Lefties would want to operate with a left-hand microwave because its comfortable and easier to use. Luckily, I tested a lot of microwaves to find out which appliance is the best for left-handed users.
When testing I paid attention to important factors such as size and capacity, power, cooking performance, safety features and price.
Things to consider when choosing left-hand microwaves
When choosing the best left-hand microwave (or any microwave, for that matter), there are several factors to consider to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind:
Size and capacity
Determine the available space in your kitchen and the amount of counter space you can allocate to the microwave. Additionally, consider the microwave’s interior capacity to ensure it can accommodate your typical food containers and dishes.
Power and cooking performance
Microwaves are typically measured in watts. Higher wattage usually means faster cooking times. Consider your cooking habits and how quickly you want your food to be heated or cooked.
Features and cooking modes
Look for features such as preset cooking modes, defrosting options, sensor cooking, and even convection cooking for a more versatile appliance.
Control panel
Ensure the control panel is easy to understand and navigate. Some microwaves have touchpads, while others have dials or buttons. Choose one that you find convenient to use.
Safety features
Child locks, door locks, and automatic shut-off are important safety features to prevent accidents, especially if you have young children at home.
Ease of cleaning
Stainless steel or easy-to-clean surfaces can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning up spills and splatters.
Price and warranty
Set a budget and explore microwaves within that range. Also, check the warranty period to ensure you’re covered in case of any defects or malfunctions.
Energy efficiency
Some microwaves are designed with energy-saving features. Look for the Energy Star label to ensure the microwave meets energy efficiency standards.
1. Sharp SMD 2470 AH24” Microwave Drawer
Everyone loves to fix things fast. Sharp SMD 2470 AH is a feature-rich microwave quite suitable for left-handed users.
With a beautiful design and ease of use, you’re going to have a wonderful time as you heat or cook your food.
Like other models, the manufacturer crafts it with a powerful performance in mind.
The modern features like defrost, popcorn buttons and specific pizza reheating buttons make it worth your consideration.
Its stainless steel finish will greatly match your cabinet, countertop, and kitchen door. This makes the device very cheap to clean.
With a 1.2 cu.ft.capacity, this microwave drawer is large enough to cook a whole pizza. Fit enough for your large family.
The 12-sensor cooking options are another plus. I found it easy to use As I cooked my favorite food perfectly.
While testing, our experts found it possible to install the microwave below any electric or gas wall oven, or either way, into a kitchen island.
Its front-mounted touch controls are angled for easy viewing while cooking. You don’t have to operate it while bending over, therefore.
Pros
- Comes with 12 levels of cooking so that you can cook pizza, potatoes, popcorn, etc.
- The keep-warm feature of this microwave ensures that your dish remains warm and delicious for up to 30 minutes.
- It has a stainless steel finish that can match your kitchen setting
- It has spacious interiors, allowing you to cook the meal whole
Cons
- Large spacious interiors mean you will spend more time cleaning it
2. Sharp KB-6524PS 24-inch Microwave Drawer Oven
Cooks can concur with me when I say that Sharp is a reputable brand that provides you with the best kitchen appliances of your choice.
Sharp KB-6524PS has a set of useful features to rave about. It is simply the best alternative to left-handed microwaves you can buy right now.
It allows you to open the door with a pull of the handle or a touch of the AutoTouch key, so I believe it should be convenient and accessible for left-handed persons.
The control panel on top of this microwave drawer makes it an ideal option for left-handed people.
I did like its stainless steel finish as it makes the unit long-lasting and cheap to clean. With this gadget, you’ve 10 different time settings to choose from.
Meaning, you can cook different foods in it. Unlike other Sharp 24-inch models, it has larger interiors to hold your meal whole.
This model is a great choice for family use as well. I believe 950 Watts of cooking power is simply the ideal heating power you would require for all your cooking needs.
Most customers were elated by the sensor cook technology with the 11 sensor presets. Cooking by guessing was no longer an aspect in their kitchen spaces.
Again, Sharp KB-6524PS is made from a top-quality material, hence a durable choice. I like its interior and exterior finish as it looks so unique. Do not be hesitant to add it to your kitchen cabinet today.
Pros
- Its spacious interiors allows you to cook your meal whole
- You can prepare your favorite foods from pizza and popcorn to potatoes and more
- Easy to use just with a touch of a button
- Its stainless steel finish makes it more long-lasting
Cons
- Some customers complained that its large size was unsuitable for their small countertop kitchen spaces
3. Samsung MC12J8035CT PowerGrill Duo Countertop Microwave
Looking to save a few bucks on your budget? The Samsung MC12J8035CT is a more affordable choice for lefties that still performs amazingly.
Designed with a drop-down door and a control panel on top, it’s also surprisingly comfortable for left-handed people to use conveniently.
Contrary to most microwave ovens, the Samsung MC12J8035CT can work both as a countertop microwave and a built-in microwave.
If your countertop space is adequate, then you can go ahead and place it on the countertop for easy access. However, it can be installed with a trim kit to achieve a built-in look, as well.
Looking for a microwave oven with glass touch controls and a large Ice Blue LED display? The Samsung brand is the way to go.
I was more satisfied with its seamless design without forgetting the clear view of the settings.
Again, it’s a great deal by any measure. Its Ceramic Enamel Interior protects the microwave against scratches. This Ensures easy cleaning.
Your microwave, therefore, stands the test of time by maintaining its new look every day.
When buying my kitchen appliances, I prefer going for the versatile because of their range of features.
I’d readily confirm that this left-handed alternative is fully versatile, offering Slim Fry, and Powergrill Duo features among others.
I would also say that I loved the grilling element with a metal round rack. A ceramic plate also allows you to achieve a brown and crispy cooking result.
The Slim Fry option ensures you enjoy deep-fried foods without using oil.
In all, the Samsung MC12J8035CT would be the perfect addition to your kitchen in case you’re looking for a microwave oven for left-handed people.
Pros
- Featuring 10 auto-cook options, the microwave enables you to prepare over 6 of your perfect meals
- The ECO mode is energy-saving and this reduces your monthly electricity bills
- A touch sensor setting makes it easy to use
- It features an LED display which provides clarity of the settings
Cons
- It tends to be more complex to use compared to other microwave oven models
4. Sharp SMD2470AS Microwave Drawer Oven, 24-Inch
The Sharp SMD2470AS microwave drawer oven is another long-standing appliance you as a left-handed user would want. It’s sleek-looking and will match your kitchen decor.
The drawer design is ideal for their great convenience without taking much of your counter space in your kitchen.
You will love the exclusive Easy Touch Automatic Drawer System that allows easy opening and a hands-free closure the moment your hands are full. Is this not simply fantastic?
The control panel on the other hand is concealed and its 45 degrees of operation ensures that you don’t bend over with your head towards the controls while using it.
The microwave drawer stands at 1000-watt cooking power, which is powerful enough to prepare big meals over a short time.
I’m so excited that I was able to use the programmed menu for my favorite meals.
With 6 auto defrost settings, you can defrost if you wish to. Again, this microwave is accommodative as it can easily cope with your cooking requirements with its large interior space.
The Sharp SMD2470AS is the best alternative for lefties as it is easy to use.
Pros
- 1000-watt cooking power makes it among the fastest microwave ovens to cook
- Its concealed control panel makes it easy to use by minimizing contact between your head and the controls
- Its large size allows you to prepare large meals for large families
- Its stainless-steel finish gives your kitchen a premium look
Cons
- Cleaning the microwave is a bit cumbersome due to its large interior
5. Siemens HF25GR2 Microwave
Great for cooking and reheating food, the Siemens HF25GR2 oven is another option lefties can use effortlessly. The 1100-watt cooking power appliance is ideal for your budget and all your immediate cooking needs.
I’m more than impressed because, with this gadget, I was able to prepare pizza, potatoes, and vegetables among other popular dishes.
Like other popular microwave brands, this one comes with a touch popcorn button as well as two custom defrost settings.
You don’t have to suffer again on your electricity bills being high all the time. The power-saving eco mode saves on energy.
Despite being one of the best alternatives for left-handers, it has one drawback. It tends to be a bit noisy. This shouldn’t alarm you though.
To mute the microwave buzzer, press the ‘8’ microwave door switch for 3-5 seconds. The buzzer hearing a beep turns it off automatically.
Pros
- Child safety lock offers more protection
- With 10 settings, you can make a variety of your favorite dishes.
- The power-saving eco mode saves on energy reducing your electricity bills
Cons
- It tends to be a bit noisy
Benefits of using Left-hand microwaves for lefties
User-friendly design
Left-hand microwaves are designed with left-handed users in mind, which means the control panel, buttons, and handles are strategically placed for easy access by left-handed individuals.
This design eliminates the need for awkward hand movements. It allows for a more natural cooking experience.
Enhanced safety
Left-handed microwaves can provide an added layer of safety for left-handed users. The placement of controls on the left side reduces the risk of accidentally bumping into hot surfaces or spilling food while trying to access controls located on the right side.
Efficient and convenient use
Left-handed microwaves minimize the need for left-handed users to adjust their posture while using the microwave.
This ergonomic advantage leads to quicker and more processes, as well as a reduced likelihood of accidents.
Reduced strain and discomfort
Traditional microwaves can be less comfortable for left-handed individuals to operate, potentially leading to discomfort.
Left-hand microwaves help alleviate this issue by placing controls where they can be easily accessed without contorting the wrist in uncomfortable positions.