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10 Best Energy Efficient Microwave 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6" Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Black Stainless Steel

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,221
Wattage
Size and Capacity
Inverter Technology

Most important from
53595 reviews

Wattage
The Toshiba microwave is incredibly powerful and heats food quickly and evenly, with no cold spots or overcooked edges.
Size and Capacity
The microwave's turntable rotates smoothly, ensuring even heating, and the spacious interior is easy to clean.
Inverter Technology
Inverter Technology ensures more consistent cooking with steady, even power output, preventing hotspots.
Sensor Cooking
This microwave is leaps and bounds better than what we previously had, making popcorn perfectly and defrosting quickly without cooking the food.
Energy Efficiency Rating
It's surprisingly quiet for such a powerful microwave, and the ability to turn off the beeping is a huge plus.
Pre-programmed Settings
The one-touch presets like 'Popcorn' and 'Reheat' are convenient and save time.

The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven is a solid choice for those seeking an energy-efficient kitchen appliance. With 1250 watts of power, it cooks food quickly and evenly, thanks to its Inverter Technology, which ensures consistent heating and defrosting. The microwave's 1.6 cubic feet capacity and 13.6-inch removable turntable make it suitable for most household cooking needs, accommodating larger dishes with ease.

Measuring 21.8 x 19.2 x 13 inches externally, it fits comfortably on most countertops without taking up too much space. One of its standout features is the 6 Smart Sensor Auto Menus, which simplify the cooking process by automatically adjusting settings for popular foods like pizza, potatoes, and vegetables, ensuring optimal results. Additionally, the Quick Start button allows for one-touch cooking, while the sound on/off function provides a quieter kitchen environment when needed.

The two-step child lock is a crucial safety feature, especially for families with young children. This Toshiba microwave combines power, convenience, and safety features, making it a strong contender for any residential kitchen.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,221
Wattage
Size and Capacity
Inverter Technology

Most important from
53595 reviews

Wattage
The Toshiba microwave is incredibly powerful and heats food quickly and evenly, with no cold spots or overcooked edges.
Size and Capacity
The microwave's turntable rotates smoothly, ensuring even heating, and the spacious interior is easy to clean.
Inverter Technology
Inverter Technology ensures more consistent cooking with steady, even power output, preventing hotspots.
Sensor Cooking
This microwave is leaps and bounds better than what we previously had, making popcorn perfectly and defrosting quickly without cooking the food.
Energy Efficiency Rating
It's surprisingly quiet for such a powerful microwave, and the ability to turn off the beeping is a huge plus.
Pre-programmed Settings
The one-touch presets like 'Popcorn' and 'Reheat' are convenient and save time.
#2

Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, 0.7 Cu. Ft. - Microwave Oven With LED Lighting and Child Lock - Perfect for Apartments and Dorms - Easy Clean Stainless Steel

Rating
9.4
Size and Capacity
Energy Efficiency Rating
Pre-programmed Settings

Most important from
23148 reviews

Size and Capacity
Much smaller footprint but nearly the same heating capacity as larger models.
Energy Efficiency Rating
Great value for the cost and efficiency.
Pre-programmed Settings
Cooks things much faster, like a full bowl of popcorn in 3 minutes.

The Farberware Countertop Microwave offers a compact and energy-efficient solution ideal for small spaces such as apartments and dorms. With a 700-watt power output and a 0.7 cubic feet capacity, it is suitable for quick and easy meals but may not be powerful enough for larger cooking tasks.

The microwave features ten power levels and six pre-programmed settings, making it versatile and user-friendly for common tasks like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. The LED display and interior lighting enhance usability, while the child safety lock provides added security.

However, it lacks inverter technology and sensor cooking, which could limit its precision in heating and defrosting. Despite these drawbacks, its stainless steel design, easy-to-clean surfaces, and compact dimensions make it a practical choice for residential use.

Rating
9.4
Size and Capacity
Energy Efficiency Rating
Pre-programmed Settings

Most important from
23148 reviews

Size and Capacity
Much smaller footprint but nearly the same heating capacity as larger models.
Energy Efficiency Rating
Great value for the cost and efficiency.
Pre-programmed Settings
Cooks things much faster, like a full bowl of popcorn in 3 minutes.
#3

Panasonic Consumer NE1054F 1000 Watt Commercial Microwave Oven With 10 Programmable Memory, Stainless

Rating
9.2
Wattage
Inverter Technology
Pre-programmed Settings

Most important from
1222 reviews

Wattage
The microwave's lower wattage is actually a benefit, as it doesn't destroy food on the high setting.
Inverter Technology
The defrost cycle is exceptional, slowly defrosting without cooking the edges of the food.
Pre-programmed Settings
Programming the microwave to turn off the beep is a great feature, especially for shared living environments.

The Panasonic Consumer NE1054F 1000 Watt Commercial Microwave Oven offers several benefits, especially for commercial and heavy-duty environments such as restaurants, offices, and dorm rooms. Its 1000W power and bottom energy feed system ensure fast cooking results by minimizing the distance energy travels to heat the food, making it quite efficient. Additionally, the 0.8 cubic feet capacity is suitable for heating common kitchenware like dinner plates and large casserole dishes, though it may be a bit small for larger items.

The compact design also makes it a good fit for limited countertop spaces, measuring just 13 x 16 x 13 inches and weighing 39.8 pounds, which is quite manageable given its stainless steel construction for durability. One of its standout features is the touch-control keypad with Braille, offering 10 programmable memory pads and a 20-memory capability, which makes it user-friendly and accessible.

However, it lacks inverter technology and advanced sensor cooking, which could be a downside for those looking for more precise and efficient cooking options. The pre-programmed settings provide convenience, but the absence of sensor cooking might require manual intervention more often. It has an energy-efficient design with a heavy-duty build, but the energy efficiency rating is not explicitly mentioned, which may be a consideration for those prioritizing energy savings. The no-hassle grab-and-go handle and additional features like an interior light and anti-theft component add to its usability and security.

Rating
9.2
Wattage
Inverter Technology
Pre-programmed Settings

Most important from
1222 reviews

Wattage
The microwave's lower wattage is actually a benefit, as it doesn't destroy food on the high setting.
Inverter Technology
The defrost cycle is exceptional, slowly defrosting without cooking the edges of the food.
Pre-programmed Settings
Programming the microwave to turn off the beep is a great feature, especially for shared living environments.

Buying Guide for the Best Energy Efficient Microwave

Choosing an energy-efficient microwave can help you save on electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint. When selecting the right microwave for your needs, it's important to consider several key specifications that will impact its performance, efficiency, and suitability for your kitchen. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best fit for your lifestyle.
WattageWattage refers to the power output of the microwave, measured in watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking times and more even heating. Microwaves typically range from 600 to 1200 watts. For basic reheating and simple cooking tasks, a microwave with 600-800 watts may suffice. For more demanding cooking, such as defrosting and cooking larger meals, 900-1200 watts is recommended. Consider your cooking habits and the types of food you prepare to determine the right wattage for you.
Size and CapacityMicrowave size and capacity are measured in cubic feet and determine how much food you can cook at once. Compact microwaves (0.5-0.8 cubic feet) are suitable for small kitchens and light use. Mid-sized microwaves (0.9-1.2 cubic feet) offer more versatility for small families. Large microwaves (1.3-2.0 cubic feet) are ideal for larger families and frequent use. Assess your kitchen space and cooking needs to choose the appropriate size and capacity.
Inverter TechnologyInverter technology allows the microwave to deliver consistent power levels, resulting in more even cooking and better energy efficiency. Traditional microwaves cycle their power on and off, which can lead to uneven cooking. Inverter microwaves maintain a steady power level, which is particularly useful for delicate foods and defrosting. If you value precise cooking and energy savings, consider a microwave with inverter technology.
Sensor CookingSensor cooking automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the moisture levels in the food. This feature helps prevent overcooking and undercooking, ensuring your food is cooked perfectly every time. It's especially useful for reheating leftovers and cooking a variety of dishes without needing to set specific times. If convenience and consistent results are important to you, look for a microwave with sensor cooking.
Energy Efficiency RatingThe energy efficiency rating indicates how much energy the microwave uses compared to other models. Look for microwaves with an Energy Star certification, which means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the government. An energy-efficient microwave will consume less electricity, helping you save on energy bills and reduce your environmental impact. Prioritize models with high energy efficiency ratings to maximize savings and sustainability.
Pre-programmed SettingsPre-programmed settings are preset cooking times and power levels for specific foods, such as popcorn, pizza, and vegetables. These settings simplify the cooking process and ensure optimal results for common dishes. If you frequently cook or reheat specific foods, a microwave with a variety of pre-programmed settings can save you time and effort. Consider your cooking habits and the convenience of having these presets when making your choice.

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