6 Best Microwave Ovens of 2026

This spacious workhorse redefines what a countertop microwave can do—offering 2.0 cubic feet of cooking capacity and 1,200 watts of power, making it a standout for families or anyone tired of rotating oversized dishes. The sensor cooking controls are a game-changer, automatically adjusting time and power to prevent overcooking, while the two-step child lock adds peace of mind in homes with curious little hands. If you’ve ever struggled with unevenly heated casseroles or crammed a lasagna dish inside a too-small cavity, this model solves those frustrations with precision and room to spare.

In real-world use, the GE shines when reheating large meals or cooking frozen dinners—thanks to its glass turntable and even heat distribution, food comes out consistently warm, not spotty. The weight-based defrost function is remarkably accurate, taking the guesswork out of thawing chicken or ground beef. While it’s larger than average (measuring approximately 21.5″ x 16″ x 12″), it still fits neatly on most countertops without dominating the space. However, users with very tight kitchens may find it slightly bulky, and the control panel, while intuitive, lacks advanced customization like multi-stage programming.

Compared to compact models like the Farberware 1.2 cu. ft., this GE unit trades some kitchen footprint efficiency for unmatched interior volume and power—ideal for households that regularly cook for multiple people. It doesn’t offer air frying or convection, so if crispiness is a priority, the GE convection model might be better. But for pure microwave performance at scale, this one leads the pack. It delivers greater capacity and smarter sensors than similarly priced rivals, making it the go-to for those who need roomy, reliable, and intelligent heating without stepping into over-the-range territory.

For those craving a no-fuss, space-savvy microwave that still delivers full-sized performance, the Farberware 1.2 cu. ft. model is a compact powerhouse that fits seamlessly into apartments, dorms, or secondary kitchens. With 1,000 watts of cooking power and a thoughtfully designed interior, it handles everyday tasks—from reheating coffee to popping bags of popcorn—with surprising efficiency. The six one-touch presets (including pizza, potato, and popcorn) make it effortlessly user-friendly, while the defrost-by-weight feature removes the mystery from thawing frozen ingredients.

During testing, this microwave proved reliable across common use cases: leftovers heated evenly, beverages warmed quickly, and pre-packaged meals cooked thoroughly. Its 1.2 cubic feet capacity fits standard dinner plates and most frozen meal trays, though larger casserole dishes may require careful angling. The LED display is crisp and readable, and the child safety lock works smoothly to prevent accidental starts. That said, it lacks smart sensor tech, so you won’t get automatic adjustments based on food moisture—meaning occasional manual tweaking for best results.

When stacked against the Chefman budget model, the Farberware offers more power, a larger cavity, and better build quality—making it a smarter long-term investment despite a modest price bump. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of higher-end models like Toshiba’s sensor-equipped units, but it nails the essentials. For anyone prioritizing compact dimensions without sacrificing core functionality, this Farberware microwave strikes a rare balance—delivering solid performance in a small footprint at a value-focused price.

The Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) earns its title as the best overall microwave by blending premium features, intelligent design, and family-friendly capacity into one sleek black stainless steel package. With 1,200 watts of power and a 1.6 cu. ft. interior that accommodates a 13-inch pizza, it’s built for real-life meal prep—not just reheating leftovers. The smart sensor menus automatically adjust cooking time and power for foods like vegetables, pizza, and popcorn, ensuring consistently great results without guesswork. And the position memory turntable—a rare innovation—resets to its original spot after removal, making reinstallation safer and more intuitive.

In practice, this microwave excels in both speed and consistency. Multi-stage cooking lets you defrost, then cook, all in one programmed cycle—a huge time-saver for busy households. The 10 power levels offer fine control, whether you’re gently warming baby food or rapidly boiling water. Even with dense or unevenly shaped dishes, the combination of sensor tech and turntable rotation prevents hot spots. The only minor drawback? At nearly 22 inches wide, it demands more counter space than minimalist kitchens can spare.

Versus the GE 2.0 cu. ft. model, the Toshiba sacrifices some interior volume but gains smarter automation and a more modern design. Compared to the Farberware, it offers greater power, better sensors, and advanced programming—without jumping into high-cost territory. It’s the ideal pick for users who want a balance of intelligence, power, and usability in a stylish, durable build. With more precision and convenience than similarly priced models, it’s the most well-rounded choice for families seeking a dependable daily driver.

Don’t let its miniature frame fool you—the Chefman 0.7 cu. ft. microwave is a budget-savvy dynamo built for singles, students, or minimalist kitchens where counter space is gold. Packing 700 watts of power into a footprint smaller than most toasters, it handles basic reheating, defrosting, and snack prep with surprising competence. The six one-touch presets (popcorn, pizza, veggies, etc.) make it incredibly easy to use, while the mute button lets you operate silently—perfect for late-night cravings without waking the household.

In real-world use, it shines in small tasks: warming soup, melting butter, or popping microwave popcorn. The 10 power levels allow for decent control, though the lower wattage means longer cook times for dense foods like potatoes or frozen entrees. The eco mode turns off the display when idle, saving energy—a thoughtful touch for eco-conscious users. However, its tiny cavity limits dish size; even a standard dinner plate won’t fit flat. And while the build feels lightweight, it’s cETL-certified and includes a child safety lock for basic security.

Compared to the Farberware or Toshiba models, the Chefman is clearly a step down in power and capacity, but it outperforms many sub-$70 competitors. It’s not meant for families or heavy cooking, but for a dorm room, office, or studio apartment, it’s unbeatable for value and size. It offers more features and smarter controls than other mini microwaves at this price, making it the top pick when you need affordable, space-saving simplicity without sacrificing all functionality.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is a multifunctional marvel that transforms your countertop into a mini oven kitchen with microwave, air fry, convection, and broil modes all in one compact 1.0 cu. ft. stainless steel body. With 1,050 watts of microwave power and an elevated rack for air circulation, it crisps fries, reheats pizza with a crunchy crust, and even broils salmon fillets—tasks traditional microwaves fail at. The built-in air fry mode eliminates the need for a separate appliance, making it ideal for small kitchens craving big flavor.

In testing, the air fry function delivered golden, crispy results on wings and frozen tater tots—far superior to standard microwave textures. Convection baking produced evenly browned muffins, while the broil mode added a nice sear to meats. The preset controls for fries and nuggets simplify operation, and the glass turntable ensures even cooking during microwave cycles. However, the small cavity limits batch cooking, and mastering multi-mode recipes requires some trial and error. Also, the interface is less intuitive than simpler models.

Against the Toshiba sensor microwaves, this GE unit trades smart reheating intelligence for versatile cooking performance. It’s not as spacious as the 2.0 cu. ft. GE microwave, but it does far more. For those who want crispy, oven-like results without a full oven, this model is unmatched. It packs more cooking flexibility and browning power than any other microwave in its class, making it the ultimate upgrade for foodies in compact spaces.

When precision cooking matters most, the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS stands out with its Smart Humidity Sensor Technology, which automatically detects steam levels and adjusts cooking time and power—ensuring your leftovers never turn rubbery or dry. With 1,000 watts of output and a 1.2 cu. ft. interior, it strikes a sweet spot between size and smarts, making it ideal for users who prioritize consistent, sensor-driven results over raw power or capacity. The mute function and ECO mode add quiet, energy-efficient operation—perfect for late-night use or eco-conscious homes.

In everyday use, the sensor reheat function excels at reviving pasta, rice, and soups with near-perfect moisture retention. The 12.4-inch turntable rotates smoothly, and the easy-clean interior wipes down with minimal effort. Six auto menus—including sensor reheat, pizza, and veggie—deliver reliable outcomes with one touch. While it lacks the 1,200W punch of higher-end models, the 10 power levels offer fine control. Its only real limitation is the absence of multi-stage programming, which prevents automated defrost-then-cook sequences.

Compared to the Farberware 1.2 cu. ft., this Toshiba model offers superior sensor intelligence and a more refined finish, justifying the slight price bump. Against the Chefman mini microwave, it’s clearly more powerful and intelligent. It’s the best choice for users who value automated cooking accuracy and hate guessing cook times. With smarter sensing and better finish than rivals, it delivers premium sensor performance at a mid-range cost.