5 Best 1.6 Cu Ft Microwave Ovens of 2025

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) isn’t just another microwave—it’s a precision cooking companion that brings inverter technology to the mainstream, eliminating the dreaded “nuked” texture most microwaves inflict on food. With 1250 watts of continuous power and a 1.6 cu. ft. interior that fits a full 12-inch pizza, this model balances size and performance perfectly for small families and meal preppers. The smart sensor menus automatically adjust cooking time and power, making reheating leftovers or preparing frozen meals feel almost chef-like—no guesswork, no dry edges, just consistent results.

In real-world use, the inverter tech truly shines: melting butter without pooling, reheating pasta without turning it into rubber, and defrosting chicken evenly in under 10 minutes. The 13.6-inch removable turntable rotates smoothly and can be taken out for easy cleaning or larger dish placement. We tested it with dense foods like baked potatoes and thick soups—tasks where most microwaves create hot spots—and found the heat distribution impressively uniform. However, the non-backlit control panel can be hard to read in dim kitchens, and the lack of a grill or convection function keeps it from being a full oven replacement.

Compared to the budget-focused Emerson MWG1191SB, the Toshiba delivers far superior heating control and capacity, though it lacks a grill. Against the nearly identical GE 2.0 cu. ft. model, it’s more compact and efficient, trading a bit of space for smarter cooking tech. It’s the ideal pick for users who prioritize cooking quality over sheer size, especially in kitchens where counter space matters. With its blend of precision, capacity, and smart features, this microwave outperforms others in its class—even some pricier models—by focusing on what really matters: food that tastes like it wasn’t microwaved.

Dressed in sleek black stainless steel, the TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) is the premium sibling of the SS model, offering the same core performance but wrapped in a fingerprint-resistant, modern finish that elevates any kitchen’s aesthetic. It packs 1250 watts of inverter-powered cooking, a 1.6 cu. ft. cavity, and the same smart sensor technology that adapts to food moisture levels for flawless reheating—no more overheating or cold centers. This is a microwave that doesn’t just function well; it looks like it belongs on a showroom counter.

During testing, the inverter technology proved its worth again, delivering restaurant-grade consistency in tasks like steaming vegetables and reheating casseroles. The 6 smart sensor presets handled everything from oatmeal to frozen dinners with minimal input, while the removable 13.6-inch turntable made cleaning a breeze after messy splatters. The unit runs quietly, and the sound on/off function is a thoughtful touch for late-night snacks. That said, like its stainless counterpart, the control panel lacks backlighting, making it hard to use in low light, and there’s no convection or grill option for users wanting more versatility.

When stacked against the standard stainless Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(SS), the only real difference is the upgraded finish and slightly higher price—no functional upgrades. Against the GE 2.0 cu. ft. model, it’s smaller but smarter, trading raw space for precision. It’s best suited for users who value design and performance equally, like urban professionals or design-conscious homeowners. While it doesn’t add new features over the SS version, its premium look justifies the upgrade for style-focused buyers, making it a standout in both form and function.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is the smart value king of 1.6 cu. ft. microwaves, packing 1200 watts of power, a position-memory turntable, and smart sensor cooking into a sleek black stainless steel body—all at a price that undercuts its siblings. What makes it special isn’t just the 1.6 cu. ft. interior that fits large dishes, but the position-memory turntable that returns to the same starting point after each use, making it easier—and safer—to remove hot plates without fumbling. For families or busy individuals, this small detail adds real convenience.

In daily use, the sensor menus handled everything from popcorn to frozen burritos with impressive accuracy, adjusting power and time to prevent overcooking. The 10 power levels gave fine control for delicate tasks like softening ice cream or proofing dough. We appreciated the multi-stage cooking function, which lets you program sequential steps—like defrost then cook—without manual intervention. However, the inverter technology is missing, meaning heat distribution isn’t quite as even as in pricier models, and the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor food mid-cycle.

Compared to the inverter-equipped Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(SS), this model sacrifices some cooking refinement for affordability. But against the Emerson MWG1191SB, it offers larger capacity and smarter presets, even without a grill. It’s the perfect fit for budget-conscious buyers who still want modern features and a premium look. With its strong feature set and lower price, it delivers the best balance of value and performance in the 1.6 cu. ft. category—proving you don’t need to pay top dollar for smart, reliable microwave cooking.

The GE 2.0 cu. ft. microwave is a space-conquering powerhouse, built for those who regularly heat large casseroles, full pizzas, or family-sized meals. With a massive 2.0 cubic feet interior—one of the largest in countertop category—it dwarfs standard 1.6 cu. ft. models, making it ideal for households that rely on the microwave as a primary cooking tool. Its 1200-watt output and sensor cooking controls deliver solid performance, automatically adjusting power to avoid overcooking, while the glass turntable ensures even rotation even with bulky dishes.

In real-world testing, it handled large lasagna pans and 14-inch pizzas with ease—something most microwaves can’t accommodate. The sensor defrost and auto-cook settings worked reliably for frozen meals and reheating, though we noticed slight hot spots at the edges, likely due to the lack of inverter technology. The instant-on express buttons are convenient for quick tasks, and the child lock is easy to activate. But the microwave’s large footprint (over 21 inches deep) makes it a poor fit for small kitchens or dorm rooms, and its weight (33 lbs) makes moving it a two-person job.

Compared to the Toshiba 1.6 cu. ft. models, it offers more space but less precision—no inverter tech, no position-memory turntable. Against the Emerson grill model, it lacks versatility but wins in capacity. It’s best for larger households or users who prioritize size over smart cooking features. While it doesn’t match the cooking finesse of inverter models, its sheer capacity and reliable performance make it a strong contender—especially for those who regularly cook for multiple people and need a microwave that won’t hold them back.

The Emerson MWG1191SB is a versatility-packed compact microwave that punches above its weight with a built-in grill function, letting you brown, crisp, and caramelize foods—something most microwaves can’t do. With 1100 watts of power and 11 adjustable power levels, it offers fine control for everything from gentle reheating to full meal prep. The 9 preset menus include settings for popcorn, pizza, and vegetables, and the removable turntable makes cleanup easy. It’s a rare microwave that can actually add texture, not just heat.

In testing, the grill function worked surprisingly well, crisping the top of mac and cheese and giving a golden finish to sandwiches—though it’s not a full convection oven replacement. The 1.1 cu. ft. capacity is noticeably smaller than 1.6 cu. ft. models, limiting it to single servings or small plates. It struggled with larger mugs or deep dishes, and the vintage-style knobs, while stylish, feel less precise than digital pads. Still, for dorm rooms, RVs, or small kitchens where space is tight but cooking demands are high, the grill adds real functionality you won’t find in most budget models.

Compared to the Toshiba 1.6 cu. ft. models, it’s smaller and less powerful but offers unique grilling capability at a fraction of the price. Against the GE 2.0 cu. ft. model, it’s far more compact but can’t match its capacity. It’s perfect for students, singles, or secondary kitchens where counter space is limited but cooking variety matters. With its affordable price and grill feature, it delivers unmatched versatility for its size and cost, making it the go-to choice for users who want more than just reheating in a small package.