Comparison: 23 Litres Best Microwave Oven (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the best 23-litre microwave oven but overwhelmed by choices? You’re not alone. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen meals, or whipping up quick snacks, the right microwave can make all the difference. In this comparison, we’ve tested top models on performance, ease of use, features, and value to help you pick the perfect fit. No fluff, just honest insights from real-world use. Let’s find the 23-litre microwave that works as hard as you do—without breaking the bank.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for steam & fry: Midea 4-in-1 Multifunctional Microwave Steam Oven
- Best for 8-in-1 powerhouse: TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for compact sensor pro: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for smart sensor standard: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for family-size sensor: TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable
- Best for convection air fry: GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
- Best for 5-in-1 versatile: BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
- Best for ai smart fry: TOSHIBA OptiChef Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven with 2.4-Inch Color Screen
- Best for compact auto menus: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for inverter sensor pro: TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Product Comparison: 23 Litres Best Microwave Oven
Steam & Fry
Midea 4-in-1 Multifunctional Microwave Steam Oven, Combo Air Fryer, Steamer & Microwave Oven, 32 Auto Functions, Adjustable Power and Temperature, Color Screen Touch Control, 0.9CU.FT./23L
Midea
- 4-in-1 Multifunctional Cooking: Midea Multifunctional Microwave Steam Oven features 4-in-1 functionality with XpressSteam, XpressFry, and XpressWave. It has 24 pre-set menus and 8 additional modes including defrost, ferment, keep warm, cavity deodorization, cavity cleaning, evaporating flume cleaning, deep cleaning, and cavity drying. Create a mini kitchen with just this one machine.
- Adjustable Power Microwave Oven: This microwave oven’s inverter technology offers fast and uniform cooking with intelligent power and temperature adjustments. It has 5 power levels for precise control. Use 10% medium-low heat to soften butter or chocolate, or 100% high heat for quick cooking.
- Healthy Air fryer with Graphene Tube: Midea Air Fryer features True 3D Graphene Technology and offers ultra-high thermal conductivity. Its quick heating and cooling capabilities help the oven maintain optimal cooking temperatures, resulting in crispier, juicier, and more evenly air-fried food.
- Quick Steaming with Dual Steam Tubes: When in operation, this steamer’s dual steam tubes release high-temperature steam, enveloping food in ultra-high heat within 30 seconds to lock in natural flavors and nutrients. It has 6 temperature settings from 125℉ to 250℉. You can cook spa eggs at 125°F or steam purple potatoes at 250°F to retain more anthocyanins.
- Precision Temperature Control Oven: Midea Oven offers ten temperature levels for selection, ranging from a low of 225℉ to a high of 450℉. Simply turn the knob to set your desired temperature. Equipped with 1500W upper and lower baking tubes, it gives novice bakers greater control over the baking process.
- Healthy Steam-assisted Grill: This toaster oven uses steam-assisted technology in COMBI mode to remove excess oil and salt from food in just three steps, making grilling healthier. Step 1: High-temperature grilling melts oil and fat. Step 2: High-temperature steam strips and washes away oil and fat. Step 3: The grill tray drains the oil and fat.
- IoT Remote Control: Midea Steam Oven lets you manage cooking remotely with the SmartHome app. Set timers, adjust temperatures, choose menus, and monitor progress—all from your device. Enjoy convenient control without needing to constantly check the oven.
- 23L compact Size: Midea Multifunctional Microwave Steam Oven has a 23L capacity. This capacity strikes a fine balance, providing sufficient space to cook for a larger group while remaining compact enough to fit into most kitchens.
8-in-1 Powerhouse
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)
TOSHIBA
- 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
Compact Sensor Pro
GE Countertop Microwave Oven,1, 200-watt Capacity, 2.0 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
GE
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: 1200watts of power and 2.0 CU. FT. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking
- SENSOR COOKING CONTROLS: Automatically adjusts time and power for delicious cooking results
- WEIGHT AND 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
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with Instant On express cooking controls and multiple cooking modes; kitchen timer, and cooking complete alarms add convenience
Smart Sensor Standard
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.
Family-Size Sensor
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable, Sound On/Off Function, 1200W, 1.6 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel
TOSHIBA
- 【Better texture with sensor menus 】This 1200-watt high power countertop microwave with 10 power levels includes a pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetable and more
- 【Large Capacity for a Family Size】1.6 cu. ft. capacity ; 13.6″ turntable; fitting a 13inch pizza; with one touch popcorn button as kitchen essential
- 【Position Memory Turntable】 Innovative position-memory technique resets the turntable to the initial position for more convenient and safer use
- 【Convenience Features】Auto defrost, fast cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, clock and kitchen timer
- 【Sound On/Off Function】If you wish 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.
- 【Stylish Design for Kitchen】Stylish black stainless-steel finish adds the perfect look in every kitchen
- 【Product Specs】External dimension (WxDxH): 21.77″x17.91″x12.87″, internal dimension (WxDxH): 15.51″x17.05″x10.24″,13.6″position memory turntable
- 【First Use Tips】The keypad is covered by a protective film during shipment; Please peel it off before first use.
Convection Air Fry
GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven, 1050W Countertop Air Fry Microwave with Broil & Crisper Pan, Compact Stainless Steel Design
GE
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: This 1,050-watt & 1.0 CU FT. compact microwave offers the perfect balance of size and convenience, designed to fit perfectly in dorm rooms, offices and kitchens alike
- AIR FRY MODE: Enjoy healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods with the built-in air fryer that delivers fast, perfectly browned results
- CONVECTION MODE: Enjoy perfectly even browning using convection technology and an elevated rack that lets hot air flow around your food for consistent results
- BROIL MODE: Built-in broiler radiates high heat to sear, caramelize, and finish foods just like a traditional grill rack
- PRESET CONTROLS: Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed
- GLASS TURNTABLE: Rotates food throughout the cycle for even through cooking of food
5-in-1 Versatile
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
BLACK+DECKER
- 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.
AI Smart Fry
TOSHIBA OptiChef Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven with 2.4-Inch Color Screen, Origin Inverter Technology, Smart Sensor, Compatible with Alexa, 1100W, 1.3 Cu.Ft, Silver ML2-STC13SAIT(SS)
TOSHIBA
- Advanced User Interface: Equipped with a 2.4-inch colorful screen with an intuitive user interface that is highly responsive and easy to operate, making complex cooking tasks simple and more accessible.
- ChefFry Plus: Features a top fan and heating element that replicates an air fryer oven, allowing for healthier cooking options.
- Intuitive Humidity Sensor: Built-in sensor ensures even heating and retains moisture for perfectly cooked dishes every time.
- Origin Inverter: Ensures even cooking, precise temperature control, better textures, juicier meats, and enhanced flavor preservation. It also reduces cooking time and energy consumption to get your meals on the dinner table more quickly.
- Dimensions: This 1.3 cubic foot microwave easily accommodates a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken. Overall measurements (W x D x H): 21.8 x 19.4 x 12.8 inches; cavity dimensions (W x D x H): 14.5 x 16.4 x 9.3 inches. Delivers 1100W of output power, 1250 input power.
- Chef Defrost Function: The sophisticated Chef Defrost not only speeds up defrosting time but also preserves the original texture and flavor of foods, offering up to 40% faster defrosting compared to traditional methods.
- Smart Connectivity: This microwave oven is compatible with the TSmartLife APP and Alexa Voice Control, enabling you to operate it remotely from your smartphone or through voice commands.
- AI-Chef Smart Microwave Oven: Combines cloud recipe updates, AI-optimized sensor cooking, and OTA firmware upgrades to bring a personalized, evolving cooking experience.
Compact Auto Menus
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
TOSHIBA
- 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.
Inverter Sensor Pro
TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook, 6 Auto Menus, Origin Inverter, Child Lock, 2.2 Cu Ft for Large Family, 16.5 Inch Removable Turntable, 1200W, Stainless Steel
TOSHIBA
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Inverter Microwave with Smart Sensor: Built-in humidity sensor intelligently adjusts power and cooking time, making sure your food is never undercooked or overcooked. Inverter technology provides even cooking, reheating, and defrosting with no cold spots for great results every time.
- 6 Automatic Sensor Cook & Auto Menus: This microwave oven features 6 sensor cook and auto menus for effortless cooking and reheating of dinners, snacks, beverages, and much more.
- 10 Power Levels: Perfect for everything from defrosting to boiling liquids to preparing full meals, 10 power cooking power levels offer great versatility for all of your culinary needs.
- Specifications: Microwave output power 1200 watts, input power 1350 watts. External dimensions 24.4 x 21.6 x 13.6 inches (WxDxH), internal dimensions 17.8 x 19.1 x 11.2 inches (WxDxH); includes a 16.5-inch glass turntable.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which microwave in the list offers the largest interior capacity for cooking bigger meals?
The Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) provides the biggest cavity at 1.6 cu. ft. with a 13.6‑inch turntable, allowing a 13‑inch pizza or a whole chicken. The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo (B0F7XYT78Z) follows with 1.3 cu. ft., while most other models range from 1.0 to 2.0 cu. ft. but with smaller turntables. Choose the larger capacity if you frequently prepare family‑size dishes.
How do the air‑fry functions differ among the Midea, Toshiba, and Black+Decker models?
Midea’s 4‑in‑1 uses Graphene tube technology for rapid heating and crisping, while Toshiba’s OptiChef combo adds a top‑fan ChefFry Plus system with a humidity sensor for even results. Black+Decker offers 11 preset air‑fry menus but relies on a conventional heating element without the advanced thermal conductivity of Graphene. If you value faster, more uniform crisping, Midea or Toshiba are stronger choices.
What should I look at when comparing microwave power output and cooking speed?
Higher wattage generally means quicker heating; the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) and GE Countertop models deliver 1200 W, while the Black+Decker and Toshiba ML‑EM09PA provide 900 W. Inverter or smart sensor technology, like in the Toshiba ML4‑EM22PAIT(SS), can offset lower wattage by delivering more even power. For rapid cooking, prioritize models with 1100 W–1200 W and inverter features.
Are child‑safety locks consistent across these microwaves?
Most models include a two‑step child lock, such as the Toshiba 8‑in‑1, GE Countertop, and Toshiba ML‑EM09PA, which require a specific sequence to unlock. The Midea unit does not list a child lock, so if safety is a priority, select a model that explicitly mentions this feature. The lock mechanisms are similar, but verify the user manual for exact operation.
Which microwave offers the most versatile set of cooking modes?
The Midea 4‑in‑1 stands out with 24 preset menus, 8 additional modes (including ferment and deep cleaning), and true air‑fry, steam, and convection functions. Toshiba’s 8‑in‑1 also covers microwave, air‑fry, convection bake, grill, combi, low‑temp, odor removal, and defrost. Both are highly versatile, but Midea adds steam and specialized cleaning cycles that Toshiba lacks.
How do sensor cooking technologies compare among the models?
GE Countertop and Toshiba ML4‑EM22PAIT(SS) use humidity sensors that automatically adjust time and power for optimal results. Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS and the ML‑EM45P(BS) also feature Smart Sensor menus, but the latter adds a position‑memory turntable for consistent heating. In general, sensor‑enabled microwaves reduce guesswork and improve texture, with inverter‑based sensors offering the smoothest performance.
Is the Midea 4‑in‑1 a better value than the Toshiba 8‑in‑1 combo?
Midea provides a broader range of functions—including steam and extensive cleaning cycles—at a comparable price point to Toshiba’s 8‑in‑1, which focuses more on traditional microwave, air‑fry, and convection. If you need steam cooking and deep‑clean features, Midea delivers higher value. For users who prioritize a larger turntable and higher wattage, Toshiba may be more appealing.
Should I pay extra for a convection microwave with a built‑in broil function?
A convection microwave with broil, like the GE GCST10A1WSS, offers true oven‑style browning and searing, which can replace a separate countertop oven for many households. This added versatility justifies a higher price if you frequently grill or finish dishes with a crisp top. If you mainly reheat or use air‑fry, a standard microwave‑air‑fry combo may be more cost‑effective.