5 Best Microwaves in Canada of 2026

Microwaves are a common staple of Canadian kitchens these days, but it might have been a while since you’ve purchased one. With a ton of new features and options available, it can be difficult to search for a new microwave (especially because they last so long). 

Whether you’re getting a new microwave for yourself or you are looking to gift one this holiday season, these are our top choices for the best microwaves in Canada. We looked at features, performance, and design to recommend these microwaves for you.

What We Looked For

We looked for a range of different features when we started our list of microwaves. We looked at the wattage of each option, along with the features and presets it offered. Our goal was to create a list that would serve most Canadians in one way or another, so we looked for commonly-requested features like mute buttons, quick +30 buttons, and different power levels and presets that are frequently used. After this, we were able to choose the best microwaves in Canada that fit our criteria for 2025.

Best Microwaves in Canada: Our Best Gift Picks

1. Chefman Countertop Microwave
2. Toshiba ML-EM25P(SS)/CA
3. Galanz Retro Countertop Microwave
4. Black+Decker Digital Microwave Oven
5. Panasonic Mid-Size Genius Microwave Oven

Best overall microwave in Canada: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven

Pros:

• 6 common food presets
• 10 power levels 
• Compact footprint for smaller kitchens
• Multi-phase cooling features

Cons:

• It may not be large enough for some foods

The Details

• Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
• Dimensions: 44 x 36 x 26 cm
• Installation Type: Countertop
• Wattage: 700 Watts
• Presets: 6

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact microwave with a ton of great features. It’s ideal for smaller kitchens, but most Canadians will find that this microwave is great for their needs. Features include a capacity of 0.7 cubic feet and power at 700 watts, which means it’s suitable for most standard microwave foods. 

Special features on the comfortable touch control panel include an eco mode that dims the lights and preserves energy, as well as 10 different power levels and 6 preset buttons. These presets include popcorn, potato, pizza, veggies, beverages, and leftovers. These options give you the perfect power level and timing to cook your food perfectly.

Multi-phase cooking is another feature that wowed me with this microwave. You can choose up to two cooking cycles for one food, which can help you perfectly cook more complex foods. You can defrost as well with the power options available, as well as adding 30 seconds to cook time and shutting off the beeps on the control panel completely.

Overall, this microwave is a solid choice for many Canadians, especially those with limited counter space. Features like eco-mode for better power control and memory functions to help with quick cooking help elevate it for those who would usually want a larger model, too.

Our Expert Opinion: “This is a very nice option for smaller kitchens, especially for those who don’t want to compromise power. Though it’s a little small on the inside, it’s a common issue with microwaves this size. If you aren’t bothered by that, this is a very reasonable choice.”

Customers Are Saying: “This microwave is reasonably priced and gets the job done. It’s the perfect fit for my countertop, too.”

Who is the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven for?

• People with small kitchens. Smaller kitchens need all the spare counterspace they can get, which is why this smaller microwave is ideal.
• Eco-conscious Canadians. The eco mode helps preserve energy while heating your food to perfection.
• Those with complex cooking needs. The multi-phase cooking allows you to cook foods with two presets and cooking phases, one after another. 

Who should avoid the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven?

• Canadians who need a more powerful oven. 700 watts is fine for most people, but those who need more power should look elsewhere.

Instead, choose… the Panasonic Mid-Size Genius Microwave Oven.

If 700 watts isn’t enough for you, choose the Panasonic Mid-Size Genius Microwave Oven. It’s a 1100-watt oven with a capacity of 1.3 cubic feet, which should be large and powerful enough for anything you need to cook.

Features Breakdown

• Installation Type: Countertop
• Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet
• Wattage: 700 Watts
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Presets: 6 (Popcorn, Potato, Pizza, Veggies, Beverages, Leftovers)
• Power Levels: 10
• Special Features: Multi-phase Cooking, +30 Seconds Button, Mute Option, Eco Mode
• Dimensions: 32.89 x 43.99 x 25.91 cm
• Weight: 9.16 kg

Best 900-watt microwave in Canada: Toshiba ML-EM25P(SS)/CA Microwave Oven

Pros:

• Large capacity and powerful wattage
• 11 power levels for different food options
• Convenience features like Eco Mode and Mute

Cons:

• It can be a bit loud

The Details

• Capacity: 0.9 Cubic Feet
• Dimensions: 37.4 x 47.5 x 27.2 cm
• Installation Type: Countertop
• Wattage: 900 Watts
• Presets: 6

The Toshiba ML-EM25P(SS)/CA is our favourite 900-watt microwave on the list. This occupies a nice space between the less-powerful 700-watt models and the 1100-watt options, which might be too big and too loud for your spaces. This microwave strikes a balance between your needs and what you can accommodate, as it still works fine for smaller kitchens.

This microwave offers a full range of features, from the power-saving Eco Mode to the Mute option, which turns off all beeps and warning sounds from the microwave. There are 10 power settings (11 if you include defrost). You can choose 0% (perfect for deodorization) all the way up to 100%, which is perfect for reheating liquids.

There are also 6 preset settings, which allow you to cook or reheat certain foods with a single button. These presets include Potato, Pizza, Dinner Plate, Frozen Vegetable, Popcorn, and Beverage. Since these options use different power settings and times, the presets take the guesswork out of making your meals. 

One of my personal favourite features is the memory setting, which allows you to save your preferred settings as a type of seventh preset. This is very useful if there’s a particular meal or food that you make often, and you want to be able to make it without messing with the settings. Though it’s a 900-watt microwave, it’s powerful enough for everyday use.

Our Expert Opinion: “This is the perfect microwave for those who need more power than a 700W offers, but don’t have a lot of counter space to spare. It does everything you need and more. Plus, it’s large enough for a full-sized dinner plate.”

Customers Are Saying: “This microwave is a little louder than our old one, but the power settings and presets are great. I love the memory features and the way you can mute the beeper.”

Who is the Toshiba ML-EM25P(SS)/CA Microwave Oven for?

• Canadians who want to save their settings. The memory function on this microwave allows you to save the settings you use most often.
• Those who often reheat plates of food. The turntable is large enough to fit a dinner plate, so those who reheat leftovers will be able to do so with ease.
• People who will use multiple power levels. There are 11 power levels (including defrost), perfect for those who use their microwave for different foods.

Who should avoid the Toshiba ML-EM25P(SS)/CA Microwave Oven?

• Those who need a quiet microwave. Though this microwave performs well, it can be a bit loud for some.

Instead, choose… the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a little less powerful than the Toshiba, but it’s also quieter as it operates. It has many of the same features, including the same number of power levels and presets.

Features Breakdown

• Installation Type: Countertop
• Capacity: 0.9 Cubic Feet
• Wattage: 900 Watts
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Presets: 6
• Power Levels: 11
• Special Features: Child lock, bright LED, +30 Second button, Memory, and Mute 
• Dimensions: 37.4 x 47.5 x 27.2 cm
• Weight: 11.3 kg

Best stylish microwave in Canada: Galanz Retro Countertop Microwave Oven

Pros:

• Unique colours and retro aesthetic
• 17 different programs for a variety of cook and reheat options
• Simple, comfortable controls

Cons:

• The control panel has only a few options

The Details

• Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet
• Dimensions: 35.6 x 44.5 x 24.1 cm
• Installation Type: Countertop
• Wattage: 700 Watts
• Presets: 17

The Galanz Retro Countertop Microwave Oven is a refreshing retro microwave that is compact and full of features. Though it’s only a 700-watt microwave, it has 17 different cook and reheat functions to meet most of your needs. Plus, it’s small enough to fit in kitchens with limited space without losing any functionality. 

The first thing I noticed about this Galanz microwave is the unique design. It looks like a retro microwave and is available in a few attractive colours that other microwaves might not come in. The beautiful, shiny red or bright blue stand out in a sea of black and white countertop microwaves. 

There are a total of 17 auto functions on this microwave. There are 7 auto cook programs, including Popcorn, Potato, Fresh Vegetable, Frozen Vegetable, Oatmeal, Corn on the Cob, and Rice. These functions are accompanied by 10 auto-reheat options. These include Beverage, Dinner Plate, Frozen Entree, Pizza, Soup/Sauce, Chili, Pasta, Mac and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, and Rice ETL. 

The control panel is somewhat simple, but it uses a knob to adjust time, weight, program, and power level. The knob takes a bit of getting used to, but it’s unique enough that it makes this microwave stand out. While Canadians with larger kitchens might want something a bit bigger, the style and features of this microwave are unique and effective.

Our Expert Opinion: “This is a really unique microwave as far as how it looks, but it’s fairly standard for a 700 Watt microwave. We love the 17 preset options, including 7 cooking options and 10 reheat options. It’s compact, comfortable, and has some great features.”

Customers Are Saying: “This is a great little microwave, even though I have to tilt a dinner plate to make it fit. It’s a great price and has some beautiful colour options.”

Who is the Galanz Retro Countertop Microwave Oven for?

• Those with stylish kitchens. If you want a microwave that will match your stylish, retro appliances, this is the option for you.
• Canadians who don’t need a lot of power. At 700 watts, this microwave is powerful enough for most uses without being overpowered.
• People with smaller kitchens. This is a great-looking microwave, but it’s also compact enough for those with limited counter space.

Who should avoid the Galanz Retro Countertop Microwave Oven?

• People who reheat dinner plates. The door and internal size of this microwave is not wide enough to fit standard-sized dinner plates.

Instead, choose… the Black+Decker Digital Microwave Oven.

Black+Decker’s Digital Microwave Oven has a full 1.1 cubic feet capacity. This is more than large enough for most things you want to cook. It has slightly more power than this microwave at 900 watts, too.

Features Breakdown

• Installation Type: Countertop
• Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
• Wattage: 700 Watts
• Voltage: 120 Volts 
• Material: Plastic
• Presets: 17
• Power Levels: 10
• Special Features: Retro design, Defrost, +30 Seconds, 17 Presets
• Dimensions: 35.6 x 4435 x 24.1 cm
• Weight: 9.2 kg

Best countertop microwave in Canada: Black+Decker Digital Microwave Oven

Pros:

• Great for most kitchen sizes, even smaller ones
• A full 900 watts for successfully cooking most foods
• 6 preset options for the most common foods

Cons:

• May not have enough features for some
• 5 beeps when the timer is finished can be loud

The Details

• Capacity: 1.1 Cubic Feet
• Dimensions: 37.6 x 53.3 x 29.9 cm
• Installation Type: Countertop
• Wattage: 900 Watts
• Presets: 6

The Black+Decker Digital Microwave Oven isn’t a fancy option, so some Canadians may want to choose something that has more features. However, those looking for a no-frills microwave that gets the job done with just the right amount of power will love this option. It’s affordable and simple to use,l so you won’t be bogged down with features you won’t use.

That isn’t to say that this microwave is completely devoid of features, though. In fact, it has a ton of great features that can help you cook more effectively. It has 6 cooking presents, which include Popcorn, Potato, Pizza, Frozen Vegetable, Beverage, and Dinner Plate. This covers some of the most common uses for your microwave. 

It also has a child lock and a larger turntable, with a clock and a kitchen timer that you can use even when you are cooking with another appliance. The +30 second button is useful, too. However, I thought that the five beeps that sound when the microwave is finished are a bit excessive, and this model could have benefited from a mute button.

Overall, this microwave is good at what it does. Sometimes, that’s all you want. If you find yourself getting lost in a ton of premium features when you only need a microwave that will reheat your dinner plate or make popcorn for movie night, this is a solid option for you.

Our Expert Opinion: “This microwave is a good, solid option for those who need a powerful countertop microwave. It’s a no-nonsense option that does everything you need without any of the features you won’t use.”

Customers Are Saying: “It’s a great microwave for the price. I love that there’s a less expensive option as well. We chose the 900-watt option, though. I only wish there were the standard 3 beeps instead of 5 when the microwave is done, or at least a mute function.”

Who is the Black+Decker Digital Microwave Oven for?

• People who want a no-nonsense option. This microwave has a lot of good features, but it doesn’t have anything you won’t use. 
• Those with more countertop space. If you have plenty of room on top of your counters, this microwave is a solid choice.
• Canadians who want a full-powered microwave. While 700-watt microwaves can sometimes lack power, this is a good middle ground for most homes.

Who should avoid the Black+Decker Digital Microwave Oven?

• Canadians who want a host of features. This option isn’t the best for those who want a ton of features, so those who want more presets and settings should look elsewhere.

Instead, choose… the Galanz Retro Countertop Microwave Oven.

This option has a total of 17 different presets in addition to a unique retro appearance. Though it’s a bit smaller, this microwave has more comprehensive features and looks more attractive on most countertops.

Features Breakdown

• Installation Type: Countertop
• Capacity: 1.1 Cubic Feet
• Wattage: 900 Watts
• Voltage: Unspecified
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Presets: 6
• Power Levels: 10
• Special Features: Child Lock, Defrost, Large Turntable
• Dimensions: 37.6 x 53.3 x 29.9 cm
• Weight: 14.5 kg

Best full-sized microwave in Canada: Panasonic Mid-Size Genius Microwave Oven

Pros:

• Genius Sensor technology makes it easy to cook your food to perfection
• Turbo defrost based on weight
• 7 cooking programs

Cons:

• Might be too big for some kitchens

The Details

• Capacity: 1.3 Cubic Feet 
• Dimensions: 42.2 x 51.9 x 42.2 cm
• Installation Type: Countertop
• Wattage: 1100 Watts
• Presets: 7

The Panasonic Mid-Size Genius Microwave Oven is the most powerful option on our list. This microwave offers a ton of great features, including better output and a larger interior capacity. This means that you can fit larger plates inside, and your food will heat extremely quickly. Though it isn’t much to look at, it’s surprisingly effective at cooking with all of its different presets.

There are 7 presets to choose from, which are a little different from the standard options. It was refreshing to see preset Options for Potatoes, Frozen Vegetables, Fresh Vegetables, Frozen Pizza, Frozen Entrees, Casseroles, and Meat. These options cover a range of things you may not know how to properly cook, but these settings (and the Genius Sensor) make it easy. 

The Genius Sensor is an advanced piece of technology that allows the microwave to adjust the power level and time to best cook your food. It uses a few different readings to determine how your food is cooking, and it makes the best choices for your food mid-cycle. 

Other features include a child safety lock, +30 button, ‘More’ and ‘Less’ adjustments to change timing on the fly, and a Keep Warm option rarely found in microwaves. It’s intuitive and helpful, even when you’re using the standard settings instead of the Genius Sensor mode.

Our Expert Opinion: “Sometimes, you just need a little more power to get things done. This microwave is powerful enough to cook anything you need quickly, while also remaining simple enough that most can use it without any issues.”

Customers Are Saying: “This microwave is quiet and effective. I’ve never had popcorn finished so fast. It’s also surprisingly compact considering the amount of space inside the microwave.”

Who is the Panasonic Mid-Size Genius Microwave Oven for?

• Canadians who need more power. This microwave uses a full 1,100 watts to properly heat your food without long waits.
• Those who use their microwave regularly. If you use your microwave daily, a powerhouse like this one is necessary. 
• People who want a simpler cooking/reheating experience. The Genius Sensor technology automatically adjusts heating levels based on your food, so it always comes out perfectly.

Who should avoid the Panasonic Mid-Size Genius Microwave Oven?

• Those who don’t have a lot of counter space. This Panasonic microwave is easily one of the largest options on our list, so it may not be suitable for smaller kitchens.

Instead, choose… the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven.

Chefman’s 700-watt microwave oven is compact enough for most kitchens. It has a lot of features for its size, so you aren’t compromising much when you choose an option with a greatly reduced power rating.

Features Breakdown

• Installation Type: Countertop
• Capacity: 1.3 Cubic Feet
• Wattage: 1100 Watts
• Voltage: Unspecified
• Material: Plastic
• Presets: 7
• Power Levels: 10
• Special Features: Genius Sensor, Large Capacity, Child Safety Lock
• Dimensions: 42.2 x 51.9 x 42.2 cm
• Weight: 18.14 kg

Frequently Asked Questions