Microwave Showdown: Surprising Child Lock Safety & 5-in-1 Cooking Tested In the world of countertop microwaves, the battle between clever design and essential safety features has never been more intense. As kitchens evolve, so do the demands on our appliances-efficiency, versatility, and the quiet reassurance of parental safeguards. Enter a lineup of contenders, each vying to claim the title of the most practical choice. The Chefman Countertop Microwave stands out with its 10 power levels and 6 cooking presets, offering precise control without sacrificing simplicity. Its child safety lock and mute button are small yet vital touches, ensuring peace of mind in households with curious little hands. Meanwhile, the COMFEE Retro Microwave blends nostalgia with modern flair, featuring a sleek Pearl White finish and multi-stage cooking options that cater to both speed and precision. For those seeking more, the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 steps up the game with convection, broil, and air fryer modes, alongside a 12.4-inch turntable that remembers your favorite dish positions. The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 model, with its stainless steel build and 900W power, promises a balance of multifunctionality and durability, while the COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH shines with a memory function and turntable reset feature, perfect for streamlining repetitive tasks. Amid this array, the Panasonic NN-SN686S surprises with its 1200W inverter technology and Genius Sensor, which smartly adjusts cooking times for even heating-though it forgoes a child lock, its advanced features might appeal to tech-savvy users. Each model brings its own strengths, but the real showdown lies in how they marry innovation with safety. Whether you prioritize a standout child lock, a multi-mode kitchen station, or a sleek, energy-efficient design, the right choice hinges on matching your needs to the features that matter most.