Upgrade Your Kitchen: Top 5 Best Microwaves For 2026
Microwaves in 2026 are more than just popcorn poppers. They’ve evolved into smart, multi-functional appliances that save time, counter space, and take the guesswork out of reheating. Whether you need a massive capacity oven for family dinners, a 4-in-1 air frying combo for a dorm room, or a quiet premium model for your apartment, the market has never been better.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top five Best Microwaves For 2026. We analyzed their heating power, smart features, and overall value to help you figure out which one actually makes sense to grab right now. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
At a Glance: Top 5 Best Microwaves For 2026
| Product Name | Key Feature | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) | Position Memory Turntable | Everyday Family Workhorse |
| Breville BMO850BSS | Soft-Close Door & Inverter | Premium Quiet Operation |
| Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) | 2.2 cu. ft. Massive Capacity | Large Meals & Pizzas |
| GE 4-in-1 Countertop | Air Fry, Broil & Convection | Small Kitchens & Dorms |
| Farberware Countertop | 10 Power Levels | Classic No-Frills Budget Pick |
The 5 Best Microwaves For 2026 Reviews
1. Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave
Best For: Everyday Family Workhorse
The Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) is a reliable workhorse that doesn’t scream for attention. With a clean black stainless steel finish, it blends easily into almost any kitchen setup. Inside, it packs a serious punch with 1200 watts of power and a spacious 1.6 cubic feet of space—easily big enough to fit a 13-inch pizza.
- Smart Turntable: Position memory ensures the mug or bowl handle always returns to where you placed it.
- Sensor Menu: Automatically detects humidity to heat potatoes and veggies perfectly.
- Sound On/Off: Easily mute the beeping for quiet late-night or early-morning snacking.
- Safety First: Includes a built-in child safety lock for peace of mind.
2. Breville BMO850BSS Smooth Wave
Best For: Premium Quiet Operation
If you want an appliance that feels undeniably high-end, the Breville Smooth Wave is the one. Its standout physical feature is the soft-close door, which is 80% quieter than standard microwaves, meaning no more door-slamming waking up the whole house. Under the hood, it utilizes advanced Sensor iQ and Power Smoothing Inverter technology for flawless, even heating.
- Whisper Quiet: 80% quieter soft-close door and a 50% reduction in operational noise.
- Inverter Technology: Delivers smooth, continuous energy to prevent dried out or undercooked edges.
- Sensor iQ: Automatically adjusts power levels and time based on the food you are heating.
- Intuitive Controls: Beautiful analog dials make navigating the 15 smart presets a breeze.
3. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave
Best For: Large Meals & Pizzas
For folks who need maximum space, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a giant. It boasts a huge 2.2 cubic feet of interior capacity, allowing you to easily fit large dinner plates or even a full 16-inch pizza. It maintains a classic stainless steel look that blends into modern kitchens while putting out a highly capable 1200 watts of cooking power.
- Massive Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet interior easily accommodates oversized dishes and platters.
- Humidity Sensor: Intelligently tracks steam to keep your food from drying out during cooking.
- Auto Menus: Features 6 convenient auto-cook menus for popular items like bacon and chicken.
- Effective Defrost: Users praise the auto-defrost feature for quick and even thawing.
4. GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave
Best For: Small Kitchens & Dorms
The GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave is the ultimate space-saving all-rounder. Instead of cluttering your counter with multiple gadgets, this single appliance packs microwave, air fry, convection, and broil functionalities into a compact 1.0 cubic foot unit. It is perfect for dorm rooms, apartments, or anyone looking to maximize their kitchen real estate.
- 4-in-1 Versatility: Microwave, air fry, broil, and convection bake all in one unit.
- Compact Design: Clean and modern look that fits easily in smaller kitchens without being an eyesore.
- Air Fry Capable: Allows you to achieve crispier food with a fraction of the oil.
- Power Output: Delivers a solid 1050 watts for standard microwave tasks.
5. Farberware Countertop Microwave
Best For: Classic No-Frills Budget Pick
If you just want a solid, straightforward microwave that gets the job done without breaking the bank, the Farberware Countertop Microwave is a fantastic choice. It features a classic design, a generous 1.6 cubic foot interior, and 1100 watts of power. It has everything you need for daily use without overcomplicating the interface.
- High Power: 1100 watts of output with 10 distinct power levels.
- Quick Start: One-touch cooking options and quick-start minute buttons for speed.
- Multi-Stage Cooking: Allows you to program multiple cooking stages (e.g., defrost then cook) at once.
- Classic Design: Functional, no-nonsense aesthetic that fits into any kitchen decor.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for the absolute best heating performance with a premium, whisper-quiet build, the Breville Smooth Wave is unmatched. For a reliable, everyday family workhorse that balances size and smart features, the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) is our top practical pick. Need to save counter space? The GE 4-in-1 replaces multiple appliances in one sleek package.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an inverter microwave?
Unlike traditional microwaves that pulse 100% power on and off to simulate lower heat levels, an inverter microwave provides a steady, continuous stream of power (e.g., a true 50% power). This results in more even heating, better defrosting, and prevents the edges of your food from drying out.
2. Are microwave air-fryer combos worth it?
Yes, if you are short on counter space. A 4-in-1 unit like the GE model can successfully replace a standalone air fryer, toaster oven, and microwave. However, standalone air fryers often crisp food slightly faster due to their dedicated, smaller heating chambers.
3. How many watts do I need in a microwave?
For the best experience, look for a microwave with at least 1000 watts. Anything lower than 900 watts will heat food noticeably slower and may struggle to pop popcorn efficiently or heat dense foods evenly.
Last update on 2026-02-24/Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
