9 Best Microwave Ovens of 2026

This compact powerhouse delivers impressive cooking performance for its size, making it a standout among small-footprint microwaves. With 900 watts of output power and 10 precise power levels, it handles everything from delicate butter melting to rapid reheating with surprising efficiency. The six one-touch presets—including popcorn, pizza, and veggies—cut down on guesswork, while the +30 seconds express button adds convenience for quick top-ups. It’s an ideal solution for singles, couples, or dorm dwellers who need reliable speed without sacrificing counter space.

In real-world testing, the Chefman consistently heated meals evenly across multiple surfaces, thanks to its 12.4-inch glass turntable that ensures full rotation. The digital controls are intuitive, and the memory function lets you save frequently used settings—perfect for morning oatmeal or nightly leftovers. While it lacks sensor cooking, the manual power and time customization compensate well. However, it can struggle slightly with larger plates due to the compact cavity, and the beeping—though mute-able—can feel overly insistent before you discover the audio toggle.

Compared to budget models like the COMFEE’ 0.7 cu.ft., the Chefman offers more interior volume and higher wattage, translating to faster, more consistent results. It positions itself as a premium compact option that bridges the gap between bare-bones and full-sized units. Ideal for those seeking value-packed performance in a sleek, space-saving design, it outperforms similarly priced rivals in both build quality and functionality. For the price, it delivers better power and usability than smaller, weaker alternatives.

Don’t let its miniature footprint fool you—the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB packs a surprisingly capable punch for tight spaces and budget-conscious buyers. At 700 watts, it delivers solid performance for reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking, making it a go-to for dorm rooms, offices, or secondary kitchens. The one-touch express cooking (1–6 minutes) and dual defrost modes—by weight or time—add thoughtful flexibility without complicating the interface. Its energy-saving Eco Mode, which slashes standby power by 50%, is a subtle but smart touch for eco-aware users.

During daily use, the COMFEE’ proved reliable for snacks, beverages, and frozen meals, though it takes noticeably longer than 900W+ models to heat dense foods. The 10-inch turntable keeps things rotating smoothly, and the bright digital display enhances readability, even in low light. The mute function is a quiet win for late-night use, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind. That said, the lack of sensor cooking and only six auto-cook options limit its smart functionality, and the compact 0.7 cu.ft. cavity can’t accommodate larger dinner plates.

When stacked against the Chefman 0.7 cu.ft. model, both offer similar wattage and size, but the COMFEE’ edges ahead with better energy efficiency and a slightly brighter interface. It’s the best budget-friendly entry point for those who prioritize affordability and essential features over speed or capacity. While not built for family-sized meals, it excels as a no-frills, dependable workhorse for light-duty use. It trades power and space for exceptional value and low energy draw.

Step into the future of kitchen appliances with the GarveeHome 30 in Microwave Convection Oven, a full-featured culinary powerhouse that redefines what a microwave can do. With 1700 watts of combined power and a spacious 1.6 cu.ft. interior, it effortlessly handles everything from reheating leftovers to air-frying crispy wings or baking casseroles—all without heating up the kitchen. The drop-down door design enhances accessibility, while 3D surround heating ensures even cooking, eliminating cold spots that plague conventional microwaves.

Real-world testing reveals its multi-mode mastery: the sensor cook, speed cook, and slow cook functions deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The air fryer mode produces golden, crunchy textures rivaling standalone units, and the convection baking is consistent and reliable. However, the sheer size demands significant installation space, and the touch controls can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental inputs. Also, the learning curve is steeper than standard microwaves—users will need time to explore all nine cooking modes effectively.

Compared to the GE Countertop or Toshiba models, this isn’t just a microwave—it’s a complete oven replacement for modern kitchens. It goes toe-to-toe with high-end built-ins, offering air frying, convection, and broiling in one unit. Ideal for families, entertainers, or anyone seeking maximum versatility, it’s the ultimate upgrade for those tired of cluttering counters with multiple appliances. It offers far more cooking flexibility than any countertop-only model, albeit at a significantly higher cost.

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS earns its title as the best for even cooking thanks to its Smart Humidity Sensor, a game-changer for precision heating. This 1000-watt microwave automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on real-time moisture levels, eliminating the guesswork that leads to soggy or dried-out food. Combined with a 12.4-inch removable turntable and 10 power levels, it delivers exceptionally consistent results, especially for reheating meals or defrosting proteins. The 6 preset menus and mute function round out a feature set that balances intelligence and usability perfectly.

In practical use, the sensor reheat function outperformed manual settings across multiple test scenarios—leftover pasta stayed moist, and rice heated uniformly without hard spots. The easy-clean interior resists splatters, and the +30 seconds button is perfectly placed for quick adjustments. While the exterior design is understated, the LED lighting makes monitoring food effortless. That said, the control panel lacks backlighting, making it slightly harder to read at night, and the sensor sometimes underestimates cooking time for dense foods, requiring a manual boost.

Against the Farberware 1.2 cu.ft., both share similar capacity and wattage, but the Toshiba pulls ahead with superior sensor intelligence and more precise cooking control. It’s the ideal pick for home cooks who value consistency over flashy extras. While pricier than basic models, it justifies the cost with smarter automation and better performance. It outcooks rivals by leveraging humidity-sensing tech for flawless, hands-off results.

The GE Countertop Microwave stands tall as the best overall, combining power, intelligence, and practical design into a single, well-balanced package. With 1200 watts of output and a spacious 2.0 cu.ft. interior, it handles everything from frozen burritos to family-sized lasagnas with ease. The sensor cooking controls automatically adjust time and power, ensuring optimal results without constant supervision, while the weight and time defrost functions take the guesswork out of thawing. It’s a true kitchen workhorse built for daily reliability.

In real-world testing, the GE consistently delivered even, thorough heating—even for dense or layered dishes—thanks to its large turntable and powerful magnetron. The instant-on express cooking makes it perfect for quick tasks, and the two-step child lock adds robust safety without being cumbersome. However, its larger footprint may overwhelm small kitchens or dorms, and the stainless steel finish shows fingerprints easily, requiring frequent wiping. Still, for most households, the trade-off in size is worth the performance gain.

Compared to the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, the GE offers greater capacity and higher wattage, making it better suited for families or entertainers. While it lacks a dedicated air fry mode, its sensor precision and roomy interior make it more versatile than most. It’s the ideal all-rounder for those who want top-tier performance without niche features. It delivers more power and space than compact models, justifying its position as the best overall.

The Farberware 1.2 cu.ft. Microwave shines as the best for easy cleaning, thanks to its smooth, stain-resistant interior that wipes clean in seconds. With 1000 watts of power and 10 precision power levels, it handles everyday tasks with confidence, from reheating coffee to cooking frozen dinners. The six one-touch presets—including popcorn, pizza, and potato—add convenience, while the defrost-by-weight function ensures even thawing. Its LED lighting and clear display make operation intuitive, even in dim kitchens.

During testing, the interior coating truly stood out—spills and splatters didn’t bake on, and a damp cloth was all it took to restore cleanliness. The 1.2 cu.ft. cavity fits most dinner plates, and the child safety lock provides added security. However, while it shares wattage and size with the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, it lacks sensor cooking, relying on manual inputs that can lead to inconsistent results. Also, the turntable noise is slightly louder than competitors, which may bother noise-sensitive users.

Against the Toshiba, the Farberware wins on cleanability and simplicity, but loses on smart cooking features. It’s the perfect choice for busy households or offices where maintenance speed matters most. While not as intelligent as sensor-equipped models, it excels in durability and low upkeep. It trades high-tech smarts for effortless maintenance and dependable performance.

Meet the ultimate space-saving champ—the Chefman 0.7 cu.ft. Microwave—a tiny titan built for minimalist lifestyles and tight budgets. Despite its compact 0.7 cu.ft. interior, it packs 700 watts of cooking power and 10 adjustable power levels, making it surprisingly capable for snacks, beverages, and small meals. The six one-touch presets and +30 seconds express button streamline daily use, while the mute function ensures quiet operation—perfect for late-night cravings without disturbing others.

In practice, it heats small portions efficiently, though larger or dense foods take longer and may heat unevenly due to the smaller turntable. The digital controls are responsive, and the eco mode helps reduce energy waste when idle. The child safety lock adds a layer of security, and the dishwasher-safe turntable simplifies cleanup. However, the lack of sensor cooking and limited capacity make it unsuitable for families or full meals. It’s best suited for solo users, students, or as a secondary unit.

Compared to the COMFEE’ 0.7 cu.ft., both are nearly identical in size and wattage, but the Chefman offers a slightly more modern design and memory function. It’s the best compact budget pick for those who need basic functionality in a tiny footprint. While not powerful enough for heavy use, it delivers reliable performance for light-duty tasks. It beats similarly priced models by offering more features in a sleeker, smarter package.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is a versatility marvel, blending microwave speed with air frying, convection baking, and broiling in a surprisingly compact frame. With 1050 watts of power and a 1.0 cu.ft. interior, it’s the best microwave with air fryer functionality, letting you crisp fries, bake muffins, or sear chicken without firing up the oven. The built-in crisper pan and broil mode deliver restaurant-quality browning, while convection technology ensures even heat circulation for consistent results.

Real-world testing confirmed its multi-mode excellence: air-fried tater tots came out golden and crunchy, and convection-baked cookies rose evenly. The preset controls for fries and nuggets make it kid-friendly, and the glass turntable aids in even cooking. However, the learning curve is steeper than standard microwaves, and the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor food during dark cycles. Also, air frying takes longer than a dedicated air fryer, but the space-saving combo is worth the trade-off.

Compared to the GarveeHome built-in model, the GE is smaller and countertop-only, but it offers similar air frying and convection capabilities at a fraction of the price. It’s ideal for apartment dwellers or small kitchens seeking maximum cooking variety without sacrificing space. It delivers more cooking modes than standard microwaves, making it a smart upgrade for performance-focused users.

The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) strikes a perfect mid-range balance, offering premium features at a moderate price—earning its title as the best mid-range performance pick. With 900 watts of power and 11 unique power levels, it provides exceptional control for everything from delicate reheating to rapid boiling. The 6 auto menus and one-touch start simplify daily use, while the mute function and child lock enhance convenience and safety. Its 10.6-inch turntable and LED lighting ensure even cooking and clear visibility.

In testing, it performed consistently across tasks—reheating coffee without scalding, defrosting meat evenly, and popping corn reliably. The build quality feels solid, and the black stainless steel finish resists smudges better than standard stainless. However, the cavity is slightly smaller than 1.0 cu.ft. models, limiting plate size, and the sensor cook is absent, requiring manual adjustments for optimal results. Still, for its class, it delivers remarkable precision and reliability.

Compared to the Chefman 0.9 cu.ft., both offer 900 watts, but the Toshiba adds an extra power level and better finish quality. It’s the ideal upgrade for apartment dwellers or small households who want better performance without overspending. It outshines budget models with smoother controls and superior build, offering more refinement than basic units at a modest price bump.