Almost every kitchen uses its microwave every day, so the right one depends on three things: how much counter space you have, how much food you heat at once, and whether you want it to do more than reheat. This guide is for US home cooks picking a countertop model, from a compact basic for a dorm or office to a 3-in-1 oven that can also bake and air fry.
Technobezz is supported by its audience. We may get a commission from retail offers.
6 Best Microwaves in 2026
The Sharp SMC1469KS leads our microwave picks for most kitchens, with more options for air frying, big families, small spaces and tight budgets in 2026.
T
Technobezz
Editorial Team
Updated November 8, 2026Nov 8, 2026
•10 min read
Get Deals Like These in Your Inbox
The best prices, straight to your inbox.
Add Technobezz on Google:Preferred SourceGoogle Discover
The Sharp SMC1469KS is the best overall pick. It has a 1.4 cu. ft. cavity, 1100 watts with inverter technology, a Sensor Cook menu and Alexa voice control. That covers most family cooking without taking over the counter.
The other picks each suit a different buyer: multifunction cooking, a premium sensor microwave, large capacity, a compact air fry combo, and a simple budget model.
At a Glance
| Category | Product | Why We Picked It |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Sharp SMC1469KS 1.4 cu. ft. Smart Microwave | Mid-size cavity, 1100 watts, inverter power and sensor cooking |
| Best multifunction oven | Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 | Microwave, air fryer and convection oven with 19 smart presets |
| Best premium microwave | Breville Smooth Wave | Sensor iQ cooking, inverter power and 15 smart presets |
| Best large capacity | Sharp SMC2266KS 2.2 cu. ft. Microwave | 2.2 cu. ft. cavity, 1200 watts and a 16.5-inch turntable |
| Best compact air fry combo | Sharp SMC0985KS 3-in-1 Convection Air Fry Microwave | Microwave, convection and air fry in a 0.9 cu. ft. body |
| Best budget | Emerson MW9255W 0.9 cu. ft. Microwave | Simple 900-watt basics with 10 power levels and a child lock |
How we chose
We compared each maker's published specifications, including capacity, power output, cooking modes, sensor features and outer dimensions, and matched each model to a specific kind of kitchen. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.
The best microwaves right now
Sharp SMC1469KS 1.4 cu. ft. Smart Microwave - Best overall
For size and power, the Sharp SMC1469KS sits in the middle of this list, which is why it suits the most kitchens. It has a 1.4 cu. ft. cavity and 1100 watts with inverter technology, and its Sensor Cook menu handles cooking and reheating.
Sharp says it works with Alexa for hands-free control with over 200 voice commands. That needs a Wi-Fi connection and a registered Amazon Echo device. Everyday controls include a +30 key, one-touch Express Cook for up to 6 minutes, Melt and Soften settings and an Orville Redenbacher's certified popcorn preset. Cleanup is easier thanks to a 12.4-inch dishwasher-safe glass turntable plate and a gray interior with an LED light.
Key highlights
- 1.4 cu. ft. capacity
- 1100 watts with inverter technology
- Sensor Cook menu for cooking and reheating
- Works with Alexa (Wi-Fi and an Amazon Echo device required)
- 12.4-inch dishwasher-safe glass turntable plate
- 20.4 x 16.8 x 12.4 inches (W x D x H)
Pros
- Balanced capacity and power for most households
- Inverter power and sensor cooking in a mid-size body
- Voice control is there for those who want it
- Dishwasher-safe glass plate makes cleanup simple
Cons
- Voice control will not work without Wi-Fi and an Echo device
- The 12.4-inch plate limits how wide a dish can turn freely
- No convection or air fry functions
Who it is for: Households that want one mid-size microwave with sensor cooking, inverter power and optional voice control.
Skip if
You want to bake or air fry in the same appliance, or you regularly heat large casserole dishes.
Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 - Best multifunction oven
The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 (BMO870) puts an air fryer, convection oven and inverter microwave in one brushed stainless steel cabinet. Its functions include air fry, bake, grilling, microwave, Fast Combi and cook from frozen, plus Smart Cook, Smart Reheat and Smart Defrost, with 19 built-in smart presets.
Breville's Element iQ system uses smart algorithms to steer power where it is needed. The Power Smoothing Inverter adjusts power intensity instead of switching on and off. Breville claims the soft close door is 80% quieter and operation is 50% quieter, though both figures carry footnotes on its page. A child lock and mute button are included. A shortcuts panel inside the door covers jobs such as melting chocolate, softening butter and popping popcorn. A Combi Crisp Pan and a trivet come in the box.
Key highlights
- Air fryer, convection oven and microwave in one
- 19 built-in smart presets
- Element iQ system and Power Smoothing Inverter
- Soft close door, child lock and mute button
- Combi Crisp Pan and trivet included
- 20.5 x 20.1 x 12.6 inches (W x D x H)
Pros
- Can stand in for a separate air fryer and convection oven
- Long list of cooking modes and presets
- Quieter door and operation, according to Breville
- Inside-door shortcuts panel for common small tasks
Cons
- Breville's product page does not list interior capacity or microwave wattage
- At 20.1 inches, it is the deepest model in this group
- More functions than needed if you only reheat and defrost
Who it is for: Cooks who want one appliance to microwave, bake and air fry instead of separate machines.
Skip if
Your counter is shallow, or you only need a plain microwave.
Breville Smooth Wave - Best premium microwave
The Breville Smooth Wave (BMO850) is for buyers who want Breville's sensor cooking and brushed stainless finish without the combi functions. Its Sensor iQ technology automatically adjusts power to reheat and cook, and it uses Breville's Power Smoothing Inverter.
It has 15 smart presets and an LCD display, and Breville presents it as a one-touch way to cook, defrost and reheat. At 20.4 x 17.5 x 12.4 inches, it is shallower than the Combi Wave 3-in-1, which helps on tighter counters.
Key highlights
- Sensor iQ technology
- Power Smoothing Inverter
- 15 smart presets
- LCD display
- Brushed stainless steel
- 20.4 x 17.5 x 12.4 inches (W x D x H)
Pros
- Sensor cooking that adjusts power automatically
- Inverter power for cooking, defrosting and reheating
- Premium brushed stainless look
- Shallower than the Combi Wave 3-in-1
Cons
- Breville's product page does not list interior capacity or wattage
- Microwave only, with no air fry or convection functions
- Fewer presets than the Combi Wave's 19
Who it is for: Buyers who want a premium microwave focused on sensor reheating and defrosting.
Skip if
You want air frying or baking, or you need a published capacity figure before buying.
Sharp SMC2266KS 2.2 cu. ft. Microwave - Best large capacity
The Sharp SMC2266KS is the biggest microwave here, with a 2.2 cu. ft. cavity, 1200 watts and inverter technology. Sharp says its inverter gives even distribution of cooking power. The 16.5-inch dishwasher-safe glass turntable plate leaves room for large plates and casserole dishes.
Precise Cook sensor technology handles defrosting, cooking and reheating. You also get 11 power levels, one-touch Express Cook for up to 6 minutes, a +30 key, Melt and Soften controls, Auto Defrost and a child-resistant door lock.
Key highlights
- 2.2 cu. ft. capacity
- 1200 watts with inverter technology
- Precise Cook sensor technology
- 11 power levels
- 16.5-inch dishwasher-safe glass turntable plate
- 24.4 x 19.6 x 13.6 inches (W x D x H)
Pros
- Largest capacity and highest published wattage in this group
- Sensor cooking for defrosting, cooking and reheating
- Wide turntable fits big dishes
- Child-resistant door lock
Cons
- At 24.4 inches wide, it takes up a lot of counter
- No smart or voice control, unlike the SMC1469KS
- No convection or air fry functions
Who it is for: Large families and anyone who regularly heats big dishes or several plates at once.
Skip if
Counter space is tight, or you mostly heat single portions.
Sharp SMC0985KS 3-in-1 Convection Air Fry Microwave - Best compact air fry combo
The Sharp SMC0985KS combines microwave, convection oven and air fryer functions in a 0.9 cu. ft., 900-watt body. Multi-stage cooking can run up to three functions in one go, such as defrosting, cooking and crisping.
It comes with a dishwasher-safe air fry basket, a baking and roasting pan, and a 10.6-inch glass turntable. Other features include auto defrost, preset buttons for popular foods, a +30 second key and a stainless steel interior with an LED light. At 19.00 x 15.77 x 11.38 inches, it fits smaller counters.
Key highlights
- Microwave, convection oven and air fryer
- 0.9 cu. ft. capacity
- 900 watts microwave power
- Multi-stage cooking with up to three functions
- Dishwasher-safe air fry basket and baking/roasting pan
- 19.00 x 15.77 x 11.38 inches (W x D x H)
Pros
- Three cooking functions in a compact footprint
- Multi-stage cooking chains defrost, cook and crisp
- Air fry basket and pan are dishwasher-safe
- Affordable route into 3-in-1 cooking
Cons
- 0.9 cu. ft. limits the size of dishes and batches
- 900 watts is lower than the 1100 to 1200-watt Sharp models here
- 10.6-inch turntable is the smallest published plate in this group
Who it is for: Small households, apartments and dorms that want air frying and convection without adding another appliance.
Skip if
You cook for a family, or you want the most microwave power.
Emerson MW9255W 0.9 cu. ft. Microwave - Best budget
The Emerson MW9255W keeps things simple. It has a 0.9 cu. ft. cavity, 900 watts of output, 10 power levels and 6 auto cooking menus. Defrost works by time or by weight, and an Express Cooking feature is included for quick starts.
A child-safe lock-out feature, a removable glass turntable and a 99-minute, 99-second digital timer with memory and kitchen timer functions cover the basics. It has a white front and cabinet and measures 19.1 x 14.6 x 11.5 inches, the shallowest model in this group.
Key highlights
- 0.9 cu. ft. capacity
- 900 watts output power
- 10 power levels
- 6 auto cooking menus
- Time and weight defrost
- 19.1 x 14.6 x 11.5 inches (W x D x H)
Pros
- Simple controls for everyday reheating
- Child-safe lock-out feature
- Shallowest footprint in this group
- Budget-friendly choice for an office, dorm or second kitchen
Cons
- No sensor cooking or inverter power listed by Emerson
- 900 watts heats more slowly than the 1100 to 1200-watt picks
- White finish only for this model number
Who it is for: Students, office kitchens and anyone who wants a basic compact microwave.
Skip if
You want sensor reheating, inverter power or room for large dishes.
How to Choose
- Match capacity to your dishes. A 0.9 cu. ft. model suits single portions and small spaces, while a 2.2 cu. ft. model with a 16.5-inch turntable handles large plates and casseroles.
- Check the wattage. More watts generally means faster heating. A 900-watt model will need longer cook times than a 1100 or 1200-watt one.
- Consider inverter power. Sharp describes its inverter as giving even distribution of cooking power, and Breville says its inverter adjusts power intensity instead of switching on and off.
- Decide if you want a 3-in-1. Combi models such as the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 and Sharp SMC0985KS add convection and air fry functions, which can save counter space if you would otherwise buy separate appliances.
- Measure depth as well as width. The picks here range from 14.6 to 20.1 inches deep, so check your counter and any overhead cabinets before buying.
FAQ
What is an inverter microwave?
An inverter microwave delivers steady power at lower settings instead of switching full power on and off. Makers pitch this as more even cooking and defrosting.
Is a 900-watt microwave enough?
For reheating, popcorn and simple cooking, yes. Expect longer cook times than with a 1100 or 1200-watt model, and follow any package directions written for higher wattages.
What size microwave do I need?
Around 0.9 cu. ft. works for one or two people and small spaces. Around 1.4 cu. ft. suits most families, and 2.2 cu. ft. is for large dishes and big households.
Do smart microwaves need Wi-Fi?
Yes, for the smart features. The Sharp SMC1469KS needs a Wi-Fi connection and a registered Amazon Echo device for Alexa control.
What does sensor cooking do?
Sensor cooking lets the microwave adjust power or time automatically for supported foods, so you do not have to guess settings for common reheating and cooking jobs.
Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026
Add Technobezz on Google:Preferred SourceGoogle Discover
More buying guides
Buying guide
7 Best Microphones for Recording Vocals in 2026
Buying guide
7 Best Samsung Phones in 2026
Buying guide
6 Best In-Ceiling Speakers in 2026
Buying guide
7 Best Headsets for Work in 2026
Buying guide6 Best 85-Inch TVs in 2026Buying guide7 Best Tablets in 2026Buying guide4 Best Tablets for Kids in 2026Buying guide9 Best Bookshelf Speakers for 2026Buying guide3 Best Rolling TV Monitors You Can Buy Right NowBuying guide8 Best Blood Pressure Monitors for Home Use in 2026Buying guide5 Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2026Buying guide6 Best OLED TVs for 2026