Comparison: Choice Best Microwave (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the best microwave but overwhelmed by all the options? You’re not alone. From compact models for small kitchens to powerful convection microwaves that rival ovens, finding the right fit can be tricky. We’ve tested, compared, and lived with top contenders to help you cut through the noise. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or whipping up quick meals, the right microwave makes all the difference. Let’s break down the top choices so you can pick one that truly works for your lifestyle—without the guesswork.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for smart sensor cooking: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for teriyaki protein meal: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Beef Teriyaki
- Best for space-saving toshiba: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for zesty marinara chicken: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan
- Best for compact farberware: Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power
- Best for sleek chefman microwave: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- Best for basil pesto chicken: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Pesto with Vegetables
- Best for whiskey bbq steak: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Barbecue Seasoned Steak With Potatoes
- Best for marsala chicken meal: Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Grilled Chicken Marsala
- Best for basil lemon chicken: Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Grilled Basil Chicken
Product Comparison: Choice Best Microwave
Smart Sensor Cooking
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
TOSHIBA
- 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.
Teriyaki Protein Meal
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Beef Teriyaki, Convenient Microwave Meal Made With No Preservatives, Frozen Meal, 9.5 OZ Bowl
Healthy Choice
- One 9.5 oz Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Beef Teriyaki frozen meal
- Featuring tender beef strips with rice, carrots, broccoli and water chestnuts in a sweet teriyaki sauce, these frozen entrees provide an easy and healthy solution for delicious healthy frozen meals any day of the week
- Made with quality ingredients and no preservatives, this frozen beef dish offers a satisfying, healthy dinner with a flavor everyone will love
- Perfect frozen meal for those who value health and want an easy meal solution without compromising on flavor or quality
- Microwave meal is ideal for lunch or quick meals at home, simply heat in the microwave 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 minutes and stir into sauce; keep frozen dinner in the freezer until ready to prepare
Space-Saving Toshiba
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
TOSHIBA
- 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.
Zesty Marinara Chicken
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan, Convenient Microwave Meal Made With No Preservatives, Frozen Meal, 9.5 OZ Bowl
Healthy Choice
- One 9.5 oz Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan frozen meal
- Featuring grilled chicken breast with penne pasta and broccoli in zesty marinara sauce, these frozen entrees provide an easy and healthy solution for delicious healthy frozen meals any day of the week
- Made with quality ingredients and no preservatives, the frozen pasta meals offer a satisfying, healthy dinner with a flavor everyone will love
- Perfect frozen dinner for those who value health and want an easy meal solution without compromising on flavor or quality
- Microwave meal is ideal for lunch or quick meals at home, simply heat in the microwave 3 1/2 to 4 minutes and stir into sauce; keep frozen food in the freezer until ready to prepare
Compact Farberware
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Black
Farberware
- 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.
Sleek Chefman Microwave
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
Chefman
- 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
Basil Pesto Chicken
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Pesto with Vegetables, Convenient Microwave Meal Made With No Preservatives, Frozen Meal, 9.9 OZ Bowl
Healthy Choice
- One 9.9 oz Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Pesto with Vegetables frozen meal
- Featuring grilled chicken breast with freshly made rotini pasta, zucchini and spinach in a basil pesto sauce, these frozen entrees provide an easy and healthy solution for delicious healthy frozen meals any day of the week
- Made with quality ingredients and no preservatives, the frozen pasta meals offer a satisfying, healthy dinner with a flavor everyone will love
- Perfect frozen dinner for those who value health and want an easy meal solution without compromising on flavor or quality
- Microwave meal is ideal for lunch or quick meals at home, simply heat in the microwave 4 to 4 1/2 minutes and stir into sauce; keep frozen food in the freezer until ready to prepare
Whiskey BBQ Steak
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Barbecue Seasoned Steak With Potatoes, Convenient Microwave Meal Made With No Preservatives, Frozen Meal, 9.5 OZ Bowl
Healthy Choice
- One 9.5 oz Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Barbecue Seasoned Steak With Potatoes frozen meal
- Featuring tender beef strips with russet potatoes and vegetable medley in a whiskey BBQ sauce, these frozen entrees provide an easy and healthy solution for delicious healthy frozen meals any day of the week
- Made with quality ingredients and no preservatives, this frozen beef dish offers a satisfying, healthy dinner with a flavor everyone will love
- Perfect frozen meal for those who value health and want an easy meal solution without compromising on flavor or quality
- Microwave meal is ideal for lunch or quick meals at home, simply heat in the microwave 4 to 4 1/2 minutes and stir into sauce; keep frozen dinner in the freezer until ready to prepare
Marsala Chicken Meal
Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Grilled Chicken Marsala, Convenient Microwave Meal Made With No Preservatives, Frozen Meal, 9.9 OZ Bowl
Healthy Choice
- One 9.9 oz Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Grilled Chicken Marsala Frozen Meal
- Featuring chicken breast with russet potatoes, whole green beans, mushrooms and onions in a marsala wine sauce, this dish delivers easy and healthy solutions for delicious healthy frozen meals any day of the week
- Made with quality ingredients and no preservatives, this grilled chicken marsala meal offers a satisfying, healthy dinner with a flavor everyone will love
- Perfect frozen meal for those who value health and want an easy meal solution without compromising on flavor or quality
- Microwave meals are ideal for lunch or quick meals at home, simply heat in the microwave 4 1/2 to 5 minutes and stir into sauce; keep frozen meals in the freezer until ready to prepare
Basil Lemon Chicken
Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Grilled Basil Chicken, Convenient Microwave Meal Made With No Preservatives, Frozen Meal, 9.9 OZ Bowl
Healthy Choice
- One 9.9 oz Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Grilled Basil Chicken Frozen Meal
- Featuring chicken breast with penne frozen pasta and mixed vegetables in a basil lemon sauce, this dish delivers easy and healthy solutions for delicious healthy frozen meals any day of the week
- Made with quality ingredients and no preservatives, this grilled basil chicken meal offers a satisfying, healthy dinner with a flavor everyone will love
- Perfect frozen meal for those who value health and want an easy meal solution without compromising on flavor or quality
- Microwave meals are ideal for lunch or quick meals at home, simply heat in the microwave 4 1/2 to 5 minutes and stir into sauce; keep frozen meals in the freezer until ready to prepare
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 choosing a countertop microwave?
Focus on output power (watts), interior capacity (cubic feet), and the number of preset cooking menus. Higher wattage (e.g., 1000 W vs. 700 W) generally cooks food faster, while a larger cavity accommodates bigger dishes. Also check for features like sensor cooking, child lock, and turntable size.
How does the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS compare to the Farberware 0.7 Cu Ft model?
The Toshiba offers 1000 W output, a 1.2 Cu Ft cavity, and Smart Sensor Technology, making it faster and more versatile for larger meals. The Farberware provides 700 W and a smaller 0.7 Cu Ft space, which is suitable for tight countertops but may take longer to heat food. Toshiba’s extra power and larger interior usually justify its higher price for families.
Is a smaller microwave like the Toshiba ML-EM09PA a good compromise for limited kitchen space?
Yes, the ML-EM09PA packs 900 W of power into a compact 0.9 Cu Ft interior, ideal for apartments or dorm rooms. It still includes 6 preset menus, a child‑lock, and 11 power levels, offering most of the functionality of larger models. The trade‑off is a slightly reduced cooking volume and lower wattage than the 1000 W Toshiba EM131A5C.
What value‑added features should I look for beyond basic heating?
Sensor cooking adjusts time and power automatically based on moisture, reducing over‑ or under‑cooking. A mute function, child lock, and memory presets add convenience and safety. Look for a clear LED display, interior lighting, and a sturdy turntable that’s easy to remove for cleaning.
How important is the number of power levels and presets?
More power levels (e.g., 10‑11) give finer control for delicate tasks like defrosting or melting butter, while multiple presets (6‑10) speed up common cooking tasks such as popcorn or pizza. If you frequently cook a variety of foods, a model with both extensive power levels and presets, like the Toshiba EM131A5C, provides the most flexibility.
Are there cost‑effective microwaves that still deliver good performance?
The Chefman and Farberware models both offer 700 W output at a lower price point, with 10 power levels and useful presets. While they lack the higher wattage of the Toshiba units, they perform well for reheating, popcorn, and simple meals, making them great budget choices for small households.
Should I consider the turntable size when buying a microwave?
A larger turntable (12.4‑inch on the Toshiba EM131A5C) accommodates bigger plates and bowls, ensuring even cooking. Smaller turntables (10.6‑inch on the ML-EM09PA) fit compact dishes but may require manual rotation for uniform heating. Choose a size that matches the typical cookware you use.