Countertop models are cheap and easily replaced, while Over-The-Range (OTR) and built-in drawer models require more investment and installation effort. Wattage matters for cooking speed and evenness.
Updated Apr 5, 2026
Narrow down by convection to find the right fit.
Nispira
Nispira 5230W1A003C Charcoal Filter Replacement for GE Kenmore and LG Microwave Models LMV1650ST LMV2031SB LMHM2237BD Pack of 2
JAJ0965
$17.99
Feit Electric
40-Watt Equivalent T8 Intermediate E17 Base Microwave Appliance LED Light Bulb, Warm White 3000K (6-Pack)
BP40T8N/LED/HDRP/6
$42.66
Magic Chef
Magic Chef 0.7 Countertop Microwaves
HMM770W3
$49.98
Magic Chef
Magic Chef 0.7 Countertop Microwaves
HMM770W2
$49.98
Vissani
Vissani 0.7 Countertop Microwaves
B20PX78
$59.98
GE
GE Countertop Microwave Oven 1.6 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel
GCST16S1WSS
$210
LG
LG NeoChef Countertop Microwave With Smart Inverter 1.5 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel
MSER1590S
$215
Total Chef
Total Chef 1.3 Countertop Microwaves 1100 Stainless Steel
TCMO-1.3-SS
$215.75
Panasonic
Panasonic 1.6 Countertop Microwaves
NNSN736W
$217.5
Sharp
Sharp 1.4-cu ft 1100 -Watt Countertop Microwave ( Stainless Steel )
SMC1450KS
$219
Whirlpool
Whirlpool 2.1 Over the Range Microwaves Black Stainless
WMH53521HV
$409
Avanti
Avanti 1.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave Oven
MOTR13D3S
$419.07
GE
GE Profile 2.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop Sensor Microwave Oven
PES7227SLSS
$422
GE
GE Profile Microwave Oven Over the Range Sensor, 2.1 Cu Ft in Stainless Steel
PVM9005SJSS
$423.3
Cooler Depot
Cooler Depot 1.2 Microwaves 1000 Stainless Steel
DXX1034N1A
$423.36
Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel Series 5 Contemporary Over-The-Range Microwave 30-Inch Black
MOH30SB1
$949
COSMO
COSMO 1.2 Built-in Microwaves 24 Stainless Steel
COS-12MWDSS-NH
$949.99
JennAir
JennAir Countertop Microwave Oven 1.5 Cu. Ft. in Shadow Black
JMCTC15RB
$999
COSMO
COSMO 1.2 Built-in Microwaves 24 1000 Matte Black
COS-12MWDBK
$999.99
Cafe
Cafe 1.5 Countertop Microwaves Matte White
CEB515P4NWM
$1,009
Whirlpool
Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwaves 30
$849
GE
GE Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Black Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Convection Microwave Oven
$694
JennAir
JennAir Countertop Microwave Oven 1.5 Cu. Ft. in Shadow Black
$999
LG
LG 1.8 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in PrintProof Stainless Steel
$275
Bosch
Bosch Benchmark Series Over-The-Range Microwave 30 Inch in Stainless Steel
$1,149
LG
LG 2 Cu. Ft. PrintProof Black Stainless Steel Wi-Fi Enabled Over-The-Range Microwave Oven
$328.98
LG
LG 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
$148.97
GE
GE 1.9 Cu. Ft. Black Over-The-Range Sensor Microwave Oven
$291
Whirlpool
Whirlpool 30-inch Over-the-Range Microwave
$658
Avanti
Avanti 0.7 Countertop Microwaves Stainless Steel
$86.51
Frigidaire
Frigidaire Gallery 1.9 Cu. Ft. Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave
$378.98
Frigidaire
Frigidaire 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave Black
$233
Magic Chef
Magic Chef 0.9 Countertop Microwaves Stainless Steel
$69.98
ZLINE Kitchen and Bath
ZLINE Kitchen and Bath 1.6 Built-In Microwaves 30 Stainless Steel
$1,827.49
Whirlpool
Whirlpool 0.9 Countertop Microwaves 900 Stainless Steel
$188
GE
GE 1.6 Countertop Microwaves
$189
LG
LG NeoChef Countertop Microwave With Smart Inverter 0.9 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel
$145
LG
LG Over-the-Range Microwave Smart Low Profile 1.3 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel
$478.98
Dacor
Dacor Contemporary 30" Graphite Stainless Steel Microwave-In-A-Drawer
$2,199
KitchenAid
KitchenAid 1.1 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave
$578
Cafe
Cafe 1.2 Cu. Ft. Matte White Built-In Microwave Drawer Oven
$1,593
Frigidaire
Frigidaire Built-In Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft. in Black - FMBS2227BB
$296
Commercial CHEF
Commercial CHEF 0.6 Microwaves
$74.16
Sharp
Sharp 1.9 Over the Range Microwaves 30 100 Stainless Steel
$349
Average lifespan
A microwave typically lasts 7 to 10 years with normal use. Over-the-range models tend to last longer than countertop units due to higher build quality. Signs of end-of-life include food heating unevenly despite correct settings, sparking during operation, a noisy or non-spinning turntable, and the door not latching securely.
Error: F1 / SE (Humidity Sensor Failure)
The humidity sensor that monitors cooking progress has failed. The microwave may not auto-cook or auto-reheat properly. Sensor replacement typically requires a technician.
Error: F3 (Keyboard/Touchpad Failure)
The touchpad or membrane switch has failed, making the microwave unresponsive to button presses. Often caused by moisture damage or wear. The control panel assembly usually needs replacement.
Error: F5 (Overheating Protection)
The microwave has shut down due to excessive internal temperature. This is a safety feature to prevent fire or component damage. Allow the unit to cool completely before restarting. Check for blocked ventilation.
Error: Sparking / Arcing Inside Cavity
Sparking is usually caused by metal accidentally placed inside, a damaged waveguide cover, or carbonized food residue on the interior walls. Stop the microwave immediately. Check for metal objects, inspect the waveguide cover (the small panel on the interior side wall) for burn marks or holes, and clean any charred food debris.
Error: No Heat / Magnetron Failure
The microwave runs and the turntable spins, but food is not heating. The magnetron tube that generates microwaves has failed. This is not a DIY repair due to high-voltage capacitor danger.
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Common Failure Modes
Door switches often misalign or fail, preventing the unit from starting as a safety precaution. The magnetron (the component that generates microwaves) eventually burns out after years of use.
Countertop models are cheap and easily replaced, while Over-The-Range (OTR) and built-in drawer models require more investment and installation effort. Wattage matters for cooking speed and evenness.
A microwave typically lasts 7 to 10 years with normal use. Over-the-range models tend to last longer than countertop units due to higher build quality. Signs of end-of-life include food heating unevenly despite correct settings, sparking during operation, a noisy or non-spinning turntable, and the door not latching securely.
Top-rated microwaves brands include GE, Whirlpool, ZLINE Kitchen and Bath, Frigidaire, LG and more. Covala Shopping tracks 664 microwaves from 64+ brands.
Microwaves are highly efficient and have negligible running costs. They are generally considered disposable appliances once the magnetron fails.
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