The Best Eco Friendly Microwaves Safe For You
On the hunt for the best eco friendly microwaves? It can be hard to tell which one is the healthiest microwave or which one saves the most energy. So in this post, we’ll talk all about the safest microwaves.
At the end, we’ll fill you in with all the details about the truth about eco friendly microwaves and some other frequently asked questions.
Let’s get into it!
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How To Choose an Eco-Friendly Microwave
- Energy Efficient: An energy-efficient microwave uses less electricity which ultimately lowers greenhouse gas emissions. It also lowers your electricity bills which helps you save money. Many kitchen appliances have an EPA Energy Star label but microwaves are one of the few that do not have it. But microwaves are generally more energy efficient than cooking on the stove because they use less time to cook the food.
- Power Consumption: Lower-wattage microwaves use less energy. So take a look at the wattage on the microwave. Don’t automatically choose the highest wattage possible but rather a wattage that is high enough for your needs.
- Size: Larger microwaves usually take up more energy so choose a microwave that is just the right size for you. Having a smaller microwave also helps save space.
- Durability: Buying a durable microwave that can last for years and years is such an important quality in eco-friendly microwaves. Reusing things you have for longer is a good sustainable practice.
- Recyclability: Choose microwaves that are recyclable because then they won’t go into the landfill after the end of their lifecycle.
- Repairability: It’s a huge plus if the microwave oven can be easily repaired. That way, you can extend the life cycle of the microwave and use it for longer.
Best Eco Friendly Microwaves
1. Best Eco Friendly Microwave: GE Profile Convection Over-The-Range Microwave
This GE Profile microwave is a 950-watt energy efficient microwave with a 1.7 cubic foot capacity. It has a built-in LED cooktop lighting so it’ll brighten your kitchen while saving energy.
The inside is made with high-quality stainless steel so it’s extremely easy to clean up spills.
Also, it has a 3-speed 300-CFM venting system so it’s highly effective at removing smoke, steam, and unwanted odors.
There’s also a removable oven rack that lets you cook different dishes at once.
This microwave does cost more than many others on this list so if it’s not in your price range, keep on reading.
2. Best Microwave For Big Family: Panasonic NN-SN966S Countertop Microwave
The Panasonic NN-SN966S Microwave is the best option for big families. It has a 2.2 cubic foot capacity and 1250 Watt power which is one of the largest microwaves in the market.
It has an LED light which saves electricity. A huge plus of this microwave is it has a patented inverter technology that heats up your food evenly without overcooking.
Also, if you often defrost food, this Panasonic microwave is a game changer because it has a turbo defrost feature that speeds up defrosting time.
3. Best Microwave For Couples: Panasonic NN-SD372S Stainless Steel Microwave
The Panasonic NN-SD372S is the perfect microwave for couples or small families because it’s a compact microwave and has a 0.8 cubic foot capacity with a 950 watt high power.
Like the previous Panasonic microwave model for large families, this one also has the inverter microwave technology which produces even reheating without overcooking.
The advanced turbo defrost feature also speeds up defrosting time.
4. Best Microwave For Dorm: Black + Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
The Black + Decker microwave is one of the best options for apartments and here’s why. It comes in various sizes from 0.7 cubic feet to 1.9 cubic feet so you can easily choose the size that fits best for your dorm or apartment.
There’s also a large LED digital display with an interior light. The 10″ glass turntable is also removable so the microwave can be easily washed.
The small 0.7 cubic feet size could be a good choice for dorms since it’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much space.
5. Best Microwave For Small Spaces: Panasonic NN-SD372S Stainless Steel Microwave
The Panasonic NN-SD372S microwave stands out as one of the best microwaves for small spaces because it’s only 0.8 cubic feet and has 950 watt high power.
There’s an 11.25-inch turntable that’s thin and light so it takes up less interior space.
Preset menu items are also built into the microwave. The inverter technology allows microwave heating to be evenly distributed without overcooking.
But since it’s small, you may not be able to fit too much inside at once.
6. Best Microwave For Apartment: Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts
This Farberware countertop microwave is a 1.1 cubic feet medium-sized microwave that can likely fit in many apartments.
There are six one-touch options including options for microwaving popcorn and pizza.
The microwave oven has an LED display to let you look at the time. And it comes with a child safety lock for security.
7. Best Microwave For Office Break Room: Samsung 1.1 cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
The Samsung Countertop Microwave is the perfect microwave for offices because of the medium size and modern look.
It has a 1.1 cubic feet capacity and has a ceramic turntable inside the microwave.
The interior is made of ceramic enamel which is a durable material that is scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
The microwave’s modern and sleek design also goes well in an office space.
8. Best Budget Microwave: Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave
This Toshiba microwave is the perfect budget microwave because it’s one of the most inexpensive safe microwaves but is also quite powerful.
There’s a power-saving eco mode, a child safety lock, a one-touch start button, and has pre-programmed menu for popular food items.
The inside is equipped with a bright LED light so you can see the inside clearly. The size is also quite compact so it’s a great microwave for small spaces.
This product has over 13,000 reviews and a 4.6 rating on Amazon.
9. Best Microwave Alternative: Oster Compact Countertop Oven With Air Fryer
If you have limited space on your kitchen countertop, the best thing to do is to get a versatile kitchen appliance.
This Oster Compact Countertop Oven can act as a convection oven, air fryer, toaster, and broiler.
The microwave heating heats up foods not in the same way as a microwave does. However, if you find yourself using an oven or air fryer more than a microwave ovens, this could be a good option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eco-Friendly Microwaves
Are microwaves bad for the environment?
Like many other kitchen appliances, even the safest microwaves do have an impact on the environment because it’s burning fossil fuels. However, it’s quite unavoidable and there are a few things you can do as a conscious consumer.
The first is to use up your microwave until the end of its life cycle before buying a new one. The second tip is to always try to repair the microwave before getting a new one.
There are also other ways to become more eco-friendly in the kitchen such as using an eco friendly stove.
Is there an energy-efficient microwave?
Yes there are energy efficient and energy saving microwaves. Here is a list of them:
- GE Profile Convection Over-The-Range Microwave
- Panasonic NN-SN966S Countertop Microwave
- Panasonic NN-SD372S Stainless Steel Microwave
- Black + Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
- Panasonic NN-SD372S Stainless Steel Microwave
- Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts
- Samsung 1.1 cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
- Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave
What is the best alternative to microwave?
Alternatives to using a microwave are stovetops, countertop ovens, slow cookers, instant pots, toasters, air fryers, Dutch ovens, and steamers.
How much space do you need around a microwave?
A microwave should have around 3 feet of space around it and 1 inch in the back.
Do countertop microwaves need to be vented?
Yes, all countertop microwaves need to be vented. If there’s no way for the heat to come out, it’ll create a blockage in the vent and could cause safety problems.
Should microwave be above or below oven?
Microwave can be placed both above or below the oven. It’s a matter of personal preference. Putting a microwave above the oven can save counter space and can create a cohesive look in the kitchen.
Placing a microwave below the oven can make it easier to access, which can be really helpful when handling hot foods.
That’s all for this post on the best eco friendly microwaves! We hope this guide helped you decide the best microwave that works for you.
For more kitchen appliance guides, check out these posts!
