7 Best Microwave Ovens of 2025

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a no-frills microwave that punches above its weight with thoughtful features rarely seen at this price point. With 700W of cooking power, a 10-inch glass turntable, and one-touch auto-cook presets for popcorn, pizza, and veggies, it delivers consistent results for basic reheating and defrosting tasks. The standout here is the silent mode—a rare inclusion that makes it ideal for late-night snacks without disturbing others, solving a real pain point for dorm or apartment dwellers.

In real-world use, the microwave handles everyday meals with ease, though it struggles slightly with larger dishes due to its 0.7 cu.ft. capacity. The ECO mode genuinely reduces standby power by up to 50%, appealing to eco-conscious users, while the digital display and interior light enhance usability. However, the lack of power level customization beyond basic settings limits precision cooking—meaning it won’t brown or crisp food effectively. It’s best suited for simple tasks like warming coffee or reheating frozen dinners.

Compared to higher-end models like the TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS), this COMFEE’ unit lacks inverter technology and smart sensors but holds its own as a budget-friendly workhorse. It’s perfect for students, small households, or secondary kitchens where performance expectations are modest. While it doesn’t offer gourmet cooking capabilities, its reliability, quiet operation, and energy-saving mode make it a smarter value than many pricier options with flashier features.

Step into retro charm with the Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07, a microwave that blends vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. Its Bebop Blue finish and pull-handle design make it a standout centerpiece in any kitchen, while the 700W output and six power levels ensure solid performance for daily use. The LED display and interior light provide excellent visibility, letting you monitor food without interrupting the cycle—a small but meaningful touch for user convenience.

Performance-wise, the Galanz handles standard reheating and defrosting with reliability, thanks to its 360° rotating turntable that promotes even heating across meals. The defrost-by-weight function is surprisingly accurate, preserving texture better than time-based methods. However, its 0.7 cu.ft. interior limits it to smaller plates and bowls, making it less ideal for family-sized dishes. There’s no sensor cooking or advanced presets, so you’ll manually adjust time and power—a trade-off for its stylish appeal.

When compared to the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, the Galanz offers similar specs but wins on visual flair and ambiance. It’s not built for power users or those needing smart features, but for renters, design-focused homeowners, or gift buyers, it delivers personality without sacrificing core functionality. While it doesn’t cook faster or smarter than others in its class, its distinctive look and dependable operation give it an edge where style meets substance.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 brings sleek stainless steel elegance to compact microwaves, combining minimalist design with practical performance. With 700W power and 10 adjustable settings, it offers more control than budget models, allowing precise heating for delicate tasks like melting chocolate or simmering sauces. The push-button door release is a standout feature—smooth, reliable, and easier to use than traditional handle pulls, especially when hands are full.

In daily testing, the microwave shines in consistency and ease of use. The large LED display is highly legible, and the removable 10-inch turntable simplifies cleaning after splatters. It handles single servings and small meals efficiently, though its 0.7 cu.ft. size can’t accommodate large casserole dishes. Like other entry-level units, it lacks inverter tech, so food may heat unevenly if not stirred. Still, the pre-programmed buttons for pizza, popcorn, and beverages reduce guesswork and streamline routine use.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, this model feels more premium thanks to its stainless build and responsive controls, though both share similar wattage and capacity. It’s ideal for offices, studio apartments, or modern kitchens where looks matter as much as function. While it won’t replace a full oven, its refined finish, intuitive layout, and dependable operation make it a top pick for those who want a compact microwave that doesn’t look like one.

Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, a game-changer for anyone tired of overcooked leftovers or guessing cook times. Its Smart Humidity Sensor is the star—automatically detecting steam levels to adjust power and duration, ensuring perfectly reheated meals every time. Backed by 1000W of power and a spacious 1.2 cu.ft. cavity, it handles larger dishes with ease, making it ideal for families or meal preppers who demand consistency.

Real-world testing confirms the sensor works impressively well: soups stay hot without boiling over, and casseroles reheat evenly without drying out. The 12 auto menus, including sensor reheat and veggie cook, simplify daily use, while the mute function and ECO mode add quiet, energy-efficient operation. The 12.4-inch turntable rotates smoothly, though it can wobble slightly under heavy loads. One limitation: the sensor isn’t foolproof with very dense or layered foods, occasionally undercooking centers.

Compared to the smaller TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS), this model offers greater capacity and smarter cooking, justifying its premium positioning. It’s not as flashy as convection models, but for those prioritizing intelligent, hands-off reheating, it outperforms most in its range. While it lacks inverter technology, its sensor precision, roomy interior, and ease of cleaning make it a standout choice for tech-savvy users who hate culinary guesswork.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) sets the gold standard for microwave performance with its Inverter Technology, which delivers continuous power instead of pulsing, resulting in even defrosting and consistent cooking—no more cold spots or rubbery edges. With 1250W of output and a massive 1.6 cu.ft. interior, it handles everything from family meals to full pizzas with confidence, while the 13.6-inch turntable ensures full coverage during rotation.

In real-world use, this microwave excels at multitasking: you can defrost meat evenly, reheat multiple containers, and even cook fresh dishes with precision thanks to six Smart Sensor Auto Menus. The two-step child lock adds safety without being overly complex, and the quiet operation—especially in mute mode—makes it suitable for open-concept living. However, its size demands significant counter space, and the control panel’s protective film must be removed before first use, a minor but easily missed step.

Pitted against the GE GCST10A1WSS, it lacks air frying and broiling but dominates in even heating and sensor intelligence. It’s the ideal choice for families, home cooks, and anyone who values reliable, restaurant-quality results without constant monitoring. While pricier than basic models, its inverter tech, smart sensors, and expansive interior deliver unmatched versatility and performance for everyday excellence.

The GE GCST10A1WSS redefines what a microwave can do by integrating air frying, convection baking, and broiling into one compact unit—making it a kitchen powerhouse for those who want oven-like results without the space. With 1050W microwave power and a full convection system, it crisps chicken wings, bakes muffins, and reheats leftovers with remarkable versatility. The included crisper pan and elevated rack are essential for achieving golden, crunchy textures you’d never get from a standard microwave.

In practical use, the air fry mode delivers impressively crispy results in under half the time of a traditional oven, using little to no oil. The convection and broil functions work seamlessly with preset controls for fries and nuggets, minimizing guesswork. However, the 1.0 cu.ft. capacity, while decent, fills up quickly with larger dishes, and the fan noise during convection mode is noticeably louder than standard microwaves. It’s also heavier and requires more clearance, so placement matters.

Compared to the TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS), this GE model trades some cooking volume and inverter precision for multi-functionality. It’s perfect for small kitchens, RVs, or anyone looking to replace multiple appliances with one smart unit. While it doesn’t match a full-size oven in capacity, its air fry prowess, broil capability, and compact stainless design make it a top-tier choice for modern, health-conscious cooks who want more from their microwave.

Don’t let its size fool you—the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) packs 900W of power into a space-saving 0.9 cu.ft. body, making it the ultimate microwave for dorm rooms, studio apartments, and office break rooms. Its 11 power levels and 6 auto menus offer surprising flexibility for such a compact unit, letting users fine-tune everything from gentle defrosting to rapid reheating. The mute function and two-step child lock add quiet, safe operation—perfect for shared living spaces.

Testing reveals it handles single-serve meals with ease, and the 10.6-inch turntable rotates smoothly, accommodating most dinner plates. The LED lighting clearly illuminates the interior, and the preset buttons for popcorn, pizza, and potatoes reduce setup time. However, the lower wattage compared to 1000W+ models means longer cook times for dense foods, and the smaller cavity can’t fit large containers. It’s not built for family meals, but that’s not its purpose.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, it offers more power and a slightly larger interior despite similar dimensions. It’s ideal for students, solo professionals, or minimalist kitchens where efficiency and footprint matter most. While it lacks smart sensors or inverter tech, its strong performance, quiet operation, and modern stainless look make it the best compact choice for tight spaces.