Comparison: 5 Best Microwave Oven Brands (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking to upgrade your kitchen game with a reliable microwave? With so many brands out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’ve tested, compared, and narrowed it down to the **5 best microwave oven brands** that deliver on performance, durability, and value. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or whipping up quick meals, these top contenders stand out from the crowd. Let’s dive in and find the perfect fit for your kitchen—because great microwaves shouldn’t be a mystery.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for sensor-optimized cooking: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for 5-function powerhouse: BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
- Best for ultimate 8-in-1: TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for compact menu master: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for inverter precision heat: TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
- Best for family-size sensor: TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable
- Best for compact kitchen essential: Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
- Best for versatile 4-in-1: Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for mini power saver: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- Best for compact convection pro: GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
Product Comparison: 5 Best Microwave Oven Brands
Sensor-Optimized Cooking
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.
5-Function Powerhouse
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.
Ultimate 8-In-1
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 Menu Master
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 Precision Heat
TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6″ Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Black 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.
- Specification: With output power 1250 watts, input power 1350 watts. External dimensions 21.8x 19.2x 12.9 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 15.5×17.0x 10.2 inches (WxDxH); includes 13.6 inch glass turntable
- Origin Inverter Technology: This microwave oven with inverter technology, provides even heating and defrosting, enables faster cooking and more satisfying user experience.
- 6 Smart Sensor Auto Menus: Pre-programmed sensor menus for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetables and more. Smart sensor will automatically adjust power and keeps food texture.
- Sound On/Off Function: If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, pleas long press on the button “8” for 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
- Quick Start Button One touch quick access to start the countertop microwave from 1 to 3 minutes cooking at full power
- First Use Tips The microwaves keypad is covered by a protective film during shipment. Please peel it off before first use. 1 year limited warranty, please keep the packaging for contacting Toshiba after sales service and product returns.
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.
Compact Kitchen Essential
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
Farberware
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1000 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.1 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they’ll never forget, Farberware helps today’s families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
- 1 through 6-minute Express Cooking quick start controls and Add 30-Seconds control
Versatile 4-In-1
Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory 13.6″ Turntable, 1.5 Cu Ft, 1000W, Silver, ML-EC42P(SS)
TOSHIBA
- 4-in-1 Multifuntional Countertop Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking (microwave plus convection) can fulfill more usages
- Healthy Air Fryer Combo Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry
- One Kitchen Appliance, Better Texture Combines microwave and convection cooking in one appliance, with auto bake, defrosting and auto roast menus. Also with pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum result of popular foods like frozen pizza, vegetables and more
- Large Capacity for a Family Size 13.6inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza
- Stylish Appearance: Stainless steel finish (color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black) with easy to clean stainless steel interior
- Convenience Features One-touch popcorn, memory function, speedy cooking, multistage cooking, clock and kitchen timer, mute function. Mute function: If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, press and hold the button “8” on the keypad for 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep
- Product Specs 1000 watts microwave power with 10 power settings; external dimension (W*D*H): 21.77*21.38*12.87 inches, internal dimension (W*D*H): 15.5*15.35*10.2 inches, Φ 13.6″ position memory turntable
- Included components: 1 Turntable 1 Manual 1 Grill Rack 1 Grill Tray
Mini Power Saver
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
Chefman
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
- MUTE OPTION: Silence this counter top microwave with the Audio Button, turning off any annoying beeps if you’re trying to stay quiet or not wake up your kids.
- MODERN DESIGN: This microwave countertop design fits in well alongside your other kitchen appliances. Its compact frame and sleek, black finish blend in well with any home décor. Plus, you can save power and disable the display when not in use with Eco Mode.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Don’t worry about grease or scuffs; this black microwave exterior is durable and wipes clean with a damp towel. Additionally, the glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability and a 1-year assurance provided by Chefman. 700W/120V-RJ55-7-V2
Compact Convection Pro
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
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
How do I choose the right microwave capacity for my kitchen?
Measure the countertop or built‑in space you have and compare it to the external dimensions listed for each model. If you often cook for a family, look for at least 1.5 cu ft capacity, like the Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS or the ML‑EM45P. Smaller units such as the Chefman 0.7 cu ft are fine for dorm rooms or offices where space is limited.
What are the main differences between a standard microwave and a microwave‑air‑fryer combo?
A combo adds convection and air‑fry functions, allowing you to bake, roast, and achieve crisp textures without extra oil. Models like the Black+Decker 5‑in‑1 and Toshiba 8‑in‑1 provide these extra modes, while a basic microwave such as the Farberware 1.1 cu ft focuses on pure microwave cooking. The trade‑off is usually a larger footprint and a higher price tag.
Which models offer the best sensor cooking and how does it improve food quality?
Toshiba’s Smart Sensor technology appears in several models, including the EM131A5C‑BS and the ML‑EM45PIT, automatically adjusting time and power based on food humidity. This reduces the risk of over‑cooking or under‑cooking, especially for items like pizza or vegetables. Sensor menus give consistent results with less guesswork compared to manual power‑level settings.
How important is a child‑lock feature and which microwaves include it?
A child lock prevents accidental door opening or button presses, which is crucial for households with young children. Toshiba models (EM131A5C‑BS, ML‑EM09PA, ML‑EM45P) and Black+Decker all provide a two‑step or press‑and‑hold lock, while the Chefman also includes a lock mode on the handle. Choosing a microwave with this safety feature adds peace of mind at no extra cost.
Is inverter technology worth the extra cost?
Inverter technology, found in the Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT, delivers continuous, low‑level power for more even heating and faster defrosting. This results in better texture for delicate foods and reduces hot spots. If you frequently cook items that need gentle heating, the added price can be justified; otherwise, traditional turn‑on/turn‑off models work fine for everyday reheating.
How do preset menus vary across brands and what should I look for?
Presets range from basic (popcorn, pizza, defrost) on models like the Farberware to extensive air‑fry menus on Black+Decker (11 presets) and Toshiba combos (up to 6‑8 sensor presets). Look for presets that match the foods you cook most often; more specialized menus can save time but may be unnecessary if you only need simple reheating.
What should I consider when comparing microwave power (watts) versus cooking speed?
Higher wattage (e.g., 1250 W on the Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT) generally means faster cooking and better browning, especially for larger items. However, higher power can also increase energy consumption. For typical household use, 900–1000 W models provide a good balance of speed, efficiency, and price.
How does price relate to the features like convection, air‑fry, and smart sensors?
Microwaves that combine convection, air‑fry, and sensor cooking—such as the Black+Decker 5‑in‑1 or Toshiba 8‑in‑1—tend to be priced higher due to the added hardware and complexity. Simpler models with just microwave and basic presets, like the Chefman or Farberware, are more budget‑friendly but lack the multi‑function versatility. Decide which features you’ll actually use to avoid over‑paying for capabilities you rarely need.