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GE vs LG

Saturday, June 3rd

2023 Microwave Oven Reviews

GE Review 5 Star Rating

GE

5 Star Rating
  • Just under 100 models of microwave ovens to choose from (countertop, built-in, over-the-range)
  • Prices range from $109 to $2,099
  • Microwaves get high ratings from owners
  • "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
  • In business for over a century
  • Warranty coverage of one year on parts and labor, up to five years on the magnetron
Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

GE is our favorite brand for microwave ovens. High-end or budget-friendly, your appliance will have just the right blend of features and value. The company is one of only a few manufacturers with an "A+" and accreditation from the BBB, and customers leave lots of positive feedback on these microwaves even years after the purchase. For the best selection and features, make GE your first option when shopping for a microwave oven.

LG Review 3.5 Star Rating

LG

3.5 Star Rating
  • 21 models of microwave ovens to choose from (over-the-range and countertop)
  • Prices range from $160 to $899
  • Plenty of features
  • Warranty coverage of up to two years on parts and labor

LG is a brand that delivers plenty of features for much less than you'd pay for a microwave from a different manufacturer. Convection cooking and air fry capabilities for under $900? You got it. Our one hesitation is LG's reputation with the BBB; thousands of complaints there indicate that this company may not be the most reliable when it comes to warranty claims. But, most problems are related to refrigerators, so you might be absolutely thrilled with an LG microwave.

Which Brand of Microwave Oven is the Best?

For most of us, it's hard to imagine a kitchen without a microwave. Who heats up water for cocoa on the stove or reheats an entire meal in the oven anymore? A novelty in most homes in the 1980s, these appliances have become so common that it takes you aback when you don't see one in the kitchen - or even at the office.

Microwave oven styles have come a long way from the bulky countertop appliances of the past. Yes, you can still get models like that - after all, a dorm room isn't going to have a place to install a microwave - but the majority of kitchens now include a ready-made space under the cabinets or over the range just for a microwave. Today's more modern homes may incorporate microwave ovens as built-ins that match the oven and the refrigerator with pull-down doors, or even as a pull-out drawer in a kitchen island.

The Best Microwave Ovens Compare Microwave Ovens Compare Microwave Oven Reviews What are the best Microwave Ovens Best Microwave Oven Reviews

Microwave Oven FAQ

It sounds really sci-fi, but microwave ovens use electromagnetic radiation to make the water molecules in your food vibrate. That's what generates the heat that cooks it. There's a vacuum tube in your microwave that creates the waves that are reflected off the inside, passing through paper, plastic, glass and other materials while being absorbed by the food. But don't worry: this kind of radiation is different from x-rays and other types of radiation, and it won't hurt you.
Yes, when used properly, they're no more dangerous than your stovetop or oven. You're more likely to be injured by picking up a hot container or overheated food than from any radiation leakage - mostly because these ovens are highly regulated by the FDA to prevent such leaks. As long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions for use, cook with microwave-safe containers, avoid super-heated water, check the seals from time to time, and make sure your microwave isn't running with the door open, you should be perfectly safe.
Great question. If you've ever forgotten and left a spoon in your dish when you put it in the microwave, you've probably seen the little lightning bolts inside. Oops! The short answer is that metals are much denser, so as they heat up there's no way to release steam (or anything else). Plus, if the metal object is pointy, the electrons can gather at the edges and create an arc between it and the electromagnetic transmitter inside the oven. You're not going to cause a house fire, but you could ruin a perfectly good microwave!
According to The Food Network, you should avoid cooking several things in your microwave oven. Eggs and uncovered pasta sauces can explode all over the inside. Microwaving broccoli can destroy its nutrients. Raw hot peppers can emit dangerous fumes from the capsaicin vaporizing at high temperatures. But, believe it or not, the biggest one to avoid is water: microwaving it can bring it to extremely high temperatures without it boiling, which can cause severe burns if it explodes or splatters.
The price range for microwaves may surprise you. You could get a small model perfect for a dorm room for about $50. Typical countertop microwave ovens are usually priced between $100 and $300. Many homes use over-the-range models; depending on the size, brand, features and whether or not it's designed to be built into the wall or the cabinetry, you could pay as little as $200 or over $1,000.
On average, microwave ovens last about seven years. Some older models have been known to keep on cooking for up to 20 years, but that's the exception. If your household uses the microwave on the regular for defrosting food, heating up snacks, and so on, yours may only last 4-5 years. You may want to consider an extended warranty on your appliance if you've got a large household.
Because shopping at an appliance store in your pajamas in the middle of the night is frowned upon? All jokes aside, shopping for your microwave online helps you make the best purchase: you can narrow down what features you need, which brands are the most reliable, and find the best match at a price you like, all with no pressure from salespeople and at no risk of making an impulse buy just because something was available at the store.
That depends on what you mean by "size" . If you're looking just at its physical dimensions, a microwave oven is measured by the internal measurements, described in cubic feet. The width is usually intended to line up with a cabinet's: 24" , 27" , or 30" . The height is usually between 17" -22" , and the depth goes from 20" to 25" on most models. However, you might be thinking of the microwave's power, measured in watts. The higher the wattage, the more your food will cook quickly and evenly.
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Continued from above...

While some people have held onto concerns that microwave ovens might be unsafe because of the way they cook food, those fears are unfounded. Manufacturers go to great lengths to make sure that the biggest risk of using a microwave oven is when people eat their food before it cools off a bit (we've all done that breathy-mouth-thing when we just couldn't wait for that delicious snack to be ready - and regretted it for days afterwards).

Not only have microwave designs expanded, but their capabilities have grown too. Convection for faster cooking, air fryer functions, and voice controls are just a few features that may "wow" you, especially if you're replacing a trusty old model that finally gave up the ghost after a decade or more of faithful food-cooking service in your home.

With so many options, where do you start? Walk yourself through this checklist as you figure out which microwave oven and brand are right for you:

  • Microwave Style and Size. The easiest way to narrow down the options is by style and size. Do you need a countertop design or something that you install over your range, under the cabinets, or built into the wall or island? And how much room do you have? Take careful measurements, but rest assured that most spaces will be cut to a standard dimension.
  • Finish. Are you coordinating with other appliances? Most microwaves come in stainless steel, but you'll still need to decide if you want it in black, brushed stainless, and so on.
  • Features. Are there any must-haves on your list? Maybe you've been thinking about buying an air fryer, and a fully-featured microwave oven could help you kill two birds with one stone. Do you want a handle to pull or a button to push when opening the door?
  • Reputation. Based on owners' comments, how long will your new microwave last? How does the brand measure up when something breaks under warranty? Will you get help from customer service quickly or will your problem be ignored? Take a look at the company's Better Business Bureau rating and customer reviews to help you pick a brand that stands behind its appliances.

TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the most popular brands of microwave ovens on the market today. We hope this information helps you choose the right model for your kitchen!

The Best Reviews of Microwave Ovens