Comparison: Best Microwave 30 Litre (Updated | Dec 8th)

For a couple or a small office, a 1.1‑1.6 cu ft microwave (e.g., GE 1.1 cu ft or Toshiba ML‑EM09PA) provides enough space for plates and small dishes. Families with teenagers or occasional entertaining benefit from 2.0 cu ft models like the GE 2.0 cu ft or Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT, which can accommodate a 13‑inch pizza or a whole chicken. Consider the typical dish size you cook most often and whether you need extra room for larger bakeware.

Inverter technology, featured in the Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT, delivers continuous, variable power that heats food more evenly and reduces cold spots compared with traditional on‑off magnetron cycles. This results in better texture for delicate items like fish or reheated leftovers. If you prioritize consistent cooking results and faster defrosting, an inverter model is worth the premium.

Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power based on humidity, which helps prevent over‑cooking; models such as the Toshiba EM131A5C and GE 1.6 cu ft include this feature. Preset menus (e.g., popcorn, pizza, potato) provide one‑touch convenience for common foods, saving you from guessing settings. When you frequently reheat or cook standard meals, sensors and presets add real convenience.

All listed microwaves include a two‑step child lock, which requires a specific sequence to activate or deactivate, preventing accidental use by children. While not mandatory, the lock adds peace of mind in households with young kids and is a standard safety expectation. Choosing a model with a clearly labeled lock (e.g., GE or Toshiba) makes the feature easy to use.

Higher wattage (900‑1250 W) means faster heating and better browning; the Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT at 1250 W cooks a frozen pizza in roughly half the time of a 900 W unit. However, higher power can also increase energy consumption, so balance speed with your typical cooking needs. For everyday reheating, a 1000 W model like Black+Decker offers a good compromise.

The Toshiba 8‑in‑1 Air Fryer Combo adds air‑fry, convection bake, grill and odor‑removal functions, letting you replace a separate countertop oven or air fryer. If you enjoy crispy, low‑fat meals and want a single appliance to save counter space, the added versatility can justify the higher price. Otherwise, a standard microwave with sensor cooking may be sufficient for basic reheating and defrosting.

A larger turntable (13.6 inches on the Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT) accommodates bigger plates and a 13‑inch pizza, while smaller 10.6‑inch turntables fit compact kitchens but limit dish size. Position‑memory turntables, found on some Toshiba models, return the tray to its original spot after opening, reducing the chance of spills. Choose a size that matches the largest dish you plan to cook regularly.

Compare the combination of capacity, wattage, sensor technology, child lock, and extra functions like air‑fry or convection. A model with a larger interior, higher power, and inverter technology (e.g., Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT) often offers better cooking performance for a modest price increase. If you need only basic reheating, a lower‑priced unit with essential features (e.g., Farberware 1.1 cu ft) may provide the best value.