7 Best Basic Microwave Ovens of 2025

This TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS brings smart cooking intelligence to everyday meals with its Smart Sensor humidity detection, making it a standout among basic microwave ovens. Packed with 1000 watts of cooking power and a spacious 1.2 cubic feet cavity, it effortlessly handles full-sized plates and leftovers without crowding. The 12 auto menus and one-touch start eliminate guesswork, solving the universal pain point of unevenly reheated food—no more dry edges or cold centers.

In real-world use, the Smart Sensor shines when reheating dense foods like casseroles or rice, automatically adjusting time and power to prevent overcooking. The 12.4-inch removable turntable ensures even heat distribution, while the ECO mode reduces standby power—ideal for eco-conscious households. However, at its size, it demands significant countertop real estate, and the digital interface, while intuitive, can feel cluttered for users seeking absolute simplicity.

Compared to compact models like the Chefman or COMFEE’, this Toshiba offers superior capacity and sensor-driven precision, positioning it as the ideal choice for families or frequent microwave users. While it lacks the retro flair of the Galanz or the ultra-budget appeal of sub-$70 models, it delivers smarter performance and broader functionality—a balanced upgrade for those stepping up from entry-level units.

Meet the TOSHIBA MM-EM07PA(BK)—a compact powerhouse that redefines defrosting with its ChefDefrost technology, delivering results up to 40% faster than conventional methods. Despite its 0.7 cubic feet size, this microwave doesn’t compromise on control, offering 11 power levels and six auto menus for everything from popcorn to pizza. For users tired of mushy, half-thawed chicken or unevenly warmed meals, this model delivers precision and speed in a space-saving design.

During testing, the ChefDefrost function consistently preserved texture and moisture in frozen meats and breads, outperforming basic time-based defrost settings found on budget models. The 9.6-inch turntable rotates smoothly, though it struggles slightly with larger dinner plates. At 700 watts, it’s not the strongest performer for rapid boiling, but it handles daily reheating and snacks with confidence. The mute mode and ECO mode add thoughtful touches for noise-sensitive environments.

When stacked against the COMFEE’ or Chefman compact units, this Toshiba trades a bit of affordability for superior defrost intelligence and build quality. It’s the best choice for singles or couples who prioritize food integrity during thawing over raw power or capacity. While it lacks the smart cooking sensors of its bigger sibling, it offers better culinary control than most sub-$80 microwaves—a smart investment for defrost-dependent kitchens.

The BLACK+DECKER B0DHWWQ77M strikes a sweet spot between size and simplicity, offering a spacious 0.9 cubic feet cavity that fits a 10-inch pizza with room to spare—perfect for small families or shared kitchens. With 900 watts of power and 10 adjustable settings, it balances speed and control, while the one-touch start and memory function streamline daily use. For those upgrading from tiny dorm models, this microwave eliminates the frustration of overflowing containers and underpowered heating.

In daily use, the pre-programmed menus reliably handle common tasks like reheating dinner plates or cooking frozen veggies, though they lack the adaptive intelligence of sensor-based models. The memory function is a quiet hero—ideal for households with go-to meals—while the two-step child lock adds peace of mind. It heats more evenly than 700W units, but dense foods still require manual stirring. The digital panel is responsive, though the interior lighting could be brighter.

Compared to the TOSHIBA 1.2 cu ft model, it sacrifices smart sensors and capacity but gains better countertop efficiency and affordability. Against the Galanz retro model, it offers more power and modern features without the style premium. It’s perfect for small kitchens where space and safety matter—delivering more functionality than compact models without the footprint of full-sized units.

The Chefman B0DY95T5HB is a no-frills workhorse that delivers exceptional value in a space-conscious 0.7 cubic feet frame, making it ideal for dorms, offices, or minimalist kitchens. With 700 watts of power, 10 power levels, and six one-touch presets, it handles everyday tasks like reheating coffee or cooking popcorn with reliable efficiency. Its mute button and Eco mode cater to quiet environments, solving the annoyance of disruptive beeps and phantom energy drain.

Real-world testing shows it performs on par with other 700W models—adequate for light cooking but slower when boiling water or reheating thick stews. The +30 seconds button is a small but smart addition for quick boosts, while the memory function lets users save favorite settings. The glass turntable is dishwasher-safe, a rare convenience in this price range. However, the build feels lightweight, and the digital panel can lag slightly under frequent use.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, the Chefman offers better durability and a memory function at a minimal price bump. Compared to the Galanz retro model, it trades aesthetic flair for practical features and cETL certification. It’s perfect for budget-focused users who want reliable performance and modern conveniences without overspending—offering more utility than bare-bones models while staying under $70.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a smart cooking champion, leveraging Smart Sensor humidity detection to deliver perfectly reheated meals without user guesswork—ideal for those who’ve suffered soggy leftovers or exploded containers. With 1000 watts of power and a 1.2 cubic feet interior, it combines large capacity with intelligent automation, making it a top pick for tech-savvy households. The 12 auto menus and easy defrost by weight eliminate manual input, solving the pain of inconsistent results.

In practice, the sensor reheat function dynamically adjusts cooking time, excelling with varied food types—from lasagna to stir-fry—while the 12.4-inch turntable ensures even heat distribution. The mute function silences end-of-cycle beeps, a welcome feature for late-night use. However, its large footprint may overwhelm small kitchens, and the premium price reflects features many casual users may not fully utilize.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft model, it offers superior intelligence and capacity but at greater cost and size. Against the silver EM131A5C-SS, it’s functionally identical—just a color variant. It’s best for users who value smart automation over portability, delivering a more refined experience than basic models while justifying its place as a long-term investment in kitchen efficiency.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a budget-savvy essential, delivering core microwave functionality in a compact 0.7 cubic feet frame without skimping on usability. At just 700 watts, it’s not the fastest, but its one-touch express cooking and six auto-cook presets make daily tasks effortless—perfect for students or office kitchens. The mute function and ECO mode address common frustrations: noisy alerts and energy waste, offering a quieter, greener experience.

Testing reveals it reheats beverages and frozen meals reliably, though dense foods require stirring mid-cycle. The 10-inch turntable provides slightly more room than most in its class, and the bright digital display is easy to read. However, it lacks a memory function or advanced defrost options, limiting customization. The child lock is basic, and build quality feels utilitarian—nothing fancy, but functional.

Against the Chefman model, it’s nearly identical but slightly more affordable, sacrificing the memory function and dishwasher-safe turntable. Compared to the TOSHIBA compact model, it trades defrost speed for lower cost. It’s the best pick for tight budgets, offering solid performance and essential features—proving you don’t need extras to get the job done right.

The Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 turns heads with its vibrant Bebop Blue finish and retro pull-handle design, transforming a utilitarian appliance into a kitchen style statement. Behind the charm, it delivers 700 watts of power and six power levels, handling everyday tasks like defrosting and reheating with modest efficiency. For renters or design-focused users tired of bland black or silver boxes, this microwave solves the aesthetic fatigue of standard models.

In practice, the 360° rotating turntable promotes even heating, though results lag behind sensor-equipped units. The LED display is clear, and the interior light helps monitor cooking without opening the door. However, the lack of one-touch presets means more manual input, and the beep alert is fixed at three tones, which can’t be silenced—annoying in quiet homes. Build quality feels lightweight, and the pull handle, while stylish, offers no functional advantage.

Compared to the COMFEE’ or Chefman, it sacrifices features for fashion, offering no mute mode or memory function. Against the BLACK+DECKER, it’s less practical but infinitely more expressive. It’s perfect for style-first buyers who want a personality-infused appliance—delivering more visual impact than performance while still functioning as a reliable daily microwave.