Unreliable Microwave Brands To Steer Clear Of, According To Reviews

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Microwaves are considered an absolute staple in many people's kitchens. Not only is the popular appliance fast, practical, and generally compact, but microwaves are often considered one of the cheapest kitchen appliances to replace. You can find affordable models from popular online retailers like Amazon for less than $50 and even better deals if you shop secondhand. But when it comes to microwaves, there are things you should know before you buy. Whether you're seeing signs that your microwave is too old and needs replacing, or you're just looking to splurge and upgrade to a newer model, you should be aware of the trusted brands as well as the less-reliable ones to avoid. 

It's true that there are countless brands and models to consider when buying a microwave, and all of them boast different features and price tags. But one good way to gauge whether or not you should add the product to your cart is by looking at previous buyers' firsthand experiences. To that end, here are four unreliable microwave brands you might want to reconsider purchasing based on customer reviews and consumer reports.

Magic Chef is one of the unreliable appliance brands to avoid at all costs, according to home improvement experts, especially when it comes to microwaves. Longevity is not Magic Chef's strong suit, with some reviewers reporting that, despite the hefty price tag, their Magic Chef microwaves broke in a matter of months. Magic Chef microwaves are notorious for making a lot of noise, overheating externally, and emitting unpleasant vibrating sounds that can be distracting or disruptive when you're trying to be productive in the kitchen. 

Some Magic Chef microwave models are also extremely expensive. The brand's MCCM910ST microwave oven is priced at $314.99 at the time of writing on Amazon, with a customer satisfaction rating of just 2.9 out of 5 stars. Reviewers' main concern was that the microwave stopped working after just a few months and had to be thrown away. "Didn't have it one day and it sizzled and made noise [and] ended up in the trash. Definitely not worth buying," a reviewer shared in a one-star review on Amazon.

However, Magic Chef does make some models that have received slightly better reviews. The brand's 1,000-watt Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is a more popular and affordable choice. It's priced at $114.58 on Amazon at the time of writing with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. But unfortunately, a decent amount of reviewers have reported the same issues with this product and said it's ultimately still loud and cheaply made. So if you're looking for a quiet product that's made to last, Magic Chef might not be the brand for you. 

LG is a brand that has been around for decades, but microwaves might not be its strong suit. LG microwaves only have a 1.1 out of 5 stars in customer satisfaction according to Consumer Affairs reviews. Buyers report a wide range of issues with their LG microwaves, from handles falling off frequently to issues with models overheating and becoming a safety hazard. Consumers also reported that the microwave is so expensive to repair, most of the time it's not worth it and the unit had to be thrown away. 

Consumers also reported recurring technical malfunctions that caused their LG microwaves to suddenly stop working. High-voltage diode failure, magnetron failure, and control panel problems are all frequently reported issues that make LG an unreliable brand when it comes to microwaves. On top of that, LG is often considered to be a higher-end brand, with heftier price tags that reflect that, depending on the size and model. Depending on the price of the microwave, it may not be worth the risk considering LG's history of reliability.

Cuisinart is not considered to be very consistent when it comes to microwaves, so you have to be careful about which model you choose to take home. Some models of Cuisinart microwaves can get very expensive, with little to show for it. For example, their CMW-200 1.2-Cubic-Foot Convection Microwave Oven is rated 3.8 out of 5 stars in customer satisfaction on Amazon, where it has acquired some less-than-stellar reviews. It is listed at $299.95 for the model with a stainless steel finish, which is not very competitive when compared to other microwaves. The most common complaint among unhappy customers is that their model was defective or broke after moderate use. Another frequently reported issue is that the door doesn't function properly and is prone to breaking or getting jammed. 

Cuisinart could be worth considering if you don't mind taking the extra time to do a little research on the specific model you have in mind and whether or not it's worth the price. Paying a premium price for a brand that is less than reliable is probably not be worth the extra effort. When it comes to Cuisinart, it might be wise to stick to some of the brand's other kitchen essentials, which generally have a better reputation and experience fewer issues.

Samsung is a massive brand that's revered for its cutting-edge technology. However, the company's microwaves don't always live up to the brand's reputation. According to Consumer Reports, Samsung microwaves often have control panel issues, which can lead to buttons not responding, making the appliance unusable. If you look at some of the popular Samsung microwaves available on Amazon, you'll often find higher price tags and lackluster customer satisfaction ratings. 

For example, the SAMSUNG 1.9-cubic foot Countertop Microwave is listed for $349 on Amazon but only has a 3.2 out of 5 stars rating. Multiple reviewers reported problems with the microwave's door not opening, while others complained that their model quit working in as little as one year. Buyers also struggled with utilizing Samsung's warranties on their microwaves as well as the cost of repairing and replacing their broken appliances. With the frequently reported technical issues and models that are as expensive as $479, Samsung microwaves might be more risk than they're worth given the brand's hefty prices.

To determine whether or not microwave brands are reliable, we mainly considered buyers' firsthand experiences based on reviews published online. We also looked at consumer reports, expert opinions, and customer satisfaction ratings from major online retailers like Amazon. We took into consideration the quality and longevity of the product, as well as the overall cost value, given the different price points. Other convenience factors were also considered, like noise levels and ease of use.