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by chriscappuccio 612 days ago
What microwave doesn't suck in 2024 that's what I'd like to know
6 comments

Based on all my recent research:

Best UI: Breville

Best "normal" microwave: Panasonic inverter

Best for people who enjoy cooking: any microwave with convection/broiler (IIRC Miele speed ovens are popular)

Best for early adopters: Miele Dialog

Any of them not have that stupid spinning plate on the bottom? I'm sick of my food (containers) bumping into the walls because I put it in off center (usually because I put several things in at once). These used to be common and worked well, now everyone is supposed to find watching their food turn entertaining.
You're suppose to place dish offset from centre for better heating, imo makes big difference. Of course you're already doing that by stuffing containers off centre, but spinning turntable + right power levels (instead of just nuking 100%) makes big difference for reheating. I have breville 3in1, you can turn off the turntable rotation.

Another comment mentioned commercial microwaves, especially larger ones with multiple magenetrons so need to spin. But they're loud. But easier to clean.

Look at the commercial microwaves I linked to in an adjacent comment. For easy of cleaning, these typically do not have the spinning plates.
Mine (some 23 year-old Westinghouse model) spins by default but has a button to override it.
Some Panasonic inverter microwaves don't suck. I have Panasonic NN-DS596M and its both featureful (almost a proper oven) and simple to control if you don't try to use every mode.
> What microwave doesn't suck in 2024 that's what I'd like to know*

America's Test Kitchen did some testing and the Breville was their top pick:

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IRAi6Nzxbk

The Wirecutter has Panasonic and Toshiba, with Brevilles as an alternative:

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

I have the Toshiba and am generally happy with it.

If you want some better options for microwave ovens, try checking out you local food service suppliers or websites like Webstaurant They will be a bit more expensive, but often have better controls and are easier to clean.

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/14351/commercial-microwaves...

I enjoy my breville 3-1 combiwave, decent UI, inverter (quiet), option to turn off turntable and silent mode. Works as oven/airfrier with easy to clean tray, hence 3-1... can do all 3 together hence combiwave... but I still haven't figured out what to use it on. Oh... soft close door! It's pretty steep at 700 for microwave, but not 4000 for a miele speed oven that's more oven.
I got a new one and it doesn't even have a timer for the door light, so it's on until the door is closed.
People leave their microwave doors open long enough for this to matter? Why?
to allow the condensation to evaporate and vapor to get out