This model features Panasonic inverter technology which uses a continuous stream of power to thoroughly heat foods. While this microwave offers 20 presets, we recommend reviewing the instruction manual before operating to understand how they all work and which included accessories should be used. The Balmuda’s controls and capacity are also limited compared to our top picks. It offers just three temperature settings—350 °F, 400 °F, and 450 °F—plus four presets, and it can only fit two pieces of bread.
This pick also offers a mute button to turn off beeps and alerts when the cooking time ends. We love the handlebar design for opening the door — rather than a button you push — because it’s more ergonomic. Just make sure to hold onto the instruction manual as it lists all the presets which are not listed on the control panel. Microwaves provide fast results, are easy to use and offer lots of versatility. Whether you want speedy microwave meals and snacks, need to defrost chicken in a pinch or soften brown sugar that has gone hard, microwaves help get the job done quickly. “I typically just use the highest setting for the fastest results,” says Kitchen Appliances Lab Director, Nicole Papantoniou.
The Panasonic FlashXpress browned frozen pizza Bagel Bites better than the other small toaster ovens we tested—and about as well as ovens costing twice as much. This model features a ceramic enamel interior which reduces interior scratching and allows for easier clean-up. Eco mode helps conserve energy without unplugging your microwave when not in use, and there’s a child lock so that the oven can’t be accidentally turned by any little ones.
One disappointing thing about the Breville, especially at this price, is that it comes with a two-year warranty, whereas the Cuisinart has a three-year warranty. To learn even hamilton beach 1000 watt microwave more about the Breville Air Fryer Pro, see our guide to the best air fryer toaster ovens. We like the Breville Air Fryer Pro’s sleek design and easy-to-navigate interface.
But this idiosyncrasy didn’t negatively impact any of the items we cooked—most toaster ovens heat at least 10 to 15 degrees over or under the set temperature anyway. The easy-to-read and clean control panel also offers a kitchen timer, clock, +30 seconds button, defrost, memory and keep warm button. We love the keep warm feature that can be added at the beginning of the cook cycle and will run for up to 30 minutes after a cook cycle ends. The sensor cook button has an impressive 14 presets for everything from oatmeal to fish fillets, but hold onto your owner’s manual because those are a lot of codes to remember. We’ve learned through research done by The Ohio State University that slot toasters aren’t built to last (you can read more about OSU’s in-depth work in our blog post). Since most modern slot toasters aren’t repairable, they’re destined for a landfill once they give out.
But we haven’t yet tested one where the features feel worth the investment for most people. In our tests, we found it interesting to watch the microwave use inverter technology to determine how much time was needed to pop a bag of popcorn. The results were less than .2 hamilton beach 900 watt microwave ounces of unpopped kernels remaining. And in our heat distribution testing, this model did not overcook cheese as it was melting, unlike other models we tested. This model comes with the most basic accessories, including an oven rack, a baking pan, and a crumb tray.