Comparison: Best Microwave 3025 (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the best microwave under $300? You’re not alone—kitchen upgrades should be smart, simple, and totally worth it. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or whipping up quick meals, the right microwave makes all the difference. Let’s break down the top contenders, compare features that actually matter, and help you pick the perfect fit for your home—without breaking the bank.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for family-size sensor: Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
- Best for compact powerhouse: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for inverter precision: TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
- Best for digital popcorn pro: BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Best for budget-friendly mini: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Best for space-saving essential: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for quiet soft-close: Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for versatile power levels: Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
- Best for alexa-enabled smart: TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave
- Best for auto-menu compact: BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft
Product Comparison: Best Microwave 3025
Family-Size Sensor
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
TOSHIBA
- 【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.
Compact Powerhouse
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
Inverter Precision
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.
Digital Popcorn Pro
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
BLACK+DECKER
- 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
Budget-Friendly Mini
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
BLACK+DECKER
- 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
Space-Saving Essential
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
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.
- 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
Quiet Soft-Close
Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven, Silver
Breville
- With a 25L compact footprint and an easy shortcuts and foods menu, the Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave is big on convenience; Designed to precisely reheat, defrost and cook; Countertop microwave oven engineered with 80% quieter soft close door
- COMPACT MICROWAVE: This countertop small microwave has a compact footprint with 25L capacity and all the space you need to cook, defrost and reheat delicious meals; Kitchen appliance works well in homes with limited space for cooking
- COOKING SHORTCUTS AND FOOD MENU: One touch auto buttons including Reheat, Defrost, Popcorn & Beverage providing access to your favorite settings; Food Menu functions such as reheat pizza, defrost vegetables or cook potatoes to create quick and easy snacks
- QUIET MICROWAVE WITH SOFT CLOSE DOOR: Countertop microwave has 80% quieter soft close door and is 50% quieter in operation; Clever touches like Child Lock, Breville Sound Suite and Mute button mean less beeps and clangs, more pops and crunches
- DEFROST & REHEAT FUNCTIONS: Breville microwaves deliver on versatility; Defrost function gently defrosts food without overheating and drying out edges; Reheat function uses lower power levels to carefully reheat meals without drying or overcooking
- PRIORITIZE SECURE USE WITH CHILD LOCK: Protect small children and reduce the potential for harm in your home kitchen while you use your compact microwave; It’s only one touch away with the Child Lock button
- SETTINGS: Popcorn Beverage, Food Menu, Defrost, Reheat, Power Level Adjustment, Child Lock and Clock Setting
- WARRANTY: 1 Year Limited Product Warranty; Power: 900 Watts; Voltage: 120 Volts; Capacity: 0.9 cu.ft/25L
Versatile Power Levels
Farberware 1.3 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 1.3 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.
Alexa-Enabled Smart
TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave, Sensor Reheat, Works With Alexa & Remote Control, Kitchen Essentials, Mute Function&ECO Mode, 1100W, 1.3 Cu Ft, With 12.4″ Turntable, 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
- Hands-Free Operation: Smart Countertop Microwave integrated with Alexa and using an echo device (not included) brings convenience by allowing hands free operation by voice command or app control
- Updating Preset Menus: Microwave Ovens with preset menus include popular foods like popcorn, potato, pizza, vegetable and more
- Built-in Humidity Sensor: Humidity sensor of microwaves automatically adjusts cooking power to achieve optimum heating and easier cooking
- Mute Function: Sound on/off button allows you to stop the annoying beep when the cook finishing. Thus, don’t worry to wake your family members or roomie up
- Specification: With output power 1100 watts, input power 1500 watts. External dimensions 20.4x 17.3x 12.4 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.8×15.2x 9.8 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4 inch glass turntable
Auto-Menu Compact
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft, 6 Auto Menus, Child Lock, Memory Function, 10 Power Levels, Easy One-Touch Start, Digital Panel, 900W
BLACK+DECKER
- 6 PRE-PROGRAMMED AUTO MENUS: popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and dinner plates. Perfectly cook your favorite foods, saving your time while ensuring delicious results every time
- 10 ADJUSTABLE POWER SETTINGS: Experience the ultimate versatility in your kitchen with 10 adjustable power settings that cater to all your culinary needs. Whether you’re defrosting, reheating or cooking, these customizable power levels can always meet your need. Microwave rated voltage: 120V-60Hz
- ONE TOUCH START: With just a single press, you can effortlessly begin cooking or reheating your favorite meals. No more complicated settings – this feature simplifies your kitchen routine, saving you valuable time and effort. Ideal for busy families and individuals
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: enjoy enhanced safety and convenience with our microwave’s child safety lock, a kitchen timer and a memory function for quick recalls of your favorite settings
- SPACIOUS 0.9 Cubic Feet CAPACITY: this microwave offers ample cooking space without occupying too much countertop area, can easily fits a 10-inch pizza on the removable turntable, ideal for small kitchens or dorm rooms. Dimensions (H*W*D): 10.7”*18.6”*13.2”
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory safety feature safeguards against unintended child use through a quick two-step process, providing great assurance to parents. CAN BE EASILY DEACTIVATED BY FOLLOWING PROVIDED INSTRUCTIONS IF NOT NEEDED
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 capacity should I choose for a family microwave?
For a household of four or more, look for a capacity of 2.0 cu. ft. or larger, which can comfortably fit a 16‑inch pizza or a whole chicken. Smaller spaces or single‑person kitchens can get by with 0.9‑1.1 cu. ft. models that still handle most everyday meals.
How important is sensor cooking technology?
Sensor cooking automatically adjusts power and time based on moisture levels, delivering more even heating and preventing over‑cooking. Models like the Toshiba ML‑EM62P and GE 2.0‑cu. ft. units include humidity sensors that simplify reheating pizza, popcorn, and vegetables. If you value convenience and consistent results, a sensor‑enabled microwave is a worthwhile upgrade.
Do I need an inverter microwave, and what are the benefits?
Inverter technology provides continuous, low‑level power for gentle defrosting and precise reheating, which helps preserve texture. The Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT uses inverter tech and is praised for faster, more uniform cooking compared to traditional magnetron models. If you frequently defrost meat or reheat delicate dishes, an inverter microwave offers noticeable advantages.
Which microwave offers the best value for its price?
The Black+Decker EM031MB11 balances a 1000‑watt output, a solid set of preset buttons, and a large LED display at a very affordable price point. While it lacks advanced sensor or inverter features, its reliable performance and easy‑to‑use controls make it a strong value pick for budget‑conscious shoppers.
How do child‑lock features differ among models?
Most mid‑range microwaves, such as the GE 2.0‑cu. ft. and Toshiba ML‑EM34P, use a two‑step child lock that requires holding a button combination to activate or deactivate. Black+Decker models also include child safety locks, but some only offer a simple lock/unlock toggle. Choose a model with a lock system you find intuitive and reliable for your household.
Is a soft‑close door worth the extra cost?
A soft‑close door, featured on the Breville BMO650SIL, reduces slamming noise and provides a smoother closing experience, which can be beneficial in open‑plan living spaces. The technology adds a modest premium, but the quieter operation and premium feel may justify the expense for users sensitive to kitchen noise.
What should I consider when comparing power levels and wattage?
Higher wattage (1200‑1250 W) generally means faster cooking times and better browning, as seen in the Toshiba and GE 2.0‑cu. ft. models. Lower‑wattage units like the Black+Decker EM720CB7 (700 W) are adequate for basic reheating but may require longer cook times for larger dishes. Match the wattage to your cooking habits: power‑hungry recipes benefit from higher wattage, while simple reheating can be handled by lower‑wattage models.