What are the features that make the best quiet microwave? Quiet options are the best microwaves for anyone that wants more peace in their life. These models offer a silent mode that mutes the beeping when you press buttons. The most advanced quiet microwaves offer sound-absorbing materials around the motor housing and quiet-close doors.
Quiet microwaves come in a variety of different sizes and wattages, offering plenty of room and a wide range of preprogrammed settings for popular foods, making it easy to find the best model to fit your specific needs,
Keep reading to learn more about the best quiet microwaves and how you can pick the best one for your kitchen.
Top Quiet Microwaves
#1 Toshiba EM131A5C-BS 1.2 cu. ft. Microwave
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This microwave is spacious, so it’s suitable for families. It boasts cooking presets for pizza, potatoes, rice, and other foods. We love its countertop design that supports hassle-free installation.
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- Incredibly large chamber
- Five preset programs
- Countertop design
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- Has a large footprint
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The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS 1.2 cu. ft. microwave oven stands out because of its advanced features. It has five preset programs for popular foods such as potatoes, pizza, frozen veggies, and rice. This microwave oven is available in stainless steel and black finishes, allowing users to get a model that fits their kitchen design schemes. With a spacious 1.2 cu. ft. interior, this microwave is suitable for families. However, this model takes up plenty of counter space.
This Toshiba microwave has an Eco mode for saving power and boasts a 12.4 turntable that supports even cooking. It has a 1100W heating element that enables cooking fast and efficiently. The microwave boasts 10 different power levels, allowing users to prepare delicate soups and fast boiling recipes. Featuring a large digital display, and easy-to-read controls, this oven is easy to manage. It has a handy Add/Subtract 30 Sec function to enable users to change settings mid-cooking.
#2 Comfee’ EM720CPL-PMB 0.7 cu. ft. Microwave
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This compact microwave has a freestanding design that’s ideal for homes, apartments, and dorm rooms. It boasts a number of preset programs, allowing users to prepare popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and beverages fast.
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- Compact freestanding design
- Rich selection of preset programs
- Child lock
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- To small for some families
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Featuring a compact design, the Comfee’ EM720CPL-PMB 0.7 cu. ft. microwave is the oven of choice for people with limited kitchen counter space. This microwave runs on a 700W heating element to provide fast cooking. It has a number one-button present for foods including vegetables, popcorn, and pizza. With 11 different power levels, this microwave allows users to take care of slow and fast boiling recipes. A child lock prevents accidental operation. However, this microwave is too small for families.
This device has an Eco mode that reduces standby power by about 50%. It has a bright digital display with easy-to-read controls for intuitive operation. This microwave features a 10-inch glass turntable that ensures even cooking. We like its countertop freestanding design that enables simple placement in apartments and dorm rooms. An Add 30 Sec function allows users to complete cooking without overhauling settings.
#3 Nostalgia RMO4RR 0.9 cu. ft. Microwave
Award: BEST APPEARANCE
WHY WE LIKE IT: With a distinctive mid-century design and a bold color palette, this microwave will add a touch of sophistication to the kitchen counter. This model has manual controls with a dozen preset programs for the convenience.
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- Outstanding vintage design
- Delay start timer
- 12 preset program
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- Doesn’t have as much power as other microwaves
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Users with vintage kitchen design schemes will be pleased with the Nostalgia RMO4RR 0.9 cu. ft. microwave. This device has a vintage design with a brilliant metallic red color scheme that will make a bold impression. The microwave has an oval window and stainless steel accents to lend charm to any kitchen. It runs on a powerful 800W heating system that balances cooking speed with efficient operation. However, this microwave doesn’t cook as fast as some other models.
The microwave has a manual dial and buttons for intuitive control. It also has a display for helping users keep tabs on the settings. With 12 handy preset programs, this microwave allows users to cook a number of recipes at the touch of a button. It has a delayed start function to enable programming food preparation. A rotating glass carousel ensures that the food gets access to heating evenly. This microwave oven boasts five different power levels, enabling precision cooking.
#4 Panasonic NN-SN686S 1.2 cu. ft. Microwave
Award: BEST COOKING POWER
WHY WE LIKE IT: This microwave has a stunning silver-gray color scheme that will complement other kitchen appliances. It boasts inverting tech to ensure fast and even cooking.
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- Spacious interior
- Inverter tech and Turbo Defrost tech
- Intuitive touch controls
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- Bulky
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The Panasonic NN-SN686S 1.2 cu. ft. microwave has a stunning gray design that will blend in with most kitchen design schemes. This microwave is powered by a 1200W heating system delivering plenty of power for fast cooking. With an astounding 1.2 cu. ft. of space, this microwave oven accommodates plenty of food, including family-sized chickens and large cookware. However, the microwave oven takes up plenty of space in the kitchen.
This oven boasts inverter technology that directs a blast of heat towards food for fast, consistent cooking. A Turbo Defrost system helps thaw frozen foods at a fraction of the usual defrosting time. The oven comes with a large 13.4-inch turntable that supports even cooking. Featuring a countertop design, this model is easy to install in apartments and homes. A Genius Sensor system automatically adjusts the power to cook fast and save energy. This microwave also has a keep warm function, preventing the food from cooling down.
#5 Samsung MS14K6000 1.4 cu. ft. Microwave
Award: BEST FOR ENTERTAINING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This device boasts sensor heating and a triple distribution system that provides fast and even cooking. The microwave oven has a gigantic turntable that accommodates large cookware.
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- Remarkably large interior space
- Sensor cooking and triple distribution system
- Keep warm function
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- Not ideal for small kitchens
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Equipped with 1.4 cu. ft. of interior space, the Samsung MS14K6000 microwave is the device of choice for large families that entertain regularly. This microwave boasts a stainless steel finish that supports simple cleanup. A Sensor Cook system automatically adjusts the cooking time and power based on the food. This microwave also has a Triple Distribution System that moves heat around the food for even cooking. However, this device has a large footprint and is not suitable for small kitchens.
This device has a Ceramic Enamel interior that resists scratching and supports easy cleaning. With a gigantic 14.2-inch turntable, this microwave oven accommodates large casseroles and other heavy cookware. It has preset programs for popcorn, pizza, veggies, and beverages. Featuring dedicated reheating and keeping warm functions, this device is suitable for warming food. It has an Add/subtract 30 sec function for changing the cooking time conveniently. Melting and softening functions come in handy for butter and cheese
#6 GE JESP113SPSS 1.1 cu. ft. Microwave
Award: BEST FOR DEFROSTING
WHY WE LIKE IT: A stunning design with a silver-gray finish will add a touch of refinement to any cooking area. This device has touch controls with a number of preset programs plus a num pad for simple operation.
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- Stylish design
- Weight and time defrost functions
- Intuitive touch controls
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- Non-lit controls
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This GE JESP113SPSS 1.1 cu. ft. microwave has a stunning stainless steel finish that will raise the aesthetics in any kitchen. It boasts 1.1 cu. ft. of interior space, accommodating family-sized meals in one go. Running on a 950W heating system, this microwave oven is ideal for preparing meals fast and efficiently. We like the intuitive touch controls with a num pad that supports the easy operation. However, the controls on this model are not backlit.
This microwave has a gigantic opening button for convenience. It has a number of preset programs for meals such as popcorn, pizza, and frozen vegetables. It offers users the option to defrost by weight or by time for convenience. An add 30 sec function enables editing the cooking time in real time. This model features a child look to prevent accidentally starting the oven. Boasting freestanding construction with a 39-inch power cord, this device can be placed on kitchen counters and open shelves.
What Are Quiet Microwaves?
A quiet microwave is a small kitchen appliance used for cooking and reheating food. These helpful kitchen tools are also sometimes called microwave ovens or electronic ovens. Microwaves usually come in the form of a small box with a door, control panel, and a spinning tray inside so your food gets cooked evenly from all sides.
You can install your microwave above your stove, or it can simply sit on your countertop. Ultimately, these kitchen appliances are used mainly for convenience and quick food reheating, which is why they’re found in most kitchens these days.
Quiet Microwaves vs Traditional Microwaves
If you were to place a quiet microwave right next to a traditional microwave, you wouldn’t notice much difference between the two other than the standard design differences you can find between different brands. Most of the differences lie in the internal components and functionality.
Microwaves can be noisy tools. From the motor spinning the turntable to the loud beeps that sound whenever you press a button or when your food is done cooking, microwaves aren’t traditionally quiet appliances. The quietest microwave aims to eliminate as much noise as possible.
For starters, these microwaves offer the option of muting the beeps. This way, the overall operation of your microwave is quiet. Silent microwaves go a step further by installing sound-absorbing material in the motor housing or soft-close doors to lessen loud sounds when you open and close the microwave.
How Quiet Microwaves Work
Quiet microwaves work in the same way as traditional microwaves. Once connected to a power source and powered on, your microwave will convert electricity into high-powered radio waves, using a component called a magnetron. The magnetron then shoots these radio waves into the metal box of the microwave’s interior.
The radio waves bounce around inside the microwave, reflecting off the metal walls and passing through the food. Once the radio waves pass through your food, they agitate the molecules inside it, causing them to vibrate quickly. These vibrations generate heat, which in turn cooks your food or heats it. The more time you cook your food in the microwave, the more radio waves pass through it, which causes more heat.
Do You Really Need a Quiet Microwave?
If you’re in the market for a new microwave, then it can’t hurt to consider quiet options, especially if you find yourself annoyed by the loud beeps or noisy motor your current microwave makes. Microwave technology hasn’t changed much over the years, so opting for a model with quiet operation gives you the option of buying the newest technology in this category if that’s something that interests you.
Is a Quiet Microwave Worth Buying?
- You Need to Cook Food While Everyone is Sleeping: If you find yourself with the midnight munchies or if you work a schedule that’s opposite from the other people in your home, then you might need to use your microwave while people are sleeping. If this is the case, purchasing and using the top quiet microwave is essential. When you buy an option with a soft-close door, quiet motor, and muted buttons, you don’t run the risk of waking everyone up just because you want to eat your leftovers.
- You Get Annoyed with Loud Noises: Whether you like heating food while watching a movie or conversing with friends, the loud noise levels your microwave makes can be annoying. If you get annoyed with loud microwave noises, then purchasing a quiet microwave is a necessity.
- You Want the Highest Quality Microwave Product: Microwaves that utilize quiet technology often also offer the newest microwave features and functionality. If you want the highest quality you can get from a new microwave, buying the best quiet microwave is an excellent choice.
Why a Quiet Microwave May Not Be For You
- You Live Alone: If you live alone and don’t need to worry about the sound you make at any point of the day or night, you won’t need to purchase a quiet microwave. Since you live alone, no one will get annoyed with you reheating leftovers in the middle of the night.
- You’ve Never Noticed the Loud Noises Microwaves Make: If you’ve never found yourself bothered by the loud noises your microwave makes, then there isn’t much point in putting in the extra effort of finding a quiet microwave. Instead, you can simply buy a microwave that fits your specific needs, like the best microwaves for college dorms.
- You’re On a Budget: Thanks to their advanced technology and additional sound-absorbing components, the best silent microwaves are often more expensive than standard alternatives. If you’re on a strict budget, then you may need to consider something else, like the best compact microwave.
How Long Will a Quiet Microwave Last?
While most manufacturers state that their microwaves should last upwards of ten years, industry professionals like those at Ocean Appliance experience an average lifespan of around seven years for the average microwave. Of course, there are a variety of situations in which you can decrease your microwave’s overall lifespan.
Pay close attention to these things when it comes to keeping your microwave in the best condition possible:
- Never place metal objects in the microwave. Metal can act as an antenna, causing dangerous electrical arcs that can damage the appliance.
- Avoid cooking certain foods like eggs or potatoes in the microwave. They can build up pressure and explode, damaging your microwave.
- Regularly clean your microwave. Even the smallest bits of food inside of your microwave will continue to absorb energy and burn.
- Make sure your microwave is installed correctly, with enough clearance around the exhaust fan to ensure proper airflow.
How to Choose the Best Quiet Microwave
When the time comes to choose the best quiet microwave for your kitchen needs, you’ll need to consider a few key factors. For starters, you’ll need to pick an option with enough capacity and cooking power for your individual needs. You should also consider the type of microwave you should buy, which will determine where you install it. Finally, consider its overall user-friendliness, since that will affect how often you use the appliance.
Quiet Microwave Key Factors to Consider
1. What type of quiet microwave should you purchase?
There are a variety of different microwave types you’ll need to consider when you start looking for a new quiet microwave. Each of these different types of microwaves carries its own pros and cons. Keep reading to learn more about these types and which one works best for you:
- Countertop: This is the most common type of microwave. As its name implies, a countertop microwave oven sits right on top of your counters, making it incredibly easy to install. Countertop microwaves come in a wide range of sizes and power capacities.
- Over The Range: This type of microwave is also very common. Also known as OTR microwaves, these appliances are installed above your range and oven. They typically include a venting system and lights on the bottom. Like countertop microwaves, over the range microwaves offer a range of internal size and power options, but the available space above your stove will restrict your selection.
- Built-In: Like OTR microwaves, you must install this option in a specific spot. This can limit their flexibility, especially when compared to countertop microwaves. Built-in microwaves are also commonly referred to as drawer microwaves. They’re the most expensive options available today.
2. What size and capacity should you purchase for your quiet microwave?
While the specific capacity your microwave has is primarily decided for you depending on how much space you have in your kitchen, it’s still an important consideration to make when you have some wiggle room. In general, microwaves offer an internal capacity ranging from one to two cubic feet. However, there are both larger and smaller options available on the market.
While internal cubic feet capacity is important, you’ll also need to consider the microwave’s external measurements as well. Before you finalize your purchase, make sure the microwave you bought will fit in the space you have set aside for it.
3. How much power do you need in your quiet microwave?
When it comes to power and performance, you’ll need to look for your microwave’s wattage. The more wattage your microwave offers, the quicker and more evenly it will cook your food. Microwaves generally offer a wide range of power levels, anywhere from 600 to 1,200 watts. Microwaves with higher wattages are typically larger and more expensive, while smaller microwaves often offer lower wattages.
4. What kind of user settings do you want your quiet microwave to offer?
Aside from a dedicated quiet mode, there are various user settings and pre-set cooking modes to consider. All microwaves offer a standard set of functions, including manual cook time, adjustable power level, kitchen timer, defrost, and a warm feature. However, many microwaves also offer pre-set cooking modes, including:
- Popcorn
- Pizza
- Reheat
- Beverage
- Frozen dinner
- Baked potato
5. Do you need any advanced features or functionality in your quiet microwave?
Many new microwaves are starting to offer advanced features and functionality that you might want to consider. These options include things like:
- Inverter technology, which creates consistent power level settings for more even cooking.
- Sensor technology, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the current temperature of the food.
- Smart technology, which connects your microwave to the internet and other appliances.
- Grill option, which sears your meat while cooking to prevent strange rubbery textures.
- Steam option, which provides a quick way to cook vegetables in your microwave without drying them out.
- Easy clean interior, which allows you to clean your microwave without using harsh chemicals.
- Child lock, which allows you to keep your microwave inaccessible by little hands.
