Comparison: Best Brand For Microwave (Updated | Dec 8th)
Let’s be honest—nobody wants to stand over a microwave, waiting forever for leftovers to warm up. We’ve all been there. That’s why choosing the right brand matters. From speedy cooking to smart features and durability, not all microwaves are created equal. After testing and comparing top contenders like Panasonic, Samsung, LG, and GE, we’ve narrowed down which brands truly deliver. If you’re shopping for convenience, power, and value, stick around—we’re breaking down the **best brand for microwave**s, so you can make the smartest choice without the guesswork.
- Best for engineering handbook: Microwave Engineering
- Best for recipe inspiration: 125 Best Microwave Oven Recipes
- Best for smart sensor power: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for compact family microwave: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for casserole classics: Favorite Brand Name Best-Loved Casseroles
- Best for 8-in-1 air fryer: TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for space‑saving ge: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for collector’s cookbook: Great American Brand Name Cookbook (Collector’s Edition)
- Best for large capacity sensor: TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable
- Best for compact everyday microwave: Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power
Product Comparison: Best Brand For Microwave
125 Best Microwave Oven Recipes
- Used Book in Good Condition
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.
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
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
Great American Brand Name Cookbook (Collector’s Edition)
- Used Book in Good Condition
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable, Sound On/Off Function, 1200W, 1.6 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel
- 【Better texture with sensor menus 】This 1200-watt high power countertop microwave with 10 power levels includes a pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetable and more
- 【Large Capacity for a Family Size】1.6 cu. ft. capacity ; 13.6″ turntable; fitting a 13inch pizza; with one touch popcorn button as kitchen essential
- 【Position Memory Turntable】 Innovative position-memory technique resets the turntable to the initial position for more convenient and safer use
- 【Convenience Features】Auto defrost, fast cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, clock and kitchen timer
- 【Sound On/Off Function】If you wish 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.
- 【Stylish Design for Kitchen】Stylish black stainless-steel finish adds the perfect look in every kitchen
- 【Product Specs】External dimension (WxDxH): 21.77″x17.91″x12.87″, internal dimension (WxDxH): 15.51″x17.05″x10.24″,13.6″position memory turntable
- 【First Use Tips】The keypad is covered by a protective film during shipment; Please peel it off before first use.
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Black
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 700 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 0.7 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.
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 key specifications should I compare when shopping for a countertop microwave?
Focus on output power (watts), interior capacity (cubic feet), and turntable size, as they directly affect cooking speed and the size of dishes you can fit. Also check for sensor cooking technology, preset menus, and additional functions like air‑fry or convection that add versatility. Finally, consider dimensions to ensure the unit will fit comfortably on your countertop.
How does the Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS compare to the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA in terms of power and size?
The EM131A5C‑BS delivers 1000 W of output power and offers a 1.2 cu ft interior with a 12.4‑inch turntable, while the ML‑EM09PA provides 900 W and a slightly smaller 0.9 cu ft space with a 10.6‑inch turntable. Both include six preset menus and child‑lock safety, but the EM131A5C‑BS has a larger cooking area and higher wattage for faster results.
Is an 8‑in‑1 microwave‑air‑fryer combo worth the extra cost?
The Toshiba 8‑in‑1 combo adds air‑fry, convection bake, grill, low‑temp, odor removal, and defrost functions, giving you a multi‑cooker in one footprint. With 1000 W power and a spacious 1.6 cu ft cavity, it can replace several appliances, which can be cost‑effective for kitchens lacking space. If you frequently use air‑frying or baking, the added versatility justifies the higher price.
What are the advantages of a microwave with a child‑lock feature?
A two‑step child lock prevents accidental operation, protecting younger family members from unintended heating or exposure to microwaves. Models like the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA, GE Countertop Microwave, and Toshiba Air Fryer Combo all include this safety feature, making them ideal for households with children. The lock can usually be disengaged easily by an adult, so convenience isn’t compromised.
How important is sensor cooking technology when choosing a microwave?
Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power based on the moisture level of food, reducing the risk of over‑ or under‑cooking. Toshiba’s EM131A5C‑BS and ML‑EM45P both feature smart sensor menus that handle common items like pizza and vegetables. If you value consistent results with minimal manual input, a sensor‑enabled model is a strong choice.
Which microwave offers the best value for a small kitchen or dorm room?
The Farberware 0.7 cu ft microwave provides 700 W of power, a compact footprint, and essential features like ten power levels and a child safety lock at an affordable price point. Its size makes it ideal for limited counter space, while still delivering reliable performance for everyday reheating and simple cooking tasks.
Do preset menus make a noticeable difference in everyday cooking?
Preset menus simplify cooking by providing optimized time and power settings for popular foods such as popcorn, pizza, and vegetables. Models like the Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS, ML‑EM09PA, and GE Countertop Microwave include six to ten preset options, which can save time and improve consistency, especially for users who prefer a hands‑off approach.
How does interior capacity affect the types of dishes I can prepare?
A larger interior capacity (measured in cubic feet) allows you to heat or cook bigger items, such as a whole chicken or a 13‑inch pizza, without needing to cut them down. The Toshiba ML‑EM45P offers 1.6 cu ft, suitable for family‑size meals, whereas the Farberware 0.7 cu ft is better for single‑serve portions. Choose a size that matches your typical cooking volume to avoid unnecessary compromises.