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

Think about the amount of food you typically cook and the space you have on your countertop. Models range from compact 0.7 cu ft units, ideal for dorms or offices, up to 2.0 cu ft appliances that can handle family‑size dishes and a full‑size pizza. Larger interiors often come with bigger turntables, which improve even heating but also require more countertop space.

Higher wattage (e.g., 1,200 W in the GE and Toshiba ML‑EM45P) cooks food faster and provides more consistent heating, especially for dense items like meat or frozen meals. Lower‑wattage models (700 W–900 W) are fine for reheating leftovers or simple tasks but may need longer cook times or higher power‑level settings. Choose wattage based on how often you need rapid, high‑power cooking versus occasional, light use.

Toshiba’s EM131A5C‑BS and the GE 1,200‑W model both feature Smart Sensor or Sensor Cooking controls that automatically adjust time and power based on food humidity. The Toshiba ML‑EM45P adds a sensor menu plus a position‑memory turntable for precise results. These sensors reduce guesswork and help prevent over‑ or under‑cooking compared to manual time‑and‑power settings.

Yes, several units include two‑step child locks or handle‑mounted locks, such as the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA, GE Countertop Microwave, and Chefman 0.7 cu ft model. The lock typically requires pressing a combination of buttons before the door can open, preventing accidental operation by children. Some models also let you disable the lock entirely when it isn’t needed.

Preset menus are single‑press programs for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes, found on most models including Black+Decker and Toshiba. Auto menus go a step further by using sensor data to adjust cooking time and power automatically, as seen in Toshiba’s Smart Sensor and GE’s Sensor Cooking. Auto menus generally deliver more consistent results, while presets are quicker to select when you know the exact cooking parameters you need.

A larger turntable (12.4‑inch to 13.6‑inch) provides better coverage for big dishes and helps distribute microwaves evenly, reducing cold spots. Smaller turntables (9.6‑inch to 10‑inch) are fine for compact units but may require you to rotate larger plates manually. If you frequently cook whole pizzas or large casserole dishes, opting for a model with a bigger glass turntable is worthwhile.

Convection and air‑fry functions add versatility, allowing you to brown, crisp, and even bake foods that a standard microwave can’t handle. The GE GCST10A1WSS combines a 1‑cu‑ft microwave with a 1,050‑W air‑fryer and convection mode, making it a good choice for health‑conscious cooks who want a single appliance. If you only need reheating and basic cooking, a standard microwave will be more budget‑friendly.

Budget models like the Chefman 0.7 cu ft and Farberware 0.7 cu ft offer essential features—basic power levels, a few presets, and child locks—at a lower cost. Premium options such as the Toshiba ML‑EM45P or GE 2.0 cu ft provide higher wattage, advanced sensor cooking, larger capacities, and extra functions like convection or air‑fry, justifying a higher price tag. Match the feature set to your cooking habits to avoid overpaying for capabilities you won’t use.