Comparison: Best Microwave Brand (Updated | Dec 8th)

Consider the size of your family and the typical dishes you prepare; a 1.2‑1.6 cu ft model like the Toshiba EM131A5C or ML‑EM45P comfortably fits a 13‑inch pizza or a whole chicken, while a 0.7‑cu ft unit such as the Farberware or Chefman is better for singles or dorm rooms. Larger interiors also mean more room for multi‑stage cooking and larger dishes, but they require more countertop space. If you have limited kitchen real estate, a compact 0.7‑cu ft microwave can still deliver solid performance for reheating and simple meals.

An air‑fryer combo, like the Toshiba 8‑in‑1 model, adds convection, grill, and low‑temp functions, letting you fry with little to no oil while still offering traditional microwave cooking. Standard models such as the EM131A5C focus on microwave and sensor cooking only, which keeps the price lower and the footprint smaller. If you want versatile cooking without buying a separate oven, the combo provides more value, but it may be bulkier and more expensive.

Smart Sensor technology automatically adjusts time and power based on food humidity, reducing the risk of over‑ or under‑cooking; it’s featured in the Toshiba EM131A5C, EM131A5C‑SS, and ML‑EM45P models. Microwaves without this feature, like the Farberware or Black+Decker EM031MB11, rely on manual settings, which can be fine for experienced cooks but may require more trial and error. For convenience and consistent results, especially with frozen or pre‑packaged meals, a sensor‑enabled microwave is a worthwhile upgrade.

The Black+Decker EM720CB7 and the Farberware 0.7‑cu ft microwave provide solid performance at a lower wattage (700 W) and a compact size, making them affordable choices for basic reheating and simple cooking. Toshiba’s smaller ML‑EM09PA offers a good balance of 900 W power, child‑lock safety, and six preset menus at a mid‑range price. If you need extra features like air‑frying, the Toshiba 8‑in‑1 combo delivers more functionality per dollar than buying separate appliances, though its upfront cost is higher.

Models such as the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA and the Air Fryer Combo include a two‑step child lock, requiring two separate actions to open the door, which offers stronger protection. The Toshiba ML‑EM45P and Black+Decker units provide a single‑press lock that disables the control panel but can be released more easily. When safety is a top priority, the two‑step lock designs give an extra layer of security for households with young children.

Higher wattage (e.g., 1000–1200 W in the Toshiba EM131A5C and ML‑EM45P) generally cooks food faster and provides more even heating, which is useful for larger or denser dishes. However, lower‑wattage models like the 700 W Farberware or Black+Decker EM720CB7 still perform well for reheating, popcorn, and small meals, and they consume less electricity. Choose higher wattage if you frequently cook larger portions or need quick results; otherwise, a lower‑wattage unit can meet everyday needs while saving space and cost.

Turntable diameters range from 10.6 inches in the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA to 13.6 inches in the ML‑EM45P, affecting the maximum dish size you can rotate for even cooking. Interior dimensions also vary; the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo offers a 14 × 13.2 × 9.5 in. cavity, accommodating a whole chicken or a 12‑inch pizza, while the 0.7‑cu ft models have smaller chambers suitable for plates and mugs. Ensure the turntable and cavity size match the cookware you use most often to avoid having to rearrange food during cooking.

Yes, the GE GCST10A1WSS features dedicated convection, air‑fry, and broil modes, allowing you to bake, roast, and sear in addition to microwave cooking. Toshiba’s 8‑in‑1 Air Fryer Combo also includes convection, grill, low‑temp, and odor‑removal functions, providing a versatile kitchen appliance. If you want an all‑in‑one solution for baking, crisping, and traditional microwaving, these models offer the most comprehensive feature sets.