Comparison: Best 800 Watt Microwave (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the best 800-watt microwave but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. This sweet spot in power offers quick heating without overwhelming your kitchen space or budget. We’ve tested top models from trusted brands, comparing cooking performance, ease of use, size, and smart features. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen meals, or whipping up a quick snack, an 800-watt microwave strikes the perfect balance. Let us help you find the one that fits your lifestyle—without the guesswork.
- Best for wi‑fit cooking: GE Profile PCHK11S1WBB 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
- Best for power‑packed sensor: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for vintage charm: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for retro compact: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for retro versatile: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft – 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings – Digital Clock – Kitchen Appliances – Ivory
- Best for big power: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for compact multi‑menu: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for grill‑ready retro: Emerson MWRG0901W 0.9 Cu. Ft. Retro Microwave with 1
- Best for flexible power: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- Best for easy‑access power: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Product Comparison: Best 800 Watt Microwave
GE Profile PCHK11S1WBB 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave, 800W, Sensor Cooking, Scan-to-Cook, Wi-Fi Enable, Built-In Capable, Black
- 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)
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.
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu. Ft. 800-Watts with LED Digital Display, Child Lock, Easy Clean Interior, Cu.Ft, Red
- 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.
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu. Ft. 800-Watts with LED Digital Display, Child Lock, Easy Clean Interior, Cu.Ft, Aqua
- 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.
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft – 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings – Digital Clock – Kitchen Appliances – Ivory
- 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.
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
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.
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
- 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.
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
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
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I prioritize when choosing an 800‑watt microwave?
Focus on interior capacity, control simplicity, and any extra features like sensor cooking or Wi‑Fi connectivity. An 800‑watt unit should still heat quickly, so look for models with even power distribution and multiple power levels. Also consider the countertop footprint to ensure it fits your kitchen space.
How does the GE Profile 800‑watt model compare to the Nostalgia retro microwaves?
The GE Profile offers a larger 1.1 cu ft. cavity, sensor cooking, and Wi‑Fi control, making it more versatile for everyday meals. Nostalgia’s retro units are more compact at 0.9 cu ft. and focus on style with 12 preset programs, but they lack smart connectivity. If you value modern features over vintage looks, the GE is the stronger choice.
Is a higher wattage always better than an 800‑watt microwave?
Higher wattage, such as 1000 W or 1200 W, can reduce cooking times and improve browning, but it also consumes more energy. An 800‑watt microwave provides a good balance of speed and efficiency for most reheating and simple cooking tasks. Choose higher wattage only if you frequently prepare larger or more complex dishes.
Do sensor cooking and preset menus add real value?
Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power based on moisture, helping prevent overcooking and delivering consistent results. Preset menus simplify operation for common foods like pizza or popcorn, saving you from guessing settings. Both features are especially useful for busy households or novice cooks.
What are the benefits of a microwave with Wi‑Fi or app control?
Wi‑Fi connectivity lets you start, stop, or monitor cooking from a smartphone, tablet, or voice assistant, adding convenience when your hands are full. Some apps also store favorite settings and provide cooking tips. This smart functionality is a premium perk that may justify a higher price tag.
How important is child lock safety for a countertop microwave?
A child lock prevents accidental door opening and unintended operation, which is crucial in homes with young children. Many models, including the GE 2.0 cu ft. and Emerson retro microwaves, feature two‑step locks that are easy to enable or disable. Investing in a unit with this safety feature adds peace of mind.
Should I consider a microwave with a grill function?
A built‑in grill, like the Emerson’s 1000 W grill mode, expands cooking possibilities beyond reheating, allowing you to brown, crisp, and achieve grill‑like textures. This is valuable if you enjoy making pizza, toasted sandwiches, or casseroles without a separate appliance. However, grill functions add cost and may increase the unit’s size.
Is a larger interior capacity worth the extra space?
A larger cavity, such as the GE Profile’s 1.1 cu ft. or the GE 2.0 cu ft. model, accommodates bigger dishes and multiple plates, reducing the need to re‑heat in batches. If your kitchen has limited countertop area, a compact 0.9 cu ft. model may be more practical despite the smaller space. Weigh your typical cooking volume against available space to decide.