Best Microwaves
Find the best microwaves for quick cooking.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Stainless Steel Microwave
- ✓1000W power with smart sensor cooking
- ✓12.4-inch turntable fits standard dishes
- ✓6 preset menus for common foods
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Stainless Steel Microwave
- ✓1000W power with smart sensor cooking
- ✓12.4-inch turntable fits standard dishes
- ✓6 preset menus for common foods
Panasonic NN-SN67KS 1.2 Cu Ft 1200W Inverter
- ✓1200W inverter technology
- ✓1.2 cu ft family size capacity
- ✓Genius sensor auto cook 14 presets
Panasonic NN-SN67KS 1.2 Cu Ft 1200W Inverter
- ✓1200W inverter technology
- ✓1.2 cu ft family size capacity
- ✓Genius sensor auto cook 14 presets
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital 0.7 Cu Ft 700W
- ✓700W compact 0.7 cu ft size
- ✓Pre-programmed buttons 6 settings
- ✓Child safety lock included
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital 0.7 Cu Ft 700W
- ✓700W compact 0.7 cu ft size
- ✓Pre-programmed buttons 6 settings
- ✓Child safety lock included
GE 3-in-1 Countertop Microwave 1.0 Cu Ft
- ✓1050W with air fry mode
- ✓1.0 cu ft versatile cooking
- ✓Convection and microwave combo
GE 3-in-1 Countertop Microwave 1.0 Cu Ft
- ✓1050W with air fry mode
- ✓1.0 cu ft versatile cooking
- ✓Convection and microwave combo
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Retro
- ✓700W retro design 0.7 cu ft
- ✓11 power levels precise control
- ✓Mute function for quiet operation
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Retro
- ✓700W retro design 0.7 cu ft
- ✓11 power levels precise control
- ✓Mute function for quiet operation
Galanz GTWHG12BKSA10 1.2 Cu Ft 1100W
- ✓1100W powerful heating 1.2 cu ft
- ✓Air fry mode 400°F max temp
- ✓Easy clean stainless interior
Galanz GTWHG12BKSA10 1.2 Cu Ft 1100W
- ✓1100W powerful heating 1.2 cu ft
- ✓Air fry mode 400°F max temp
- ✓Easy clean stainless interior
Amazon Basics Microwave 0.7 Cu Ft 700W
- ✓700W Alexa voice control ready
- ✓0.7 cu ft compact design
- ✓10 power levels included
Amazon Basics Microwave 0.7 Cu Ft 700W
- ✓700W Alexa voice control ready
- ✓0.7 cu ft compact design
- ✓10 power levels included
Farberware Classic FMO07ABTBKA 0.7 Cu Ft
- ✓700W 0.7 cu ft compact
- ✓LED display with 6 presets
- ✓Memory function saves settings
Farberware Classic FMO07ABTBKA 0.7 Cu Ft
- ✓700W 0.7 cu ft compact
- ✓LED display with 6 presets
- ✓Memory function saves settings
Insignia NS-MW09SS8 0.9 Cu Ft 900W
- ✓900W mid-size 0.9 cu ft capacity
- ✓8 auto cook menus included
- ✓Child lock safety feature
Insignia NS-MW09SS8 0.9 Cu Ft 900W
- ✓900W mid-size 0.9 cu ft capacity
- ✓8 auto cook menus included
- ✓Child lock safety feature
RCA RMW733 0.7 Cu Ft 700W White
- ✓700W basic 0.7 cu ft white
- ✓10 power levels simple controls
- ✓Lightweight portable design
RCA RMW733 0.7 Cu Ft 700W White
- ✓700W basic 0.7 cu ft white
- ✓10 power levels simple controls
- ✓Lightweight portable design
Buyer's Guide
Power and Wattage
Microwave power ranges from 700W to 1,250W, directly impacting cooking speed. A 1,000W+ unit heats food 30-40% faster than 700W models. For families reheating meals and cooking regularly, aim for 1,000-1,200W. Solo users or those just reheating beverages can save money with 700-900W models.
Interior Capacity
Capacity ranges from 0.7 to 2.2 cubic feet. A 1.2-1.4 cu ft interior fits standard dinner plates (10-12 inches) comfortably. Larger families cooking casseroles need 1.6+ cu ft. Compact dorm or office models at 0.7-0.9 cu ft sacrifice plate size but save counter space.
Control Interface
Dial controls offer simplicity and durability but lack preset options. Digital keypads with express cook buttons (1-6 minutes) speed up common tasks. Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time/power for popcorn, vegetables, and frozen meals—worth the $20-40 premium for frequent users.
Turntable vs Flatbed Design
Traditional turntables rotate food for even heating but limit usable space (corners unused). Flatbed models use distribution antennas, fitting rectangular dishes edge-to-edge and simplifying cleaning, but cost 20-30% more at equivalent wattage.