5 Best Cuisinart Countertop Microwaves of 2026

The Cuisinart CMW-110 isn’t just another microwave—it’s a precision kitchen partner engineered for those who demand consistency and control. With 1000 watts of power and inverter technology, this model delivers a major leap in performance over conventional units, ensuring food heats evenly without cold spots or rubbery edges. Its 1.1-cubic-foot capacity comfortably fits large plates and deeper dishes, while the 11 power levels (0–100%) offer surgical control over cooking intensity—ideal for delicate tasks like melting chocolate or simmering sauces. For users tired of guesswork and dry leftovers, this microwave is a revelation.

In real-world testing, the sensor cook feature consistently outperformed manual settings, accurately detecting moisture levels to shut off the moment food reached optimal warmth—no more overcooked burritos or soggy steam explosions. The inverter-driven even heating was especially noticeable with dense foods like baked potatoes or lasagna, where traditional microwaves often leave icy centers. Even at reduced power, it maintained steady energy output instead of pulsing, which translated into smoother defrosting and gentler reheating. However, the interior light is dim, making it hard to monitor food in low-light kitchens, and the control panel beeps loudly—adjustable volume would be a welcome addition.

When stacked against the Cuisinart CMW-70, the CMW-110 dominates in power, capacity, and smart features, making it a top contender for serious home cooks. While the CMW-70 saves space and cost, it sacrifices wattage and evenness—critical for those who rely on their microwave daily. The CMW-110 strikes a rare balance: professional-tier performance in a sleek, user-friendly design. It doesn’t just reheat—it refines the entire microwave experience, offering smarter, quieter, and more consistent results than most rivals in its class.

Don’t let its compact size fool you—the Cuisinart CMW-70 packs a surprisingly smart punch for budget-conscious buyers who still want reliable performance. With 700 watts of power and a 0.7-cubic-foot interior, it’s tailor-made for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or bachelors who prioritize efficiency over volume. What elevates it above basic models is its auto-cook menu, featuring one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, and frozen veggies—eliminating guesswork and minimizing user error. For those who microwave more than toast but less than turkey, this model hits a sweet spot between simplicity and functionality.

During testing, the pre-programmed functions delivered impressively consistent results, especially the popcorn and reheat settings, which adjusted time and power automatically to avoid scorching or sogginess. The defrost-by-weight feature worked reliably, gently thawing chicken breasts without cooking the edges—a common flaw in lower-wattage units. However, its 700-watt output struggles with larger or denser meals, requiring manual power adjustments and extra time. And while compactness is a plus, it can’t accommodate standard dinner plates—only smaller or rectangular dishes fit comfortably.

Compared to the CMW-110, the CMW-70 trades power and capacity for affordability and footprint. But against other budget microwaves, it stands tall with smarter automation and solid build quality. It’s not built for families or meal preppers, but for students, singles, or secondary kitchens, it’s a no-fuss, dependable performer that brings mid-tier features to an entry-level price. You sacrifice raw power, but gain thoughtful touches that make daily use genuinely easier.

The Cuisinart CMW-100FR proves that refurbished doesn’t mean compromised—this certified refurbished microwave delivers 90% of the premium experience at a fraction of the cost. Boasting a 1-cubic-foot interior and 1000 watts of power, it matches full-size models in cooking performance, making it ideal for renters, college students, or anyone upgrading from an aging unit. The standout is its 25 preset functions, from popcorn to vegetables, which take the guesswork out of everyday cooking and promote consistent, restaurant-quality results with zero effort. For value seekers, it’s a rare find: high-end features without the high-end markup.

In practical use, the two-stage cooking mode shines—perfect for defrosting meat and then cooking it immediately with one programmed sequence—saving time and reducing manual input. The rotating glass turntable ensures even exposure, and the LCD touchpad is responsive and intuitive, with clear icons and a bright display. It handles reheating, frozen meals, and beverage warming with confidence, though the brushed chrome finish shows fingerprints easily, requiring frequent wiping to keep it looking sleek. There’s also no inverter technology, so heating can be slightly uneven at lower power levels compared to the CMW-110.

Pitted against the CMW-100, this refurbished twin offers nearly identical features and capacity but at a significantly lower entry point. While the CMW-100 is new and slightly more premium, the CMW-100FR delivers exceptional bang for the buck without sacrificing core functionality. It’s the smart choice for eco-conscious buyers who want powerful, feature-rich performance without paying full retail—a high-value workhorse for everyday cooking that outclasses many new models in its price range.

The Cuisinart CMW-100 is a powerhouse built for those who treat the microwave as a primary cooking tool, not just a reheating station. With a spacious 1-cubic-foot cavity and 1000 watts of stainless steel-reinforced power, it handles large dishes, family-sized meals, and batch cooking with ease—making it a standout for larger households or serious meal preppers. Its 25 preprogrammed settings and 8 serving-size presets offer unmatched versatility, letting you cook everything from oatmeal to frozen entrées with a single tap. The stainless steel interior isn’t just durable—it resists odors and wipes clean effortlessly, a major win for long-term hygiene and maintenance.

Real-world testing revealed strong, consistent performance across a wide range of tasks, from steaming vegetables to reheating casseroles, thanks to the 12-inch glass turntable that ensures full coverage. The two-stage cooking function allows seamless transitions—like defrosting ground beef and then browning it—adding a layer of sophistication rarely seen in countertop models. However, its 37.9-pound weight makes it difficult to move, and the dark tinted window limits visibility during operation, forcing users to pause and open the door to check progress. It’s a minor frustration, but one that adds up over time.

Compared to the CMW-110, the CMW-100 offers similar wattage and capacity but lacks inverter technology and sensor cook—features that enhance precision and convenience. Still, its abundance of presets and robust build make it a top pick for users who prioritize cooking flexibility over smart automation. It’s heavier, pricier, and less portable, but for those who need a large, durable, feature-packed microwave, it delivers where it counts—offering more programmable power than most in its league.