Comparison: Good Housekeeping Best Microwave Oven (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the perfect microwave but overwhelmed by choices? We’ve been there too. That’s why we dove into *Good Housekeeping’s* top-rated picks to help you cut through the clutter. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, defrosting dinner, or whipping up a quick snack, the right microwave makes all the difference. In this comparison, we’ll break down what sets each model apart—performance, features, ease of use—so you can find the one that fits your kitchen and lifestyle without the guesswork. Let’s find your microwave match!
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for microwave recipe guide: The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Microwave Cookbook
- Best for smart sensor power: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for compact powerhouse: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for 5-in-1 air fryer: BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
- Best for space-saving sensor: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for compact air fry: GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
- Best for space-efficient cook: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for inverter heating tech: TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
- Best for 8-in-1 air fry: TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for versatile sensor microwave: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Product Comparison: Good Housekeeping Best Microwave Oven
Microwave Recipe Guide
The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Microwave Cookbook
Hearst Books
- Microwave, cookbook, Meals, Chicken
Smart Sensor Power
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.
Compact Powerhouse
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
GE
- 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
5-in-1 Air Fryer
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, and Convection Cooking, 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, Child-Lock, ES9P032NA
BLACK+DECKER
- 5-in-1 Microwave Oven: Use this essential countertop appliance for cooking in five functions: microwave, air fryer, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast for all of your culinary needs.
- 10 Cooking Levels: Featuring a 900-watt output, this compact microwave has 7 auto menus, including settings for Beverage, Fresh/Frozen Vegetables, Oatmeal, Potato, Popcorn, and Frozen Pizza.
- Air Fry Presets: This small-but-mighty microwave has 11 preset air fry menus, including for cooking frozen French fries, steak fries, squid rings, chicken nuggets/wings/legs, fish sticks/fillets, cheese sticks, vegetables, and spring rolls with an easy-to-use operation.
- Speedy Cooking: Directly press the start button to cook food at 100% power for 30 seconds and press again for an additional 30 seconds.
- Child-Lock Setting: Press the stop button for 3 seconds to lock the control panel to keep little hands from clicking buttons on the appliance.
Space-Saving Sensor
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.
Compact Air Fry
GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven, 1050W Countertop Air Fry Microwave with Broil & Crisper Pan, Compact Stainless Steel Design
GE
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: This 1,050-watt & 1.0 CU FT. compact microwave offers the perfect balance of size and convenience, designed to fit perfectly in dorm rooms, offices and kitchens alike
- AIR FRY MODE: Enjoy healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods with the built-in air fryer that delivers fast, perfectly browned results
- CONVECTION MODE: Enjoy perfectly even browning using convection technology and an elevated rack that lets hot air flow around your food for consistent results
- BROIL MODE: Built-in broiler radiates high heat to sear, caramelize, and finish foods just like a traditional grill rack
- PRESET CONTROLS: Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed
- GLASS TURNTABLE: Rotates food throughout the cycle for even through cooking of food
Space-Efficient Cook
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 1.1 Cubic Ft., 950-watt Capacity, 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
GE
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- SPACE-SAVING EXTERIOR, SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 950 watts of power and 1.1 cu. ft. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates throughout cycles for optimum cooking
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with convenience cooking controls; kitchen timer, child lock controls and cooking complete alarms add convenience
- WEIGHT & 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
- EASY SET UP: Freestanding microwave fits easily on countertop or open shelf, with 39inch power cord
Inverter Heating Tech
TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6″ Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Stainless Steel
TOSHIBA
- 【Sleek Design with Large Capacity】Stylish Stainless Steel (color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black) with timeless design, 13.6″ removable turntable fits a 12″ pizza. external dimension (WxDxH): 21.77×19.17×12.87 inches, internal dimension (wxdxh): 15.5 x 17 x 10.2 inches; needs 1.2 inch back to the wall
- 【Origin Inverter Technology】Inverter technology provides even heating and defrosting, enables faster cooking and more satisfying user experience; also inverter microwave is lighter compared with same size microwave.
- 【6 Smart Sensor Auto Menus】Pre-programmed sensor menus for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetables and more. Smart sensorwill automatically adjust power and keeps food texture.
- 【Quick Start Button】One touch quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 3 minutes cooking at full power (Control panel No backlit)
- 【Sound On/Off Function】If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, pleas long press on the button “8” for 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
- 【Easy to Use】Equipped with power-saving Eco mode, sound on/off option and child safety lock
- 【First Use Tips】The keypad is covered by a protective film during shipment. Please peel it off before first use. 1 year limited warranty, please keep the packaging for contacting Toshiba after sales service and product returns.
8-in-1 Air Fry
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4″ Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS)
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.
- 8-in-1 Multifuntional Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, bake(convection), broil (grill), combi., low temp., odor removal, defrost can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Microwave Combo: Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimension (WxDxH): 20.6*18.0*11.8 inches, internal dimension (WxDxH):14.0*13.2*9.5 inches, 12.4-inch position memory turntable
- Compact Size but Large Capacity & Powerful: Small Footprint as Kitchen Essential, 12.4inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12 inch pizza and 8*4 inch casserole, offers the perfect balance of size and convenience.
- Convenience Features with One-touch popcorn, easy-to-turn knobs, position memory turntable, speedy cooking, multistage cooking, clock and kitchen timer, mute function. Stylish Appearance Classic black stainless steel finishes with easy to clean stainless steel interior
Versatile Sensor Microwave
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver
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.
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 features should I prioritize when choosing a countertop microwave?
Look for wattage, interior capacity, and cooking presets that match your cooking habits. Higher wattage (1000‑1200 W) cooks food faster, while a larger cavity (1.0‑2.0 cu ft) accommodates bigger dishes. Sensor cooking and child‑lock safety features add convenience and peace of mind.
How does the Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS compare to the GE 2.0 cu ft model in terms of power and size?
Both microwaves deliver 1000‑1200 W of output, but the Toshiba offers a slightly larger interior (1.2 cu ft) and a 12.4‑inch turntable, whereas the GE provides a 2.0 cu ft cavity for bigger meals. The Toshiba includes Smart Sensor Technology and six preset menus, while the GE emphasizes a two‑step child lock and instant‑on express cooking.
Is an air‑fry function worth the extra cost?
Air‑fry capability lets you achieve crispy results with little to no oil, which can replace a separate countertop fryer. Models like the Black+Decker 5‑in‑1 and the Toshiba 8‑in‑1 combo provide this feature along with traditional microwave functions, offering good value for kitchens with limited space.
What are the benefits of inverter technology found in some Toshiba models?
Inverter technology supplies continuous, low‑level power for more even heating and better defrosting, reducing hot spots. This results in faster cooking times and improved texture, especially for delicate foods like fish or baked goods.
How important is a child lock when buying a microwave for a family home?
A child lock prevents accidental operation, protecting younger children from burns or unintended cooking cycles. Most mid‑range models, including GE and Toshiba, now offer two‑step or mandatory child‑lock features, making them a sensible safety addition.
Which microwave offers the best balance of price, capacity, and advanced features?
The Toshiba EM131A5C‑SS provides a solid mix of 1000 W power, 1.2 cu ft capacity, sensor cooking, and multiple presets at a competitive price point. It also includes a removable 12.4‑inch turntable, making it versatile for everyday meals without the higher cost of premium convection‑air‑fry models.
Do I need a microwave with convection or broil functions for everyday cooking?
Convection and broil add baking and grilling capabilities, useful if you want a single appliance to replace a small oven. If you primarily reheat, defrost, and cook simple meals, a standard microwave with sensor presets may be sufficient, while models like the GE GCST10A1WSS or Toshiba 8‑in‑1 provide the extra functionality for those who cook more elaborate dishes.