Best Microwaves
We compared 10 microwaves and ranked them on a 1–10 score computed from 149,068 verified customer ratings — driven by what real buyers reported, not editor opinion. Our current #1 pick is TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Black Stainless Steel | 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function, Child Lock, LED Lighting, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, Perfect for Apartment, scoring 9.2/10.
Each pick below comes with a data-driven summary plus the pros and cons buyers mention most, so you can choose the best microwaves for your needs in minutes.
Our top microwaves picks
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Black Stainless Steel | 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function, Child Lock, LED Lighting, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, Perfect for Apartment
The Toshiba Microwave Oven is praised for its compact size, efficient performance, and quiet operation. It fits well in small spaces like apartments or dorms without compromising on features such as auto menus and LED lighting.
- Compact and space-efficient
- Even heating with quick cooking times
- Sleek design with easy-to-use controls
- No sensor cooking option
- Initial stiffness of the door push-to-open mechanism
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
The Toshiba EM131A5C microwave is praised for its efficiency and ease of use, with customers noting it heats food faster than previous models while offering features like a mute function and child safety lock. Despite minor complaints about noise levels, users find it to be a reliable and cost-effective appliance.
- Heats food faster compared to older models
- Includes a mute/beep off feature appreciated by users
- Easy to use with straightforward cooking options
- Reported to be slightly louder than other microwaves during operation
- One user experienced premature failure after short usage
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel | Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus, Mute Function, ECO Mode, Easy Clean Interior
The Toshiba microwave is generally well-received for its reliable performance and ease of use, with customers noting its even heating and user-friendly interface. However, there are some minor cosmetic issues noted.
- Even heating and consistent cooking results
- User-friendly touchpad interface with quick start options
- Stainless steel door attracts fingerprints easily
- Limited color options
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W,Pearl White, ECO Mode | Sound On/Off, One-Touch Buttons, Child Lock, for Apartment, Dorm & Office
The COMFEE' microwave is generally well-received for its reliability and value, offering a compact yet functional appliance suitable for small spaces with basic cooking needs. However, some users note minor issues such as initial malfunctions and display brightness.
- Dependable once past initial setup
- Compact size fits in smaller kitchens or offices
- Economical price point
- Initial unit may malfunction requiring a replacement
- Display clock could be brighter
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Black, ECO Mode | Sound On/Off, One-Touch Buttons, Child Safety Lock, for Dorm, Apartment, Office
The COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven is generally well-received for its reliable performance and budget-friendly price. However, there are some minor inconveniences noted by users.
- Dependable and versatile cooking performance
- Child safety lock feature
- Reasonably priced
- Initial unit reliability issues reported
- Display numbers could be brighter
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W
The Panasonic NN-SN686S microwave oven is generally well-received for its reliable performance and inverter technology, though some users note inconsistencies with the sensor cooking function. It offers a sleek design and is praised for its durability and efficiency.
- Superior inverter technology
- Attractive minimalist design
- Reliable long-term use
- Sensor cooking function inconsistent
- Child lock can be inconvenient
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is generally well-regarded for its reliable performance and compact design. However, it faces criticism over its child safety lock mechanism and keypad button stiffness.
- Reliable heating and cooking functions
- Compact size suitable for small kitchens or counters
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Child safety lock interferes with normal use
- Keypad buttons require excessive pressure to press
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Stainless Steel
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 microwave is generally well-received for its compact size, ease of use, and affordability. However, durability issues such as sudden malfunction after months of use and paint flaking have been reported by some users.
- Compact size that doesn't take up much space
- Clear control panel easy to use even for beginners
- Affordable compared to other microwaves with similar features
- Reports of sudden failure after several months of use
- Flaking paint inside the microwave
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1150 Watt, 1.6 Cu. Ft., Stainless Steel | 8 Convenience Cook Settings, One-Touch Controls, Child Lock Technology, Glass Turntable, for Kitchen, Dorm, Office, Apartment
The GE Countertop Microwave Oven is generally well-regarded for its size and quiet operation, though some users report concerns about longevity and excessive noise during use.
- Quiet operation
- Even heating performance
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Can be noisy during operation
- Concerns about long-term durability
GE 30" Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS
The GE JVM3160RFSS microwave is generally well-received for its functionality and aesthetic appeal. However, some customers have reported issues with installation difficulties and unit damage despite pristine packaging.
- Easy to use and heats food quickly
- Well-built with good venting capabilities
- Packed securely without any scratches or dents
- Installation can be challenging for some users
- Occasional delivery issues leading to damaged units
Quick Comparison
| Product | Score |
|---|---|
| TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Black Stainless Steel | 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function, Child Lock, LED Lighting, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, Perfect for Apartment | 9.2/10 |
| TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W | 9.0/10 |
| TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel | Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus, Mute Function, ECO Mode, Easy Clean Interior | 8.9/10 |
| COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W,Pearl White, ECO Mode | Sound On/Off, One-Touch Buttons, Child Lock, for Apartment, Dorm & Office | 8.8/10 |
| COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Black, ECO Mode | Sound On/Off, One-Touch Buttons, Child Safety Lock, for Dorm, Apartment, Office | 8.8/10 |
| Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W | 8.6/10 |
| Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black | 8.6/10 |
| BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Stainless Steel | 8.5/10 |
| GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1150 Watt, 1.6 Cu. Ft., Stainless Steel | 8 Convenience Cook Settings, One-Touch Controls, Child Lock Technology, Glass Turntable, for Kitchen, Dorm, Office, Apartment | 8.3/10 |
| GE 30" Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS | 8.3/10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best microwave right now?
- TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Black Stainless Steel | 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function, Child Lock, LED Lighting, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, Perfect for Apartment is our top-ranked pick, with a ChoiceRadar score of 9.2/10. It leads our ranking of 10 microwaves built from real customer-rating data.
- How does ChoiceRadar rank microwaves?
- Every product is scored on a 1–10 scale computed from its full distribution of customer star ratings, then the strongest candidates are curated for each category. We never accept payment for placement — see our methodology for the exact formula.
- How many microwaves did you compare?
- This ranking covers 10 microwaves, drawing on 149,068 customer ratings in total.
- Are these microwaves rankings independent?
- Yes. Rankings are determined by customer-rating data using the same formula for every product. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through our links, but that never changes how products are scored or ordered.