8 Best Microwave Ovens Deals of 2026

This Toshiba EM131A5C-SS brings smart sensor precision and culinary intelligence to everyday reheating, making it a standout in the midsize microwave category. With 1000 watts of power and a 12.4-inch turntable, it handles family-sized plates with ease, while its Smart Humidity Sensor actively monitors steam levels to prevent overcooking—ideal for users tired of dried-out leftovers or soggy takeout. The ECO Mode and mute function add thoughtful touches for energy-conscious and quiet households, addressing real-world frustrations like disruptive beeping and phantom power drain.

In real-world testing, the auto-reheat and sensor cook functions consistently delivered evenly warmed meals, whether reviving a dense casserole or gently defrosting chicken breasts. The 12 preset menus include niche options like “veggle” (vegetable reheat), showing attention to diverse dietary needs, and the 10 power levels allow fine control for delicate tasks like melting chocolate. However, the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor food in low-light kitchens, and the digital panel can be unresponsive when using damp hands. It fits under most cabinets but demands a full 20.6 inches of width, so tight spaces may struggle.

Compared to the Farberware 1.2 cu ft model, this Toshiba offers smarter automation and better sensor accuracy, though at a higher cost. It’s not as large as the 1.6 cu ft Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS), but it excels for users who want reliable smart cooking without overspending on capacity. For those balancing intelligent features, solid performance, and mid-tier pricing, this model delivers smarter reheating intelligence than most competitors in its range.

The Farberware 1.2 cu ft microwave punches above its weight, delivering full-sized performance in a compact chassis—a true win for efficiency-focused buyers. With 1000 watts of power and a smart sensor system, it handles daily reheating with surprising consistency, while the six one-touch presets (including popcorn and pizza) make it a no-fuss kitchen companion. Its standout strength is space optimization: it fits neatly on cramped countertops or office desks without sacrificing cavity volume, solving the common pain point of bulky appliances in small living spaces.

During testing, the multi-stage cooking and defrost-by-weight features proved reliable, especially for meal preppers needing precise thawing before cooking. The LED display is bright, and the interior light makes monitoring easy, a subtle upgrade over some rivals. However, the sensor cooking is less nuanced than Toshiba’s version—occasionally underheating dense foods—and the plastic trim feels budget-grade despite the stainless finish. It lacks ECO mode or mute options, missing key features for eco-conscious or noise-sensitive users.

Against the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, this model trades some smart features for a lower price, making it a value-packed alternative for those who prioritize size and simplicity over automation. It doesn’t match the inverter-powered precision of higher-end Toshibas, but for small households or secondary kitchens, it offers dependable, space-saving performance. If you want a compact 1.2 cu ft microwave that delivers core functionality without fluff, this Farberware model balances size, power, and cost better than most.

Meet the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS)—a powerhouse of precision cooking that redefines what a countertop microwave should be. With 1250 watts of inverter-powered energy, it delivers continuous, even heating instead of pulsing power, eliminating the cold spots that plague conventional models. The 1.6 cu ft cavity and 13.6-inch turntable easily fit 13-inch pizzas or large casserole dishes, while the Smart Sensor Auto Menus adjust time and power based on humidity—making it exceptionally adept at reheating leftovers without rubberizing them.

In real-world use, the inverter technology shines when defrosting meat or simmering sauces, maintaining texture and moisture far better than non-inverter rivals. The 6 sensor menus (pizza, potato, veggies) are consistently accurate, and the two-step child lock adds serious safety for families. However, its 21.8-inch width demands significant counter space, and the bezel around the door collects grime, making cleaning a chore. It’s also heavier than most—33 lbs—so moving it isn’t effortless.

Stacked against the ML-EM45P(BS), this model shares the same core capacity and design but adds inverter tech for superior temperature control, justifying its premium. It outperforms budget models like the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB in cooking finesse and build quality, though it’s overkill for singles or minimalists. For families or serious cooks wanting restaurant-grade reheating and defrosting, this Toshiba delivers the most advanced cooking science in the lineup.

The Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) is a family-sized powerhouse built for those who need big capacity without sacrificing convenience. With a spacious 1.6 cu ft interior and a 13.6-inch position memory turntable that resets to the same spot every time, it offers unmatched ease of use—no more fumbling to remove hot dishes at odd angles. The 1200W output ensures rapid heating, and the smart sensor menus (pizza, veggies, potatoes) adapt to food moisture, preserving texture far better than basic timers.

In daily use, the memory function and multi-stage cooking are game-changers for complex meals, like reheating a casserole and then warming bread in sequence. The black stainless steel finish resists fingerprints, a rare win in this category, and the mute button silences beeps effectively—perfect for late-night snacks. However, it lacks inverter technology, so heating isn’t as smooth as the ML-EM45PIT(BS), and the control panel is recessed, making it hard to press with gloves or wet fingers.

Compared to the Chefman compact model, this Toshiba offers five times the capacity and smarter cooking logic, though it’s not as space-efficient. It’s slightly less powerful than its inverter sibling but still outperforms most mid-tier microwaves in usability and reliability. For households needing a large, stylish, and intuitive microwave with smart features, this model strikes the best balance of size, function, and convenience.

The Chefman 0.7 cu ft microwave is a compact dynamo, engineered for small spaces where every inch counts. Don’t let its 700W output fool you—this mini microwave delivers impressive speed and control, with 10 power levels and six one-touch presets (popcorn, veggies, beverages) that make solo meals a breeze. Its ECO Mode cuts standby power, and the mute button eliminates beeping, addressing two major pain points for apartment dwellers and dorm users.

Real-world testing shows it excels at quick tasks: reheating coffee, popping corn, or defrosting a single serving. The memory function lets you save favorite settings, and the dishwasher-safe turntable simplifies cleanup. But it struggles with larger dishes—a 10-inch plate won’t fit—and the power drops noticeably on lower settings, making delicate tasks like melting butter inconsistent. The +30 seconds button is responsive, but the plastic body feels hollow compared to metal-clad rivals.

Against the Galanz retro model, it offers better presets and ECO mode, though both share similar wattage and size. It’s not as feature-rich as the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft model, but it’s cheaper and more energy-efficient. For students, bachelors, or office kitchens needing a no-frills, space-saving microwave, this Chefman delivers essential functions without clutter or cost.

The Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 is a style-first microwave that turns heads with its vibrant Bebop Blue finish and retro pull-handle design—a rare find in a sea of silver boxes. Beyond looks, it delivers solid 700W performance and 360° even heating thanks to its rotating turntable, making it more than just a decorative piece. The LED display is crisp, and the interior light lets you monitor food clearly, solving the common issue of guessing doneness in dim cavities.

In use, the defrost-by-weight function works reliably, and the six power levels handle most basic tasks, though there are no preset menus beyond manual input. It heats efficiently for its size, but lacks one-touch cooking, which slows down frequent users. The child lock is effective, but the buttons are small and stiff, making operation frustrating for users with larger fingers. It’s best suited for dorms or studios where aesthetics matter as much as function.

Compared to the Chefman model, it trades presets and ECO mode for retro flair, appealing to design-conscious buyers. It doesn’t match the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB’s auto-cook convenience, but it stands out in environments where personality matters. For renters or minimalists wanting a fun, functional mini microwave, this Galanz brings charm and reliability to small-space living.

The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft microwave is a goldilocks solution for small kitchens, offering just-right capacity and smart usability in a streamlined package. With 900 watts of power and 6 auto menus (including dinner plates and frozen veggies), it bridges the gap between mini and full-sized models, fitting a 10-inch pizza while staying under 14 inches deep. The one-touch start is lightning-fast, and the memory function recalls favorite settings, a rare perk at this price.

In real use, the multi-stage cooking and 10 power levels allow surprising versatility—great for reheating soup and then popping corn without resetting. The two-step child lock is secure, and the digital panel is responsive, though the interior light is dimmer than expected. It heats evenly for most tasks but struggles with dense foods like thick stews, where higher-wattage models perform better. Its 18.6-inch width fits narrow counters, a major win for studio apartments.

Against the Toshiba 1.2 cu ft models, it sacrifices capacity and sensor tech for space efficiency, but beats the Chefman and Galanz in overall utility. It lacks ECO mode or mute options, but the memory function and auto menus add real convenience. For urban dwellers or college students needing a compact yet capable microwave, this BLACK+DECKER offers the most balanced blend of size, power, and smarts.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a budget-savvy essential, packing smart features into a minimalist 0.7 cu ft frame. With 700W power and six auto-cook buttons (pizza, popcorn, reheat), it delivers effortless daily reheating, while the mute function and ECO Mode cut noise and energy—two features rarely seen at this price. The +30 seconds button is perfectly placed for quick boosts, and the bright digital display makes timing easy, even in dim light.

Testing reveals it handles single servings with speed and consistency, especially for beverages and frozen meals. The defrost-by-weight function works accurately, and the child lock adds peace of mind in shared homes. However, the cavity is tight—larger mugs or plates must be angled—and the plastic build feels flimsy compared to metal-bodied rivals. It lacks advanced features like memory recall or multi-stage cooking, limiting its appeal for power users.

Compared to the Chefman model, it offers nearly identical specs but with simpler controls and no dishwasher-safe turntable, though both share ECO and mute modes. It doesn’t match the BLACK+DECKER’s size or presets, but it’s one of the most affordable smart-capable microwaves available. For first-time buyers or secondary kitchens needing quiet, efficient performance, this COMFEE’ proves you don’t need to spend much for essential modern features.