Comparison: Best New Microwave (Updated | May 12th)

If you have a big family or a serious habit of reheating party-sized pizzas, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a beast of a machine. What really catches my eye is the massive 2.2 cubic foot capacity paired with a 16.5-inch turntable. You rarely see a countertop model that can swallow a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken without breaking a sweat. It uses a Smart Sensor to detect humidity, which takes the guesswork out of reheating leftovers so you don’t end up with rubbery pasta or cold spots in the middle of your dinner.

I’d recommend this for busy households where the microwave is a primary cooking tool rather than just a popcorn maker. The 1200W power ensures everything moves fast, and the Mute Option is a lifesaver if you’re a late-night snacker who doesn’t want to wake the whole house with aggressive beeping. It’s a high-performance choice for someone who actually has the counter space to spare.

The trade-off here is definitely the footprint. This thing is huge. If you’re living in a cramped apartment or have low-hanging kitchen cabinets, you need to measure twice before committing. It’s a lot of stainless steel to clean, and it will dominate smaller kitchens, making it a poor fit for anyone prioritizing counter real estate over raw cooking volume.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) strikes a really nice balance between power and aesthetics. The Black Stainless Steel finish gives it a much sleeker, more modern vibe than your standard silver box, making it a great pick for someone who cares about their kitchen’s design language. Beyond looks, the Position Memory Turntable is a clever touch; it resets the glass tray to where it started, so your mug handle is always right in front of you when the timer dings. No more reaching into the back of a hot microwave to grab a slippery handle.

This is the “Goldilocks” model for a medium-sized family. At 1.6 cubic feet and 1200 watts, it’s powerful enough to handle heavy-duty reheating but won’t take up as much space as the jumbo 2.2 units. The one-touch popcorn button and sensor menus make it incredibly user-friendly for teenagers or anyone who just wants to press a button and walk away.

One thing to keep in mind is that black stainless steel, while beautiful, can sometimes be harder to match with existing traditional stainless appliances. Also, while it’s quieter than budget models, the fan still has a noticeable hum. It’s a premium mid-range choice, but you’re definitely paying a bit of a “style tax” for that dark finish.

Sometimes you just need a simple tool that does the job without any fluff, and that’s where the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 fits in. It’s a compact 0.7 cubic foot unit that is clearly designed for small spaces like dorm rooms, studio apartments, or office breakrooms. Despite its small size, it still manages to include pre-programmed buttons for the essentials like potatoes and pizza, which is a nice convenience for such an affordable price point.

I think this is the best bet for a student or someone living alone who mostly uses a microwave for reheating a single dinner plate or making a quick bag of popcorn. The push-button door release is sturdy and feels more tactile than some of the flimsy latches on other budget models. It’s straightforward, reliable, and won’t break the bank.

The obvious downside is the 700-watt power rating. This is on the lower end of the spectrum, so you have to be prepared for things to take a bit longer. If a frozen meal says “cook for 5 minutes,” you’ll likely need to add an extra minute or two. It’s a game of patience in exchange for saving a significant amount of money and counter space.

The GE Countertop Microwave Oven feels like a “pro-sumer” choice for people who want high-end performance in a standalone unit. With 1200 watts of power, it’s incredibly efficient, and the 2.0 cubic foot interior is cavernous. What stands out here is the Sensor Cooking technology. Unlike cheaper models that just run a timer, this actually monitors the steam coming off your food to adjust the power level automatically, which helps prevent that “lava on the outside, ice on the inside” problem.

This is a great fit for someone who wants the reliability of a big-name brand like GE and needs a microwave that can handle large dishes, like a 13×9 casserole. It’s also got a Two-Step Child Lock, which is a fantastic safety feature if you have curious toddlers who like to push buttons.

However, the design is very traditional—some might even say a bit dated. It’s a big, boxy stainless steel unit that doesn’t try to be “stylish.” If you’re looking for a minimalist or ultra-modern aesthetic, this might look a bit clunky on your counter. It’s a workhorse, not a showpiece.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave is surprisingly packed with features for such a small unit. At 0.7 cubic feet, it’s tiny, but it includes a Mute Button and an Eco Mode, which are usually reserved for much larger, more expensive models. I love that it gives you the option to silence those shrill end-of-cycle beeps—it’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in a small apartment where sounds carry easily.

This is perfect for the “light user”—someone who drinks a lot of coffee that needs reheating or someone who relies on frozen veggies. The Memory Function is a standout; if you have a specific time you use every morning for your oatmeal, you can program it in for one-touch access. It’s all about efficiency in a small package.

The trade-off is the 700W power. While it has 10 power levels, it simply doesn’t have the “oomph” to cook raw meat or large frozen blocks quickly. You’ll find yourself using that +30 seconds button quite often. It’s a great companion appliance, but it’s not meant for heavy-duty family meal prep.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM stands out immediately because of its Pearl White finish. In a world of black and silver appliances, this is a breath of fresh air for anyone with a bright, airy kitchen or a vintage aesthetic. It’s a 0.7 cubic foot unit that focuses on being “green” and quiet, featuring an ECO Mode that cuts standby power by 50% and a dedicated Mute Function.

I’d recommend this for someone who wants a microwave that disappears into their decor rather than standing out as a piece of “tech.” It’s ideal for a guest suite, a nursery (where the mute button is essential), or a small office. The one-touch express buttons for 1-6 minutes make it very fast to operate when you’re in a rush.

The honest downside is the interior space. The turntable is small, so large dinner plates might struggle to rotate without hitting the sides. It’s strictly for standard-sized bowls and small plates. If you’re a fan of those oversized “Texas-sized” frozen dinners, they probably won’t fit comfortably in here.

If you’re a culinary enthusiast who actually cooks in the microwave rather than just reheating, the TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) is the one to look at. The standout feature here is the Origin Inverter technology. Unlike standard microwaves that just pulse 100% power on and off to simulate lower heat, this provides a steady stream of energy. This means your chocolate melts smoothly and your frozen steaks defrost without the edges turning gray and cooked.

This is the ultimate choice for a large family that needs a 2.2 cubic foot capacity and demands high-quality results. The Smart Sensor and 1200W output make it a powerhouse for everything from steaming vegetables to cooking full casseroles. It’s a sophisticated machine that handles delicate tasks much better than its cheaper counterparts.

The catch is the complexity. With the Two-Step Child Lock and various sensor menus, there’s a bit of a learning curve to get the most out of it. It’s also quite heavy and takes up a significant amount of counter space. It’s an investment in both money and kitchen real estate, so make sure you actually need the inverter tech before diving in.

The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) is essentially a Swiss Army knife for your kitchen. What makes it stand out is that it isn’t just a microwave; it’s an 8-in-1 combo that includes Air Fry, Convection Bake, and Broil. In real life, this means you can get crispy fries and roasted chicken from the same machine that warms up your coffee. The 1.0 cubic foot size is a clever compromise—it’s big enough for a 12-inch pizza but small enough to replace multiple appliances on your counter.

This is the perfect buy for someone living in a studio apartment or a dorm where you don’t have a full-sized oven, or for someone who wants to declutter their kitchen by getting rid of a separate air fryer and toaster oven. The Odor Removal mode is a genius addition that helps clear out that lingering “burnt popcorn” or “fish” smell.

The downside is that because it does so many things, the 1000W microwave power is slightly lower than other mid-sized models, and the air frying isn’t quite as fast as a dedicated, high-speed basket air fryer. You’re trading a bit of specialized performance for incredible versatility.

The Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. microwave occupies that sweet spot for people who want a “grown-up” microwave without the massive price tag of the 2.0+ cubic foot giants. It delivers 1100 watts of power, which is plenty for fast cooking, but the 1.3 cubic foot size is manageable for most standard kitchens. The White Platinum finish is a nice alternative to the ubiquitous stainless steel, giving it a clean, polished look that fits well in traditional homes.

I think this is best for a household of two or three people. It has enough room for a standard dinner plate or a medium mixing bowl, and the Smart Sensor technology ensures you aren’t constantly opening the door to check if your food is done. It’s a “set it and forget it” kind of appliance that feels reliable and sturdy.

One trade-off is the noise level. Farberware models in this range tend to have a slightly louder fan and a more traditional, loud “beep” sequence that can be annoying if you’re sensitive to noise. It’s a solid, functional workhorse, but it lacks some of the refined “quiet” features found in the more expensive Toshiba models.

The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ is a straightforward, no-nonsense 0.7 cubic foot microwave that focuses on the basics. What stands out to me is the Digital Control Panel—it’s very high-contrast and easy to read, which isn’t always the case with budget-friendly, compact units. It’s a very “honest” appliance; it doesn’t pretend to be an air fryer or a convection oven, it just heats your food reliably.

This is the ideal “secondary” microwave. Maybe you want one in the basement bar, the garage, or a small office. It’s also great for seniors or anyone who prefers a very simple interface without too many confusing sub-menus. The two defrost settings (by weight or time) work well for small items like a couple of frozen sausages or a bagel.

The main limitation is the interior height. Because it’s so compact, you might find that taller items—like a large travel mug or a high-sided bowl—won’t fit inside. You really have to stick to standard plates and low-profile containers. It’s a basic, functional choice for those who just need the essentials covered in a small black finish.