Comparison: Product Review Best Microwave (Updated | Dec 8th)

A 0.7 cu ft model is ideal for tight spaces like dorm rooms, apartments, or RV kitchens, offering enough room for plates and snacks. The 0.9 cu ft versions give you extra interior space for larger dishes, family meals, or bulk leftovers, but they require a slightly larger countertop footprint. Consider your typical dish size and available counter space before choosing.

Higher wattage (900 W vs. 700 W) cooks food faster and can handle tougher items like frozen meals more evenly. However, for reheating leftovers or simple meals, 700 W is usually sufficient and can save on electricity. Choose based on how often you need rapid cooking versus occasional light use.

Nostalgia’s retro models combine vintage aesthetics—chrome handles, splayed feet, and bold colors—with modern features like digital clocks and pre‑programmed settings. They add visual appeal to a kitchen without sacrificing functionality. If style matters as much as performance, these models provide good value.

Pre‑programmed settings (12 on some Nostalgia models, 6‑8 on Farberware) simplify cooking by selecting the optimal time and power for common foods like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes. Auto‑cook menus reduce guesswork and help achieve consistent results, especially for beginners. Look for a model that offers the number and variety of programs that match your cooking habits.

A turntable provides even heating for most everyday foods and is standard on compact models. Convection microwaves, like the Contoure RV unit, add a fan and heating element for baking and roasting, which is useful for larger meals but typically cost more and require more space. Choose a turntable model for basic reheating, or a convection model if you want oven‑style cooking on the road.

The Farberware 0.7 cu ft models deliver solid performance with 10 power levels, multiple auto‑cook programs, and an express‑cook button at a generally lower price point than the Nostalgia retro line. They balance compact size, reliable 700 W power, and useful features, making them a cost‑effective choice for limited countertop space.

Yes, models like the Contoure 1.6 cu ft convection microwave and the RV Stainless Steel 1.0 cu ft unit are built for mobile kitchens, offering higher capacity, ventilation fans, and sturdy construction. They often include features such as child locks and instant‑start buttons to suit on‑the‑road cooking needs. Verify the cutout dimensions and power requirements match your RV’s specifications.

Key safety features include child lock settings, automatic shut‑off timers, and sturdy glass turntables that stay cool during operation. Some models also have delay timers that let you schedule cooking to finish when you return. These features help prevent accidents, especially in households with children.