If you were in Los Angeles, I would give you one of mine - I have a Whirlpool installed, but I received a free Bertazzoni MW when Kevin bought the new range/ oven, and the new MW is in the garage, waiting to be installed.

Do you want one that is mounted above the range with a hood vent? That is what I have, and I am happy with it - I do not feel that I need more of a vent than that, although I would probably be happier if I had one. It's just not possible with our current configuration without some major reconfiguring, and I would lose the cabinet above the microwave and have to store a MW somewhere else.

Are you looking for a counter top model?

"Best" is subjective.... Personally, I would opt for a convection/microwave to make it a useful kitchen tool with more cooking/baking options (I use the convection more than the microwave feature). If all you want to do is pop corn and reheat leftovers, "best" is probably overrated and over-priced. You can always go to the library and check Consumer's Report for more detailed information about "best" microwave (resource section of the library).

I checked Consumer Reports and they haven't done a microwave review in a couple years. Maybe this site will help: Reviews of compact microwaves

I, too, vote for a convection/microwave. I've had two. One was a GE Profile. The other was something very small and not very expensive that I got from Walmart while we were re-doing the kitchen. Unfortunately, I can't remember the brand and we sold it with the house. Both worked great.

All microwaves are made by three or so makers. The rest are rebadged. Sharp and Panasonic are two of the makers. Both are good quality, as are the ones they make for others. The appreciable differences are features (programs, sensors, etc.) and power.

Look for one that is based on "Inverter Technology"

dcarch

Ditto on the Inverter microwaves and Panasonic is the only game in town with the Inverter. Panasonic used to license the tech to a couple of other companies but no longer.

I have a Panasonic and love it with the exception that the interior paint is failing--which would put me off from recommending them. Except that they're the only ones with Inverter tech unless you can find (used) one of the other brands that offered it.

If you're only reheating coffee or soup, then any microwave will do the job.

More dope on Inverter microwaves: http://www.techlicious.com/review/microwave-ovens-with-inverter-technology-really-cook/

It seems like we've gone through several microwaves the last few years. One microwave seemed to keep catching on my shirt sleeve. I knew that one would break eventually, & it did. I haven't had trouble with other microwaves catching like that, & the latch looked just like others. The next microwave kept catching fire from the paint, not on the inside of the microwave, but more where the door fitted. The first time or 2 it happened, I thought it was from some little bit of food stuck in the door, so I kept it very clean. It would be a different spot each time, & you could see where the paint burned off. We're talking more than just sparks too, it flamed up a bit. That started just after the warranty was up. The last one was less than 2 years old. It started running with the door open. The microwave was turned off, but your open the door & it started running. I looked it up, & supposedly there are about 3 safety features so no chance it was actually sending microwaves into the room, but doesn't make you feel safe. Two of them were Sharp microwaves, one was a Panasonic. Just don't seem to have luck lately. The first microwave we had lasted for years, it was a Panasonic. Bought a cheap Hamilton Beach this time, figured if I'm going to buy a new microwave every year, I'm not putting much into it.