To select the best microwaves for seniors, you’ll need to consider the physical limitations or cooking needs of the recipient as well as weigh that against the appliance style and size. You’ll want to think about key features like a door handle as opposed to a push-button mechanism, and a control panel with a large digital timer clock that prioritizes knobs and push buttons over a flat touchpad. Also consider whether you’ll be using a microwave to replace your oven, or if you’re simply reheating meals or a cup of coffee. The first requires a more robust control panel while the second doesn’t. As you shop for a microwave, always keep in mind the following key features: wattage, size and style, ease of use, and the controls.
After checking countless reviews from a wide array of products that varied in price and functionality, we nominated the Commercial Chef Counter Top Rotary Microwave as our Top Pick and the best microwave for seniors. Keep reading to learn more about our criteria and to shop from our recommendations of the best microwaves.
Top 10 Best Microwaves for Seniors
#1 Commercial Chef Counter Top Rotary Microwave
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: A simple dual rotary dial control panel, sturdy easy-grip handle, and a budget-friendly price tag make this the best compact microwave for seniors.
- Best on a budget
- Features sturdy, easy to grip handle
- Dual rotary dial controls
- 660 watts may not be powerful enough for some users
If you only use a microwave occasionally, or to simply reheat last night’s dinner, then one of the larger oversized models with tons of presets and button controls might be unnecessary for you. We like this Commercial Chef microwave because we think it’s the best compact microwave for an elderly person. The product dimensions measure 17.75 inches wide, 10.25 inches tall, and 12.5 inches deep so it won’t take up much space on your countertops. And you get 0.6 cubic feet of interior capacity with a 9.5-inch rotating turntable which is fine for simple needs.
However, note that this has one of the lowest wattage ratings from our research at just 660 watts. Still, for the casual user, this is an excellent choice. You’ll get an easy to grip pull handle so you don’t have to fight with buttons or levers to open the door. With the two rotary dials, you can easily control the time and power settings with large, easy-to-read labels.
#2 Nostalgia Retro Large 0.9 cu. Ft. Microwave
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: A simple microwave with a straightforward push-button and rotary dial control panel in a stylish design that includes a large LED timer and an 800-watt power rating.
- Simple push-button design
- 800-watt power rating
- Dual rotary dial controls
- Some may find the lack of labeling on the dial frustrating
Some people like a vintage feel to their appliances. In that case, the Nostalgia microwave is a great retro countertop microwave that offers plenty of functionality in a simple control panel. You’ll like that this simple microwave offers 800 watts of power and 0.9 cubic feet of interior capacity. And, it’s available in four bold colors, complete with chrome-tone accents on the door — including the easy-grip handle.
The only drawback we found with the Nostalgia Retro microwave is that, while it offers a simple rotary knob to cycle through cooking presets as well as time and weight settings, you’ll need to look at the LED while moving the knob because the actual knob isn’t labeled with that information. For some seniors, this might be an issue. Still, we like other key features that you get such as 12 preset cooking options, and that the control panel is easy to use. The product dimensions are 19 inches wide, 17.9 inches deep, and 11 inches tall.
#3 Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave Oven
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: One of the best microwaves for seniors that want an option that’s easy to use but still offers robust features like 10 power levels and six auto-cook presets.
- 10 power levels & 6 auto-cook presets
- 900 watts of power and 0.9 cu. ft. of interior space
- Auto weight and speed defrost settings
- Push-button for door controls may be difficult for some
Not every senior citizen wants a microwave that’s been simplified to the point that there are minimal to no options for customization. And this is especially true if you’re not someone who’s struggling with memory or strength issues. So, the Commercial Chef microwave oven is a great choice for someone who needs a medium-capacity microwave and still needs to customize cook times. This model is, in our opinion, one of the best microwaves for an elderly family. You’ll get 900 watts of power, and 0.9 cubic feet of cook space. And this model has product dimensions that are 19 inches wide, 14.38 inches deep, and 11 inches tall.
We especially like that this model has a robust control panel as you would expect from a microwave marketed to younger individuals. You’ll get 10 power levels and six auto-cook presets. You also have options to reheat, speed defrost, and defrost by weight. And there’s also a quick start option with a 30-second preset. One drawback of this model is that the door opens with a push-button mechanism instead of a pull handle which may not be ideal for some people who struggle with hand strength. However, there is a child safety lock for added security.
#4 Daewoo Retro Countertop Microwave
Award: BEST EASE-OF-USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: A straightforward pick with a stylish design, sturdy door handle and simple rotary dial and push-button controls that’s available in three colors makes this one of the best easy to use microwaves.
- Available in 3 gorgeous colors
- Sturdy handle design to open the door
- Easy to use rotary dial and push-buttons
- Some may dislike the lack of customizable controls
Again, if you’re not a power microwave user, robust control panels can be more intimidating than helpful. So, this Daewoo pick is a great microwave for elderly people who just need a few simple functions like reheating a dish or quickly cooking frozen or fresh vegetables. We think this is one of the best easy to use microwaves because the control panel is streamlined with a large LCD clock. This model offers 700 watts of power and 0.7 cubic feet of interior capacity, making it a smart compact option.
The Daewoo microwave for seniors has product dimensions measuring 17.6 inches wide, 12.7 inches deep, and 10.6 inches tall. While something this simplified might not be ideal for every senior citizen, those who struggle with more complicated controls will like that it features a simple rotary dial and three easy to use buttons. This model includes four auto-cook options, two-way defrost, five power levels, and a 10-inch rotating turntable. You’ll get a retro countertop microwave with a chrome finish door handle and your choice of three colors.
#5 Panasonic NE-1025F Compact Countertop Microwave
Award: BEST VERSATILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: A commercial microwave that can pull double duty for a variety of purposes thanks to the smart cook time guide, 1,000 watts of power, and the compact 0.8-cubic foot size that makes it ideal in a range of spaces.
- Comes with smart cook guide
- 1,000 watts of power
- Medium-capacity 0.8 cu. ft.
- Lacks a digital clock timer
If you’re the type of person who relies on auto-cook presets, but you dislike traditional keypad control panels, then this microwave is for you. The Panasonic NE 1025F dial microwave is perfect for an elderly person because it offers an easy to use control panel interface with a single rotary dial. The Panasonic NE 1025F offers 1,000 watts of power and 0.8 cubic feet of cook space. It measures 20.12 inches wide, 16.5 inches deep, and 12 inches tall. Because of the stronger power rating, this could also double as a great microwave to use in senior centers.
Although this model lacks a digital clock timer, we did like that it offers a robust number of presets along with a cook time guide to make it easier to pick the right setting. Still, we would have liked to see that guide be in a slightly larger font for people with a vision impairment. You’ll appreciate that the door features a sturdy handle. Note also that this model relies on bottom energy feed for even cooking and heat distribution. The timer can also be used to create cook times from as little as 10 seconds to as much as six minutes.
#6 Comfee Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
Award: BEST FOR GRANDPARENTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: A retro designed microwave that’s available in three colors, with 700 watts of power, 0.7 cubic feet, and plenty of intuitive safety features that makes this the best compact microwave for senior citizens and grandparents.
- Available in three retro colors
- 700 watts and 0.7 cu. ft.
- Position memory turntable for easy removal
- Dial isn’t labeled with cooking presets
For the retro obsessed, this Comfee model is going to be one of the best compact microwaves — especially for the elderly and grandparents. We like that while it provides sufficient functionality for the casual microwave user, it offers smart safety features to protect an elderly person or even visiting grandchildren. You’ll get 700 watts of power and 0.7 cubic feet of cook space. This model is another great pick for limited counter space thanks to the external dimensions that measure 17.3 inches wide, 14.1 inches deep, and 10.2 inches tall. This is one of the best compact microwave options with a control panel that features a rotary and button configuration.
The simplified controls are ideal for a wide array of users. But what sets this option apart is that you have a position-memory turntable which is great for heating cups of coffee or tea. The turntable remembers the position it was in when you placed the cup in the microwave and returns it to that position when the timer has ended — making this a safe solution. You’ll also get a child safety lock to ensure little hands can’t open the microwave unexpectedly. If the alert sounds annoy you with loud dings when food is ready, you can turn off the sound. And you have a choice of three colors.
#7 Sharp Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave
Award: BEST POWER
WHY WE LIKE IT: A robust microwave with 1,100 watts of power and a large-capacity cook space at 1.8 cubic feet that offers 10 power levels, multiple auto-cook presets, and smart sensor cook technology.
- 10 cooking levels and multiple presets
- 1,100 watts and 1.8 cu. ft.
- Smart sensor cook technology to prevent over or under-cooking food
- Push-button door mechanism may not be ideal for all users
Just because you’re a senior citizen doesn’t mean you suddenly don’t know how to operate electronics. This pick from Sharp is a great traditional microwave with a touchpad control panel that offers plenty of functionality, a serious level of power, and a large-capacity cook space. You’ll get 1,100 watts of power and 1.8 cubic feet of internal capacity. This unit measures 23.2 inches wide, 18.9 inches deep, and 13.3 inches tall. It also comes with a 16-inch turntable.
We like that this model comes with 10 power levels and a wide array of auto-cook pre-programming options. In addition to common options like cooking entrees, a reheat button, or cooking frozen vegetables, you’ll also get a melt/soften feature and auto defrost settings for thawing precision. However, do keep in mind that this model relies on a push-button mechanism to open the door. So, this may be a problem for some senior citizens that struggle with hand strength.
#8 Sharp R-21LCFS Commercial Microwave
Award: BEST MEDIUM CAPACITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: A rotary dial microwave with 1,000 watts of power, a one-cubic foot capacity, and a timer that can be adjusted from 10 seconds to six minutes — all in a sleek stainless steel finish.
- Highly adjustable cook time
- Easy to use rotary dial control
- 1,000 watts of power
- Lacks a digital countdown clock
Commercial microwaves can also be great solutions for senior citizens that still want the functionality of a microwave, but with a control panel that’s easier to use. This Sharp pick is a rotary dial microwave that offers robust settings and 1,000 watts of power. The interior boasts 1 cubic foot of space, making it a solid choice for someone who relies on a microwave to cook frequently — or uses large dinner plates. This Sharp microwave measures 20.5 inches wide, 16.01 inches deep, and 12.13 inches tall.
We did note that while this is a great pick because it features a simplified single rotary dial, it is lacking a digital countdown clock. Still, you’ll like that this is an easy to use solution with a cooking guide located above the dial for easy reference. There’s also a large sturdy handle on the door that makes it easy to open with minimal effort. And the stainless steel finish gives this microwave added durability. We also think the best Panasonic microwaves are worth checking out.
#9 Costway Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
Award: BEST DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: A fun retro classic design countertop microwave with a simple control panel interface, 900 watts of power, 0.9 cubic feet of cook space, and eight auto-cook presets that’s perfect for senior citizens.
- Simple 2-button and 2-dial control panel
- 8 auto-cook presets
- 900 watts, 0.9 cu. ft. of cook space
- Only has 5 power levels
We can’t get enough of the fun retro countertop microwaves because while they have an old school feel, they’re also incredibly functional and easy to use. This Costway pick is a great microwave for elderly people because the control panel features a simple knob and button design along with a digital LED display timer clock. You’ll get 900 watts of power and 0.9 cubic feet of cook space which puts it in the medium capacity range. This microwave measures 19.5 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 11 inches wide with a 10.5-inch turntable.
Even though this is designed to be a simple microwave, we like that the Costway option still offers plenty of features that make it a great happy medium between a truly basic model and a microwave with so many bells and whistles that it becomes complicated. You’ll like that this pick comes with a child lock for added safety. You can shift between eight auto-cook preset buttons and that you have flexible time controls. However, you’re limited to just five power levels including a defrost setting.
#10 Magic Chef White Countertop Microwave Oven
Award: BEST FOR LIGHT COOKING
WHY WE LIKE IT: A simple microwave with an LED timer control panel, 900 watts of power, 0.9 cubic feet of internal space, and eight auto-cook presets for one of the best small microwaves for senior citizens.
- Comes with LED timer
- Comes with 8 auto-cook presets
- 900 watts, 0.9 cu. ft. of cook space
- Control panel is touchpad instead of buttons or knobs
For the person who doesn’t need a lot of customization, many standard microwaves on the market today may be too much. So, we’re including the Magic Chef microwave as a smart simple microwave alternative. You’ll get simple functionality in a simple design that’s easy to manage. And that translates to a smooth learning curve. The Magic Chef microwave offers 900 watts of power and 0.9 cubic feet of internal space. It measures 18.3 inches wide, 14.8 inches deep, and 11 inches tall — making it perfect for limited counter space.
We like that the Magic Chef microwave features a fairly traditional control panel with an LED timer. However, keep in mind that this model relies on a touchpad. While we like that the numbers on the pad are larger, not all senior citizens may like a touchpad as opposed to a rotary dial and button system. Still, it’s an excellent choice where you’ll get eight auto-cook pre-programming options along with a weight and time defrost control. And the sturdy handle grip makes opening the microwave door a breeze.
How We Decided
Picking a microwave for senior citizens isn’t unlike picking a microwave for any other demographic. You should consider the needs and limitations of the individual and make your selections accordingly. To create our guide for the best microwaves for senior citizens, we looked at the following criteria — wattage, size and style, ease of use, and the controls.
You’ll note that wattage varied widely in our guide from as little as 660 watts to as large as 1,100 watts. Still, your benchmark should be 700 to ensure even heating and cooking. We noted that the lower-wattage models tended to have more simplistic functionality with basic control panels that only featured one or two knobs and a handful of buttons to operate them. In contrast, the higher wattage models were more robust and often featured a wide array of auto-cook presets and controls.
Next, we considered the size and style of the microwave. All of our recommendations are countertop models that are by default, lighter, and take up less space. However, in terms of style, we included quite a few retro countertop microwaves since they tended to feature traditional handles that would make opening and closing the appliance easier as well as prove this is a great microwave for elderly people.
And that brings us to ease of use. Not every senior struggles with declining mobility, range of motion, or strength — but it can be a concern for many elderly people. So, we prioritized models that focused on pull style handles over push-button controls and knobs and buttons over touchpads. We also considered whether a microwave had an LCD digital display timer and a streamlined set of preset auto-controls over models with more robust control panels. However, we did include a few models that offered more functionality since — as we said — not all senior citizens struggle to operate electronics or have declining faculties that require accessibility support.
Best Microwaves for Seniors Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Factors to Consider
- Wattage
Microwaves with higher wattage ratings tend to cook faster because they generate more power. Higher wattage microwaves are also usually — but not always — more expensive. In general, most microwaves range between 600 to 1200 watts, although you can find higher ratings too. - Size and Style
Consider where you plan on storing your microwave. Traditional countertop microwaves are usually designed to be smaller so that they take up less counter space. However, some countertop models can be reconfigured into built-in models that fit in a cabinet. Keep in mind that built-in models usually require separate trim kit purchases. And while they’re typically the most expensive, over-the-range options maximize space because they’re mounted above your stove or cooktop. If you’re thinking of picking a compact microwave, make sure it can fit your dinner plate. - Ease of Use
No one wants a cumbersome microwave that’s a pain to use. But for seniors, the concern becomes whether a microwave is supporting your quality of life or if it makes cooking more difficult. Look for a user-friendly microwave that makes life easier. Look for larger buttons or labels that make it easier to use if you have a vision impairment. Prioritize simple controls as well. Consider whether you can easily move dishes or plates in and out of the microwave, how easily you can grip the door if it’s easy to clean, and how you can interact with the control panel. And especially if you pick an over-the-range model, make sure that it’s positioned at a height that doesn’t make you strain to lift plates or dishes to use it. - Controls
For seniors, the controls and how easily they can open and close a microwave door are going to be some of the most important features to consider. You’ll need to find a model that’s compatible with your strength and mental acuity. Not all seniors should downgrade to the simplest microwave with basic functionality. However, a microwave control panel with fonts and buttons that are too small, or that require a complex sequence of actions to activate probably shouldn’t be on your shortlist. Likewise, a microwave door that requires a lot of force to open or close may be difficult for some seniors who are struggling with reduced hand strength. You can also consider microwaves with voice commands, but those will cost more.
