Panasonic NN-S723WL 1.6-Cubic-Foot 1200-Watt Microwave, White

A cover-the-basics machine with lots of room, this 1.6-cubic foot microwave oven from Panasonic streamlines cooking labor with automatic functions. At 1200 watts, the machine is in the upper-middle wattage range and comes with 10 power levels, selected by the user with the control panel. It is also equipped with auto-cook technology for 15 categories of food, as well as auto reheat and auto defrost. This version of auto-cooking is not as sophisticated as Panasonic’s Genius sensor ovens, but it doesn’t cost as much either. A clear control panel and interior menu label guide you through programming with relative simplicity. You can cook by serving or by weight, and the oven also includes microwave staples like popcorn and quick minute keys. Other handy details include a timer, a 14-3/16-inch glass turntable, and a child safety lock. --Emily Bedard