8 Best 1000 Watt Countertop Microwaves 2025

This feature-loaded powerhouse redefines what a budget-friendly microwave can do. With 1000 watts of cooking power, 10 precise power levels, and 6 auto-cook presets—including popcorn, pizza, and beverages—it eliminates guesswork for everyday meals. What truly sets the Chefman apart is its multiphase cooking function, letting you program two different power levels and times in sequence, a rarity in this class that’s perfect for complex reheating or defrost-then-cook routines.

In real-world use, the +30 seconds express start is a game-changer for quick coffee warm-ups or leftover reheats, while the mute function keeps nighttime snacks silent—ideal for dorms or shared living spaces. The eco mode, which shuts off the display when idle, is a small but meaningful touch for energy-conscious users. However, the 1.1 cu. ft. cavity, while adequate, can feel tight for larger plates, and the turntable occasionally wobbles during high-speed rotation, slightly affecting even heating on dense foods.

Positioned between basic models and premium smart microwaves, the Chefman out-features most competitors in its price range, making it a standout over simpler options like the Nostalgia retro model. It’s perfect for students, young professionals, or anyone who wants smart functionality without a smart price tag. While it lacks the sensor cooking of the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, it offers more programmable versatility than the Sharp or Black+Decker models at a competitive value.

Sharp brings refined reliability to the countertop microwave scene with a model that blends precision engineering and user-first design. Boasting 1000 watts of power and a massive 12.4-inch turntable, this microwave ensures even cooking across large plates, a major win for families or meal preppers. It’s Orville Redenbacher’s Certified, meaning the popcorn preset is dialed in to perfection—no more burnt kernels or half-popped bags.

During testing, the weight-defrost function stood out, accurately calculating thaw times based on input weight, reducing guesswork and food waste. The +30 seconds express key and Auto Cook presets made daily use effortless, whether reheating soup or cooking frozen entrées. Still, the 1.1 cu. ft. interior, while standard, doesn’t offer the extra space of the Farberware model, and the control panel, though intuitive, lacks advanced features like memory save or mute mode.

This microwave slots in as a premium pick for those who prioritize consistent performance over smart extras. It outshines the basic Black+Decker and Nostalgia models with its superior turntable and defrost accuracy, but it doesn’t quite match the sensor intelligence of the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS. Ideal for users who want durable, no-nonsense performance with a touch of brand trust, it delivers where it counts—cooking food right, every time.

When space and capacity clash, the Farberware 1.3 cu. ft. microwave emerges as a spacious solution without sacrificing countertop real estate. Packing 1000 watts of power into a slightly larger cavity than standard models, it comfortably fits 10-inch dinner plates and taller dishes—perfect for office kitchens or small households that regularly cook full meals. The multi-stage cooking and 10 power levels allow for customized heating, while the defrost-by-weight function delivers consistent thawing results.

In practice, the larger interior shines when reheating lasagna or steaming vegetables in wide containers—tasks that often fail in 1.1 cu. ft. models. The easy-clean coating on the interior resists splatters and simplifies wipe-downs, a practical perk for messy kitchens. However, the LED display is dimmer than competitors’, making it harder to read in bright lighting, and the exterior lacks the premium feel of stainless steel found on the Toshiba or Sharp models.

Compared to the Chefman or Black+Decker, the Farberware wins on raw capacity and usability but falls short on high-end features like eco mode or mute settings. It’s the best choice for those who regularly heat large or tall dishes and need a workhorse over a gadget. While it doesn’t have the smart sensor tech of the Toshiba ML4-EM12PA(BS), it offers more cooking volume than any other 1000W model in this lineup—making it the true capacity king.

Step into kitchen nostalgia with a microwave that’s as much a style statement as it is a functional appliance. The Nostalgia retro model delivers 1000 watts of power in a charming white enamel finish, complete with vintage dials and a classic silhouette that instantly elevates any kitchen, diner, or rental space. It’s not just looks—the 8 auto-cook programs and express cooking button make daily use surprisingly efficient, especially for quick reheat tasks.

In real-world use, the rotating glass carousel ensures even heating, though the 1.1 cu. ft. cavity can feel cramped for larger dishes. The defrost-by-time function works reliably, but lacks the precision of weight-based systems found in Sharp or Toshiba models. The retro aesthetic does come with trade-offs: the mechanical knobs feel less precise than digital touchpads, and the interior lighting is dimmer than modern counterparts, making it harder to monitor food.

Perfect for renters, vintage lovers, or Airbnb hosts, this microwave prioritizes design over tech, standing in contrast to the feature-rich Chefman or smart-sensor Toshidas. While it doesn’t match the cooking intelligence of the EM131A5C-SS, it outshines others in aesthetic appeal at an entry-level price. If your kitchen needs a pop of personality and you want solid basic performance, this retro gem delivers charm with every beep.

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a no-frills workhorse that punches above its weight with smart design touches and reliable 1000-watt performance. Its standout feature—the push-button door release—is a small luxury that makes opening the microwave effortless, especially when hands are full. With pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and dinner plates, plus 30-second express cooking, it’s built for speed and simplicity, ideal for college students or minimalist kitchens.

In testing, the removable 12.4-inch turntable made cleaning a breeze, and the large digital display was easy to read from across the counter. The 1.1 cu. ft. interior handled standard meals well, though it struggled slightly with taller mugs or stacked containers. While it lacks advanced features like eco mode or memory save, its child safety lock and 10 power levels provide essential functionality without clutter.

Compared to the Chefman or Toshiba models, this BLACK+DECKER offers fewer bells and whistles but delivers exceptional value for its price. It’s the go-to for budget-conscious buyers who want dependable performance and clean, modern looks without overspending. While it doesn’t have the sensor cooking of the Toshiba ML4-EM12PA(BS), it matches the Sharp in core performance at nearly half the cost—making it the smartest entry-level pick.

The Toshiba ML4-EM12PA(BS) earns its title as best overall with a perfect balance of power, intelligence, and design. Delivering 1000 watts through a 1.2 cu. ft. cavity and a 12.4-inch turntable, it offers more space than most 1.1 cu. ft. models without increasing footprint. Its 13 auto menus and smart sensor technology automatically adjust cooking time and power based on moisture levels, eliminating overcooked leftovers or soggy pizza.

In real-world use, the sensor reheat function consistently delivered perfectly warmed meals, adjusting on the fly for dense or mixed-content dishes. The mute function and memory save added convenience for quiet households and frequent users, while the two-step child lock provided peace of mind. The black stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than standard stainless, maintaining a sleek look even in high-traffic kitchens.

When compared to the Farberware or Chefman, this Toshiba combines the best of all worlds—more capacity than average, smarter cooking than basic models, and a premium build. While the Sharp B0CNQ9Y534 matches it in turntable size, it lacks sensor intelligence. For users who want a do-it-all microwave with no compromises, this model stands above the rest—offering top-tier features, elegant design, and consistent performance in one polished package.

This sensor-smart standout redefines convenience with Toshiba’s Smart Humidity Sensor, which dynamically adjusts cooking time and power to prevent overcooking—a game-changer for reheating leftovers or cooking delicate foods. With 1000 watts of power and a 1.2 cu. ft. interior, it offers more space than standard models, while the removable 12.4-inch turntable ensures even heating across large dishes. The 6 sensor presets, including sensor reheat and veggie cook, deliver restaurant-quality results with zero effort.

In testing, the sensor technology consistently outperformed manual settings, adapting to food moisture and stopping precisely when done—no more dry chicken or cold spots. The eco mode reduces standby power, and the easy-clean interior resists stains and odors. However, the 6 auto menus are fewer than the 13 offered by the ML4-EM12PA(BS), and the exterior finish shows fingerprints more easily than its black stainless sibling.

Positioned as the best smart sensor microwave, it’s ideal for tech-savvy users or busy households who want set-and-forget cooking. Compared to the Farberware or Nostalgia models, it offers far superior automation, though it lacks the retro charm or extra capacity of those units. While the ML4-EM12PA(BS) offers more presets and a sleeker finish, this model delivers nearly identical sensor performance at a lower entry point, making it the smartest choice for intelligent cooking.