Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best 16 Inch Microwave | 20.6 Inch Wide for Full Plates

Check Price on Amazon

The Samsung MS19DG8500SRAA sits at the top of the 16 inch class because it solves the two biggest complaints of compact microwaves: uneven heating and a small interior. Its 1.9 cubic foot capacity is the largest among the models reviewed, and the ceramic interior resists scratching and wipes clean without scrubbing. Sensor Cooking automatically adjusts time and power, so you don’t have to guess whether your frozen dinner needs an extra minute.

The auto door lock resets after every power outage, but you can deactivate it through the settings — a major relief for users who found earlier Samsung models frustrating. The stainless steel finish matches other Samsung kitchen appliances exactly, and the optional trim kit allows flush built-in installation. It’s wider than a typical compact unit, so measure your space carefully before purchasing.

Some users reported receiving damaged units due to poor packaging, so inspect the box thoroughly upon arrival. Once set up, the microwave performs silently during operation and the beep can be turned off entirely. For anyone wanting a premium, large-capacity 16 inch wide microwave with smart features, this model delivers the most versatile experience.

Check Price on Amazon

The Toshiba ML4-EM12PA delivers 1000W of power with a 12.4 inch turntable — the largest turntable in this guide — which easily accommodates oval casserole dishes and full dinner plates. Its black stainless steel finish looks modern on any counter, and the exterior width of 20.6 inches fits within the 16 inch wide category while maximizing internal space. The smart sensor detects steam from food and automatically adjusts cooking time, which improves consistency for rice, soup, and frozen entrees.

Users consistently praise the mute function that silences beeps completely, making it ideal for dorm rooms or shared kitchens. The memory function lets you save custom cook settings for frequently used dishes. The door release button is stiff — a minor ergonomic issue that some users work around by using their thumb. Manual time entry for odd durations like 1 minute 45 seconds isn’t possible through the touchpad, though the one-touch buttons for 1-6 minutes cover most reheating scenarios.

The LED interior light is gentle and doesn’t create a blinding glare when you open the door. This model also includes a two-step child lock that can be deactivated, preventing accidental activation without daily frustration. For its combination of power, turntable size, and smart features, the Toshiba stands shoulder-to-shoulder with premium models.

Check Price on Amazon

The Sharp 0.9 cubic foot microwave offers a rare combination in the 16 inch wide category: compact exterior dimensions with a 10.6 inch Carousel turntable inside. That turntable size means you can fit a full dinner plate without having to rotate it mid-cycle. The 900W output sits just above the entry-level 700W threshold, cutting heating time for frozen meals by about one-third compared to budget units.

Users consistently highlight the quiet operation and the effective popcorn preset that doesn’t burn kernels. The white LED display is bright — some users find it too bright for a dark kitchen and use a small piece of tinted film to dim it. The door closes with a solid clang rather than a soft-close mechanism, which may bother light sleepers. The gray interior hides stains better than white interiors, and the LED interior lighting stays on while the door is open, which can waste electricity if you leave it open often.

The child lock is easy to engage and disengage, adding safety without daily annoyance. For a compact microwave that cooks evenly and quickly without a steep learning curve, the Sharp is a reliable workhorse. It’s a strong mid-range pick for anyone upgrading from a 700W unit without jumping to a premium price tier.

Check Price on Amazon

Black+Decker’s 0.9 cubic foot microwave packs 900W of power into a compact 18.6 inch width, making it one of the narrower options in the mid-range segment. The six auto menus cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates — the most common reheating tasks. The memory function lets you store your favorite settings, so you don’t have to punch in the same time and power level every day for the same dish.

The one-touch start button is genuinely useful: press it once to begin cooking at full power for 30 seconds, or press multiple times to add 30-second increments. The child safety lock is a mandatory two-step process that can be deactivated, though users in California note it’s required by law and can’t be permanently disabled. The keypad is responsive and the digital display is easy to read from a distance.

Some users mention the mandatory child lock adds an extra step to every use if left enabled. The dimensions (10.7 inches tall, 18.6 inches wide, 13.2 inches deep) make it one of the most compact 900W microwaves on the market, ideal for tight corners or shelves. For the price-conscious buyer who wants 900W power without stepping up to a premium tier, this model delivers strong daily performance with minimal counter space.

Check Price on Amazon

The GE compact 0.7 cubic foot microwave is designed specifically for the tightest counter spaces. It fits a 13 inch deep cabinet easily, making it a go-to choice for apartments, RVs, and dorm rooms. The 700W output is sufficient for beverages, leftovers, and frozen meals, though it will take longer than higher-wattage units. The stainless steel and black glass construction gives it a modern look that punches above its price tier.

Users who upgraded from cheaper compact microwaves (like Commercial Chef or Comfee) report that the GE feels sturdier, with a quieter fan and a dryer interior after cooking. The two-step child lock is mandatory but can be deactivated if not needed. A notable design quirk: you must press a button immediately after closing the door, or the screen shows “FOOD” and refuses to start — a behavior not mentioned in the manual that frustrates some users.

The top right corner can get warm during extended use, though this is common among compact units. The interior lighting is adequate, and the Instant On express controls let you start cooking with a single press. For the buyer who needs the smallest possible 16 inch wide microwave without sacrificing build quality, the GE is a solid mid-range pick that significantly outperforms budget alternatives in noise and moisture management.

Check Price on Amazon

The Farberware 0.7 cubic foot microwave is a straightforward, no-frills appliance that covers the basics: 700W of power, six one-touch presets (popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, reheat, defrost), and a compact footprint that fits small kitchens. The stainless steel finish is easy to wipe clean, and the interior light lets you monitor your food without opening the door. It’s a budget-friendly entry point into the 16 inch wide category for users who primarily reheat coffee or frozen burritos.

Users note that the 700W output is adequate but noticeably slower than 900W units — expect about 1.5 times longer cook times for frozen dinners. The defrost function works well for small portions of meat, though larger items may require manual flipping mid-cycle. The child lock is straightforward to engage and doesn’t require reading a manual to figure out.

One reviewer found the mandatory child lock mildly annoying but acknowledged it could be disabled. The finish beeps are the same tone as some coffee makers, which caused brief confusion in one household. Overall, the Farberware performs its core job reliably and looks good doing it, making it a sensible budget pick for the basic reheating user who doesn’t need sensor cooking or a mute button.

Check Price on Amazon

The Chefman 0.7 cubic foot microwave is the most affordable entry in this guide, designed for buyers who want a functional 16 inch wide microwave without spending on extras like sensor cooking or memory functions. Its 700W output gets the job done for beverages, leftovers, and popcorn, and the three cooking presets (popcorn, beverages, leftovers) cover the most common uses. The mute button is a surprising inclusion at this price tier — silencing beeps is a feature typically reserved for mid-range and premium models.

The child safety lock is integrated into the handle mechanism: you must pull up on the top edge of the handle to open the door, which prevents small children from opening it. This design is less intrusive than electronic child locks that require pressing a sequence every time. Users note the microwave is slightly noisier than higher-priced alternatives but not distractingly so — the vibration reported by one user may vary by counter surface.

The +30 seconds button works well for quick reheats, and the 10 power levels give you control over delicate tasks like melting butter. The glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. For the budget-conscious shopper who still wants a mute button and a child-safe handle, the Chefman delivers surprising value in a compact, no-fuss package.