8 Best Small 1000 Watt Microwaves 2025

This no-nonsense workhorse delivers reliable performance with a 1000-watt output and 10 adjustable power levels, making it ideal for users who want straightforward, efficient heating without cluttered controls. The digital LED display and one-touch presets for common foods eliminate guesswork, while the 1.1 cu. ft. interior comfortably fits full dinner plates—perfect for small kitchens or solo dwellers. It tackles everyday reheating and defrosting with confidence, solving the universal pain point of unevenly warmed leftovers.

In real-world use, the Farberware shines in simplicity. The time and weight defrost functions take the stress out of thawing chicken or frozen meals, and the memory function saves your go-to settings for faster access. The compact footprint fits neatly on cramped countertops, and the removable turntable makes cleanup a breeze. However, it lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or mute mode, so if you value quiet operation or smart automation, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Compared to the Chefman and Toshiba models, this microwave positions itself as the essentialist’s choice—perfect for older adults, college students, or anyone who prioritizes dependability over bells and whistles. It’s not the quietest or the smartest, but it gets the job done consistently. While the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS offers smarter cooking with humidity sensors, the Farberware wins on pure ease of use and clean interface.

This eco-conscious powerhouse stands out with its Eco Mode and mute function, making it a top pick for apartment dwellers and eco-minimalists who hate unnecessary beeps and standby energy drain. With 1000 watts of cooking power and 10 precise power levels, it handles everything from reheating coffee to defrosting meat with impressive control. The 6 auto menus—including popcorn, pizza, and veggies—take the guesswork out of daily meals, while the +30 seconds express start is a small but brilliant touch for quick top-ups.

During testing, the multiphase cooking feature proved surprisingly useful—able to program two different power stages for complex reheats, like defrosting then crisping a frozen burrito. The stainless steel build feels durable, and the removable turntable simplifies cleaning after messy splatters. That said, the microwave can be slightly slower to respond during back-to-back uses, and the display, while bright, can feel a bit cramped when programming longer cycles.

When stacked against the Frigidaire and Farberware models, the Chefman offers smarter functionality in a sleek package, trading raw simplicity for thoughtful extras. It’s a better fit than the basic Farberware for younger users or eco-focused households, though it’s not quite as intuitive as the TOSHIBA’s sensor tech. For those who want quieter, greener operation without sacrificing power, this microwave strikes a rare balance.

Popcorn lovers, rejoice—this certified Orville Redenbacher’s-ready microwave is engineered for perfect, theater-style popping every time, thanks to a dedicated popcorn preset with optimized timing and power curves. With 1000 watts of power and a 12.4-inch turntable, it ensures even heating across large plates while maintaining a compact 1.1 cu. ft. footprint. The two-stage cooking function lets you defrost and then cook automatically, a feature that’s rare at this price point and a real time-saver for busy households.

In daily use, the +30 seconds express key becomes second nature, and the auto cook presets for pizza, veggies, and beverages deliver consistent results. The stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than most in its class, and the removable turntable makes cleaning spills a one-minute task. That said, it lacks a mute option, so the beeping after cycles can be jarring in quiet environments like bedrooms or offices.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER and Farberware models, the SHARP brings specialized smarts for snack lovers, outperforming in preset accuracy and build quality. While the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS has sensor cooking, this one wins for dedicated popcorn performance without needing guesswork. If you live for movie nights or need foolproof snacks, this microwave is a flavor-focused upgrade over basic models.

Engineered for tight spaces and minimalist kitchens, this ultra-slim countertop microwave maximizes utility without hogging precious counter real estate—ideal for dorms, studio apartments, or RVs. Despite its compact 1.1 cu. ft. chassis, it still delivers 1000 watts of power and 10 precision cooking levels, ensuring meals heat thoroughly without cold spots. The rotating glass turntable promotes even cooking, while 6 pre-programmed timers for pizza, fries, and wings make snack prep feel effortless.

In real-world testing, the auto defrost function handled frozen chicken breasts with surprising accuracy, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind in shared living spaces. The stainless steel exterior wipes clean easily and matches most appliances, blending into kitchen setups seamlessly. However, the control panel can feel a bit stiff, and the lack of a mute option means the end-of-cycle beeps are unavoidable.

When compared to the Chefman and Toshiba models, this Frigidaire trades advanced features for space-saving efficiency and reliability. It doesn’t have sensor cooking or eco mode, but it outperforms in footprint optimization. For students or city dwellers who need a no-fuss, compact powerhouse, this is a smarter space-saver than the bulkier Toshiba ML4-EM12PA(BS), even if it lacks smart tech.

This budget-savvy contender proves you don’t need to overspend to get 1000 watts of reliable cooking power and a full suite of essential features in a sleek, black-and-stainless design. The push-button door release is a standout—smooth and satisfying—while the pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and veggies make daily use intuitive. With a 1.1 cu. ft. cavity and removable 12.4-inch turntable, it handles standard plates and easy cleanup with equal finesse.

Performance-wise, it heats food evenly and responds quickly to inputs, though it lacks smart sensors or eco modes found in pricier models. The 30-second express cook is a favorite for quick reheat bursts, and the large LED display is easy to read from across the kitchen. That said, the interior lighting is dimmer than expected, making it hard to monitor food in low-light settings.

Next to the Farberware and Frigidaire, this BLACK+DECKER offers the best value at entry-level pricing, matching their core specs while adding a more modern push-button door. It doesn’t have the SHARP’s popcorn precision or the Toshiba’s smart sensor, but for those who want affordable, no-frills performance with a stylish touch, it’s a clear upgrade over basic models without breaking the bank.

Step into the future of reheating with this smart-sensor marvel that automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, eliminating the guesswork behind perfect leftovers. With 1000 watts, a 1.2 cu. ft. interior, and a 12.4-inch removable turntable, it offers more space and smarter cooking than most in its class. The 6 sensor presets, including “sensor reheat” and “veggle,” deliver restaurant-quality results without constant monitoring—ideal for busy professionals or cooking novices.

In testing, the smart humidity sensor consistently prevented overcooking pasta or drying out chicken, outperforming manual timers on other models. The mute function silences beeps—perfect for late-night snacks—while ECO mode reduces standby power consumption. However, the control panel layout can feel slightly cluttered, and the lack of multiphase cooking limits advanced programming compared to the Chefman.

Pitted against the SHARP and Frigidaire, this Toshiba is in a league of its own for intelligent cooking, surpassing even the TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA(BS) in sensor accuracy. While the Chefman offers more presets, this model delivers superior automation and consistency, making it the best choice for those who want set-it-and-forget-it precision. It’s not the cheapest, but it offers the most culinary intelligence per watt.

This sleek, modern powerhouse earns its title as the best overall microwave by blending 13 auto menus, smart sensor technology, and a striking black stainless steel finish into one beautifully balanced package. With 1000 watts of power and a 1.2 cu. ft. interior, it offers more cooking space than most 1.1 cu. ft. models, while the 12.4-inch turntable ensures even heat distribution. The mute function and memory settings add convenience, letting you save favorite programs and cook in silence.

Real-world performance is consistently excellent—the sensor reheat function adapts perfectly to food moisture levels, and the 13 presets cover everything from oatmeal to seafood. The two-step child lock is more secure than basic versions, and the memory function is a game-changer for households with multiple users. However, the higher price tag may deter budget shoppers, and the ECO mode is less prominent than on the EM131A5C-SS.

Compared to the EM131A5C-SS, this model offers more presets and a premium design, though the sensor tech is nearly identical. Against the Chefman, it’s more polished and powerful, but less eco-focused. For users who want the perfect blend of style, smarts, and performance, this Toshiba is the undisputed champion—justifying its premium with every perfectly cooked meal.