Comparison: Best 800W Microwave (Updated | May 9th)

If you are looking for the best 800w microwave that actually feels like it belongs in the 21st century, the GE Profile PCHK11S1WBB is a serious contender. What really sets this apart in a crowded market is the tech integration. The Scan-to-Cook feature is a lifesaver for anyone who eats a lot of frozen meals but hates guessing the power levels; you just scan the barcode with your phone and the microwave sets itself. It also features WiFi Connect, which sounds like overkill until you realize you can check your timer from another room or use voice commands when your hands are covered in flour.

I’d recommend this for tech-savvy homeowners or professionals who want a sleek, built-in capable look without the massive footprint of a full-sized oven. It hits that sweet spot of 1.1 Cu Ft capacity—large enough for a standard dinner plate but compact enough for smaller kitchens. The sensor cooking is also much more precise than your average budget model.

The trade-off here is the price and the setup. You are paying a premium for those smart features, and if you aren’t planning to use the app or the Scan-to-Cook technology, you’re essentially buying an expensive 800-watt box. Also, keep in mind that the trim kit for that “built-in” look is sold separately, which adds to the total investment.

There is no mistaking the Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave in Red. It is a total vibe for anyone who wants their kitchen to feel like a 1950s diner. What makes it stand out isn’t just the vibrant red finish, but the tactile experience of the chrome door handle and the turn-and-push program dial. It feels much more mechanical and satisfying than tapping a flat plastic membrane over and over. Despite the old-school looks, the LED digital display is crisp and modern, ensuring you aren’t actually stuck in the past when it comes to timing your popcorn.

This is the perfect choice for a college dorm, a retro-themed apartment, or a breakroom that needs a splash of color. At 0.9 Cu. Ft., it’s compact enough to fit on a crowded counter while still offering 800 watts of power, which is plenty for reheating coffee or heating up a quick lunch. It’s a conversation piece as much as a tool.

However, the honest downside is the control scheme. If you are used to a standard number pad where you just hit “3-0-Start,” the program dial might feel a bit tedious at first. It takes an extra second or two to scroll to your desired time, which can be a minor annoyance if you’re always in a rush.

The Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave in Aqua offers a refreshing, cool-toned alternative to the standard black and stainless steel boxes that dominate most kitchens. The unique retro-styled aesthetics are the clear winner here, featuring those signature chrome accents that make the appliance pop. It’s surprisingly functional for something so focused on form, offering 12 pre-programmed settings that handle everything from potatoes to pizza with decent reliability for an 800-watt unit.

I think this is best suited for someone who prioritizes interior design and wants an appliance that doubles as decor. It’s particularly great for small living spaces like studio apartments or tiny homes where every item on the counter is highly visible. The 0.9 Cu. Ft. size is the “Goldilocks” of small microwaves—not too cramped, but definitely a space-saver.

One thing to consider is that the Aqua finish is very specific; if you ever change your kitchen color palette, this microwave might stick out like a sore thumb. Also, while 800 watts is the standard for this class, it will naturally take a bit longer to boil water or cook heavy frozen entrées compared to the high-powered 1000W+ models you might be used to.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a bit of a powerhouse outlier in this group. While many shoppers look for 800W models for their compact size, this 1000W unit steps things up with a 1.2 Cu Ft capacity and a Smart Humidity Sensor. This sensor is the real-world hero here; it detects the steam coming off your food and adjusts the time automatically so you don’t end up with “rubberized” leftovers. It also features a Mute Function, which is a godsend for anyone who hates the aggressive beeping of a finished cycle in a quiet house.

This is the ideal upgrade for a busy family or someone who actually “cooks” in their microwave rather than just reheating coffee. If you have the extra counter space for its 20.6-inch width, the performance jump is noticeable. The Easy Clean Interior is also a massive plus, as it resists the stubborn stains that usually plague white plastic interiors.

The trade-off is simply the size and power consumption. If you specifically need an 800W unit because your kitchen’s electrical circuit is finicky or your space is extremely tight, this TOSHIBA might be too much microwave for you. It’s a larger footprint that demands its own dedicated spot on the counter.

The Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave in Ivory is the sophisticated sibling in the Nostalgia lineup. While the red and aqua versions are loud and playful, the Ivory finish gives off a classy, cream-colored vintage aesthetic that blends beautifully with farmhouse or traditional kitchen styles. It maintains that 0.9 Cu. Ft. compact frame and 800-watt output, making it a reliable workhorse for everyday tasks like softening butter or heating up a bowl of soup. The 12 pre-programmed settings take the guesswork out of common items, which is helpful given the unconventional dial interface.

This is a great buy for someone who wants the retro charm without the “neon” intensity of brighter colors. It fits perfectly in a cozy kitchen nook or a home office. The chrome handle is sturdy and gives it a premium feel that you don’t often get with the push-button latches on cheaper modern models.

An honest drawback is the 0.9 Cu. Ft. interior limit. While it fits most standard plates, if you have oversized dinnerware or like to use large microwave popcorn bags, it can feel a bit tight. You’ll want to measure your favorite large bowls before committing to this smaller capacity.

If you’re hunting for a compact solution but want a bit more “oomph” than the base 800W models, the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) sits at a comfortable 900W. What makes this one stand out is the Black Stainless Steel finish, which looks incredibly sharp and resists fingerprints much better than standard shiny metal. It also includes a Mute Mode and a Two-Step Child Lock, which is a specific safety requirement that gives parents a little extra peace of mind against curious toddlers.

I would recommend this for apartment dwellers or anyone with a small kitchen who still wants a “pro” look. It’s small enough to stay out of the way but powerful enough that you aren’t waiting forever for your food to get hot. The 11 unique power levels offer a lot of control for delicate tasks like defrosting meat without graying the edges.

The trade-off is that 900 watts is a bit of an in-between power level. Most microwave instructions on food packaging are written for 1100W or 700W ovens, so you might find yourself doing a bit of mental math or trial-and-error to get the timing just right for your favorite snacks.

The Emerson MWRG0901W is a fascinating hybrid. While it operates as a standard 800W microwave, it features a Built-In 1,000W Grill Function. This is the standout feature that changes the game; you can actually get a bit of browning or crispiness on things like pizza slices or toast, which is usually impossible in a traditional microwave. It wraps all this utility in a glossy white retro design with chrome accents, giving you a mix of old-school style and multi-functional cooking.

This is the best choice for someone who lives in a small space without a full oven, like a studio or a dorm. The ability to “grill” and microwave in one unit saves you from needing a separate toaster oven. It’s a 0.9 Cu. Ft. unit, so it manages to stay compact while offering that extra versatility.

The downside is that the grill function isn’t a total replacement for a real broiler or toaster. It takes a little longer to heat up than a dedicated grill, and the 800W microwave side is relatively modest. You’ll need to keep the heating elements clean, as any food splatter that hits the grill components can cause smoke or odors during the next use.

The GE Countertop Microwave Oven (product_7) is a beast compared to the others on this list. With a massive 2.0 Cubic Ft. capacity and 1,200 watts of power, it’s designed for heavy-duty use. What makes it stand out is its sheer size; you can fit large casserole dishes or even a small turkey inside this thing. It uses Sensor Cooking Controls to prevent you from nuking your food into oblivion, which is vital when you’re working with this much raw power.

This is clearly for a large household or someone who does a lot of meal prep and needs to reheat family-sized portions. It’s a “kitchen essential” in the truest sense if you have the counter space to spare. The Stainless Steel finish is classic and fits into any modern kitchen aesthetic without trying too hard.

The obvious trade-off is the size. If you are specifically searching for the best 800w microwave because you have limited space or power constraints, this GE model is the exact opposite of what you need. It’s bulky, it’s heavy, and it will dominate a small countertop. It’s a great machine, but it’s definitely not “compact.”

The GE GCST10A1WSS is essentially a 3-in-1 kitchen workstation. While it functions as a 1050W microwave, it stands out because of its Air Fry, Convection, and Broil modes. In real life, this means you can get crispy french fries, bake a small batch of muffins, or sear a steak all in the same appliance. It even comes with a crisper pan to help achieve those textures. It’s a high-tech solution for people who want the ultimate versatility in a 1.0 Cu Ft footprint.

This is the “must-have” for a dorm room or a tiny apartment where a traditional oven is either missing or too much of a hassle to preheat. It’s also great for someone who wants to declutter their counters by replacing a standalone air fryer and a microwave with one Stainless Steel unit.

The downside is the learning curve. With so many modes—Air Fry, Convection, Broil—the control panel can feel a bit intimidating at first. You’ll actually need to read the manual to get the most out of it. Also, because it uses convection heat, the exterior of the unit can get much hotter than a standard microwave, so you have to be careful about what you place next to it.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave is the definition of “small but mighty.” At 700 Watts and 0.7 Cu. Ft., it’s the smallest and least powerful on the list, but it stands out for its thoughtful “quality of life” features. It includes a Mute Button (labeled as an Audio Button) and a Memory Function, which lets you program your most-used settings. For such an affordable, compact unit, having a dedicated mute option is a luxury usually reserved for much more expensive models.

This is the best use case for an office cubicle, a very small dorm, or as a secondary microwave just for snacks and coffee. It’s incredibly lightweight and has a tiny footprint, making it easy to tuck away in a corner or on a shelf. The One-Touch Express Cook buttons make it very user-friendly for the basics.

The trade-off is the 700W power level. It is significantly slower than an 800W or 1000W unit. If a frozen dinner says “cook for 5 minutes,” you’ll likely need to add another minute or two. It’s also not ideal for large plates, as the interior is quite shallow; you’ll want to check that your standard dinner plates actually fit before buying.