6 Best Microwaves to Buy in 2026

This game-changing steamer brings restaurant-quality healthy meals to your microwave in minutes. Crafted from BPA-free, food-grade materials, it features a smart drainage layer and secure-fitting lid that locks in steam—making it perfect for preserving nutrients in vegetables, fish, or dumplings. Unlike flimsy plastic inserts, this steamer is heat-resistant and durable, standing up to daily use without warping or leaching chemicals.

In real-world testing, the steamer proved incredibly efficient at cooking delicate foods like broccoli florets and poached eggs with even heat distribution and zero mess. The separate drainage tray lets you steam rice and veggies simultaneously without flavor transfer—ideal for quick bento-style meals. It’s also microwave-safe and dishwasher-friendly, so cleanup takes seconds, a major win for busy professionals or college students. However, it’s not suitable for large families due to its single-layer capacity, unless you opt for the stackable version.

For health-conscious eaters and minimalists who want fast, nutrient-preserving cooking, this steamer outshines bulkier alternatives like stovetop baskets or electric multi-cookers. Compared to basic microwave-safe bowls, it delivers structured, spill-proof steaming with professional results. It’s not a standalone microwave, but as an accessory, it transforms any microwave into a full-fledged healthy kitchen hub—especially when paired with models that have precise power controls.

This no-nonsense powerhouse delivers reliable performance in a compact stainless steel shell—ideal for tight spaces where every inch counts. With 700 watts of power and 10 precise power levels, it handles everything from reheating coffee to cooking frozen meals with impressive consistency. The digital push-button interface is intuitive, and the 99-minute timer gives full control, making it a solid pick for dorms, offices, or secondary kitchens.

During testing, the microwave heated a cup of water in under 2 minutes and defrosted ground meat evenly on the lower power settings. The 0.7 cu. ft. cavity fits most standard plates and medium bowls, though larger dinner plates may need angling. The turntable ensures even cooking, but the interior lighting is dim, making it slightly harder to monitor food in low-light kitchens. It lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or inverter tech, so delicate tasks like melting chocolate require close attention.

Compared to the white pull-handle version (B07QR7J69R), this stainless steel model offers the same core functionality but with a more polished aesthetic. While not as powerful or spacious as full-size models, it beats mini microwaves under 0.5 cu. ft. in versatility. It’s best suited for singles, students, or office breakrooms where simplicity and durability matter more than smart features. In the budget compact category, it trades flashy extras for dependable, everyday performance.

Don’t let the modest price tag fool you—this budget workhorse packs the same 700-watt punch and full digital control suite as its pricier stainless sibling. With 10 power levels and one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, and potatoes, it simplifies daily reheating with no-frills efficiency. The pull handle design gives it a retro kitchen-appliance charm, while the child safety lock adds peace of mind in homes with little ones.

In real-world use, it performed admirably for reheating leftovers and cooking instant noodles, though dense foods like baked potatoes took slightly longer than in higher-wattage models. The 0.7 cu. ft. interior is compact but functional, fitting most 10-inch plates with the turntable. We noticed minor hot spots at the edges, a common trait in budget microwaves without inverter technology. Still, for basic tasks, it delivers consistent results without fuss.

When stacked against the stainless push-button version, it’s nearly identical in performance—just with a plastic exterior and pull handle instead of metal and buttons. It’s a smarter choice than mini microwaves with under 600 watts, offering better control and capacity. Ideal for college dorms, RVs, or second homes, it proves you don’t need bells and whistles for reliable heating. For its price tier, it offers exceptional value with zero performance compromises.

Built like a tank for high-volume environments, this 1000-watt commercial beast dominates in speed, durability, and precision. The stainless steel interior and exterior resist stains, grease, and dents—perfect for restaurants, cafeterias, or office kitchens where hygiene and longevity are non-negotiable. With dual control options—digital touchpad and dial, it offers flexibility for staff of all skill levels, ensuring fast operation during rush hours.

In performance tests, it reheated a full tray of lasagna in under 4 minutes and handled back-to-back cycles without overheating. The 1 cu. ft. cavity fits large casserole dishes and family-sized containers, far outpacing residential models. The clear viewing window and large handle make monitoring and access effortless, even with gloves on. However, the digital interface can be overly sensitive, registering accidental touches if wiped too hard.

Compared to the GE Smart or Nostalgia models, this microwave skips smart features but crushes them in raw power and build quality. It’s overkill for home use but unmatched in commercial settings where reliability trumps aesthetics. Unlike consumer-grade microwaves, it’s UL and NSF certified, meeting strict food safety standards. For professional kitchens, it delivers industrial-grade performance with minimal downtime—a clear step above residential competition.

This smart kitchen cornerstone redefines convenience with Scan-to-Cook technology and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it the most future-ready microwave in its class. Simply scan a frozen food barcode, and it automatically sets time and power—eliminating guesswork and ensuring perfect results every time. With 900 watts of power and a 0.9 cu. ft. cavity, it balances compact size with ample interior space, ideal for modern homes where smart integration matters.

In practice, the Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility worked flawlessly, allowing hands-free operation while cooking. The glass turntable promoted even heating, and the child lock provided real peace of mind. It reheated a plate of pasta evenly in 2 minutes, and the auto-defrost function handled a chicken breast without overcooking edges. However, the app setup took longer than expected, and the interface can feel overwhelming for non-tech-savvy users.

Next to the Nostalgia retro model, it trades vintage charm for cutting-edge functionality, while outperforming the COMMERCIAL CHEF series in precision and automation. It’s not as powerful as the 1000W commercial unit, but for home use, it offers the best blend of intelligence, safety, and performance. If you value automation, voice control, and smart home synergy, this is the ultimate all-in-one solution—delivering premium features without sacrificing reliability.

Step into the past with this vibrant retro marvel that combines 1950s charm with 21st-century power. Boasting a 1.1 cu. ft. interior and 1000 watts, it’s one of the largest and most powerful countertop models here—perfect for families or anyone who regularly heats large dishes. The aqua finish with chrome accents turns it into a kitchen statement piece, while the 12 pre-programmed settings make daily use effortless.

Real-world testing showed it could reheat a full dinner plate in under 90 seconds, with excellent heat distribution thanks to the rotating glass turntable. The delay start and express cook buttons were particularly handy for meal prep, and the bright LED display made settings easy to read, even in sunlight. However, the retro design sacrifices some modern convenience—it lacks Wi-Fi, sensor cooking, or app integration, limiting smart functionality.

Against the GE Smart model, it swaps high-tech features for bold aesthetics and raw capacity, while outclassing the COMMERCIAL CHEF microwaves in size and wattage. It’s ideal for design-focused homes, vintage lovers, or large households needing space and power. For those who want style without sacrificing performance, it delivers maximum visual impact with serious cooking chops—a rare balance in the microwave world.