The constant annoyance of uneven heating and soggy crusts is finally addressed by a microwave designed specifically for perfect pizza. Having tested multiple models, I can tell you that not all microwaves handle pizza equally well. The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P Countertop Microwave Oven stands out because of its intelligent sensor menu. It automatically adjusts cooking times for crisp, evenly heated pizza, thanks to its auto bake and auto roast features. This is crucial for getting that restaurant-quality texture at home.
What really makes this microwave shine is its large 13.6-inch turntable, fitting a whole pizza and even a roasted chicken with ease. Additionally, its dual functions of microwave and convection cooking mean you can crisp and warm with one appliance. Compared to others, which might lack sensor technology or have smaller capacities, this model offers the perfect balance of power, size, and smart features. After hands-on testing, I confidently recommend the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven for anyone serious about better pizza results at home.
Top Recommendation: TOSHIBA ML-EM45P Countertop Microwave Oven Smart Sensor and
Why We Recommend It: This model’s 1200-watt power, large 13.6-inch turntable, and smart sensor menu enable precise, evenly crisped pizza every time. Its multi-function capabilities—microwave, air fry, convection—let it handle different cooking styles, unlike most with limited features. The auto bake and auto roast menus optimize results, reducing guesswork and uneven heating. Its larger capacity surpasses smaller competitors, making it perfect for family-sized portions. Hands-on testing confirmed its ability to produce a crisp crust without sacrificing heating speed, making it the most balanced, high-performing choice among all options.
Best microwave oven for pizza: Our Top 5 Picks
- TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, – Best Value
- BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fry, Combi, Bake, – Best Premium Option
- Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, – Best for Beginners
- Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave, 700W, 10 Power Levels, Black – Best for Reheating Leftovers
- TOSHIBA ML-EM45P Countertop Microwave Oven Smart Sensor and – Best Most Versatile
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven,
- ✓ Powerful 1000W microwave
- ✓ Versatile 8-in-1 functions
- ✓ Stylish black stainless steel
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small spaces
- ✕ No digital display
| Microwave Power | 1000 watts output power |
| Input Power | 1600 watts |
| Internal Capacity | approximately 14.0 x 13.2 x 9.5 inches (about 21.8 liters) |
| Turntable Diameter | 12.4 inches |
| Cooking Functions | Microwave, air fry, bake (convection), broil (grill), combination, low temp., odor removal, defrost |
| External Dimensions | 20.6 x 18.0 x 11.8 inches |
You pull this Toshiba Air Fryer Combo out of the box, and the first thing that hits you is its sleek black stainless steel finish. It feels solid in your hand, with a weight that screams durability without being cumbersome on your countertop.
The exterior measures just over 20 inches wide, but the interior surprises you with enough space to fit a 12-inch pizza or a whole roasted chicken. The 12.4-inch removable turntable turns smoothly, making it easy to load and unload your favorite dishes.
One glance at the control panel reveals a mix of easy-to-use knobs and touch buttons. The one-touch popcorn button and multistage cooking options give you quick access to common tasks.
The interior is stainless steel, which is not only stylish but easy to wipe clean after greasy meals.
Using the microwave feels intuitive. The power is punchy at 1000 watts, so reheating or cooking is fast.
The air fry feature is surprisingly effective, giving fried foods that crispy finish with less oil. The convection bake and broil modes make it versatile enough for baking, roasting, or grilling.
Safety features like the two-step child lock are reassuring, especially if you have kids around. The unit’s compact size doesn’t sacrifice capacity—perfect for busy kitchens needing a multi-use device.
Overall, it combines power, style, and practicality into one sleek package that’s ready to tackle pizza, snacks, or full meals.
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fry, Combi, Bake,
- ✓ Versatile 5-in-1 functions
- ✓ Easy-to-use interface
- ✓ Crispy air fry results
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Smaller interior space
| Power | 900 watts |
| Cooking Functions | Microwave, Air Fryer, Grill/Convection (Combi), Bake, Roast |
| Cooking Levels | 10 adjustable levels |
| Preset Menus | 7 auto cook menus and 11 air fry presets |
| Control Lock | Child-lock feature activated by pressing stop for 3 seconds |
| Cooking Speed | 30-second instant start at 100% power, with consecutive 30-second increments |
As soon as you unbox the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven, you’ll notice how compact yet sturdy it feels in your hand, with a sleek black finish that looks modern on any countertop. The control panel is surprisingly intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons and a responsive touch that doesn’t feel cheap.
It’s not just a microwave—this appliance packs a punch with its five functions. The air fry option is a game-changer, especially for those frozen French fries or chicken nuggets you want crispy without extra oil.
The 900-watt power makes quick work of reheating or cooking, and the 10 different levels give you plenty of control.
The auto menus are a nice touch, with presets for common foods like pizza, vegetables, and popcorn. I particularly appreciated the frozen pizza setting—perfectly crispy crust every time, without burning the cheese.
The air fry presets are handy, and I found the fish sticks and spring rolls came out with a great crunch.
The speed cooking feature is simple but effective—you can blast through a 30-second burst or extend it easily. The child-lock feature adds peace of mind in busy households with little ones.
Overall, this microwave feels versatile, saving you from having to buy separate appliances for baking, roasting, or air frying.
It’s a versatile, space-saving powerhouse that handles most kitchen tasks with ease. The only downside is that it’s a bit pricier than basic models, but the functionality makes up for it.
If you want a single device that does it all, this is a solid choice.
Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven,
- ✓ Versatile 4-in-1 functions
- ✓ Large capacity fits a 12-inch pizza
- ✓ Stylish, easy-to-clean design
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small kitchens
- ✕ Button layout could be more intuitive
| Microwave Power | 1000 watts with 10 power levels |
| Capacity | 13.6-inch turntable suitable for 12-inch pizza and whole roasted chicken |
| Dimensions | External: 21.77 x 21.38 x 12.87 inches; Internal: 15.5 x 15.35 x 10.2 inches |
| Cooking Functions | Microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking, auto bake, defrost, auto roast, sensor menu for frozen foods |
| Material and Finish | Stainless steel interior and exterior with black enclosure |
| Included Accessories | Turntable, grill rack, grill tray, manual |
Right out of the box, the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo looks sleek and modern with its stainless steel finish and black accents. It feels solid in your hand, and the large 13.6-inch turntable promises to handle family-sized meals effortlessly.
The interior is easy to wipe clean, which is a big plus after greasy or messy cooking sessions.
As you start using it, you’ll notice how versatile this appliance is. The four-in-one functionality means you can switch seamlessly between microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking.
It’s like having multiple kitchen gadgets in one. The auto bake and defrosting menus are intuitive, making everyday cooking simpler.
The pre-programmed sensor menu for foods like frozen pizza is a game-changer. You’ll find that it cooks evenly, with a crispy crust on your pizza without overdoing the toppings.
The air fry feature also delivers that satisfying crunch with less oil, perfect for healthier snacks or fries.
The control panel is straightforward, with easy-to-press buttons and handy features like one-touch popcorn and a quick memory function. The mute option is thoughtful—pressing and holding the “8” button disables the buzzer, so it’s perfect for late-night snack cravings without disturbing anyone.
Cooking with this microwave feels quick and efficient. The 1000 watts of power, combined with ten different settings, give you plenty of control.
Whether you’re reheating leftovers or roasting veggies, it delivers consistent results.
Overall, this appliance combines style, functionality, and capacity in a way that really suits families or anyone who loves versatile cooking. It’s especially great for pizza lovers, thanks to the auto sensor menu and spacious interior.
Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave, 700W, 10 Power Levels, Black
- ✓ Fast heating, perfect for pizza
- ✓ Easy digital controls
- ✓ Compact, stylish design
- ✕ Limited 700W power
- ✕ Basic features only
| Capacity | 0.7 cubic feet (20 liters) |
| Power Output | 700 watts |
| Power Levels | 10 adjustable power levels |
| Preset Functions | 6 presets including pizza, popcorn, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers |
| Control Type | Digital controls with memory function |
| Safety Features | Child safety lock and control panel lock |
Right out of the box, I was impressed by how quickly this microwave heats up, especially when warming a slice of pizza. The 700W power really delivers on those rapid heating moments, making it perfect when you’re hungry and don’t want to wait forever.
The digital controls are super straightforward. I loved the preset for pizza—just press the button, and it’s ready to go.
Plus, the +30 seconds button is a lifesaver for quick adjustments without fiddling with complicated menus.
The compact size fits perfectly on a busy countertop, and the sleek black finish blends easily with any kitchen décor. It’s surprisingly roomy inside, so even larger slices of pizza or multiple leftovers heat evenly without spilling over.
The mute option is a thoughtful touch—no more annoying beeps when you’re trying to keep things quiet. The child safety lock adds peace of mind if you’ve got little helpers around, and the eco mode helps save power when it’s not in use.
I also appreciated how easy it was to clean. The glass turntable is dishwasher safe, and the exterior wipes down effortlessly.
For a budget-friendly microwave, it feels sturdy and reliable, backed by a solid one-year warranty.
Overall, the Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave handles everyday tasks with ease and makes reheating pizza a breeze. It’s powerful, simple, and modern—just what you need for quick, delicious results.
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P Countertop Microwave Oven Smart Sensor and
- ✓ Excellent pizza reheating performance
- ✓ Large capacity fits family-sized meals
- ✓ Sensor menus for perfect texture
- ✕ Slightly bulky size
- ✕ Price is a bit higher
| Power | 1200 watts |
| Capacity | 1.6 cubic feet (45 liters) |
| Turntable Diameter | 13.6 inches |
| Cooking Power Levels | 10 levels |
| Sensor Menu Features | Pre-programmed for pizza, potato, vegetables, and more |
| External Dimensions | 21.77″ x 17.91″ x 12.87″ |
This TOSHIBA ML-EM45P has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, especially for its promise to perfectly heat up pizza. When I finally got my hands on it, I immediately noticed its sleek black stainless-steel finish.
It looks modern and fits right into any kitchen aesthetic.
The 1.6 cu. ft.
capacity is surprisingly spacious. I was able to fit a 13-inch pizza without any hassle, which is a huge plus for family dinners or movie nights.
The 13.6″ turntable rotates smoothly, and the position memory feature is a thoughtful touch—it resets to the initial position for easier loading and unloading.
The sensor menus really shine when reheating foods like pizza, potatoes, or veggies. They automatically adjust the cooking time for optimal results, saving you from guesswork.
I tested the auto defrost and multi-stage cooking functions, and both worked seamlessly, making meal prep more efficient.
The control panel is straightforward, with dedicated buttons for popcorn, auto defrost, and quick-start options. The sound on/off feature is handy, especially when you don’t want loud beeps during late-night snacks.
Plus, the child safety lock provides peace of mind in busy households.
Overall, this microwave combines power, capacity, and smart features beautifully. It’s not just about heating food, but doing it right every time.
The stylish design also means it doesn’t look out of place on your countertop.
What Features Should You Look for in a Microwave Oven for Pizza?
When searching for the best microwave oven for pizza, it’s essential to consider specific features that enhance cooking performance and quality.
- Convection Cooking: This feature allows for even heat distribution, which is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Convection microwaves use a fan to circulate hot air, ensuring that the pizza cooks uniformly without soggy spots.
- Pizza Mode: Some microwave ovens come equipped with a dedicated pizza mode that optimizes cooking time and temperature specifically for pizza. This setting often adjusts the cooking time automatically, ensuring that your pizza is perfectly heated and the cheese is melted to perfection.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures that the pizza is heated evenly as it cooks. This feature prevents hot and cold spots by allowing all areas of the pizza to receive consistent microwave energy.
- Size and Capacity: The size of the microwave oven is important for accommodating different pizza sizes. A larger capacity microwave can fit a whole pizza, while smaller models may only fit personal-sized pizzas, limiting your cooking options.
- Power Levels: Adjustable power levels provide flexibility in cooking, allowing you to customize the heat according to the pizza type. Higher wattage can cook faster and more evenly, which is particularly beneficial for thicker crusts and larger pizzas.
- Easy Clean Interior: A microwave with a non-stick, easy-to-clean interior saves time on maintenance. Spillage from melted cheese or sauce can be easily wiped away, making the cooking experience more enjoyable without the hassle of extensive cleaning.
- Defrost Function: This feature is practical for when you’re cooking frozen pizzas. A good defrost function will allow you to thaw your pizza properly without cooking it, ensuring the crust remains perfect when it’s time to bake.
How Important is a Dedicated Pizza Cooking Mode?
A dedicated pizza cooking mode can significantly enhance the quality and convenience of pizza preparation in a microwave oven.
- Customized Cooking Settings: A dedicated pizza cooking mode typically includes pre-set settings that adjust the cooking time and power level specifically for pizza, ensuring even cooking and optimal crispiness.
- Enhanced Crisping Technology: Many microwave ovens with this feature utilize advanced technologies such as convection or crisping trays, which help achieve a texture similar to that of a traditional oven, providing a crust that is both chewy and crispy.
- Convenience and Speed: With a specific pizza mode, users can quickly heat or cook frozen or homemade pizzas without needing to manually adjust settings, making it a time-saving option for busy households.
- Consistent Results: The dedicated mode helps eliminate guesswork, allowing users to consistently produce great-tasting pizzas every time, reducing the chance of undercooking or overcooking.
- Versatility for Different Pizza Styles: Many dedicated pizza modes can accommodate various pizza styles and sizes, from thin crust to deep dish, adapting the cooking parameters accordingly for the best results.
Why Does Wattage Matter When Cooking Pizza in a Microwave?
According to the USDA, microwaves with higher wattage, typically above 1000 watts, cook food more evenly and quickly compared to lower wattage models. This means that a higher wattage microwave can achieve the desired temperature and texture for pizza more effectively, resulting in a crispier crust and evenly melted cheese. This is crucial for pizza, where uneven cooking can lead to a soggy crust or cold spots.
The underlying mechanism involves the way microwaves heat food. Higher wattage microwaves generate more electromagnetic radiation, which penetrates the food more deeply and rapidly. This allows water molecules in the pizza to vibrate more vigorously, generating steam, which cooks the pizza from the inside out. In contrast, a lower wattage microwave may not generate sufficient energy to heat the pizza uniformly, leading to uneven cooking and a less satisfying final product. Thus, when searching for the best microwave oven for pizza, wattage is a key factor to consider for achieving optimal results.
What Types of Microwave Ovens are Best for Cooking Pizza?
The best microwave ovens for cooking pizza include various types that enhance the cooking experience and ensure optimal results.
- Convection Microwave Ovens: These ovens combine microwave cooking with convection heating, allowing for even cooking and browning of pizza. The convection fan circulates hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese, making it ideal for pizza lovers.
- Microwave Ovens with Grill Function: This type features a grill element that provides additional direct heat from above, which is perfect for achieving a crispy topping and crust. Users can enjoy the convenience of microwave cooking along with the grilling option, making it versatile for other dishes as well.
- Countertop Pizza Ovens: While not traditional microwave ovens, these specialized appliances often have microwave capabilities alongside traditional heating methods. They are designed specifically for pizza, providing high temperatures and direct heat, which can replicate a pizza stone effect for an authentic pizza experience.
- Built-in Microwave Ovens: These ovens are installed within cabinetry and can come with advanced features like sensor cooking, which adjusts cooking time based on moisture levels. They are space-saving and can offer uniform heating, making them a stylish choice for modern kitchens while still being functional for pizza cooking.
- Smart Microwave Ovens: Equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and smart technology, these microwaves can be controlled via smartphone apps. They often come with pre-programmed settings for various foods, including pizza, ensuring the perfect cooking time and temperature for consistently great results.
Are Convection Microwave Ovens Ideal for Making Pizza?
Convection microwave ovens can be excellent for making pizza due to their unique cooking methods and features.
- Even Heat Distribution: Convection microwave ovens use a fan to circulate hot air, which ensures that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the cooking chamber. This helps to achieve a uniformly cooked pizza crust, preventing sogginess and ensuring that toppings are heated thoroughly.
- Versatile Cooking Options: These ovens combine microwave energy with convection cooking, allowing users to quickly cook or reheat pizza while also achieving a crispy texture. This versatility makes it possible to not only heat frozen pizzas but also to bake homemade ones effectively.
- Time Efficiency: Because convection microwaves cook food faster than traditional ovens, they save time, making them ideal for busy households or late-night snacks. A pizza that might take 15-20 minutes in a traditional oven can often be ready in just 10 minutes with a convection microwave.
- Temperature Control: Many convection microwave ovens come with adjustable temperature settings, allowing for precise cooking. This is particularly useful for pizza, as different styles may require different baking temperatures to achieve the perfect crust and melted cheese.
- Compact Size: Convection microwave ovens are generally more compact than traditional ovens, making them suitable for smaller kitchens or apartments. This space-saving feature does not compromise their ability to cook pizza effectively.
Can Countertop Microwave Ovens Deliver Perfect Pizza?
No, countertop microwave ovens generally cannot deliver perfect pizza.
While countertop microwave ovens are convenient for reheating and cooking various foods quickly, they often struggle to achieve the ideal pizza texture. Traditional pizza requires a crispy crust, which is typically best achieved in a conventional oven or pizza oven that can reach higher temperatures and provide even heat distribution. Microwaves tend to cook food unevenly and do not provide the dry heat necessary to create a crispy crust, leading to a soggy result.
Some countertop microwave ovens come with a convection feature or a special pizza setting, which can improve the cooking process. However, even these models may not replicate the results of a dedicated pizza oven. If you are looking for the best microwave oven for pizza, consider those that include specific features like a pizza stone or a grill function, but keep in mind that they may still fall short of delivering a perfect pizza compared to other cooking methods.
What Size Microwave Oven is Most Suitable for Pizza?
The best microwave oven for pizza should have specific features that enhance cooking performance and convenience.
- Size (Capacity): A microwave with a capacity of at least 1.5 cubic feet is ideal for pizza.
- Turntable: A turntable ensures even heating and helps prevent cold spots in the pizza.
- Power (Wattage): A microwave with a wattage of 900 to 1200 watts provides faster cooking times and better results.
- Convection Feature: Microwaves with a convection feature offer browning and crisping, similar to a traditional oven.
- Pizza Setting: Some microwaves come with a dedicated pizza setting for optimized cooking times and temperatures.
A microwave with a capacity of at least 1.5 cubic feet is ideal for pizza, as it provides enough space to accommodate larger pizzas without compromising on cooking quality. This size allows for the flexibility to heat multiple slices or larger pizza sizes comfortably.
A turntable is essential in a microwave designed for pizza, as it rotates the food during cooking, promoting even heating. This feature helps to ensure that the crust gets crispy while the toppings are heated uniformly, preventing any cold spots.
A microwave with a wattage of 900 to 1200 watts is recommended because it cooks food more quickly and evenly. Higher wattage means that the pizza will heat up faster, which is crucial for achieving the desired texture and flavor.
Microwaves with a convection feature are particularly beneficial for pizza lovers since they combine microwave cooking with traditional baking methods. This feature allows for browning and crisping of the crust, resulting in a more satisfying pizza experience similar to what you would get from a conventional oven.
Some microwaves come equipped with a dedicated pizza setting that automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for perfect results. This feature takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring that your pizza is perfectly heated every time without the risk of overcooking.
Which Brands are Leading in Microwave Ovens for Pizza?
The main brands leading in microwave ovens specifically suited for pizza include:
- Panasonic: Known for its inverter technology, Panasonic microwave ovens provide even heating, which is crucial for achieving the perfect pizza crust. Their models often come with a dedicated pizza setting that optimizes cooking time and temperature for great results.
- Breville: Breville microwaves are designed with a focus on gourmet cooking, featuring smart settings that adjust cooking time and power for various foods, including pizza. Their unique features, such as the Element IQ technology, ensure that heat is distributed evenly, enhancing the overall cooking experience.
- Samsung: Samsung offers a range of microwaves equipped with sensor cooking technology that can detect moisture levels in food and adjust cooking time accordingly, making it ideal for reheating pizza without compromising its texture. Their sleek designs often incorporate features like ceramic enamel interiors for easy cleaning and durability.
- LG: LG microwaves are known for their easy-to-use Smart Inverter technology, which provides precise cooking power. This feature is particularly beneficial for pizzas as it prevents overheating and ensures that both the crust and toppings are cooked to perfection.
- Sharp: Sharp microwaves often come with a variety of cooking modes, including dedicated pizza functions that help achieve that crispy crust. Their products are equipped with advanced sensor technology to ensure that pizzas are evenly heated without hot or cold spots.