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

The Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close is marketed as 80% quieter with a soft‑close door and up to 50% quieter cooking than standard models. Its sound‑suite and mute button further reduce beeps, making it ideal for shared spaces. Toshiba’s ML‑EM45PIT also includes a sound on/off function, but it isn’t advertised as aggressively quiet as the Breville.

Look for compact dimensions, a modest interior capacity (around 0.7‑1.0 cu ft), and a lightweight footprint. The Chefman 0.7 cu ft (700 W) and Farberware 0.7 cu ft (700 W) both fit easily on tight countertops, while the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA models provide similar size with added preset menus. If you need a bit more internal space, the Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS (1.2 cu ft) remains relatively compact yet offers a larger turntable.

A mute function prevents the end‑of‑cycle beep from disturbing sleep or meetings, which is valuable in apartments or shared rooms. Breville, Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT, Toshiba ML‑EM34P, and COMFEE’ EM720CPL‑PM all provide a sound on/off button. Models without a dedicated mute, like the basic Chefman, rely on the default beep.

Inverter technology delivers more even heating and better defrost performance, especially for delicate foods. Toshiba’s ML‑EM45PIT is the only model in this list that explicitly mentions inverter technology, making it a strong choice for precise cooking. If you’re fine with conventional magnetron heating, the other Toshiba and Breville models still provide reliable performance.

Higher wattage generally means faster cooking; Toshiba’s EM131A5C‑BS and EM131A5C‑SS deliver 1000 W, while the ML‑EM45PIT offers 1250 W for rapid results. The compact Chefman and Farberware units run at 700 W, which is sufficient for basic reheating but slower for larger dishes. The 900 W models (Toshiba ML‑EM09PA) strike a middle ground between speed and energy use.

Toshiba’s EM131A5C series and ML‑EM45PIT include Smart Sensor Auto Menus that adjust power based on humidity, ensuring optimal results for pizza, vegetables, and more. The Breville also offers one‑touch food shortcuts like Popcorn and Beverage, though it relies on preset time rather than sensor feedback. COMFEE’ and Chefman provide basic one‑touch presets without sensor technology.

A child lock prevents accidental operation, which is important for families with young children. All Toshiba models listed (EM131A5C, ML‑EM09PA, ML‑EM45PIT, ML‑EM34P) feature a two‑step child lock, as does the Breville and COMFEE’ units. The Chefman and Farberware also include safety locks, though they may be a single‑step mechanism.

For a balance of capacity, power, and features, the Toshiba EM131A5C‑SS offers 1000 W, a 1.2 cu ft interior, sensor cooking, and a mute function at a mid‑range price, making it a strong value proposition. If budget is tighter and space limited, the Chefman 0.7 cu ft provides essential functions, 10 power levels, and a memory feature for a lower cost. The Breville commands a premium for its quiet operation and soft‑close door, which may be worth it for noise‑sensitive environments.