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

If you are looking for the best microwave 800w can offer, the GE Profile PCHK11S1WBB is a surprisingly high-tech contender. What really sets it apart in a crowded market is the Scan-to-Cook technology and Wi-Fi connectivity. Being able to scan a frozen burrito’s barcode and have the microwave automatically adjust its settings is a genuine luxury that eliminates the guesswork of “will the middle still be frozen?” It feels like a premium appliance shrunk down into a 1.1 Cu Ft footprint.

I’d recommend this for the tech-savvy professional or the busy parent who values precision and remote monitoring. It’s also a fantastic choice for those who want a custom look without the custom price tag, as it’s built-in capable with an optional trim kit. It fits that “smart home” aesthetic perfectly while delivering Sensor Cooking that actually works.

The trade-off here is the power-to-price ratio. At 800 Watts, it is significantly slower than 1000W or 1200W models. You are paying a premium for the GE Profile brand name and the smart features rather than raw heating speed. If you’re used to a more powerful unit, you’ll definitely notice that extra minute or two added to your cook times.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is essentially the gold standard for a reliable, everyday kitchen workhorse. While the prompt focuses on 800W units, this 1000W machine stands out because of its Smart Humidity Sensor. In real-world use, this means your leftovers won’t turn into rubbery bricks. It detects steam and adjusts the power automatically, which is a lifesaver for reheating pasta or vegetables. The Mute Function is another “why don’t they all have this?” feature—you can finally sneak a midnight snack without the loud beeps waking up the whole house.

This is the best choice for families or people who do a lot of actual cooking in their microwave, rather than just popping corn. The 1.2 Cu Ft capacity is generous enough for a full dinner plate or a medium casserole dish. It’s built for those who want a “set it and forget it” experience with consistent results.

The downside is its physical footprint. This is not a “small” microwave. It takes up a significant amount of counter space, so if you’re living in a tiny apartment or a dorm, it might feel a bit like an elephant in the room. You have to sacrifice space for that 1000W power and sensor accuracy.

The Nostalgia Retro in red is all about personality. In a world of boring stainless steel boxes, this 800W unit stands out immediately with its chrome accents and vibrant cherry finish. It’s not just a kitchen tool; it’s a decor piece. Despite the vintage 1950s look, it’s fully digital with an easy-to-read LED display and a turn-and-push dial that makes navigating the 12 pre-programmed settings surprisingly tactile and fun.

I think this is the perfect gift for a college student or someone setting up their first “fun” apartment. It’s also great for a basement bar or a themed office. If you only need to heat up coffee, a quick bowl of oatmeal, or some popcorn, the 0.9 Cu. Ft. size is just right. It’s a conversation starter that actually functions as a reliable 800-Watt heater.

However, the honest trade-off is the interface. The dial-based control system is stylish, but it can be a bit more finicky than a standard number pad if you’re trying to set a very specific time quickly. It looks great, but it requires an extra second of “dialing in” compared to the instant-start buttons found on more modern-looking competitors.

This Aqua Nostalgia Retro microwave is the exact same reliable 800-Watt machine as its red sibling, but the color completely changes the vibe. The soft aqua hue gives off a breezy, coastal, or mid-century modern aesthetic that can really brighten up a dark kitchen corner. It stands out because it manages to pack 12 pre-programmed settings and a child lock into a chassis that looks like it belongs in a 1954 diner.

This is the ideal buy for someone who prioritizes style and wants a cohesive look in a smaller kitchen. It’s compact enough (0.9 Cu. Ft.) to tuck away, but you probably won’t want to because it looks so good. It’s best for light-duty tasks like reheating leftovers or defrosting frozen snacks where 800 Watts of power is plenty of heat without being overkill.

The main drawback is that the 0.9 Cu. Ft. interior can feel a bit cramped if you have oversized dinner plates. You’ll want to measure your favorite dishes before committing. While the chrome door handle is sturdy, the overall unit is lighter than industrial models, so it might slide slightly on a slick countertop when you pull the door open.

If the red is too bold and the aqua is too bright, the Nostalgia Retro in Ivory offers a sophisticated, creamy alternative. It stands out for its “shabby chic” appeal, fitting into farmhouse kitchens or traditional homes much better than a modern black plastic unit. It still carries that 800-Watt punch and the LED Digital Display, but it does so with a much softer visual footprint.

This is a great choice for retirees or anyone who wants an appliance that blends into a warm, cozy kitchen environment. It handles the basics—popcorn, pizza, and potatoes—with dedicated express cooking options. It’s simple enough for anyone to use but stylish enough to look like a curated antique.

The trade-off with the Ivory finish is that it shows splatters and kitchen grease more easily than the darker models. You’ll need to be diligent about wiping down the exterior to keep that “pristine vintage” look. Also, like the other Nostalgia models, the 800 Watts means you’ll be waiting a little longer for your water to boil compared to a standard 1000W oven.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a masterclass in compact efficiency. What makes it stand out is the Black Stainless Steel finish, which looks incredibly high-end and resists fingerprints much better than standard shiny metal. Even though it’s a “small” microwave at 0.9 Cu Ft, it packs 900W of power, giving it a bit more “oomph” than the standard 800W models. The Mute Function is also included here, which is a massive bonus for apartment dwellers with thin walls.

I’d recommend this for anyone living in a studio apartment or a dorm who doesn’t want to sacrifice performance for size. It’s the perfect middle ground between a tiny “cube” microwave and a full-sized family unit. The Two-Step Child Lock also makes it a safe bet for families with curious toddlers in small living spaces.

One honest downside is the interior lighting. While it has LED lighting, some users find the dark interior combined with the tinted glass makes it a bit difficult to see your food as it’s cooking. You might have to open the door to check if your cheese has actually melted, which can be a minor annoyance.

The GE Countertop Microwave Oven is a beast compared to the others on this list. What makes it stand out is the massive 2.0 Cubic Ft. capacity and 1200-watt power. This isn’t just for reheating coffee; this is for cooking a whole family meal. It features Sensor Cooking Controls that take the guesswork out of the process, and the Stainless Steel design gives it a professional, “chef’s kitchen” look that feels very durable.

This is the clear winner for large families or anyone who uses their microwave as a primary cooking appliance. If you’re defrosting large cuts of meat or cooking big batches of side dishes for a dinner party, this is the tool for the job. It’s also great for office breakrooms where it needs to stand up to constant, heavy use.

The obvious trade-off is the size. It is huge. If you have a small kitchen, this will swallow your entire counter. It’s also much louder and pulls significantly more power than an 800W unit, so you need to make sure your kitchen circuit can handle the 1200-watt load without tripping a breaker.

The Emerson MWRG0901W is a unique hybrid that solves the “soggy pizza” problem. What truly makes it stand out is the 1,000W Grill Function paired with the 800W microwave power. Most microwaves just steam food, but this one can actually brown and crisp the top of a casserole or a slice of pizza. It’s wrapped in a beautiful Retro White design that looks clean and classic on any countertop.

This is the best choice for someone who lives alone and wants to “cook” rather than just reheat. If you’re a fan of frozen snacks that usually come out mushy, the grill mode is a game changer. It’s also a great fit for a small office where people want to toast sandwiches or crisp up leftovers for lunch.

The trade-off is the complexity. Because it has both microwave and grill modes, there is a slightly steeper learning curve to the 800-Watt controls. You have to be careful not to use the wrong setting with metal racks or certain containers, so you’ll actually need to read the manual for this one to avoid a kitchen mishap.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is essentially a Swiss Army knife for your kitchen. What makes it stand out is its 3-in-1 versatility: it’s a 1050W microwave, an Air Fryer, and a Convection Oven all in one 1.0 Cu Ft box. In real life, this means you can get rid of your separate air fryer and toaster oven. It even comes with a Crisper Pan to help achieve those browned results that a normal microwave just can’t touch.

This is the ultimate “space saver” for someone in a tiny home, a dorm, or an RV. If you only have room for one appliance, this should be it. It’s perfect for the person who wants “fried” chicken wings one night and a quick bowl of oatmeal the next morning without cluttering their counters with multiple machines.

The downside is that it’s a “jack of all trades, master of none” in terms of speed. While it can air fry, a dedicated air fryer is usually faster and more efficient because of the specialized airflow. Also, the exterior can get quite hot when using the Convection or Broil modes, so you need to ensure it has plenty of ventilation space around it.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave is the definition of a “budget-friendly essential.” It stands out for being incredibly compact at 0.7 Cu. Ft., making it one of the smallest footprints you can find. Despite its size and 700W power, it still includes high-end features like a Mute Button and a Memory Function to save your most-used settings. The Eco Mode is a nice touch for the environmentally conscious, reducing standby power consumption.

I would recommend this for a dorm room, a studio apartment, or even a camper. It’s for the person who needs a microwave for the basics—reheating a cup of tea or a plate of leftovers—and doesn’t want to spend a fortune or lose much counter space. It’s simple, honest, and gets the job done without any unnecessary fluff.

The trade-off is definitely the power. At 700 Watts, it is the least powerful unit on this list. You will find yourself adding 30 or 60 seconds to almost every microwave instruction on the back of food boxes. It’s a patient person’s microwave; it will get there eventually, but it won’t be winning any speed races.