Comparison: The Best Microwave Brand (Updated | Dec 8th)
When it comes to zapping leftovers or whipping up a quick meal, your microwave is a kitchen MVP—so choosing the right brand matters. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one truly delivers on power, reliability, and value? Say goodbye to guesswork—let’s find **the best microwave brand** that fits your life and kitchen needs.
- Best for microwave recipe guide: 125 Best Microwave Oven Recipes
- Best for engineering insight: Microwave Engineering
- Best for sensor-optimized cooking: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for compact family safe: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for nutrient-preserving steamer: GoodCook Everyday Microwave Steamer – Vegetable & Fish Cooker
- Best for casserole classics: Favorite Brand Name Best-Loved Casseroles
- Best for compact menu master: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for collector’s cookbook: Great American Brand Name Cookbook (Collector’s Edition)
- Best for compact power performer: Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power
- Best for digital quick cook: BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Product Comparison: The Best Microwave Brand
125 Best Microwave Oven Recipes
- Used Book in Good Condition
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.
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
- 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
GoodCook Everyday Microwave Steamer – Vegetable & Fish Cooker, Microwave Cookware Preserves Vitamins & Nutrients, Quick Dinner & Meals, Adjustable Steam Release Vent
- FOOD STEAMER & COOKWARE: Preparing vegetables and fish just got easier with the GoodCook Microwave Steamer. A quick and convenient way to cook nutritious meals, ensuring flavorful results with minimal effort.
- PRESERVE VITAMINS & NUTRIENTS: This innovative kitchen steamer simplifies cooking fresh or frozen vegetables while preserving their vitamins and nutrients. It is also ideal for steaming fish to quickly prepare a wholesome meal in the microwave.
- ADJUSTABLE STEAM VENTILATION: The adjustable steam release vent on the lid allows steam to escape and prevents the container from sealing shut for easy and safe cooking. Adjust it to achieve delicious results, every time.
- EASY TO USE: Simply add water to the bottom tray, place the steam tray on top with veggies or fish, cover with the lid, and cook. The steamer is designed with a clear lid to periodically check your food when cooking.
- DISHWASHER SAFE: This vegetable steamer is dishwasher-safe to make cleanup a breeze. It measures 8” x 12” x 2.7” for efficient storage in cabinets and on shelves when not in use.
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.
Great American Brand Name Cookbook (Collector’s Edition)
- Used Book in Good Condition
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.
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
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 wattage, interior capacity, and available preset menus, as they directly affect cooking speed and versatility. Higher wattage (e.g., 1000 W) cooks food faster, while a larger cubic‑foot rating accommodates bigger dishes. Also check for features like sensor cooking, child lock, and turntable size for convenience.
How does the Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS compare to the GE 1.1 cu ft model in terms of power and size?
The Toshiba offers 1000 W output with a 1.2 cu ft interior, slightly larger than the GE’s 950 W and 1.1 cu ft cavity. Both include sensor cooking, but Toshiba adds six preset menus and a removable 12.4″ turntable, while the GE emphasizes a space‑saving exterior and a two‑step child lock. Overall, Toshiba provides more power and a bit more room for bulkier meals.
Is a child lock essential, and which models include it?
A child lock prevents accidental operation, which is important for families with young children. Both the GE Countertop Microwave and the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA feature a two‑step child lock system. The Black+Decker also includes a child safety lock, offering additional peace of mind.
What are the benefits of sensor cooking versus manual time‑and‑power settings?
Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power based on food humidity, reducing the risk of over‑ or under‑cooking. Models like the Toshiba EM131A5C and the Black+Decker use this technology for consistent results. Manual settings give you full control, which can be useful for specialty recipes or precise reheating.
How important is the turntable size and material for cooking performance?
A larger glass turntable (e.g., 12.4 inches) ensures even rotation of bigger plates, promoting uniform heating. All listed microwaves include glass turntables, but the Toshiba models specify removable designs for easy cleaning. Stainless‑steel or glass turntables are both safe, but glass offers better visibility of the food during cooking.
Can I use a microwave for steaming vegetables and fish, and which product supports this best?
While standard microwaves can steam with appropriate containers, the GoodCook Everyday Microwave Steamer is purpose‑built for that task, preserving nutrients and offering an adjustable vent. If you prefer a multi‑function microwave, the Toshiba EM131A5C’s sensor and multiple power levels can handle steaming with a suitable bowl. For dedicated steaming, the GoodCook steamer provides the most convenient and consistent results.
Which microwave offers the best value for a small kitchen or office space?
The Farberware 0.7 cu ft model balances compact size with 700 W power and ten power levels, making it ideal for tight spaces. Its affordable price point, easy‑to‑clean interior, and child lock add practical value. For slightly larger capacity without sacrificing space, the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA provides 900 W power and six preset menus at a modest footprint.