8 Best Microwaves for Homes of 2026

For those seeking a no-fuss, reliable workhorse, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 delivers where it counts. With 700 watts of cooking power and 10 precise power levels, this compact microwave handles everyday reheating and defrosting with quiet efficiency. Its pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and beverages eliminate guesswork, making it ideal for users who want fast, consistent results without complexity—perfect for dorm rooms, small kitchens, or secondary units.

In real-world use, the 0.7 cu.ft. cavity fits standard dinner plates and medium-sized bowls, though larger dishes may overhang slightly. The 10” glass turntable ensures even heating, while the push-button door release offers smooth, one-handed access. It shines in basic reheating tasks, quickly warming leftovers without drying them out—thanks to responsive power control. However, it struggles with larger items or dense foods like whole potatoes, where higher wattage models perform better. The LED display is bright and legible, but the lack of sensor cooking means you’ll need to manually adjust times.

Positioned as the best basic model, it outperforms budget units in durability and ease of use, though it lacks the smart features or capacity of pricier options like the GE Smart or Toshiba EM131A5C. It’s perfect for singles, students, or minimalists who prioritize simplicity and reliability over bells and whistles. While not as feature-rich as models twice its price, it offers solid performance for essential tasks at a fraction of the cost of mid-tier microwaves.

Step into smarter meal prep with the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, a microwave that blends intelligent cooking tech with family-friendly capacity. Its standout Smart Sensor Technology automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food moisture, ensuring perfectly reheated leftovers or evenly cooked frozen meals without dry edges or cold spots. Backed by 1000 watts of power and a 1.2 cu.ft. interior, it tackles larger dishes with confidence—ideal for households tired of rotating plates or undercooked centers.

During testing, the 12.4” turntable handled 12-inch pizzas and family-sized casseroles with room to spare, while the auto-defrost by weight function thawed chicken breasts uniformly—no rubbery edges or icy cores. The 6 preset menus, including sensor reheat and veggie cook, simplify daily use, and the mute function is a quiet win for late-night snacks. It excels in consistency across varied textures, from steaming vegetables to reheating lasagna. However, the external dimensions make it a tight fit for cramped countertops, and the control panel lacks backlighting, making it harder to read in dim kitchens.

Compared to the more basic BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, this Toshiba offers smarter cooking and greater capacity, while falling short of premium models like the Café CEB515P3NDS in connectivity and convection features. It’s the sweet spot for families who want sensor-driven precision without overspending. It delivers better performance and convenience than entry-level models, offering a strong balance of tech, space, and ease for busy households.

Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), the best overall microwave for those who demand power, precision, and thoughtful design in one sleek package. With 1200 watts of output, a spacious 1.6 cu.ft. cavity, and Smart Sensor menus, it effortlessly handles everything from reheating soups to cooking full meals with restaurant-grade consistency. The 13.6” position memory turntable is a game-changer—returning to its original position after each use for safer, easier access, eliminating the guesswork of re-aligning glass trays.

In real-world testing, this microwave excels at multi-stage cooking, allowing you to program defrost followed by cooking—perfect for frozen proteins. The sensor reheat function adapts to food density, preventing overcooked edges on casseroles, while the one-touch popcorn button delivers perfect results every time. Its high-wattage performance crisps pizza crusts slightly while melting cheese evenly—rare for a standard microwave. However, its larger footprint demands significant counter space, and the protective keypad film (meant to prevent shipping damage) can confuse first-time users if not removed.

When compared to the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, this model offers greater power, larger capacity, and enhanced convenience features, making it better suited for larger families or serious home cooks. It outperforms the GE Smart in raw cooking ability, though it lacks built-in Wi-Fi. For those seeking the ultimate blend of performance, capacity, and smart cooking, this Toshiba stands above the rest—delivering premium results without requiring premium smart features.

The GE Smart Countertop Microwave redefines convenience for small kitchens and tech-savvy users with its Scan-to-Cook and Wi-Fi connectivity. Using the Smart HQ app, you can scan frozen food barcodes for perfectly optimized cook times, eliminating guesswork and reducing overcooking. With 900 watts of power and a 0.9 cu.ft. interior, it packs a punch in a compact frame, fitting neatly beneath cabinets or in tight spaces where larger models won’t go.

In daily use, the glass turntable ensures even heating, and the one-touch controls make reheating coffee or popcorn effortless. Voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant work reliably, letting you start, pause, or add time hands-free—ideal when juggling pots and pans. The child lock and kitchen timer add practical safety and multitasking. However, the lower wattage means longer cook times for dense foods, and sensor cooking is absent, so it doesn’t adapt to food moisture like higher-end Toshibas. The interior feels snug with oversized plates.

Compared to the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, it trades cooking power and capacity for smart integration and space-saving design. It’s a better fit than the Panasonic HomeChef for users who want smart features without the high cost or bulk. Ideal for apartments, offices, or minimalists, it delivers solid performance with modern convenience—offering smarter control in a compact body, though not the fastest or largest option.

Don’t let the ultra-affordable price fool you—the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM is a budget powerhouse that punches above its weight in essential functionality. With 700 watts of power and one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, and beverages, it delivers consistent reheating and defrosting for individuals or couples. The mute function is a standout, letting you silence all beeps with a three-second press—perfect for late-night snacks without waking the household.

In practice, the 0.7 cu.ft. cavity handles standard mugs, bowls, and dinner plates, though tall containers may hit the ceiling. The +30 seconds express cook button is intuitive and fast, and the auto-cook menus work reliably for frozen foods. Its ECO mode cuts standby power by 50%, appealing to energy-conscious users. However, it lacks a sensor cook function and has no clock display when idle, requiring a button press to check time. The build feels lightweight, but it’s durable enough for light to moderate use.

Stacked against the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, it offers similar specs at a lower price, though with slightly fewer finish options and a less premium look. It’s not built for heavy-duty use like the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS), but for students, renters, or secondary kitchens, it’s the most cost-effective solution. It proves you don’t need to spend much to get reliable, quiet, and energy-efficient performance—making it the smartest pick for tight budgets.

The Panasonic HomeChef Connect isn’t just a microwave—it’s a kitchen revolution in a single appliance. With four cooking modes—microwave, air fry, convection bake, and FlashXpress broiler—it replaces multiple countertop gadgets, making it ideal for those who want gourmet results without clutter. Powered by the Kitchen+ app, it automates cooking with smart recipes that sync to the oven, guiding you from start to finish for everything from crispy wings to golden casseroles.

In real-world use, the 1.2 cu.ft. cavity with 14.2” turntable handles full meals, and the inverter technology ensures even heating with no cold spots—critical for delicate dishes. The air fry mode produces restaurant-quality fries with 90% less oil, while the convection bake browns tops beautifully. It excels in multi-mode cooking, like broiling a casserole after microwaving it. However, the learning curve is steep, and the app connection can be finicky. The price is steep, and it demands significant counter space.

Compared to the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo, it offers more cooking versatility and superior app integration, though both lack the Wi-Fi scan-to-cook of the GE. It’s not as simple as the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, but it’s far more capable. For home chefs who want a smart, all-in-one cooking hub, this Panasonic delivers unmatched functionality and innovation—making it the most advanced microwave in the lineup, despite its complexity.

The Café CEB515P3NDS is the pinnacle of premium microwave engineering, designed for those who want restaurant-grade performance with smart, seamless control. With 1000 watts of power, convection baking, broil, and sensor cooking, it handles roasting, warming, and defrosting with precision. Its 1.5 cu.ft. capacity fits large dishes, and Wi-Fi connectivity lets you control it via smartphone or voice—perfect for multitasking cooks who demand total command.

In testing, the auto-bake and auto-roast features delivered consistent results, browning chicken skin and crisping roasted vegetables without drying. The sensor cooking adjusts time and power automatically, preventing overcooking—a major win for busy families. The matte black finish and built-in capability (with optional trim kit) elevate any kitchen’s aesthetic. However, the price is exceptionally high, and the interface can feel overwhelming for casual users. It also lacks air frying, a feature found in lower-priced models.

Compared to the Panasonic HomeChef, it offers better integration with smart home systems but misses out on air frying. Against the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), it trades raw power for smarter automation and design flexibility. It’s built for design-focused, high-end kitchens where aesthetics and automation matter most. While it doesn’t cook faster, it delivers luxury, control, and consistency—making it the most premium and connected option available.

The TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo ML2-EC10SA(BS) is a game-changer for health-conscious cooks who want crispy, flavorful meals with less oil—all in one compact unit. With 8-in-1 functionality—microwave, air fry, convection bake, broil, and more—it replaces multiple appliances while delivering restaurant-style results at home. The 1000-watt microwave power and 12.4” position memory turntable ensure even cooking, while the air fry mode creates golden fries and crispy chicken with up to 95% less fat.

Real-world testing shows it excels at multi-stage cooking, like air frying wings after microwaving them to heat through. The one-touch popcorn and speedy cooking buttons add convenience, and the compact footprint fits well in small kitchens despite its large 1.0 cu.ft. cavity—capable of holding a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza. The odor removal mode is a subtle but welcome touch for fish or strong-smelling foods. However, the control knobs feel less premium, and the interior lighting is dim.

Compared to the Panasonic HomeChef, it offers similar air fry and convection features at a lower price, though without app connectivity. Against the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, it adds true air frying and broiling, making it far more versatile. It’s ideal for families seeking healthier meals without sacrificing taste or space. It delivers more cooking flexibility than standard microwaves, offering a powerful, space-saving alternative to multiple appliances.