8 Best Smart Microwave Ovens of 2026

The TOSHIBA OptiChef isn’t just a microwave—it’s a culinary command center packed with next-gen smarts and precision engineering. With Origin Inverter Technology, it delivers consistent, ripple-free power that eliminates the hot-and-cold spots common in budget models, while the ChefFry Plus system turns this compact unit into a full-fledged air fryer, crisping wings and fries without sacrificing moisture. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen feels like a step into the future, offering intuitive navigation that makes advanced cooking feel effortless—perfect for users tired of clunky dials and cryptic beeps.

In real-world testing, the OptiChef shines brightest when multitasking: reheating leftovers while air frying salmon or using AI-optimized sensor cooking to adjust heat based on internal humidity. The 1.3 cu.ft. cavity handles a 13-inch pizza or whole chicken with ease, and the 1100W inverter-powered performance means faster, more energy-efficient cooking. However, it struggles slightly with dense frozen meals when using combo modes, where cooking times lag behind standalone convection ovens. Still, the smart connectivity via TSmartLife app and Alexa allows remote monitoring and voice control, making it ideal for tech-forward kitchens.

Compared to the simpler ML-EM34P, the OptiChef offers AI-driven evolution—OTA firmware updates and cloud-based recipes mean it gets smarter over time. While it’s pricier than most in the lineup, the depth of features justifies the cost for users who want a single appliance that replaces a microwave, air fryer, and smart oven. It’s the most future-proof smart microwave here, outperforming others in innovation and versatility, even if it sacrifices a bit of raw cavity space compared to larger models.

If voice-first control is your kitchen priority, the TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) is a hands-free powerhouse that seamlessly integrates with Alexa for true smart cooking. The built-in humidity sensor intelligently adjusts power during reheat cycles, preventing soggy leftovers or overheated soups—a common pain point for microwave users. With 1100W of inverter-powered output, it delivers consistent heating across a spacious 1.3 cu.ft. cavity, making it a reliable workhorse for daily meals. Its standout feature? Flawless Alexa compatibility that feels more responsive than most competitors.

During testing, the ML-EM34P excelled at simple, repeatable tasks: reheating coffee, defrosting chicken, or popping popcorn with one voice command. The 12.4-inch turntable ensures even rotation, and the mute function is a godsend for late-night snacks without disturbing others. However, it lacks advanced cooking modes—no air frying, convection, or broil—so it won’t replace a full oven. The preset menus are helpful but limited, and the interface relies on physical buttons, which feel dated next to touchscreen models. Still, for straightforward smart reheating, it’s remarkably efficient.

When stacked against the GE GCST09U1WSS, the ML-EM34P offers more power and capacity while delivering equally strong voice integration. It’s the ideal pick for users who want smart functionality without complexity—think busy parents, office kitchens, or tech-savvy seniors. While it doesn’t match the OptiChef’s innovation, it delivers better value for pure smart convenience, balancing performance, size, and Alexa fluency in a way few others do.

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) is a value-packed hybrid that brings true 4-in-1 versatility—microwave, air fry, convection, and combo cooking—into a single, family-sized appliance. With a 1.5 cu.ft. interior and 13.6-inch turntable, it effortlessly fits a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza, making it ideal for households that need larger capacity without bulk. The smart sensor cooking adjusts power based on moisture levels, ensuring dishes like casseroles and frozen pizzas come out evenly heated, not rubbery or dry. For budget-conscious buyers wanting air frying, this is a game-changer.

In real use, the convection and air fry modes produce crispy results rivaling standalone units, though they’re slightly slower than dedicated air fryers. The 1000W microwave power is solid for reheating and defrosting, but not as rapid as 1100W+ models. Multistage cooking lets you program microwave + convection sequences—perfect for thawing then roasting—while the position memory turntable stops in the same spot every time, making it safer and easier to handle hot dishes. However, the stainless steel finish shows fingerprints easily, and the control panel lacks backlighting, making nighttime use tricky.

Compared to the Farberware budget model, the ML-EC42P offers far more functionality at a modest price increase. While it doesn’t have AI or app control like the OptiChef, it delivers real cooking flexibility that justifies its spot as the best value air fry combo. It’s the sweet spot between performance and price for families who want one appliance to do most of the work, even if it sacrifices some smart features.

The Farberware 1.2 cu.ft. microwave is a no-frills champion built for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices where space and simplicity rule. With 1000W of power and smart sensor cooking, it handles basic tasks—reheating, defrosting, popcorn—with reliable precision, while the compact 1.2 cu.ft. footprint fits neatly on tight counters or shelves. The LED display and interior light make monitoring easy, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind for homes with little ones. It’s the budget king for users who want smart features without the smart price.

In daily use, the microwave performs exactly as expected: fast, quiet, and consistent. The six one-touch presets (potato, pizza, popcorn) work well, and defrost-by-weight is surprisingly accurate for a model at this price. However, it lacks inverter technology, so heating can be uneven with delicate foods like cheese or sauces. The turntable is smaller (12.4-inch), limiting larger dishes, and there’s no convection or air fry—so don’t expect gourmet results. Still, for reheating leftovers or brewing oatmeal, it’s perfectly capable and incredibly affordable.

Against the GE GCST09U1WSS, it offers similar size and power but without Wi-Fi or Scan-to-Cook. Yet, it wins on pure value, delivering core smart features—sensor cooking, auto defrost, child lock—at the lowest price in the lineup. It’s not flashy, but for students, renters, or secondary kitchens, it’s the most practical entry-level smart microwave available. You won’t get bells and whistles, but you’ll get dependable, everyday performance without overspending.

The Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS) is the Swiss Army knife of microwaves, packing 8-in-1 functionality—microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combo, low-temp, odor removal, and defrost—into a surprisingly compact 1.0 cu.ft. body. Despite its small footprint, it fits a 12-inch pizza or whole chicken thanks to a cleverly designed cavity and 12.4-inch position memory turntable. The broil and odor removal modes are rare in this category, making it ideal for users who want maximum cooking variety in a space-saving design. It’s the most multifunctional smart microwave in the lineup.

In testing, the air fry and broil functions delivered crispy, golden results on chicken and toast, though batch sizes are limited due to the smaller interior. The 1000W power is adequate, but not the fastest for reheating large meals. Multistage cooking and easy-turn knobs make programming intuitive, and the black stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than silver models. However, the compact size means it’s less ideal for families—best suited for singles, couples, or small households. The lack of app control or AI smarts also keeps it from competing with the OptiChef on tech.

Versus the ML-EC42P, it offers more cooking modes in a smaller space, but sacrifices capacity. It’s the go-to for urban dwellers or minimalist kitchens where functionality trumps size. While not the fastest or largest, it delivers unmatched versatility for its footprint, making it the best pick for users who want one appliance to do almost everything—even if it means cooking in smaller portions.

For those who cook for crowds, the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) is a spacious powerhouse that combines 1.6 cu.ft. capacity with 1200W of smart inverter power—a rare combo in mid-range models. The 13.6-inch position memory turntable ensures safe, repeatable access, while the smart sensor menus auto-adjust power for pizza, veggies, and more, eliminating guesswork. Its standout feature? Better texture retention—thanks to precise humidity-based adjustments, food comes out moist, not mushy. It’s the best large-capacity smart microwave for families who hate dry leftovers.

In practice, it handles big dishes with ease: lasagnas, whole chickens, and family-sized casseroles rotate smoothly and cook evenly. The 1200W output heats faster than 1000W models, and the mute function silences beeps for quiet kitchens. However, it lacks air frying or convection, limiting its versatility compared to combo units. The black stainless steel looks sleek but can scratch if not cleaned gently. And while the sensor is smart, it doesn’t learn over time like AI models—so it’s smart, but not evolving.

Compared to the ML-EC42P, it offers larger capacity and more power but fewer cooking modes. It’s ideal for users who prioritize size and reheating performance over air frying. While not the most feature-rich, it delivers exceptional value in space and power, outperforming similarly priced models in sheer cooking volume and consistency.

The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is the undisputed champion for large families, boasting a massive 2.2 cu.ft. cavity and 16.5-inch turntable—big enough for a 16-inch pizza or two casserole dishes at once. With 1200W of power and an intuitive humidity sensor, it reheats, defrosts, and cooks with impressive consistency, while the 6 auto menus (bacon, oatmeal, chicken pieces) simplify daily meals. Its industrial-grade capacity makes it a kitchen centerpiece for households that cook in bulk.

Real-world use confirms its strength: it reheats multiple plates evenly, defrosts a 3-pound roast in under 15 minutes, and handles large roasts with ease. The position memory turntable stops in the same spot every cycle, a small but crucial safety win. ECO mode reduces standby power, and the mute option keeps nights quiet. However, the sheer size means it dominates counter space, and it lacks air frying or smart app features—so it’s powerful but not multifunctional.

Against the ML-EM45P, it offers even greater capacity and better multitasking, though at a similar price. It’s the best choice for big families who need volume over versatility. While it doesn’t fry or broil, it excels at what it does, delivering larger, faster, smarter heating than almost any other model—making it the ultimate high-capacity workhorse in the smart microwave lineup.

The GE GCST09U1WSS redefines smart convenience with Scan-to-Cook Technology, letting you scan frozen food barcodes for perfect, hands-free preparation—a revolutionary feature for busy households. Paired with Wi-Fi and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant, it’s the most connected microwave here, turning your phone or speaker into a kitchen remote. With 900W of power and a 0.9 cu.ft. interior, it’s compact but efficient, ideal for small spaces where smart integration trumps size.

In testing, Scan-to-Cook worked flawlessly with major frozen brands, adjusting time and power automatically—no more undercooked burritos or exploded soup cups. The humidity sensor and auto defrost performed reliably, though the lower wattage means slightly longer cook times than 1100W+ models. The glass turntable ensures even heating, and the two-step child lock adds safety. But the small cavity limits dish size, and no convection or air fry keeps it from replacing other appliances.

Compared to the ML-EM34P, it offers superior smart features despite less power. It’s the best pick for tech lovers who want seamless, automated cooking in a compact form. While not the most powerful or spacious, it leads in innovation, offering smarter, faster setup than any other model—making it the ultimate smart companion for modern kitchens.