I shopped all the major brands for a couple weeks before choosing this samsung microwave. In the stores i could turn them on and this was by far the most quiet. It heats things up like no ones business! the short cut buttons are perfect for those specific items such as heating up a mug of milk or water for tea, softening butter without boiling the cube of butter. its super easy to use and looks great too! For the size it beats its competition hands down!