“Why is my soup still cold after three minutes?” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Thousands of people deal with weak microwaves that leave food half-heated and meals ruined daily.
Maybe your old microwave takes forever to heat anything. Or perhaps it creates those annoying hot and cold spots that make every meal a guessing game.
You want something that actually works without breaking your budget or taking up your entire counter.
Finding the best 800 watt microwave oven feels overwhelming with so many options online. You need reliable heating power that won’t spike your electricity bill.
You want even cooking that eliminates cold centers and overheated edges.
The good news? 800-watt microwaves hit that sweet spot. They’re powerful enough for daily use but gentle enough to heat food properly.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly which models deliver consistent results and real value for your kitchen.
PERFECT FOR THESE KITCHEN SITUATIONS
This guide is perfect for anyone asking, “What’s the best 800-watt microwave?” or “How do I choose a microwave for my small kitchen?”
Whether you’re a college student, young professional, or someone with limited counter space, this comprehensive review will help you find the right microwave.
Common problems this guide solves:
- Finding a microwave that heats food evenly without cold spots
- Choosing the right size for small kitchens or apartments
- Understanding microwave power levels and cooking times
- Getting the best value for your budget.
WHY CHOOSE AN 800-WATT MICROWAVE?
The Sweet Spot for Most Households
800-watt microwaves offer the perfect balance between power and efficiency. Here’s why they work well for most people:
Energy Efficiency Benefits:
- Up to 20% more energy-efficient than higher-powered models
- Lower electricity bills over time
- Suitable for most standard electrical outlets
- Reliable performance without power surges
Cooking Performance:
- Heats food evenly and thoroughly
- Fast enough for daily reheating tasks
- Gentle enough to prevent overcooking
- Perfect for defrosting frozen foods
Ideal For These Situations:
- Small to medium-sized households
- Apartments and dorm rooms
- Office break rooms
- RVs and vacation homes
- Anyone wanting reliable basic cooking.
HOW 800 WATT POWER WORKS
Understanding Microwave Power Settings:
When someone asks, “What does 800 watts mean on a microwave?”, here’s the simple answer:
800 watts is the maximum cooking power your microwave can produce. However, you can adjust this power in percentages:
- 100% power = 800 watts (full strength for fast heating)
- 50% power = 400 watts (medium strength for gentle cooking)
- 30% power = 240 watts (low strength for defrosting)
This flexibility lets you cook different foods properly. For example, you’d use full power for soup but medium power for delicate items like fish.
Temperature vs. Power: What You Need to Know
Many people wonder, “How hot does an 800-watt microwave get?” The answer depends on what you’re cooking:
Temperature Range:
- Most foods reach 70-100°C (158-212°F) at full power
- Water reaches boiling point (100°C/212°F)
- The temperature rises the longer you cook
Important Note: Microwaves create heat through energy, not a fixed temperature like ovens. The food itself gets hot from the microwave energy.
TOP 5 BEST 800 WATT MICROWAVE OVEN: DETAILED REVIEWS
1. Nostalgia Retro Microwave – Best Overall Choice
Why It’s Our Top Pick: The Nostalgia Retro combines style with reliable performance. Users consistently rate it highly for even heating and attractive design.
Key Features:
- 0.9 cubic foot capacity (25.5L)
- 12 pre-programmed cooking settings
- 5 power levels for precise control
- Easy-to-use turn-and-push dial
- Clear LED display
- Rotating turntable for even heating
Best For:
- Small kitchens and apartments
- People who want style and function
- Basic cooking needs like reheating and defrosting
- Anyone preferring simple controls
From my experience, this microwave model is perfect for my small kitchen, heats evenly, and looks beautiful with my retro decor. It handles perfectly my reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking needs.”
Practical Benefits:
- Fits standard plates and bowls
- Saves counter space
- Easy to clean interior
- Matches most kitchen decor
- Removable turntable for larger dishes
2. Toshiba Countertop Microwave – Best for Reliability
Why Choose This Model: The Toshiba offers consistent performance with modern styling. It’s particularly good for people who want dependable daily use.
Key Specifications:
- 20L capacity
- Compact size: 442 x 347 x 260mm
- 270mm turntable fits most dinner plates
- Stainless steel exterior
- 5 power settings
Special Features:
- Easy defrosting by weight or time
- Quiet operation
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Dishwasher-safe turntable
Best Use Cases:
- Busy professionals needing reliable heating
- Families wanting consistent results
- People who prefer modern styling
- Anyone needing flexible defrost options
3. Severin Unique Microwave – Best Innovation
What Makes It Special: This microwave breaks the mold with its no-turntable design. Instead, it uses bottom heating with a ceramic plate for faster, more even cooking.
Unique Features:
- No turntable required
- Free microwave-safe ceramic plate included
- Bottom heating technology
- 20-liter capacity
- Black finish design
Size Details:
- Height: 12.99 inches
- Width: 17.72 inches
- Depth: 20.87 inches
- Fits standard countertops
Advantages:
- Easier cleaning (flat ceramic surface)
- Faster heating than traditional models
- More even heat distribution
- No rotating parts to break
- Auto-shutoff safety features
Perfect For:
- People are tired of uneven heating
- Anyone wanting easy maintenance
- Those preferring innovative design
- Households needing reliable daily use
4. Emerson Retro Compact Microwave – Best Budget Style
Why It’s Great Value: Combines vintage charm with practical function at an affordable price point.
Key Features:
- 0.9 cubic feet capacity
- White finish with chrome accents
- 5 power levels
- 8 pre-set cooking programs
- Dial control system
- Both time and weight defrost options
Pre-Set Programs Include:
- Popcorn
- Pizza
- Vegetables
- Beverages
- And more
User Benefits:
- Easy-to-clean chrome buttons
- Reminder beep system
- Straightforward operation
- Attractive retro styling
- Reliable everyday performance
Best For:
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Small kitchen spaces
- People want retro aesthetics
- Anyone needing basic functionality
5. Inventum Microwave – Best Simple Design
What Users Love: Clean, modern design with essential features and no unnecessary complexity.
Technical Specs:
- 20-liter capacity
- Silver stainless steel finish
- Size: 44 x 37 x 26 cm
- Interior space: 275 x 260 x 175 mm
- 255mm glass turntable
Control Features:
- Rotary knob controls
- 5 power settings
- 8 pre-set cooking programs
- Up to a 60-minute timer
- Clear digital display
Interior Benefits:
- Enamel interior for easy cleaning
- Built-in light for monitoring
- Spacious cooking area
- Dishwasher-safe turntable
Ideal For:
- People wanting simplicity
- Modern kitchen designs
- Anyone avoiding complicated controls
- Households needing dependable performance
COOKING GUIDE: GETTING THE BEST RESULTS
Optimal Cooking Times by Food Type
| Food Type | Quantity | Cooking Time | Power Level & Tips |
| Rice | 250g | 12 – 14 minutes | 100% / Add extra water, stir halfway |
| Vegetable | 300g | 4 – 6 minutes | 80% / Cover with vented lid |
| Chicken | 400g | 8 – 10 minutes | 70% / Turn once, check temperature |
| Soup | 300ml | 2 – 3 minutes | 100% / Stir before and after |
| Frozen Meals | 350g | 6 – 8 minutes | 80% / Follow package instructions |
| Coffee/Tea | 250ml | 1 – 2 minutes | 100% / Use microwave safe mugs |
Common Cooking Questions Answered:
“How long to heat leftovers in 800-watt microwave?”
- Most leftovers: 2-4 minutes at 80% power
- Stir or flip halfway through
- Check the temperature before eating
“Can I cook raw meat in an 800-watt microwave?”
- Yes, but use lower power (60-70%)
- Always check the internal temperature
- Let it rest for 2 minutes after cooking
“Why is my food still cold in the middle?”
1) Use proper microwave-safe dishes
2) Reduce power to 70-80%
3) Increase cooking time
4) Stir or rearrange food halfway.
MICROWAVE VS. AIR FRYER: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE
When people ask about conversions, many wonder, “How do I convert air fryer times to microwave?” Here’s the reality:
These Are Different Cooking Methods:
- Air fryers circulate hot air for browning and crisping
- Microwaves use electromagnetic energy to heat from the inside
- No direct time conversion exists
General Guideline:
- Air fryer recipe: 15 minutes at 200°C
- Microwave equivalent: 4-5 minutes at full power
- But remember: Microwaves won’t brown or crisp food
Best Uses for Each:
- Microwave: Reheating, defrosting, quick cooking, steaming
- Air fryer: Crisping, browning, making “fried” foods healthier
SAFETY TIPS FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY
Proper Food Positioning
For Even Heating:
- Center placement – Put food in the middle of the turntable
- Even distribution – Spread food in a single layer when possible
- Proper containers – Use microwave-safe dishes only
Container Guidelines:
- Glass and ceramic work best
- Avoid metal containers completely
- Use vented covers for steaming
- Choose appropriate sizes for your food
Daily Safety Practices
Before Each Use:
- Check that the door closes properly
- Ensure the turntable moves freely
- Use only microwave-safe containers
- Never operate empty
During Cooking:
- Don’t leave food unattended for long periods
- Stop and stir dense foods halfway through
- Use potholders for hot containers
- Let food rest before eating
MAINTENANCE AND CARE GUIDE
Daily Maintenance
After Each Use:
- Wipe the interior with a damp cloth
- Clean the turntable if needed
- Check for food spills
- Leave the door open briefly to air out
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Interior Cleaning:
- Place a bowl of water with lemon juice inside
- Heat for 2 minutes on high
- Let the steam sit for 5 minutes
- Wipe clean with a soft cloth
- Clean the turntable in the dishwasher
Exterior Care:
- Use mild soap and water
- Avoid harsh chemicals
- Clean the control panel gently
- Polish stainless steel if applicable
Monthly Safety Checks
Important Inspections:
- Door seal condition
- Ventilation openings clear
- Power cord not damaged
- Interior light working
- Turntable rotating smoothly
MAKING YOUR FINAL DECISION
Budget Considerations: Your budget determines which microwave you can choose. Basic models offer essential functions at lower prices.
Mid-range options provide better features and reliability. Premium microwaves include advanced technology but cost significantly more.
Long-term Value:
- Energy efficiency saves money
- Reliable brands need fewer repairs
- Warranty coverage varies by manufacturer
- Consider replacement part availability
Space and Design Factors
Measuring Your Space:
- Counter depth and width
- Clearance for door opening
- Ventilation requirements around the unit
- Height clearance above the microwave
Design Compatibility:
- Match existing appliance colors
- Consider retro vs. modern styling
- Think about control panel preferences
- Evaluate cleaning ease
Feature Priorities
Essential Features:
- Reliable heating performance
- Easy-to-use controls
- Appropriate capacity for your needs
- Good warranty coverage
Nice-to-Have Features:
- Pre-set cooking programs
- Multiple power levels
- Digital display
- Interior lighting
- Removable turntable
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is 800 watts enough power for a microwave? A: Yes, 800 watts handles most household cooking tasks efficiently. It’s powerful enough for reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking while being energy-efficient.
Q: How much counter space do I need? A: Most 800-watt models need about 18-22 inches of width and 12-15 inches of depth, plus clearance for ventilation.
Q: Can I use any dishes in my microwave? A: Only use microwave-safe containers. Glass, ceramic, and microwave-safe plastic work well. Avoid metal, aluminum foil, and dishes with metallic trim.
Q: Why does my microwave heat unevenly? A: Try using lower power settings, stirring food halfway through, and ensuring proper food placement in the center of the turntable.
Q: How long should an 800-watt microwave last? A: With proper care, expect 8-12 years of reliable service from quality brands.
FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The best 800-watt microwave for your kitchen depends on your specific needs, but our top picks offer excellent performance and value:
For Most People: The Nostalgia Retro provides the best combination of style, performance, and user-friendly features.
For Reliability Seekers: The Toshiba offers consistent performance with modern design and flexible defrosting options.
For Innovation Lovers: The Severin’s no-turntable design provides superior heating evenness and easier cleaning.
For Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Emerson Retro delivers vintage charm and solid performance at an affordable price.
For Simplicity Fans: The Inventum offers a clean design with essential features and no unnecessary complexity.
Whatever model you choose, an 800-watt microwave will serve you well for years of reliable cooking, reheating, and food preparation.
These mid-range powerhouses strike the perfect balance between performance and efficiency for most households.