Best Microwaves in Canada 2023: The Ultimate Kitchen Convenience

With the oversaturated market teeming with dozens of microwaves and combination microwaves, selecting the best option can be overwhelming. They come in varying colours, capacities, sizes, and brands, making it hard to narrow them down to just one option. This is especially tricky if you’re unsure what to look for in a quality microwave.

Our team understands how difficult it can be for consumers to choose highly-rated products without a well-rounded understanding of the qualities to look for. We have made it our mission to scour the market for all sorts of home products to bring you the best of the best, from luxurious mattresses for great sleep to high-quality dashcams to protect your belongings.

We do the hard work for you, pouring hours of careful research for each and every product. We start by combing through best-selling models to find highly-rated options with excellent features. After extensive deliberation and compiling our findings, we present the best products in each class.

In our quest to find the best microwaves in Canada, we kept a watchful eye out for a handful of key features, including the following:

• Sizing: Every home has varying needs – some families need larger units to service more than a handful of people, while others require compact units to save space. As we sifted through industry-leading models, we looked for options to match different spaces and capacity needs.
• Mounting type: While some folks have space for a large countertop microwave, others need something that will slide into the integrated slot in their cabinetry. We searched for options that can accommodate varying mounting type needs to ensure there’s something for everyone.
• Programmed settings: Many of the top microwaves in Canada have an array of pre-programmed settings, although some have more than others. We looked for models that cover the range, some with a few and others with an abundance.
• Cost: We recognize the drastic variations in budget from one Canadian household to the next. To ensure there’s something to match almost any budget, we hand-selected a couple of options spanning budget-friendly to splurge.

Why Buy a Microwave in Canada?

Microwaves are convenient tools designed to help you quickly heat leftovers and drinks or cook instant meals. From popping a bag of popcorn for something to munch on while you watch a movie to heating last night’s leftovers for a quick and easy dinner, a microwave is a handy addition to any kitchen. You can even cook entire meals in the oven when you’re short on time!

Unlike ovens, a microwave doesn’t require any preheating. On top of that, it heats your food in mere minutes (sometimes seconds), eliminating the need to wait half an hour for your food to warm in the oven.

They usually rest atop your counter or suspended over your cookstove, conveniently out of the way. All it takes is a few quick steps and a minute or two to heat your food to perfection.

The ultra-convenient nature of these appliances makes them an excellent choice for Canadians, particularly those on a time crunch. For example, if you regularly find yourself scrambling in the morning to cook breakfast or need a quick way to reheat your dinner before you head out the door, a microwave can be an ideal solution.

Factors to Look for in a Microwave in Canada

Microwaves come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, some decked out with multiple bells and whistles and others complete with everything you need and nothing you don’t. Given the abundance of options, selecting the perfect fit can be daunting. Here are a few factors to consider to help simplify your search.

Size

The size factor is a critical consideration when searching for a microwave for your home. Consider both the dimensions of the box and the internal capacity. You’ll want to select a model that matches the space available.

For example, if you have a built-in recession for a microwave above the range or in the cabinetry of your kitchen, look for an option that closely matches those measurements. Remember to leave a bit of wiggle room for mounting hardware.

If you plan to park the appliance on your countertop, ensure you select a model that will fit in the space you want to place it in.

Additionally, consider the internal capacity and the number of people who will be using the appliance. If you have a smaller family of three or four people, you may not need a large model. However, if you have a larger family with more than five people, you might want to purchase a larger model with an increased internal capacity.

Mounting Type

Many microwaves are designed to rest on the countertop, constantly remaining in sight and readily available. You can get creative with the placement of these microwaves if you don’t have much counter space. For example, you could tuck it into a spare cabinet, angled corner cabinet, or even on a shelf above or below the countertop.

Generally, the second most popular alternative to a countertop model is to mount the microwave above the range.

These microwaves often double as a range vent, helping to filter smoke, steam, fumes, and odours from the food you cook on the stovetop. They sit conveniently out of the way, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice counter space in exchange for a microwave.

Of course, this isn’t the only placement option. If you’re redesigning your kitchen, you can leave an empty spot in the upper cabinets to place your microwave. The gap will need to fit the microwave’s measurements to a tee, as extra space around the appliance can seem tacky.

Select the placement option that works best for your needs. If you’re slim on counter space, choose a suspended option that sits above your stove or countertop. Or, if your kitchen doesn’t have a built-in spot for a microwave, pop the microwave in a cabinet or atop an open shelf.

Suppose you have a designated space in your kitchen for a microwave, like a hole above your stove or in the cabinetry. In that case, we recommend searching specifically for models that match those measurements. Since these measurements can vary from one home to the next, it’s usually easiest to start your search with them.

Remember, if you decide to go with an over-the-range microwave, ensure you select a model that is designed for this. The undersides of these microwaves are designed with fans and lights for over the stove, whereas a typical countertop microwave doesn’t have them. Plus, regular countertop microwaves aren’t designed to withstand moisture evaporating from pots on a stove beneath them, so selecting a model specifically intended for this situation is important.

Programmed Settings

Pay attention to the programmed settings the system offers. Many microwaves come with an array of pre-programmed settings for ultra-convenient usage. For example, many microwaves feature an auto defrost button to easily thaw meats and other foods.

Some feature more advanced settings, including various auto cook programs. Options for cook programs often include frozen dinners, popcorn, and pizza. However, more advanced microwaves come with even more settings to make cooking even easier.

While these pre-programmed settings might not be a must-have for everyone, they can be a helpful feature for quick and easy usage.

Power Capabilities

The power consumption is another consideration to think about as you search for your next microwave. Generally, you’ll find options ranging from 600 watts to over 1,000 watts. Smaller, more compact models, like those you might find in a hotel room, usually consume between 600 and 800 watts.

The average residential model usually consumes between 800 and 1,000 watts. The largest models consume over 1,000 watts and are typically standard in restaurants. However, they can also be a popular pick for busier homes with large families or multiple families under one roof.

If you want a more compact model, which is usually suitable for one to three people, look for a model that consumes around 700 watts. The mid-size options consuming about 900 watts are ideal for a typical single-family household, and the largest options pulling over 1,000 watts are typically best for multi-family homes and commercial settings.

Functionality

A microwave is a fairly straightforward appliance. Many models are equipped with standard features to complete the intended function of heating food and drinks. However, if you have a small kitchen or limited counter space, you may want to consider a multi-functional microwave.

Some microwaves come with numerous functions, creating a two-in-one (or more in-one) appliance. For instance, some double as convection ovens, allowing you to bake your favourite cookies without turning on the behemoth resting beneath your cooktop. Others include toaster functions, rotisseries, and other handy additions to minimize the number of appliances you need in your kitchen.

While you can expect to pay more for a microwave with extra functions, this option can be cheaper than purchasing each appliance separately.

Warranty

Many of the best microwaves come with some semblance of warranty coverage. A strong warranty displays the manufacturer’s confidence in the product, which generally bodes well for the consumer.

While microwave warranties rarely last longer than a year, the layer of protection allows you to rest assured your investment is covered. However, not all microwaves come with warranty coverage, so if this is an important aspect for you, we recommend eliminating models based on the coverage they offer.