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Are you a fan of at-home popcorn? Do you like to prep your weekly meals in bulk? Do you prefer to buy things like frozen dinners and instant rice instead of doing the work yourself? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you will need a way to heat (or reheat) all of your dishes. And we’ve got the perfect solution for you, one you’ll find in most Canadian homes.
A microwave is the easiest way to reheat pre-cooked foods like instant rice, hot dogs, frozen dinners, leftovers, etc. When you use a microwave to reheat things instead of a stove or oven, you’re also saving yourself some time and effort on cleanup! Microwaves are incredibly versatile, easy to use, and a must-have item in most homes.
If you’re ready to buy your first or a replacement microwave, we’d love to help you find your perfect fit. Microwaves will vary in things like price, interior capacity, exterior dimensions, turntable diameter, heat programs, functionality, power output, and more. To find the best microwave for your needs, you’ll want to think about each and every feature.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best microwaves in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
Runner-Up: LG MSER1590S 1.5 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Smart Inverter
Upgrade Pick: Panasonic NNST975SC Genius 2.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave
3-in-1 Pick: Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Convection Microwave with Air Fryer
Budget Pick: Insignia NS-MW11BK5-C 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave has some great features to offer, and we’re not even including the budget-friendly price in our list. It’s sure worth noting, though. One of the things we like most about this microwave is how user-friendly the control panel is. It offers six auto-cook programs, a child lock, easy-press buttons, and six express cook options on the minute for 1-6 minutes. Helpful, isn’t it?
We’re also really excited about the memory function. If you’re regularly heating things for the same time on the same power level, you can save those settings to the memory button. There’s also a kitchen timer button that can provide a countdown for other cooking tasks alongside the microwave count. Brilliant. If you prefer a handle design instead of a flat-faced, button-dependent door, this option is still a good choice for you.
This microwave also has a couple of shortcomings that we want to make you aware of. Due to the space-saving design, the interior capacity is fairly small at only 0.7 cubic feet. If you plan to reheat dishes for more than two people, you’ll have to split them up into individual portions first. The longevity of this microwave is also a concern — it tends to wear out shortly after the warranty period.
Overall, the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave is our favourite microwave this year for people who are interested in saving money and getting a lot of usability out of a compact machine. It’s perfect for small spaces and all of your standard reheating needs.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Reviewers are quite happy with the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave. It’s a great size for one or two people, and it could not be easier for them to use. The power level is perfect for reheating things and making popcorn, and since it’s compact, it fits well in every kitchen. It’s a bit small for family use, though, and doesn’t seem to have a very long lifespan. Many have experienced it breaking down shortly after the warranty period ended.
Buy If…
You prefer a handle instead of a button to open the door
You’d appreciate a microwave that can help you keep time
You microwave on the same setting a lot
You need a balance between usability and a compact size
Don’t Buy If…
You’re looking for a lot of interior space
Longevity is important to you
Dimensions: 17.3” x 13” x 10.1”
Weight: 22.5 lbs
Colour: Silver
Power: 700 W
Interior Capacity: 0.7 cu. ft
Turntable Diameter: 10”
Heating Programs: 6
Warranty: 1 year
The LG MSER1590S 1.5 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Smart Inverter is a pretty special option. With a smart inverter, this microwave can be incredibly precise with its sensor heating functions. You’ll be able to rely on perfectly even defrosting of frozen foods and effective reheating without the need to stir halfway through. It’s that accurate with its humidity readings.
The 1.5 cubic foot capacity of this microwave is another benefit we think you’ll enjoy. Whether you’re reheating a single portion or a large dish to split between family members, this microwave will be large enough to get it all done in one go. Thanks to an EasyClean coating, microwave cleaning won’t be your most-hated chore anymore. Thank goodness for that.
Unfortunately, there are a few features missing from this microwave. If you enjoy using express cook buttons or auto-cook buttons, you’ll be disappointed on both accounts with this option. Unless you’re using a sensor cook option or making popcorn, you’ll have to decide on the right heating time and temperature manually.
Overall, the LG MSER1590S 1.5 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Smart Inverter is perfect for people who love to let machines take care of things for them. With advanced sensing technology, multiple auto-heat settings, and a great capacity, this microwave is perfect for every task.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers are pleased with the quality of the LG MSER1590S 1.5 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Smart Inverter. It performs flawlessly on all types of dishes and for both reheating and defrosting. They’re happy with the sensor cook options as well. They have no trouble keeping the microwave clean, and the capacity has been working for everyone.
Buy If…
Easy cleaning is a priority for you
You’d appreciate a microwave that can manage itself well
You need a good interior capacity to manage larger dishes
You defrost things a lot
Don’t Buy If…
You like the convenience of auto-heat programs and express cook buttons
Dimensions: 21.4” x 17” x 12.2”
Weight: 25.1 lbs
Colour: Black and silver
Power: 1,200 W
Interior Capacity: 1.5 cu. ft
Turntable Diameter: 14.2”
Heating Programs: 1
Warranty: 1 year
We are big fans of the Panasonic NNST975SC Genius 2.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave. Its main claim to fame is its sensor cook technology. It’s the most advanced microwave in this capacity since it offers 14 unique sensor cook programs — it can cook everything you might want without any input from you! That’s even more true when you factor in its large capacity. It has room for family-size dishes so everyone gets to eat at the same time.
We’re also really happy with the flexibility of this microwave’s time selection options. You’re able to use the number pad to type in an exact amount of time, there’s a 30-second button, and you can make use of the more time and less time buttons. It has everything! With a kitchen timer button, you can set a timer independent from the microwave countdown to help with other dishes. How helpful is that?
There are only two reasons you might choose to look at other options. First, the price on this one is higher than most, so if you’re shopping on a budget, you might have to move on to other options. It’s also quite large to accommodate a larger turntable and interior capacity, so if you’re working with a tight fit, it might not be a good option.
All in all, the Panasonic NNST975SC Genius 2.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave is the most premium option you’ll find right now. Whether you’re after a large capacity, intelligent sensing technology, or versatile timer options, this microwave is right for you.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers are very impressed by the Panasonic NNST975SC Genius 2.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave. Its sensor cook function works flawlessly, although it took them some time to figure out which program number goes with which food. The capacity is perfect for families, and the control panel is really easy to navigate. They would all choose this one again and recommend it to others.
Buy If…
You’re looking for a large capacity
Sensor cook is your favourite setting
You appreciate a microwave that can be flexible with the cook time
You’d appreciate a timer function
Don’t Buy If…
You’re shopping on a budget
You’re short on counter space
Dimensions: 23.9” x 19.4” x 14”
Weight: 36.8 lbs
Colour: Silver
Power: 1,200 W
Interior Capacity: 2.2 cu. ft
Turntable Diameter: 16.5”
Heating Programs: 2
Warranty: 1 year
The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Convection Microwave with Air Fryer is a pretty unique machine, and you’ve probably already figured out why. Rather than limiting its functionality to just one method of cooking, this microwave can also air fry and function as a convection oven. It uses all of the functions together, or individually, depending on what you’re cooking and whether it’s frozen or fresh.
It has a very intelligent sensing system as well to make sure all of your food comes out cooking to your preferences and without any uneven heating. You can count on that. With a soft-close door and an adjustable volume for the beeps, it’s perfect for quiet households. Talk about unique features! We also love how easy this thing is to wipe clean. It’ll save you a lot of time.
We’re very happy to report that we don’t have any serious complaints to share with you. When it comes to functionality and overall quality, this thing is perfect. It does require a learning curve, though, so that’s something to be prepared for (or avoid with a different microwave if you prefer simple appliances). It’s also expensive, so that’s something to think about as well.
Overall, if versatility is your top priority while shopping for a new microwave, the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Convection Microwave with Air Fryer is the one to go with. It’s compact, multifunctional, and easy to clean. What more could you want?
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 3/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Reviewers have great things to say about the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Convection Microwave with Air Fryer. Although it seems a bit confusing at first, they found that it’s actually very easy to use once they got over the learning curve. Each function works really well to cook a huge variety of foods perfectly, and they love how compact it is with three machines in one. The adjustable volume and soft-close door are huge hits, too.
Buy If…
You’re looking for a microwave that is more than just a microwave
Precise and even cooking is something you want to rely on
Easy cleaning is a priority
You appreciate a quiet household
Don’t Buy If…
Affordability is a concern
You prefer simplicity in your countertop appliances
Dimensions: 20.2” x 20.4” x 12.4”
Weight: 34 lbs
Colour: Silver or black stainless steel
Power: 1400 W convection, 1100 W microwave, and 1100 W air fryer
Interior Capacity: 1.1 cu. ft
Turntable Diameter: 12.4”
Heating Programs: 19
Warranty: 1 year
The Insignia NS-MW11BK5-C 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave is a pretty fantastic option for shoppers on a budget. Of course, you can’t beat the price of this one, but it has so much more going for it than a great price tag. Like the versatility. With six unique one-touch buttons and 11 power levels to choose from manually, you’ll be able to heat up anything that passes through your kitchen.
Express cook buttons make it easy to select one-minute increments up to six minutes, and if you’re regularly using an in-between duration, the memory button will be your best friend. A high-quality indoor light will help you keep an eye on your dishes while they’re heating, too, to help you get them just right. A compact size guarantees this microwave will be a great fit in every kitchen.
If you’re liking the sound of this microwave, there are a couple of limitations we want you to be aware of before you commit. The timer is limited to 12 minutes and 59 seconds, so if you need to heat dense frozen foods for longer than that, you’ll have to add more time once the first 13 minutes have gone by. Annoying, we know. The capacity is also a bit small for family-sized portions.
All in all, the Insignia NS-MW11BK5-C 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave was an easy favourite for us this year in the budget-friendly arena. Considering the build quality, user-friendliness, and versatility, we’d expect it to cost a lot more. You really can’t go wrong with this one.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers are very happy with the Insignia NS-MW11BK5-C 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave. The presets are very easy to understand and do exactly what they’re supposed to, and the capacity is ideal for 1-3 people. The memory function is convenient for their most-used setting combo, and it doesn’t take up too much space on their counters. They highly recommend it for others.
Buy If…
You love one-touch cook programs and express cook buttons
A compact microwave is what you’re searching for
You use the same time duration a lot
You like to watch your food while it heats
Don’t Buy If…
You’re microwaving for a large family
You’ll need to microwave for more than 13 minutes straight
Dimensions: 20.6” x 11.8” x 16.3”
Weight: 29.7 lbs
Colour: Black
Power: 900 W
Interior Capacity: 1.1 cu. ft
Turntable Diameter: 12.4”
Heating Programs: 6
Warranty: 1 year
Some microwaves cost less than $200, others cost more than $600. Although there isn’t a ton of variability in price, there is in quality. Generally, more expensive microwaves will be more versatile with one-touch cook programs, will be larger (inside and out), and will offer extra features that improve the user experience, such as kitchen timers, soft-close doors, or extra functions.
A microwave’s turntable diameter affects the size of the cookware that can be put inside and the amount of food you can heat at one time. Larger microwaves will have larger turntables. The range tends to fall between 10” and 17” for most microwaves.
The interior capacity of a microwave typically falls between 0.5 cu. ft. and 2.5 cu. ft. Larger microwaves will be more expensive and will take up more counter space, but they also allow you to heat family-sized portions without needing to split the dish.
Since your microwave will likely live on your counter forever, the overall size is important to consider. Of course, smaller capacity microwaves will be smaller overall, so you’ll need to find the right balance between cooking capacity and usable counter space.
Many microwaves have one-touch heating programs built in to save you time on favourites like popcorn, beverages, reheating pizza, etc. If this appeals to you, it’s an easy thing to prioritize since microwaves at all price points will offer one-touch programs.
Most microwaves have child locks that prevent kids from opening the door or turning the microwave on. If you have kids in the home who will be able to reach the microwave but are too young to know to avoid it, a child lock is a good thing to look for.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.