5 Best Soft Close Microwaves of 2026

This premium built-in powerhouse redefines what a microwave can do—merging convection baking, broiling, and rapid microwaving into one seamless system. The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and 1000-watt power deliver restaurant-style results at home, while the soft-close door operates with near-silent grace, eliminating the jarring slam of traditional models. With dual heating elements and fan-driven convection, it cooks up to 20% faster than standard microwaves, making it a dream for busy households that demand both speed and culinary precision.

In real-world testing, the KoolMore COM-24SS shines when handling multi-stage meals—roasting a chicken, then crisping the skin with the broil function, all without switching appliances. The cool-touch double-layered door stays safe to the touch, a major win for homes with kids, and the reinforced hinges support up to 66 lbs., allowing you to rest heavy dishes safely during transfers. However, its large footprint and built-in installation requirement make it impractical for small kitchens or renters, and the interface, while sleek, has a learning curve for less tech-savvy users.

Positioned as a high-end alternative to standard over-the-range models, the COM-24SS competes directly with the KM-CWO24-SS but offers a slightly more refined finish and enhanced durability. It’s ideal for homeowners renovating their kitchen or seeking a luxury, all-in-one cooking solution that replaces multiple appliances. Compared to countertop options like the Breville BMO650SIL, it offers far more functionality—but at the cost of flexibility and ease of setup.

Meet the quiet achiever of countertop microwaves—the Breville Compact Wave, where 80% quieter soft-close door technology transforms a mundane kitchen task into a refined experience. With 900 watts of precision power and a 0.9 cu. ft. capacity, it’s engineered for efficiency, offering one-touch shortcuts for pizza, popcorn, and beverages that actually work. The Mute button and Sound Suite tech minimize beeps and clangs, making it perfect for late-night snacks without disturbing the household.

During testing, the gentle defrost and reheat functions stood out—vegetables thawed evenly without cooked edges, and leftovers reheated moist and flavorful, thanks to smart power modulation. The compact 25L footprint fits neatly in tight spaces, ideal for apartments or office kitchens, and the child lock adds a layer of safety for young families. While it lacks convection cooking, its focus on core microwave tasks is executed flawlessly, though it struggles slightly with very large dishes due to turntable size.

Compared to the KoolMore built-in models, the Breville BMO650SIL sacrifices cooking versatility but wins on accessibility, price, and noise control. It’s the go-to for renters, small households, or anyone who values quiet, reliable performance in a sleek package. When stacked against other soft-close models, it delivers the best balance of features, usability, and peace-of-mind engineering—a true benchmark in its class.

This thoughtfully bundled duo elevates the everyday microwave experience by pairing Breville’s ultra-quiet Compact Wave with the Tovolo Vented Collapsible Cover, creating a cleaner, more efficient kitchen workflow. The microwave’s soft-close door and 900-watt precision cooking are already a win, but adding the steam-venting, splatter-proof lid means meals cook more evenly and cleanup is nearly eliminated. The BPA-free, heat-resistant cover collapses to just 0.75 inches, solving the universal problem of bulky microwave accessories.

In practice, reheating saucy dishes like lasagna or curry with the Tovolo lid prevents messes while allowing steam to escape—no more soggy food or exploded leftovers. The microwave’s 30-second instant start and mute function pair perfectly with the lid’s ergonomic handle, making the entire process smooth and quiet. While the microwave itself is identical to the standalone BMO650SIL, the inclusion of this highly functional accessory adds real value you can’t get from competitors.

For users who hate microwave messes but still want premium soft-close operation, this bundle outshines both the KoolMore and basic Breville models. It’s perfect for meal preppers, students, or busy parents who want convenience without compromise. Compared to the Breville-only version, it offers more practical utility for only a slight increase in cost—a smart upgrade for daily users.

This synergistic kitchen pairing brings together two of Breville’s most intuitive appliances—the Compact Wave Soft-Close Microwave and the Bit More 4-Slice Toaster—delivering a cohesive, high-performance breakfast and snack station. The microwave’s 900-watt power and soft-close door handle reheating and defrosting with quiet precision, while the toaster’s longer slots and Lift & Look feature let you monitor browning without interrupting the cycle. Together, they create a seamless countertop ecosystem that feels smarter than the sum of its parts.

Real-world use shows how well they complement each other: reheat coffee in the microwave while toasting bagels, with the microwave’s beverage button and toaster’s bagel setting working in sync. The LED progress indicator on the toaster and mute function on the microwave reduce noise and guesswork. While neither unit breaks new technical ground, their thoughtful integration—same finish, same brand logic—makes them ideal for coordinated kitchens.

Compared to standalone models, this bundle is a clear win for those building or upgrading their countertop lineup. It targets style-conscious users, small kitchen owners, or gift shoppers who want premium functionality without clutter. Against the KoolMore built-in, it’s less powerful but far more accessible and versatile, offering superior value through smart pairing rather than raw specs.

The KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS is a kitchen centerpiece for serious home cooks who want a built-in, multi-function powerhouse without sacrificing safety or quiet operation. Its 1.6 cu. ft. interior and 1000-watt output handle everything from reheating to full convection baking, while the soft-close door ensures smooth, silent closure—no more jarring slams. The dual heating elements and fan system reduce cooking time by up to 20%, making it a legitimate oven replacement for quick meals.

In testing, it excelled at crispy-skinned roasted chicken and evenly baked casseroles, outperforming standard microwaves and rivaling standalone convection ovens. The cool-touch door stayed safe during extended use, and the 66-lb hinge capacity allowed safe transfer of heavy cookware—ideal for large families or entertaining. However, installation complexity and high cost limit its appeal to those already renovating, and the touch controls can be unresponsive with wet hands.

Priced slightly below the COM-24SS, this model offers nearly identical performance with a more budget-conscious tag—making it the smarter pick for large kitchens needing high-end functionality at a better value. It’s best suited for home chefs or luxury remodelers who want oven-grade results with microwave convenience. Against the Breville countertop models, it’s vastly more capable but far less flexible.