8 Best Healthy Microwave Ovens of 2025

This spacious sensor cooking powerhouse redefines convenience with its 2.0 cubic feet capacity and 1,200-watt output, making it a game-changer for busy households and small kitchens alike. The smart sensor cooking controls stand out by automatically adjusting time and power based on moisture levels—eliminating guesswork and preventing overcooked leftovers. Add in weight-based defrosting and child-lock security, and you’ve got a microwave that’s not just powerful but genuinely thoughtful in design. It tackles the all-too-common pain points of uneven heating and safety concerns with ease.

In real-world testing, the GE shines when reheating large plates or cooking family-sized meals, thanks to its generous interior and rotating glass turntable that ensures even heat distribution. The 8 auto-cook settings—including popcorn, pizza, and veggies—deliver consistent results with minimal input, while the instant-on express buttons make quick snacks a one-touch affair. However, on delicate tasks like melting chocolate or softly reheating bread, the sensor can sometimes overcompensate, leading to slightly dried-out results. Still, for everyday cooking across varied food types, its performance is impressively reliable.

Compared to compact models like the Chefman B0DY95T5HB, this GE model trades portability for serious culinary capability—ideal for those who regularly cook for two or more. It doesn’t offer air frying or convection modes like the Toshiba combos, but it outperforms them in sheer sensor-driven simplicity and cavity size. Perfect for apartments, dorms, or secondary kitchens where space is limited but performance matters, it delivers precision cooking with a focus on ease and safety. For users prioritizing smart automation over multifunctionality, this microwave offers better usability and consistency than feature-packed but complex rivals.

Don’t let its pint-sized frame fool you—this compact budget marvel packs a 700-watt punch into a footprint small enough to fit in a college dorm, RV, or studio apartment. With 10 power levels and one-touch express cooking, it delivers surprising versatility for reheating coffee, defrosting meat, or crisping up yesterday’s pizza. The eco mode and mute button add thoughtful touches for noise-sensitive environments, making it a stealthy kitchen ally during late-night cravings or early mornings. It’s engineered for simplicity, solving the universal struggle of cluttered countertops without sacrificing essential functionality.

During daily use, the six smart presets—popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, and leftovers—consistently deliver accurate results, while the +30 seconds boost lets you extend cooking on the fly. The memory function is a hidden gem, allowing you to program favorite settings for instant access—perfect for the morning oatmeal or nightly tea ritual. However, its 0.7 cubic foot cavity limits it to single-serving dishes; larger plates or deep bowls won’t fit comfortably. While it handles basic tasks with aplomb, it struggles with dense or thick foods that require deep, sustained heating.

When stacked against the GE B0DDM4N45M, this Chefman model is its polar opposite—smaller, quieter, and far more affordable—but lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or large capacity. It’s not meant to replace a full-sized microwave, but rather complement it or serve as a primary option for solo users or minimalists. For those seeking a no-frills, space-saving workhorse that still offers customization, this microwave delivers unmatched value. It may not brown or crisp like convection models, but for essential reheating and defrosting, it outperforms others in its size and price class.

Designed for large families, this 1.5 cubic foot 4-in-1 microwave combines 1000W microwave power with air fry, convection, and combo cooking to handle everything from weeknight stir-fries to Sunday roasts. Its 13.6-inch turntable effortlessly fits a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza, solving the common frustration of rotating plates that can’t accommodate family-sized dishes. The smart sensor menus auto-adjust cooking for frozen meals and veggies, while multistage programming lets you defrost, then crisp, all in one cycle—making it a true time-saver for meal prep chaos. It’s a kitchen powerhouse built for those who need volume and versatility.

In real-world performance, the convection and air fry modes produce impressively crispy results—think golden fries and juicy wings—without the oil. The auto-roast and bake functions deliver even browning, though baking delicate items like cakes requires careful monitoring due to hot spots. While the pre-programmed sensor settings simplify cooking, the interface can feel cluttered, and some users may need time to master the multistage sequences. It’s also heavier and wider than standard microwaves, so countertop space is a must.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, this Toshiba offers similar air frying but with a larger cavity and smoother convection integration, making it better suited for larger households. It doesn’t match the TOSHIBA MASTER Series B0BR566XBB in power or features, but it’s more intuitive and slightly more affordable. Ideal for families of 4+ who want one appliance to replace multiple gadgets, it balances capacity, functionality, and ease of use. For those who value family-sized meals with healthy frying, it outperforms simpler models while offering better space efficiency than owning separate appliances.

This best overall contender is a 6-in-1 culinary powerhouse, merging microwave, air fry, convection, broil, Speedy-Combi, and even defrost into one sleek stainless steel unit. At 1800W peak power and 1000W microwave output, it leverages Inverter Technology to deliver precise, even heating—no more cold spots in your lasagna or rubbery reheated rice. The 360° air circulation makes air-fried chicken golden and crisp with zero oil, while combi-modes cut cooking time by combining microwave speed with convection browning. It’s engineered for serious home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without multiple appliances.

In testing, the Speedy-Combi function proved revolutionary—cooking a frozen entrée in half the time while delivering a crisp top and moist interior. The 27 included recipes and 37 auto-menus guide beginners with confidence, while customizable convection settings empower pros to tweak time and temperature. The 50dB noise level keeps operation quiet, a rare perk in high-power units. However, the 11.3-inch turntable is smaller than expected for its class, limiting large cookware. Still, for texture control and speed, it outshines nearly every other microwave in the dataset.

Against the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS), this MASTER Series model offers more functions, better inverter precision, and quieter operation, though at a slightly higher price. It beats the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA in power, versatility, and build, making it the clear upgrade for those serious about healthy, crispy cooking. Perfect for cooks who demand both speed and quality, it justifies its place as the top all-rounder. With best-in-class evenness, quiet operation, and recipe support, it delivers professional results in a countertop format.

Priced for value but built for performance, this best value with air fry microwave packs five cooking modes—microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and combi—into a 0.9 cu. ft. compact body. With 900 watts of power and 11 dedicated air fry presets, it turns frozen nuggets into crispy delights and transforms veggies into roasted sides with minimal effort. The direct 30-second start is perfect for quick reheating, while the child-lock adds peace of mind for family kitchens. It’s the ideal pick for those who want air frying benefits without the premium price tag of larger combos.

Real-world use reveals strong air fry performance—on par with standalone units—thanks to focused hot air circulation and precise presets. The 7 auto menus handle common foods well, though custom convection baking requires manual input and trial. Its compact size fits tight spaces, but the smaller cavity can’t accommodate oversized dishes. While it lacks the inverter precision of the TOSHIBA B0BR566XBB, it delivers 90% of the functionality at a much lower cost.

Versus the Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS), it offers fewer functions (5 vs 8) but a more intuitive interface and better air fry presets. It doesn’t match the sensor cooking of GE or large capacity of the 4-in-1 Toshiba, but it’s the smartest budget pick for those prioritizing air frying and versatility. For small families or couples wanting crispy, healthy meals without clutter, it’s the sweet spot between price and performance. With exceptional air fry value and ease of use, it outperforms pricier models in its core mission.

This best multifunctional microwave doesn’t just cook—it deodorizes, slow-cooks, air fries, bakes, broils, and more, all in one 1.0 cu. ft. stainless steel shell. With 8 distinct functions, including low-temp cooking and odor removal, it’s designed for users who want maximum utility from a single appliance. The 12.4-inch position memory turntable ensures stability during high-speed air frying, while microwave + convection combo modes deliver fast, crispy results. It solves the pain of owning multiple gadgets by consolidating kitchen essentials into one intelligent unit.

In practice, the air fry and broil modes produce restaurant-quality sear and crunch, and the multistage cooking lets you defrost, then crisp, without intervention. The knob-based controls offer tactile feedback, a refreshing change from touch-only panels. However, the 1.0 cu. ft. size limits large dishes, and the low-temp mode isn’t as precise as a slow cooker. While the odor removal function works, it’s more niche than daily-use. Still, for cooks who love experimentation, its breadth of options is unmatched.

Compared to the TOSHIBA B0BR566XBB, this model trades inverter technology for more cooking modes, making it better for adventurous users than those seeking perfect reheating. It’s more complex than the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA but offers greater flexibility. Ideal for apartment dwellers or minimalists who want one appliance to rule them all, it excels in functional diversity. With best-in-class feature count and smart design, it outperforms rivals in versatility despite slightly lower cooking precision.

For those obsessed with healthy crispy cooking, this GE model delivers air fry, convection, and broil modes in a compact 1.0 cu. ft. design, producing golden, oil-free results that mimic deep frying. The 1,050-watt power and elevated rack allow hot air to circulate evenly, crisping wings and fries with remarkable consistency. The built-in broiler adds a finishing sear—something most microwaves lack—making it perfect for steaks or browning casseroles. It’s engineered for health-conscious cooks who refuse to sacrifice texture for convenience.

Testing confirms excellent air fry performance, with food emerging crispy outside and tender inside, though dense items like whole potatoes need extra time. The preset controls for fries and nuggets simplify cooking, but manual adjustments are required for best results. The glass turntable ensures even microwave heating, but the small cavity limits family use. While it lacks sensor cooking or inverter tech, it excels in browning and crisping—its core mission.

Against the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS), it offers stronger broiling and better air fry integration, though less capacity. It doesn’t match the TOSHIBA MASTER Series in versatility, but it’s more focused on crispiness and health. Ideal for singles or couples wanting restaurant-style texture without oil, it’s the top pick for crunchy, guilt-free meals. With best-in-class browning and compact design, it outperforms multifunctional models in its specialty despite fewer features.

As the best budget healthy option, this Toshiba punches above its weight with 1000W power, a 1.2 cu. ft. cavity, and smart humidity-sensing technology that automatically adjusts cooking for perfect results—no more soggy pizza or exploded soup. The 12.4-inch removable turntable handles larger dishes, while 10 power levels and mute function offer customization and quiet operation. With ECO mode and easy-clean interior, it’s built for low-maintenance, energy-efficient use—ideal for health-focused users who want simplicity without compromise.

In real use, the sensor reheat and defrost functions are remarkably accurate, preserving moisture and texture far better than manual settings. The 6 auto menus cover basics well, though it lacks air frying or convection. The one-touch start is perfect for quick tasks, but advanced users may miss preset flexibility. It doesn’t brown or crisp, but for nutrient-preserving reheating and defrosting, it’s excellent.

Versus the Chefman B0DY95T5HB, it offers larger capacity and sensor cooking at a modest price increase. It can’t match the TOSHIBA B0BR566XBB in features, but it outperforms it in sensor precision at half the cost. Perfect for budget-conscious households who prioritize healthy, consistent cooking, it delivers smart automation without frills. With best-in-class sensor accuracy and value, it beats pricier models in core reheating performance.