The best Whirlpool microwaves offer a reliable and long-lasting user experience that’s hard to beat when compared to the competitor. With durable and sleek designs, plenty of core and advanced functionality, and easy-to-use controls, these are the best microwaves for nearly any kitchen design.
Whether you’re looking for a countertop model for easy installation or an over-the-range model to save on countertop space, Whirlpool has got you covered. Whirlpool is also the first manufacturer to offer a low-profile microwave hood combination, which doubles as a cooking appliance and a range hood.
Keep reading to learn more about the best Whirlpool microwaves, what kind of features they offer, and how you can determine which one is best for your kitchen needs.
Top Whirlpool Microwaves
#1 Whirlpool WNC20005YD 0.5 cu. ft. Microwave
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Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: A compact freestanding design is suitable for users with small spaces, including apartment and dorm room dwellers. This microwave has touch controls with presets for popcorn, reheating, and defrosting.
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- Outstanding portable design
- Handy presets
- Add 30 Sec function
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- Small size not ideal for families
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The Whirlpool WNC20005YD 0.5 cu. ft. microwave is a compact oven designed to fit in small spaces in dorm rooms, apartments, and similar settings. It has a freestanding design that is suitable for countertop placement. Although it’s compact, this microwave is wide enough to accommodate a dinner plate, and it has 0.5 cu. ft. of internal space for preparing a wide variety of meals. However, this oven is too small for the typical family.
With an intuitive touch control panel, this microwave offers hassle free operation. It has a number of power levels to take care of a number of recipes, whether the user is cooking meats or simmering delicate sauces. Presets for popcorn and reheating allow convenient one-touch operation. This microwave oven has a defrost function for thawing meats and vegetables. An Add 30 Sec function enables editing the cooking settings in real-time. The oven has a control panel lock to prevent accidental operation.
#2 Whirlpool WMC10007AB 0.7 cu. ft. Microwave
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: A detailed touch control panel offers a number of handy presets and it has an Add a Minute function to support intuitive operation. The oven has a control panel child lock for safety.
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- Intuitive touch controls
- Control panel lock
- Add a Minute function
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- Noisy
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Featuring 10 different power levels, the Whirlpool WMC10007AB 0.7 cu. ft. microwave is the device of choice for meals that require precise heat control. This oven boasts digital touch controls with a number pad that enables managing settings easily. With presets for meals such as popcorn, pizza, and potatoes, this microwave oven allows users to cook fast. This device has a defrosting present to simplify thawing frozen foods. However, it is a bit noisy.
An Add a Minute function enables changing the cooking time mid-cooking. The oven also has a control panel lock that prevents children and pets from accidentally operating the controls. This microwave oven is available in black and white variants and it has a removable glass turntable for simple cleanup. Dorm rooms and apartment dwellers will be pleased with the compact, countertop construction of this unit, which saves space. This model has a number pad for entering settings fast.
#3 Whirlpool WML55011HS 1.1 cu. ft. Microwave
Award: BEST APPEARANCE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This microwave has plenty of interior space and has an ultra-wide glass turntable for accommodating wide casseroles and plates. It has hidden controls and features a brushed gray finish that will raise the look of any kitchen.
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- Impressive appearance
- Spacious interior
- Numerous presets
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- Lacks grilling function
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The Whirlpool WML55011HS 1.1 cu. ft. microwave is an over-the-range model that helps householders to optimize space in the kitchen. It has a gorgeous stainless steel finish, which blends in with most range hoods and adds an aura of refinement to the kitchen. Thanks to a low-profile design with hidden controls, this microwave oven offers a sophisticated look. It has an ultra-wide glass turntable that easily accommodates wide plates and large cookware. However, this unit doesn’t have a grilling function.
This microwave comes with all the hardware needed for mounting, and it has a reputation for quiet performance. Buttons for opening and closing the door are conveniently located towards the bottom right-hand edge of this device. It has presets for reheating and defrosting, helping users to warm up food without a hassle, and it boasts a three-speed ventilation system with a 400 CFM motor for eliminating grease and cooking fumes from the kitchen. A turntable switch allows preparing a selection of dishes.
#4 Whirlpool WMH53521HV 2.1 cu. ft. Microwave
Award: BEST VENTILATION SYSTEM
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model has a 4-speed, 400 CFM fan for ventilation and boasts sensor cooking, offering automatic effortless operation. It has a detailed control panel with a number of presets and has an optional steam cooking accessory.
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- Extraordinarily large interior space is ideal for families
- Sensor cooking
- Handy presets
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- Difficult to install
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With a whopping 2.1 cu. ft. of interior space, the Whirlpool WMH53521HV 2.1 cu. ft. microwave prepares large meals in one batch. This over-the-range model boasts a 400 cfm, 4-speed fan to take care of the kitchen’s ventilation needs. With a CleanRelease non-stick interior coating, this device supports easy cleaning. It boasts advanced sensor cooking that helps users take the guesswork out of meal preparation. However, this model may require professional installation.
A 90° hinge door gives users access to the interior, while a door handle simplifies opening and closing this microwave oven. This particular model has a pleasing stainless steel finish, but this microwave is also available in black and white. Thanks to an optional steam accessory, the oven is ideal for steaming rice, meats, and vegetables. It has a turntable on/off switch for convenience. With presets for popcorn, potato, and pizza, this device offers hassle-free operation.
#5 Whirlpool WMC50522HB 2.2 cu. ft. Microwave
Award: BEST FOR ENTERTAINING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This device has plenty of space and it boasts a recessed glass turntable to hold large bowls and casseroles. The oven has a number of cooking presets and has a child lock for safety
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- Excellent recessed glass turntable
- Sensor cooking tech
- Control panel lock
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- Takes up plenty of counter space
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Families that need a big freestanding oven will be pleased with the Whirlpool WMC50522HB 2.2 cu. ft. microwave. This countertop device is ideal for countertop placement and it doesn’t require professional installation, although users can acquire a trim kit for built-in installation. It runs on a 1200W heating element and boasts 10 different power levels, handling everything from vegetables to meats and defrosting. However, this model takes up a lot of kitchen counter space.
Sensor cooking technology enables convenient operation. With a spacious interior, this microwave oven is adequate for large families and for preparing meals for small gatherings. It has a recessed glass turntable that is especially suited for large bowls and casseroles. This oven features a number of presets for one-touch cooking, and it has electronic touch controls for convenient operation. A control panel lock prevents children and pets from operating this device, and it has an Add 30 Sec option for convenience.
#6 Whirlpool WMH31017HB 1.7 cu. ft. Microwave
Award: BEST COUNTERTOP LIGHTING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Equipped with a built-in ventilation system and countertop lighting, this device eliminates fumes and odors from the range and illuminates the whole kitchen. It has intuitive touch controls with useful presets.
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- Built-in 300 cfm ventilation system
- Cooktop lighting
- Glass controls with presets
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- Lacks sensor cooking tech
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This Whirlpool WMH31017HB 1.7 cu. ft. microwave offers an incredible 1.7 cu. ft. of cooking space, accommodating large cooking utensils easily. This over-the-range model boasts a built-in ventilation system with a two-speed, 300 cfm motor. With a dishwasher-safe glass turntable, this device is easy to clean, and it features digital touch controls that support hassle-free operation. The oven is available in a range of colors, including black, stainless steel, and white. However, this model doesn’t have sensor cooking.
Presets for potato, popcorn, and pizza allows preparing popular meals fast, while an Add 30 Seconds option allows changing the settings for meals that are already in cooking. This microwave oven boasts a soften/melt function for items such as butter and cheese. Defrosting and reheating functions help warm up stored foods fast. Featuring cooktop lighting, this microwave oven illuminates the range and kitchen, and it comes with all the hardware needed for installation.
Beginner’s Guide to Whirlpool Microwaves
In 1908, Lou Upton, the founder of the Whirlpool Corporation, invested his life’s savings into a business venture to produce household equipment. Unfortunately, this venture failed and Upton soon acquired the patent for a manual clothes washer. After inspecting the patent, Upton believed he could motorize the washer and approached his uncle, Emory Upton, to see if they could figure out how. Together, they founded the Upton Machine Company.
Soon after its founding, the Upton Machine Company landed its first major customer with Commonwealth Edison, who ordered 100 washing machines. However, after a faulty gear transmission, the customer threatened to return all of the machines for a full refund. The Upton Machine Company quickly corrected the issue, which lead Commonwealth Edison to purchase an additional 100 machines.
The company’s next major customer was Sears, which sold the washing machines under the Allen brand. As sales continued to grow, the Upton Machine Company merged with the Nineteen Hundred Washer Company. During World War II, the company’s factories were converted to produce armaments for the war.
After the war, the demand for household convenience products boomed, and the company rebranded as the Whirlpool Corporation, selling washers, dryers, and irons. Over the next several decades, Whirlpool expanded its product offering to include additional appliances like refrigerators, microwave ovens, and air conditioners. They also expanded into international markets.
Today, the Whirlpool Corporation sells various appliances, including refrigerators, ranges, microwave ovens, dishwashers, washers, and dryers. The company also sells devices under name brands like KitchenAid and Maytag. In general, Whirlpool appliances are considered some of the most reliable and high-performance options available in today’s market.
How Whirlpool Microwaves Compare to Other Brands
(Pro 1) Premium Build Quality and Long-Term Reliability: Whirlpool microwaves are widely considered some of the most reliable and long-lasting options available today. Whether you’re considering one of the OTR microwaves or a simple countertop model, a Whirlpool microwave will last you a long time before it needs to be repaired or replaced. The company offers both lower- and higher-end models so you can stick to your budget. Fortunately, an affordable model here is just as good in terms of reliability as the expensive models.
(Con 1) Limited Number of Individual Microwaves Available: Since Whirlpool is dedicated to offering a high-quality experience with each of their microwave ovens, they don’t offer as wide of a lineup as other competitors, like the best GE microwaves. Whirlpool offers three countertop microwaves, four low-profile microwave hoods, and eight OTR microwaves at the time of publishing.
(Pro 2) Industry-First Low Profile Configurations: Whirlpool is the first appliance manufacturer to offer low-profile microwave hood combinations. These streamlined microwave ovens save on counter space and cabinet space while still offering powerful exhaust venting for your range. If you purchase one of these options, you’re getting a powerful built-in microwave that provides plenty of watts of power to eliminate cold spots and cook frozen dinners with ease. Plus, they still offer plenty of space, despite their slimmer design.
(Con 2) Low Profile Options Are More Expensive: As you may have come to expect, microwave ovens with unique configurations like the low-profile design often tend to be more expensive than standard alternatives. This is true with Whirlpool’s low-profile microwave hoods. If you’re on a tighter budget for a new microwave, you may want to consider the manufacturer’s standard OTR microwaves or countertop options.
(Pro 3) Most Options Offer Some Sort of Advanced Functionality: Most of Whirlpool’s microwaves offer a good amount of advanced functionality on top of the core features all microwaves provide. Things like sensor cooking, steam cooking, and CleanRelease non-stick interiors are commonplace with these microwave ovens. You can even find a convection microwave option in Whirlpool’s lineup.
(Con 3) Fewer Overall Controls and Cutting-Edge Limited Functionality: Although Whirlpool microwaves offer a standard collection of advanced features and functionality, they don’t offer much in the way of cutting-edge microwave technology like some competitors do. For example, some of the best LG microwaves offer smart inverter technology for more efficient and accurate cooking. Whirlpool focuses on creating an extra-reliable experience with core microwave technology.
Why You Should Buy a Whirlpool Microwave
If you’re looking to replace a worn-out microwave with something more reliable and with higher quality, then you can’t go wrong with a Whirlpool option. These powerful and high-quality microwave ovens are exceptionally well-made and will last you for years to come, which may be better than your previous model.
You’ll also get everything you need with a Whirlpool microwave oven. With core functions and features like standard touch controls on the control panel and preset modes for different foods, these appliances are perfect for most kitchens. They also offer a variety of advanced settings and functions, like sensor cooking, variable power level settings, and steam cooking.
How Long Will a Whirlpool Microwave Last?
While industry experts like Ocean Appliance agree that most microwave ovens should last an average of seven years before needing repairs or replacement, you can generally expect to get more lifespan out of a Whirlpool microwave oven. Thanks to high-quality manufacturing and durable designs like stainless steel, these kitchen appliances can last upwards of 10 years.
Of course, there are always a variety of things you can do to increase or decrease your microwave’s overall lifespan. First of all, you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for operation. You should also install it correctly, especially if you’ve purchased an over-the-range model. We recommend hiring a professional to install your over-the-range microwave oven for the best results.
Whirlpool Microwave Warranties
Whirlpool microwaves carry a standard one-year warranty, no matter which model you purchase. This warranty covers parts and labor costs for any repairs that are required due to manufacturer defects. Whirlpool requires that you have the appliance serviced by an authorized Whirlpool service company. Whirlpool also offers an additional seven-year warranty covering any problems you may encounter with your microwave’s magnetron tube.
It’s important to be aware of Whirlpool’s restrictions on the warranty so that you can utilize it properly. The company will not pay for warranty service to correct improper installation, teach you how to use the microwave, or repair your home’s wiring. The warranty also doesn’t cover in-home service. Instead, you’ll need to take the microwave to an authorized service center for warranty fulfillment.
