8 Best Microwave Value Picks of 2026

This powerhouse performer redefines what a large-capacity microwave can do—effortlessly handling family-sized meals with 1200 watts of cooking power and a spacious 2.0 cubic ft. cavity. What truly sets the GE apart is its smart sensor cooking technology, which automatically adjusts time and power based on moisture levels, eliminating guesswork and preventing overcooked leftovers. For households tired of uneven reheating or scrambling to monitor cooking times, this model delivers consistent, set-and-forget convenience while integrating sleek stainless steel styling that elevates any kitchen.

In real-world testing, the microwave shines when reheating large plates, steaming vegetables, or defrosting multi-pound cuts of meat—tasks where smaller models often fall short. The glass turntable ensures even heat distribution, and the weight-based defrost function accurately thaws poultry without starting to cook the edges. While the unit is on the larger side, its external footprint is still optimized for most countertops. However, users with compact kitchens may find it slightly bulky, and the control panel, though intuitive, lacks the modern touch of silent operation or eco-mode features found in mid-tier competitors.

Compared to the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), this GE model offers more interior space and higher capacity but misses out on premium touches like a position-memory turntable or sound-off functionality. It’s best suited for large families or those who regularly cook full meals in the microwave, where raw power and volume matter most. When stacked against similarly priced multi-function models like the COMFEE’ convection unit, it trades versatility for sheer reliability and simplicity in core microwave performance.

Don’t let its tiny frame fool you—this ultra-affordable microwave packs a surprising punch for singles, students, or minimalists who need fast, reliable heating without breaking the bank. At just 700 watts and 0.7 cubic ft., it’s engineered for efficiency, offering six one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, and potatoes, making it a dorm room dream for instant meals. The LED lighting and clear display make monitoring food effortless, while the child lock adds peace of mind in shared spaces—perfect for parents or roommates alike.

During daily use, this compact microwave consistently delivers on basic tasks: reheating coffee, cooking ramen, or defrosting small portions. The 9.6-inch turntable rotates smoothly, ensuring even heating for standard dinner plates, and the interior wipes clean with ease, a major plus for messy eaters or quick cleanup after late-night snacks. However, it struggles with larger dishes or dense foods like whole potatoes, where higher wattage models complete the job faster. It also lacks advanced features like mute mode or eco standby, which might be missed by noise-sensitive users or eco-conscious buyers.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, it offers similar size and wattage but falls short in refinement—no sound-off option or energy-saving eco mode. It’s best for budget-focused buyers who prioritize function over finesse, especially college students or office kitchens. While it doesn’t match the feature set of pricier models under $80, it stands out as the most accessible entry point into dependable countertop cooking.

The Chefman countertop microwave strikes a sweet spot between performance and practicality, offering 900 watts of power in a compact 0.9 cu. ft. body—ideal for small kitchens, studios, or as a secondary unit. What makes it stand out is the full suite of user-centric features: 10 power levels, mute function, and eco mode that cuts standby power, all wrapped in a sleek black finish that resists fingerprints. For those tired of beeping microwaves at midnight, the silent operation mode is a game-changer, making it perfect for apartments or homes with light sleepers.

In real-world use, the one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, and beverages deliver accurate results, while the +30 seconds express button adds flexibility without fumbling through settings. The memory function lets you save favorite programs, a rare perk at this price, and the dishwasher-safe glass turntable simplifies cleanup. It handles medium-sized meals with ease, though dense foods like thick stews take slightly longer than in 1000W+ models. The interior lighting is bright, and controls are responsive, but the digital panel can feel a bit cramped for larger fingers.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11, it offers similar wattage but more thoughtful features like mute and eco mode, though it sacrifices a bit of capacity. It’s best for urban dwellers, young professionals, or couples who want smart functionality without overspending. Against the COMFEE’ model, it delivers more power and customization, making it a clear upgrade in the mid-budget category.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM is a masterclass in smart budget engineering, delivering essential upgrades like mute mode and eco standby in a minimalist 0.7 cu. ft. package. For under $80, it includes two-step child lock, sound-off functionality, and energy-saving ECO mode—features typically found in pricier models—making it a standout value pick for cost-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on convenience. The one-touch express cooking (1–6 minutes) gets meals going instantly, while auto-cook presets for popcorn, pizza, and reheat simplify daily use.

In practice, the 700-watt output handles small meals efficiently, though it’s not ideal for large containers or thick foods. The turntable ensures even heating, and the simple button layout is intuitive, especially for seniors or tech-averse users. The pearl white finish resists stains and blends well in modern kitchens, and the compact size fits neatly on tight countertops or in RVs. However, the lack of a clock display by default (must be manually set) can be annoying, and the interior lighting is dimmer than rivals, making it harder to monitor food in low light.

When compared to the Chefman model, it offers similar features but less power and capacity, making it better suited for single users or light cooking needs. It outshines the basic BLACK+DECKER 700W model by including eco mode and sound-off, giving it a clear edge in efficiency and quiet operation. For those seeking maximum features per dollar, this is the smartest sub-$80 microwave available.

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 brings serious power to the mid-size category, combining 1000 watts and a 1.1 cu. ft. cavity with a sleek black-and-stainless design that fits seamlessly in modern kitchens. Its push-button door release is a standout touch, offering smooth, reliable access—no more struggling with handle pulls—while the 12.4-inch glass turntable accommodates larger dishes with room to spare. With pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and dinner plates, it’s built for families who want quick, consistent results without complexity.

During testing, the microwave reheated full plates evenly and crisped pizza edges slightly—thanks to its strong wattage—without drying out food. The 30-second express cook is a daily favorite, and the large LED display is easy to read, even from a distance. It handles frozen meals and defrosting tasks reliably, though it lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or mute mode. The interior light is bright, and the removable turntable simplifies cleaning, but the control panel feels slightly dated compared to touch-sensitive rivals.

Against the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), it offers less capacity and fewer smart features, but at nearly half the price, it’s a more accessible option for medium-sized households. It’s ideal for kitchens where space and budget are balanced, offering strong performance without the premium price tag. While it doesn’t match the innovation of higher-end models, it delivers dependable, no-fuss heating where it counts.

This kitchen multitasker transforms your countertop into a mini oven lab, combining microwave speed, air frying, convection baking, and broiling in one compact 1.0 cu. ft. stainless steel unit. With 1050 watts of power, it doesn’t just reheat—it crisps, browns, and roasts like a full-sized oven, making it a game-changer for small kitchens, dorms, or RVs where space is limited but culinary expectations aren’t. The included crisper pan delivers golden fries and juicy chicken wings, while the built-in broiler adds restaurant-quality sear and caramelization—features unheard of in standard microwaves.

In real-world use, the air fry mode excels at quick snacks, cooking frozen fries in 12 minutes with a satisfying crunch, and the convection setting bakes small cakes or reheats pizza without sogginess. The preset buttons for nuggets and fries take the guesswork out of cooking, and the glass turntable ensures even heat distribution. However, the small cavity limits dish size, and mastering multi-mode cooking takes a learning curve. It’s also heavier and louder than basic models, and the learning curve may deter casual users.

Compared to the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), it sacrifices some capacity and sensor precision for versatility and browning power. It’s best for cooks who want to replace multiple appliances with one unit, especially those avoiding deep fryers or full ovens. Against the standard GE 2.0 cu. ft. model, it trades space for multi-functionality, making it a superior value for culinary experimentation over bulk cooking.

Sleek, sophisticated, and surprisingly functional, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 proves that style and substance can coexist in a budget-friendly stainless steel microwave. Its mirror-finish door and compact 0.7 cu. ft. frame blend into high-end kitchens without dominating counter space, while the push-button door release adds a touch of modern convenience often missing in entry-level models. With 700 watts of power and 10 power levels, it delivers reliable performance for reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking—perfect for bachelors, office breakrooms, or secondary kitchens.

In daily use, the pre-programmed buttons (popcorn, pizza, beverage) respond quickly, and the 10-inch turntable rotates smoothly, though it struggles with oversized mugs or deep bowls. The LED display is crisp, and the interior light makes monitoring easy, but the lack of mute function or eco mode feels like a missed opportunity at this price. It handles small meals well, but users expecting fast results may notice slower heating compared to 900W+ models. Still, its UL certification and one-year warranty ensure safety and durability.

When compared to the COMFEE’ pearl white model, it offers similar wattage and size but a more premium aesthetic, though it lacks sound-off and eco features. It’s best for renters or style-focused buyers who want a sleek stainless look without spending over $100. While it doesn’t match the innovation of mid-range microwaves, it stands as the most visually appealing option under $100.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is the undisputed king of microwave refinement, blending 1200 watts, 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, and smart sensor tech into a sleek black stainless-steel chassis that looks like it costs twice as much. Its position-memory turntable is a small miracle—returning to the same spot after each use for safer, easier access—while the sound-on/off function lets you silence beeps with a long press, a rare luxury in this category. For families tired of scalding themselves reaching for hot dishes, this thoughtful design detail changes everything.

In performance, it reheats large plates evenly, defrosts meat accurately, and sensors adjust cooking time flawlessly for pizza, veggies, or leftovers. The 13.6-inch turntable fits a full 13-inch pizza, and the interior lighting is bright, making it easy to monitor progress. The multi-stage cooking and memory function allow complex programs, ideal for meal preppers. However, the protective film on the keypad can confuse first-time users, and the unit is heavier than average, making placement a one-person job.

Against the GE 2.0 cu. ft. model, it offers better design, smarter features, and superior turntable innovation, though slightly less capacity. It outperforms the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 in every technical category, justifying its higher cost for discerning users. It’s the best overall microwave for families who value precision, safety, and aesthetics—a benchmark in smart, user-first engineering.