Best Microwaves Under $700 in 2026: 6 Picks Compared

Refreshed Nov 5, 2026

The Sharp SMC1585BW is the top pick in this under $700 lineup for most kitchens: it pairs a stated 1.5 to 1.9 cu. ft. capacity with convection cooking and auto defrost from a well-known appliance maker. The rest of the group is dominated by over-the-range designs, including a 30-inch Forno and an RV-specific Furrion. This guide is based on listed specifications and catalogue data, with live prices shown on the page; nobody on the site has used these microwaves.

5 picks from 4 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

Which pick fits you?

• For a large countertop-style microwave: If you want a roomy microwave with convection but do not need an over-the-range unit, the Sharp SMC1585BW is the clearest choice in this group. See pick 1
• For an RV kitchen: An RV-rated over-the-range convection unit such as the Furrion is aimed at mobile kitchens where standard household installation assumptions may not apply. See pick 2
• For a 30-inch opening: If your cabinets have a 30-inch over-the-range opening, the Forno Fornace lists that width and includes a 300 CFM vent figure in the product name. See pick 4
• For a ventless installation: If you need charcoal filters for recirculating air rather than a ducted vent, the ZLINE 30 with a set of 2 charcoal filters is the pick that explicitly includes them. See pick 5

The full list of 5

1 Best overall

Sharp SMC1585BW 1.5 cu. ft. Microwave Oven with Convection Cooking

Capacity

1.5 to 1.9 cu ft

Convection

Yes

$619.95 (as of 11/05/2026 01:10 PST - Details)

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The pick that best balances capacity and cooking modes for a general kitchen. It pairs a stated 1.5 to 1.9 cu. ft. capacity with convection cooking and auto defrost, while most other pool units are over-the-range models.

Pros

• Stated 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft capacity, the same broad size as the other large-capacity picks.
• Convection cooking is stated, adding baking and roasting modes beyond standard microwave heating.
• Auto defrost is named in the product listing.
• White finish gives an option outside the stainless steel group.

Cons

• Type is not stated by the seller, so confirm it fits your intended location.
• No width or venting specs are stated, so it is not positioned as an over-the-range unit.
• Only one finish is listed.

Good fit if

• Buyers who want a large-capacity microwave with convection from an established brand.
• People who do not need an over-the-range replacement and can place the unit on a counter or cart.

Skip if

• You need a built-in or over-the-range microwave for a specific cabinet opening.
• You need a stainless steel finish to match existing appliances.

Verdict: The Sharp SMC1585BW is the most complete all-around microwave in this pool because it combines large capacity, convection, and auto defrost in a single unit.

2 Best for RV kitchens

Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven

Type

Over the range

Capacity

1.5 to 1.9 cu ft

Convection

Yes

RV

Yes

$701.49 (as of 11/04/2026 23:01 PST - Details)

Outside this guide's budget at today's price.

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This is the only pool entry that names RV compatibility in the product listing, so it belongs on the shortlist for mobile kitchens. It still offers over-the-range mounting, a 1.5 to 1.9 cu. ft. capacity, and convection cooking, which makes it a direct alternative to the larger ZLINE and Forno units in a home setting.

Pros

• RV-specific listing is unique in this pool.
• Over-the-range type stated.
• Convection mode stated.
• Stainless steel finish listed.

Cons

• No sensor cooking is stated by the seller.
• Capacity is given as a range rather than an exact cu. ft. figure.
• RV-focused construction may not fit standard household cabinetry without checking.

Good fit if

• RV owners looking for a convection over-the-range replacement.
• Mobile kitchens where a conventional 30-inch household microwave would not be suitable.

Skip if

• You want a consumer countertop microwave with no RV-specific mounting questions.
• You need a 30-inch width stated in the listing.

Verdict: The Furrion is the strongest match for RV kitchens because it combines RV compatibility, over-the-range mounting, and convection cooking.

3 Best with sensor cooking

ZLINE Over the Range Convection Microwave Oven in Stainless Steel

Type

Over the range

Convection

Yes

Sensor cooking

Yes

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View on Electronic Express

Sensor cooking is only stated on this ZLINE entry in this pool, so it earns the sensor-focused award. It also includes convection and an over-the-range type, but the lack of a stated capacity or width means it is harder to fit than the Forno or the other ZLINE.

Pros

• Sensor cooking is stated, which can adjust cooking time based on moisture.
• Over-the-range type stated.
• Convection mode stated.
• Traditional handle in stainless steel listed.

Cons

• Capacity not stated by seller.
• Width not stated by seller.
• Venting performance not stated by seller.

Good fit if

• Cookware users who want sensor-assisted cooking in an over-the-range form.
• Anyone who prioritizes a traditional handle look over a built-in pull handle.

Skip if

• You need a stated width for a tight cabinet opening.
• You need a known capacity before committing.

Verdict: Choose the ZLINE sensor model when sensor cooking is the priority and you can confirm your opening fits.

4 Best 30-inch over-the-range

Forno Fornace 30-Inch Over the Range Convection Microwave

Type

Over the range

Capacity

1.5 to 1.9 cu ft

Width

30 inch

Convection

Yes

$645.00 (as of 11/04/2026 22:57 PST - Details)

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View on Best BuyView on Electronic Express

The Forno is one of two picks that list a 30-inch width, but it adds convection and a 300 CFM vent figure in the product name, so it is the stronger 30-inch all-around choice. The other 30-inch ZLINE has charcoal filters but no stated convection mode.

Pros

• 30-inch width stated, useful for a common over-the-range opening.
• 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft capacity stated.
• Convection mode stated.
• 300 CFM vent figure appears in the product name.

Cons

• Vent CFM is part of the product name and not shown as a structured spec.
• No sensor cooking stated by seller.
• Exact capacity not stated, only a range.

Good fit if

• Kitchens replacing a 30-inch over-the-range microwave.
• Buyers who want both convection cooking and a vent figure in the listing.

Skip if

• Your opening is smaller or larger than 30 inches.
• You want sensor cooking or charcoal filters included in the listing.

Verdict: For a 30-inch over-the-range space with convection, the Forno is the pick with the clearest width and venting details.

5 Best 30-inch with charcoal filters

ZLINE 30" 1.5 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave in Stainless Steel

Type

Over the range

Capacity

1.5 to 1.9 cu ft

Width

30 inch

$637.49 (as of 11/05/2026 02:06 PST - Details)

View on Amazon

This ZLINE is the only pool entry whose listing includes a set of 2 charcoal filters, which makes it useful for installations that recirculate air. It lacks the convection mode of the other ZLINE and the Forno, so it is the pick to consider when filter inclusion matters more than cooking flexibility.

Pros

• 30-inch width stated.
• 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft capacity stated.
• Set of 2 charcoal filters is included in the product name.
• Traditional handle in stainless steel listed.

Cons

• No convection mode is stated, while four of the six pool entries do state one.
• No sensor cooking stated by the seller.
• Vent CFM not stated by seller.

Good fit if

• 30-inch over-the-range installations where outside ducting is not available.
• Buyers who want replacement filters included from the start.

Skip if

• You want convection baking or roasting in the microwave.
• You prefer a ducted vent with a stated CFM.

Verdict: The ZLINE 30 with charcoal filters is the most direct fit for recirculating installations in a 30-inch opening.

The specs, compared

Why these made the list

The catalogue returned 6 microwaves in the under $700 price band, and because that pool holds fewer than 12 units, every matching microwave is included here. The shortlist rules were: the unit had to be from an established brand where possible, and its listed specifications had to be complete enough to compare on capacity, type, and cooking modes. Prices shown on the page are live and read from the store listing at the time the page was generated; they change independently of this text. No microwave in this guide has been tested by the site, so the picks compare stated specifications and product names only.

Things to weigh before buying

Convection or standard microwave

Convection microwave ovens combine microwave radiation with hot air and sometimes infrared heat, which lets them brown and bake foods that a standard microwave cannot. In this pool, four of six entries state a convection mode: the Sharp, the Furrion, the ZLINE with sensor, and the Forno. If your main task is reheating and defrosting, convection is optional; if you want the appliance to double as a small convection oven, look for that term in the spec.

Over-the-range sizing, venting, and filters

Over-the-range microwaves replace a hood, so they must fit the opening and mounting height. Two entries state a 30-inch width: the Forno and the ZLINE 30 with filters. Venting matters: a ducted unit needs a stated CFM figure, while a recirculating installation uses charcoal filters. The ZLINE 30 listing includes a set of 2 charcoal filters; the Forno listing mentions 300 CFM. If those numbers are absent from a model you are considering, confirm the venting setup before ordering.

Capacity and cooking evenness

Capacity tells you how large a dish can fit, and four pool entries state a 1.5 to 1.9 cu. ft. range. Larger cavities help with casserole dishes and platters. For even cooking, the FDA recommends covering food, stirring, and rotating it during microwaving; if the unit has no turntable, rotate the dish by hand once or twice during cooking. Always allow standing time and check the internal temperature with a food thermometer.

Food safety and radiation standards

Microwave ovens sold in the United States are regulated as radiation-emitting products by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA also recommends cooking food to a safe minimum internal temperature and using a food thermometer rather than color or texture to judge doneness. When reheating, cover food, stir and rotate it, then let it stand before checking the temperature. These steps apply at any price tier.

Recycling the old microwave

When replacing an old microwave, check local donation and recycling options. The EPA says recycling electronics conserves natural resources and avoids pollution. Remove any batteries if the appliance has them, and confirm with your community recycler how it handles large appliances. Some programs accept microwaves through appliance recycling rather than regular electronics collection.

Questions

Are microwaves under $700 safe?

Yes. The FDA regulates microwave ovens as radiation-emitting products and has performance standards for them. Price is not a safety cutoff, so a unit in the under $700 range has to meet the same federal requirements as a more expensive model. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, do not operate the oven when it is empty, and keep the door seal and interlock in good condition.

Can a convection microwave replace a regular oven?

A convection microwave can handle smaller baking, roasting, and browning tasks that a standard microwave cannot, because it combines microwave energy with hot air and sometimes infrared heat. It is not usually a full substitute for a full-size wall oven, especially for large trays or family-size roasts. Four of the six picks in this guide state a convection mode.

What does sensor cooking do?

Sensor cooking uses moisture detection to adjust cooking time and power automatically, rather than relying on a fixed timer. It can reduce overcooking for common items such as leftovers, vegetables, and rice. In this pool, only the ZLINE over-the-range convection model states sensor cooking, so that is the unit to compare first if the feature is important to you.

What should I check before buying an over-the-range microwave?

Measure the width of your cabinet opening and the height above the range before choosing a model. Two entries in this pool state a 30-inch width: the Forno and the ZLINE 30 with charcoal filters. Also decide whether you can duct air outside or need a recirculating setup with charcoal filters. If a listing does not state dimensions or venting, confirm them with the maker before ordering.

How do I dispose of an old microwave?

The EPA encourages recycling electronics to conserve resources and avoid pollution. Before recycling, remove any batteries if the unit has them. Contact a local or state electronics recycler or check community collection events; large appliances like microwaves may be handled through appliance recycling rather than standard electronics bins.

Latest changes

• 2026-10-08: First published.

Sources

• FDA Radiation-Emitting Products
• FDA Safe Food Handling
• Microwave oven overview (Wikipedia)
• EPA Electronics Donation and Recycling