Comparison: Best Microwave Quora (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the best microwave without wading through endless reviews? We’ve been there. That’s why we dove into the Quora community—where real users share honest, firsthand experiences—to uncover the top microwaves people actually love. From compact models for small kitchens to powerful convection units for serious cooking, Quora’s crowd-sourced wisdom reveals what truly works. Skip the marketing fluff and discover which microwaves stand the test of daily use, based on the insights of those who’ve put them to work.
- Best for sensor-optimized cooking: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for compact child-lock: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for memory quick-start: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- Best for push-button door: BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Best for chefdefrost power: TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven with 11 Power Levels
- Best for eco silent cook: COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
- Best for budget turntable: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Best for compact powerhouse: Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power
- Best for 1200w sensor pro: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for silent eco mode: COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Quora
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.
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 EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Frequency : 60 Hz
- 1000 Watts Output with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking, Input power: 1600W
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 12.4” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 20.6” x 16.5” x 11.8”; Color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black
TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven with 11 Power Levels, ChefDefrost, Sound On/Off & Eco Mode, 0.7 Cu Ft, 700W, Black, MM-EM07PA(BK)
- Compact Design: 700W output power and 1020W input power, external dimensions (WDH): 17.1 x 12.2 x 9.5 inches, internal dimensions (WDH): 11.8 x 11.7 x 8.1 inch, 9.6-inch glass turntable
- ChefDefrost Feature: The sophisticated ChefDefrost offers up to 40% faster defrosting compared to traditional methods while preserving the original texture and flavor of foods.
- 6 Auto Menus: Countertop microwave oven featuring 6 auto menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels: Customize your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility. This essential appliance is perfect for everything from warming up beverages to cooking entrees, side dishes, snacks, and much more.
- Easy to Use: The control panel includes One Touch Start with buttons to operate 1 to 6 minutes of full-power cooking, Child Lock Function, ECO Mode, Clock, and a Kitchen Timer.
- Mute Mode: Silence the beeping sound that signals the end of cooking by holding the button “8” for 3-5 seconds.
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7 Cu Ft/700W, Pearl White
- Two-Step Child Lock Feature: For extra protection and to prevent misuse, all microwave oven manufacturers are asked to follow new safety standard and add a 2-step child lock function
- Mute Function: Turn off all the microwave beeps by pressing the sound on/off button for 3 seconds, which will bring you quieter cooking time
- Easy one-touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time). With easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- Energy saving Eco mode: Minimize 50% standby power by turning on ECO mode
- Included components: 1 microwave oven, 1 manual instruction book.
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
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.
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
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
- Mute function, settings, clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock, easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- One touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and plus30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time)
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizing 50% standby power by turning on ECO mode
- Bright digital display, easy-to-read control panel, interior light and 10 inch glass turntable
- One year limited warranty. Express cooking options & silent mode
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 should I consider when choosing a countertop microwave for a small kitchen?
Focus on the microwave’s external dimensions to ensure it fits your countertop space, and check the internal capacity for the types of dishes you plan to cook. Power output matters; higher watts (900‑1200) heat food faster, while lower wattage models (700) are more energy‑efficient for simple reheating. Look for features like child locks, mute functions, and preset menus that match your cooking habits.
How does the Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS compare to the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA in terms of power and size?
The EM131A5C‑BS offers 1000 W output and a larger 1.2 cu ft interior, making it suitable for bigger meals, whereas the ML‑EM09PA provides 900 W and a 0.7 cu ft cavity, ideal for compact spaces. Both have six preset menus, but the EM131A5C‑BS includes a 12.4‑inch turntable compared to the ML‑EM09PA’s 10.6‑inch turntable. If countertop space is limited, the smaller model may fit better, though you sacrifice some cooking volume.
Is a higher wattage microwave always worth the extra cost?
Higher wattage microwaves (1000‑1200 W) cook food more quickly and handle larger dishes evenly, which can be valuable for busy households. However, they often come at a higher price and consume more electricity, so if you mainly reheat beverages or small snacks, a 700‑W model can provide sufficient performance at lower cost. Evaluate your typical cooking tasks to determine if the speed advantage justifies the price.
Which models offer the best value for families with children?
Models that include two‑step child locks and easy‑to‑use safety features, such as the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA, Black+Decker EM720CB7, and COMFEE’ EM720CPL‑PM, provide added peace of mind. The Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS also has a child lock and a larger capacity for family meals, making it a strong value proposition despite a higher price. Look for microwaves that combine safety with versatile preset menus to simplify cooking for kids.
Do preset menus and sensor cooking really improve cooking results?
Preset menus simplify cooking by applying manufacturer‑tested time and power settings for common foods like pizza, popcorn, and vegetables, reducing guesswork. Sensor cooking, found in models like the Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS and GE 2.0 cu ft microwave, automatically adjusts power based on humidity, helping prevent over‑ or under‑cooking. While they’re convenient, manual adjustments can still fine‑tune results for experienced users.
How important is the turntable size for cooking performance?
A larger turntable (12.4 inches) provides more even heating for bigger plates and dishes, which is beneficial in models like the Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS and Black+Decker EM031MB11. Smaller turntables (9.6‑10.6 inches) work well for compact microwaves but may limit the size of containers you can use. Choose a turntable size that matches the typical dish dimensions you plan to cook.
What extra features should I look for to save energy and reduce noise?
Eco mode, available on several COMFEE’ and Toshiba models, cuts standby power by up to 50%, which can lower your electricity bill. A mute or sound‑off button, also common on COMFEE’ and Toshiba units, reduces beeping noise for a quieter kitchen environment. These features add convenience without significantly affecting cooking performance.