Best 1000 Watt Microwave: - Our Top Picks 2024

The 1000 watt types of microwaves provide a gratifying and useful compromise that meets a variety of purposes. In fact, these machines can cook and heat a variety of dishes with no fuss and guaranteed outcomes.

On our collection, you'll find small models with practical cooking capacities and larger ones with superior and more sophisticated capabilities, such quick cooking or defrosting.

Additionally, in the article's last section, we have highlighted all the key characteristics you should take into account while looking for a 1000 watt microwave, in case you are still undecided after reading all the evaluations.

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Size

Depending on your cookware and available counter or shelf space, you should get the size you require.

Since midsize microwaves appear to be the top sellers at most retailers, we decided to concentrate on them first. They have a compact enough size (approximately 2 square feet) to fit on most countertops yet have enough capacity (1.1 to 1.4 cubic feet) to accommodate a typical 12-inch dinner plate or a 9-inch square casserole dish with handles. You shouldn't have to mess with the cook times too much because they typically claim to have around 1,000 watts of cooking power, which is what the cooking instructions on packaged items are set for.

We also carefully examined a number of 0.7 cubic foot capacity small microwaves. Despite having a physical footprint that is roughly 25% smaller than a medium model, they nonetheless have enough interior space to accommodate most dinner plates. People who have a small kitchen or live in dorm rooms, as well as those who don't want to spend a lot on a microwave, favor compact microwaves. The drawback is that they only have 700 watts of cooking capacity, which means that you'll typically need to cook meals for about 30% longer than you would with a bigger, powerful microwave.

A 13-by-9-inch casserole dish with handles can fit comfortably within larger models, which can be found in sizes up to 2.2 cubic feet, which have a larger physical footprint. Most brands don't use their best-looking designs or most innovative features for these enormous monsters because most consumers won't require such a big machine. However, small microwaves will function similarly to medium versions because they frequently employ the same basic parts. (Though they sometimes share the same power supply, larger versions typically have higher stated wattages. We don't know why this is the case, but it may have something to do with the fungibility of microwave power ratings.) Before the coronavirus pandemic closed down the office, we were unable to test many of these models. However, we've provided links to several of our midsize favorites in big and extra-large sizes where appropriate.

Cooking performance

When it came to selecting our winners, cooking ability did not matter all that much. We discovered that any (non-defective) microwave was more than capable of popping bags of popcorn, reheating drinks and leftovers, and cooking frozen meals. Strongest, most reliable microwaves aren't noticeably superior for those typical chores, and they don't improve the flavor of microwaved food. Therefore, a typical microwave will heat things just well for the majority of individuals. However, we did give our upgrade pick more consideration for performance, making that the better option for those who want or need faster, more even heating and are prepared to pay more for it.

In our testing, we discovered that the majority of models had a heating pattern that was predictable (hot spot in the middle, cool inner ring, warm outer ring), which was suboptimal but sufficient for the majority of routine microwaving jobs. When cooking larger trays of food, some more expensive versions do heat more uniformly across the turntable.

We also discovered that the heating rate quite closely matches the claimed wattage. In our two-minute test, a bowl of soup's temperature was raised by a similar amount by each 1,000-watt model, noticeably less by each small 700-watt device, and noticeably more by a 1,200-watt model. Your personal results may vary for a number of reasons, but for the most part, you'll just need to learn to modify your cook times to fit your unique oven.

A few firms provide products with inverters, which are reportedly better power-regulating devices that alter how power-level settings function. Inverter microwaves, as opposed to conventional transformer-powered microwaves, which alternate between periods of full power and zero power, can basically give continuous cooking when set to lower power levels. Inverter microwave manufacturers assert that by preserving flavor and nutrition, their products are better suited for sensitive jobs like defrosting meat. We are not persuaded that inverters have a significant impact on microwaves after conducting testing and consulting with specialists. The meal from an inverter model we tested tasted like it had been prepared in a microwave and did not do any better at defrosting meat than any other microwave. If a microwave has an inverter, which our upgrade selection does, that's OK, but don't anticipate significant changes.

Some more expensive microwaves include convection cooking, but these combo ovens are oddball, specialized devices that few people use. Below, we talk about convection microwaves.

Reliability and longevity

We can't guarantee that the product we're recommending will be dependable and durable. Sorry.

We came to the conclusion that you can't rely on any countertop microwave to endure for more than a few years until a key component breaks and it becomes unusable after looking at user evaluations, dependability statistics (there isn't much of it), class-action lawsuits, and speaking with some specialists. The typical lifespan of a microwave, according to one report, has decreased from 10 to 15 years in the 1990s to six to eight years now. They frequently fail even sooner than expected. Schiffmann, a microwave specialist with 50 years of experience, remarked, "The manufacture has grown pretty terrible. For what it's worth, professor Aaron Slepkov told us that his students destroy microwaves in their plasma tests by doing "awful things," but they've discovered that they're more resilient than you might imagine.

Since only one firm (Midea) assembles the majority of microwaves, all of the brands it distributes are probably equally dependable. If you suffer problems with a Sharp, you're also likely to face problems with Toshiba, specific GE and Panasonic models, and a ton of other products.

There is no evidence that the microwaves made by different companies are any better. Ovens built by Panasonic and LG have similar, if not slightly worse, consumer reviews than those created by Midea. Models from Galanz and Samsung receive worse ratings and more reliability-related complaints than the rest.

We need to conduct more research on this, although more expensive versions like a Breville or GE Profile might be more robust. But given what we now know, we find it hard to believe that spending more money on a microwave today can ever result in a superior long-term value. Even if you spend several hundred dollars on an oven, according to Schiffmann, "it's not a guarantee it'll be all that much better" than the standard, inexpensive units. There may be fewer defective ovens leaving the factory because higher-end ovens do have better mechanical components, such as the door latch and turntable motor, and probably stricter quality control. Uncertainty exists on whether the power supply, wiring, and magnetron—the electronic components and craftsmanship at the heart of the microwave—are any different from those of the less expensive variants or held to higher standards.

In addition to all of that, the warranties offered by the majority of brands are generally hit or miss. Although repairs are a possibility, purchasing a new low-end oven is typically less expensive.

(Microwaves are generally safer than other kinds of cooking appliances, despite the fact that they aren't really made to last. Therefore, we do not mean that they are dangerous to own when we remark that they are unreliable.)

External and Internal Dimensions

Even though built-in microwaves are typically larger than countertop models, be sure you have enough counter space for the device or that it will fit in your microwave shelf, if you have one.

Cubic feet are used to measure microwaves. Be precise when measuring the width, height, and depth of the space where you plan to store your microwave because the outward dimensions of countertop microwaves might vary.

Do you prepare food for a single person or a large family? Don't forget to consider internal capacity. In countertop microwaves, this can range in size from 0.5 cubic feet (the typical dinner plate) to 2 cubic feet (bigger dishes and kitchenware).

Wattage

This is a reference to cooking power, or how quickly and uniformly your food will be cooked in the microwave. The majority of microwaves contain 1000 watts of power, however less expensive models could have less.

Appliances with a power output of 600 watts or less will often cook your food more slowly and unevenly. But keep in mind that if the microwave has extra features like grilling or convection cooking, such features could use more power than the microwave element itself.

Extra features

You could find that Express Keys is the feature you use the most. Some ovens have a one- or thirty-second pad. On some, the oven starts automatically when you push a numbered key (pressing 1 means it runs for a minute, press 3 and it runs for 3 minutes, etc.).

In order to determine the cooking time, sensors' cook or defrost settings measure the moisture released while heating. Instead of cooking for a set period of time, they adjust the timing to the real food to produce extremely accurate results.

For tasks like popping popcorn, boiling water, and melting butter, preprogrammed keys have predetermined power levels and timing. Although a popcorn button is a standard feature on most microwaves, the other options differ from model to model. Regardless of the dish being cooked, these programs always use the same amount of time. Your vegetables may be slightly overcooked or undercooked depending on how tender or tough they are.

Many ovens offer convection cooking or grilling. Although they are rather expensive, this functionality might be useful, especially during the holidays when you need more oven room.

FAQS

What is the safest microwave oven?

Since most countertop microwaves are variations of the same affordable, reliable model, they all offer the same level of safety and are actually far safer than many other kitchen equipment. It should be as safe as you can reasonably anticipate as long as you get a model that is UL certified (which, as of this writing, includes all of them).

When should I replace my microwave?

Only if your microwave completely stops working or starts taking an excessively long time to cook do you need to replace it (microwaves gradually lose their heating power over time). If your microwave starts to look or smell bad and a thorough wipe-down doesn't help, it might also be time to move on. Upgrades are not necessary in any other case. Sparks, incidentally, do not indicate a broken microwave.

Can you put a countertop microwave in a cabinet?

Microwaves on countertops are not intended to be stored in closed areas like cabinets. By doing this, a microwave's air vents on the sides, top, or rear may become blocked, posing a risk for fire and safety. A microwave could malfunction or overheat if the vents are blocked.

It is possible if you have enough room for the vents to be 3 inches from the cabinet walls.

The next best option is to consider installing a microwave in your kitchen that is mounted over the range or in a drawer to save counter space.

Can you mount a countertop microwave?

Mounting hardware is not included with countertop microwaves. They have a flat base, such a countertop or an open shelf, on which to stand. If you're replacing a mounted microwave, make sure to carefully measure the opening and pick a model that fits.

Conclusion

Food is prepared quickly and effectively in 1000W microwaves. Although there are some exceptions, a lot of 1000W versions are combo microwaves. A 1000W microwave oven can be a suitable choice if you require a microwave that cooks food rapidly and evenly and are ready to pay more money.

Through this article, we hope you can locate the best 1000 watt microwave.

Have fun cooking!

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