Best Microwaves
12 products ranked across 51 cited reviews, videos and discussions · Updated 19 Aug 2026
On the stierproducts microwaves board, Panasonic NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Microwave Oven ranks #1 in S tier, ahead of Breville Smooth Wave 3-in-1 Microwave Oven (#2, S tier) and LG MVEL2033F 1-2 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven (#3, A tier). The board ranks 12 microwaves from S (best) to F (avoid), last researched 19 Aug 2026, drawing on 51 cited reviews, videos and discussions. Placed in the bottom tiers as ones to avoid: Toshiba EM131A5C-SS 1-1 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven, Hamilton Beach 1-1 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven, Black + Decker Digital 1-0.5 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven, and 2 others.
#8 1 of 4 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Toshiba EM131A5C-SS 1-1 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven
Moved down from C to D on 7 Aug 2026 #9 1 of 4 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Hamilton Beach 1-1 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven
#10 2 of 4 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Black + Decker Digital 1-0.5 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven
#11 1 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Panasonic NN-SC67NS 1-2 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven
#12 6 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. GE GCST10A1WSS 1-2 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven
What moved on this board
9 tier changes recorded between 26 Jul 2026 and 14 Sept 2026. The 5 most recent are below.
- 7 Aug 2026 Hamilton Beach 1-1 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven moved down from C to D. 1 more research game.
- 7 Aug 2026 Toshiba EM131A5C-BS 1-1 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven moved down from A to B. 1 more research game.
- 27 Jul 2026 Magic Chef MC110MB 1-0.5 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven moved down from D to F. 3 more research games.
- 27 Jul 2026 GE GCST10A1WSS 1-2 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven moved down from C to D. 3 more research games. 1 source added, 2 removed.
- 27 Jul 2026 Black + Decker Digital 1-0.5 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven moved down from C to D. 1 more research game.
Each line shows what else changed at the same publish. It is not a statement of cause.
Frequently asked questions
Panasonic NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Microwave Oven sits at #1 in the S tier of our consolidated board, ranked across independent research runs over 51 cited reviews, videos and discussions. Consistently praised across multiple videos for its strong performance, versatility and reliability, making it the top choice in this category.
Breville Smooth Wave 3-in-1 Microwave Oven ranks #2 (S tier). Unmatched even heating, sensor-based cooking and long-term firmware support make it the top choice for durability and performance.
Our research places Toshiba EM131A5C-SS 1-1 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven, Hamilton Beach 1-1 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven, Black + Decker Digital 1-0.5 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven, Panasonic NN-SC67NS 1-2 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven, GE GCST10A1WSS 1-2 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven in the bottom tiers (D/F). Toshiba EM131A5C-SS 1-1 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven: Older firmware and fewer features make it a less future-proof choice compared to the BS variant.
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