Comparison: Best Microwave 800 Watts (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the best 800-watt microwave but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. At this sweet spot of power and efficiency, you get quick heating without the bulk or high price tag of bigger models. Whether you’re warming leftovers, defrosting meals, or making a quick snack, an 800-watt microwave strikes the perfect balance. In this comparison, we’ve tested top models for performance, ease of use, and value so you can find the one that fits your kitchen—and your life—just right.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for wi-fi smart cook: GE Profile PCHK11S1WBB 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
- Best for powerful sensor cook: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for vintage retro style: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for compact retro charm: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for child-lock compact: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for large retro capacity: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft – 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings – Digital Clock – Kitchen Appliances – Ivory
- Best for spacious high power: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for grill-ready retro: Emerson MWRG0901W 0.9 Cu. Ft. Retro Microwave with 1
- Best for memory eco microwave: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- Best for push-button power: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Product Comparison: Best Microwave 800 Watts
Wi-Fi Smart Cook
GE Profile PCHK11S1WBB 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave, 800W, Sensor Cooking, Scan-to-Cook, Wi-Fi Enable, Built-In Capable, Black
GE
- Balanced Capacity, Precise Performance – With a 1.1 cu. ft. capacity and 800 Watts of cooking power, this microwave delivers fast, even results with the precision expected from GE Profile
- Scan to Cook Technology – Effortlessly prepare your favorite frozen meals exactly as intended by the manufacturer—just scan the barcode, and let your microwave handle the rest
- WiFi Connect – Seamlessly manage your GE Profile microwave’s power, cook time, and timers from your smartphone, tablet, or voice control device for ultimate convenience
- Built-in capable microwave – This countertop microwave oven is built-in capable with a sleek matching trim kit (sold separately)
- Optional under-cabinet mounting kit – Secure your microwave under a cabinet, freeing up valuable countertop space (Kit sold separately)
Powerful Sensor Cook
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.
Vintage Retro Style
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu. Ft. 800-Watts with LED Digital Display, Child Lock, Easy Clean Interior, Cu.Ft, Red
Nostalgia
- POWERFUL UNIT: With all the cooking capacity you need, this compact microwave quickly cooks and re-heats food with simple and easy-to-navigate cooking settings. Just turn and push the program dial to start.
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, a delay timer, and express cooking provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more.
- EASY TO READ CLOCK: No need to squint with our easy-to-read LED display. It lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting.
- VINTAGE ACCENTS: Boost your kitchen with a classic look. This large microwave has a sleek chrome door handle, control panel, and accents that add fun and flair to this unique retro-styled appliance.
- NOSTALGIA: From designs inspired by early 20th century America to the timeless appeal of our appliances, we offer unique, novel, and fun products for the family. We preserve the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
Compact Retro Charm
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu. Ft. 800-Watts with LED Digital Display, Child Lock, Easy Clean Interior, Cu.Ft, Aqua
Nostalgia
- POWERFUL UNIT: With all the cooking capacity you need, this compact microwave quickly cooks and re-heats food with simple and easy-to-navigate cooking settings. Just turn and push the program dial to start.
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, a delay timer, and express cooking provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more.
- EASY TO READ CLOCK: No need to squint with our easy-to-read LED display. It lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting.
- VINTAGE ACCENTS: Boost your kitchen with a classic look. This large microwave has a sleek chrome door handle, control panel, and accents that add fun and flair to this unique retro-styled appliance.
- NOSTALGIA: From designs inspired by early 20th century America to the timeless appeal of our appliances, we offer unique, novel, and fun products for the family. We preserve the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
Child-Lock Compact
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.
Large Retro Capacity
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft – 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings – Digital Clock – Kitchen Appliances – Ivory
Nostalgia
- POWERFUL UNIT: With all the cooking capacity you need, this compact microwave quickly cooks and re-heats food with simple and easy-to-navigate cooking settings. Just turn and push the program dial to start.
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, a delay timer, and express cooking provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more.
- EASY TO READ CLOCK: No need to squint with our easy-to-read LED display. It lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting.
- VINTAGE ACCENTS: Boost your kitchen with a classic look. This large microwave has a sleek chrome door handle, control panel, and accents that add fun and flair to this unique retro-styled appliance.
- NOSTALGIA: From designs inspired by early 20th century America to the timeless appeal of our appliances, we offer unique, novel, and fun products for the family. We preserve the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
Spacious High Power
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
Grill-Ready Retro
Emerson MWRG0901W 0.9 Cu. Ft. Retro Microwave with 1,000W Grill Function, 800W Cooking Power, LED Display, 5 Power Levels, 8 Auto Menus, Glass Turntable, Child Lock, White Countertop Design
Emerson
- Built-In 1,000W Grill Function: Go beyond reheating—achieve golden-brown finishes, crispy toppings, and grilled textures with Emerson’s integrated grill mode, ideal for pizza, toast, casseroles, and more.
- Compact Yet Powerful: With 800 watts of microwave cooking power and 5 adjustable power levels, this 0.9 cu. ft. unit delivers efficient performance in a space-saving retro design.
- Stylish Retro White Design: The glossy white exterior with chromed accents adds a nostalgic charm to your kitchen, while the smooth surfaces make for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- User-Friendly Controls: Features a chromed handle and clearly labeled buttons for easy navigation, blending vintage style with modern convenience.
- Versatile Cooking Presets & Smart Defrost: Includes 8 auto menus for popular meals and snacks, plus both time and weight defrost options for safe and fast thawing.
Memory Eco Microwave
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
Push-Button Power
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
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 decide which microwave capacity is right for my kitchen?
Consider the typical amount of food you prepare and the space you have available. A 0.9–1.0 cu. ft. model is ideal for small households or tight countertops, while 1.2–2.0 cu. ft. units accommodate larger dishes and families. Measure your countertop or built‑in space before choosing to ensure a proper fit.
Is higher wattage always better for cooking performance?
Higher wattage, such as 1000 W or 1200 W, cooks food faster and can handle tougher tasks like defrosting larger items quickly. However, 800 W models still deliver consistent results for everyday reheating and simple meals. Choose based on how often you need rapid cooking versus energy efficiency.
What smart or connectivity features should I look for?
Wi‑Fi enabled microwaves let you control cooking times, power levels, and timers from a smartphone or voice assistant, adding convenience for busy kitchens. Models with Scan‑to‑Cook can read barcodes on frozen meals for automatic settings. If you don’t need remote control, a basic sensor‑cook model may offer better value.
Do retro‑styled microwaves sacrifice functionality for looks?
Retro designs typically retain the same core specs as standard models, offering 800 W power, multiple preset menus, and easy‑to‑read LED displays. The main difference is aesthetic, with chrome accents and vintage colors that match certain décor. Functionally, they perform on par with contemporary units.
How important is a child lock or safety feature?
A two‑step child lock prevents accidental operation, which is crucial in homes with young children. Many mid‑range models include this feature along with a lockable control panel. Prioritizing safety adds a small cost but provides peace of mind.
Should I buy a microwave that can be built‑in or mounted under a cabinet?
Built‑in capable microwaves offer flexibility to transition from countertop to integrated installations, saving countertop space later. If you have limited surface area, an under‑cabinet mounting kit can free up room. Ensure the model you choose includes the necessary trim kit or mounting accessories.
What value does a grill function add to a microwave?
A built‑in grill, like the 1000 W option in some retro models, lets you brown, crisp, and achieve a toasted finish that standard microwaves can’t provide. This expands cooking possibilities without buying a separate countertop grill. If you frequently prepare pizza or casseroles, the grill adds notable versatility.
How do preset menus and power levels affect everyday use?
Preset menus simplify cooking by automatically selecting time and power for common foods such as popcorn, pizza, or vegetables. Adjustable power levels give you fine‑tuned control for delicate tasks like melting butter or defrosting by weight. A combination of both features offers convenience for quick meals and precision for more complex recipes.