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10 Best Energy Efficient Microwave 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TOSHIBA OptiChef Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven with 2.4-Inch Color Screen, Origin Inverter Technology, Smart Sensor, Compatible with Alexa, 1100W, 1.3 Cu.Ft, Silver ML2-STC13SAIT(SS)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,167
Sensor Cooking
Pre-programmed Settings
Energy Efficiency Rating

Most important from
199 reviews

Sensor Cooking
The built-in smart sensor ensures leftovers come out hot and evenly warmed, preventing overcooking or dryness.
Pre-programmed Settings
The intuitive control panel with preset cooking modes and a clear digital display takes the guesswork out of meal preparation.
Energy Efficiency Rating
The appliance efficiently replaces multiple kitchen gadgets, reducing energy use and keeping the kitchen cooler.

The Toshiba P05 Air Fryer Combo Microwave is a solid choice for those seeking an energy-efficient and versatile countertop microwave. With 1100 watts of power and a 1.3 cubic foot capacity, it’s spacious enough to handle everyday meals, including a 13-inch pizza or whole chicken, making it practical for families. The Origin Inverter Technology stands out by providing even cooking and precise temperature control, which helps improve food texture and flavor while reducing cooking time and energy use compared to standard microwaves. This feature is especially valuable in an energy-efficient model. The built-in humidity sensor ensures your dishes stay moist and evenly heated, preventing overcooking or dryness.

Additionally, the Chef Fry Plus function adds air frying capabilities, enabling healthier cooking options without needing a separate appliance. The microwave’s 2.4-inch color screen with a user-friendly interface and compatibility with Alexa and a smartphone app also make it convenient to operate remotely and access preset cooking modes. With 1100 watts, it offers moderate power, which may result in slightly longer cook times for very dense foods compared to more powerful models. Also, weighing over 45 pounds and having a fairly large footprint, it requires adequate counter space.

This microwave suits users looking for a modern, multi-function device that blends good cooking performance with convenient smart controls and some energy-saving benefits.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,167
Sensor Cooking
Pre-programmed Settings
Energy Efficiency Rating

Most important from
199 reviews

Sensor Cooking
The built-in smart sensor ensures leftovers come out hot and evenly warmed, preventing overcooking or dryness.
Pre-programmed Settings
The intuitive control panel with preset cooking modes and a clear digital display takes the guesswork out of meal preparation.
Energy Efficiency Rating
The appliance efficiently replaces multiple kitchen gadgets, reducing energy use and keeping the kitchen cooler.
#2

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
9.1
Wattage
Size and Capacity
Inverter Technology

Most important from
3384 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
9.1
Wattage
Size and Capacity
Inverter Technology

Most important from
3384 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.
#3

Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor, 6 Menus, Auto Defrost, ECO Mode, Mute Option & 16.5" Position Memory Turntable, 2.2 Cu Ft, 1200W, Stainless Steel

Rating
8.2
Wattage
Size and Capacity

Most important from
1588 reviews

Wattage
Delivers powerful performance with a high wattage that cooks efficiently and fits large plates comfortably.
Size and Capacity
The spacious interior easily accommodates bigger dishes, making it ideal for families or meal prepping.

The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave offering a roomy 2.2 cubic feet capacity, which easily fits bigger dishes like a 16-inch pizza or whole chicken—great for families or meal prepping. It runs at 1200 watts, providing strong cooking power for most kitchen needs. One of its standout features is the built-in humidity sensor with 6 automatic preset menus that help cook food evenly while keeping moisture locked in, which improves taste and texture without guesswork. The sensor-based cooking also supports an auto-defrost function tailored for meat, poultry, and fish, making thawing safer and more efficient.

Additionally, the microwave includes an eco mode to save energy and a mute option to reduce noise, which contribute to its energy-efficient appeal. The position memory turntable is a nice touch, ensuring food heats consistently by remembering the rotation spots. This model does not use inverter technology—a feature found in some other energy-efficient microwaves that provides more precise power control and can further save energy. It is quite heavy at nearly 50 pounds and takes up a sizeable counter space (almost 20 by 24 inches), so it's best suited for kitchens with enough room.

The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern but might require regular cleaning to keep its shine. With simple controls and useful presets like bacon, beverages, and oatmeal, this microwave suits users who prefer convenience without complicated settings. If you are looking for a reliable, spacious microwave with smart sensor cooking and energy-saving options, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a strong candidate, especially if inverter technology is not a must-have.

Rating
8.2
Wattage
Size and Capacity

Most important from
1588 reviews

Wattage
Delivers powerful performance with a high wattage that cooks efficiently and fits large plates comfortably.
Size and Capacity
The spacious interior easily accommodates bigger dishes, making it ideal for families or meal prepping.

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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