5 Best 1.6 Cu Ft Microwaves of 2025

This 1.6 cu ft microwave packs a punch with 1,150 watts of cooking power, making it a standout for those who demand speed and consistency without sacrificing counter space. The sensor cooking controls are a game-changer—automatically adjusting time and power based on moisture and temperature—for perfectly reheated leftovers or evenly cooked meals. With eight auto-cook settings and weight-based defrost, it eliminates guesswork, solving one of the biggest pain points for busy households and meal-preppers alike.

In real-world use, the microwave shines when handling everything from frozen entrées to steamed vegetables, thanks to its responsive sensors and smooth glass turntable that ensures even heat distribution. The interior easily fits a 13-inch plate or medium casserole dish, and the two-step child lock adds peace of mind in homes with kids. While the exterior design is sleek and modern, the control panel lacks backlighting, making it slightly harder to read in low light—especially compared to models with illuminated displays.

Positioned as a premium option, this GE model competes closely with the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS), offering similar capacity and smart features but missing out on inverter technology, which delivers more precise heating. It’s ideal for users prioritizing reliable sensor cooking and ease of use over advanced engineering. While it doesn’t have multi-stage programming or a memory turntable, its consistent performance and intuitive interface make it a strong contender—especially when compared to budget models that cut corners on automation and safety.

For value seekers, the Farberware 1.6 cu ft microwave delivers an impressive balance of functionality, durability, and affordability, making it a top pick for dorms, offices, or small kitchens. With 1,100 watts of power and six one-touch presets—including popcorn, pizza, and potato—it handles everyday tasks with speed and simplicity. The defrost-by-weight feature stands out, taking the guesswork out of thawing meats and frozen foods, while the clear LED display and interior light enhance usability in any setting.

During testing, the microwave proved reliable for reheating coffee, cooking instant noodles, and defrosting chicken breasts, though heavier dishes sometimes showed slight hot spots due to standard non-inverter magnetron heating. The 1.6 cu ft cavity comfortably fits most dinner plates and medium bowls, but lacks the refined cooking precision of inverter models when dealing with delicate foods like sauces or cheese. Still, its easy-clean interior and exterior make maintenance a breeze—a major plus for shared spaces or messy kitchens.

When stacked against the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS), this Farberware unit offers similar capacity and core features at a slightly lower price point, though it misses out on a position-memory turntable and higher wattage. It’s best suited for students, renters, or secondary kitchens where simplicity and cost-efficiency matter most. While it doesn’t boast premium tech, its no-frills reliability and strong basic performance make it a smart buy—especially when compared to pricier models that offer features you may never use.

The Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) earns its title as the best budget-friendly 1.6 cu ft microwave by combining 1,200 watts of power, smart sensor menus, and thoughtful design touches—all at an accessible price. Its sensor-driven cooking modes automatically adjust power and time for common foods like pizza, veggies, and popcorn, delivering surprisingly consistent results without manual tweaking. The position-memory turntable is a small but brilliant innovation—returning to the same starting point after each use for easier access and safer handling of hot dishes.

In practical use, this microwave excels at daily reheating and simple cooking tasks, with fast response times and a spacious interior that fits a full 13-inch pizza. The multi-stage cooking function allows users to program sequential steps—say, defrost then cook—adding versatility uncommon in this price range. However, the lack of inverter technology means it cycles power on and off rather than delivering a steady stream, which can lead to uneven warming in sensitive foods like yogurt or butter. Still, for its class, it offers exceptional functionality.

Compared to the Farberware model, the Toshiba provides higher wattage, better sensors, and a more refined user experience, all while staying competitively priced. It’s perfect for budget-conscious families or first-time buyers who want smart features without overspending. While it doesn’t match the engineering sophistication of the inverter-powered Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS), its strong performance and unique turntable feature make it a standout value—offering more intelligence and convenience than typical entry-level microwaves.

With its sleek stainless steel design and inverter technology, the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(SS) redefines what a 1.6 cu ft microwave can be—blending high-end engineering with modern aesthetics. The inverter power system replaces traditional on/off cycling with continuous, variable power delivery, enabling precise defrosting, even reheating, and restaurant-quality results for delicate dishes. Combined with six smart sensor menus and a removable 13.6-inch turntable, it offers both performance and practicality in a stylish package perfect for contemporary kitchens.

Real-world testing confirms its superiority in handling nuanced tasks: melting chocolate without scorching, reheating lasagna without drying edges, and defrosting ground beef uniformly in under 10 minutes. The quick start button lets you fire up the microwave in 30-second increments with one touch, while the eco mode reduces standby power consumption—a small but meaningful detail for energy-conscious users. However, the control panel isn’t backlit, making nighttime use less convenient than on some rivals.

Against the GE 1.6 cu ft model, this Toshiba delivers better heat control and more consistent results, though it lacks a two-step child lock. It’s ideal for home cooks who want restaurant-grade precision in a compact footprint. While it costs more than basic models, its inverter tech and premium build justify the investment—especially when compared to non-inverter microwaves that compromise on cooking quality for lower price tags.

The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) is the best overall 1.6 cu ft microwave, merging inverter technology, intelligent sensors, and robust safety features into a single, highly capable appliance. With 1,250 watts of inverter-powered performance, it delivers smooth, continuous heating that prevents overcooking and preserves texture—making it ideal for everything from reheating soup to preparing full meals. The six smart sensor menus automatically optimize cooking time and power, while the two-step child lock adds a critical layer of safety missing in many competitors.

In daily use, this microwave consistently outperforms non-inverter models, eliminating cold spots and preserving moisture in foods like rice and casseroles. The removable 13.6-inch turntable simplifies cleaning, and the quick start button provides instant access to 1–3 minute cooking at full power—perfect for coffee or oatmeal. It handles high-volume use with ease, staying cool and quiet even during back-to-back cycles. The only minor drawback is the non-backlit control panel, which can be hard to read in dim lighting.

Compared to the ML-EM45PIT(SS), it offers identical performance and features but adds the two-step child lock, giving it a slight edge in family-friendly design. It’s the ultimate choice for users who want professional-level cooking precision, smart automation, and peace of mind in one package. While it costs more than budget models, its superior engineering and complete feature set make it the most well-rounded option—delivering better long-term value than cheaper microwaves that skimp on core technology.