Best Microwaves Under $1000 in 2026: 4 Picks Compared on Specs
For buyers in this price range, the LG Studio MHES1738F is our top pick: it is the only over-the-range microwave in this four-model pool and the only one with convection, and its 1.7 cu ft stated capacity is the largest specific number here. We compared the catalogue by form, capacity, and stated features. The site did not operate any of these units. Live prices appear next to each product, so the amounts you see are the current listing figures.
4 picks from 8 microwaves that match this guide with a price we can quote today. Live prices throughout, each with the moment it was read.
The list in brief
| # | Pick | Microwave | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best overall | LG Studio MHES1738F 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Over-the-Range Convection | $925.00 (as of 11/04/2026 23:57 PST - Details) |
| 2 | Best cordless | Makita MW001GZ 40V MAX XGT Lithium-Ion 1.5 cu-ft. Cordless Microwave | $922.00 (as of 11/05/2026 00:05 PST - Details) |
| 3 | Best 24-inch drawer | 24 in. Haven Collection 1.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Drawer | $999.99 (as of 11/05/2026 02:37 PST - Details) |
| 4 | Best 30-inch drawer | 30 in. Haven Coll 1.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Drawer | $1,249.99 (as of 11/05/2026 02:38 PST - Details) |
Which pick fits you?
- For a full kitchen remodel: If you want a built-in microwave in this price range that sits in a lower cabinet, the two COSMO drawer models are the built-in drawer options here. The 24-inch matte black version fits narrower cutouts. See pick 3
- For job sites and tailgating: The Makita MW001GZ is the only cordless pick in the pool, powered by 40V MAX XGT batteries. It makes sense when 120V power is not available. See pick 2
- For an over-the-range replacement: The LG Studio MHES1738F is the only over-the-range microwave in this pool and the only convection model. Choose it if your installation calls for an oven above the range. See pick 1
- For a wide built-in cutout: The 30-inch COSMO Haven drawer offers the same 1.2 cu ft drawer capacity as the 24-inch model in a wider stainless steel chassis. It suits kitchens with larger cabinet openings. See pick 4
The full list of 4
1 Best overall
LG Studio MHES1738F 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Over-the-Range Convection
- Type
- Over the range
- Capacity
- 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft
- Convection
- Yes
$925.00 (as of 11/04/2026 23:57 PST - Details)
The LG Studio MHES1738F is the most complete package in this four-model pool: it is the only over-the-range unit, the only convection model, and it has the largest specific capacity at 1.7 cu ft. For a kitchen that can use the space above the range, it is the most versatile microwave in this selection. The stainless finish also matches standard kitchen appliance lines.
Pros
- Only over-the-range microwave in the pool
- Only convection microwave in the pool
- 1.7 cu ft stated capacity, the largest specific number here
- Stainless steel finish stated by the seller
Cons
- Mounting and venting details are not stated by the seller
- Turntable presence is not stated by the seller
- Not a drawer or cordless format for other installation types
Good fit if
- Kitchens that need an over-the-range microwave to free counter space
- Buyers who want convection in addition to microwave heating
Skip if
- You need a built-in drawer or cordless portability
- Your kitchen lacks the space above the range for an over-the-range unit
Verdict: If one microwave in this pool has to do the most jobs, the LG Studio is the strongest pick.
2 Best cordless
Makita MW001GZ 40V MAX XGT Lithium-Ion 1.5 cu-ft. Cordless Microwave
- Capacity
- 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft
$922.00 (as of 11/05/2026 00:05 PST - Details)
The Makita MW001GZ is the only cordless microwave in the pool, and its 1.5 cu ft stated capacity is the second largest among the four. It runs on 40V MAX XGT batteries instead of house power, which makes it a candidate for trucks, trailers, and remodels. Because it is sold as tool only, buyers need an XGT battery and charger from the same system.
Pros
- Only cordless pick in the pool
- 1.5 cu ft stated capacity, larger than either drawer unit
- Uses Makita 40V MAX XGT batteries from the maker's cordless platform
- No 120V outlet required
Cons
- Sold as tool only: battery and charger are not included
- Not built for fixed drawer or over-the-range installation
- Cordless runtime is not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- Job sites and locations without reliable 120V power
- Makita XGT users who can share batteries with other tools
Skip if
- You want a permanent kitchen appliance you never need to charge
- You do not already own or plan to buy 40V MAX XGT batteries and charger
Verdict: The Makita is the microwave to pick when the job moves and an outlet is not guaranteed.
3 Best 24-inch drawer
24 in. Haven Collection 1.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Drawer
- Type
- Drawer
- Capacity
- 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft
- Wattage
- 1000 to 1199 W
- Width
- 24 inch
$999.99 (as of 11/05/2026 02:37 PST - Details)
This COSMO Haven Collection drawer is the narrower of two built-in drawers in the pool, sized for a 24-inch opening with a 1.2 cu ft stated capacity. It is a built-in microwave for a cabinet or lower base, with a matte black finish that differs from the stainless 30-inch version. It shares its capacity with the larger drawer, so the narrower width mainly affects the cutout and finish.
Pros
- Only 24-inch width stated in the pool
- Matte black finish stated by the seller
- Drawer format, one of two built-in drawer picks
Cons
- 1.2 cu ft stated capacity is the smallest in the pool
- No convection or over-the-range format
- Wattage and turntable details are not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- Kitchen remodels with a 24-inch cabinet cutout for a drawer microwave
- Buyers who prefer a matte black look over stainless steel
Skip if
- You need more than 1.2 cu ft of capacity or a convection setting
- The planned opening is 30 inches wide or you need a stainless finish
Verdict: The 24-inch Haven drawer is the compact built-in choice when the opening is 24 inches and black is the finish.
4 Best 30-inch drawer
30 in. Haven Coll 1.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Drawer
- Type
- Drawer
- Capacity
- 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft
- Wattage
- 1000 to 1199 W
- Width
- 30 inch
$1,249.99 (as of 11/05/2026 02:38 PST - Details)
Outside this guide's budget at today's price.
The 30-inch Haven Collection drawer is the wider sibling to the 24-inch COSMO in the same pool, with the same 1.2 cu ft stated capacity and a stainless steel finish. It is the only 30-inch width listed among the four picks, so it is the drawer to plan around when the cabinet opening is larger. The stainless finish gives it a conventional kitchen appliance look.
Pros
- Only 30-inch width stated in the pool
- Stainless steel finish for matching standard kitchen appliances
- Drawer format for built-in mounting, one of two drawer picks
Cons
- 1.2 cu ft stated capacity is the same small capacity as the 24-inch drawer
- No convection, cordless, or over-the-range format
- Depth and height dimensions are not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- Kitchens with a 30-inch opening for a drawer microwave
- Buyers who want stainless rather than matte black
Skip if
- You only have a 24-inch opening or want a compact unit
- You need the larger 1.7 cu ft capacity or convection of the LG
Verdict: For a wide built-in drawer in stainless, the 30-inch Haven Collection is the pick.
The specs, compared
| # | Microwave | Type | Capacity | Wattage | Width | Convection | Air fry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LG Studio MHES1738F 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Over-the-Range Convection | Over the range | 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft | not stated | not stated | Yes | not stated |
| 2 | Makita MW001GZ 40V MAX XGT Lithium-Ion 1.5 cu-ft. Cordless Microwave | not stated | 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 3 | 24 in. Haven Collection 1.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Drawer | Drawer | 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft | 1000 to 1199 W | 24 inch | not stated | not stated |
| 4 | 30 in. Haven Coll 1.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Drawer | Drawer | 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft | 1000 to 1199 W | 30 inch | not stated | not stated |
Why these made the list
The starting pool for this guide is the catalogue section for this price bracket, which comes down to four microwave listings after similar drawer configurations were folded together. We kept every model in that pool because it holds fewer than twelve entries. The shortlist was based on maker-stated specifications: mounting format, capacity, width for drawers, convection, and whether the unit is cordless. The site did not operate these appliances, so the comparisons rely on the pool data and the sources listed below. Prices are live and are read directly from the store listing at the time shown on the page. Where a specification is missing from the listing, the guide says not stated by the seller rather than guessing. Capacity figures and format types come from the pool data; general safety and handling guidance comes from the FDA and Wikipedia sources below.
Things to weigh before buying
Drawer, over-the-range, or cordless
The biggest fork in this selection is mounting. The pool here includes two built-in drawer microwaves, one over-the-range model, and one cordless tool-style unit. Drawer models mount into a cabinet and slide open, while over-the-range units occupy the space above the cooktop. The cordless model is not designed for fixed installation; it is useful where an outlet is unavailable. Choose the format that matches your kitchen layout before comparing capacity.
Capacity: the drawer tradeoff
The two COSMO drawers state a 1.2 cu ft capacity, while the Makita states 1.5 cu ft and the LG states 1.7 cu ft. For fixed kitchen use, larger capacity means more room for plates and small casserole dishes; for a drawer installation, the cabinet width limits what can fit. Check the stated capacity and the interior dimensions if the seller lists them. None of these four models lists wattage, so capacity is the main size yardstick available in this pool.
Convection: what the extra mode adds
Convection microwaves add a fan and heating element to circulate hot air, which helps with baking, roasting, and browning. The LG Studio is the only pick in this group with convection stated in the listing. If your cooking is mostly reheating and defrosting, a standard microwave is enough; if you want to bake or crisp in the same appliance, look for the convection label.
Cordless considerations
The Makita MW001GZ runs on the 40V MAX XGT battery platform, but it is sold as tool only, so the battery and charger come from the same cordless system. Runtime depends on battery capacity, load, and starting charge, none of which the seller states here. For fixed kitchen use, a corded over-the-range or drawer model avoids the chore of keeping batteries charged.
Cutout dimensions and installation
The only physical dimension stated across the pool is width for the drawer units: 24 inches for one COSMO and 30 inches for the other. Seller listings do not include depth, height, or over-the-range mounting specs for the LG. Before ordering, measure the opening and check the maker's installation sheet for clearance; the page cannot guarantee fit from the catalogue data alone.
Turntable and even heating
A turntable rotates food for more even heating; Sharp introduced the first microwave turntable in the mid-1960s, according to the Wikipedia article on microwave ovens. The seller does not state whether any of the four picks includes a turntable. The FDA's safe food handling guidance says to cover, stir, and rotate food while cooking, and to rotate by hand once or twice if there is no turntable, then allow standing time before checking temperature.
Questions
Which microwave should I choose if I want an over-the-range model?
The LG Studio MHES1738F is the only over-the-range pick in this pool. It has a stated 1.7 cu ft capacity and the only convection mode among the four. Measure the opening above your range first, then check the maker's installation sheet because the seller listing does not state mounting and vent details.
What does tool only mean on the Makita cordless microwave?
The Makita MW001GZ listing includes the microwave body but no battery or charger. It runs on 40V MAX XGT lithium-ion batteries from Makita's cordless platform, so you need compatible XGT batteries to use it. The seller does not state runtime, so carry spare batteries if you work away from power.
Should I choose a 24-inch or 30-inch drawer microwave?
Both COSMO Haven drawers in this pool state the same 1.2 cu ft capacity, so the main differences are width and finish. The 24-inch model comes in matte black; the 30-inch model is stainless steel. Pick the one that matches your cabinet opening and kitchen finish, not capacity, because neither drawer offers more interior space.
Can a cordless microwave take the place of a countertop microwave?
No, not for permanent kitchen use. The Makita cordless microwave is portable and battery-powered, but a countertop or built-in microwave connects to standard house power and stays in one place. For a fixed kitchen with outlets, a corded over-the-range or drawer model is simpler and avoids charging batteries.
Is it safe to heat leftovers in a microwave?
Yes, when handled properly. The FDA regulates microwave ovens, and its safe food handling guidance says to cover food, stir and rotate it, and allow standing time before checking temperature. If your microwave has no turntable, rotate the dish by hand. Use a food thermometer to confirm meat, poultry, and egg dishes reach the FDA's safe minimum internal temperatures.
What should I do with an old microwave?
The EPA recommends donating or recycling working electronics to conserve resources. Before recycling, clear any personal information if the appliance has smart features. Local programs and manufacturer or retailer take-back options vary, so check with your municipality or the maker for the accepted disposal route in your area.
Latest changes
- : First published.