Microwave buying guides

Each guide picks up to 15 microwaves for one kind of buyer, from the microwaves this site can price today, and says how thepicks were chosen. Prices on every guide are live.

By use

• Best Air Fryer Microwaves in 2026: 13 Picks Compared on Specs
  Air fryer microwaves combine microwave speed with convection air frying. These 13 picks are compared by capacity, power, and features.
• Best Compact Microwaves in 2026: 12 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 12 compact microwaves by capacity, power, sensor cooking, mounting type, and special features from published specs.
• Best Large Microwaves in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 15 large microwaves from 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft, including countertop, over-the-range, built-in, and RV models, on specs and features.
• Best Microwave Drawers in 2026: 12 Picks Compared on Specs
  The Café 24-inch is our top pick for 2026. Compare 12 drawer microwaves on width, power, capacity, sensors, and smart features.
• Best Retro Microwaves in 2026: 14 Picks Compared on Specs
  The best retro microwaves of 2026 compared on capacity, wattage, controls, and safety features, with live prices and no testing claims.
• Best Smart Microwaves in 2026: 7 Picks Compared on Specs
  Seven smart microwaves, from countertop and over-the-range to drawer models, compared on stated specs like power, capacity, and cooking modes.

By brand

• Best Avanti Microwaves in 2026: 3 Picks Compared on Specs
  Spec-focused guide to the 3 Avanti microwaves currently listed: one over-the-range and two compact countertops, compared on power, capacity, and controls.
• Best BLACK+DECKER Microwaves in 2026: 10 Picks Compared
  Ten BLACK+DECKER microwaves compared on specs: countertop and over-the-range, compact 0.7 and 0.9 cu ft models, air fry and convection options.
• Best Chefman Microwaves in 2026: 3 Picks by Specs
  Compare three Chefman countertop microwaves by wattage, capacity, and presets. Top picks chosen from stated specs; prices update live on the page.
• Best COMFEE' Microwaves in 2026: 4 Compact and Retro Picks
  COMFEE' countertop and retro microwaves selected by published wattage, capacity, and preset programs. Four compact models from the seller catalog.
• Best Commercial CHEF Microwaves in 2026: 5 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare all 5 Commercial CHEF microwaves by stated specs: countertop versus over-the-range, capacity, convection, and wattage. Live prices, no testing.
• Best CONTOURE Microwaves in 2026: 4 Picks Compared on Specs
  Four CONTOURE microwaves compared on capacity, power, mounting type and cooking modes, plus RV and countertop picks, safety and recycling notes, and FAQs.
• Best COSMO Microwaves in 2026: 6 Picks by Install Type and Capacity
  COSMO microwaves in the pool include over-the-range and built-in drawer models; compare widths, capacities, and features before you buy.
• Best Danby Microwaves in 2026: 4 Picks Compared on Specs
  Four Danby countertop microwaves compared on capacity, wattage, cooking programs, and finish; no testing, live prices on the page.
• Best Emerson Microwaves in 2026: 8 Picks Compared on Specs
  Eight current Emerson microwave models, compared on listed wattage, capacity, presets, and extras. No units were tested.
• Best Farberware Microwaves in 2026: 7 Picks Compared on Specs
  Farberware makes countertop and over-the-range microwaves in sizes from 0.7 to 1.7 cu ft. See specs, pros, and cons for 7 models.
• Best Frigidaire Microwaves in 2026: 12 Picks Compared on Specs
  A specs-based look at the best Frigidaire countertop and over-the-range microwave ovens, from compact retro models to 1200 W and sensor-equipped choices.
• Best Galanz Microwaves in 2026: 3 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare current Galanz countertop, retro, and over-the-range microwaves by capacity, controls, and safety features.
• Best GASLAND Microwaves in 2026: 7 Picks Compared on Specs
  Seven GASLAND microwaves compared on type, power, capacity, sensor cooking, venting, and safety features, chosen from stated specifications.
• Best GE Microwaves in 2026: 13 Picks Compared on Specs
  Spec-by-spec comparison of 13 GE microwaves, from compact countertops to over-the-range models, with air-fry and smart options.
• Best Haden Microwaves in 2026: 3 Compact Picks
  All three Haden microwaves are 0.7 cu ft compacts. We compare them on stated specs: capacity, wattage, controls and finish.
• Best KoolMore Microwaves in 2026: 6 Picks Compared on Specs
  KoolMore builds drawer, over-the-range, and built-in microwaves. Compare 6 current models on power, capacity, and features.
• Best LG Microwaves in 2026: 4 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare four LG microwaves in the 2026 lineup: countertop, over-the-range, smart, and convection models, chosen on stated specifications.
• Best Magic Chef Microwaves in 2026: 6 Picks by Specs
  Compare six Magic Chef countertop microwaves by capacity, wattage, finish, and listed dimensions. See the top pick and compact alternatives.
• Best Midea Microwaves in 2026: 3 Picks Compared on Specs
  Midea makes over-the-range and drawer microwaves. Compare three models by type, power, and capacity to find the right fit for your kitchen.
• Best Nostalgia Microwaves in 2026: 3 Picks Compared on Specs
  Three Nostalgia retro countertop microwaves compared by wattage, capacity, presets, and cleaning features. See the top pick for 2026.
• Best Panasonic Microwaves in 2026: 12 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 12 Panasonic microwaves by power, capacity, sensor cooking, inverter and more. No testing, just specifications from the listings.
• Best Profile Microwaves in 2026: 4 Picks Compared on Specs
  A spec-by-spec look at the GE Profile microwave lineup: countertop, over-the-range, and drawer models with capacities and power levels.
• Best RecPro Microwaves in 2026: 4 RV Models Compared
  A spec-by-spec look at the four RecPro RV microwaves in our pool, including convection, air-fry, trim-kit, and over-the-range options.
• Best Sharp Microwaves in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  Sharp microwaves compared by type, wattage, capacity, and smart features. Includes countertop, drawer, flatbed, and over-the-range picks.
• Best Summit Appliance Microwaves in 2026: 6 Picks Compared on Specs
  The six Summit Appliance microwaves compared by stated specs: built-in, over-the-range, drawer, and USB compact models.
• Best Thor Kitchen Microwaves in 2026: 3 Picks by Specs
  We compared Thor Kitchen's current drawer and over-the-range microwaves on stated specs: width, type, and installation. Nobody tested these units.
• Best Toshiba Microwaves in 2026: 14 Picks Compared on Specs
  Fourteen Toshiba microwaves, from compact 700W units to inverter and air fryer combos, compared on capacity, power, and features.
• Best West Bend Microwaves in 2026: 3 Picks Compared on Specs
  Three West Bend microwaves compared by stated power, capacity, and cooking features, with a guide to choosing the right compact model.
• Best ZLINE Kitchen and Bath Microwaves in 2026: 7 Picks
  Compare 7 ZLINE Kitchen and Bath microwaves on specs: over-the-range, built-in, drawer, sensor, convection, capacity and finish.

By budget

• Best Microwaves Under $100 in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare the best microwaves under $100 by wattage, capacity, controls, and style. 15 compact and countertop picks chosen from listed specifications.
• Best Microwaves Under $1000 in 2026: 4 Picks Compared on Specs
  Four microwaves compared by specs and format: over-the-range convection, cordless, and drawer options. Live prices shown for each.
• Best Microwaves Under $1300: 6 Drawer Picks Compared
  Six built-in drawer microwaves under $1300 compared on specs: width, capacity, sensor cooking, presets, and which kitchen layout each fits.
• Best Microwaves Under $1500 in 2026: 6 Picks by Specs
  Compare 6 built-in and drawer microwaves in the upper price range: capacity, power, convection, width, and finish.
• Best Microwaves Under $1600 in 2026: 6 Picks
  Six microwaves compared on drawer style, wattage, capacity, sensor cooking, and convection.
• Best Microwaves Under $1700 in 2026: 5 Picks Compared on Specs
  Five high-end microwaves compared on stated specs: drawer models, a convection built-in, smart controls, and programmable memory.
• Best Microwaves Under $200 in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 15 microwaves under $200 on power, capacity, sensor cooking, inverter, and special features. The top pick is the Panasonic inverter model.
• Best Microwaves Under $400 in 2026: 15 Picks Compared
  Compare 15 microwaves under $400 by specs: countertop, over-the-range, air fryer, convection, inverter, and RV options.
• Best Microwaves Under $500 in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  Fifteen countertop and over-the-range microwaves under $500, compared by listed specs: wattage, capacity, inverter, sensor, air fry, and convection.
• Best Microwaves Under $600: 7 Over-the-Range Picks on Specs
  Seven over-the-range microwaves under $600 compared by capacity, wattage, width, and features. Live prices are shown on the page.
• Best Microwaves Under $700 in 2026: 6 Picks Compared
  Compare six microwaves under $700 on capacity, convection, over-the-range fit, sensor cooking, and RV-ready design.
• Best Microwaves Under $800 in 2026: 5 Picks Compared
  Five microwaves under $800 compared on type, size, sensor, and convection specs, from built-ins to over-the-range models.
• Best Microwaves Under $900 in 2026: 5 Picks by Specs
  Five microwaves under $900 from the catalog, compared on stated specs: drawer and built-in models, power, capacity, and sensor cooking.
• Best Microwaves Under 300 in 2026: 15 Picks Compared
  Compare 15 microwaves under $300, from over-the-range to air fryer combos, chosen by their listed specs.

More guides

• Best 1.0 to 1.4 Cu Ft Microwaves in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  The best 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft microwaves across countertop, drawer, over-the-range, and RV designs, selected by published specs with live pricing.
• Best 1.5 to 1.9 Cu Ft Microwaves 2026: 15 Picks by Specs
  Compare 15 microwaves from 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft by power, sensor, convection, and format. Picks based on specs and current listings.
• Best 2.0 Cu Ft or More Microwaves: 6 Picks Compared on Specs
  Large-capacity microwaves of 2.0 cu ft and up, compared by power, inverter operation, sensor cooking, and form factor.
• Best Under 1.0 Cu Ft Microwaves 2026: 15 Compact Picks
  Spec-by-spec guide to 15 compact microwaves under 1.0 cu ft, from 700W basics to 1000W inverter and RV air-fryer combos.

More guides

• Best 1000 to 1199 W Microwaves in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 1000 to 1199 W countertop, over-the-range, drawer, and built-in microwaves. These 15 picks are chosen from listed specs and live pricing.
• Best 1200 W or More Microwaves in 2026: 13 Picks Compared on Specs
  Best 1200 W or more microwave: 13 countertop, flatbed, over-the-range, inverter, and sensor models compared on specs, capacity, and features.
• Best 800 to 999 W Microwaves in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 31 microwaves with 800 to 999 W output, including countertop, over-the-range, drawer, built-in, and RV picks chosen by listed specifications.
• Best Under 800 W Microwaves in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  The best under 800 W microwaves for countertops, compact spaces, retro kitchens, and built-in installs, chosen from stated specs and live listings.

More guides

• Best 24-Inch Microwaves in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  15 of the best 24-inch microwaves for over-the-range, drawer and built-in kitchens, chosen from stated specs with live prices on the page.
• Best 30 Inch Microwaves in 2026: 12 Picks Compared on Specs
  30-inch microwaves come in over-the-range, drawer, and built-in styles. These 12 picks are chosen by size, power, capacity, and features.

More guides

• Best Air Fry Microwaves in 2026: 12 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 12 air fry microwaves by capacity, wattage, mounting type, convection, and inverter. The top pick is the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1.

More guides

• Best Built-In Microwaves in 2026: 12 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 12 built-in microwaves by width, power, capacity, convection, and sensor cooking. Live prices are shown on the page.
• Best Countertop Microwaves in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  We compared 60 countertop microwaves on wattage, capacity, inverter and sensor features to pick 15 models for every kitchen.
• Best Drawer Microwaves in 2026: 13 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 13 drawer microwaves by width, power, capacity, sensor cooking, and smart features. Prices are live on each listing button.
• Best Over the Range Microwaves in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  15 over the range microwaves compared by capacity, power, width, venting and extra modes. No prices, no reviews, just the specs that matter.

More guides

• Best Convection Microwaves in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  15 convection microwaves compared on stated specs: countertop, over-the-range, built-in and RV picks with air fry and inverter options.

More guides

• Best Inverter Microwaves in 2026: 13 Picks Compared on Specs
  Inverter microwaves for every counter: flatbed models, sensor-equipped units, large-capacity ovens, and air fryer combos, compared by catalog specs.

More guides

• Best Retro Style Microwaves in 2026: 14 Picks Compared on Specs
  A spec-focused guide to 14 retro style microwaves, from compact 0.7 cu ft models to 1.1 cu ft options, with presets, grills, and dials.

More guides

• Best RV Microwaves in 2026: 9 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 9 RV microwaves by size, power, mounting and extra features. Each listing shows the current price and when it was read.

More guides

• Best Sensor Cooking Microwaves in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  Countertop, over-the-range, drawer, and built-in microwaves with sensor cooking, compared on stated specifications from the catalogue.

More guides

• Best Smart or Wi-Fi Microwaves in 2026: 7 Picks Compared on Specs
  Seven smart microwaves compared by smart features, power, size, and form factor: voice control, app recipes, drawer and over-the-range options.

Browse by use

Countertop microwaves

Microwaves whose title says countertop. The listing gives the size, the wattage and the turntable.

Over the range microwaves

Microwaves whose title says over the range or over the stove. The listing gives the width and the vent fan.

Built-in microwaves

Microwaves whose title says built in. The listing says whether a trim kit is needed for the cutout.

Convection microwaves

Microwaves whose title says convection, combination or speed oven. The listing says which baking modes it has.

Inverter microwaves

Microwaves whose title says inverter. The listing says which power levels it offers.

Sensor cooking microwaves

Microwaves whose title says sensor. The listing says which foods the sensor program covers.

RV microwaves

Microwaves whose title says RV. The listing gives the cutout size and whether a trim kit comes with it.