The 7 Best Microwaves in 2026

The SHARP ZSMC1464KS earns its Best Overall nod by blending real everyday performance with thoughtful convenience. Its 1.4 cu. ft. capacity and 1100 watts mean you can heat larger dishes quickly, and the inverter cooking technology delivers more even, gentler heating than many basic microwaves — great for reheating leftovers or cooking delicate items. The new white LED display and interior lighting make it simple to use, while Sensor Cook and Auto Cook take the guesswork out of timing so meals come out consistent. Little touches like the +30 second key, Melt/Soften function, and Express Cook up to six minutes make busy evenings easier.

A few features are fairly standard — the carousel turntable and stainless finish won’t surprise anyone — but the combination of power, capacity, and smart controls lifts this model above the pack. For families who want straightforward reliability with a few modern comforts, it’s a strong, practical choice.

Toshiba’s EM131A5C-BS stands out as a smart value pick because it combines a genuinely powerful 1100W output with a roomy 1.2 cu. ft. interior that easily fits a 12-inch pizza — a rare combo at this price. The pre-programmed sensor menu takes the guesswork out of reheating common foods, and the ten power settings plus time/weight defrost give you plenty of control when you want it. The large digital display and straightforward keypad make everyday use pleasantly fuss-free, and the mute function is a small but thoughtful touch for busy kitchens.

On the flip side, the warranty is the standard one year and the package is fairly basic — nothing premium in the extras — but that’s expected for a budget-friendly model. Overall, if you want strong performance, generous capacity, and practical features without breaking the bank, this Toshiba hits the sweet spot.

This compact GE microwave surprises for its size — packing air fry, convection and broil into a 1.0 cu ft, 1,050-watt unit means you can crisp, roast and sear without an extra appliance. The air fry mode delivers quicker, healthier crunches, while the convection and included rack promote even browning. The broil function is a neat touch for finishing and caramelizing foods.

Safety and convenience are solid: the two-step child lock is reassuring for families, and the preset controls (Fries, Nuggets, etc.) make everyday cooking fast and foolproof. The glass turntable ensures even cooking, though that’s a standard expectation rather than a standout. Capacity is compact, so it’s ideal for dorms, small kitchens or offices rather than large households. Overall, its multifunctionality and thoughtful features make it an excellent pick if you want one appliance to handle many cooking styles.

What pushes the Cuisinart CMW-100 into a "Best Design" spot is how thoughtfully form and function come together. The all-stainless finish — inside and out — gives it a sleek, professional look that’s also practical: the stainless-steel interior won’t trap odors and is straightforward to wipe clean. Small touches like the embossed Cuisinart logo, dark-tinted glass window and a sturdy stainless control panel make it feel premium without being flashy. The touchpad with an easy-to-read LCD and 25 preprogrammed settings keeps daily use simple, while the 10 power levels and two-stage cooking add real versatility for timed or multi-step recipes.

On the practical side, the 1-cubic-foot cavity with a 12-inch glass turntable accommodates most plates and casserole dishes, and the 1000-watt output is reliable for everyday reheating and cooking. Defrost options and included recipes are useful, if fairly standard features, but they complement a design that prioritizes durability, user-friendly controls, and a clean, modern aesthetic.

The Breville BMO870BSS1BUC1 really earns its place for precision cooking. Its Element iQ system and power-smoothing inverter work together to steer and fine-tune heat, so you get even browning with the air fry and gentle, controlled reheating or defrosting without dried edges. That combination makes it easy to handle delicate tasks like melting chocolate or reheating lasagna with consistent results.

Fast Combi and Cook From Frozen add practical precision for busy cooks — the unit blends convection, grill and microwave power to hit target textures and internal temps faster than a standard oven. The 19 smart presets simplify repeatable outcomes, which is handy if you don’t want to tweak settings every time.

On the downside, its 1200 W convection rating is solid but not the most powerful in class, and power-hungry users may miss higher wattage for very large roasts. Overall, though, its control systems and thoughtful presets make it a standout for accurate, predictable cooking.

The Panasonic NN-SN98JS stands out in the large-size category because it pairs roomy capacity with serious cooking power. Its 2.2-cubic-foot interior and 16.5-inch turntable handle big dishes easily, while the 1250-watt Cyclonic Inverter delivers steady, even heat so casseroles, family-sized meals, and delicate sauces come out uniformly warmed instead of overcooked at the edges. Turbo Defrost and the built-in Genius Sensor make weekday meals faster and more reliable — the oven senses and adjusts times so you don’t babysit defrosting or reheating.

It’s also practical: stainless-steel styling fits countertop or built-in installations, the keep-warm function is handy for staggered mealtimes, and safety features like a child lock are reassuring. The control set and preset menu are straightforward rather than luxurious, so if you want a touchscreen or convection combo you’ll look elsewhere. Overall, this model earns its spot by giving large households even, efficient performance with sensible, family-friendly features.

This little BLACK+DECKER fits the "Best Compact" slot because it nails the basics you actually use every day. The footprint is genuinely small (17.3" x 13" x 10.2"), so it slides onto a tight counter or dorm room shelf without fuss. The preset buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza and more make one-touch meals effortless, and the 30-second express cooking is a surprisingly handy time-saver for quick re-heats. The large LED display, interior light, push-button door release and removable 10" turntable all add to a no-nonsense, easy-to-use experience. Safety features like the child lock and UL approval give extra confidence in a busy household.

Keep in mind this is a straightforward compact model: cooking power is in the modest range (700W cooking from a 1050W input), and the one-year limited warranty and lack of advanced smart features are pretty standard for this class. If you want a reliable, space-saving microwave that covers daily needs without frills, this is a solid pick.