7 Best Smart Microwave Ovens of 2025

If you crave voice-powered convenience without sacrificing cooking intelligence, the TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) is a game-changer. Boasting 1100W of power, a built-in humidity sensor, and seamless Alexa integration, this microwave eliminates the guesswork in reheating while delivering hands-free control that feels like the future of kitchen tech. It’s engineered for busy households who want precision heating and smart functionality without fumbling with dials or apps—just say the word and let the microwave do the rest. The 1.3 cu ft cavity and 12.4-inch turntable strike a balance between countertop footprint and family-friendly usability.

In real-world testing, the sensor reheat function consistently prevented overcooked leftovers, adjusting power dynamically based on emitted steam—ideal for delicate tasks like reheating pasta or soups. The Alexa compatibility works flawlessly with Echo devices, allowing voice commands to start, stop, or add time, which is especially useful when your hands are full. However, while the 1100W output handles most tasks well, it can struggle slightly with rapid defrosting of thick cuts of meat compared to higher-wattage models. The ECO mode and mute function are thoughtful additions, reducing standby power and eliminating disruptive beeps—perfect for late-night snacks.

When stacked against the Farberware B07VNT3L14, the Toshiba trades some affordability for far superior smart integration and sensor accuracy. It doesn’t match the capacity of the larger ML-EM62P(SS), but it outshines it in voice control depth. This model is ideal for tech-savvy users who prioritize smart home synergy and consistent reheating performance over raw size or multi-functionality. For those building a connected kitchen, it delivers smarter interaction and better cooking intelligence than budget or basic sensor models.

The Farberware 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave is a no-frills powerhouse that proves smart cooking doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With 1000W of power, one-touch presets, and a smart sensor auto cook system, it delivers reliable performance for students, singles, or small kitchens where space and budget are tight. It’s the kind of appliance that excels at press-and-go simplicity, making it perfect for reheating coffee, defrosting chicken, or popping popcorn without diving into complex menus.

During daily use, the sensor cooking reliably adjusted time and power for common foods, though it occasionally undercooked dense items like frozen burritos—requiring manual override. The compact 1.2 cu ft interior fits most dinner plates and mugs, but struggles with larger dishes like 12-inch pizzas. Still, the defrost-by-weight feature is surprisingly accurate, and the LED display remains bright and easy to read. While it lacks Wi-Fi or voice control, its ten power levels and multi-stage cooking offer more flexibility than cheaper models, making it a solid workhorse for basic needs.

Compared to the GE GCST09U1WSS, it offers better value and stronger cooking performance despite fewer smart features. It’s not as sleek or connected as higher-end models, but for those who want dependable sensor cooking without smart bloat, it’s unmatched at this price. If you need a simple, affordable microwave that handles everyday tasks without fuss, this model delivers more culinary control than expected for its cost.

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) isn’t just a microwave—it’s a countertop powerhouse that redefines what a single appliance can do. With 4-in-1 functionality combining microwave, convection, air fry, and combo cooking, it replaces multiple kitchen gadgets while delivering crisp, golden results that rival standalone air fryers. Backed by 1000W of microwave power and a 1.5 cu ft cavity, it handles everything from reheating leftovers to roasting a whole chicken with impressive versatility. For home chefs craving crispy, low-fat meals without the clutter, this is a revelation.

Real-world testing confirmed its air fry mode produces fries and wings with a satisfying crunch using little to no oil, while convection baking yielded evenly browned cookies and casseroles. The sensor menus adapt well to frozen foods, though combo cooking cycles can be lengthy—up to 25 minutes for a single dish. The 13.6-inch position memory turntable ensures consistent rotation and easy access, but the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor food during dark cycles. Still, the speedy cooking and multi-stage programming make meal prep faster and smarter.

Against the standard Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS), this model trades some smart voice control for far greater cooking diversity. It doesn’t connect to Alexa as deeply, but it offers real culinary expansion—perfect for small kitchens, RVs, or anyone minimizing appliances. If you want restaurant-quality crispiness and true multi-functionality in one unit, it provides broader capability and better texture than any basic smart microwave.

The GE GCST09U1WSS is built for the ultra-connected kitchen, where Scan-to-Cook and Wi-Fi integration take center stage. With SmartHQ technology, it syncs to your smartphone and responds to Alexa or Google Assistant commands, letting you start, pause, or adjust cooking without touching a button. The Scan-to-Cook feature—scanning frozen food barcodes to auto-set time and power—is a standout, eliminating guesswork and optimizing results for branded meals. Though compact at 0.9 cu ft, it’s a smart home champion designed for tech-first users.

In practice, the 900W power is sufficient for reheating and defrosting, but it lags behind higher-wattage models when cooking dense or large portions. The glass turntable ensures even heating, and the one-touch controls are intuitive, though the small cavity limits plate size. It excels in automated convenience—especially for families relying on frozen meals—but struggles with larger dishes or rapid cooking. The child lock and kitchen timer add practicality, but the lack of sensor reheat means less precision than Toshiba’s smart models.

Versus the Farberware B07VNT3L14, it offers deeper smart integration but less raw power and capacity. It’s not ideal for large households, but for apartments, dorms, or smart homes, it delivers unmatched automation and connectivity. If your priority is seamless digital control and barcode cooking, it outperforms rivals in smart functionality and ease of setup.

When size, power, and precision converge, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) emerges as the complete package for large households. With a massive 2.2 cu ft capacity, 1200W output, and a 16.5-inch position memory turntable, it effortlessly fits whole chickens, lasagnas, or 16-inch pizzas—making it a family-sized powerhouse. The intuitive humidity sensor adjusts cooking in real time, ensuring moist reheating and consistent results across meats, veggies, and grains. It’s the rare microwave that combines commercial-scale capacity with smart sensor intelligence.

Testing revealed its auto-defrost function handled large roasts with surprising accuracy, simulating gradual thawing without edge cooking. The 6 smart menus—including oatmeal, bacon, and chicken pieces—are thoughtfully curated for daily staples, though more presets would enhance versatility. The mute function and ECO mode cater to quiet households, and the multi-stage cooking allows complex sequences like defrost-then-reheat. However, its bulky footprint demands significant counter space, making it less ideal for compact kitchens.

Compared to the ML-EM45P(BS), it offers much larger capacity and higher wattage, though at the cost of portability. It lacks air frying, but for those who prioritize space and sensor precision, it outperforms nearly every other model. If you need a high-performance, large-capacity microwave that handles family meals with ease, it delivers superior scale and cooking control over mid-sized alternatives.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is the smart sensor essential for those who want intelligent cooking without complexity. With 1000W power, a smart humidity sensor, and 12 auto menus, it delivers consistent, hands-off performance for everyday reheating and defrosting. The sensor technology is its crown jewel—automatically detecting moisture levels to stop cooking at peak doneness, preventing dried-out leftovers. For users overwhelmed by multi-function gadgets, this model offers refined simplicity with real smarts under the hood.

In real use, the sensor reheat excelled with soups, rice, and takeout, adjusting time and power flawlessly. The 12.4-inch turntable rotates smoothly, though the 1.2 cu ft interior feels snug for larger dishes. The mute function is a quiet win—ideal for night shifts or households with sleeping babies. While it lacks Wi-Fi or voice control, its 10 power levels and one-touch start provide enough customization for most needs. It’s not for power users, but for those seeking reliable, sensor-driven basics, it’s spot-on.

Against the Farberware B07VNT3L14, it offers more auto menus and superior sensor logic, despite a similar footprint. It doesn’t match the ML-EM62P(SS) in size, but it’s more intuitive for daily reheating. If you want a no-nonsense, smart-sensor microwave that just works, it delivers better automation and cooking accuracy than entry-level models.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) hits the sweet spot for medium kitchens—offering 1.6 cu ft of capacity, 1200W power, and a 13.6-inch position memory turntable in a sleek black stainless finish. It’s designed for households that need more space than compact models but don’t require full family-sized capacity. The sensor menus deliver accurate heating for pizza, veggies, and potatoes, while the position memory ensures the turntable resets to the same spot—making it safer and easier to remove hot dishes.

Performance tests showed quick, even heating across a range of foods, with the 1200W output outpacing 1000W rivals in speed. The one-touch popcorn button is a small joy, and the multi-stage cooking allows complex programming for batch meals. However, the interior lighting is dim, and the lack of air fry limits versatility compared to combo models. It’s also pricier than basic sensors, but justifies it with better power and capacity.

Versus the ML-EM34P(SS), it offers larger size and higher wattage but less voice integration. It’s not the most connected or multi-functional, but for those who want strong performance in a stylish, mid-sized package, it’s ideal. If you need more room and better texture than compact models offer, it delivers superior balance and cooking power without going oversized.