9 Best Microwaves at Home Depot 2025

Unleash dual cooking power in a single sleek appliance with the Emerson MWG1191SB, where microwave meets grill in a way few budget models dare. This 1.1 cu. ft. powerhouse delivers 1100W of microwave energy and a built-in grill element that crisps, browns, and sears—perfect for upgrading frozen pizza nights or giving sandwiches that deli-style finish. With 11 precision power levels and 9 smart presets, it tackles everything from steamed vegetables to reheating leftovers with surprising finesse, making it a standout for home chefs who want more than just heat.

In real-world testing, the grill function shines when layering textures—think golden crusts on mac and cheese or a seared top on a casserole—without needing a separate oven. The removable glass turntable simplifies cleaning, while the LED display and retro-style dials offer intuitive control. However, the interior lighting is dim, and the grill cycle takes longer than convection models, so patience is needed for best results. It handles medium-sized meals well but struggles with bulkier dishes due to the turntable size.

Compared to basic 1.1 cu. ft. models like the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11, the Emerson offers far more culinary versatility thanks to its dual cooking method. While it’s less compact than smaller 0.7 cu. ft. units, it’s ideal for singles or couples wanting restaurant-quality finishes at home. It delivers grill-level performance at a microwave price, outcooking rivals that can’t brown or crisp—making it the top pick when flavor texture matters.

Sleek, smart, and silently efficient, the Chefman 1.1 cu. ft. microwave blends modern design with thoughtful features that elevate everyday convenience. Its stainless steel finish resists smudges and fits seamlessly into contemporary kitchens, while the 1000W output ensures reliable heating across meals and beverages. What truly sets it apart is the multi-phase cooking function, allowing users to program two cooking stages—like defrost then cook—automatically, which is rare at this price. For apartment dwellers or minimalist kitchens, it’s a style-meets-substance win.

During testing, the 6 auto menus (popcorn, pizza, veggies) delivered consistent results, and the mute function proved invaluable for late-night snacks without disturbing others. The +30-second express start is a small but brilliant touch for quick top-offs. While the 10 power levels offer good control, the microwave occasionally underheats dense foods like casseroles compared to 1100W models. The interior is spacious for its class, but the turntable doesn’t lock, leading to a slight wobble on uneven surfaces.

Against the Emerson MWG1191SB, the Chefman trades grill capability for cleaner aesthetics and smarter automation. It’s less about gourmet flair and more about daily reliability with modern polish. For users prioritizing quiet operation, eco mode efficiency, and memory settings, this is the superior choice—offering high-end features in a mid-tier package without sacrificing performance.

Vintage charm meets practical function in the COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH, a microwave that turns heads with its retro aesthetic while delivering solid performance for small kitchens. At 700W with 11 power levels, it’s tuned for efficiency over brute force, making it ideal for reheating coffee, defrosting proteins, or cooking single servings without overwhelming the circuit. The one-touch express cooking (1–6 minutes) and bright digital display make it a breeze for kids or seniors to use, while the two-step child lock adds peace of mind.

In daily use, the auto-cook presets (pizza, popcorn, reheat) are accurate and fast, though they struggle slightly with frozen entrees due to the lower wattage. The turntable reset function ensures consistent rotation alignment, reducing noise and improving even cooking. However, the 0.7 cu. ft. capacity limits it to small plates and bowls—no family-sized dishes here. It excels in dorms or offices, but frequent cooks may find themselves needing multiple cycles for larger meals.

Compared to the TOSHIBA MM-EM07PA(BK), it offers similar wattage but better visual appeal and express functionality. While it lacks advanced defrost tech, it’s a charming, compact solution for style-conscious users with light cooking needs. It delivers retro flair with modern usability, outshining basic models in design while staying budget-friendly.

Affordable, efficient, and thoughtfully designed, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a compact powerhouse that punches above its price tag. At just 700W and 0.7 cu. ft., it’s built for tight spaces—dorms, RVs, or studio apartments—yet packs eco mode, mute function, and one-touch express cooking that rival pricier models. The energy-saving ECO mode cuts standby power by 50%, a rare feature at this level, making it a smart pick for eco-conscious buyers.

Real-world use confirms its reliability for daily tasks: defrosting ground beef, reheating soup, or popping popcorn with preset buttons. The silent mode eliminates end-of-cycle beeps, a godsend in shared living spaces. However, dense foods take longer to heat evenly, and the lack of advanced sensors means you’ll need to manually adjust times. The interior light is dim, and the turntable, while removable, feels flimsy under heavy dishes.

When stacked against the COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH, it trades retro looks for pure functional value—same size, same wattage, but better energy efficiency. It’s the go-to for budget-first buyers who still want modern conveniences. For its size and price, it delivers essential features without fluff, offering maximum utility in a minimalist footprint.

Defrost like a pro with the TOSHIBA MM-EM07PA(BK), a compact microwave that redefines speed and precision in low-wattage convenience. Its ChefDefrost feature uses intelligent algorithms to thaw food up to 40% faster than standard microwaves while preserving texture—no more rubbery chicken or icy centers. Paired with 11 power levels and 6 auto menus, it handles everything from frozen peas to reheating leftovers with impressive control. For anyone tired of defrost guesswork, this is a game-changer in a tiny package.

In testing, the ChefDefrost consistently outperformed basic time/weight defrost modes, especially with irregularly shaped meats. The one-touch start for 1–6 minutes is perfect for quick tasks, and the mute mode silences beeps with a simple button hold. However, the 700W power means full cooking cycles take longer than 1000W+ models, and the 0.7 cu. ft. interior limits plate size. It’s not for families, but for singles or light users, it’s exceptionally capable.

Compared to the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB, it swaps no-frills simplicity for smarter defrost intelligence. While both are compact and budget-friendly, this model justifies a slight price bump with superior thawing performance. It’s the best choice when defrost speed and quality matter most, offering precision over power in a space-saving design.

Solid, straightforward, and powerful, the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 hits the sweet spot of mid-range performance without overcomplicating things. With 1000W of cooking power and a spacious 1.1 cu. ft. cavity, it handles everything from mug cakes to family leftovers with consistent results. The push-button door release is a small luxury—smooth and reliable—while the removable 12.4” turntable makes cleaning a breeze. For users who want no-nonsense reliability, this is a top contender.

In real use, the 10 power levels and pre-programmed buttons (pizza, popcorn, dinner plate) deliver dependable performance, though they lack the finesse of sensor-based models. The LED display is large and legible, but the buttons feel slightly plasticky. It heats evenly for its class, but dense foods like baked potatoes take longer than inverter models. The child lock is effective, though not as robust as two-step systems.

Against the Chefman B0C6NHVT5F, it offers similar power but fewer smart features—no eco mode or multi-phase cooking. Yet, it wins on build quality and door mechanism. It’s the ideal middle ground for users who want more power than compact models but don’t need premium tech. It delivers consistent, no-fail cooking at a fair value, making it a reliable workhorse for everyday use.

The gold standard of microwaves arrives in the TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS), a high-performance powerhouse that combines inverter technology, smart sensors, and 1.6 cu. ft. capacity into one flawless package. With 1250W of inverter power, it delivers continuous, even heating—no more hot spots or cold centers—making it ideal for delicate tasks like melting chocolate or reheating lasagna. The 6 smart sensor menus automatically adjust time and power, while the removable 13.6” turntable fits a 12-inch pizza with room to spare.

In testing, the inverter tech proved transformative, maintaining consistent power across all levels, unlike traditional pulsing microwaves. The auto defrost handled thick steaks and whole chickens with precision, and the large interior accommodated casserole dishes effortlessly. However, the control panel isn’t backlit, making it hard to read in dim kitchens, and the unit is heavy at 33 lbs, limiting portability. It’s overkill for singles but perfect for families.

Versus the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), it offers identical capacity and inverter tech but a stainless steel finish over black stainless. While both are premium, this model justifies its higher price with superior heating consistency and sensor intelligence. It’s the best overall microwave for those who want professional-grade performance, smart features, and spacious design in one impeccably engineered unit.

Budget brilliance in a pretty package, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM proves you don’t need to spend big for smart, stylish functionality. At just 700W and 0.7 cu. ft., it’s designed for small-space efficiency, yet includes mute mode, ECO mode, and one-touch cooking that feel premium. The pearl white finish adds a cheerful pop to any kitchen, while the two-step child lock meets updated safety standards—rare at this price. For students or first-time buyers, it’s a no-brainer value pick.

In daily operation, the auto-cook presets handle basics like popcorn and pizza with ease, and the +30 second button is perfect for quick boosts. The ECO mode slashes standby power by 50%, a thoughtful touch for energy savers. However, heating is uneven with dense foods, and the interior light is dim, making it hard to check food mid-cycle. The turntable works fine but lacks a reset function, so alignment can drift over time.

Compared to the black EM720CPL-PMB, it’s functionally identical but more visually appealing with its white finish. While it can’t match the TOSHIBA’s performance, it maximizes features per dollar. It’s the best budget-friendly option for those who want quiet, efficient, and safe operation without sacrificing style or core functions.

Engineered for family life, the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) delivers large-capacity convenience with smart, user-friendly innovations. Its 1.6 cu. ft. interior and 13.6” position-memory turntable make it easy to fit big dishes and retrieve them safely—no more guessing where the handle ended up. With 1200W of power and smart sensor menus, it automatically adjusts cooking for pizza, veggies, and more, ensuring consistent results without guesswork. For households tired of cramped cavities, this is space and smarts combined.

In real-world use, the position-memory turntable is a small marvel—consistently returning to the same spot for safer handling. The sensor cooking adapts well to moisture levels, preventing overcooking, and the multi-stage programming allows defrost-to-cook sequences. However, heating isn’t as even as inverter models, and the black stainless finish shows fingerprints. It’s powerful but not as refined as the ML-EM45PIT(SS).

Against the inverter-equipped ML-EM45PIT(SS), it trades continuous power for lower cost, making it a value-focused large microwave. While it lacks inverter tech, it still outperforms most in its class. It’s the best choice for families needing space and smart features, offering premium capacity and usability at a more accessible price.