Microwaves are an essential appliance in any kitchen. But what if you wanted something top of the line for your defrosting and reheating needs? If you’re willing to splash out a little more then modern microwaves have all sorts of functions and techniques that’ll make cooking easier than ever.
We’ve researched and reviewed the best microwaves on the market so you don’t have to. The following article will provide a comprehensive roundup fo the best high end microwave ovens that have been evaluated on quality of features, safety, reliability and ease of use.
Let’s get to it, then!
Best High End Microwaves 2020
- Best Overall: Panasonic NN-SN966S Microwave Oven
- Easiest To Use: LG Neochef LMC0975ST Microwave Oven
- With Convection Element: Samsung MG14H3020CM Microwave Oven
1 Panasonic NN-SN966S Microwave Oven
Panasonic’s newest range of microwave ovens offer an outstanding array of features along with power output that’ll give you rapid cooking times. Throw in fantastic reliability backed up by a comprehensive one-year warranty and you’ve got a microwave that will last and last.
What We Liked
- Blazing fast 1200W power.
- Inverter Technology gives accurate power output to low power modes.
- Huge range of super convenient sensor reheating options.
- Packed with loads of extra features.
What We Didn’t Like
Number one in our list of best high end microwave ovens comes from Panasonic. this company hits the high notes again and again with its microwaves and makes this an easy recommendation.
First up you have the patented Inverter Technology. This means you get a steady stream of constant power when you use a low power mode.
Putting it on 30% to defrost? The Panasonic actually emits 30% of full power giving you more consistent and thoroughly heated food. This is unlike typical microwaves that have to turn the magnetron off and on again to approximate a lower power.
This microwave has a wonderful array of sensor reheating options. The sensor reheat is a wonderful modern addition to microwaves that lets you reheat simply by pressing one button.
No need to spend time trying to guess the time needed, the microwave does that by using a humidity sensor to work out when the food is perfectly cooked.
Panasonic as a company offers a standard 1200W on microwaves. This is a very high power output compared to typical or older microwaves where a range of 700-900W is common.
What this means for you is rapid cooking times when using your microwave. And because this wattage is the standard, if you need a smaller microwave than the top model then you still get to enjoy this high power output.
Other features include:
– Turbo Defrost which speeds up thawing and defrosting times.
– Popcorn button with three different levels.
– Smart controls combined with beautiful LED interface.
– Ten different power levels for low power modes.
Lastly, the company has a terrific record when it comes to reliability and longevity of its microwaves. Buy one of these and you’re safe in the knowledge you’ll be avoiding spending a number of Sundays trying to get the darn thing fixed. Panasonic offers 1-year warranty on all parts and a 5-year warranty on the magnetron itself, too.
2 LG Neochef LMC0975ST Microwave Oven
The LG Neochef, with its unique features, will appeal to those looking for excellent design and solid user interface.
Their wide range of over-the-range microwave ovens does stand out, though. They are a great brand to consider for customers who are looking for this type of microwave.
What We Liked
- The microwave is an absolute dream to use.
- Aesthetic is fantastic with its uncluttered interface.
- Tons of unique quality of life additions like the antibacterial coating or the stronger turntable.
What We Didn’t Like
- Jingle that plays rather than the standard beep.
The LG microwave is a sleek device that will appeal to those looking for something with a modern look and style.
You’ll notice that, at first glance, it looks like there are only two buttons for “STOP” and “START”, this is because much of the clutter is hidden on the inside of the microwave to add to the aesthetic.
They call this Smoothtouch and you can access much of the functionality just with those buttons and the timer scale just above it. Open the door and you’ll see the full complement of features, too.
The LG has useful quality-of-life additions like its antibacterial Easyclean coating and scratch resistant surface which will keep your microwave looking beautiful and being hygienic.
The turntable has six prongs rather than the usual three for added stability and so you don’t have to spend your precious time trying to place the turntable exactly where it’s supposed to go!
– Auto defrost and auto reheat modes.
– Dedicated popcorn function.
– Quick start feature allows you to easily put 30 seconds on.
– Gorgeous glass panel input controls.
– Bright in-microwave LED light so you can see your food while it’s being heated.
– Eleven different power levels for low power modes.
– Option of using the clock as a kitchen timer
One potential negative to bear in mind is the jingle that plays when the microwave is done cooking. It’s nothing too extravagant, but might annoy the wrong type of person.
3 Samsung MG14H3020CM Microwave Oven
Convection heating element allows for browning and crisping that is not possible in normal microwave ovens.
Beautiful scratch resistant aesthetic with Easyclean surface.
Lots of presets to make your life easier.
What We Liked
- Convection/microwave combination is unique and fantastic for some purposes.
- Plenty of other excellent features.
- Trendy design with clear layout of buttons.
What We Didn’t Like
- Power output is a little low for the price.
The Samsung line of microwaves are a solid if unspectacular bet for best high end microwave. Compared to the others on this list, the Samsung can feel a little flat with its relatively lower power at 950W. This is still high power and will give fast cooking times, but it’s slower than you might want from a high end option.
Where the Samsung comes into its own, however, is with its convection or grilling element. Firstly, this can be used as a quick replacement for a normal oven if you want to do some browning. The microwave heats up fast which makes it convenient.
The real magic comes in with its combination microwave/grill mode. When you use this function, you can simultaneously reheat foods with the microwave while using the grill to brown and crisp at the same time. Think of reheating pizza where you can melt the cheese and brown the crust!
Other features include:
– Numerous preset options for one touch cooking.
– Sound on/off button to turn off annoying beeps.
– Eco mode which saves power during standby.
– Ten different power levels.
– “+30 seconds” button for easily adding on time.
