The top 5 best Smart Microwaves of 2023: In-Depth Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Hey there! Looking to upgrade your kitchen appliances? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be reviewing and comparing a range of microwave ovens, all with their unique features and benefits. Whether you’re a cooking enthusiast, a busy professional, or just someone who loves convenience, these products have got you covered.

Microwave ovens have come a long way over the years, evolving from simple heating devices to versatile cooking tools. With advancements in technology, they now offer various functions like inverter technology, air frying, convection baking, and more. These features make cooking faster, easier, and more efficient, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. Owning a microwave oven allows you to whip up delicious meals, defrost food, warm leftovers, and even bake without turning on your oven.

Now let’s jump into the details of the products we’ll be exploring in this article. We have the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S, a stainless steel countertop/built-in option with inverter technology and a genius sensor. The TOSHIBA 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo from their MASTER Series offers a range of functions, including convection and speedy combination cooking. The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer and Convection Bake provides even more versatility for your cooking needs. The KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS stands out with its built-in convection oven and microwave combination, perfect for those who want a seamless kitchen design. And last but not least, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave delivers smart features like auto defrost and a mute option.

So, whether you’re looking for a compact microwave for your small kitchen or a high-end model that can handle all your cooking needs, stay tuned as we explore these products in detail. You’ll soon find the perfect microwave oven companion for your culinary journey.

Panasonic Stainless Steel Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is perfect for anyone looking for a versatile and efficient microwave oven. Whether you need a countertop microwave or want to install it as a built-in, this product offers great flexibility. With its powerful 1200 Watt high power, you can expect even cooking and delicious flavors every time.

We love the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S for several reasons. First, its Inverter Technology ensures consistent and perfectly prepared food without overcooking. The patented Inverter Turbo Defrost feature also speeds up the defrosting time, saving you precious minutes in the kitchen.

Another standout feature is its compact design. This countertop microwave is thinner, lighter, and more efficient than other models, allowing you to make the most of your kitchen space. The 13.4-inch turntable provides ample room for your dishes, while the internal dimensions of 9 15/16 inch x 13 15/16 inch x 14 3/8 inch offer generous interior capacity.

The Smart Cooking Settings with Genius Sensor take the guesswork out of cooking. The built-in automatic genius sensor adjusts power and cooking times based on the type of food you’re heating. Additionally, the microwave offers 14 preset menu items, a quick minute timer, delay start, and a child safety lock for added convenience and peace of mind.

Lastly, the Keep Warm feature sets this microwave apart. It allows you to keep soups, gravies, or desserts warm and fresh until you’re ready to serve. This is especially useful for those who enjoy entertaining or have busy schedules.

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is designed to provide a seamless stream of cooking power for even results and delicious flavor. Its key features include:

  • High power of 1200 Watts for efficient cooking.
  • 1.2 cubic foot capacity for ample cooking space.
  • Inverter Technology for consistent and evenly prepared food.
  • Inverter Turbo Defrost for speedy defrosting.
  • Compact design for space-saving convenience.
  • Smart Cooking Settings with Genius Sensor for automatic adjustments.
  • Keep Warm feature to maintain the temperature of your food.

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S displays exceptional quality in terms of cooking performance and convenience. Its high power and Inverter Technology ensure that your food is cooked evenly and perfectly. The compact design allows for efficient use of space, and the Smart Cooking Settings with Genius Sensor take the guesswork out of meal preparation. The Keep Warm feature is a valuable addition, and the overall build and materials used in this microwave oven exude durability and reliability.

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Here are the pros and cons of the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S:

Pros:

  • Powerful 1200 Watts for efficient cooking
  • Inverter Technology for consistent results
  • Compact design for space-saving
  • Smart Cooking Settings with Genius Sensor
  • Keep Warm feature for added convenience

Cons:

  • None reported

With its impressive features, user-friendly design, and exceptional cooking performance, the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is undoubtedly one of the best smart microwaves available. Enjoy perfectly cooked meals and make the most of your kitchen space with this outstanding appliance.

Panasonic Stainless Steel Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W

Toshiba 7-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo

The TOSHIBA 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, MASTER Series, Inverter, Convection, Broil, Speedy Combi, Even Defrost, Humidity Sensor, Mute Function, 27 Auto Menu&47 Recipe, 1.0 cf 1000W is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used as a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, defroster, combi cook, and humidity sensor. It is designed to be a space-saving solution for your countertop.

We are impressed with the TOSHIBA 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo because of its ultimate versatility. With 10 power levels, it can handle a wide range of cooking tasks in your kitchen. Whether you need to quickly reheat leftovers, air fry crispy snacks, or even bake a delicious cake, this appliance has got you covered.

The main purpose of the TOSHIBA 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo is to provide you with a convenient and efficient way to cook, bake, and reheat food. Its key features include:

The built-in humidity sensor intelligently adjusts power and cooking time to ensure that your food is neither undercooked nor overcooked. The TOSHIBA ORIGIN Inverter Technology allows for more uniform distribution of heat in the cavity, resulting in even cooking, reheating, and defrosting.

The TOSHIBA convection microwave utilizes 360° heat circulation to air fry food without the need for added oil. This not only reduces the amount of fat in your food but also delivers perfectly crispy and golden results. It comes with an air fry basket, bake tray, and two wire racks for optimal air frying.

With powerful output in convection (up to 425°F) and grill (up to 1000W), the Combi-Modes of this appliance speed up your cooking process. By combining microwave, convection, and grill functions, it allows you to achieve dishes with crispy, browned outsides and tender texture insides.

The TOSHIBA 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo comes with an original cookbook containing 47 classic recipes. Additionally, it has 6 Auto Menus, 10 Air Fry Menus, 5 Sensor Cook Presets, and 6 Defrost Presets built into the microwave, making it easy for even beginners to prepare Michelin-star quality meals at home.

The TOSHIBA 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo is a high-quality appliance that offers exceptional functionality. Its thoughtful design, advanced technologies, and preset options make it a versatile and reliable kitchen companion.

  • Ultimate versatility with 7-in-1 functionality
  • Built-in humidity sensor for precise cooking
  • Convection microwave with air fry capabilities for healthier cooking
  • Combi-Modes for faster cooking and optimal results
  • Includes a cookbook with 47 recipes and pre-set menus for easy use
  • External dimensions may require additional countertop space
  • Limited clearance needed on rear and sides for proper ventilation

The TOSHIBA 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo is an excellent choice for anyone looking to maximize their kitchen space without compromising on functionality. Its range of features, including the smart sensor, air fry capabilities, and Combi-Modes, make it a versatile appliance that can handle a variety of cooking tasks with ease. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, this microwave oven combo is sure to elevate your culinary skills and bring convenience to your daily cooking routine.

Toshiba 7-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo

Panasonic 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, Convection Bake, FlashXpress Broiler, Inverter Microwave Technology is designed to be the ultimate all-in-one multi oven for your kitchen. With its versatile functions, you can use it as a countertop microwave, broiler, air fryer, and convection oven. Whether you want to reheat leftovers, cook a quick meal, or bake and roast your favorite dishes, this microwave oven has got you covered.

We like the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven because it offers so much more than your typical microwave. With its air fryer mode, you can enjoy healthier and more delicious versions of your favorite fried foods, such as french fries and nuggets, without the need for pre-heating. The convection bake function allows you to bake and roast at temperatures up to 425°F, and the FlashXpress broiler is perfect for toasting, browning, and crisping. This versatile appliance truly does it all, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

The purpose of the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is to provide you with a convenient and versatile cooking appliance that can handle a wide range of tasks. Its key features include:

  • All-in-one convenience: With its multiple functions, you can use this microwave oven to perform a variety of cooking tasks, from microwaving to broiling, air frying, and convection baking.
  • Healthy air fryer mode: The air fryer mode quickly circulates hot air around your food, creating crispy and brown results while reducing the need for oil. This allows you to enjoy healthier versions of your favorite fried foods.
  • Smart, even cooking power: The 1000-Watt Panasonic inverter microwave technology ensures smart and even defrosting, reheating, cooking, and warming. It also has the Genius Sensor Cook, Turbo Defrost, and other dedicated settings to make your cooking experience easier and more efficient.
  • Sleek, space-saving design: With its large capacity and small overall footprint, this microwave oven is designed to save space on your countertop. It also comes with a 14.2″ turntable and the option to make it a built-in microwave oven with an optional trim kit.
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The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven offers excellent overall quality. It is built with durability in mind, featuring a stainless steel exterior that not only looks sleek but is also easy to clean. The easy-clean interior ensures that you can effortlessly maintain the cleanliness of your microwave oven. Additionally, the 1000-Watt inverter microwave technology ensures smart and even cooking power, allowing for consistent and delicious results every time.

Pros:

  • Versatile all-in-one functionality
  • Healthy air frying capabilities
  • Smart and even cooking power
  • Sleek and space-saving design
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • May be more expensive than traditional microwaves
  • Some users may prefer separate appliances for each function

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, Convection Bake, FlashXpress Broiler, Inverter Microwave Technology is a top-notch kitchen appliance that offers convenience, versatility, and excellent cooking performance. Whether you need to reheat leftovers, cook a quick meal, or try your hand at air frying or baking, this microwave oven has the capabilities to handle it all. Its sleek design and easy-clean interior add to its appeal, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Panasonic 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer

KoolMore 24 Inch Convection Oven and Microwave Combination with Broil, Soft Close Door, 1000 Watt Power, Stainless Steel Finish, Touch Control LCD Display, 1.6 Cu. Ft, Silver

The KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS 24 Inch Built-in Convection Oven and Microwave Combination with Broil, Soft Close Door, 1000 Watt Power, Stainless Steel Finish, Touch Control LCD Display, 1.6 Cu. Ft, Silver is a versatile kitchen appliance that is perfect for cooking, heating, and broiling food.

We love the KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS for its dual microwave and convection oven capabilities. This 2-in-1 appliance expands your food prep options and makes it easier to enjoy a variety of dishes such as steaks, pizza, frozen entrees, and potatoes. Whether you’re cooking a quick meal or preparing a feast, this smart microwave has got you covered.

The purpose of the KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS is to provide a convenient and efficient cooking experience. With a 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and 1000 watts of power, this smart microwave offers ample space and high performance for all your cooking needs. It features a convection heating element that can reduce cooking time by about 20% and ensures even heating throughout. The top and bottom heating elements work together to improve baking, while the fan heaters distribute heat evenly for perfectly cooked meals.

One of the standout features of this smart microwave is its cool door technology. The double-layered glass construction keeps the exterior cool and safe to touch, making it ideal for homes with kids. You can cook worry-free without the fear of accidental burns. Additionally, the silent soft-close door eliminates the annoying slamming noise, creating a quieter and more comfortable cooking environment.

The KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS is designed with reinforced oven door hinges. This feature allows you to rest hot pots, pans, or food on the lid, supporting up to 66 lbs. It provides added convenience when moving food in and out of the unit, ensuring that you can handle your dishes safely.

The overall quality of the KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS is exceptional. It boasts a sleek stainless steel finish that not only enhances the aesthetics of your kitchen but also ensures durability and longevity. The touch control LCD display makes operation easy and intuitive, allowing you to navigate through the various settings effortlessly. With its high-quality construction and advanced features, this smart microwave is built to last.

Pros:

  • Dual microwave and convection oven functionality for versatile cooking options
  • Convection heating element reduces cooking time by 20%
  • Cool door technology for added safety
  • Silent soft-close door for a quieter kitchen environment
  • Reinforced oven door hinges for secure placement of hot items

Cons:

  • The 24-inch size might not be suitable for smaller kitchens
  • The high-end features come with a higher price tag

The KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS 24 Inch Built-in Convection Oven and Microwave Combination is a top-notch kitchen appliance that offers a wide range of cooking capabilities. Its dual microwave and convection oven functionality, coupled with its cool door technology and soft-close door, make it a smart choice for any home. While it may be pricier compared to other options, the quality and performance it delivers more than justify the investment. Upgrade your kitchen with this smart microwave and elevate your cooking experience to new heights.

KoolMore 24 Inch Convection Oven and Microwave Combination with Broil, Soft Close Door, 1000 Watt Power, Stainless Steel Finish, Touch Control LCD Display, 1.6 Cu. Ft, Silver

Toshiba Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor and 6 Menus

The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor is designed for large families who need a spacious and powerful microwave to quickly and efficiently cook or heat up their meals. With its 2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity and 1200W power, this microwave can easily accommodate a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken, making it perfect for preparing meals for the entire family.

There are several reasons why we love the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Smart Microwave. Firstly, its built-in humidity sensor with 6 Automatic Preset Menus ensures that your food is evenly heated and the moisture is sealed inside, resulting in optimal cooking results. This means no more worrying about overcooked or dried-out meals.

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Secondly, the microwave comes with 6 Auto Menus that cover a wide range of daily needs, including bacon, frozen roll/muffin-reheat, beverage, chicken pieces, and oatmeal. This makes it incredibly convenient and versatile for various cooking tasks.

Another feature that we appreciate is the Auto-Defrost Function. It offers different defrost programs for meat, poultry, and fish, simulating a natural defrosting environment and achieving optimal defrosting results. No more waiting for your food to thaw on the countertop or risking uneven defrosting.

Additionally, this microwave is extremely easy to use. It includes handy features like One pound/auto defrost, energy-saving eco mode, and a sound on/off function. The speedy cooking option allows you to heat up your meals in no time, while the memory function and multi-stage cooking provide flexibility and convenience. The child safety lock ensures that little ones can’t accidentally operate the microwave, giving you peace of mind.

Finally, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Smart Microwave is equipped with an indoor light, clock, and kitchen timer, making it a convenient addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design adds a touch of elegance to your countertop.

The purpose of the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor is to provide a powerful and spacious cooking appliance for large families. Its key features include a large 2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity, 1200W power, built-in humidity sensor with 6 Automatic Preset Menus, 6 Auto Menus for daily needs, Auto-Defrost Function for optimal defrosting results, and a range of user-friendly functions such as one pound/auto defrost, eco mode, sound on/off, speedy cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, indoor light, clock, and kitchen timer.

The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Smart Microwave is a high-quality appliance that offers excellent performance and convenience. Its powerful cooking capabilities, along with the built-in humidity sensor and automatic presets, ensure that your food is cooked to perfection every time. The added features like the Auto-Defrost Function, user-friendly controls, and elegant design make it a standout product in the market.

Here are the pros and cons of the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Smart Microwave:

Pros:

  • Large 2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity
  • Powerful 1200W cooking power
  • Built-in humidity sensor for even heating and moisture retention
  • 6 Automatic Preset Menus for convenience
  • Auto-Defrost Function for optimal thawing results
  • User-friendly controls and features
  • Sleek stainless steel design

Cons:

  • May be too large for small kitchens with limited countertop space
  • Some users may find it too powerful for their needs

With its impressive features, spacious capacity, and user-friendly design, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor is a top contender for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile microwave. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or simply want a convenient appliance for your kitchen, this smart microwave has you covered.

Toshiba Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor and 6 Menus

Comparison of Specifications

Panasonic NN-SN686S TOSHIBA 7-in-1 Panasonic NN-CD87KS KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS)
Power 1200W 1000W 1000W 1000W 1200W
Capacity 1.2 cu ft 1.0 cu ft 1.2 cu ft 1.6 cu ft 2.2 cu ft
Cooking Functions Inverter Technology, Genius Sensor, Turbo Defrost Microwave, Air Fryer, Convection, Broiler, Defroster, Combi Cook, Humidity Sensor Air Fryer, Convection Bake, FlashXpress Broiler, Inverter Microwave Technology Microwave, Convection Oven, Broiler Smart Sensor, 6 Menus, Auto Defrost, ECO Mode
Control Panel Membrane keypad, 5 menu buttons Touch control LCD display Easy Clean Interior Soft Close Door 16.5″ Position Memory Turntable
Additional Features Keep warm feature, 14 preset menu items, 10 power levels, child safety lock Original cookbook with 47 recipes, 10 air fry menus, 6 defrost presets, 5 sensor cook presets FlashXpress broiler, small overall footprint, optional trim kit Dual microwave and convection oven combination, cool door technology, silent soft-close door Auto-defrost function, 6 automatic preset menus, energy-saving eco mode

Conclusion

After reviewing the features and performance of all five products, we can conclude that each one has its own strengths and drawbacks.

Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S offers inverter technology and a genius sensor for precise and efficient cooking. However, some users found that the stainless steel exterior was prone to fingerprints and smudges.

TOSHIBA 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, MASTER Series, Inverter, Convection, Broil, Speedy Combi, Even Defrost, Humidity Sensor, Mute Function, 27 Auto Menu&47 Recipe, 1.0 cf 1000W

The TOSHIBA 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo provides a wide range of cooking functions and features, including an air fryer option. However, some reviewers mentioned that the control panel could be confusing to use initially.

Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, Convection Bake, FlashXpress Broiler, Inverter Microwave Technology, 1000W, 1.2 cu ft with Easy Clean Interior – NN-CD87KS (Stainless Steel)

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven offers versatility with its air fryer, convection bake, and broiling capabilities. It also has an easy-clean interior. However, a few users reported that the air fryer function could be slow compared to standalone air fryers.

KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS 24 Inch Built-in Convection Oven and Microwave Combination with Broil, Soft Close Door, 1000 Watt Power, Stainless Steel Finish, Touch Control LCD Display, 1.6 Cu. Ft, Silver

The KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS is a built-in convection oven and microwave combination that offers a spacious cavity and a soft-close door for convenience. However, some customers noted that the control panel could be too sensitive to touch.

Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor, 6 Menus, Auto Defrost, ECO Mode, Mute Option & 16.5″ Position Memory Turntable, 2.2 Cu Ft, 1200W, Stainless Steel

The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave provides a large capacity and various cooking options such as an eco mode and smart sensor. However, a few users mentioned that the turntable occasionally got stuck or was noisy during operation.

Based on these findings, if you are looking for precise cooking and efficient technology, the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a good choice. If you prefer a multifunctional microwave with an air fryer option, the TOSHIBA 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo is recommended. For a combination of microwave, air fryer, convection bake, and broiling functions, the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a suitable option. If you need a built-in combination oven and microwave, the KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS offers convenience and a spacious cavity. Lastly, if you require a large countertop microwave with smart features, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is worth considering.

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