Do you ever feel like your kitchen is missing a certain something? Maybe it’s a chef’s secret weapon, a tool that makes cooking faster and more enjoyable. For many, that missing piece is a high-end microwave. But with so many fancy features and sleek designs out there, picking the right one can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces.
It’s easy to get lost when you’re looking for a microwave that does more than just reheat leftovers. You want something that looks great, cooks perfectly, and makes your life easier. But how do you know which one is truly worth the investment? We’ll help you sort through the confusion and find a microwave that fits your needs and your style.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a microwave “high-end” and guide you through the most important features to consider. You’ll learn how to choose a model that cooks your food evenly, offers useful cooking programs, and adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Get ready to discover the microwave that will change the way you cook!
Our Top 5 High End Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 High End Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of noisy microwaves that slam shut and overcook your food? The Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven in Silver might be just what your kitchen needs. This smart microwave is designed for convenience and quiet operation, making it a great addition to any home, especially those with limited counter space.
What We Like:
- Compact 25L footprint fits easily on countertops.
- Soft close door operates 80% quieter for a peaceful kitchen.
- Easy-to-use shortcuts and a food menu for quick cooking.
- Precise reheating, defrosting, and cooking functions.
- Child Lock feature adds an extra layer of safety.
- Mute button and Breville Sound Suite reduce distracting beeps.
- Gentle defrost and careful reheat functions preserve food quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity might be limited for larger families or big meals.
- While quieter, some operation noise is still present.
This Breville microwave offers a blend of smart features and user-friendly design. It’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a quieter, more convenient microwave experience.
2. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor
Rating: 9.1/10
The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a sleek stainless steel appliance that can sit on your counter or be built into your kitchen. It’s a powerful 1200-watt microwave with a 1.2 cubic foot capacity, perfect for cooking all your favorite meals. Its Inverter Technology makes sure your food cooks evenly, and the Genius Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking.
What We Like:
- The 1200-watt power and Inverter Technology cook food evenly and quickly.
- The Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power for different foods.
- Turbo Defrost speeds up the defrosting process significantly.
- The Keep Warm feature is handy for keeping food hot until serving.
- It has a spacious 1.2 cubic foot interior and a large 13.4-inch turntable.
- The compact design saves counter space.
- It includes useful features like a child lock and 14 preset menu items.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the membrane keypad less intuitive than physical buttons.
- While the stainless steel looks good, it can show fingerprints.
This Panasonic microwave is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a reliable and smart kitchen appliance. It makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its advanced technology and user-friendly features.
3. Breville BMO850BSS Smooth Wave Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Breville BMO850BSS Smooth Wave Countertop Microwave Oven in Brushed Stainless Steel brings smart cooking to your kitchen. This microwave makes cooking and reheating simple with its advanced technology.
What We Like:
- Sensor iQ Technology: It automatically adjusts power for perfect results.
- Smart Presets: 15 built-in settings like Smart Cook, Defrost, and Reheat take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Quiet Operation: The 80% quieter soft-close door and 50% quieter operation mean less noise.
- Power Smoothing Inverter: It delivers smooth, even heat for precise cooking and reheating.
- Shortcut Panel: Easy access to common tasks like melting chocolate or softening butter is on the inside door.
- “A Bit More” Button: Easily add extra time without starting over.
- Child Lock: Keeps your kitchen safe for little ones.
- Sleek Design: The brushed stainless steel looks great on any countertop.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful at 1250 Watts, the 1.2 cu.ft capacity might be a bit small for very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
- The advanced features, while helpful, might have a slight learning curve for some users.
The Breville Smooth Wave microwave oven is a smart and quiet addition to any kitchen. It simplifies cooking tasks with its intelligent features and user-friendly design.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the GE GCST10A1WSS, a 4-in-1 microwave that’s more than just a microwave! It’s an air fryer, a broiler, and a convection oven all rolled into one sleek stainless steel package. With 1,050 watts of power and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity, this appliance is a true kitchen essential, perfect for your countertop or even a dorm room. Plus, its child-lock technology keeps little hands safe.
What We Like:
- The air fryer mode lets you cook crispy, healthier versions of your favorite foods quickly.
- Convection mode with its special rack ensures food cooks evenly and gets golden brown.
- Broil mode allows you to sear and caramelize food, just like a grill.
- Preset controls, like for fries and nuggets, make cooking simple and accurate.
- It’s compact at 1.0 cu. ft. but still powerful with 1,050 watts, fitting well in small spaces.
- The glass turntable rotates food for even cooking every time.
- The two-step child lock is a great safety feature to prevent accidents.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, some users might find the learning curve for all modes a bit steep initially.
- The 1.0 cu. ft. capacity, while good for its size, might be too small for larger families or for cooking big meals.
This GE microwave is a versatile powerhouse that can handle a variety of cooking tasks, making it a smart addition to any kitchen. It truly offers a lot of cooking options in one convenient appliance.
5. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 9.1/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity and powerful 1200 watts can handle big meals, like a whole chicken or a 16-inch pizza. This microwave is designed to make your life easier with its smart features and user-friendly controls.
What We Like:
- Huge capacity is great for families. It fits large items easily.
- The smart humidity sensor cooks food perfectly. It keeps food moist and tasty.
- Six helpful auto-cook menus cover many daily needs like reheating bacon or cooking oatmeal.
- Auto-defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing meat. It thaws food evenly.
- It has useful features like an eco mode to save energy and a mute option so it’s not noisy.
- The position memory turntable ensures your food is always in the right spot when done.
- It’s easy to use with simple controls and a child safety lock for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s large, its size might be too much for very small kitchens.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for those who need space and smart cooking options. It simplifies meal prep and delivers great results.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to High-End Microwaves
Why Consider a High-End Microwave?
Microwaves are a kitchen staple. They heat food fast. A high-end microwave is more than just a heater. It offers better cooking, more features, and a stylish look. These microwaves can cook, bake, and even air fry. They are a great addition to any modern kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
1. Cooking Power (Wattage)
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for microwaves with at least 1000 watts. This helps cook food evenly and quickly. Lower wattage microwaves can take longer and cook unevenly.
2. Sensor Cooking and Reheating
These sensors know when your food is ready. They adjust cooking time and power automatically. This prevents overcooking or undercooking. It makes cooking much easier. You don’t have to guess cooking times.
3. Convection Cooking
Some high-end microwaves have a convection feature. This means they have a fan that circulates hot air. It bakes and roasts food like a regular oven. You can get crispy results. It’s like having two appliances in one.
4. Inverter Technology
Inverter technology delivers a steady stream of power. This cooks food more evenly. It also helps defrost food without cooking the edges. It keeps food moist and flavorful.
5. Preset Cooking Menus
Many high-end microwaves have special buttons for popular foods. These buttons automatically set the right time and power. Think popcorn, baked potatoes, or frozen meals. They simplify cooking.
6. Interior Size and Turntable
Check the interior size. Make sure it fits your dishes. A larger turntable helps food cook evenly. Some models have turntables that can be turned off for larger rectangular dishes.
Important Materials
Stainless Steel Interior and Exterior
Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. It looks sleek and modern. It resists scratches and stains. Stainless steel interiors are also more hygienic.
Ceramic Enamel Interior
Some microwaves have ceramic enamel interiors. This material is scratch-resistant and easy to wipe clean. It also helps prevent bacterial growth. It’s a good choice for hygiene.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great
- Build Quality: A solid, well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should be responsive.
- Quiet Operation: High-end models are often quieter. You won’t be disturbed by loud fan noises.
- User-Friendly Interface: The controls should be easy to understand and use. A clear digital display helps.
- Even Cooking: The most important factor is how well it cooks. Food should be heated through without hot or cold spots.
What Can Lower Quality
- Flimsy Construction: A wobbly microwave or a door that sticks can be frustrating.
- Uneven Heating: If your food is cooked unevenly, the microwave isn’t performing well.
- Difficult Controls: Complicated buttons or a confusing menu can make using the microwave a chore.
User Experience and Use Cases
Making Life Easier
High-end microwaves are designed for convenience. They save you time. They make cooking more enjoyable. You can reheat leftovers perfectly. You can cook quick meals for busy evenings. They are great for defrosting meat safely. Some can even replace other appliances like toasters or small ovens.
For the Home Chef
If you love to cook, these microwaves offer more. You can bake cookies or roast chicken. You can steam vegetables to perfection. They open up new ways to prepare food. They are a valuable tool for anyone who enjoys good food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a regular microwave and a high-end one?
A: High-end microwaves have more features like convection cooking, sensor cooking, and inverter technology. They also use better materials and have a more stylish design.
Q: Is a microwave with convection cooking worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, if you want to bake, roast, or get crispy results. It acts like a small oven.
Q: How important is wattage in a microwave?
A: Higher wattage (1000W or more) means faster and more even cooking. It’s a key feature for good performance.
Q: What does inverter technology do?
A: It provides a steady cooking power, which cooks food more evenly and helps with defrosting without cooking the edges.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than ceramic?
A: Both are good. Stainless steel is very durable and looks nice. Ceramic is easy to clean and scratch-resistant.
Q: Can I fit large dishes in a high-end microwave?
A: Many high-end models have larger interiors and some have removable turntables, allowing you to fit bigger items.
Q: How do I clean a high-end microwave?
A: Most can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Check the manual for specific instructions, especially for stainless steel or special interior coatings.
Q: Are high-end microwaves noisy?
A: Generally, they are designed to be quieter than basic models. The fan noise is usually less noticeable.
Q: What are preset cooking menus used for?
A: They are pre-programmed settings for common foods like popcorn or potatoes. They take the guesswork out of cooking times and power levels.
Q: How long do high-end microwaves typically last?
A: With proper care, a good quality high-end microwave can last 7-10 years or even longer.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!