Best Microwave: Top Picks for 2025 for Every Kitchen and Budget

When it comes to kitchen convenience in 2025, nothing beats the versatility of a good microwave oven. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, cooking frozen meals, or defrosting meat for dinner, the right microwave can save time, reduce effort, and even improve how your food tastes. But with so many brands, sizes, and features now available, you might be wondering: Which microwave is actually the best?

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That’s where this in-depth guide comes in.

We’ve personally tested and used 9 of the best microwaves of 2025 available on Amazon USA, ranging from powerful family-sized models to compact, dorm-friendly units. Each microwave in this list has been handpicked based on our real experience with its performance, features, reliability, and overall value. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or buying your very first microwave, these are the ones we trust and recommend from our own daily use.

Why Trust This Guide?

This guide is built for U.S. readers looking to buy microwaves they can actually order and receive through Amazon. Our top pick—the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven—offers a standout blend of power, smart sensor technology, and a roomy 1.2 cu. ft. interior. But we also cover options from trusted brands like BLACK+DECKER, Farberware, and Chefman, so you can compare the best countertop and compact microwaves on the market.

We’ll walk you through:

• ✅ Our Top Pick for 2025

• ✅ Best Budget Microwave

• ✅ Microwaves by Feature (Convection, Inverter, Smart)

• ✅ Detailed Buying Guide & FAQs

So, whether you’re shopping for a basic 700-watt unit for a studio apartment or a full-featured 1000-watt convection model with sensor cooking and memory functions, we’ve got you covered.

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Quick Glance: Best Microwave Features to Look For

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Ready to Find the Best Microwave for You?

Let’s dive into our #1 top-rated pick for 2025 and see why it’s dominating kitchens across America.

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Why We Chose It as the Best Microwave of 2025

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS isn’t just Amazon’s Choice—it’s the most well-rounded, high-performing countertop microwave available at a reasonable price point. With over 54,000 five-star reviews, this model stands out for delivering exceptional cooking consistency, smart features, and modern convenience that fit both busy households and solo users alike.

If you’re looking for a 1.2 cubic foot microwave oven that can handle everything from frozen burritos to family-sized dinner plates, this model is your go-to.

Performance and User Experience

One of the most-loved features of the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is the smart humidity sensor, which intelligently adjusts cooking time based on the food’s moisture level. This means no more rubbery leftovers or overcooked frozen meals. Whether you’re reheating pasta or steaming broccoli, this unit ensures that food comes out evenly heated and ready to eat—not soggy or half-cold in the middle. Many users appreciate the easy-clean interior with a non-stick coating and removable 12.4-inch turntable, making maintenance fast and stress-free. You can clean it with a damp sponge in under a minute.

Who It’s Best For

✅ Busy families who want fast cooking with smart presets
✅ Students or singles looking for a microwave that can handle both snacks and real meals
✅ Anyone wanting a quiet microwave—thanks to its mute function
✅ Eco-conscious users who appreciate the energy-saving mode

What Customers Are Saying

“I’ve had this microwave for over a year now and it’s still running strong. Love the sensor cook feature—it’s way better than my old dial-style one. Looks great on the counter, too.”
– Verified Amazon Buyer

“The mute button is life-changing. I live with roommates and hated the loud beeping from my old unit. This one is super quiet and intuitive to use.”
– Verified Amazon Customer

Verdict: The Microwave to Beat in 2025

If you’re looking for the best microwave oven for most homes in 2025, the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is an unbeatable combination of price, performance, and practical features. Whether you’re upgrading from an older unit or buying your first microwave, this is thetop-rated choice for most U.S. households.

👉 Check today’s price on Amazon

📊 Comparison Table – Best Microwaves of 2025 at a Glance

Looking for a quick overview of the best microwaves of 2025? This side-by-side table compares the top-rated models available on Amazon USA, covering wattage, size, smart features, and pricing to help you choose the right one for your kitchen.

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💡 Buying Tip:

• Need strong heating power? Go for 1000W+ models like Toshiba, Chefman, or BLACK+DECKER.

🔎 Individual Reviews – Best Microwave Picks of 2025

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Overview

The Farberware 1000W Countertop Microwave (1.1 Cu Ft) strikes a powerful balance between size, speed, and convenience, making it one of the most well-rounded mid-range models in 2025. With 1000 watts of cooking power and 6 one-touch preset buttons, it handles everything from baked potatoes to pizza with ease.

Its stainless-steel finish, interior LED lighting, and “Easy Clean” interior give it a modern, polished feel, while its 1.1 cubic-foot capacity offers enough space for full dinner plates, mugs, and meal prep bowls. If you want a microwave that cooks fast and looks great, this is a strong contender.

Why It’s Recommended

This Farberware model is designed for everyday, high-volume microwave users. It heats evenly and quickly—ideal for families, shared apartments, or anyone who wants real meal support rather than just snack reheating. The one-touch buttons are intuitive, and its power level options give it flexibility across food types.

Verdict

The Farberware 1000W Microwave is one of the best countertop microwaves for the price. It’s great for cooking actual meals—not just popcorn—and gets high marks from users for reliability, speed, and value.

👉 Check Today’s Price on Amazon

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Overview

The Chefman 1000W Countertop Microwave is a feature-rich digital microwave that offers surprising performance and capacity for under $70. With a 1.1 cu. ft. interior, this model is large enough for family plates, yet budget-friendly enough for apartments, break rooms, or college kitchens.

Designed with 10 power levels, 6 auto-cook menus, and energy-saving features like ECO mode and a mute button, it gives you far more control than most basic models in this price range. If you’re looking for affordable power and usability in one sleek package, Chefman delivers.

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Why It’s Recommended

What sets this microwave apart is how feature-rich it is at such a low price. Most sub-$70 microwaves offer the basics—but the Chefman includes quality-of-life improvements like a quiet mode (no loud beeping), eco-friendly standby power saving, and memory programming. For people who want performance without premium prices, this one punches above its weight class.

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Verdict

The Chefman 1000W Microwave offers excellent value with a roomy interior, quick heating, and surprising extras like ECO mode. It’s one of the most budget-friendly full-size microwaves you’ll find in 2025 without cutting corners on performance.

👉 See the Latest Price on Amazon

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Overview

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact, no-nonsense countertop microwave that prioritizes ease of use, reliability, and affordability. With its 0.7 cubic-foot capacity and 700-watt power, it’s ideal for those who need a simple microwave for reheating meals, making popcorn, or warming beverages—especially in dorm rooms, small kitchens, or office breakrooms.

Despite its compact form, this model doesn’t skimp on essential features. It includes express cook buttons, 10 power levels, a push-button door, and a child safety lock—all packed into a sleek stainless-steel exterior that looks good on any countertop.

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Why It’s Recommended

This BLACK+DECKER model offers excellent performance for small spaces without overcomplicating things. It doesn’t have fancy features like sensor cooking or smart connectivity—but what it does, it does well. Its strong Amazon rating and brand reliability make it one of the most trusted compact microwaves in its price range.

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Verdict

If you’re shopping for a reliable, compact microwave under $70, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a top-tier choice. It’s basic, but dependable—and with nearly 20,000 positive reviews, it’s a clear favorite for everyday heating needs.

👉 Buy Now on Amazon – Compact & Powerful

Overview

The Commercial Chef 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave offers exactly what budget-conscious shoppers want: a compact, reliable, and simple microwave with solid performance and straightforward operation. It’s built for everyday reheating and light cooking tasks, making it ideal for dorms, RVs, small apartments, or as a secondary microwave in larger homes.

Despite its budget price tag, this model includes a digital control panel, 10 power levels, and a 99-minute timer, plus a child safety lock for peace of mind. It also features a push-button door and a durable stainless steel finish—adding a touch of polish to your countertop.

Why It’s Recommended

The Commercial Chef microwave is proof that simplicity can still be effective. With 700 watts of power and multiple heat settings, it gives users full manual control over cook time and temperature. For those who don’t want pre-programmed buttons or smart features, this model offers dependable performance with no learning curve.

It’s also popular for elderly users or those who prefer traditional-style control layouts without touchscreen complications.

Verdict

If you’re looking for a no-frills, dependable microwave for small spaces, the Commercial Chef 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave is a great option. It’s compact, durable, and gives you full control—without adding unnecessary complexity.

👉 See It on Amazon – Trusted Compact Performer

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Overview

If you’re looking to add personality to your kitchen without sacrificing functionality, the Nostalgia Retro 700W Microwave is a top pick. With its charming 1950s-inspired design, chrome detailing, and bold aqua finish, it brings fun and color to modern countertop appliances.

But don’t let its looks fool you—this microwave is fully equipped for everyday use, offering 700 watts of cooking power, a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, and 12 pre-set cooking menus. It’s perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or anyone who wants their microwave to double as a design statement.

Why It’s Recommended

This Nostalgia model is more than just eye candy. It delivers consistent heating performance, an intuitive control panel, and useful presets, all in a compact body. For renters or homeowners who want to make their countertop pop without going over budget, this retro microwave checks all the boxes.

It’s also an ideal gift for vintage lovers, college students, or anyone setting up a themed kitchen.

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Verdict

The Nostalgia Retro 700W Microwave proves that style and function can co-exist. It’s perfect for compact spaces and buyers who want something fun and functional without breaking the bank.

👉 Shop on Amazon – Add Vintage Charm to Your Kitchen

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Overview

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a high-capacity countertop microwave with 1000 watts of power, making it one of the strongest performers in its class. With its 1.1 cu. ft. interior, it accommodates full-size dinner plates, meal-prep containers, and leftovers with ease.

Built for everyday efficiency, this model includes pre-programmed buttons for common foods, 10 adjustable power levels, and a sleek black-and-stainless exterior that looks great in modern kitchens. If you’re looking for affordability, reliability, and performance, this is one of the best mid-sized microwaves on Amazon.

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Why It’s Recommended

With its strong wattage and family-friendly size, this BLACK+DECKER model offers fast, even heating for everything from frozen burritos to casseroles. It’s great for busy households that need quick and consistent results without going over budget.

It also gets high praise for durability, user-friendly operation, and a clean modern aesthetic that fits in with both home and office environments.

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Verdict

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a top-rated, no-frills powerhouse. It’s built for users who want straightforward, dependable cooking with enough capacity for full meals. A perfect option for busy families, students, or small offices.

👉 See the Latest Price on Amazon

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Overview

The Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave offers compact convenience with just the right balance of functionality and value. It’s designed for small kitchens, dorm rooms, RVs, and office break areas, where space is limited but reliability is a must.

With 6 one-touch menu options and 10 power levels, this microwave gives you flexibility for everyday meals like popcorn, pizza, and reheated leftovers. Its stainless-steel exterior, easy-clean interior, and LED lighting make it both stylish and functional for the minimalist cook.

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Why It’s Recommended

Farberware is a trusted kitchen appliance brand, and this microwave lives up to its reputation with a solid mix of performance and simplicity. It’s especially ideal for light users or households that just need a reliable microwave for reheating, defrosting, and quick snacks.

Plus, the easy-clean interior and simple button interface make it a great pick for anyone who doesn’t want to fuss with complicated settings.

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Verdict

The Farberware 700W Microwave is a compact and reliable choice for shoppers who want a basic, affordable microwave that just works. If you’re short on counter space but still need reliable performance, this is a strong contender under $80.

👉 View on Amazon – Affordable, Trusted, Compact

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Overview

The Chefman 900W 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave sits comfortably between compact and full-size, offering a sweet spot for those who want a little extra power without taking up a lot of counter space. With a sleek black digital interface and 6 one-touch cooking presets, it brings modern convenience into a mid-sized, budget-friendly microwave.

In addition to the basics, this model includes useful quality-of-life features like ECO mode, a mute function, and child lock, making it an excellent choice for households, apartments, or break rooms where silence and efficiency are appreciated.

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Why It’s Recommended

The Chefman 900W strikes a great balance of performance, size, and price. It gives you enough wattage for quick reheating and light cooking, without overloading small countertops. The ECO mode is a standout for energy-conscious users, and the mute button is a surprising bonus at this price point—perfect for shared spaces or late-night snacking.

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Verdict

The Chefman 900W Microwave is a mid-range champion for buyers who want more than a basic 700W unit but don’t need the full power of a 1000W model. With modern features, intuitive controls, and a small footprint, it’s a solid option for households that want fast, quiet, and efficient microwave cooking.

👉 Check Price on Amazon – Modern Features, Compact Form

Microwave Buying Guide for 2025

🛒 Introduction: Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Microwave Blindly in 2025

The microwave market in 2025 offers more features, sizes, and smart technologies than ever before—but that also means more confusion for buyers. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, outfitting a dorm, or replacing an aging unit, buying the wrong microwave can lead to poor performance, wasted space, or unmet expectations.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the best choice for your space, budget, and cooking habits.

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🔍 What to Consider Before Buying a Microwave

1. Size and Capacity (Cubic Feet)

Tip: A 1.1–1.2 cu. ft. microwave (like the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS) is a perfect all-rounder—big enough for dinner plates, but still counter-friendly.

2. Wattage and Cooking Power

Higher wattage = faster and more even cooking. At minimum, go for 700W—but 900W+ is best for regular meal prep.

3. Countertop vs. Over-the-Range (OTR)

• Countertop Microwaves: Most popular; easy to install; great for renters and small kitchens.

• Over-the-Range Microwaves (OTRs): Space-saving; doubles as a range hood; ideal for homeowners and kitchen remodels.

4. Smart Features and Presets

In 2025, even budget microwaves include handy presets and some offer voice or app control. Features to consider:

• Smart Sensor Cooking (e.g., Toshiba EM131A5C-BS) – Detects moisture for automatic adjustments.

• Eco Mode / Mute Button – Save power or avoid noisy alerts (seen in Chefman models).

• One-Touch Presets – For popcorn, pizza, beverages, and more.

5. Interior Material & Maintenance

• Easy-Clean Interiors – Found in Farberware and Chefman models.

• LED Lighting – Makes it easier to see your food.

• Turntables – Rotate food for even heating (standard on most models).

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🧾 Microwave Types at a Glance

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💬 Questions to Ask Before Buying

• Do you want to cook meals or just reheat snacks?

• How much counter space can you give up?

• Do you care about smart features or voice commands?

• Will you be using large dinner plates or just mugs and bowls?

• How important is energy efficiency or quiet operation?

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🧠 Pro Tip: Avoid Overpaying

Microwaves have flattened in pricing—meaning you can often find quality models between $80 and $150. Don’t be lured by flashy extras unless you actually need them. For most buyers, a reliable brand, solid wattage (900W+), and a few one-touch buttons are more than enough.

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🏆 Editor’s Recommendation by Use Case