8 Best Smart Microwave Ovens of 2025

This budget-smart microwave delivers far beyond its price tag, packing 1200W of power and a smart humidity sensor that adjusts cooking time and power for foods like pizza, veggies, and potatoes—no guesswork needed. The 1.6 cu.ft. capacity is a sweet spot for small families or couples, easily handling a 13-inch pizza, while the position-memory turntable resets to its original spot after removal, making reinstallation safer and more intuitive. It’s a rare find: a feature-rich smart microwave that doesn’t sacrifice performance for affordability, solving the common pain point of uneven heating and manual guesswork.

In real-world testing, the sensor cooking consistently delivered moist, evenly warmed leftovers—no more dried-out edges or icy centers. The multi-stage cooking function shines when combining defrost and cook cycles, and the mute function (activated by holding button “8”) is a quiet hero for late-night snacks. However, it lacks inverter tech, so lower power levels aren’t as smooth as premium models, occasionally leading to slight texture inconsistencies. At just under 22 inches wide, it fits neatly on most countertops, though rear ventilation requires a small clearance.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS), this model trades some capacity and menu options for a much friendlier price, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want smart sensor convenience. It’s not as advanced as inverter-powered models, but for those upgrading from a basic microwave, the smart presets and large cavity offer a massive leap in usability. It delivers smart functionality without smart pricing, outperforming many in its class despite lacking Wi-Fi or app connectivity.

If you’re tired of microwaves that can’t keep up with family-sized meals, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a game-changing large-capacity smart oven that combines 2.2 cu.ft. of cooking space with a highly responsive humidity sensor to deliver restaurant-quality reheating at home. Its 16.5-inch position-memory turntable effortlessly fits a 16-inch pizza or whole chicken, while the six smart auto menus—including oatmeal, bacon, and chicken pieces—take the guesswork out of daily cooking. This is smart convenience scaled for households, solving the all-too-common frustration of overcrowded cavities and uneven results.

During testing, the auto-defrost function stood out, gently thawing a pound of chicken without cooking the edges—a frequent flaw in budget models. The ECO mode reduces standby power, a small but meaningful touch for eco-conscious users, and the humidity-sensing tech dynamically adjusted cooking times for beverages and frozen rolls with impressive consistency. However, the lack of inverter technology means power modulation isn’t seamless, and lower settings can feel abrupt. Still, its spacious interior and powerful 1200W output make it ideal for reheating large casseroles or batch-cooking meals.

When stacked against the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS), this model is clearly designed for larger households that prioritize volume over portability. It doesn’t offer Wi-Fi or app control, but its smart sensor and massive cavity outshine many pricier models in real-world utility. For families who need reliable, large-scale smart cooking without air fryer bells and whistles, this microwave hits the sweet spot between capacity, intelligence, and ease of use, offering more space and smarter defaults than compact alternatives.

When even cooking is non-negotiable, the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(SS) steps up with true inverter technology, delivering a continuous stream of low-power energy instead of pulsing on/off like conventional microwaves—resulting in perfectly defrosted meats, fluffy rice, and soups that heat edge-to-center without scalding. Backed by 1250W input power and a 1.6 cu.ft. cavity, this model combines precision engineering with smart sensor presets for pizza, veggies, and potatoes, making it the go-to choice for users who hate rubbery leftovers or half-frozen chicken breasts.

In practical use, the inverter tech proved its worth during multi-stage cooking—defrosting ground beef at 50% power then seamlessly transitioning to full power for reheating stew, all without texture loss. The 6 smart sensor menus adapt to moisture levels in real time, and the removable 13.6-inch turntable simplifies cleaning while maintaining stability. However, the control panel lacks backlighting, making it hard to read in dim kitchens, and it doesn’t support app or voice control. Still, for those who value culinary precision over smart home integration, this model excels where it counts.

Compared to the Panasonic NN-SV79MS, both offer inverter tech and smart sensors, but the Toshiba wins on build quality and ease of cleaning, while the Panasonic edges ahead in voice control and preset variety. This microwave is ideal for cooking purists who want consistent, restaurant-grade results without relying on gimmicks. It delivers superior thermal control and reliability, outperforming similarly priced models that skip inverter tech entirely.

The Toshiba OptiChef isn’t just a microwave—it’s a kitchen AI powerhouse that blends inverter-powered precision, air frying, and cloud-connected intelligence into a single, sleek unit. With Origin Inverter Technology, it delivers consistent low-power cooking for delicate tasks, while the ChefFry Plus function uses a top-mounted heating element and fan to crisp wings or fries without oil—achieving air fryer-quality results in a fraction of the time. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is bright, responsive, and intuitive, guiding users through AI-optimized recipes that update over time via OTA firmware, creating a living, evolving cooking experience.

Real-world testing confirmed its multi-function mastery: it reheated lasagna evenly, air-fried frozen tater tots to golden perfection, and defrosted salmon 40% faster than traditional modes while preserving texture. The smart sensor and AI-chef logic adapt cooking based on humidity and time, and Alexa/TSmartLife app integration allows remote start and monitoring—perfect for preheating while commuting home. However, the 1.3 cu.ft. cavity is smaller than some all-in-one competitors, limiting large dish compatibility, and the advanced features come with a steeper learning curve.

Against the GE GCST10A1WSS, this model trades convection and broil modes for smarter automation and app control, making it better suited for tech-savvy users who want a connected kitchen hub. It’s pricier, but for those seeking the ultimate fusion of smart cooking, air frying, and precision, the OptiChef justifies its premium with AI-driven performance and unmatched versatility, outclassing basic combo units in both intelligence and execution.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is a compact powerhouse that packs four cooking modes—microwave, air fry, convection, and broil—into a space-saving 1.0 cu.ft. chassis, making it a game-changer for small kitchens, dorms, or offices. Its air fry mode delivers crispy, golden results without a separate appliance, while the convection fan and elevated rack ensure even browning for roasted veggies or mini casseroles. The built-in broiler adds a rare searing capability, caramelizing toppings or finishing off a small gratin like a mini oven—something most microwaves can’t touch.

In daily use, the preset buttons for fries and nuggets made kid-friendly meals effortless, and the convection mode baked a small loaf of bread with surprising evenness. The 1050W power handles reheating well, though larger meals take longer due to the smaller cavity. The glass turntable ensures even cooking, but the lack of inverter tech means defrosting isn’t as gentle as premium models. Still, for users who want true multi-cooking flexibility without sacrificing counter space, this microwave delivers unmatched functionality in a compact form.

Compared to the Toshiba OptiChef, it lacks smart connectivity and AI cooking, but wins on simplicity and cooking diversity—especially with the added broil function. It’s ideal for urban dwellers, students, or minimalist kitchens who need maximum cooking variety in minimal space. It doesn’t offer app control, but its quartet of cooking modes and crisper pan provide real culinary expansion, outperforming single-mode microwaves in versatility and browning capability.

For those drowning in frozen food prep, the GE GCST09U1WSS offers a lifesaver in the form of Scan-to-Cook—just scan a frozen meal’s barcode with your phone, and the microwave auto-loads optimal settings via the SmartHQ app, eliminating guesswork and undercooked dinners. Paired with Wi-Fi and Alexa/Google Assistant compatibility, this ultra-compact smart microwave turns any kitchen into a connected hub, allowing voice commands like “add 30 seconds” or “reheat coffee” without lifting a finger. At just 0.9 cu.ft., it’s built for tight spaces, yet still delivers 900W of responsive power and a glass turntable for even cooking.

In testing, the Scan-to-Cook feature worked flawlessly with major frozen brands, adjusting time and power for everything from burritos to entrée bowls. The child lock is robust, requiring a two-step activation, and the simple interface makes it ideal for seniors or minimalist users. However, the lower wattage means longer cook times for dense foods, and the small cavity can’t fit larger plates or dishes. It also lacks inverter tech, so defrosting isn’t as smooth as higher-end models.

Against the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS), this model trades power and capacity for smarter connectivity and space-saving design, making it perfect for college students, studio apartments, or smart home enthusiasts. It’s not for large families, but for those who value tech integration and compact efficiency, it delivers smart convenience in a tiny footprint, outperforming larger models in automation and ease of use despite its modest power.

The Panasonic NN-SV79MS is the gold standard for smart integration, combining North America’s #1 inverter technology with 100+ Alexa voice commands—you can say “reheat 2 cups of pasta” or “melt 4oz of butter” and it auto-adjusts time and power using Genius Sensor intelligence. With 1200W of inverter-powered energy, it delivers continuous, precise heating that keeps food moist and evenly cooked, whether you’re defrosting fish or reheating soup. The dial control and stainless finish give it a premium, appliance-grade look, while the 1.4 cu.ft. cavity fits most dinner plates with room to spare.

In real use, the voice control was impressively accurate, and the Genius Sensor adjusted perfectly for popcorn and leftovers, preventing overcooking. The Turbo Defrost function thaws meat quickly without cooking edges, and the 20 preset menus cover nearly every common need. However, the lack of app-based recipe syncing or screen guidance limits its smart potential compared to the Toshiba OptiChef, and it doesn’t support air frying. Still, for users who want seamless voice control and flawless inverter performance, this microwave is unmatched.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(SS), both offer inverter tech and smart sensors, but the Panasonic pulls ahead with deeper Alexa integration and more presets. It’s ideal for smart home devotees who want hands-free cooking with restaurant-quality results. It doesn’t have Wi-Fi scheduling or air frying, but its voice-first design and proven inverter reliability make it the smartest voice-controlled microwave on the market, outperforming rivals in responsiveness and ease of use.

Don’t let its modest price fool you—the Farberware 1.2 cu.ft. microwave is a hidden gem for small-space living, delivering smart sensor cooking, 1000W power, and six one-touch presets in a compact, easy-to-clean package. It’s engineered for efficiency and simplicity, with auto-cook settings for pizza, popcorn, and potatoes that take the guesswork out of daily meals. The interior is coated for quick wipe-downs, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind—making it perfect for dorms, offices, or minimalist kitchens where functionality meets affordability.

In testing, the sensor cooking performed admirably for reheating leftovers and frozen meals, though it wasn’t as adaptive as humidity-sensing models like the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS). The 1.2 cu.ft. cavity fits most dinner plates and mugs, and the LED display is clear and bright, but the lack of inverter tech means lower power levels can be uneven. It doesn’t offer Wi-Fi or voice control, but for its price, the six smart presets and defrost-by-weight function provide surprising value.

Against the GE GCST09U1WSS, it trades smart connectivity for greater power and capacity, making it better for basic cooking without app dependency. It’s ideal for budget-first buyers who want smart-like convenience without subscriptions or setup. While it lacks advanced features, it delivers solid performance and ease of use, outperforming cheaper models in sensor accuracy and build quality for those who just want a no-fuss, reliable microwave.