Microwaves
Best 1500 Watt Microwave (2026): Top 4 by the Specs
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Specs below come from each product's Amazon listing; we do not test products in person.
For a high-wattage countertop microwave, the GE leads this list: it pairs 1,200 watts with a 2.0 cu. ft. interior, sensor cooking and 8 auto settings. The Sharp follows with 1,000 watts and 10 auto-cook functions, while the Chefman and Frigidaire give 1,000 watts with 6 presets each.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Countertop Microwave
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallGE Countertop Microwave Oven9.8 View on Amazon -
Most FunctionsSharp SMC1162KS 1.1 cu. ft. 1000W Stainless9.8 View on Amazon -
9.5 View on Amazon -
9.2 View on Amazon
Compare the specs
Ranked on capacity, wattage, sensor cooking, auto-cook presets from each listing, plus how many buyers have rated it. A dash (—) means we could not confirm that figure from the listing.
| Pick | Capacity | Wattage | Sensor cooking | Auto-cook presets | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. GE Countertop Microwave Oven | 2 cu ft | 1,200 W | Yes | 8 functions | 48 lb | — |
| 2. Sharp SMC1162KS 1.1 cu. ft. 1000W Stainless | 1.1 cu ft | 1,000 W | — | 10 functions | 33.1 lb | 1-year |
| 3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. | 1.1 cu ft | 1,000 W | — | 6 functions | 30.9 lb | 1-year |
| 4. Frigidaire 1.1 cu.ft. Countertop Microwave Oven | 1.1 cu ft | 1,000 W | — | 6 functions | — | 1-year |
GE Countertop Microwave Oven
It pairs 1,200 watts with a 2.0 cu. ft. interior, sensor cooking and 8 auto settings.
- Capacity: 2 cu ft, the largest here
- Wattage: 1,200 W, the most here
- Sensor cooking
- Auto-cook presets: 8 functions
Good for
- Buyers who want 1,200 watts with sensor cooking
- Buyers who want a 2.0 cu. ft. interior
Skip it if
- You need a capacity larger than 2.0 cu. ft.
- You want a microwave under 48 pounds
It offers a 2.0 cu. ft. interior with 1,200 watts of cooking power and sensor cooking that monitors moisture and adjusts time. One-touch express cooking and 8 convenience cook settings run through a digital display and electronic keypad, with manual and auto defrost for frozen foods. It needs countertop clearance of 3 inches on each side and above, 1 inch at the rear, and it weighs 48 pounds.
Sharp SMC1162KS 1.1 cu. ft. 1000W Stainless
It pairs 1,000 watts with a 1.1 cu. ft. interior, 10 auto-cook functions and a carousel turntable.
- Capacity: 1.1 cu ft
- Wattage: 1,000 W
- Auto-cook presets: 10 functions, the most here
- 1-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want 10 auto-cook functions
- Buyers who want a 12.4-inch carousel turntable
Skip it if
- You need a capacity larger than 1.1 cu. ft.
- You want a warranty longer than 1 year
It offers a 1.1 cu. ft. interior with 1,000 watts, a removable 12.4-inch carousel turntable and 10 power levels with 2-stage cooking. The plus 30 seconds key adds instant time, and it weighs 33.1 pounds.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.
It pairs 1,000 watts with a 1.1 cu. ft. interior, 6 cooking presets and Eco Mode.
- Capacity: 1.1 cu ft
- Wattage: 1,000 W
- Auto-cook presets: 6 functions
- 1-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want 6 cooking presets with Eco Mode
- Buyers who want a mute button for quiet operation
Skip it if
- You need a capacity larger than 1.1 cu. ft.
- You want more than 6 cooking presets
It offers a 1.1 cu. ft. interior with 1,000 watts, 10 power levels and 6 cooking presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes and leftovers. A memory function programs frequent functions for one-touch starts, and the plus 30 seconds button adds extra time. Eco Mode disables the display when idle, a mute button silences beeps, and it weighs 30.9 pounds.
Frigidaire 1.1 cu.ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
It pairs 1,000 watts with a 1.1 cu. ft. interior, 6 auto-cook functions and a control lock.
- Capacity: 1.1 cu ft
- Wattage: 1,000 W
- Auto-cook presets: 6 functions
- 1-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want 6 auto-cook functions
- Buyers who want a mirror finish touchpad
Skip it if
- You need a capacity larger than 1.1 cu. ft.
- You want a warranty longer than 1 year
It offers a 1.1 cu. ft. interior with 1,000 watts of power output and 6 auto-cook functions for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage and reheat. A digital clock and kitchen timer sit beside a mirror finish electronic touchpad, and a control lock is included. The white interior contrasts with the black and stainless steel exterior, and it carries a 1-year warranty.
How to choose
Wattage and capacity
Wattage sets cooking power and capacity sets what fits inside. The GE gives 1,200 watts with a 2.0 cu. ft. interior, while the Sharp, Chefman and Frigidaire give 1,000 watts with a 1.1 cu. ft. interior each. A larger interior fits bigger dishes, so match both figures to the meals you heat most. Check the outside dimensions too, since a larger interior needs more counter space.
Presets, defrost and controls
Presets cut button presses for common foods. The GE gives 8 auto settings with sensor cooking that monitors moisture and adjusts time, and the Sharp gives 10 auto-cook functions with Weight and Time Defrost. All four use touch controls, so compare preset counts against the foods you cook most.
Fit, weight and upkeep
Countertop microwaves need clearance and a surface that holds their weight. The GE needs 3 inches of clearance on each side and above and 1 inch at the rear, and it weighs 48 pounds. The Sharp weighs 33.1 pounds and the Chefman weighs 30.9 pounds, so check your counter depth and width before ordering. The Chefman glass turntable can go in the top rack of a dishwasher, and the GE includes a roller ring and turntable.
FAQ
Which pick gives 1,200 watts?
The GE gives 1,200 watts with a 2.0 cu. ft. interior and sensor cooking. The Sharp, Chefman and Frigidaire give 1,000 watts each.
How many auto-cook functions does each pick give?
The GE gives 8 auto settings, the Sharp gives 10 auto-cook functions, and the Chefman and Frigidaire give 6 each.
Which picks have a control lock?
The GE, Chefman and Frigidaire have a control lock. The Chefman lock sits on the handle, and the Frigidaire lock guards against unsupervised use.
What capacities do these microwaves give?
The GE gives a 2.0 cu. ft. interior, and the Sharp, Chefman and Frigidaire give a 1.1 cu. ft. interior each.
