Comparison: Guardian Best Microwave (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the best microwave but overwhelmed by choices? You’re not alone. We’ve spent hours researching and testing models featured in The Guardian’s top picks to help you cut through the noise. From sleek solo units to powerful combination ovens, we’re breaking down what actually matters—performance, ease of use, and value for money. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or whipping up a quick meal, we’ve got the inside scoop on which microwaves truly deliver. Let’s find your kitchen’s perfect match—without the guesswork.
- Best for smart sensor: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for compact smart microwave: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for powerful sensor cook: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for push-button access: BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Best for large family capacity: Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
- Best for smart sensor value: Farberware 1.2 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
- Best for 8-in-1 air fryer: TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for compact power microwave: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Best for space-saving design: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for mini power microwave: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Product Comparison: Guardian Best Microwave
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
- 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.
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.
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
- 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
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 ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor, 6 Menus, Auto Defrost, ECO Mode, Mute Option & 16.5″ Position Memory Turntable, 2.2 Cu Ft, 1200W, Stainless Steel
- 【Large Capacity】2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity countertop microwave with 1200W power is perfect for large families. It can easily accommodate a 16-inch pizza and a whole chicken.
- 【Intuitive Humidity Sensor】The built-in humidity sensor with 6 Automatic Preset Menus gives your food an even heating result and seals the moisture inside for optimal results.
- 【6 Auto Menus】Equipped with 6 menus that fits your most daily needs including: bacon, frozen roll/muffin-reheat, beverage, chicken pieces and oatmeal.
- 【Auto-Defrost Function】 The Auto-Defrost Function defrosts meat, poultry and fish with different programs, simulating a natural defrost environment and achieving optimal defrosting results.
- 【Easy to Use】Kitchen essential with One pound/ auto defrost, energy-saving eco mode and sound on/off function, speedy cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, indoor light, clock and kitchen time.
Farberware 1.2 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Smart Sensor Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
- 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 1.2 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.
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
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
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 1.1 Cubic Ft., 950-watt Capacity, 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or 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 39inch power cord
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
- 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
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
What should I consider when choosing microwave capacity?
Capacity determines the size of dishes you can fit inside; a 1.2‑2.0 cu ft. unit will handle a 12‑inch pizza or a small casserole, while a 0.7‑cu ft. model is best for limited counter space and single‑serve meals. Larger families often prefer the 2.2 cu ft. Toshiba ML‑EM62P or the 2.0 cu ft. GE model for flexibility. If you mainly reheat plates or make snacks, a compact 0.7‑cu ft. Chefman or 1.1‑cu ft. GE will suffice.
How do the power outputs affect cooking performance?
Higher wattage (e.g., 1200 W in the GE and Toshiba ML‑EM62P) cooks food faster and provides more even heating, especially for larger items like whole chickens. Models with 900‑1000 W (Toshiba EM131A5C, Black+Decker EM031MB11) are still powerful enough for everyday meals but may need longer cook times. Lower‑wattage units such as the 700 W Chefman are best for simple reheating or small portions.
Which models offer the most versatile cooking functions?
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo (8‑in‑1) combines microwave, air‑fry, convection bake, grill, and more, making it the most multifunctional option. The Toshiba ML‑EM62P adds auto‑defrost, eco mode, and multi‑stage cooking, while the GE models provide sensor cooking and weight‑defrost. For basic versatility, the Black+Decker EM720CB7 offers ten power levels and preset buttons.
Are child safety locks important and which microwaves have them?
A child lock prevents accidental operation, which is essential in households with young kids. Most models listed include a two‑step or mandatory child lock, such as the Toshiba EM131A5C, Toshiba ML‑EM09PA, GE 1.2 cu ft., Black+Decker EM031MB11, and the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo. Even compact units like the Chefman and Black+Decker EM720CB7 provide a lock feature for added peace of mind.
How do sensor cooking and preset menus differ across models?
Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power based on humidity, found in the Toshiba EM131A5C, GE 1.2 cu ft., and the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo. Preset menus are fixed programs for common foods; most models (Toshiba EM131A5C, ML‑EM09PA, ML‑EM62P, Farberware, and Black+Decker) include six to eight preset options. Combining both gives the convenience of one‑touch cooking with the precision of sensor adjustments.
What are the trade‑offs between compact microwaves and larger ones?
Compact microwaves (0.7‑1.1 cu ft.) save counter space and are cheaper, but they have smaller turntables and limited power, making them less suitable for big dishes. Larger units (1.2‑2.2 cu ft.) accommodate bigger plates, pizzas, and whole chickens, and often provide higher wattage and more features, though they require more countertop real estate. Choose based on your cooking habits and kitchen layout.
Which microwaves provide the best value for the price?
The Farberware 1.2 cu ft. offers 1000 W, ten power levels, and a range of presets at a competitive price, delivering solid performance for everyday use. The Toshiba ML‑EM09PA balances compact size, 900 W output, and six auto menus, making it a good mid‑range option. For premium value, the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo adds multiple cooking modes without needing a separate appliance.
How do the turntable sizes impact the types of dishes I can cook?
Turntables range from 10 in. (Black+Decker EM720CB7) to 12.4 in. (Toshiba EM131A5C, Black+Decker EM031MB11, Air Fryer Combo), allowing larger plates, 12‑inch pizzas, and even small roasts to rotate evenly. Smaller turntables limit you to plates and bowls under 10 in., which is fine for reheating but not ideal for family‑size meals. If you frequently cook big items, opt for a model with a 12‑inch or larger turntable.