Last Updated: August 5, 2022
Despite indications of a fall in popularity, microwaves remain staples among kitchen appliances. I'll pick one over a gas cooker in my kitchen at a point in my life - yea, I lived on frozen foods.
But...
My lifesaver, however, proved to be a buzzkill with its noises. For example, the constant beeping alarm, creak, and bang of the door, or its loud hum was annoying when I had to heat up a night snack.
But you don't have to suffer the way I did. While no microwave is dead silent, there are relatively quiet microwaves. Read on to discover them.
Our top pick is the Toshiba ECO425A5CC convection microwave. It's technologically advanced, quiet, spacious, and suitable for reheating, defrosting, and baking.
Top 5 Silent Microwaves Reviewed
1. Toshiba ECO42A5C-SS - Best Overall
This Toshiba countertop microwave is perfect for all users regardless of family size, space, or taste. But, well, it's on the high end of the spectrum when it comes to price.
First and foremost, it features a Sound ON/OFF feature for quiet operation, which you'd appreciate when you don't need the alarm.
The Toshiba ECO42A5C is also spacious with a 1.5 cu ft oven capacity. It has a large 13-inch turntable and a relatively small footprint that'll fit most countertops and kitchen cabinets.
It hits the sweet spot on the power front with 1000 watts and 10 power levels. So it doesn't come as a surprise that you can heat all types of food in its oven.
The Toshiba ECO42A5C even has a programmed menu that can prepare turkey breasts, whole chicken, muffins, frozen pizza, french fries, beef, and more at the touch of a button. In total, you'll get twenty-one preset recipes - the most among all the microwaves we've reviewed.
Apparently, along with its microwave function, you can grill or bake with the Toshiba ECO42A5C as a convection oven. Say you want to roast a turkey, ECO mode even saves some energy, If you're worried about your electricity bill.
There are cheaper alternatives with even more power, but this microwave is the full package.
Pros
- Spacious and average-sized for a small apartment
- Over a dozen preset cook and roast menus
- Mute function for silent operation
- Elegant stainless steel finish
- Doubles as a convection oven and a grill
- Energy-saving mode (ECO)
Cons
- Poorly detailed buyer's manual
- Needs extra space to safely use its full features
Takeaway
At its price, the Toshiba ECO42A5C will give any competitor a run for their money with its size, power, and smart features.
2. Panasonic NE-1054E 0.8 Cu.Ft - Easiest to Clean
The Panasonic NE-1054E is an advanced microwave that gives a full ride for the money. You'll enjoy not only its performance but also cleaning it up.
Unlike most microwaves or any other one in this review for that matter, it's designed without a turntable. But don't panic. It cooks food even better, and without the moving parts of a turntable, it's a more silent microwave.
Wondering how?
Again, cleaning the interior is a breeze without a turntable since it's devoid of nooks and crannies. This feature has earned the microwave an NSF (cleanability) certification and a "Commercial Microwave" name. You also don't have to deal with a lousy turntable in the future.
This Panasonic Commercial Oven can be programmed to your satisfaction for up to 99 minutes and 99 seconds. Its touch keypad is also equipped with braille lettering for those who are visually impaired. If you like, you can opt for the cheaper dial control.
Perhaps because of its turntable-less design, it heats up faster than our top pick, even though they are both 1000-watt microwaves.
On a final note, it has a loud beep for the right reasons - commercial use in noisy restaurants. But you can turn it off whenever the buzz becomes an annoyance.
Pros
- Easiest microwave to clean
- Efficient and reliable heating
- Reduces food splatter
- Easy to operate and child-friendly
- Long-lasting body and parts
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Touch screen option is relatively pricey
- Turning off its alarm isn't a straightforward process
Takeaway
The Panasonic NE-1025F is an exceptionally easy to clean, fast-heating, and child-friendly microwave that's void of the hassle of a turntable.
3. Comfee EM720CPL - Compact and Cheap
Comfee is a sister brand of the renowned Midea group - a brand that's dedicated to providing "simple comfort and high efficiency." And boy do they deliver.
The EM720CPL has all the makings of a silent and functional microwave. Yet it costs half the price of our other affordable choice.
Even more expensive models require you to go through complex procedures to access this function.
Of course, there's a tradeoff.
But the ECO saving mode would make up for the extra time and energy spent cooking. Since it's only a small 0.7 cu ft oven you'd naturally stick to this routine.
The Comfee EM720CPL is easy to operate for the most part. It has a few programmed settings, a bright LED display, and a non-complicated touch panel. You can switch through its many power levels without much hassle.
If you like frozen foods or don't plan to do any heavy cooking with the microwave, it's the perfect budget option - compact and cheap.
Pros
- Inexpensive choice
- Mute function
- Has ECO mode
- Interior LED light and user-friendly control panel
- Takes up little space
Cons
- Might heat some foods unevenly
Takeaway
This Comfee microwave is hard to beat with all the functions it provides at such a low price. The only drawback is its low power output.
4. Breville Smooth Wave - The Quietest Microwave
Breville left no stone in their bid to make The Smooth Wave as quiet as possible. For some people, it might seem a little expensive for a regular-sized microwave, but its numerous features are priceless.
That's right. You can conveniently reduce or mute the beep and adjust the sound with dedicated buttons. Also, the door opens and closes almost silently!
But there's more to the Smooth Wave than its silent operation. It takes the guesswork out of cooking with its humidity control, just like the Toshiba, but better.
The oversized LCD display, bright interior lights, and lit dial knobs make it feel like you're using a phone. So you can use it at night or even in a dark pantry. Plus, it takes only a few attempts to master its settings.
What I like most about this microwave oven is that you can hit the start button repeatedly to increase the timer by 30 seconds.
Regardless, you'd appreciate it unless you've used overly hot microwaves in the past.
Pros
- Overall quiet operation - silent running, door, and controllable beep
- Easy to clean
- Inverter and smart sensor automatically adjust timer and heat intensity
- Smooth and user-friendly controls
- Exquisite brushed stainless steel
- Cheap protection plan
Cons
- Pricey
Takeaway
If you only settle for the best, The Smooth Wave is arguably the best quiet microwave on the market. Unsurprisingly, you'd be paying over the odds for this microwave.
5. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS - Best Affordable
Last but not least (more like saving the best for the last) comes the Toshiba EM131A5C microwave. This model has achieved enormous recognition for its affordability, space, and functionality.
The control panel is easy to use but not easy to see. If you have issues reading small or faint letters, it'll pose a challenge. For instance, one customer could hardly use the microwave at night without a flashlight, despite being in a lit room.
Needless to say, it has an advanced control system. For one, you can activate the microwave with voice control, which is fantastic. Even if you don't fancy that, you're not left out.
Its humidity control heats food optimally, not just with a programmed timer. So, if you select potato or pizza from its menu, it adjusts power smartly till it's properly cooked.
Nevertheless, you'll cherish the EM131A5C if you plan to use it in a small, one-room apartment because it runs quietly and can be muted. It also has a quiet microwave door which you'll come to appreciate. Unfortunately, however, its buttons can't be muted.
At 1.3 cu ft, you don't have to bother much about interior space. Spectacularly, it has a relatively small 16-inch footprint, which will sit admirably on almost any countertop. Moreover, its black stainless finish is not only classy but doesn't peel or scratch easily.
Pros
- Runs quietly, and its alarm beep can be muted
- Quiet door
- Spacious interior, compact footprint (relatively)
- Voice control
- Optimal cooking with humidity control
Cons
- The buttons sound
Takeaway
The Toshiba EM131A5C is an ideal microwave with silent mode and features that make it perfect for a small apartment or large home.
What Makes A Microwave Noisy?
The most annoying source of noise in the microwave is the "beep beep" timer sound. Luckily, modern microwaves come equipped with silent mode if you don't need another alarm bugging you.
But:
What if you just get a microwave, and after three months, you have to deal with high-pitched noises?
First, you might be using the microwave the wrong way. Dense foods, like meat, make crackling sounds if they're left uncovered in the heater. Also, food spills can get caught in the wrong areas and crackle when the machine is running.
However, when a microwave suddenly starts buzzing or hissing loudly, a mechanical issue is the most likely cause. Most times, it's either the magnetron, turntable, diode, or exhaust fan that needs to be replaced or adjusted.
If you know a thing or two about electronics, you can fix the issue. Still, it's advisable to consult a professional to prevent further damage or severe injury.
Watch how Elin Yakok safely changed the faulty diode that caused a buzzing noise in his microwave:
How to Choose The Best Silent Microwave
Sound-deadening Features
Without any doubt in mind, the "Sound ON/OFF" feature is what you should look out for right off the bat. Many modern microwaves have this feature, but it doesn't translate into actual silent performance. However, since the goal here is to find the best quiet microwave, it's also a priority.
However, if you prefer a retro-style microwave, it's unlikely you'll see this feature. So research if the alarm system shuts off after a few beeps or blares away till you take out the food.
Power Output
The wattage (watts) of a microwave oven translates to power. Power, here, means how long it takes for food to cook in the oven.
Any lower than 900 watts, and it will take longer for your food to get ready. You'll also experience unevenly cooked dishes more often.
While more powerful microwave ovens (1000 to 1300 watts) consume more power, they get the job done faster. Plus, many have sensor controls that automatically adjust power, so you don't always burn your food. The only drawback is they are more expensive.
Size and Capacity
It's only normal you'll look for a microwave that compliments your space and serves your needs.
With size sorted, you should also consider how much food the oven can take. The capacity of a microwave is measured in cubic feet (cu ft). Compact ones are 1 cu ft or less and are perfect for single-person apartments.
If you intend to prepare large meals, you'll be better off with microwaves with over 1 cu ft capacity or larger. The only thing is they cost more and take up more space.
Control Panel
Microwaves have a control panel that's either a knob/dial or touch/button keypad.
Knob microwaves are simple to operate, classic, and usually less expensive. But they lack the extensive configuration settings of keypads.
On the other hand, keypad controls are equally simple to operate with an LCD display and descriptive buttons. It only gets complicated as you explore their configuration or program settings.
Both microwave types offer a pre-programmed menu for several foods - turkey, pizza, potatoes, etc. But don't be surprised if you don't find this feature in a knob microwave.
Purpose and Budget
How you use or intend to use a microwave would tell how much you should spend on it.
- If you only melt chocolate or make popcorn for movie nights, don't spend hundreds of dollars on shiny features you won't use
- If you prepare special meals or bake with your microwave, pay top-dollar to get all the bells and whistles
- If you prepare large meals, you'll benefit from the extra bucks paid for a larger capacity
Frequently Asked Questions
What Brand of Microwave Oven is Best to Buy?
Breville is the best microwave brand to buy if money isn't a problem. They incorporate innovation and user-centric features into their products, sparing no costs for customer satisfaction.
On the other hand, brands like Toshiba, Panasonic, and LG produce affordable and higher-priced models to satisfy more customers. This way, you have more options to pick from their product line.
Why is my Microwave Fan so Loud?
A microwave fan becomes loud when it's damaged or needs readjustment. If you're competent, open up the unit, give the fan a roll to test its stiffness.
Wrapping Up
At the end of our analysis, the 1.5 cu ft Toshiba ECO42A5C-SS was voted the best quiet microwave on the market. This microwave plus convection oven is spacious and optimal for all sorts of food, can be muted, and is well worth its price.
If you ask me, I'll recommend The Smooth Wave as the best quiet microwave for anyone looking for a luxurious and functional unit. Alternatively, if you’re on a tight budget, you can’t go wrong with the Comfee countertop microwave oven.
We hope our quiet microwave reviews will hook you up with an ideal model for your budget and purpose.