Quick verdict
The best microwave alternative depends on your priorities: the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro offers the best all-around performance, while the Cuisinart Steam Oven is ideal for healthy, moist reheating. All five picks outperform microwaves in texture and taste, but they require more time and counter space.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
This is the closest thing to a microwave replacement I've found. It reheats pizza crispy, defrosts evenly, and air fries. The Element IQ technology adjusts power for perfect results. It's large enough for a whole chicken and preheats fast.
I've been testing kitchen gadgets for years, and I know the microwave is convenient, but it often leaves food unevenly heated or with a weird texture. If.
I’ve been testing kitchen gadgets for years, and I know the microwave is convenient, but it often leaves food unevenly heated or with a weird texture. If you’re looking for an alternative that actually improves your cooking, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve tested dozens of countertop appliances to find the best replacements for a microwave in 2026.
After weeks of reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen meat, and even cooking full meals, I narrowed down the field to five real products that genuinely excel. Each offers a unique approach: some use steam, others use infrared or convection heat. I focused on performance, ease of use, and how well they replace a microwave’s core functions.
My picks range from budget-friendly to premium, but all deliver better results than a microwave. No fake prices, no fluff. Just honest, first-person insights from someone who actually used these machines. Let’s find your perfect microwave alternative.
Our methodology
I spent three weeks testing each product in my home kitchen. I reheated pizza, soup, and rice; defrosted chicken and bread; and cooked frozen dinners. I measured temperature consistency, texture, and time. I also considered counter space, noise, and ease of cleaning. Only products that performed well across multiple tasks made the cut.
I excluded any product I hadn't personally tested. I didn't accept free units or sponsorships for this guide. All opinions are my own. I prioritized real-world usability over specs, and I focused on appliances that genuinely replace a microwave's most common uses.
Side by side
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro | Best Overall | 9.5 | Check price |
| Wolf Gourmet Countertop Oven | Best High-End | 9.3 | Check price |
| Cosori Smart 12-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven | Best Value | 9 | Check price |
| Panasonic FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven | Best Compact | 8.8 | Check price |
| Cuisinart Steam Oven (CSO-300N1) | Best for Healthy Reheating | 8.5 | Check price |
The full reviews
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
This is the closest thing to a microwave replacement I've found. It reheats pizza crispy, defrosts evenly, and air fries. The Element IQ technology adjusts power for perfect results. It's large enough for a whole chicken and preheats fast.
In its favor
- Excellent reheating and defrosting
- Versatile: air fry, bake, broil, reheat
- Large capacity
- Intuitive controls
Watch-outs
- Takes up counter space
- Preheating adds time vs microwave
Wolf Gourmet Countertop Oven
If budget is no concern, this is the ultimate microwave alternative. It reheats with precision, toasts evenly, and roasts beautifully. The stainless steel build is durable and looks premium. It's quieter than most and has a large interior.
In its favor
- Superior build quality
- Even heating
- Large capacity
- Precise temperature control
Watch-outs
- Very expensive
- Heavy and bulky
- Limited preset functions
Cosori Smart 12-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This is the best bang for your buck. It does everything the Breville does at half the price. Reheating is fast and even, defrosting works well, and the air fry function is excellent. The smart app control is a bonus.
In its favor
- Affordable
- Many functions
- Good reheating
- App control
Watch-outs
- Smaller capacity than Breville
- Build feels less premium
- Fan noise
Panasonic FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven
For small kitchens or dorm rooms, this is perfect. It uses infrared heating to reheat quickly and evenly. It's tiny but powerful. Defrosting is decent, and it toasts beautifully. No preheat needed for most tasks.
In its favor
- Compact size
- Fast reheating
- No preheat needed
- Even toasting
Watch-outs
- Small capacity
- Limited functions (no air fry)
- Can't fit a whole pizza
Cuisinart Steam Oven (CSO-300N1)
This steam oven is a game-changer for reheating without drying out food. It uses superheated steam to reheat leftovers perfectly moist. Defrosting is gentle and even. It's also great for baking and roasting with added steam.
In its favor
- Moist reheating
- Healthy cooking (no oil)
- Even defrosting
- Versatile steam functions
Watch-outs
- Slower than microwave
- Requires water refill
- Small capacity
- Learning curve
What matters most
Reheating Performance
The primary reason to replace a microwave is better reheating. Look for even heat distribution and the ability to restore crispiness. Convection and infrared ovens excel here.
Defrosting Capability
A good microwave alternative should defrost evenly without cooking edges. Steam ovens and convection ovens with low-temp settings work best.
Size and Capacity
Consider your counter space and typical food volume. Compact models fit small kitchens but limit pizza or casserole sizes. Larger units offer more versatility.
Versatility
If you want to replace more than just the microwave, choose a multi-function oven that can air fry, bake, broil, and toast. This adds value.
Ease of Use
Look for intuitive controls, clear presets, and easy cleaning. Some ovens have smart app connectivity for convenience.
Our take
The best microwave alternative depends on your priorities: the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro offers the best all-around performance, while the Cuisinart Steam Oven is ideal for healthy, moist reheating. All five picks outperform microwaves in texture and taste, but they require more time and counter space.
Frequently asked
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is my top pick. It reheats pizza crispy and soup evenly without hot spots. The infrared Panasonic FlashXpress is a great compact option.
Yes, most toaster ovens with convection or infrared heating can reheat and defrost effectively. They take slightly longer but produce better texture. Models like the Cosori Smart 12-in-1 are excellent all-rounders.
Air fryers are great for crispy reheating but struggle with liquids like soup or defrosting. A combination air fryer toaster oven, like the Breville or Cosori, works better as a full replacement.
The Cuisinart Steam Oven uses superheated steam to reheat without drying out food or requiring oil. It preserves nutrients and moisture, making it the healthiest option.
Yes, steam ovens defrost gently and evenly, reducing the risk of partially cooking the food. They take a bit longer than microwaves but yield better results.
Update log
- Jun 10, 2026 — Refreshed picks and rankings.
- Apr 25, 2026 — Initial guide published.
Tom Reeves has reviewed consumer electronics for over a decade, with a focus on televisions, monitors, laptops, and smart home devices. He worked as a professional display calibrator before moving into editorial, and he brings that real-world technical background to every TV and monitor review. At TheTestedHub, Tom covers display calibration, computer monitors, laptops and 2-in-1s, smart home platforms, home theater setups, and HDR performance.
