When you’re upgrading your kitchen, you’ll want a microwave that does more than heat leftovers. Smart microwaves offer WiFi connectivity, voice control, and preset cooking programs that take the guesswork out of meal prep. You can scan barcodes for instant cooking instructions, adjust power levels with your phone, and integrate appliances into your home system. But choosing the right model requires understanding which features matter most for your needs—and that’s where we’ll help you navigate your options.
| Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 Cu Ft |
| Smart Sensor Standard | Microwave Power Output: 1000W | Capacity: 1.2 cu ft | Power Levels: 10 levels | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| TOSHIBA 8-in-1 Air Fryer Combo Microwave Oven |
| Most Versatile | Microwave Power Output: 1000W | Capacity: 1.0 cu ft | Power Levels: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven with WiFi Connectivity |
| Best Connected | Microwave Power Output: 900W | Capacity: 0.9 cu ft | Power Levels: 10 levels | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.ft |
| Budget-Friendly Pick | Microwave Power Output: 700W | Capacity: 0.7 cu ft | Power Levels: 10 levels | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Toshiba ML-EM62P Large Countertop Microwave Stainless Steel |
| Best for Families | Microwave Power Output: 1200W | Capacity: 2.2 cu ft | Power Levels: 10 levels | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 Cu Ft
Looking for a compact microwave that won’t clutter your kitchen counter? The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS offers 1.2 cubic feet of capacity with 1000W output power. Its Smart Sensor Technology automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food moisture, preventing overcooked or undercooked meals. You’ll access six preset menus for common foods like pizza and vegetables, plus ten customizable power levels. The 12.4-inch turntable accommodates standard dishes. Use one-touch start for quick 1–6 minute sessions, or activate Easy Defrost by weight or time. Mute the buzzer by pressing button 8 for 3–5 seconds. The black exterior measures 20.6 by 16.0 by 11.8 inches, fitting most countertops efficiently.
- Microwave Power Output:1000W
- Capacity:1.2 cu ft
- Power Levels:10 levels
- Turntable Size:12.4 inches
- Defrost Function:Easy Defrost by weight or time
- Child Safety Lock:Not mentioned
- Additional Feature:Smart Sensor Technology prevents overcooking
- Additional Feature:Six preset cooking menus
- Additional Feature:One-touch start convenience
TOSHIBA 8-in-1 Air Fryer Combo Microwave Oven
Want to replace multiple kitchen appliances with one compact unit? The TOSHIBA 8-in-1 Air Fryer Combo Microwave Oven delivers eight cooking functions: microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combo, low temp, odor removal, and defrost. Its 1.0 cubic foot capacity fits roasted chicken, pizza, and casseroles inside a 20.6″ W x 18.0″ D x 11.8″ H footprint. The 1000-watt microwave output powers convection heating and grill methods for diverse meal preparation. Access one-touch controls for popcorn, reheating, and keeping food warm. The removable 12.4″ turntable enables easy cleaning of the stainless steel interior. Use multistage cooking to combine methods sequentially. Two-step child safety locks prevent accidental operation, while the control panel lock secures settings during cooking.
- Microwave Power Output:1000W
- Capacity:1.0 cu ft
- Power Levels:Not specified
- Turntable Size:12.4 inches
- Defrost Function:Defrost with multiple programs
- Child Safety Lock:Two-step child safety lock
- Additional Feature:Eight-in-one multifunction cooking modes
- Additional Feature:Multistage cooking capability
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel interior/exterior
GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven with WiFi Connectivity
If you’re managing a busy household and need hands-free cooking convenience, the GE Smart Countertop Microwave delivers WiFi-enabled operation that lets you start, stop, and monitor your microwave from any room using voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. The 0.9 cubic foot capacity and 900-watt power accommodate most reheating and cooking tasks. You’ll benefit from Scan-to-Cook Technology, which automatically sets cooking times and power levels when you scan product barcodes. The microwave offers ten power levels and ten cooking programs, including defrost and reheat functions with adjustable times. Its two-step child lock provides safety, though you can deactivate it if unnecessary. Setup is straightforward, and operation remains simple through one-touch controls and the kitchen timer feature.
- Microwave Power Output:900W
- Capacity:0.9 cu ft
- Power Levels:10 levels
- Turntable Size:Glass turntable (size not specified)
- Defrost Function:Auto or manual defrost with programmable times
- Child Safety Lock:Two-step child lock
- Additional Feature:WiFi connectivity with voice control
- Additional Feature:Scan-to-Cook barcode technology
- Additional Feature:Alexa and Google compatible
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.ft
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 delivers practical functionality for households that need reliable reheating and cooking without unnecessary complexity. This 700-watt microwave offers 10 power levels and six pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates. You’ll find a 10-inch removable turntable, interior light, and countdown timer on the large LED display. The touch controls and STOP button let you adjust cooking time easily. Child safety lock protects young children from accidental operation. Two defrost options—time and weight-based—handle frozen foods systematically. At 0.7 cubic feet, it fits standard countertops. The stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints and matches most kitchens.
- Microwave Power Output:700W
- Capacity:0.7 cu ft
- Power Levels:10 levels
- Turntable Size:10 inches
- Defrost Function:Time Defrost, Weight Defrost
- Child Safety Lock:Child Safety Lock
- Additional Feature:Sensor technology automatic adjustment
- Additional Feature:Pre-programmed six cooking buttons
- Additional Feature:Interior light with LED display
Toshiba ML-EM62P Large Countertop Microwave Stainless Steel
Cooking for a large family or hosting frequent gatherings calls for a microwave that handles substantial portions without sacrificing heating quality. The Toshiba ML-EM62P delivers with its 2.2 cubic foot capacity and 16.5-inch turntable, accommodating a 16-inch pizza or whole chicken. Its 1200W power and Smart Humidity Sensor automatically adjust cooking for even results. Six auto menus simplify preparation for bacon, frozen rolls, beverages, chicken pieces, and oatmeal. The auto-defrost function offers weight-based or time-based options for meat, poultry, and fish. Ten power levels provide precise control. Additional features include ECO mode, a mute option, memory function, child safety lock, and a kitchen timer, making this unit practical for daily meal preparation.
- Microwave Power Output:1200W
- Capacity:2.2 cu ft
- Power Levels:10 levels
- Turntable Size:16.5 inches
- Defrost Function:Auto-Defrost with programmed options for meat, poultry, fish
- Child Safety Lock:Child Safety Lock
- Additional Feature:Smart humidity sensor technology
- Additional Feature:ECO mode energy-saving function
- Additional Feature:Memory function for preferences
Factors to Consider When Choosing Smart Microwaves
When you’re selecting a smart microwave, you’ll want to evaluate five key areas: capacity and interior space to fit your dishes, power output and performance for cooking speed, smart features and connectivity for remote control and automation, safety locks and controls to protect your household, and cooking programs and functions that match your meal preparation needs. Start by measuring your counter space and typical dish sizes, then check the wattage rating—higher wattage generally means faster cooking times. Finally, review the app compatibility, child lock options, and preset cooking modes to confirm the microwave supports the conveniences and protections you require.
Capacity And Interior Space
Most smart microwaves range from 0.9 to 2.2 cubic feet in interior capacity, and you’ll need to match this measurement to your cooking needs and kitchen layout. Smaller models at 0.9 cubic feet work well for reheating and defrosting single servings. Larger models at 2.2 cubic feet accommodate bulky dishes and multiple items simultaneously. Check the turntable diameter, typically between 12.4 and 16 inches, since this determines the largest dish that can rotate for even heating. Measure your countertop space before purchasing—exterior dimensions often exceed interior volume due to venting and clearance requirements. A wider interior depth allows you to store or heat larger cookware like roasting pans. Match capacity to your household size and cooking frequency for optimal functionality.
Power Output And Performance
Why does wattage matter in your smart microwave choice? Higher wattage directly affects cooking speed and heating consistency. Standard residential microwaves range from 700W to 1000W, while smart models typically offer 1000W to 1200W input, delivering around 800W–1000W cooking output. This increased power enables faster defrosting and more uniform heating when paired with sensor guidance.
You’ll also benefit from additional features that depend on adequate power. Convection and air-fry capabilities require combined power sources—often a 1000W microwave plus supplementary convection heating—to achieve effective browning and crisping results.
Control options matter equally. Look for models offering 10 or more power levels and multi-stage cooking settings. These features let you fine-tune cooking profiles for different foods, improving overall performance and final results.
Smart Features And Connectivity
What connectivity options should you prioritize in a smart microwave? First, verify WiFi capability so you can control the unit remotely through your smartphone or tablet. Next, confirm compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free operation. Check whether the microwave includes Scan-to-Cook technology, which reads barcodes on food packages and automatically sets cook times and power levels. Look for multistage cooking programs that run sequential operations—such as defrosting followed by cooking—without requiring manual adjustments between steps. Finally, examine safety features like child locks and control-panel locks that prevent unintended use on connected units. These connectivity options work together to streamline your cooking process and enhance kitchen efficiency.
Safety Locks And Controls
Three key safety features should guide your selection of a smart microwave: child locks, control panel locks, and app-based restrictions. Child locks prevent unintended use by requiring multiple steps to operate the microwave. Control panel locks protect your settings from accidental changes during defrost timing or other functions. WiFi-connected models let you restrict voice commands and app controls through lock functions, limiting access to authorized users only. Some models make these locks mandatory, while others allow you to deactivate them if unnecessary. When comparing options, check whether locks are easy to engage and disengage. Verify that safety features don’t interfere with quick operation. Choose a model matching your household’s specific safety needs and usage patterns.
Cooking Programs And Functions
When you’re evaluating smart microwaves, you’ll want to assess the range of cooking programs and functions each model offers, since these directly impact how you’ll use the appliance. Look for models that include multiple cooking modes: microwave, convection bake, air fry, and broil capabilities. Check whether the microwave has programmed settings for common tasks like defrost by weight, Keep Warm, and preset options for pizza, vegetables, and popcorn. Consider models with Scan-to-Cook technology that reads barcodes to automatically set cooking times and power levels. Examine whether the unit offers odor removal and low-temperature cooking options for specialized needs. Finally, verify that programmable controls and memory functions allow you to save and reuse custom cooking profiles for meals you prepare regularly.
Size And Countertop Fit
How’ll you know if a smart microwave actually fits your kitchen? Start by measuring your available countertop space in width, depth, and height. Most 1.0–1.2 cubic foot models measure roughly 17–21 inches wide, 11–13 inches tall, and 13–18 inches deep. Check the specific unit’s external dimensions against your measurements. Next, verify clearance for the door swing and ventilation openings, particularly for larger models with side or rear vents. If counter depth is limited, consider compact or slim models with shallower profiles. Finally, confirm that the turntable—typically 12.4 inches—and interior dimensions accommodate your standard dishes. This systematic approach ensures your chosen microwave integrates seamlessly into your kitchen without obstruction or installation problems.
Final Thoughts
You’ve reviewed five smart microwave options with varying sizes and features. Select based on your kitchen space, budget, and cooking needs. If you want convection and air-fry capabilities, choose the Toshiba 8-in-1. For WiFi connectivity, pick the GE model. Compare power levels, preset programs, and safety features against your household requirements. Check your countertop dimensions before purchasing. Make your final decision by prioritizing the features you’ll actually use daily.
Meet Ry, “TechGuru,” a 36-year-old technology enthusiast with a deep passion for tech innovations. With extensive experience, he specializes in gaming hardware and software, and has expertise in gadgets, custom PCs, and audio.
Besides writing about tech and reviewing new products, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and photography. Committed to keeping up with the latest industry trends, he aims to guide readers in making informed tech decisions.