Best microwave

The best microwave to buy for most people is a reliable 1.1–1.3 cu. ft. countertop microwave with around 1,000–1,200 watts of cooking power. That’s a good balance of speed, capacity, and price for reheating leftovers, cooking frozen meals, and everyday use.

The right pick depends on whether you want the best value, a premium model, or something that fits a small kitchen. I’d prioritize even heating, simple controls, a turntable that fits your dishes, and a good warranty over extra features you may never use.

My top 3 microwave picks

(Best value)

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS

$120–$150 approx.

1.2 cu. ft. · 1,000 watts

A great everyday choice with sensor reheating, useful presets, and a mute function. A strong balance of performance and price. Tom's Guide RTINGS.com

Shop at Amazon · Check Lowe’s

(Best premium)

Breville the Smooth Wave

$250–$350 approx.

About 1.1 cu. ft. · 1,200 watts

Best if you want convenient controls, a more refined user experience, sensor cooking, and the option to stop the turntable for larger dishes. RTINGS.com RTINGS.com

Shop Breville · Check Best Buy

(Best flatbed)

Toshiba 1.2 cu ft Flatbed Countertop Microwave with Humidity…

$149.99

1.2 cu. ft. · 1,200 watts

No turntable means easier cleanup and more flexibility with dish shapes. It also features inverter technology and a humidity sensor.

Rated 4.6/5 from 46 reviews at Target.

Shop at Target

Which one should you buy?

My default recommendation is the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS. It offers the basics most households need without paying a premium for features.

To narrow it down to the best microwave for your kitchen, one quick question:

1. What's your budget?

Under $100

$100–$200

$200–$350

$350+

2. What kind do you need?

Countertop

Over-the-range (above the stove)

Built-in

No preference

3. What matters most?

Best overall reliability and value

Fast, even reheating and defrosting

Air frying, convection, or extra features

Small size and saving counter space

[Find my best microwave]

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is the best overall microwave for most people, offering reliable 1,100-watt power, a 1.2 cubic-foot capacity, and sensor menus at an affordable price. Reddit The New York Times

Top Microwave Picks by Category

Best Overall: Toshiba Countertop Microwave (approx. $150) – Features easy-to-use express pads, a smart sensor, and a convenient door handle. The New York Times Serious Eats

Best Splurge / High-End:Breville the Smooth Wave (approx. $300–$400) – Delivers 1200-watt fast heating, a quiet soft-close door, turn-off turntable rotation for square dishes, and smart sensor presets. RTINGS.com

Best Budget-Friendly:Magic Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave (approx. $98–$129) – Provides solid 10-power-level basic functionality and one-touch presets without overspending. Serious Eats The Spruce Eats

• Best Compact for Small Spaces:Farberware Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave (approx. $130) – Great for tight kitchens, dorm rooms, or RVs while keeping multi-stage cooking and a child lock. YouTube
• Best Combo / Air Fryer & Convection:Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 or Ninja Crispi Countertop Microwave and Air Fryer (approx. $400–$500) – Combines high-wattage microwave speeds with convection baking, grilling, and air-frying capabilities.

Here is a helpful video review breaking down the top-tested microwave ovens of the year:

To help narrow down the right option, let me know:

Where will it go? (Countertop vs. over-the-range vs. built-in)

What size or capacity do you need?

Do you want extra features like an air fryer or convection mode?

The "best" microwave depends heavily on your kitchen layout (countertop vs. over-the-range) and how you plan to use it. Expert testing and reviews highlight several standout models across different categories: Reviewed

1. Best Overall Countertop Microwave: Toshiba ML-EM45P (or 7-in-1 series)

• Capacity: 1.6 cu. ft. Reviewed Reviewed | Power: 1,200 Watts Reviewed
• Why buy it: It routinely tops performance charts for its reliable smart sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts time and power levels depending on the moisture of your food. It is spacious, heats evenly, handles popcorn and reheats effortlessly, and hits a great sweet spot for price and performance. Reviewed

2. Best for Even Heating & Families: Panasonic NN-SD975S (Cyclonic Wave Inverter)

• Capacity: 2.2 cu. ft. | Power: 1,250 Watts Reviewed
• Why buy it: Traditional microwaves blast food with 100% power in bursts, which can dry out edges (especially when defrosting). Panasonic's Inverter Technology provides true continuous, steady low-power heating. This makes it peerless for delicate reheating, perfectly thawed meats, and large family-sized dishes. (If you have less space, the smaller Panasonic Inverter models offer similar tech in a compact footprint). Reviewed

3. Best Multi-Use / Air Fryer Combo: Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1

• Why buy it: If you want to reclaim counter space, this appliance functions as a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler. Its inverter microwave engine ensures even cooking, while the convection and air-fry features give you actual crispy results that standard microwaves can't touch. Good Housekeeping

4. Best Budget Pick: Black+Decker Digital Microwave (EM925AB9)

• Capacity: 0.9 cu. ft. | Power: 900 Watts Reviewed
• Why buy it: Usually priced under $100, this is the go-to recommendation for a simple, dependable, compact machine. Reviewed It’s ideal for dorms, office breakrooms, or apartments where counter space is limited and you primarily need it for basic tasks like reheating leftovers or making quick snacks.

5. Best Over-the-Range: GE Over-The-Range Series

• Why buy it: If you need a unit that mounts above your stove and hooks into ventilation, GE's standard and profile over-the-range lines consistently win praise for intuitive button layouts, reliable sensor cooking, and powerful multi-speed exhaust fans.

What to Look For Before Buying:

• Wattage: Anything 1,000 watts or higher will cook food quickly and evenly. Under 900 watts will take notably longer.
• Inverter Tech vs. Standard: If you frequently defrost meat or cook delicate foods, paying extra for an Inverter microwave (like a Panasonic) is well worth it. Reviewed
• Sensor Cook: Highly recommended if you hate guessing how long to microwave things like potatoes, frozen vegetables, or dinner plates.

Are you looking for a countertop model, an over-the-range unit, or something with specialty features like an air fryer?

For most people, the Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S is a strong pick: reviewers praise its even heating and accurate sensor cooking. If you’d rather spend less, America’s Test Kitchen recommends the Toshiba 0.9-cu.-ft. model for consistent, quick results.nytimes.comamericastestkitchen.com

Microwaves vary in performance by model and wattage. Check reviews and if the appliance's power is higher than the listed wattage, it may run hotter and cook faster. Brands like Ninja, Sanyo, or Kion have high wattage models that many users rave about. If you're asking for a specific price or warranty, tell me and I can help with that too.