Best 800 Watt Microwaves: Top 10 Picks!

The best 800 watt microwave delivers consistent heating and versatile cooking for busy households and small kitchens. When selecting one, consider factors like internal capacity, pre-set cooking programs, and ease of cleaning, as a less suitable model might underperform or require frequent maintenance. The power output ensures quick defrosting and efficient reheating, but features like turntable design and intuitive controls can significantly impact user experience.

Investing in a model with durable construction and practical presets offers superior convenience over time. To help you make the right choice, we’ve identified 10 exceptional 800 watt microwave ovens that excel in performance and reliability for your daily needs.

For those seeking the best 800 watt microwave, consider models like the Nostalgia NRMO9WH Microwave Oven, which offers a 0.9 cu. ft. capacity and simple, easy-to-navigate controls for quick cooking and reheating.

Other 800W options include the GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS with its balanced 1.1 cu. ft.

capacity and precise sensor cooking.

Our Top 800 Watt Microwaves Compared

Image	Product	Buy
Best Pick 1	GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave, 800W, Sensor Best for: Sensor cooking	Check Price
Best Pick 2	TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Best for: Quiet operation	Check Price
Best Pick 3	Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven, Silver Best for: Small kitchens	Check Price
Best Pick 4	GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.4 Cubic Ft., 1,100-watt Capacity, 7 Best for: High wattage	Check Price
Best Pick 5	GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 0.9 Cubic Ft., 900-watt Capacity, Best for: Compact kitchens	Check Price

How We Picked

To identify the best 800 watt microwave, we rigorously evaluated models based on crucial consumer needs: build quality, real-world performance, safety, durability, and standout features. We prioritized units offering even cooking and efficient heating, such as the GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS and Nostalgia NRMO9WH. Models lacking essential safety features like child locks or those with questionable build quality were ruled out.

Our comparison focused on practical usability and long-term value, ensuring our recommendations deliver reliable performance for years to come, with an eye toward innovative features that simplify meal preparation, like intuitive auto-menus.

What Most Buyers Get Wrong

Wattage: The True Middle Ground

When searching for an 800-watt microwave, you’re navigating a sweet spot between speed and resource efficiency. While higher wattage models like the Panasonic NN-SN67KS (1200W) or GE Countertop Microwave Oven (1100W) offer quicker cooking times, 800 watts, as seen in the Nostalgia NRMO9WH and GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS, provides a balanced performance. This is ideal for everyday reheating, defrosting, and cooking smaller meals without hogging excessive power, making it a practical choice for most kitchens.

Capacity and Countertop Footprint

An 800-watt microwave often falls into the compact to mid-size category, meaning careful consideration of your counter space is crucial. Models like the Breville BMO650SIL (25L) and the BLACK+DECKER units (0.9 Cu Ft) are designed for smaller kitchens. However, even within the 800-watt range, capacities can vary.

The GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS offers 1.1 cu. ft., providing a bit more room without a drastically larger footprint, which is important for fitting standard dinner plates easily.

1. GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave, 800W, Sensor

Best for: Smart home cooks needing Wi-Fi control.

With 1.1 cu. ft. capacity and 800 Watts, this GE Profile microwave offers balanced cooking power, letting you prepare generous portions evenly and quickly using GE Profile’s expected precision.

Its 10 power levels and Sensor Cook Technology automatically adjust time and power for optimal results. The 1.1 cu. ft. interior provides ample space, while Wi-Fi connectivity allows smartphone control of power and timers.

Pros

• 1.1 cu. ft. capacity for larger meals
• 800 Watts for efficient cooking
• Sensor Cook Technology for automatic adjustments
• Wi-Fi Connect for remote control via smartphone

Cons

• Specific dimensions not detailed

Ideal for tech-savvy individuals who value convenience. Seamlessly manage your cooking and reheat meals from your phone.

2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute

Best for: Families prioritizing safety and simplicity.

This TOSHIBA compact microwave, outputting 900 watts, features a two-step child lock to prevent unintended operation, offering peace of mind for households with young children.

Its external dimensions are 18.7 x 14.7 x 10.7 inches, housing a 10.6-inch glass turntable for consistent heating. The unit offers 6 preset menus for popular foods and 11 power levels for varied cooking needs.

Pros

• Two-step child lock for safety
• 900 watts for quick heating
• 6 auto menus for common foods
• 11 power levels for controlled cooking

Cons

• External dimensions are relatively large for its capacity

Suitable for families seeking a secure and user-friendly appliance. Effortlessly prepare snacks and meals with its intuitive controls.

3. Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven, Silver

Best for: Small kitchens needing quiet operation.

The Breville Compact Wave microwave, with a 25L capacity, is engineered for precise reheating, defrosting, and cooking, featuring an unusually quiet soft-close door that operates 80% quieter.

This countertop model measures with a compact footprint, ideal for limited spaces, yet offers 25L of cooking room. It includes one-touch auto buttons for Reheat, Defrost, Popcorn, and Beverage, plus specific Food Menu functions for items like pizza and potatoes.

Pros

• 25L capacity despite compact footprint
• 80% quieter soft-close door
• One-touch auto buttons for convenience
• Dedicated Food Menu functions

Cons

• Specific wattage not provided

Perfect for apartment dwellers or anyone with limited counter space. Enjoy meal preparation with minimal noise disruption in your kitchen.

4. GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.4 Cubic Ft., 1,100-watt Capacity, 7

Best for: Those needing ample power and space.

This GE countertop microwave delivers a robust 1,100 watts of cooking power within a 1.4 cu. ft. capacity, allowing for efficient preparation of larger meals without sacrificing counter space.

Its 1.4 cu. ft. interior accommodates larger dishes, supported by 10 power levels for tailored cooking. The glass turntable rotates for even heating, and features include express cook buttons and weight/time defrost functions.

Pros

• 1,100 watts for rapid cooking
• 1.4 cu. ft. capacity for large items
• Express Cook instant-on settings
• Weight and Time Defrost options

Cons

• Higher power consumption at 1100 Watts

A strong choice for busy households that prepare larger meals often. It efficiently handles substantial cooking tasks while maintaining a reasonable footprint.

5. GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 0.9 Cubic Ft., 900-watt Capacity,

Best for: Compact kitchens seeking efficient performance.

This GE compact microwave offers a 0.9 cu. ft. capacity with 900 watts of power, providing effective and efficient cooking in a space-saving exterior design perfect for smaller countertops.

Inside, the 0.9 cu. ft. space is optimized by a rotating glass turntable for even heating. It features 10 power levels and convenient pre-programmed settings for beverages, defrosting, pizza, and popcorn.

Pros

• 0.9 cu. ft. capacity for small spaces
• 900 watts for quick cooking
• 10 power levels for versatility
• Suitable for countertop or shelf placement

Cons

• Not smart home compatible

Well-suited for apartments, dorm rooms, or small kitchens where space is a premium. It delivers sufficient power for everyday reheating and cooking needs.

6. Nostalgia NRMO9WH Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu. Ft. 800-Watts with LED

Best for: Budget-conscious users wanting simplicity.

The Nostalgia NRMO9WH microwave provides 800 watts of cooking power within its 0.9 cu. ft. capacity, featuring simple, dial-based controls for easy navigation and operation.

This unit offers 12 pre-programmed cooking settings for common foods like popcorn and potatoes, alongside a delay timer and express cooking function. It includes 5 power levels and an easy-to-read LED display.

Pros

• 0.9 cu. ft. capacity for compact use
• 800 watts for effective heating
• 12 pre-programmed settings
• Simple dial and push-button control

Cons

• Only 5 power levels

A great option for individuals or small households prioritizing ease of use. It simplifies meal preparation with its straightforward interface and specific cooking programs.

7. BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft, 6 Auto Menus,

Best for: Anyone needing versatile auto-cook options.

This BLACK+DECKER countertop microwave offers 0.9 cu. ft. of cooking space and 900 watts of power, featuring 6 auto-programmed menus for perfectly cooked favorite foods.

With 10 adjustable power settings, it provides culinary versatility from defrosting to cooking. The 6 auto menus cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates for quick, optimized preparation.

Pros

• 0.9 cu. ft. capacity for everyday use
• 900 watts for efficient cooking
• 6 auto-programmed menus
• 10 adjustable power settings for customization

Cons

• Specific dimensions not listed

Ideal for users who value quick access to pre-set cooking programs. It streamlines meal preparation for common items with its automatic functions.

8. FRIGIDAIRE 1.05 cu. ft. Retro Microwave, WhiteGold

Best for: Style-conscious users preferring retro design.

The FRIGIDAIRE 1.05 cu. ft. retro microwave, operating at 900W, combines a stylish aesthetic with practical functionality, accommodating multiple dish sizes for everyday cooking convenience.

Its 1.1 cu. ft. capacity offers generous space, while the 900W heating delivers fast and even results. This model includes 8 auto cook menus for one-touch convenience and smart auto defrost settings for meat, poultry, and fish.

Pros

• 1.05 cu. ft. capacity for versatile dish sizes
• 900W for fast, even heating
• 8 auto cook menus
• Smart auto defrost for different meats

Cons

• Limited to 5 power levels

A fitting choice for those who appreciate retro styling in their kitchen. It efficiently handles reheating and cooking tasks with its user-friendly features.

9. BLACK+DECKER EM9P02P9 Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu Ft, 900W with

Best for: Apartment dwellers and small office users.

This BLACK+DECKER EM9P02P9 microwave boasts a 0.9 cu. ft. capacity and 900W heating power, fitting neatly into small kitchen spaces, apartments, or offices while handling standard dinner plates.

Its compact dimensions of 18.6 x 13.6 x 10.7 inches maximize counter space. The unit features 6 one-touch preset menus for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates, along with express cooking.

Pros

• 0.9 cu. ft. capacity fits small spaces
• 900W for efficient cooking
• 6 preset menus for quick meals
• Express cooking starts heating instantly

Cons

• Limited to 10 power levels

Excellent for individuals in compact living or working environments. This microwave simplifies meal preparation with its convenient preset functions and space-saving design.

10. Panasonic NN-SN67KS Microwave Oven, 1.2 cu.ft, Stainless Steel/Silver

Best for: Tech-enthusiasts seeking advanced cooking.

The Panasonic NN-SN67KS microwave features 1200W of power and Inverter technology for seamless, even cooking from edges to center, all within a spacious 1.2 cu. ft. stainless steel countertop design.

With 11 power levels and 16 auto cook options, it provides extensive cooking control. The 13.4-inch turntable accommodates larger meals, and the intelligent Inverter technology ensures consistent heat distribution.

Pros

• 1200W for rapid cooking
• Inverter Technology for even heating
• 1.2 cu. ft. capacity
• 16 auto cook options

Cons

• Higher power consumption at 1200 Watts

Ideal for users who want superior cooking performance and advanced features. Its Inverter technology ensures perfectly heated food every time.

Capacity Distracts From True Cooking Needs

When selecting a best 800 watt microwave, most buyers fixate on cubic footage, mistakenly believing a larger internal cavity equates to superior performance or versatility. This is a flawed metric. The actual cooking performance of an 800-watt unit is largely dictated by its microwave distribution system and internal waveguide design, not simply the air volume it can hold.

Consider the GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS. Its 1.1 cu. ft.

capacity suggests ample room, and its 800 watts of power are sufficient for everyday reheating. However, the critical differentiator isn’t the sheer volume, but how evenly that power is distributed.

A more compact unit like the Breville BMO650SIL, with its 25L footprint (just over 0.8 cu. ft.), might focus on refined heating elements and precise sensor cooking, delivering more consistent results for delicate tasks despite a smaller chamber. The Nostalgia NRMO9WH also offers 0.9 Cu.

Ft. capacity at 800 Watts, but its user interface focuses on simplicity rather than advanced cooking logic.

The obsession with capacity can lead buyers to overlook models that excel in specific culinary applications. For instance, a user focused solely on popcorn or reheating a single plate might find a smaller, more efficient unit perfectly adequate. Conversely, those attempting to heat larger casseroles might discover that even a spacious 1.4 cu.

ft. model (which often exceeds 800 watts, like the GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.100-watt Capacity) can still suffer from uneven heating if the magnetron and its waveguide aren’t optimized.

The Black+Decker Countertop Microwave Oven (0.9 Cu Ft) leverages 6 auto-menus, including pizza and frozen vegetables, suggesting a focus on specific pre-programmed tasks rather than raw capacity.

Ultimately, the true value of an 800-watt microwave lies in its ability to deliver consistent heat and its intelligent control systems, not its external dimensions. A smaller footprint can often house a more sophisticated cooking system, providing better results for everyday needs. The GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS makes a compelling case for balanced capacity and precise performance, but without a keen eye on internal design, even its larger capacity might not translate to superior outcomes.

For those prioritizing consistent reheating and defrosting over maximizing volume, the Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven offers a refined cooking experience in a highly space-efficient package.

How to Choose the Best 800 Watt Microwave

Capacity and size

When choosing an 800-watt microwave, prioritize capacity and size to match your household’s needs. For single individuals or small apartments, a compact 0.9 to 1.0 cubic foot interior is sufficient, accommodating standard dinner plates with a 10 to 11-inch turntable. Families or those who regularly reheat larger meals should opt for 1.1 to 1.3 cubic feet, ensuring a 12-inch or larger turntable fits multiple dishes or bigger containers.

Always measure your countertop space beforehand; look for external dimensions that allow for a few inches of clearance on sides and the back for proper ventilation, with narrower widths being ideal for tight kitchens. Select the largest capacity that comfortably fits your space and reheating habits.

Convenience features

Focus on convenience features to streamline your cooking experience. Microwaves offering pre-programmed settings for common items like popcorn, potatoes, and quick defrost are invaluable for busy users. Look for ‘Express Cook’ or ‘Quick Touch’ buttons that add cooking time in fixed increments (e.g., 30 seconds or 1 minute) with a single press – these are particularly useful for rapid reheating.

A child lock is essential for households with young children, preventing accidental operation. An interior light is also a crucial, often overlooked, feature, allowing you to monitor food without opening the door.

Choose models with intuitive preset programs and rapid heat buttons for effortless everyday use.

Design and build

Consider the design and build quality for durability and ease of use. Stainless steel exteriors offer a premium look and are generally more robust than plastic, though plastic can be lighter and easier to clean. For door operation, a pull-handle design is often smoother and less prone to breaking than a pushbutton mechanism.

Digital control panels with clear displays provide precise time and power adjustments, while analog knobs offer simplicity for basic functions. Select a stainless steel model with a pull handle and a digital display for a blend of style, resilience, and user-friendly operation that will last.

Choose color options that complement your kitchen décor.

Which Should You Choose?

• If you have young children at home, look for a microwave with a two-step child lock feature.
• If you frequently reheat leftovers or prepare quick meals, prioritize models with multiple auto-cook menus for convenience.
• If counter space is limited, seek out smaller, more compact designs.
• If you need a microwave for basic cooking and reheating tasks, a model with a straightforward dial and push-button interface will suffice.

Quick Best 800 Watt Microwave Buying Checklist

• Check Wattage: Ensure it’s precisely 800 watts for optimal cooking times.
• Consider Capacity: Choose an interior volume that suits your typical meal sizes.
• Evaluate Turntable Size: Verify it can fit your standard dinner plates.
• Look at Presets: Useful one-touch programs can greatly simplify cooking.
• Assess Door Mechanism: Decide between a pull-handle or push-button door.
• Review Dimensions: Measure your counter space to ensure a proper fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Distinguishes An 800-Watt Microwave From Others?

An 800-watt microwave offers a balanced power level, ideal for consistent cooking and reheating without being overly aggressive. This wattage is generally sufficient for most common kitchen tasks, providing a good compromise between speed and food quality.

Are 800-Watt Microwaves Suitable For Defrosting?

Yes, 800-watt microwaves are well-suited for defrosting a variety of foods. The 800-watt power level allows for controlled defrosting, minimizing the risk of cooking the edges while the center remains frozen, unlike higher-wattage models that can be too intense.

Can An 800-Watt Microwave Efficiently Reheat Leftovers?

Absolutely, reheating leftovers is a primary strength of an 800-watt microwave. This power output is effective at warming food thoroughly and evenly, ensuring your meals are ready to enjoy without hot or cold spots, making it a reliable kitchen staple.

What Kind Of Cooking Tasks Can I Perform With An 800-Watt Microwave?

An 800-watt microwave is versatile for basic cooking tasks like heating beverages, steaming vegetables, and cooking microwaveable meals. While not designed for complex recipes, it excels at everyday reheating and quick meal preparation, serving as a convenient kitchen appliance.

How Does An 800-Watt Microwave Compare To Lower Wattage Models?

Compared to lower wattage microwaves, an 800-watt model cooks food faster and more evenly. While a 700-watt unit might take longer, an 800-watt appliance strikes a useful balance, providing a noticeable improvement in efficiency for daily kitchen needs.

Final Words

Investing in the best 800 watt microwave brings essential convenience and efficiency to your kitchen. These appliances excel at quick reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking, making meal prep simpler. Upgrade your daily routine with a reliable 800-watt microwave for faster, more consistent results.