The Best Microwave Ovens

Tuesday, May 7th

2024 Microwave Oven Reviews

GE

• Just under 100 models of microwave ovens to choose from (countertop, built-in, over-the-range)
• Prices range from $109 to $2,099
• Microwaves get high ratings from owners
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
• In business for over a century
• Warranty coverage of one year on parts and labor, up to five years on the magnetron

GE is synonymous with appliances. In business for more than a century and headquartered in Kentucky, this company makes appliances across a wide range of uses and brands, from the standard GE Profile to Haier, Cafe and Monogram.

Great selection of most microwave styles

No matter what you have in mind for your next microwave, GE will almost always deliver: countertop, built-in, or over-the-range, often in a half-dozen finishes for any given model. If you're looking for a one-and-done shopping experience, GE is the best starting point.

Air fryer, convection and proofing - oh my

You could definitely spend a pretty penny on a GE microwave if you wanted to. During our most recent shopping trip, they offered four models over $1,000. The top-of-the-line microwave was the GE Profile Built-in Microwave/Convection oven, priced at $2,099. This appliance has 975 microwave watts and 1500 convection watts for powerful cooking, the ability to create custom cook settings, and is a great option if you're a baker needing a proofing oven setting too.

Lots of features under $1,000

However, most GE microwave ovens are very nicely featured without costing over $1,000. Maybe you've got a big family and you need your appliance sized to match? There are quite a few GE Profile models with a capacity of 2.1 cu.ft. and 1000 watts of cooking power. We spotted one for $659 that even had those customizable cook settings we mentioned and a nifty "Chef Connect" feature to sync up the clocks on your microwave and range (because we all know how annoying it is when the power goes out and those two digital clocks aren't...on...the...same...minute).

Excellent brand reputation

GE microwaves get extremely positive reviews from owners. On almost every model we checked out, ratings easily averaged four stars and up - over thousands of purchases. For example, the popular GE Profile 1.7 cu.ft. convection over-the-range microwave oven had over 2300 ratings, and almost 2000 of those were 4- and 5-stars. That matches GE's overall reputation as a brand, too. The Better Business Bureau gives GE their highest rating and accreditation. When you combine that with the standard 1-year warranty on parts and labor and five years on the magnetron, you should be feeling pretty confident that your GE microwave will work well for a long time - and that you won't have any trouble getting service if it doesn't.

#1 brand for microwave ovens

Selection, features, affordability and reliability: could you ask for anything else from a microwave oven brand? GE delivers all of that and more. Whether you're hoping for a bargain or excited about going all-out for a cutting-edge appliance, GE should be the first place you look as our first-place brand among makers of microwave ovens.

Samsung

• Over 50 models of microwave ovens to choose from (countertop, over-the-range, built-in)
• Prices range from $149 to $656
• Appliance packages can save you money
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
• Most microwaves have one year warranty coverage on parts and labor, and up to 10 years on the magnetron

High-tech at reasonable prices: that's an accurate description of the Samsung brand, from cell phones to refrigerators. They've got more than 50 different microwave oven models to consider for your kitchen, dorm or office, with styles ranging from simple countertop designs to traditional over-the-range and built-in appliances.

Bundle or one-off purchase, your choice

Many Samsung microwaves can be purchased as part of a bundle, often paired with a freestanding range. That's a good way to save money if you're redoing your kitchen or buying appliances for a new home. However, if you're just in the market for a microwave, no problem: there are over 50 you can consider for the countertop, over the range, or as a built-in unit. Better yet, they're regularly on sale.

Big on features, small on price

Sale or not, Samsung microwaves are impressively affordable. Their top microwave oven at the time of our evaluation was the 1.7 cu.ft. Smart Over-the-Range Microwave with Convection & Slim Fry in Black Stainless. With many brands, you'd probably pay $2,000 or more for those high-end features, but at Samsung? Try an MSRP of $729 and a sale price of $656. This voice-enabled appliance even connects to your Wi-Fi. The one downside is that it has a ceramic enamel interior, not the stainless steel you'd find with comparable microwaves from other makers.

Affordable and reliable entry-level appliances too

Looking at Samsung's lowest-priced microwave oven, we were stunned to see that we could get 1.1. Cu.ft., 1000 watts of cooking power, and a grilling element in a countertop style for under $150. And, high or low end, you should get at least a year of warranty coverage on parts and labor, plus 10 total years on the magnetron.

Award-winner for customer satisfaction

Samsung does really well reputation-wise. Not only do they have an "A+" from the Better Business Bureau, but the company received a #1 in Customer Satisfaction award from J.D. Power specifically for over-the-range microwaves - for three consecutive years. That's reflected in the customer ratings on individual products: we found thousands of five-star ratings on many different Samsung microwaves, and most models had an average of at least four out of five stars.

Microwave ovens that don't disappoint

It's hard to go wrong with a Samsung microwave. Any model you choose will come with a good warranty, backed by a company known for providing a fantastic customer experience - particularly with respect to microwave ovens. If you can live without a stainless steel interior, there's no reason not to buy a Samsung.

Sharp

• 37 microwave oven models to choose from (countertop, drawer, over-the-counter, over-the-range)
• Prices range from $79.99 to $2,199.99
• In business for 60+ years
• Warranty typically covers one year parts/labor and five years on the magnetron tube

Sharp is a brand that balances innovation and design with quality and value. Products in the company's portfolio include everything from networked office solutions to atmospheric water generators - and a surprisingly large selection of home appliances as well.

Biggest variety of microwave oven styles

Out of all of the microwave brands we checked out, Sharp has one of the broadest ranges of options. Whether you need a small countertop model for a dorm room or a standard over-the-range style, you'll probably have not just one but several to choose from.

Features you never knew were possible

If you buy Sharp's top-of-the-line microwave, the 24" Built-In Smart Convection Drawer Oven, you may never need another small kitchen appliance again. This microwave does it all: cooking modes include air fry, convection grill, convection bake, convection roast, toast, keep warm, smart cook and sensor cook. But wait, there's more. Open the drawer with just a wave of your hand to reveal the spacious interior that can hold up to three dinner plates, two 3-quart casserole dishes, or even a 20-oz beverage. This microwave oven can even be voice controlled with 65 "convenient and simple" commands. The price? $2,199.99.

Lots of features for less money

Not in the market for a drawer-style microwave for over $2,000? No problem. The vast majority of Sharp microwaves are priced at $600 or less, without skimping on features or capacity. For example, you could get a countertop microwave oven with a whopping 2.2. cu.ft. interior size, cooking at a powerful 1200 watts - for just $229.99. We even found one for under $200 that works with Amazon Alexa voice commands. Why spend more for a fancy brand when you can get a perfectly functional, efficient appliance at a fraction of the cost?

BBB rating not indicative of overall satisfaction

At first glance, you might think that Sharp isn't the most reputable brand in our review. The Better Business Bureau gives the company a "C-" grade, mostly for failing to respond to four complaints and to resolve another seven. But, that's not a huge worry - Sharp is a huge company with a long history, and 16 complaints in a 12-month period is hardly indicative of a huge problem.

Microwaves have a reputation for lasting a decade or longer

On the other hand, customer satisfaction with Sharp microwaves is high - especially over the long term. These appliances tend to last longer than the competition, particularly with over-the-range models. While this doesn't automatically apply to anything you'd buy now, many Sharp microwaves purchased 10-20 years ago are still working just fine. Today's models have a one-year limited warranty on parts and labor and five years' coverage on the magnetron tube.

Give Sharp a try

Sharp is the brand that caught us off guard - in a good way. No, you're probably not going to hear your neighbor bragging about her Sharp microwave... unless she's one of the many customers who have had their appliance last for year after year with no issues. Beyond the trendy drawer-style microwave oven, Sharp isn't going to kill your budget no matter which model you choose, and you'll get decent warranty coverage from a company that seems to make it pretty easy to get service when needed. This is definitely a microwave oven brand that should be on your list to consider.

Whirlpool

• 22 microwave oven models to choose from (countertop, over-the-range, built-in)
• Prices range from $116 to $979
• In business for over 100 years
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB

The Whirlpool brand family is extensive, starting with the flagship company in 1911 and expanding over the years to incorporate other businesses (many of which you'll see separately in our microwave oven reviews). Most homes these days have had a Whirlpool appliance at some point: a washer, dryer, refrigerator, range, or a microwave oven.

Affordable free-standing styles

Need a simple microwave that gets the job done? Whirlpool has three countertop models under $200 that fit the description, even one with a 1.1 cu.ft. capacity. You still won't pay an arm and a leg if you need a bigger free-standing microwave, though: we spotted a 2.2 cu.ft. option with 1200 watts of cooking power for $379.

Some good features for less than $1,000

Then again, maybe it's your big day to upgrade and you want the most tricked-out microwave that Whirlpool has to offer. At the time of this evaluation, that was the 1.9 cu.ft. Smart Over-the-Range Microwave with Scan-to-Cook Technology, priced at $979. Ever seen a microwave with a touchscreen before? It can learn your family's cooking habits and suggest presets based on your favorites. And, for anyone with visual challenges, this microwave also has a proximity sensor that adjusts the display size based on the distance of the person nearby.

Not as many high-end options available

That may come up a little short if you're looking at what "tricked out" means with other brands: usually air fryer capabilities, convection cooking, and a stainless steel interior, at a minimum. Whirlpool is not the brand for you if you want the absolute most cutting-edge technology in your microwave, to be honest.

Perfect score with the BBB

But, we still give Whirlpool a solid ranking among microwave oven brands. Why? First off, the company gets an "A+" and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. That's not a given in this industry, so it's worth mentioning because it means you can count on the company to handle problems appropriately.

Customers say these microwaves are reliable

Our other reason is the thousands of five-star reviews we found on a wide range of Whirlpool microwave ovens. For example, on a fairly basic over-the-range model with 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 10 power levels, there were more than 6700 customer ratings with an average of 4.6 stars. Not only are these appliances popular, but they go the distance in terms of customer satisfaction. That's important because, from the looks of it, most Whirlpool microwaves only have a one-year warranty - so you want it to be well-made for maximum longevity, and customer feedback seems to indicate you'll get that here.

Good overall choice for basic microwave ovens

Whirlpool isn't going to make your jaw drop with some incredible new feature or have you bragging about how cool your microwave is. Is that really necessary? Not if you want a reliable appliance at a great price point - from a company that has an excellent reputation like Whirlpool does. You should shop with another brand if you need convection cooking or an air fryer capability, but for a traditional microwave that works, Whirlpool is a solid choice.

LG

• 21 models of microwave ovens to choose from (over-the-range and countertop)
• Prices range from $160 to $899
• Plenty of features
• Warranty coverage of up to two years on parts and labor

LG appliances are everywhere. The company is well known for offering the most advanced technology at affordable prices, and that's definitely true with their kitchen appliances.

Small microwave, big reputation

LG microwaves give you quite a bit for your money. For under $175, you could get a 0.9 cu.ft. model perfect for the home or office: the NeoChef Countertop unit has an easy clean interior with an extra-stable turntable and bright LED lighting. And, out of over 1000 buyer ratings, this microwave oven has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Top-of-the-line features - under $1,000

At the opposite end of the price spectrum, LG sells the Studio 1.7 cu.ft. over-the-range convection microwave oven with air fry. With an MSRP of just $899, this appliance has all of the features you would pay two or even three times as much to get from another brand. It even has a two-year warranty on parts and labor. This model was too new at the time of this review to have any customer ratings, but the comparable LG models without the air fry system averaged about 4.3 out of 5 stars as a reference point.

BBB rating on the decline

LG's reputation with the Better Business Bureau isn't fantastic. Previously, the BBB had listed the company as "Not Rated" while they evaluated how customer complaints were being handled. Apparently, the results are in - and they're not great. When we looked most recently, LG had been given a "C-" rating with over 2100 complaints filed there in the last year alone. It's worth noting that the vast majority of those are regarding malfunctioning refrigerators and not microwaves, but that low rating indicates that the BBB doesn't think LG is handling issues well in general.

Might be just fine for microwave ovens

Should that deter you from buying an LG microwave if you find one you love? Not necessarily: among the 20+ appliances we saw, almost all of them had a customer rating average over four stars. Plus, with LG's affordable price points on microwave ovens, you could theoretically buy a replacement when it fails and still spend less on two of them than you would have paid on a single more expensive appliance from another brand. We suggest shopping around for a bit and circling back to LG for a comparison, then deciding if that BBB rating is worth worrying about.

Maytag

• 6 microwave oven models to choose from (over-the-range and countertop)
• Prices range from $349 to $719
• Frequent manufacturer rebates available
• Up to 10 years of limited parts warranty coverage
• In business for over 100 years

Almost every homeowner in America has had a Maytag appliance, from fridges and other kitchen electrics to clothing care and more. Originally started over 100 years ago and now part of the Whirlpool brand family, this brand seeks to be one you trust when it's time to buy a new microwave.

Not much to choose from

You're not going to be overly impressed with Maytag's selection of microwave ovens. At the time of our most recent shopping trip, we found just six total choices: one countertop and the rest over-the-range styles. On the positive side, none of them were priced over $725, and almost all of them had plenty of customer reviews - with an average of about 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Just the basic features

Maytag's most popular microwave, coming in with over 1000 ratings, is the Over-the-Range with Stainless Steel Cavity (1.7 cu.ft.). Priced at a decidedly affordable $349, this model has an easily-cleaned interior and a charcoal odor filter to keep smells out of your kitchen. No, it doesn't come with any cool "smart" features (other than the push-button opening instead of a handle), but almost 95% of buyers would recommend it to other customers.

Lots of rebates

Another perk with Maytag is rebates. Almost every time we're shopping for appliances, Maytag is the brand that has some special offer that gets us some money back. If you've decided that one of their microwave ovens is right for your kitchen, be sure to see if there are any current rebates - and then follow the redemption instructions carefully to get your cash back (or gift card, or whatever form your rebate may take).

Decent warranties

How about warranty coverage? Maytag doesn't spell it out in the product information, but from what we can tell, most models have a 10-year limited warranty on the magnetron at a minimum plus sometimes on the interior (specifically if it's stainless steel). Be sure to look for that information on the retailer's site before making your purchase - and don't be afraid to purchase an extended warranty if that coverage is offered.

Good company reputation

In terms of reputation, Maytag shares the "A+" rating earned by parent company Whirlpool. That's always a plus. And, with hundreds (or even thousands) of customer ratings on Maytag microwaves that say they're good products that get the job done, that's extra reassurance that you'll be happy with your purchase here.

Reliable choice though lacking in selection

We give Maytag microwaves a better-than-average rating for customer satisfaction. The brand comes up a little short with respect to selection - you won't see anything cutting-edge or luxury-level in their inventory - but you might find the right appliance at the right price with Maytag.

KitchenAid

• About 15 microwave models to choose from (over-the-range, built-in, countertop, drawer)
• Prices range from $709 to $2,649
• 1-year warranty on parts and labor, 10-year warranty on inner cavity/door on some models

KitchenAid may be best known for its ubiquitous stand mixers, complete with attachments that can grind meat, whip cream, or make pasta. The company is one of several owned by Whirlpool, so no matter how you look at it, the KitchenAid name is easily associated with cooking.

Can you find them in stock?

KitchenAid has a little over a dozen microwave ovens in their current offerings. Depending on where you shop, though, you may have a challenge finding them in stock. For example, on the KitchenAid site itself, our most recent visit showed only nine available, and even two of those were marked as "low inventory" - and most of the products shown were microwave parts and accessories, not microwave ovens themselves.

All 4 styles of microwave ovens available

One plus for KitchenAid is that they have all four styles of microwave: countertop, over-the-range, built-in and drawer (again, when they're available). Their highest-end model is the 27" built-in with convection cooking. What will you get for their MSRP of $2,649? It's got a 900 watt microwave combined with a 1200 watt convection element for faster cooking, a stainless steel interior, a somewhat smaller-than-average 1.4 cu.ft. capacity, broil element, crisper pan for grilling and frying, and tons of little features like settings for softening/melting butter and even baking a pizza. Keep in mind that, according to our research, that price point is about $400-$600 higher than other brands' microwave ovens with similar features.

Several options around $1,000 or less

But, if you're not planning on spending over $2,500 on a microwave, there are options around $1,000 or less. KitchenAid's 30" Microwave Hood Combination with Convection Cooking was priced at $1,049 recently. It offers 1000 watts of cooking power, efficient ventilation to capture smoke/grease and odors, and an interior/exterior in stainless steel. It's also larger than most microwaves at 1.9 cu.ft. of capacity. Over nearly 2500 buyer ratings, this microwave scored an impressive average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Mixed feedback depending on the model

Not all KitchenAid microwave ovens have that level of customer satisfaction, though. Their lowest-priced model, the 21 ¾" Countertop with PrintShield Finish (MSRP $709) only came in at 2.8 stars out of 5: owners said that the keypad stopped working between the 1- and 2-year mark, and apparently the company doesn't make replacement parts for countertop models. We found similar complaints with a few other KitchenAid microwaves as well.

Good company, not always good microwave ovens

That means that KitchenAid is something of a mixed bag when determining their reputation for microwave ovens. Overall, the company shares Whirlpool's "A+" rating, but KitchenAid appliances themselves may or may not perform at that level. We were happy to see suitable responses from KitchenAid's support team when complaints were left on their products, but that doesn't necessarily mean that a satisfactory repair or replacement was offered either.

You may get more from a different brand

At the end of the day, KitchenAid microwaves are "just okay" . Some models have a fantastic track record with customers while others are decidedly lackluster - and there just aren't a ton of them to choose from, especially with so many listed as out of stock. Be sure to read the reviews on any KitchenAid microwave you're considering, but also look at other brands that may give you more to choose from.

Frigidaire

• 19 models of microwave ovens to choose from (built-in and over-the-range, no countertop or drawer styles)
• Prices range from $329 to $2,149
• Parent company Electrolux is "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
• 1-year limited warranty

When you hear the Frigidaire name, you may think strictly of refrigerators. That makes sense: the first appliance this company sold was the electric fridge, back in 1918. Now owned by Electrolux, another long-standing brand in the industry, Frigidaire makes all of the appliances you could find in your kitchen - including microwaves.

Only two microwave styles here

Frigidaire specializes in just two types of microwave ovens: built-in and over-the-range. In other words, if you're looking for the most basic or the most cutting-edge appliances, this brand isn't going to be the right fit. We found just under 20 models to choose from, ranging in price from a budget-friendly $329 to a "luxurious" $2,149.

Average ratings from customers

At the lower end of the price spectrum, you can expect appliances that are decent but not legendary. For example, the 1.6 cu.ft. built-in, priced at $329, has an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars across several hundred customer reviews. It's got 1100 watts of cooking power - not bad for an entry-level microwave - but quite a few homeowners who got this Frigidaire microwave as part of a new-home package say that it stopped working within a few months.

May stop working in the first two years

Buyer comments on Frigidaire's top microwave, the 30" Built-In Convection Microwave Oven with Drop-Down Door, also average about four out of five stars. As you'd expect for an appliance that costs over $2,000, it's got all the bells and whistles - PowerSense broil and grill plus auto-defrost, powerful LED lighting, convection cooking and more - and incredible cooking power at 1750 watts, though the interior capacity is fairly average (1.6 cu.ft). Though many owners are happy with the performance and longevity of this microwave oven, we once again saw issues reported by owners of new homes whose Frigidaire suites of appliances failed within the first 18 months of use.

Solid company reputation

Overall, Frigidaire's reputation is good. Parent company Electrolux is both "A+" rated and accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and from what we've observed, the customer support team does a good job of responding to any complaints filed.

Lackluster warranty protection

But, Frigidaire doesn't get a higher ranking because of the limited warranty they offer on microwave ovens: you'll get the standard one year of coverage, but after that there's nothing. Most rival brands will at least give you longer protection on the magnetron, the stainless interior, and so on, but Frigidaire cuts the warranty on all parts and labor at the one-year mark.

Some room for improvement

You may not have any issues with your Frigidaire microwave - after all, a four-star average means that many customers are quite satisfied with their appliances. We give this brand our just-below-average rating, however, because compared with other brands' more generous coverage, Frigidaire microwave ovens may be more likely to leave you in the lurch if something malfunctions at the 366-day mark.

Thermador

• 5 microwave oven models to choose from (no countertop styles available)
• Prices range from $1,099 to $2,199
• In business since 1916
• Limited 2-year warranty on entire appliance, including parts and labor

Thermador considers itself a luxury appliance brand. In business since 1916, they've been pioneering the kitchen experience as the first to bring cooktops, steam and convection ovens, and column refrigeration to American homes.

Only 5 models of microwave ovens

Thermador has an extremely limited selection of microwave ovens: we found just five total choices at the time of our review. These included two drawer styles, two drop-down door styles, and just one over-the-range style. Microwaves are such an afterthought with this brand that you won't even find an FAQ about them on their main company site (as opposed to dishwashers, cooktops, ovens, even coffee machines).

Luxury brand - and price

Of course, as a luxury brand, Thermador appliances come with an "upgraded" price tag. Their one and only over-the-range microwave oven sells for $1,049: granted, it's got a larger interior than many comparable appliances from other brands (2.1 cu.ft.) and it's a bit more high-powered too (1100 watts). But, beyond that, it's hard to see what makes this Thermador microwave worth the money. Thermador itself doesn't offer owners the opportunity to leave reviews on their microwaves, and feedback in other places is limited (though relatively positive, from what little we found).

Not worth the cost

How about Thermador's highest-end microwave oven, the 30" Built-In for $2,199? Sure, it's sleek and would probably look amazing in any gourmet kitchen. But, the capacity isn't impressive at just 1.6 cu.ft., max power is only 950 watts, and the rest of its features are standard to the point of being boring. Not that a microwave oven needs to do much - heat, reheat and defrost - but with Thermador you're paying a lot for a look that doesn't necessarily correspond to the features.

Poor brand reputation

Another big concern we have with Thermador microwave ovens is the fact that they're a sub-brand of Bosch: the lowest-rated company in our evaluation. Not only does Bosch have a "D-" rating from the Better Business Bureau (which, by default, applies to Thermador as well), but the BBB describes a pattern of the company failing to repair or replace warranty-eligible appliances in a timely fashion - or ever. Offering a two-year limited warranty on all microwaves that includes parts and labor does you no good if you can't get Thermador (or Bosch) to respond and get the repair or replacement done.

You'll get a better value elsewhere

Thermador is not likely to get your attention when shopping for a new microwave oven. Their inventory is extremely limited in both quantity and style options, and the Thermador history of luxury-level, reliable appliances is overshadowed by the increasingly negative one earned by parent company Bosch. Check out the higher-ranked microwave oven brands in our review to get a better selection and value for what you pay.

Bosch

• 16 microwave oven models to choose from (no countertop styles available)
• Prices range from $499 to $2,399
• Innovative microwave oven options include speed styles with convection and pull-out drawer styles

Bosch is a German company whose goal is to "create technology that is invented for life" . We also like to say that "Bosch rhymes with "posh'" - and if you're looking for sleek, high-end appliances, chances are good that this is one of the brands on your list.

No countertop microwave ovens

You'll notice that first when you look at the microwave oven styles offered by Bosch: there are no dorm-friendly or space-hogging countertop options here. Instead, you'll find the more traditional over-the-range style and built-ins to match the rest of your kitchen appliances. Bosch also has some more novel choices, like drawer-style microwaves and speed ovens with convection-type cooking.

Higher series number = higher price and more features

When you shop for a Bosch appliance, the general rule of thumb is that the higher the series number, the greater the features (and the price tag). Taking a look at their over-the-range styles, their 300 series microwave is priced at $499 and the 800 series sells for $899. They both have a max power of 1000 watts and stainless steel exteriors. What are the differences? The 800 series has a stainless steel interior, while the 300 is just lacquered. You'll also see a size difference - 1.6 cu.ft. vs. 1.8 cu.ft. - and the auto-cook setting uses both a sensor and weight control on the 800 series. Only you can determine if paying an extra $400 is worth it for those slight variations.

Warranty info isn't very clear

Bosch doesn't necessarily make it easy to find out what the warranty is on their microwave ovens. No matter which model we selected, when we clicked on the Warranty link towards the bottom of the page, it just redirected us to the top. Given how many low ratings we found on Bosch microwaves, it would be important to know what's covered and what's not. Depending on the retailer where you buy your Bosch, that information may be provided more readily than what we experienced when shopping directly from the manufacturer.

Customers aren't happy with Bosch appliances

Among microwave oven brands, Bosch gets our lowest ranking. From what we see in customer feedback, you don't get your money's worth. As evidenced by the company's "D-" rating from the Better Business Bureau and the alert describing a pattern of complaints, Bosch doesn't do a great job in standing behind the appliances they sell: repairs are delayed or denied, even when covered under warranty. That might not be a problem if Bosch's microwave ovens were typically problem-free, but looking just at their highest-end models and seeing that more than half of them had customer ratings averaging less than three stars was a big red flag. For example, on the 800 Series Speed Oven 30" in Black Stainless Steel, we found comment after comment describing blown fuses, displays so dim as to render the appliance unusable, and broken springs in the door.

Choose a different brand for your microwave oven

While you might have luck with certain Bosch appliances (several people on our team love their Bosch dishwashers, for example), you're almost certain to be disappointed by a Bosch microwave oven. You'll pay a premium price for a subpar product, and you're not going to get a pleasant helping hand when you reach out to the company for repairs even during the warranty period (whatever that turns out to be). You'll definitely need to shop somewhere else if you're looking for a budget-friendly microwave oven, and we strongly recommend choosing a different manufacturer if you're shopping for a reliable high-end style too.