10 Best Inverter Microwaves 2025 in the United States

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven is a solid choice for those looking for an inverter microwave. With a powerful output of 1250 watts and a capacity of 1.6 cubic feet, it’s well-suited for meal prep in a household. One of the standout features is its Inverter Technology, which ensures even heating and defrosting, making it easier to cook various foods without hot or cold spots. The six smart sensor auto menus add convenience, automatically adjusting the power for popular items like pizza and vegetables, enhancing your cooking experience.

The design is sleek with a black stainless steel finish, and its compact size makes it fit nicely on most countertops. Plus, it’s equipped with a quick start button, allowing you to start cooking with a simple press, which is great for busy moments.

However, there are some considerations. While the removable turntable is a common feature, it can take up space and may not be ideal for larger dishes. Some users also might find the sound of the buzzer a little distracting, though the option to mute it is handy. Cleaning is made easier thanks to its stainless steel exterior, which is generally resistant to stains and easy to wipe down, but the turntable might require more effort to clean if food spills occur. Finally, the child lock feature adds peace of mind for families with young children, ensuring safety when in use.

The Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and spacious option for large families, with a 2.2 cubic feet capacity and 1200 watts of power output. Its standout feature is the inverter technology combined with a smart sensor, which ensures even cooking and defrosting by adjusting power and time based on the food's humidity. This means no more cold spots and consistently well-cooked meals.

The microwave also offers 10 power levels, adding versatility for various cooking needs, from defrosting to boiling liquids. Six automatic sensor cook menus make it user-friendly for quick and convenient meal preparation. Safety is addressed with a two-step child lock, making it a secure choice for households with young children. The 16.5-inch removable glass turntable allows for easy cleaning and accommodates large dishes.

The stainless steel design gives it a modern and sleek appearance, suitable for most kitchen decors. However, its larger size (21.6 x 24.4 x 13.6 inches) and weight (33.5 pounds) might be a concern for those with limited counter space. Additionally, while sensor cooking is a great feature, some users might find it takes a bit of trial and error to perfect. If you're looking for a robust, family-friendly microwave with advanced cooking technology, this Toshiba model is worth considering.

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a strong performer in the inverter microwave category, offering a power output of 1200W. This ensures quick and efficient cooking. The 1.2 cubic foot capacity is adequate for medium-sized families, fitting most dishes comfortably. Equipped with inverter technology, it provides consistent heat distribution, avoiding the common issue of overcooking on the edges and undercooking in the center. Additionally, the Turbo Defrost feature is a timesaver for thawing frozen foods quickly and evenly. The Genius Sensor technology is a notable advantage, automatically adjusting power and cooking time for various foods, making it user-friendly.

With 14 preset menu items, it covers a wide range of common cooking needs, though some users may find the number of presets overwhelming. The turntable design, with a diameter of 13.4 inches, helps in even cooking but may require more frequent cleaning compared to flatbed designs. Cleaning is relatively straightforward due to the stainless steel material, though the turntable may need more careful handling. The compact design is a plus, fitting well in most kitchen spaces while maximizing the interior capacity.

The size and stainless steel finish make it an aesthetically pleasing and modern addition to any kitchen. However, at 25.5 pounds, it is not the lightest option available. The keypad interface is simple to navigate, although some users might prefer a more modern touch screen interface. Child safety lock and keep warm features add to its functionality. In conclusion, this microwave is suitable for those looking for a reliable, high-performance appliance with advanced features but with a few considerations regarding cleaning and weight.