Best Microwaves
Find the best microwaves for quick cooking.
Updated April 202610 picks1 min read
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1
Best Overall
8.8
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Stainless Steel Microwave
- ✓1000W power with smart sensor cooking
- ✓12.4-inch turntable fits standard dishes
- ✓6 preset menus for common foods
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1Best Overall
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Stainless Steel Microwave
- ✓1000W power with smart sensor cooking
- ✓12.4-inch turntable fits standard dishes
- ✓6 preset menus for common foods
8.8
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2
Best Premium
8.7
Panasonic NN-SN67KS 1.2 Cu Ft 1200W Inverter
- ✓1200W inverter technology
- ✓1.2 cu ft family size capacity
- ✓Genius sensor auto cook 14 presets
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2Best Premium
Panasonic NN-SN67KS 1.2 Cu Ft 1200W Inverter
- ✓1200W inverter technology
- ✓1.2 cu ft family size capacity
- ✓Genius sensor auto cook 14 presets
8.7
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3
Best Budget
8.5
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital 0.7 Cu Ft 700W
- ✓700W compact 0.7 cu ft size
- ✓Pre-programmed buttons 6 settings
- ✓Child safety lock included
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3Best Budget
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital 0.7 Cu Ft 700W
- ✓700W compact 0.7 cu ft size
- ✓Pre-programmed buttons 6 settings
- ✓Child safety lock included
8.5
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4
8.4
GE 3-in-1 Countertop Microwave 1.0 Cu Ft
- ✓1050W with air fry mode
- ✓1.0 cu ft versatile cooking
- ✓Convection and microwave combo
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4
GE 3-in-1 Countertop Microwave 1.0 Cu Ft
- ✓1050W with air fry mode
- ✓1.0 cu ft versatile cooking
- ✓Convection and microwave combo
8.4
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5
8.3
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Retro
- ✓700W retro design 0.7 cu ft
- ✓11 power levels precise control
- ✓Mute function for quiet operation
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5
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Retro
- ✓700W retro design 0.7 cu ft
- ✓11 power levels precise control
- ✓Mute function for quiet operation
8.3
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6
8.1
Galanz GTWHG12BKSA10 1.2 Cu Ft 1100W
- ✓1100W powerful heating 1.2 cu ft
- ✓Air fry mode 400°F max temp
- ✓Easy clean stainless interior
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6
Galanz GTWHG12BKSA10 1.2 Cu Ft 1100W
- ✓1100W powerful heating 1.2 cu ft
- ✓Air fry mode 400°F max temp
- ✓Easy clean stainless interior
8.1
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7
8.0
Amazon Basics Microwave 0.7 Cu Ft 700W
- ✓700W Alexa voice control ready
- ✓0.7 cu ft compact design
- ✓10 power levels included
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7
Amazon Basics Microwave 0.7 Cu Ft 700W
- ✓700W Alexa voice control ready
- ✓0.7 cu ft compact design
- ✓10 power levels included
8.0
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8
7.8
Farberware Classic FMO07ABTBKA 0.7 Cu Ft
- ✓700W 0.7 cu ft compact
- ✓LED display with 6 presets
- ✓Memory function saves settings
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8
Farberware Classic FMO07ABTBKA 0.7 Cu Ft
- ✓700W 0.7 cu ft compact
- ✓LED display with 6 presets
- ✓Memory function saves settings
7.8
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9
7.6
Insignia NS-MW09SS8 0.9 Cu Ft 900W
- ✓900W mid-size 0.9 cu ft capacity
- ✓8 auto cook menus included
- ✓Child lock safety feature
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9
Insignia NS-MW09SS8 0.9 Cu Ft 900W
- ✓900W mid-size 0.9 cu ft capacity
- ✓8 auto cook menus included
- ✓Child lock safety feature
7.6
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10
7.3
RCA RMW733 0.7 Cu Ft 700W White
- ✓700W basic 0.7 cu ft white
- ✓10 power levels simple controls
- ✓Lightweight portable design
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10
RCA RMW733 0.7 Cu Ft 700W White
- ✓700W basic 0.7 cu ft white
- ✓10 power levels simple controls
- ✓Lightweight portable design
7.3
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Buyer's Guide
Power and Wattage
Microwave power ranges from 700W to 1,250W, directly impacting cooking speed. A 1,000W+ unit heats food 30-40% faster than 700W models. For families reheating meals and cooking regularly, aim for 1,000-1,200W. Solo users or those just reheating beverages can save money with 700-900W models.
Interior Capacity
Capacity ranges from 0.7 to 2.2 cubic feet. A 1.2-1.4 cu ft interior fits standard dinner plates (10-12 inches) comfortably. Larger families cooking casseroles need 1.6+ cu ft. Compact dorm or office models at 0.7-0.9 cu ft sacrifice plate size but save counter space.
Control Interface
Dial controls offer simplicity and durability but lack preset options. Digital keypads with express cook buttons (1-6 minutes) speed up common tasks. Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time/power for popcorn, vegetables, and frozen meals—worth the $20-40 premium for frequent users.
Turntable vs Flatbed Design
Traditional turntables rotate food for even heating but limit usable space (corners unused). Flatbed models use distribution antennas, fitting rectangular dishes edge-to-edge and simplifying cleaning, but cost 20-30% more at equivalent wattage.
FAQ
What wattage microwave do I actually need for everyday use?+
1,000 watts handles most reheating and cooking tasks efficiently without overcooking. Go to 1,200W only if you frequently cook frozen meals or need faster times for large portions.
Is sensor cooking worth paying extra for?+
Yes if you cook popcorn, steam vegetables, or reheat leftovers 3+ times weekly—it prevents overcooking and eliminates guesswork. Skip it if you mostly heat beverages or use manual timers comfortably.
How much interior space do I need to fit a dinner plate?+
At least 1.2 cubic feet to accommodate a standard 10-11 inch plate. Measure your most-used dishes before buying—a 0.9 cu ft model forces you to use smaller plates or bowls.
Are stainless steel interiors better than painted ones?+
Stainless resists staining and wipes clean faster, but painted interiors perform identically and cost $15-30 less. Choose stainless if aesthetics matter or you cook tomato-based foods often.
How We Rank
Updated April 2026 · refreshed monthly
Each ranking combines verified-purchase reviews from Amazon, expert research from independent publications, and our editors' own judgment on what each product is genuinely best for.
Read our full method →