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

If you are looking for a workhorse that doesn’t scream every time a bag of popcorn is finished, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a breath of fresh air. What really makes this unit stand out in a busy kitchen is the Smart Humidity Sensor. Instead of guessing how long to reheat a plate of leftovers, the sensor detects steam and adjusts the 1000W output on the fly. It is remarkably reliable for avoiding those “hot on the outside, frozen in the middle” disasters we all hate.

I would recommend this for families or serious home cooks who need a primary microwave that can handle larger dinner plates thanks to the 1.2 Cu Ft capacity. The Mute Function is a godsend for early risers who want to heat up coffee without waking the entire household. It feels much more premium than your average budget box.

The trade-off here is the footprint. This is a substantial machine that takes up a fair amount of counter real estate. If you are working in a tiny apartment kitchen or a cramped dorm, the 20.6-inch width might be a bit overwhelming compared to more compact 800W models. It’s a powerhouse, but you definitely have to clear some space for it.

The GE Profile PCHK11S1WBB is a fascinating piece of tech that feels like it belongs in a modern, connected home. The standout feature here is undoubtedly the Scan-to-Cook Technology paired with WiFi Connect. Being able to scan a frozen burrito barcode and have the microwave automatically pull the exact settings from the cloud is a game-changer for anyone who hates reading tiny font on plastic packaging. It takes the 800W power and applies it with surgical precision.

This is the ideal choice for the tech-savvy professional or the minimalist who wants a built-in look. Since it is built-in capable and can even be mounted under a cabinet, it’s perfect for someone doing a kitchen remodel who wants to keep their counters clear. It bridges the gap between a basic appliance and a smart home hub.

However, the honest downside is the reliance on tech for the best experience. If your home internet is spotty or you just want a “dumb” microwave that you can start with one button without an app, all these extra features might feel like unnecessary clutter. You are paying a premium for the connectivity, so make sure you’ll actually use the SmartHQ app before diving in.

There is no denying that the Nostalgia Retro Microwave in black is all about the aesthetic. In a world of boring stainless steel boxes, this unit stands out with its sleek chrome accents and that distinct 1950s silhouette. Despite the vintage look, the 800-Watt power and digital LED display keep it firmly in the modern era. It’s surprisingly intuitive; you just turn the program dial and push to start, which feels much more tactile and satisfying than flat membrane buttons.

I think this is the perfect fit for a basement bar, a stylish office breakroom, or a “man cave” where you want an appliance that doubles as a conversation piece. It handles the basics like pizza and popcorn perfectly well with its 12 pre-programmed settings. It’s for the person who prioritizes interior design just as much as functionality.

The trade-off is that the 0.9 cu ft interior is relatively snug. While it’s fine for standard plates, you aren’t going to fit a massive casserole dish in here. Also, because it uses a dial-heavy interface, it might take a few tries to get used to the workflow if you’ve spent your whole life using a standard number pad.

The Nostalgia Retro Microwave in Aqua is an absolute showstopper for anyone trying to add a pop of color to their kitchen. While the black version is subtle, this Aqua finish is vibrant and fun, making the vintage chrome handle really pop. It brings a cheerful energy to a room that usually feels utilitarian. Beyond the looks, it’s a capable 800-Watt unit that handles everyday reheating tasks without any fuss.

This is the ultimate gift for a college student heading to a dorm or someone furnishing their first “shabby chic” apartment. It’s compact enough to fit on a small cart but has enough express cooking options to handle a busy schedule. The Child Lock feature is also a nice safety touch that you don’t always see on these smaller, style-focused models.

One thing to keep in mind is that 800 watts is on the lower end of the power spectrum compared to full-sized ovens. You’ll find that things like boiling a large bowl of water or cooking a thick frozen meal will take a minute or two longer than the instructions on the back of the box suggest. It’s a trade-off of speed for style, but for many, that trade-off is well worth it.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is the “Goldilocks” of small microwaves. It manages to pack 900W of power into a 0.9 cubic foot frame, which is a significant step up in speed from the standard 700W or 800W compact models. What really makes it shine in daily life is the Black Stainless Steel finish—it’s much better at hiding fingerprints and smudges than traditional shiny metal, keeping your kitchen looking clean even with heavy use.

This is the best option for apartment dwellers who don’t want to sacrifice performance just because they have limited counter space. It includes a Mute Function and a Two-Step Child Lock, making it a very thoughtful choice for parents with toddlers or people living in shared spaces where silence is appreciated.

The main downside is the interior lighting. While it has LED lighting, some might find the dark interior finish makes it a bit harder to see your food through the door while it’s spinning. If you’re the type who likes to watch your cheese melt to the exact second, you might find yourself squinting a bit more than usual.

When you need to feed a crowd or heat up a massive family-sized lasagna, the GE Countertop Microwave is the heavy hitter you want. With a massive 2.0 Cubic Ft. capacity and 1200 watts of power, it operates on a different level than the smaller 800W units. The standout feature here is the Sensor Cooking, which is incredibly accurate at preventing food from drying out, even in such a large cavity.

This is designed for a busy household where the microwave is used for more than just reheating coffee. If you have a large family or frequently host gatherings, you’ll appreciate being able to fit full-sized baking dishes inside. It’s a true kitchen essential for those who value efficiency and sheer volume.

The honest trade-off is the sheer size. This thing is a beast. It requires a significant amount of counter space, and it’s heavy enough that you won’t want to be moving it around. Before buying, you absolutely need to measure your space twice, as it can easily dominate a small kitchen. It’s also much louder than the smaller, lower-wattage models during operation.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave is the definition of “small but mighty.” At only 0.7 Cu. Ft., it is one of the most compact options available, making it a hero for studio apartments or even RVs. What stands out is the Memory Function, which lets you save your most-used settings. If you have a specific time and power level for your morning oatmeal, you can trigger it with a single touch, which is a luxury usually reserved for much more expensive machines.

I’d recommend this for students, solo dwellers, or as a secondary microwave for a home office. It’s perfect for someone who just needs to heat up a mug of tea or a bowl of soup. The Mute Button and Eco Mode are fantastic additions that show Chefman really thought about the user experience in small living quarters.

The clear downside is the 700W power output. It is noticeably slower than standard microwaves. You will definitely have to add time to almost every frozen meal instruction you read. If you are someone who is always in a rush and wants your food ready in seconds, the lower wattage might test your patience over time.

The Nostalgia Retro Microwave in Ivory offers a creamy, classic look that feels incredibly warm and inviting. It’s a departure from the cold, industrial feel of modern appliances. The 800-Watt power is perfectly adequate for standard kitchen tasks, and the 12 pre-programmed settings are surprisingly useful for things like potatoes and veggies. The chrome accents on the ivory background give it a high-end “boutique” feel that really elevates a kitchen’s personality.

This is the best use case for someone creating a vintage-themed kitchen or a cozy breakroom. It’s a great choice if you want an appliance that feels like a piece of furniture rather than just a tool. The Easy to Read LED display is a nice touch, ensuring that the retro vibe doesn’t come at the cost of modern visibility.

One trade-off to consider is that the ivory finish can show kitchen grease and splatters more easily than black or stainless steel. You’ll want to keep a microfiber cloth handy to maintain that pristine, vintage glow. Additionally, like its siblings, the 0.9 cu ft size means you’ll need to stick to standard-sized plates and bowls.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is essentially a Swiss Army knife for your countertop. It’s not just a microwave; it’s a Convection Oven, Air Fryer, and Broiler all rolled into one 1050W unit. The standout feature is the Air Fry Mode, which allows you to get that crispy, browned texture on fries or nuggets without needing a separate appliance taking up space. It’s incredibly versatile for such a compact footprint.

This is the ultimate “dorm in a box” or the perfect solution for someone living in a tiny home without a full-sized oven. If you want to be able to bake a small batch of cookies, broil a piece of salmon, and reheat coffee all in the same machine, this is for you. The stainless steel design also gives it a professional, high-end look that fits any decor.

The downside is the learning curve. Because it does so many things, the control panel is more complex than a standard microwave. You’ll actually need to keep the manual nearby for the first few weeks to understand which racks to use for which mode. It’s a high-performance machine that requires a bit of effort to master.

The Emerson MWRG0901W is a unique hybrid that solves the age-old problem of soggy microwave food. While it has a standard 800W cooking power, it features a Built-In 1,000W Grill Function. This is the standout feature—you can actually get a bit of “crunch” on your pizza or a golden-brown top on a mac-and-cheese bowl. It bridges the gap between a microwave and a toaster oven in a way that is very rare for this price point.

I would recommend this for the “leftover connoisseur”—someone who frequently reheats food that usually loses its texture in a microwave. It’s also great for small kitchens where you don’t have room for both a microwave and a grill/toaster. The white retro design is clean and sharp, offering a nice alternative to the more common aqua or red retro colors.

The trade-off is that the 800W microwave side is a bit less powerful than the 1000W grill side. This means standard reheating takes a little longer, while the grill function is quite intense. You have to be careful not to over-cook things when using the grill mode, as it can go from “crispy” to “burnt” faster than you might expect.