eat, as many microwaveable meals recommend. ![A pyrex measuring cup of water seen through the open door of the NN-SN67HS alongside a couple of glass bowls.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-6.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The NN-SN686S is spacious enough for a variety of cookware, including a 1-quart measuring cup and a 5-quart mixing bowl. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **It’s an ideal size and has a nice design for its price.** The NN-SN686S is spacious enough for an extra-large dinner plate, a 5-quart mixing bowl, most medium casserole dishes, two frozen dinners, or three soup bowls. It also looks better than most similarly priced countertop microwaves, with more metal than plastic and a crisply designed exterior. (You can buy a [trim kit](https://help.na.panasonic.com/answers/trim-kit-finder-use-this-trim-kit-finder-to-find-compatible-trim-kits-for-microwave-ovens-sold-in-the-usa) if you’d like to install it flush in a cabinet for a [built-in look](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63738/204623/4/192202/?merchant=Panasonic).) **It opens easily with a button.** Our [paid testers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#why-you-should-trust-us) liked this model’s big, responsive button — the NN-SN686S was by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested. **It’s durable, with good online support.** We’ve talked to multiple owners who have been using this microwave for several years — including one who uses it in a professional kitchen — and none have encountered chips, scratches, or a warped control panel. The company also has an extensive [troubleshooting and support guide](https://help.na.panasonic.com/microwave-multi-ovens/microwave-ovens) online. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **It has no instant-start express settings.** Unlike on our [runner-up](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#runner-up-toshiba-em131a5c), you’ll have to enter a time or power level and press the start button to begin cooking. **Service can be a bit of a pain.** You must either ship your microwave to a service center or take it into a certified repair shop, if you’re lucky enough to have one [within driving distance](https://repairs.hwy905.com/panasonicservicelocator). ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 12.25 by 20.69 by 15.81 inches (HWD) **Power:** 1,200 watts **Capacity:** 1\.2 cubic feet **Warranty:** one year, five years for the magnetron (parts only) ## Other Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter microwaves to consider If you’d like our pick in a different finish, consider the all-white [NN-SN65KW](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63708/204558/4/244870/?merchant=Best%20Buy) or the all-stainless [NN-SN68KS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63709/204559/4/192108/?merchant=Amazon). If you need a larger version of our pick, the 1.6-cubic-foot [Panasonic Cyclonic Wave Inverter NN-SN76LS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63710/204560/4/192109/?merchant=Panasonic) is a little taller and has a wider body, with a 14-inch carousel that fits extra-large plates or dishes. Its [Cyclonic Wave feature](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEILEEPYiEs) is designed to distribute microwaves more evenly than our pick, and it did seem to heat more uniformly and gently in our tests. If you want a smart version of our pick, the [NN-SV79MS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63711/204561/4/244871/?merchant=Amazon) connects via Wi-Fi to an Alexa device, which you can use to run dozens of functions via voice commands (like “microwave on high power for one minute”). It has a fully stainless steel exterior and controls. ## Runner-up: Toshiba EM131A5C ![Our pick for best runner-up microwave, the Toshiba EM131A5C.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-8.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter #### Runner-up [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/28187/Toshiba-EM131A5C_20250418-043534_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/244866?merchant=Amazon) We’ve recommended the midsize [Toshiba EM131A5C](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/28187/204613/4/80685/?merchant=Amazon) for years as a solid but basic microwave amid a sea of similar models. The EM131A5C has ample power and will do just fine, but its overall performance is not nearly as strong as that of our top pick. **It’s a good-size machine with plenty of power.** Roughly the same size as our top pick but a little deeper, the 1,100-watt EM131A5C has a carousel that is slightly more than 12 inches in diameter. ![A close-up of the buttons on the Toshiba EM131A5C.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-9.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Touch any number from 1 to 6 on the number pad, and the Toshiba EM131A5C automatically starts at the highest power setting — no need to set a power level or touch the start button. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **It has the features that most people want.** These include a +30Sec. button, the ability to mute beeps, and sensor-enabled auto-reheat and auto-cooking buttons for making popcorn or melting butter (though in our tests, the auto-cooking selections didn’t always work accurately). It also has instant-start express settings: Press 1 to 6 on the number pad, and the microwave starts cooking at the highest power setting for that number of minutes. **It looks better than most microwaves in its price range.** The EM131A5C isn’t as sophisticated-looking as our top pick, but it isn’t a plastic clone. It also has a handle, instead of a button, which some people prefer. This model is hefty enough to stay put on the counter when you pull the handle to open it. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **It isn’t as good as our pick.** The EM131A5C, which does not have an [inverter motor](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#how-we-picked-and-tested), is not as accurate or fast as our top pick, and it doesn’t heat as evenly, either. But it performs about as well as other microwaves you can find for a similar price. ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 12\.8 by 20.5 by 17.1 inches (HWD) **Power:** 1,100 watts **Capacity:** 1\.2 cubic feet **Warranty:** one year ## Other Toshiba Lifestyle microwaves to consider The [Toshiba ML-EM09PA](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/68344/212899/4/208875/?merchant=Amazon) is a slightly smaller version of our pick, with a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity, 900 watts of power, and a 10.6-inch turntable. It doesn’t have a sensor for auto-heating modes. The [Toshiba ML-EM45PIT](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/50378/180341/4/192111/?merchant=Amazon) has an [inverter motor](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#how-we-picked-and-tested) and costs a bit more. It performed a little faster and heated more evenly than our runner-up, though not on a par with our [top pick](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves). ## Best for small spaces: GE GCST07N1 ![Our pick for best ultra-compact and sturdy microwave, the GE GCST07N1.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/66110/GE-GCST07N1_20250716-211751_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon) [Best for small spaces](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon "Best for small spaces")[GE GCST07N1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/244867?merchant=Amazon "GE GCST07N1") The most compact microwave we tested, this model is sturdy and easy to use, and it offers more functionality than most at this size. It comes in three finishes, but it’s narrow. We’ve recommended a version of the GE Appliances [GE GCST07N1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66110/209000/4/200615/?merchant=Amazon) ultra-compact microwave since 2016, both for its affordability and its small size. Here's why we're fans: **It’s a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves.** The GCST07N1 is about 2 inches shorter, 3 inches narrower, and 3 inches shallower than our top pick. It is even a tad smaller than the tiny Galanz Retro, a popular cheap compact model that we [tested and dismissed](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#the-competition). **But it’s narrow inside.** The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 10.4-inch carousel still accommodate a medium-size mixing bowl or dinner plate, but anything even slightly wider than the turntable (a New York–style pizza slice, a medium-size bag of microwave popcorn) will get stuck on the walls. ![The GE JES1072 sitting next to a crock of wooden spoons and two colorful storage tins.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-2.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The GE GCST07N1 is a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves — and more attractive, too. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **It performed better than the other compact models we evaluated.** This microwave cooked a little more quickly and evenly than other models of the same size, which are nearly all lower-cost [clones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#how-we-picked-and-tested). ![A close-up of the buttons on the GE JES1072.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-3.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The GE GCST07N1 has more automatic-cooking settings than other models of the same size, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **It has more features than most compact models.** This microwave has a good assortment of automatic-cooking settings, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food. It also has an Add 30 Sec button, as well as express-start settings. **It’s sturdy, and it looks and feels nice.** It has a more attractive design (the stainless steel version in particular) and a heftier body than most compact models we tested, most of which felt flimsy and cheap. Its metal button is also easy to use. **GE has a good reputation for customer service**. GE Appliances is one of a handful of companies that work directly with large microwave manufacturers to make models to their specifications, instead of just putting their logo on a machine. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **It takes longer to heat things up.** With only 700 watts of power, it is a little slower than our other picks, but this performance is typical for a compact model. ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 10\.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches (HWD) **Power:** 700 watts **Capacity:** 0.7 cubic foot **Warranty:** one-year limited (parts and labor) ## Other GE Appliances microwaves to consider The [GE GCHK07N1 Spacemaker](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66115/209026/4/200624/?merchant=Amazon) is essentially the same microwave as [our compact pick](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1), but it has a slightly deeper body and is designed to work with a hanging kit (sold separately) so that you can mount it under a cabinet or shelf. The [GE GCST09N1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66118/209027/4/244872/?merchant=Amazon) has slightly more capacity and power than [our compact pick](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-small-spaces-ge-gcst07n1), and it’s one of the few microwaves available that are compatible with Alexa devices and support “scan-to-cook,” both of which require the GE Appliances Smart HQ app. Scan-to-cook allows you to scan the QR code on the label of [any product that is in the database](https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=37351&_ga=2.148303735.1940934662.1716333483-508954188.1715182832), use the Smart HQ app to wirelessly send the GCST09N1 the cooking instructions (including power-level adjustments and timing), and hit Start. From the app, you can add 30 seconds of time or turn off the microwave. But figuring out the Alexa commands is tricky. ## Best for convection and air frying: Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS ![Our pick for best convection and air-fryer microwave, the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/07/NN-CV87KS_handout_from_Panasonic-1-scaled.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Panasonic #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/72809/Panasonic-HomeChef-Connect-4-in-1-Multi-oven-NN-CV87QS_20250716-211908_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244868?merchant=Best%20Buy) Convection/air-fryer microwaves include fan-assisted convection heating, broiling, and air frying. Though they’ve improved in recent years, they still don’t bake, broil, or air fry as well as a standalone [air fryer toaster oven](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven/) can. But a combo microwave can be useful for a tiny kitchen or as a temporary replacement for an oven, and the [Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CV87QS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/72809/233381/4/244879/?merchant=Best%20Buy) is your best choice. **It microwaves almost as well as our top pick.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven heated just as evenly and accurately as our [top pick](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves), which is also from Panasonic. It’s slightly less powerful (1,000 watts versus 1,200 watts), and it has fewer preprogrammed food settings, but most people don’t use extra modes anyway. We made well-browned and crispy fries using the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s air fryer setting and included air fryer basket. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **It can broil, air fry, and bake (but slowly and imperfectly).** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is a slow-but-workable broiler, air fryer, and fan-assisted convection oven, producing browned foods, crispy toast, and crunchy chicken nuggets. But it takes longer than a regular oven, and the results aren’t quite as good. **It has a hidden bake element.** In our tests, convection microwave ovens with a hidden bake element broiled or air fried more quickly and didn’t dry out foods nearly as much as those with an exposed element. And hidden bake elements are much easier to clean. **It looks great.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is fully stainless steel, with metal buttons and a large metal knob for setting the time or temperature. It also has an attractive, large LED screen. The Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven is fully stainless steel, with a knob for setting the time or temperature. It also has an attractive, large LED screen. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **It provides extensive owner support.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s comprehensive manual provides some helpful tips on which of the included cookware pieces to use, such as a special pan for air frying or a crisper plate for baking and broiling. These suggestions also display on screen. Panasonic has [a recipe app](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/78509/233355/4/244873/?merchant=Google%20Play) developed in partnership with [Fresco](https://recipes.frescocooks.com/collection/653103/new-panasonic-4-in-1-recipes), which gives step-by-step instructions for determining which styles of cooking to choose and how to combine them for the best results. The app can connect to the microwave via Wi-Fi, so that you could monitor times or change a handful of settings remotely. **It has an excellent warranty.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven has a three-year warranty, in contrast to most microwaves, which are covered for one year. Panasonic covers the magnetron (parts only) for four years. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **It can be confusing to use, like most combination microwaves.** Combination microwaves have multiple settings, cookware that can work for ovens but not for microwaves (including air fryer baskets), and the potential to use more than one modality at a time (convection and microwave for baking desserts, say, or broil and convection for roasted meats). **It doesn’t work as well as a regular oven or air fryer toaster oven.** The HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven’s broiler works fine for browning or melting cheese on top of bread, but it takes upwards of 10 minutes to make toast, which in our tests ended up dry. (You also have to flip it halfway through.) In our tests, this model’s convection oven function baked great chocolate chip cookies but left brownies gooey in the center (remedied with 10 seconds of microwaving). And you can’t adjust the temperature while something is cooking, as you can on a regular oven. ### Key specs **Dimensions:** 13\.5 by 22.1 by 17.7 inches (HWD) **Power:** 1,000 watts **Capacity:** 1.2 cubic feet **Warranty:** three years, one year for the magnetron (parts only) ## Other microwaves worth considering ![Another good choice for a microwave, the Breville Smooth Wave.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-10.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter **If you want an attractive microwave that also works well:** The 1,250-watt, 1.2-cubic-foot [Breville Smooth Wave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/38877/233511/4/192115/?merchant=Amazon) (pictured above) looks beautiful and feels well built, with a big, easy-to-read control panel, sleek dials, distinctive soft-close doors, and a chunky handle reminiscent of luxury appliances. It also has an extensive list of preprogrammed food settings that work pretty well, though it doesn’t have as many options as [our top pick](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves). The control panel, which walks through many operations step by step, was the easiest to use by far; many of our paid testers commented on how simple it was to do things like dial in a weight for defrosting chicken, without needing to read the manual first. ![A close-up of the control panel and buttons on the Breville Smooth Wave.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwaves-2048px-2-11.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The control panel of the Breville Smooth Wave is the easiest to use of any microwave we tested. Most functions were so easy to figure out, we didn’t need to read the manual first. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The catch is that Breville microwaves cost significantly more than our top pick but fail to match its performance. The 900-watt, 0.9-cubic-foot [Breville Compact Wave](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63714/233513/4/192116/?merchant=Amazon) is a smaller version with a slightly different control panel. It isn’t as pleasurable to use as the larger versions, but it’s still very handsome. **If you want a smaller (and more affordable) convection/air-fryer microwave:** The [GE GCST10A1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63715/233514/4/192118/?merchant=Best%20Buy) is slightly smaller and less expensive than [our pick for convection and air frying](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#best-for-convection-and-air-frying-panasonic-homechef-connect-4-in-1-multi-oven-nn-cv87qs), the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven. This model also has a hidden heating element, but the microwave wasn’t nearly as good as that of the Panasonic HomeChef Connect 4-in-1 Multi-oven, and it doesn’t provide nearly as much help in how to use all the functions. ## The competition ![A lineup of the other microwaves we tested.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/08/microwavetesting-2048px-09974.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The popular 0.7-cubic-foot, 700-watt [Galanz Retro](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63716/204620/4/192130/?merchant=Amazon) (available in a few colors from Amazon), while cute, was so light that it moved around the counter anytime we tried to use it. Its thin metal top buckled when we pressed it. This model also cooked unevenly, producing noticeable dark spots in our marshmallow tests. GE Appliances makes [many midsize microwaves](https://wrctr.co/469rafA). We tested an older version of the 1.1-cubic-foot, 950-watt [GE GCST11X](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/66119/209028/4/200627/?merchant=Amazon). But in general, these machines don’t perform as well as the midsize [Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#top-pick-panasonic-genius-sensor-inverter-microwaves) models we recommend. The door buttons on many midsize models also tend to be small and offset to the right, so they’re not as easy to use. We tested a 0.9-cubic-foot, 900-watt Kenmore model (recently replaced by [slightly smaller](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/78514/233517/4/244874/?merchant=Walmart) and [slightly larger](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/78513/233361/4/244875/?merchant=Target) models sold primarily at Target). It performed better than the Galanz Retro, but merely as expected for a microwave at its price — that is, it’s totally fine if you use it only for coffee or popcorn. Our research shows that Samsung makes its own microwaves. But the company sells just a [handful of more expensive models](https://www.samsung.com/us/home-appliances/microwaves/all-microwaves/?type=Countertop) in the US, most of which come with an exposed element on the top of the cavity for what Samsung calls “grilling” functionality. Exposed elements make a microwave extremely hard to clean. More importantly, the few Samsung models we have tested have offered only average microwave performance yet come loaded with hard-to-decipher features or functions and unhelpful manuals. ### Convection/air-fryer microwaves We tested the [Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63720/233519/4/192121/?merchant=Amazon) and the [Toshiba ML-EC42P](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63721/226279/4/192122/?merchant=Amazon). We were impressed with the look and usability of Breville’s version, which is nearly identical to the Breville microwave that [we recommend](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/#other-microwaves-worth-considering). But both the Combi Wave and the ML-EC42P have an exposed baking element on the top of their cavity, a design that tends to dry out food and, more important, makes the appliance much harder to clean. ## What to look forward to We plan to test an inverter model from the [LG NeoChef](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63739/204624/4/192201/?merchant=LG) series, which offers specs similar to those of tour top picks. We’ll also test some new Whirlpool models, such as the attractive [Whirlpool WMC30311LD](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63722/204573/4/192123/?merchant=Whirlpool), and several new Sharp microwaves, including the inverter [SMC1464KS](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/78510/233523/4/244876/?merchant=Amazon); the [SMC1585](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63723/204575/4/192124/?merchant=Sharp%20USA), which has convection; and a [model that works with Alexa](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63724/204576/4/192125/?merchant=Sharp%20USA) (there’s also an [inverter version](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/78511/233358/4/244877/?merchant=Amazon)). Additionally, we want to test the [IKEA Tillreda](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/63725/204577/4/192126/?merchant=IKEA), a sleek white microwave that matches many of IKEA’s countertop appliances (including a [portable induction cooktop](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-induction-cooktop/#other-induction-cooktops-worth-considering) that we already recommend). *Liam McCabe, Michael Sullivan, and Tim Heffernan wrote previous versions of this guide, which was first published in 2014.* *This article was edited by Ingrid Skjong and Courtney Schley.* ## Sources 1. Catherine Ruspino, [senior vice president, product and solutions, Americas, Breville](https://www.breville.com/en-us "senior vice president, product and solutions, Americas, Breville"), phone interview, March 1, 2024 2. Jessica Focarino, [senior product marketing specialist, Sharp Home Appliances](https://shop.sharpusa.com/ "senior product marketing specialist, Sharp Home Appliances"), in-person interview, February 28, 2024 3. Harriette Thomas, [brand manager, JennAir](https://www.jennair.com/ "brand manager, JennAir"), in-person interview, January 26, 2024 4. Robert DellaValle, [principal engineer, UL Solutions](https://www.ul.com/ "principal engineer, UL Solutions"), video interview, February 22, 2024 5. Bruce Albertson, Jr., [senior commercial director for global specialty products, GE Appliances](https://geappliancesco.com/ "senior commercial director for global specialty products, GE Appliances"), video interview, February 16, 2024 6. Matthew Sandercock, [product marketing senior manager global specialty products, GE Appliances](https://geappliancesco.com/ "product marketing senior manager global specialty products, GE Appliances"), video interview, February 16, 2024 7. Daryl Williams, [executive director global specialty products, GE Appliances](https://geappliancesco.com/ "executive director global specialty products, GE Appliances"), video interview, February 16, 2024 8. Walter Taffarello, [director, new business development and strategic partnerships, Panasonic](https://shop.panasonic.com/collections/microwave-ovens "director, new business development and strategic partnerships, Panasonic"), video interview, February 1, 2024 9. Hiroko Watanabe, [appliance group manager, Panasonic](https://shop.panasonic.com/collections/microwave-ovens "appliance group manager, Panasonic"), video interview, February 1, 2024 10. Kanchan Swaroop, [senior technical advocacy associate, Appliance Standards Awareness Project](https://appliance-standards.org/mission-and-history "senior technical advocacy associate, Appliance Standards Awareness Project"), video interview, October 11, 2023 11. Sarah Snouffer, [founder, Third Street Architecture, Washington, DC](https://www.thirdstreetarchitecture.com/ "founder, Third Street Architecture, Washington, DC"), phone interview, June 26, 2023 ## Meet your guide ![](https://dv-siren-prd.global.ssl.fastly.net/static/img/favicon-wirecutter.svg) Rachel Wharton What I Cover I am based in Brooklyn, New York, and I write about refrigerators, ranges, ovens, microwaves, cooktops, kitchen ventilation, and any other large appliances that relate to cooking, eating, or food. This work includes conducting hands-on tests and researching the best products. It also requires staying on top of environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as related trends in cooking, smart home, accessibility, tech, and kitchen design.

ML Classification

ML Categories

/Home_and_Garden		90.7%
/Home_and_Garden/Home_Appliances		89.3%
/Home_and_Garden/Home_Appliances/Other		88.8%
/Shopping		16.6%

Raw JSON

{
    "/Home_and_Garden": 907,
    "/Home_and_Garden/Home_Appliances": 893,
    "/Home_and_Garden/Home_Appliances/Other": 888,
    "/Shopping": 166
}

ML Page Types

/Article		96.2%
/Article/Product_or_Brand_Review		94.6%

Raw JSON

{
    "/Article": 962,
    "/Article/Product_or_Brand_Review": 946
}

ML Intent Types

Commercial		96.4%
Informational		20.2%

Raw JSON

{
    "Commercial": 964,
    "Informational": 202
}

Content Metadata

Language

Author

Rachel Wharton

Publish Time

2026-01-28 18:09:02 (2 months ago)

Original Publish Time

2020-05-28 16:49:30 (5 years ago)

Republished

Yes

Word Count (Total)

9,199

Word Count (Content)

5,561

Links

External Links

Internal Links

886

Technical SEO

Meta Nofollow

Meta Noarchive

JS Rendered

Yes

Redirect Target

null

Performance

Download Time (ms)

503

TTFB (ms)

449

Download Size (bytes)

109,065

Shard

84 (laksa)

Root Hash

4566504020376537684

Unparsed URL

com,nytimes!www,/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/ s443