Best Sensor Countertop Microwave Ovens of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Sensor countertop microwave ovens are a popular choice for those who desire convenience and precision in their cooking. These ovens come equipped with advanced sensors that adjust cooking times and power levels based on the food being cooked. This ensures that food is cooked evenly and thoroughly without the need for constant monitoring. Some models even have pre-programmed settings for popular foods like popcorn and pizza. With sleek designs and easy-to-use interfaces, sensor countertop microwave ovens are a great addition to any kitchen.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven Cover #TOP 1
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven
ftb score rating icon 9.8
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven Cover #TOP 2
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven
ftb score rating icon 9.7
GE 1200W 2.0 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave Oven Cover #TOP 3
GE 1200W 2.0 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave Oven
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 3 Sensor Countertop Microwave Ovens

#TOP 1

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven

EM131A5C-BS
1.2 Cu.ft
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven Cover
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient countertop microwave. It features a 1.2 cubic feet capacity, 1100 watts of power, a removable turntable, and a smart humidity sensor. It also has 12 pre-programmed sensor menus for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, and veggies. The large digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it easy to use, and the mute function allows you to turn off the buzzer. It also has an ECO mode and an easy-clean interior.

What We Like
1100 watts of power
Smart humidity sensor
12 pre-programmed sensor menus
Large digital display and easy-to-read control panel
Mute function
#TOP 2

TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven

ML-EM45P(BS)
1.6 Cu.Ft
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven Cover
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6" Removable Position Memory Turntable, Sound On/Off Function, 1200W, 1.6 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel

Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) is a 1200-watt high power countertop microwave with 10 power levels, 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, 13.6" turntable, pre-programmed sensor menu, position memory turntable, auto defrost, fast cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, clock and kitchen timer, sound on/off function, stylish black stainless-steel finish, and removable turntable. It is perfect for heating popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetable, and more.

What We Like
High power with 10 power levels
Large capacity with 13.6" turntable
Position memory turntable for safer use
Convenience features such as auto defrost, fast cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, clock and kitchen timer
Sound on/off function and stylish black stainless-steel finish
#TOP 3

GE 1200W 2.0 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave Oven

GE
GCST20S1WSS
Stainless Steel
GE 1200W 2.0 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave Oven Cover
GE Countertop Microwave Oven,1, 200-watt Capacity, 2.0 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel

The GE Countertop Microwave offers a blend of safety, power, and convenience that suits any kitchen. Its two-step child lock feature ensures younger family members can’t accidentally operate the microwave, giving you peace of mind. With 1200 watts of power and a spacious 2.0 cubic feet interior, you can cook efficiently without sacrificing counter space. The sensor cooking controls automatically adjust cooking time and power, so your meals come out just right without guesswork. Plus, the defrost function lets you enter the food’s weight to set the best defrosting time, making thawing quick and easy for you.

What We Like
Child lock safety
High power output
Sensor cooking controls
Weight-based defrost
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is sensor cooking in a microwave worth it?

Because of their high efficiency, sensor microwaves are nearly always worth the investment when you're cooking simple meals or defrosting frozen food.

2. Is sensor microwave better?

Auto sensors on microwaves can provide great results for a variety of foods and cooking applications, though customers report that sensors still tend to work better for some uses than others.

3. What is sensor cooking on a microwave?

Answer: Microwave sensor cooking measures vapor (moisture and humidity) emitted from food as it heats. To use the sensor cook option, press the desired cooking mode. Sensor Reheat can be used to reheat foods. Follow the menu guide on the microwave.

4. What is the difference between sensor and inverter microwave?

The main difference between inverter and conventional microwaves is in the way power is supplied. In a conventional microwave power is supplied through a transformer, which turns the power on and off (you'll usually hear the microwave cutting in and out), giving the food a chance to distribute heat.

Editor's Notes

During our sensor countertop microwave oven research, we found 16 sensor countertop microwave oven products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 895,310 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sensor countertop microwave ovens list. We found that most customers choose sensor countertop microwave ovens with an average price of $107.29.

The sensor countertop microwave ovens are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sensor countertop microwave ovens, including TOSHIBA, GE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.