Looking to upgrade your kitchen game with the best microwave oven but not sure where to start? With so many options out there—from sleek solo models to powerful convection combos—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’ve tested, compared, and cooked our way through the top contenders to bring you honest, real-world insights. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, defrosting dinner, or baking a cake, we’ll help you find the perfect microwave that fits your lifestyle and budget—without the guesswork.
- Best for sensor-optimized cooking: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
- Best for mute-friendly sensor: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for recipe inspiration guide: 125 Best Microwave Oven Recipes
- Best for easy-button cooking: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Best for stainless power cook: BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Best for 8-in-1 air fryer: TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for eco silent cook: COMFEE' EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
- Best for compact menu microwave: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for 5-in-1 air fusion: BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
- Best for space-saving power: GE Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Oven Microwave Ovens
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
TOSHIBA- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Mute Mode: If yout want to mute the buzzer of the microwave, please long press on the button "8" For 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
125 Best Microwave Oven Recipes
- Used Book in Good Condition
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : 110 Volts.Rated Input Power(Microwave):1050W
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”
- UL approved. One year limited
BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Frequency : 60 Hz
- 1000 Watts Output with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking, Input power: 1600W
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 12.4” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 20.6” x 16.5” x 11.8”; Color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4" Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS)
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- 8-in-1 Multifuntional Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, bake(convection), broil (grill), combi., low temp., odor removal, defrost can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Microwave Combo: Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimension (WxDxH): 20.6*18.0*11.8 inches, internal dimension (WxDxH):14.0*13.2*9.5 inches, 12.4-inch position memory turntable
- Compact Size but Large Capacity & Powerful: Small Footprint as Kitchen Essential, 12.4inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12 inch pizza and 8*4 inch casserole, offers the perfect balance of size and convenience.
- Convenience Features with One-touch popcorn, easy-to-turn knobs, position memory turntable, speedy cooking, multistage cooking, clock and kitchen timer, mute function. Stylish Appearance Classic black stainless steel finishes with easy to clean stainless steel interior
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7 Cu Ft/700W, Pearl White
- Two-Step Child Lock Feature: For extra protection and to prevent misuse, all microwave oven manufacturers are asked to follow new safety standard and add a 2-step child lock function
- Mute Function: Turn off all the microwave beeps by pressing the sound on/off button for 3 seconds, which will bring you quieter cooking time
- Easy one-touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time). With easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- Energy saving Eco mode: Minimize 50% standby power by turning on ECO mode
- Included components: 1 microwave oven, 1 manual instruction book.
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, Perfect for Apartment, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Black Stainless Steel
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 12.1 x 10.9 x 7.6 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
- 6 Preset Menus: This compact microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Mute Mode: If you wish to silence the beeping sound that signals the end of cooking, please long press on the button "8" For 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, and Convection Cooking, 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, Child-Lock, ES9P032NA
- 5-in-1 Microwave Oven: Use this essential countertop appliance for cooking in five functions: microwave, air fryer, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast for all of your culinary needs.
- 10 Cooking Levels: Featuring a 900-watt output, this compact microwave has 7 auto menus, including settings for Beverage, Fresh/Frozen Vegetables, Oatmeal, Potato, Popcorn, and Frozen Pizza.
- Air Fry Presets: This small-but-mighty microwave has 11 preset air fry menus, including for cooking frozen French fries, steak fries, squid rings, chicken nuggets/wings/legs, fish sticks/fillets, cheese sticks, vegetables, and spring rolls with an easy-to-use operation.
- Speedy Cooking: Directly press the start button to cook food at 100% power for 30 seconds and press again for an additional 30 seconds.
- Child-Lock Setting: Press the stop button for 3 seconds to lock the control panel to keep little hands from clicking buttons on the appliance.
GE Compact Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cubic Ft., 950w Capacity, 6 Auto Cook Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Dorm Room, Apartment, Stainless Steel
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- SPACE-SAVING EXTERIOR, SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 950 watts of power and 1.1 cu. ft. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates throughout cycles for optimum cooking
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with convenience cooking controls; kitchen timer, child lock controls and cooking complete alarms add convenience
- WEIGHT & TIME DEFROST - Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- EASY SET UP: Freestanding microwave fits easily on countertop or open shelf, with 39 power cord
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What key specifications should I compare when choosing a countertop microwave?
Focus on microwave power (watts), interior capacity (cubic feet), and available cooking functions such as sensor cooking, air‑fry, or convection. Also check the size of the turntable, preset menus, and safety features like child locks. Higher wattage generally means faster cooking, while a larger cavity accommodates bigger dishes.
How does a standard microwave differ from an 8‑in‑1 combo like the Toshiba Air Fryer Microwave?
A standard microwave, such as the Toshiba EM131A5C, offers basic reheating, defrosting, and preset cooking modes with 1000 W power. The 8‑in‑1 combo adds air‑fry, bake, broil, low‑temp, odor‑removal, and convection functions, letting you replace a separate oven or air fryer. The trade‑off is a slightly larger footprint and a higher price point, but it provides greater versatility.
Which microwave offers the best value for a small kitchen space?
The GE Compact Countertop Microwave (950 W, 1.1 cu ft.) balances power, size, and price, fitting comfortably on tight countertops. It includes essential features like weight‑defrost, child lock, and one‑touch cooking without the bulk of larger combo units. For ultra‑compact needs, the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA (900 W, 0.9 cu ft.) is also a strong contender.
Are the preset cooking menus worth paying extra for?
Preset menus simplify cooking common foods—pizza, popcorn, vegetables—by automatically setting time and power, which is handy for beginners or busy households. Models like the Toshiba EM131A5C and Black+Decker EM720CB7 include 6‑10 presets, while combo units add air‑fry presets as well. If you frequently cook the same items, the convenience can outweigh the modest price premium.
How important is a child lock feature when selecting a microwave?
A two‑step child lock prevents accidental activation, offering peace of mind for families with young children. Most mid‑range models—including Toshiba, Black+Decker, COMFEE', and GE—include this safety feature as standard. Choosing a microwave with an easy‑to‑disable lock ensures both safety and convenience.
What should I consider regarding turntable size and interior dimensions?
Turntable diameter determines the largest plate or dish you can cook; 12.4‑inch turntables (found on Toshiba and Black+Decker models) fit standard dinner plates and small pizzas. Internal cavity dimensions affect how tall or wide items fit; for example, the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo’s 14 × 13.2 × 9.5 in. interior can accommodate a whole chicken. Match these measurements to your typical cooking vessels.
Is a higher wattage always better for cooking performance?
Higher wattage (e.g., 1050 W on the Black+Decker EM720CB7) generally reduces cooking time and improves even heating, especially for dense foods. However, it may also increase energy consumption and produce louder operation. If speed is a priority, choose a 1000 W+ model; for occasional use, a 700‑900 W unit can be sufficient and more budget‑friendly.
How do price and feature sets compare across the listed models?
Basic models like the GE Compact and Toshiba ML‑EM09PA are priced lower, offering essential microwave functions and modest power. Mid‑range options such as the Toshiba EM131A5C and Black+Decker EM720CB7 add sensor cooking, multiple presets, and larger turntables at a moderate price. Premium combos like the Toshiba 8‑in‑1 Air Fryer Microwave command the highest price but replace several appliances with one versatile unit.