Comparison: One Of The Best Microwave (Updated | Dec 8th)
Let’s be honest—how much thought do you really put into buying a microwave? For most of us, it’s just another box that heats leftovers. But what if yours could do more—like defrost evenly, cook faster, or even crisp up your pizza? We’ve tested some of the top models out there, and trust us, not all microwaves are created equal. In this comparison, we’re breaking down the features, performance, and real-life usability of **one of the best microwave**s on the market today. Spoiler: it might just change how you see your kitchen.
- Best for 8-in-1 powerhouse: TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for mug meal guide: 250 Best Meals in a Mug: Delicious Homemade Microwave Meals in Minutes
- Best for compact kitchen pro: Farberware 1.2 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
- Best for 5-in-1 versatile: BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
- Best for one-quart steamer: Professional Small Micro Cookware 1 Quart
- Best for digital quick cook: BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Best for air fry convection: GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
- Best for smart preset microwave: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for 4-in-1 air fryer: Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for recipe collection: 125 Best Microwave Oven Recipes
Product Comparison: One Of The Best Microwave
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
250 Best Meals in a Mug: Delicious Homemade Microwave Meals in Minutes
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.
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.
Professional Small Micro Cookware 1 Quart, Microwave Steamer for Vegetables, Microwave Cooker – BPA Free, Dishwasher Safe
- 【High Temperature Resistant】 This mini steamer is made for microwave cooking, and made of high-quality materials, is BPA-free and dishwasher safe, 100% food safety. Suitable for steaming all kinds of food.
- 【Ideal Capacity-1 Quart】 The inner walls of both sides are respectively marked with scales for easy measurement. ❤ 1 Quart = 4 CUPS = 750 ML is great for reheating desserts, melt butter leftovers or heating soups, and easy to steaming vegetables, seafood, fruit, meat.
- 【Lock Lid Design】 The lid of our microwave steamer has a locking design, even if it hold with liquid, will not spill out easily. And with the grooved handle, it’s easy to screw the lid, and it is insulated to avoid burns.
- 【Holes Design】 The Locking lid of microwave veggie steamer has small and medium holes, which can not only help with pouring water, but also ensure that the humidity in the cooker is moderate during the cooking process, making the steamed vegetables more delicious.
- 【Healthier Way of Cooking】 Our microwave steamer maximum retained the taste of the ingredients to the greatest extent and prevents the loss of nutrients caused by overcooking. Cooking with less oil will help your health, while steaming vegetables will help your gut digest better.
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
GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven, 1050W Countertop Air Fry Microwave with Broil & Crisper Pan, Compact Stainless Steel Design
- 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
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus, 10 Power Levels, Eco Mode, Memory, Mute Function, Child Safety Lock, Easy Clean
- EXPRESS COOK: 6 presets for popcorn, potato, pizza, veggies, beverages, and leftovers take the guesswork out of perfectly cooked food
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: 1000 watts with 10 power levels to heat, defrost, cook, and more all in one compact microwave oven
- CONVENIENT MEMORY FUNCTION: Save frequently used settings to heat your meals and beverages quickly
- MULTIPHASE COOKING: Use two different cooking cycles for one food. Simply program extra power levels and times and then press start
- COOK QUIETER: Mute option silences beeps and alarms for quieter cooking at home, in the kitchen, apartment, or dorm
- ENERGY EFFICIENT MICROWAVE: Eco mode reduces energy use by shutting off the LED display on the countertop microwave oven when not in use
- QUICK START 30 SECONDS: The +30 button instantly starts microwave countertop heat for 30 seconds and may be pressed multiple times
- SAFETY LOCK: Childproof lock mode prevents the microwave from being started. Hold the STOP/CANCEL button for 3 seconds to turn on and off
- SLEEK MODERN DESIGN: This stainless-steel microwave with a removable turntable will instantly upgrade your space
- RESOURCES: UL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability and a 1-year assurance provided by Chefman. 1000W/120V-RJ55-SS-11
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, Black, ML-EC42P(BS)
- 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: Black Stainless steel finish 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 (WxDxH): 21.77×21.38×12.87 inches, internal dimension (WxDxH): 15.5×15.35×10.2 inches, 13.6″ position memory turntable
- Included components: 1 Turntable 1 Manual 1 Grill Rack 1 Grill Tray
125 Best Microwave Oven Recipes
- Used Book in Good Condition
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What key features should I prioritize when choosing a microwave with air‑fry capability?
Look for a high microwave wattage (around 1000 W) combined with a dedicated air‑fry function that offers preset menus for popular foods. A spacious interior—at least a 1.0 cu ft capacity—and a removable turntable make it easier to fit larger items like a whole chicken. Safety features such as a child lock and easy‑to‑clean interiors add long‑term value.
How does the Toshiba 8‑in‑1 Air Fryer Combo compare to the Black+Decker 5‑in‑1 model?
The Toshiba offers eight functions, including low‑temp cooking and odor removal, while the Black+Decker provides five core functions with 11 air‑fry presets. Toshiba’s 1000 W output and larger 12.4‑inch turntable give it a slight edge for bigger meals, whereas Black+Decker’s 900 W power is adequate for most household needs and comes at a lower price point.
Is a higher wattage microwave always better for air‑frying?
Higher wattage (e.g., 1050 W to 1000 W) generally reduces cooking time and improves crispiness in air‑fry mode, but it also consumes more electricity. If you mainly use the microwave for reheating, a 900 W model may be sufficient and more energy‑efficient.
What size microwave should I buy for a small kitchen or dorm room?
A compact unit with a 1.0 cu ft or smaller interior, such as the GE 1.0 cu ft convection microwave, fits well in tight spaces while still offering air‑fry and convection features. Look for models with a slim footprint (around 20 inches wide) and a turntable that can be removed to free up space.
Do I need a microwave with a child‑lock if I have young kids?
A two‑step or press‑and‑hold child lock adds an important safety layer, preventing accidental activation. Most mid‑range models, including the Farberware and Black+Decker units, include this feature without raising the price significantly.
How important are preset cooking programs versus manual power settings?
Presets simplify cooking by automatically selecting time, power, and mode for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or frozen fries, which is handy for beginners. Manual power levels give you flexibility for custom recipes, so a microwave that offers both—like the Farberware with ten power levels and six one‑touch presets—provides the best of both worlds.
Are microwave‑only cookbooks worth buying when I already have a versatile combo unit?
Cookbooks such as “250 Best Meals in a Mug” can inspire creative uses of your microwave’s functions, especially for quick, single‑serve dishes. They add value by expanding your recipe repertoire, but many manufacturers also provide free online guides, so weigh the cost against the potential for new ideas.