7 Best Microwave
Finding the perfect microwave can feel like a chore, but it doesn't have to be. The TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black stands out as the best overall choice for most kitchens, offering a great balance of capacity, power, and user-friendly features.
If you're leaning towards something with a bit more capacity for family-sized meals, the TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, 2.2 Cu.Ft, 1200W might be a better fit, as long as you have the counter space to spare.
This guide is here to help you cut through the noise and find the microwave that truly fits your needs. We'll cover the key features and models that shine, but we'll also point out who might be better off looking at different appliance categories altogether.
Everything you'll read below is based on current product specifications and aggregated owner feedback from Amazon. We haven't personally tested each unit in a lab, but our research aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Quick Answer: The Best Microwave
The best best microwave is the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black, offering a fantastic mix of power and capacity for everyday use.
- TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black (Best All-Around): Great power and capacity for most kitchens.
- TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, 2.2 Cu.Ft, 1200W (Best for Families): Generous space for larger meals.
- TOSHIBA Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, 1.6 Cu.Ft, 1200W (Best Sensor Cooking): Precise cooking with smart technology.
- BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel (Best Compact): Ideal for smaller spaces.
- Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts (Best Budget Features): Packed with presets and smart modes.
- TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W (Best Value Smart): Smart features without a huge price tag.
- BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel (Best Simple Stainless): Classic look with solid performance.
Thinking about a dedicated oven or a toaster oven instead? Jump to Who Should NOT Buy below before you spend anything.
Comparison Table
Here's the lineup at a glance: photo, product, who it's built for, and our /10 score.
Scroll sideways on small screens to see every column.
| Photo | Product | Best for | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven | Everyday Kitchen Use | 9.0/10 | Check price → |
 | TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven Smart | Family Meals | 8.8/10 | Check price → |
 | TOSHIBA Microwave Oven Smart Sensor | Precise Cooking | 8.7/10 | Check price → |
 | BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven | Small Kitchens | 8.5/10 | Check price → |
 | Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu | Smart Features on a Budget | 8.2/10 | Check price → |
 | TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven Smart Sensor | Balanced Smart Features | 8.9/10 | Check price → |
 | BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop | Classic Stainless Look | 8.0/10 | Check price → |
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven: Best All-Around
TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven Smart: Best for Families
TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven Smart: Best for Families
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor: Best Sensor Cooking
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor: Best Sensor Cooking
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven: Best Compact
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven: Best Compact
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.: Best Budget Features
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.: Best Budget Features
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor: Best Value Smart
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor: Best Value Smart
BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop: Best Simple Stainless
BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop: Best Simple Stainless
Buying Guide: Power, Capacity, and Features
When you're picking out a new microwave, it really boils down to a few key things: how much power it has, how big it is inside, and what extra features you might need. Let's break down what matters most from the models we looked at.
Power: Watts Make the Difference
The wattage of a microwave tells you how much power it has, which directly affects how quickly it can heat your food. We saw models ranging from 900W up to 1200W.
- 900W: This is on the lower side, but still perfectly capable for basic reheating and cooking. You might find it takes a little longer to heat things compared to higher wattage models. The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven (0.9 Cu.Ft) falls into this category.
- 1000W: This is a sweet spot for most home kitchens. It provides a good balance of speed and even heating for everyday tasks. Many of the models, like the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven (1.2 Cu.Ft) and the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven (1.1 Cu. Ft.), offer this power level.
- 1200W: These are the powerhouses. They heat food very quickly, which can be a real time-saver, especially for larger portions or when you're in a hurry. The TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven (2.2 Cu.Ft) and TOSHIBA Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor (1.6 Cu.Ft) are great examples of high-wattage options.
If you frequently cook or reheat large meals, opting for a 1000W or 1200W model will likely give you a better experience. For lighter use or smaller spaces, 900W can be perfectly adequate.
Capacity: How Much Can It Hold?
Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet, and it's a pretty straightforward indicator of how much food you can fit inside. This is crucial if you plan on heating large dishes or multiple items at once.
- Compact (0.7-0.9 Cu. Ft.): These are the smallest options, ideal for very tight spaces or single-person households. The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven (0.9 Cu.Ft) fits here. They might struggle to fit a standard 13-inch dinner plate.
- Mid-Size (1.0-1.3 Cu. Ft.): This is a popular range, offering a good compromise between size and capacity. Models like the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven (1.2 Cu.Ft), Chefman (1.1 Cu.Ft), and the other TOSHIBA (1.1 Cu.Ft) fall into this category. They can usually fit most common dinner plates and standard casserole dishes.
- Large (1.4-2.2+ Cu. Ft.): If you regularly cook for a family or entertain guests, a larger capacity is beneficial. The TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven (2.2 Cu.Ft) is the biggest in our lineup, capable of handling substantial meals.
Think about what you typically microwave. If it's just popcorn and single servings, a compact or mid-size unit will work fine. If you're reheating family-sized portions or large leftovers, a mid-size to large unit is a must.
Features: What Else Can It Do?
Beyond raw power and space, microwaves come with a variety of features that can make your life easier.
- Preset Programs: Many microwaves have buttons for specific foods like popcorn, baked potatoes, pizza, or beverages. These can take the guesswork out of cooking times and power levels. The Chefman and TOSHIBA Smart Sensor models offer a good selection here.
- Sensor Cooking/Reheating: This is a more advanced feature where the microwave uses sensors to detect humidity or steam released from food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power for optimal results. This can be incredibly convenient for reheating leftovers perfectly, as seen in the TOSHIBA Smart Sensor models.
- "Add 30 Seconds" Button: A simple but very useful feature that lets you easily add more cooking time with a single press. Almost all of the models include this.
- Child Lock: For households with young children, a child lock feature prevents accidental activation.
- Mute Function: Some models allow you to turn off the beep sounds, which can be a lifesaver in quiet households or early mornings. Chefman includes this.
- Eco Mode: Helps save energy when the microwave isn't actively cooking.
Decide which of these features are must-haves for you. If you value simplicity, basic controls are fine. If you want convenience and precision, look for sensor cooking or a good array of presets.
Who Should NOT Buy Best Microwave
While microwaves are incredibly convenient for a lot of tasks, they aren't the perfect solution for everyone or for every cooking need. This category is the wrong purchase for a few kinds of buyers. Here's who they are, and what to look at instead.
You Need a Full Oven for Baking and Roasting
If your primary cooking needs involve baking cakes, roasting meats, or preparing dishes that require dry, even heat over longer periods, a microwave alone won't cut it. Microwaves cook food by exciting water molecules, which is great for reheating and steaming but doesn't produce the kind of browning or texture you get from a conventional oven.
You Plan on Extensive Meal Prep with Complex Recipes
For serious home cooks who enjoy preparing elaborate meals from scratch, relying solely on a microwave can be limiting. Many complex recipes require precise temperature control, sautéing, simmering, or baking that microwaves can't replicate.
You Have Very Limited Space and Only Need to Warm Small Items
While we've included compact models, if your space is truly tiny and you only ever need to warm a mug of coffee or a very small portion, even the smallest microwave might be overkill. A high-quality electric kettle or a small toaster oven might serve your specific needs better and take up less counter space.
Final Verdict
After looking at the options, the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black emerges as the top pick for most people. It strikes an excellent balance between capacity, power, and user-friendliness, making it a reliable workhorse for everyday kitchen tasks.
If you're often cooking for a crowd and need that extra room, the TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, 2.2 Cu.Ft, 1200W is a fantastic alternative, provided you have the counter space.
For those who value precision and want their food heated just right with minimal fuss, the TOSHIBA Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, 1.6 Cu.Ft, 1200W offers smart cooking capabilities that simplify meal prep. And if you're working with tight spaces, the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel is a great compact solutionthat fits almost anywhere. Remember to consider your personal cooking habits and available space before making your final choice.
If a microwave just isn't the right fit for your kitchen needs, be sure to revisit the "Who Should NOT Buy" section for alternative appliance ideas.
FAQ
What's the best Microwave overall?
The TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black is our top pick. It offers a great combination of power (1000W), capacity (1.2 Cu.Ft), and user-friendly features, making it a versatile choice for most kitchens.
Which microwave is best for large families?
For larger families or those who frequently cook big meals, the TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, 2.2 Cu.Ft, 1200W is the best option. Its expansive capacity and high wattage handle large dishes with ease.
Are smart sensor microwaves worth the extra cost?
Smart sensor microwaves, like the TOSHIBA models, can be worth it if you value convenience and precise reheating. They automatically adjust cooking times, which can prevent over or undercooking, saving you time and potential frustration.
Which microwave is best for a small kitchen or dorm room?
The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel is an excellent choice for small spaces due to its compact footprint. It provides essential microwave functions without taking up too much counter real estate.
How much wattage do I need in a microwave?
For general use, 1000W is a good standard for efficient heating. 900W is adequate for basic tasks, while 1200W offers faster cooking times, ideal for larger portions or when you're in a hurry.
Should I get a microwave with presets?
Microwave presets can be very handy for common items like popcorn, potatoes, or beverages. They simplify cooking by automatically setting the time and power level, though sometimes manual adjustments might be needed for perfect results.
