7 Best High-End Microwave Ovens of 2025

Whisper-quiet performance meets intelligent convenience in the Breville BMO650SIL, a microwave engineered for peace-seekers who refuse to compromise on functionality. With an 80% quieter soft-close door and 50% reduction in operational noise, this model stands out in open-concept kitchens or late-night snack runs where every beep and clang matters. Its 25L capacity and 900W inverter power deliver consistent reheating and defrosting, making it a top pick for users prioritizing quiet operation without sacrificing cooking precision.

In real-world use, the sensor-assisted defrost and reheat functions shine—gently warming leftovers without the dreaded rubbery edges or cold spots. The compact footprint fits neatly on crowded countertops, though the smaller cavity may struggle with oversized casserole dishes. The one-touch shortcuts for popcorn, beverages, and pizza are genuinely useful, and the Child Lock adds peace of mind in homes with curious little hands. Still, the lack of convection or air fry modes limits versatility compared to multi-function rivals.

Positioned between basic models and high-end combos, the Breville BMO650SIL carves a niche as the quietest countertop microwave for minimalist kitchens. It’s ideal for singles, couples, or office use where noise reduction and reliable reheating trump advanced cooking options. While the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) offers larger capacity and sensor cooking, the Breville wins on acoustic comfort and thoughtful touches like the mute button and soft-close door, making it a refined choice for those who value serenity in the kitchen.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is a power-packed multitasker that brings restaurant-style browning and air-fried crispiness to a compact footprint—perfect for small kitchens craving big flavor. With 1050W of microwave power, convection baking, broil mode, and a built-in air fryer, it replaces multiple appliances while maintaining a space-saving 1.0 cu.ft. cavity. The elevated rack and glass turntable ensure even airflow and consistent results, making it a standout for health-conscious cooks who want crispy fries or golden chicken without the deep fryer.

During testing, the air fry mode delivered crisp-skinned wings in under 25 minutes, rivaling standalone air fryers, while the convection setting baked moist muffins with a golden crust. The broil function adds a satisfying sear to meats and melts cheese beautifully—features rarely found in microwaves at this size. However, the learning curve for multi-mode cooking can be steep for beginners, and the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor food. Still, for its size, the performance is impressively robust.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, the GE model offers superior browning and higher wattage, though it lacks some preset variety. It’s best suited for dorm dwellers, small families, or minimalist kitchens where multi-functionality and counter space efficiency are key. While the TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) packs more modes, the GE GCST10A1WSS strikes a better balance between simplicity, performance, and air frying capability, making it the go-to for those who want crisp, broiled, and baked results in one sleek package.

Don’t let its modest price tag fool you—the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA is a budget powerhouse that packs five cooking modes into a compact 0.9 cu.ft. body, making it one of the most accessible multi-cookers on the market. With microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and combi (grill/convection) functions, it’s a kitchen Swiss Army knife for students, small households, or anyone upgrading from a basic microwave. The 11 air fry presets—from chicken wings to spring rolls—are intuitive and deliver surprisingly crisp results without preheating.

Real-world testing showed the air fry mode excels with frozen foods, producing golden French fries in 18 minutes with minimal oil, while the combi mode effectively crisped the top of a mac and cheese bake. The 900W power keeps cooking times reasonable, though it lags slightly behind higher-wattage models when reheating large portions. The lack of a sensor cook function means you’ll need to manually adjust times, and the small turntable limits dish size. Still, for its class, it’s remarkably capable.

When stacked against the GE GCST10A1WSS, the BLACK+DECKER trades some browning power for greater preset variety and lower cost, making it the best budget multi-cook microwave. It’s ideal for first-time renters, college students, or secondary kitchens where versatility and affordability are top priorities. While the TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) offers more advanced features, this BLACK+DECKER model delivers exceptional value, proving you don’t need to spend big to enjoy air-fried crunch and baked meals in one compact unit.

The Breville BMO850BSS isn’t just a microwave—it’s a culinary command center that redefines what high-end microwaves can do. With 1250W of inverter power, Sensor iQ technology, and 15 smart presets, it delivers restaurant-quality reheat and defrost results with near-foolproof ease. The Power Smoothing Inverter ensures even heating—no more cold centers or overcooked edges—while the soft-close door and 50% quieter operation make it a luxury addition to any modern kitchen. This is the best overall microwave for those who demand precision, quiet, and performance in one sleek package.

In daily use, the Smart Reheat function detects steam and adjusts time automatically, reviving pizza with a crisp crust and gooey center—something most microwaves fail at miserably. The 1.2 cu.ft. cavity accommodates larger dishes, and the 12.4-inch turntable rotates smoothly, though it’s not position-memory like some Toshiba models. The A Bit More button is a small but brilliant touch, letting you extend cooking without restarting. However, the absence of air fry or broil modes may disappoint those seeking full multi-functionality.

Compared to the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), the Breville offers superior inverter technology and quieter operation, though it lacks the larger capacity. It’s perfect for serious home cooks who want perfectly reheated meals, precise defrosting, and sensor-driven cooking without the clutter of extra modes. While it costs more than most, its build quality, smart features, and performance justify the premium—making it the most well-rounded high-end microwave available, especially when quiet, consistent cooking takes priority over air frying.

The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) is a feature-loaded powerhouse that squeezes eight cooking functions into a single countertop unit—making it the most versatile microwave for culinary adventurers. With microwave, air fry, convection, broil, combi, low-temp cook, odor removal, and defrost modes, it replaces not just a microwave but an air fryer, toaster oven, and even a dehydrator. The 12.4-inch position memory turntable resets to the same spot every time, simplifying loading and reducing accidents—a small but brilliant engineering touch.

In real-world testing, the air fry and broil modes produced crispy, golden results rivaling standalone appliances, while the convection bake function handled cookies and casseroles evenly. The 1000W microwave power is solid, though slightly behind Breville’s 1250W. The odour removal mode is a unique perk, actively reducing lingering smells after cooking fish or garlic-heavy dishes. However, the menu system can feel cluttered, and the interior lighting is average, making it hard to judge doneness.

Against the GE GCST10A1WSS, the Toshiba offers more cooking modes and better turntable convenience, though the GE has slightly better broiling performance. It’s ideal for families, meal preppers, or tiny kitchens where multi-functionality is non-negotiable. While the Breville BMO850BSS wins on quiet precision, this Toshiba model delivers maximum versatility, making it the best multi-function microwave for those who want one appliance to rule them all.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a sensor cooking maestro, designed for users who want perfectly cooked meals without guesswork. Its Smart Humidity Sensor automatically adjusts time and power based on moisture levels, ensuring no more overcooked oatmeal or dried-out leftovers. With 1000W of power and 12 auto menus, including sensor reheat and veggie cook, it’s a no-fuss solution for busy households and novice cooks. The mute function and ECO mode add thoughtful touches for noise-sensitive or eco-conscious users.

In testing, the sensor reheat function aced the pizza revival test, delivering a warm, slightly crisp base without sogginess. The 12.4-inch turntable handles medium-sized dishes well, though it’s not as large as the ML-EM45P(BS) model. The 6 preset menus are practical, but fewer than some rivals, and the interior is easy to clean thanks to the smooth, non-stick coating. However, it lacks air fry or convection modes, limiting its role in advanced cooking.

Versus the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, this Toshiba model trades multi-cook versatility for superior sensor intelligence and quieter operation. It’s best for single users, couples, or secondary kitchens where consistent, hands-off cooking is the goal. While the Breville BMO850BSS offers more power and presets, this TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS delivers best-in-class sensor performance at a fraction of the cost, making it the top pick for foolproof, worry-free reheating and cooking.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is a spacious culinary workhorse, boasting a 1.6 cu.ft. cavity—the largest in this lineup—making it ideal for families or anyone who regularly heats large dishes. With a 13.6-inch position memory turntable, it effortlessly fits a 13-inch pizza or family-sized casserole, solving a common pain point with standard microwaves. The 1200W power and 10 power levels ensure fast, flexible cooking, while the sensor menus for pizza, potato, and vegetables deliver consistent results with minimal input.

In practice, the position memory turntable is a game-changer—returning to the same spot every time for easier access and safer handling. The multi-stage cooking feature allows complex sequences (e.g., defrost then cook), and the child lock and sound-off function add convenience. However, the bulky footprint may overwhelm smaller kitchens, and the lack of air fry or convection modes limits its versatility compared to other Toshibas. Still, for pure capacity and ease of use, it’s unmatched.

Compared to the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, this model offers larger size and higher wattage but fewer smart features. It’s perfect for families, entertainers, or meal preppers who need big capacity without sacrificing reliability. While the Breville BMO850BSS wins on refinement, this TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) dominates in space and serving size, making it the best large-capacity microwave for those who cook in bulk and hate reheating in batches.