What should your next microwave actually do? The answer depends on how much space, speed, and convenience your kitchen demands, not on flashy promises. This roundup compares the best samsung Microwaves alongside practical alternatives for apartments, dorms, family kitchens, and countertop setups.
You’ll see how the key specifications shape everyday use, from compact footprints to higher cooking power. Keep reading for a clearer way to compare these popular models.
Key Takeaways
- Choose 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet for tight counters, dorms, or occasional reheating, while larger households usually benefit from 1.1 cubic feet or more.
- Prioritize wattage if speed matters, since 1,000 to 1,200 watts generally heats food faster than 700 to 900 watts.
- Look for sensor cooking if you want automatic adjustments based on moisture, rather than relying on preset time estimates.
- Measure both the microwave depth and door swing before buying, especially for compact counters, cabinets, or over-the-range installation.
- Select stainless steel or fingerprint-resistant finishes based on cleaning habits, while checking that the listed color matches your kitchen appliances.
| Best Overall Choice |  |
Samsung 1.9 cu. ft. Sensor Microwave | Generous countertop capacity | Sensor cooking included | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Matte Finish Favorite |  |
Samsung 1.9 cu. ft. Matte Microwave | Spacious countertop interior | Sensor cooking capability | Modern matte finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Smart Vent Specialist |  |
Samsung 1.1 cu. ft. Smart OTR Microwave | Powerful 550 CFM vent | Wi-Fi and voice control | Integrated LED light bar | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Cooking Helper |  |
GE 1.1 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave | Six auto cooking settings | Child-lock technology | Compact countertop footprint | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Everyday Option |  |
Toshiba 1.2 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave | Useful mid-size capacity | 1000-watt cooking power | Simple black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Even Heating Pick |  |
LG 0.9 cu. ft. Smart Inverter Microwave | Smart Inverter technology | Compact 0.9 cu. ft. size | Stainless steel exterior | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small Space Standout |  |
Toshiba 0.9 cu. ft. Black Microwave | Space-saving compact design | Black stainless steel finish | Straightforward 900-watt output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Midrange Pick |  |
Toshiba 1.2 cu. ft. Stainless Microwave | Comfortable mid-size capacity | 1000-watt power | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Family Meal Specialist |  |
LG 1.5 cu. ft. Smart Inverter Microwave | Generous family-size capacity | 1200-watt cooking power | Sensor cooking included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget Space Saver |  |
BLACK+DECKER 0.7 cu. ft. Microwave | Very compact capacity | Stainless steel finish | Simple everyday operation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Samsung 1.9 cu. ft. Sensor Microwave
For family kitchens, the 1.9 cu. ft. capacity gives you room for larger plates, bowls, and reheating jobs without moving to an over-the-range model. Sensor cooking adjusts the heating process based on moisture, which helps reduce undercooked centers and overheated edges.
The stainless steel finish suits most kitchen designs and is easier to coordinate with other appliances. Its main limitation is the lack of a listed wattage, so you cannot compare cooking speed directly with the other models here.
- Brand:Samsung
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.9 cu. ft.
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Features:Sensor cooking
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Sensor cooking
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
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Samsung 1.9 cu. ft. Matte Microwave
Choose this model if you want the same large 1.9 cu. ft. interior as the top pick with a darker, more modern appearance. Sensor cooking adds convenience for common reheating and cooking tasks, especially when portions vary from one use to the next.
The matte black stainless steel finish can complement darker appliances and contemporary cabinetry. As with the other Samsung countertop model, the listed information does not include wattage, so cooking speed remains difficult to compare.
- Brand:Samsung
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.9 cu. ft.
- Finish:Matte black stainless steel
- Features:Sensor cooking
- Additional Feature:Countertop configuration
- Additional Feature:Sensor cooking
- Additional Feature:Matte black exterior
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Samsung 1.1 cu. ft. Smart OTR Microwave
This is the strongest fit for a kitchen that needs over-the-range installation rather than another appliance on the counter. Its 550 CFM hood vent, Wi-Fi connectivity, and voice control combine ventilation with remote access and hands-free operation.
The 1100-watt output supports everyday cooking, while sensor cooking helps manage heating automatically. The 1.1 cu. ft. capacity is more compact than the countertop leaders, and installation requires suitable cabinetry, electrical access, and ventilation clearance.
- Brand:Samsung
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cu. ft.
- Finish:Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Wattage:1100 watts
- Features:Wi-Fi, voice control, sensor cooking
- Additional Feature:550 CFM hood vent
- Additional Feature:LED light bar
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range installation
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GE 1.1 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave
A 1.1 cu. ft. capacity makes this GE a practical match for apartments, dorm rooms, and kitchens with limited counter space. The six auto cooking settings simplify routine foods, reducing the need to estimate time for every baked potato, beverage, or frozen meal.
The stainless steel exterior gives it a familiar appliance finish, while child-lock technology adds a useful household safety feature. Its 950-watt output is adequate for everyday reheating, though larger portions may take longer than they would in a higher-wattage model.
- Brand:GE
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cu. ft.
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Wattage:950 watts
- Features:Six auto settings, child lock
- Additional Feature:Dorm-room friendly size
- Additional Feature:Apartment-friendly design
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
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Toshiba 1.2 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave
Toshiba’s 1.2 cu. ft. interior sits in a useful middle ground, offering more room than compact models without taking on the size of the largest countertop units. Its 1000-watt output is well suited to standard reheating, defrosting, and meal preparation.
The black finish gives the appliance a simple, low-key appearance that works well in utility areas and modern kitchens. The available listing does not identify sensor cooking or specialized presets, so the feature set appears less detailed than some alternatives.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Finish:Black
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Additional Feature:Countertop configuration
- Additional Feature:Mid-size interior
- Additional Feature:Black exterior
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LG 0.9 cu. ft. Smart Inverter Microwave
For smaller kitchens, the 0.9 cu. ft. capacity and compact listed dimensions help conserve valuable counter space. LG’s Smart Inverter system is designed to deliver more consistent power, which can help with delicate foods and gradual defrosting.
The stainless steel finish pairs with a 1000-watt output for everyday cooking and reheating. The smaller cavity limits the size of plates and containers you can use, so it is better suited to individual meals than large family dishes.
- Brand:LG
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Features:Smart Inverter
- Additional Feature:NeoChef design
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop footprint
- Additional Feature:Listed compact dimensions
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Toshiba 0.9 cu. ft. Black Microwave
This Toshiba is built for situations where every inch of counter space matters, with a 0.9 cu. ft. capacity that suits compact kitchens, offices, and personal meal prep. Its 900-watt output handles routine reheating and defrosting without demanding the footprint of a larger appliance.
The black stainless steel finish gives the compact body a more polished look than basic painted finishes. The smaller cavity and lower wattage mean it is less appropriate for large plates, oversized containers, or quick high-volume cooking.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Finish:Black stainless steel
- Wattage:900 watts
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop format
- Additional Feature:Small-kitchen friendly size
- Additional Feature:Black stainless steel exterior
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Toshiba 1.2 cu. ft. Stainless Microwave
This Toshiba provides 1.2 cu. ft. of capacity for users who need more room than a compact microwave offers but do not want a bulky full-size unit. The 1000-watt power level fits common tasks such as reheating leftovers, warming drinks, and preparing packaged meals.
Its stainless steel finish coordinates easily with other kitchen appliances and gives the countertop a classic look. The available product details do not list sensor cooking or automatic programs, so you may need to set cooking times manually.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Mid-size cooking cavity
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
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LG 1.5 cu. ft. Smart Inverter Microwave
With a 1.5 cu. ft. capacity, this LG is a strong choice for family kitchens and larger serving dishes. The 1200-watt output supports faster everyday cooking, while sensor cooking can adjust the cycle for foods that release different amounts of moisture.
The Smart Inverter system is designed for steadier power delivery, which is useful for defrosting and more delicate foods. Its larger body requires more counter space than compact models, and the listed dimensions make that footprint worth measuring before purchase.
- Brand:LG
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.5 cu. ft.
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Wattage:1200 watts
- Features:Smart Inverter, sensor cooking
- Additional Feature:Larger countertop interior
- Additional Feature:Smart Inverter technology
- Additional Feature:Listed exterior dimensions
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BLACK+DECKER 0.7 cu. ft. Microwave
This BLACK+DECKER model targets the smallest kitchens, with a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity that fits dorm rooms, offices, and compact apartments. Its 700-watt output is suitable for simple reheating and warming tasks, particularly when speed is less critical.
The stainless steel finish adds a practical, familiar look to the compact design. The limited capacity and lower wattage make it less suitable for large dinner plates, dense foods, or households that cook several portions at once.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Wattage:700 watts
- Additional Feature:Dorm-room friendly format
- Additional Feature:Office-friendly footprint
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Samsung microwaves reliable for everyday use?
Samsung offers microwaves across several price and feature levels, so reliability depends on the specific model, installation quality, and maintenance. Look for a clear warranty, sensible controls, and a capacity that does not force the unit to work at its limits every day. Keep the interior clean, avoid operating the microwave empty, and replace ventilation filters as directed. For over-the-range models, correct mounting and duct setup matter just as much as the appliance itself.
What size Samsung microwave should I buy?
Choose based on both your available space and the dishes you heat most often. A 0.9 to 1.1 cubic foot countertop model suits compact kitchens and smaller portions, while a 1.7 cubic foot or larger model is better for family-size plates and casserole dishes. Measure the opening before shopping, including depth and door clearance. For over-the-range installation, check the distance above the cooktop and follow Samsung's specified mounting and ventilation clearances.
Do Samsung microwaves need special installation?
Countertop models usually need only a stable, ventilated surface and a properly grounded electrical outlet. Built-in and over-the-range models require more planning, including cabinet measurements, mounting hardware, and sometimes electrical or ductwork adjustments. Over-the-range units can be configured for external or recirculating ventilation, depending on the model and kitchen setup. If the microwave will be mounted above a gas or electric cooktop, follow the required clearance rules and consider professional installation.
Are Samsung smart microwaves worth the extra cost?
Smart features can be useful if you want SmartThings app control, notifications, or integration with other compatible Samsung appliances. They are less valuable if you mainly need quick reheating and prefer physical controls over phone-based settings. Check the exact feature list before paying more, because not every Samsung microwave includes Wi-Fi or the same app functions. A well-placed sensor-cooking button may save more daily effort than a long list of connected features.
How do I clean and maintain a Samsung microwave?
Wipe spills promptly with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, then dry the interior to prevent lingering odors and buildup. Avoid abrasive cleaners, steel wool, and harsh chemicals that can damage the ceramic enamel interior or printed controls. For over-the-range models, clean the grease filter and replace a charcoal filter according to the manual. Never run the microwave empty, and inspect the door seal regularly for damage, since the door is both the entrance and the bouncer keeping microwave energy where it belongs.