Comparison: Best Microwave Deals (Updated | May 7th)

If you are living in a tight studio or trying to reclaim some counter space, the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a really smart pick. What I find most impressive about this model is the Mute Function. Most budget microwaves scream at you with relentless beeping, but here you can just hold down the “8” key to get some peace and quiet. It looks sleek in Black Stainless Steel, which resists fingerprints much better than the standard shiny stuff, making it look more expensive than it actually is.

This is the definitive choice for a dorm room or a small apartment kitchen where you aren’t trying to roast a whole turkey. It’s perfect for the basics—reheating coffee, making popcorn, or warming up a bowl of soup. The 900W power is a nice step up from the weaker 700W units often found in this size category, meaning your leftovers actually get hot in the middle.

However, the trade-off here is the 0.9 Cu Ft capacity. While it fits a standard 10.6-inch dinner plate, anything larger or an oddly shaped rectangular dish will likely get stuck. Also, be aware of the Two-Step Child Lock; while it is great for safety, it can feel like a slight annoyance if you are used to just pulling a handle and hitting start without any extra thought.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS feels like the “Goldilocks” of microwaves—not too small, not too big, and packed with the right tech. The standout feature here is the Smart Humidity Sensor. Instead of you guessing how long to reheat a plate of pasta, the machine detects the steam and adjusts the time automatically. It takes the guesswork out of cooking and prevents that dreaded “lava on the outside, ice on the inside” result.

I would recommend this for a busy family of three or four. With 1000W of power and a 1.2 Cu Ft interior, it can handle larger casseroles and dinner plates with ease. The Easy Clean Interior is a massive plus too; it’s a coating that lets you wipe away exploded tomato sauce with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing for twenty minutes.

The downside is the footprint. This isn’t a “tuck in the corner” type of appliance. It takes up a significant amount of countertop real estate, so if your kitchen is already cramped, you might find it overbearing. It’s a workhorse, but it definitely demands its own dedicated space.

When you just need something that works without a steep learning curve, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a solid, no-frills contender. What really stands out is the push-button door release. It’s surprisingly tactile and reliable, which is great for anyone who finds pull-handles a bit stiff or awkward. Despite its small size, the Stainless Steel finish gives it a professional look that blends into modern kitchens without looking like a cheap plastic toy.

This is the best use case for a secondary microwave—maybe for an office breakroom, a basement bar, or a tiny “granny flat.” It’s designed for the essentials like popcorn, beverages, and pizza. It’s simple, it’s compact, and it gets the job done for people who prioritize simplicity over fancy sensors.

The honest trade-off is the 700W power rating. You have to be patient with this one. A frozen burrito that takes two minutes in a standard oven might take three or four here. It’s not built for heavy-duty cooking or defrosting large cuts of meat; it’s a “reheat and eat” machine that requires a little extra time to reach the finish line.

The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. microwave is a classic example of “small but mighty.” What makes it stand out in a crowded market is its multi-stage cooking capability. You can actually program it to defrost for a certain amount of time and then immediately switch to a specific power level to cook, which is a high-end feature usually reserved for much larger, more expensive units. It’s a thoughtful touch for such a compact frame.

This is the ideal choice for a single person or a college student living in a dorm room. It fits perfectly on top of a mini-fridge and covers all the “starving student” food groups with its six one-touch options. If your primary goal is to save space while still having the ability to customize your heat levels, this is a winner.

The catch is the Black finish and 700W output. The black plastic exterior can show dust and smudges quite easily, and the lower wattage means you’ll be standing there a bit longer waiting for your water to boil. It’s a budget-friendly compromise where you trade raw speed for a tiny footprint and a lower price tag.

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 strikes a great balance between power and aesthetics. The 1000W output combined with the 1.1 Cu Ft size makes it a very capable primary microwave for most households. What I like about this model is the Express Cooking buttons. Being able to just hit “1” through “6” to instantly start the machine for that many minutes is a huge time-saver during a frantic morning routine.

I’d suggest this for anyone who wants a “full-sized” experience without the massive bulk of a professional-grade unit. It’s great for frozen vegetables and dinner plates, and the 12.4-inch turntable is large enough to actually rotate a standard plate without it bumping into the sides. It’s a reliable, middle-of-the-road option that feels very sturdy.

One thing to keep in mind is the push-button door mechanism. While convenient, these can sometimes require a bit of force, which might cause the microwave to slide backward on a smooth countertop if you don’t have a non-slip mat under it. It’s a small ergonomic quirk in an otherwise very functional machine.

The Farberware 1.2 Cu. Ft. model stands out because it brings Smart Sensor technology to a brand known for value. Usually, sensors that detect steam to prevent overcooking are found in premium brands, but here you get that precision in a Stainless Steel package that looks great on any counter. It’s remarkably quiet for its size, which is a relief if you’re used to older, rattling models.

This is a great fit for a family home where the microwave is used multiple times a day for everything from defrosting meat by weight to reheating full dinner plates. The 1000W power is the sweet spot for efficiency, ensuring you aren’t waiting forever for your meal to heat through evenly.

The trade-off is the overall size. At 1.2 cubic feet, it’s a bit of a “space hog.” If you have limited counter space under your cabinets, you really need to measure twice before buying this one. It’s designed for kitchens that have room to breathe, not for tiny kitchenettes or crowded apartment counters.

The Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. microwave is a high-performance utility player. What makes it stand out is the Add 30-Seconds control and the 1 through 6-minute Express Cooking. It’s designed for people who are always in a rush and don’t want to navigate complex menus. The Stainless Steel finish is also quite durable and gives the kitchen a modern, clean look that mimics professional appliances.

This is a fantastic “all-rounder” for a small family or a shared apartment. It has enough 1000W power to handle frozen entrees and large bowls of oatmeal without cold spots. It’s big enough for most tasks but slightly more compact than the 1.2 or 1.6 models, making it a good compromise for medium-sized kitchens.

However, the interior lighting can be a bit dim compared to some competitors. If you like to watch your food to make sure the cheese is melting just right, you might find yourself squinting through the door. It’s a minor aesthetic gripe, but something to consider if visibility is important to you while cooking.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is a beast in the best way possible. The standout feature is the Position Memory Turntable. It’s a genius bit of engineering that ensures the glass tray returns to its starting position when the timer stops. This means your mug handle or dish is exactly where you left it, so you aren’t reaching into the back of a hot microwave to grab a handle. Combined with 1200W of power, it’s incredibly efficient.

This is the microwave for a large family or a serious home cook. With 1.6 Cu Ft of space, it can fit a 13-inch pizza or a large serving platter. If you do a lot of bulk cooking or have a lot of mouths to feed, the speed and capacity here are unmatched in this price bracket. The Sound On/Off feature is also a blessing for late-night snackers.

The obvious downside is its massive footprint. This is a heavy, large appliance that will dominate a small kitchen. You basically need a dedicated “microwave station” or a very deep countertop to accommodate it. It’s also very powerful, so you have to be careful not to overcook things until you get used to the 1200W speed.

The Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. microwave is all about user experience in a small package. What really makes it stand out is the dedicated Mute Button and the Memory Function. Being able to program your most-used settings into a single button is a luxury usually found in much larger units. It’s clearly designed with the “user” in mind, rather than just being a cheap box that heats things up.

I’d recommend this for someone who values a quiet environment—perhaps a parent with a sleeping baby or someone in a shared living situation where they don’t want to wake the whole house. Its Eco Mode is also a nice touch for the environmentally conscious, reducing standby power when it’s not in use.

The honest trade-off is the 700W power level and the compact interior. You won’t be fitting a large dinner plate in here comfortably, and it’s going to take longer to heat up your coffee than a standard 1000W unit. It’s a “personal” microwave designed for light use and convenience rather than heavy-duty meal prep.

The GE Countertop Microwave is a massive, high-capacity machine that feels like it belongs in a professional kitchen. The 2.0 Cubic Ft. capacity is the headline here; it’s cavernous. You can practically fit a small turkey or a massive family-sized lasagna inside. With 1200 watts of power, it doesn’t just heat food; it blasts through it with impressive speed and Sensor Cooking accuracy.

This is the ultimate choice for someone who actually cooks in their microwave rather than just reheating. If you’re a large family or someone who hosts big dinners, this is your best friend. The Weight and Time Defrost is incredibly accurate, making it a great tool for prep work before you even hit the stove.

The trade-off is that it’s huge and potentially overkill for most people. If you’re just making popcorn or heating up the occasional leftovers, this is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It takes up a ton of space and uses more electricity than smaller models. Plus, the Two-Step Child Lock is a mandatory safety feature that might feel like an extra hurdle if you don’t have kids around.