8 Best Smart Microwaves of 2025

The Panasonic NN-SV79MS isn’t just smart—it’s intelligently intuitive, blending Inverter technology with Alexa-powered voice commands to redefine countertop convenience. With 1200 watts of continuous power and a 1.4 cu.ft. interior, it tackles everything from delicate reheating to full meals without the hot-and-cold spots that plague conventional microwaves. The Genius Sensor doesn’t just guess—it learns—automatically adjusting time and power based on steam and humidity, making it a true set-it-and-forget-it solution for busy kitchens.

In real-world use, this microwave shines when handling multi-stage cooking or frozen leftovers. The Turbo Defrost function thaws meat evenly without edge-cooking, while the 20 preset menus—from popcorn to pizza—deliver consistent results with zero guesswork. The 12.4” turntable rotates smoothly, and the spacious cavity fits a 13” plate with room to spare. However, users in tight spaces may find its wide footprint (20.4”) a bit bulky, and the stainless steel finish shows fingerprints more than expected.

Compared to the TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS), the NN-SV79MS offers superior evenness thanks to Inverter tech, though it lacks a mute function. It’s ideal for users who prioritize precision cooking and smart integration over minimalist design. For those who want voice-controlled simplicity with pro-level results, this Panasonic delivers better performance consistency than most mid-range smart microwaves, even if it costs more than basic models.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) is a voice-first microwave that puts hands-free control at the forefront, making it a standout for Alexa users who want to command their kitchen without lifting a finger. Its 1100W power output and smart humidity sensor work in tandem to deliver reliable reheating and defrosting, while the mute function eliminates annoying beeps—perfect for late-night snacks without waking the household. The ECO mode also appeals to energy-conscious users, reducing standby power draw without sacrificing functionality.

During testing, the sensor reheat feature consistently prevented overcooking soups and casseroles, adjusting power dynamically based on internal moisture. The 12.4” turntable handled large plates well, and the 1.3 cu.ft. interior fit most standard dishes. However, the plastic dial controls feel less premium, and the voice recognition can lag if the connected Echo device is across the room. It’s best suited for quick tasks—reheating coffee, popping popcorn—not precision cooking.

When stacked against the Panasonic NN-SV79MS, the TOSHIBA trades inverter-powered evenness for stronger voice integration and quieter operation. It’s the better pick for users who prioritize smart home compatibility and convenience over culinary finesse. If you want solid performance with seamless Alexa control and don’t need gourmet-level reheating, this Toshiba offers better value for voice-centric households than higher-end inverter models.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is a family-sized powerhouse, built for households that need big capacity and smart simplicity without breaking the bank. With a 1.6 cu.ft. interior—one of the largest in its class—and a 13.6” position-memory turntable, it easily fits full 13” pizzas or family-sized casseroles, making it a meal-prep MVP. The 1200W output ensures fast, even heating, while the sensor menus take the stress out of reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals.

In daily use, the multi-stage cooking and memory function shine for batch cooking or defrost-then-cook routines. The auto-defrost handles large cuts of meat impressively, and the child lock adds peace of mind in busy homes. However, the black stainless steel finish, while stylish, shows smudges easily, and the control panel’s tactile feedback is soft, making it hard to confirm inputs without looking. It’s not the quietest model, but the sound-off function helps during nighttime use.

Against the TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS), this model trades a bit of smart refinement for raw capacity and family-friendly features. It’s the clear winner for larger households or those who regularly cook full meals in the microwave. If you need more space and stronger power than compact models offer, this Toshiba delivers better scalability than smaller smart microwaves, even if it lacks advanced voice features.

The GE GCST09U1WSS is the compact smart solution for small kitchens, dorms, or offices where space is tight but smart features are still desired. Its 0.9 cu.ft. footprint is among the smallest here, yet it packs WiFi connectivity and Scan-to-Cook—a rare combo at this size. By scanning frozen food barcodes via the SmartHQ app, it auto-sets time and power, eliminating guesswork and reducing undercooked meals. The 900W output is modest, but sufficient for reheating, beverages, and simple meals.

In real-world testing, the Scan-to-Cook feature worked reliably with major frozen brands, though it occasionally defaulted to generic settings for off-brand items. The glass turntable rotates smoothly, and the child lock adds safety in shared spaces. However, the low wattage means longer cook times for dense foods, and the app interface feels dated compared to newer models. It struggles with large plates and isn’t ideal for families.

Compared to the Breville BMO850BSS, this GE model sacrifices power and quietness for affordability and space efficiency. It’s best for singles, students, or secondary kitchens who want smart features without premium pricing. If you need a compact, app-connected microwave that fits in tight spots, this GE offers better space-to-smart-feature ratio than bulkier, pricier options—even if it can’t match their performance.

The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) is a kitchen multitasker, packing 8-in-1 functions—including air fry, convection, broil, and microwave—into a single compact unit. With 1000W microwave power and a 12.4” position-memory turntable, it handles everything from crispy fries to baked chicken, making it ideal for users who want air-fried crunch without a second appliance. The odor removal mode is a subtle but brilliant touch, keeping kitchens fresh after greasy meals.

In testing, the air fry function delivered golden, crispy results with 80% less oil, though it took slightly longer than a dedicated air fryer. The combi-cook mode (microwave + convection) sped up roasting significantly, and the compact 1.0 cu.ft. interior still fit a whole chicken or 12” pizza. However, the learning curve is steep—menus are nested and not as intuitive as standalone units. It’s not the fastest microwave-only option, but the versatility is unmatched.

Versus the TOSHIBA OptiChef ML2-STC13SAIT(SS), this model offers similar multi-functionality at half the price, though with a smaller cavity and no Alexa support. It’s perfect for small kitchens or minimalists who want maximum utility in minimal space. If you crave air-fried flavor and oven-like baking without cluttering the counter, this Toshiba combo delivers better all-in-one value than buying separate appliances.

The Breville BMO850BSS is the quiet virtuoso of smart microwaves, engineered for users who want precision and peace in equal measure. Its 80% quieter soft-close door and 50% quieter operation make it ideal for open-plan living or late-night use, while the Power Smoothing Inverter ensures edge-to-center evenness—no more cold centers or rubbery edges. The Sensor iQ technology reads steam in real time, auto-adjusting cooking for perfect pizza reheats or delicate defrosts.

In real-world trials, the Smart Reheat function outperformed competitors, reviving leftovers with restaurant-quality texture. The 15 smart presets and shortcuts panel (inside the door) streamline common tasks like melting butter or reheating soup. The 1.2 cu.ft. cavity is well-sized, but the $400 price tag demands justification—some may find the luxury build and quietness worth it, while others may see it as overkill for basic tasks.

Next to the Panasonic NN-SV79MS, the Breville offers quieter operation and smarter presets, but at nearly double the cost. It’s best for discerning users who value refinement, noise reduction, and culinary accuracy. If you want a premium, whisper-quiet microwave with pro-level sensor cooking, this Breville delivers better acoustic and thermal performance than most, even if budget buyers will find it excessive.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is the sweet spot of value, offering smart features, solid performance, and a sub-$120 price—a rare trifecta in the smart microwave world. With 1000W power, a 1.2 cu.ft. cavity, and a smart humidity sensor, it handles everyday tasks with confidence, from reheating coffee to cooking frozen dinners. The 6 preset menus and mute function add convenience, while the easy-clean interior resists stains and splatters.

In daily use, the sensor reheat function prevented overcooking better than non-sensor models, and the removable turntable made cleaning effortless. The ECO mode reduced standby power, and the clock/timer was reliable. However, the 6 presets are limited compared to models with 15+, and the control panel lacks backlighting, making it hard to read in dim light. It’s not the most powerful or feature-rich, but it’s competent across the board.

Against the GE GCST09U1WSS, this Toshiba offers more power and capacity for only slightly more money. It’s ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want smart sensing and quiet operation. If you need a reliable, no-frills smart microwave that doesn’t sacrifice key features, this Toshiba delivers better overall balance than entry-level models, even without app connectivity.

The TOSHIBA OptiChef ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) is the flagship smart microwave, merging AI-powered cooking, inverter precision, and air frying into one future-ready appliance. Its 2.4-inch color touchscreen is bright and responsive, while Origin Inverter Technology ensures juicy meats and even bakes—no more dry edges. The ChefFry Plus function delivers crispy, golden results with minimal oil, and the AI-Chef system learns your habits, offering cloud-updated recipes and OTA firmware upgrades.

In testing, the Chef Defrost function thawed a pound of chicken 40% faster than conventional modes while preserving texture. The 1.3 cu.ft. cavity fit a 13” pizza, and the smart sensor adjusted perfectly for reheating lasagna. However, the app occasionally lagged, and the learning curve is steep for non-tech users. It’s overkill for basic reheating but shines for gourmet home cooks.

Compared to the Breville BMO850BSS, this Toshiba offers more functions and smarter AI, though it’s louder and bulkier. It’s the best pick for tech-savvy users who want a self-evolving, multi-functional powerhouse. If you want the most advanced smart microwave with air frying and AI integration, this OptiChef delivers better innovation and long-term value than any other model here.