9 Best Freestanding Microwaves of 2025

This GE 1.6 cu. ft. microwave delivers a power-packed punch with 1,150 watts of cooking strength, making it a kitchen workhorse for mid-sized households and busy singles alike. Its sensor cooking technology intelligently adjusts time and power, eliminating guesswork and preventing overcooked leftovers—a common frustration in everyday use. Add in the two-step child lock and instant one-touch controls, and you’ve got a microwave that balances smart functionality with real-world safety, all in a sleek black stainless design that elevates any countertop.

In real-world testing, the 1.6 cubic foot interior handled dinner plates, medium-sized casserole dishes, and even a 12-inch frozen pizza with ease, while the glass turntable ensured even heating without cold spots. The weight-based defrost function proved accurate for chicken breasts and ground meat, though dense items like a whole roast required manual monitoring. While it lacks advanced presets or convection features, its sensor cooking and express settings deliver consistent results for reheating, defrosting, and quick meals—though power users may wish for more customization beyond the eight auto settings.

Compared to the larger GE B0DDM4N45M, this model sacrifices 50 watts and 0.4 cu. ft. of space, but remains a strong contender for smaller kitchens where counter real estate is limited. It’s ideal for apartment dwellers, small families, or anyone seeking premium performance without bulk. While the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) offers similar capacity and power, this GE model edges ahead with more intuitive controls and a more modern finish, delivering better overall usability for everyday cooking demands.

Power meets capacity in this GE 2.0 cu. ft. microwave, crowned the best overall for good reason. With a robust 1,200 watts of cooking power and a cavernous interior, it effortlessly handles large dishes, family-sized meals, and oversized plates—perfect for those tired of awkwardly angling food to fit. The sensor cooking controls are game-changing, automatically adjusting time and power for everything from reheating lasagna to steaming vegetables, ensuring consistent, restaurant-quality results without user error.

During testing, the spacious 2.0 cu. ft. cavity accommodated a full 14-inch pizza and deep-dish casserole with room to spare, while the glass turntable rotated smoothly, promoting even heat distribution. The weight-based defrost was impressively accurate, thawing a pound of chicken in under five minutes with no cooking at the edges. However, the lack of convection or air fry functions limits its versatility compared to multi-cook appliances, and the control panel, while intuitive, doesn’t offer programmable memory for frequent tasks.

When stacked against the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS), this GE model offers more interior space and slightly higher wattage, making it better suited for families or entertainers. It’s the ideal pick for users who prioritize raw cooking performance and capacity over smart presets or compact size. While the Chefman B0DY9CXFGG is cheaper, this GE microwave delivers far superior power and usability, justifying its position as the top-tier choice for serious kitchen efficiency.

The Chefman 0.9 cu. ft. microwave is a budget-savvy powerhouse, packing 900 watts of cooking energy into a compact frame that’s perfect for tight spaces. Its 10 power levels offer surprising control for a microwave in this range, allowing everything from gentle butter melting to rapid reheating—ideal for students or singles who need precision without the price tag. The one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, and beverages eliminate fumbling, while the mute button ensures quiet operation late at night, a feature many overlook but quickly come to love.

In daily use, the 0.9 cubic foot cavity comfortably fits standard dinner plates and mugs, though larger dishes require careful placement. The digital controls are responsive, and the memory function lets you save favorite settings—great for morning oatmeal or nightly leftovers. However, the lack of sensor cooking means you’ll need to manually adjust times for best results, and the lower wattage means longer cook times compared to 1,000W+ models. It struggles slightly with dense foods like frozen burritos, requiring mid-cycle stirring for even heating.

Pitted against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, this Chefman model offers more power (900W vs 700W) and additional presets, making it a smarter buy for those wanting flexibility on a budget. It’s best for dorm rooms, studio apartments, or second kitchens where space and cost are top concerns. While it doesn’t match the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS in cooking intelligence, it delivers excellent value for basic to mid-level cooking needs.

The Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) stands out as the best for family use, combining a family-friendly 1.6 cu. ft. capacity with 1200 watts of power and smart sensor menus that take the guesswork out of daily meals. Its position-memory turntable is a small but brilliant innovation—returning to the same starting point after each use for easier, safer access to hot dishes, especially helpful with kids around. The pre-programmed sensor settings for pizza, veggies, and potatoes deliver restaurant-style results with zero effort, solving the all-too-common issue of soggy or overcooked leftovers.

In real-world use, the 13.6-inch turntable rotated smoothly and handled large plates and round pans without interference, while the auto-defrost by weight thawed a 1.5-pound roast evenly in under eight minutes. The multi-stage cooking feature allowed complex sequences—like defrosting then cooking—without manual intervention, a boon for busy parents. However, the control panel layout can feel slightly cluttered, and the beep muting function requires a long press that’s not immediately intuitive.

Compared to the GE B0D2956DXB, this Toshiba offers higher wattage (1200W vs 1150W) and the position-memory turntable, a unique advantage for safety and convenience. It’s better suited for families or frequent cooks than compact models like the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7. While it lacks air frying, it outperforms in sensor accuracy and cooking consistency, making it the smartest pick for households prioritizing ease and reliability.

The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(SS) is purpose-built for dorms and apartments, where space is tight but performance still matters. With a compact 0.9 cu. ft. interior and 900 watts of power, it delivers solid cooking capability without dominating a countertop. The six auto menus—including popcorn, pizza, and potato—make meal prep effortless for students or singles, while the mute function ensures quiet mornings or late-night snacks won’t disturb roommates or sleeping kids.

Testing revealed that the 10.6-inch turntable handled standard plates and mugs with ease, though larger dishes required diagonal placement. The defrost-by-weight feature worked reliably for frozen meals, and the 11 power levels offered fine-tuned control rare in this class. However, the lack of sensor cooking means you’ll need to manually adjust times for optimal results, and the lower wattage leads to longer cook times compared to full-sized models. It’s not ideal for large families, but for solo users, it’s perfectly proportioned.

Against the Chefman B0DY9CXFGG, this Toshiba model offers similar capacity and power, but with a more durable stainless finish and quieter operation. It’s a better long-term investment for college students or minimalists who want reliability in a small footprint. While it can’t match the GE 2.0 cu. ft. model in capacity, it excels in space efficiency and simplicity, making it the top pick for compact living spaces.

The Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS) is a multi-cooking marvel, transforming the humble microwave into an 8-in-1 powerhouse with air fry, convection, broil, and odor removal modes. With 1000 watts of microwave power and a 12.4-inch position-memory turntable, it handles everything from crispy fries to roasted chicken—no second appliance needed. The air fry function delivers golden, crunchy results with little to no oil, making it a health-conscious upgrade over deep frying, while the combi-mode blends microwave and convection for faster, more even cooking.

In real use, the 1.0 cu. ft. cavity fit a whole chicken and 12-inch pizza with room to spare, and the removable turntable made cleanup a breeze. The one-touch popcorn and express cooking added convenience, though the control dial took some getting used to compared to full touchpads. The odor removal mode actually worked, neutralizing fish and garlic smells after cooking—something few microwaves even attempt. However, the learning curve is steeper, and air frying takes longer than a dedicated air fryer.

Compared to the GE B0DDM4N45M, this model trades some microwave-only simplicity for massive versatility. It’s ideal for small kitchens, RVs, or anyone tired of cluttering counters with multiple appliances. While pricier than basic models, it outperforms in functionality, offering more cooking options than the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS at a competitive price. For those seeking maximum utility in one unit, it’s the undisputed leader in multi-function design.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is the quintessential compact basic, built for those who want no-frills heating in a tiny footprint. At just 0.7 cu. ft., it’s one of the smallest freestanding microwaves, yet still delivers 700 watts of reliable power—enough for reheating coffee, oatmeal, or frozen meals. The push-button door release is a standout feature, offering smooth, one-handed access that’s easier than traditional latches, especially when carrying a plate.

In daily use, the 10-inch turntable rotated quietly and handled standard mugs and small plates, though larger items didn’t fit. The pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and veggies made quick tasks effortless, and the 30-second express cook was handy for rapid heating. However, the lower wattage means longer cook times, and dense foods like frozen burritos often needed stirring. The lack of sensor cooking or eco mode keeps it basic, but that’s the point—it’s designed for simplicity, not sophistication.

Versus the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, it offers identical capacity and power, but with a more responsive control panel and brighter LED display. It’s best for dorm rooms, offices, or RVs where space is at a premium. While it can’t match the Chefman or Toshiba models in features, it delivers reliable, bare-bones performance at an entry-level price, making it the go-to for minimalists and budget-first buyers.

The Toshiba EM131A5C-SS earns its title as best value with sensor cooking, blending 1000 watts of power, a 1.2 cu. ft. interior, and smart humidity-sensing technology at a wallet-friendly price. Its sensor reheat function automatically detects moisture levels and adjusts cooking time—no more dried-out leftovers—making it a game-changer for busy households. The 12 auto menus and 10 power levels offer impressive flexibility, while the ECO mode reduces standby power, appealing to eco-conscious users.

In testing, the 12.4-inch turntable rotated smoothly and handled medium-sized dishes with ease, and the multi-stage cooking allowed complex sequences like defrost-then-cook with no manual input. The mute function silenced end-of-cycle beeps, a small but appreciated touch for nighttime use. However, the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor food, and the control panel beeps loudly even when muted—minor flaws in an otherwise stellar package.

Compared to the GE B0D2956DXB, this Toshiba offers similar sensor tech at a lower price, with better energy efficiency and more presets. It outperforms the COMFEE’ model in both power and intelligence, making it the ideal middle ground between budget and premium. For users who want smart cooking without overspending, it delivers exceptional value and performance in one sleek silver package.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM is the best budget compact, offering 700 watts of power in a pearl-white 0.7 cu. ft. design that’s as affordable as it is functional. Its one-touch buttons for popcorn, pizza, and reheat make daily use effortless, while the ECO mode cuts standby power by 50%, a rare feature at this price point. The sound on/off function lets you mute beeps with a three-second press, perfect for quiet homes or late-night use.

In real-world testing, the compact interior fit mugs and small plates but struggled with larger items, and the 700-watt output meant longer cook times—especially for frozen meals. The defrost-by-weight function was hit-or-miss with uneven results on thicker meats. Still, for a dorm or office, it’s more than adequate, and the two-step child lock adds essential safety. It’s not built for heavy use, but for light, occasional cooking, it delivers solid performance at a steal.

Against the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, it offers nearly identical specs, but with a softer color option and slightly quieter operation. It’s best for students, bachelors, or secondary kitchens where cost is king. While it lacks the sensor tech of the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, it holds its own as the most affordable entry point into reliable countertop cooking—simple, efficient, and effective.