Top 5 Countertop Microwaves

Best Countertop Microwaves can transform your kitchen routine by cutting prep time and simplifying mealtime. If you’re frustrated with bulky, hard-to-fit appliances, our guide to compact microwave ovens promises quick, efficient solutions that spark joy and ease your cooking chaos. Discover power-packed reviews and practical tips that will revolutionize your counter space. Let’s explore how these dynamic microwaves can make your busy life simpler and more enjoyable.

Top 5 Countertop Microwaves:

1. ‎TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave – Best Countertop Microwave Overall

 

 

If you are fed up with kitchenware that offers god-knwing-what and finally rests never to be used, then the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave oyuyiujiywill steal the show. More than just a workhorse, this beaut is like a culinary superhero in its shiny stainless steel armour! 1 Cu Ft capacity, 1000 heating wattfrequency great at turning your cooking fantasies to reality.

But wait, there’s more! This multi-functional marvel does it all (microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, defroster and yes…toaster) with 10 power levels With reliable Inverter Microwave technology, half-cooked dinners can become a thing of the past. No longer will you have to stress over suddenly hitting a cold spot when eating up the leftovers from the night before, and every single piece will come out beautifully soft and even.

Also, can we discuss that 360-degree fast heat circulation. Healthy fries? Count me in! This corn dog nugget air fryer gives you that special basket to use when you want to eat without the guilt. Who knew that caloric deficit could be so tasty!

Want to speed things up? The Combi-Modes (Convection + Microwave & Grill) give you all the convenience of a microwave oven while also running convection and grill functions—the perfect setting for deliciously crunchy, browning treats in half the time. You will seem like a gourmet cook every time you prepare dinner.

So why settle for mediocrity? The TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Sleek and powerful, the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave is ready to produce some dam fine yum for you!!

 

2. Panasonic HomeChef NN‑CD87KS – Best Convection/Air‑Fry Countertop Microwave

 

 

Are you finally ready to take your cooking to the next level? Meet the Panasonic HomeChef NN‑CD87KS, your new kitchen-sidekick for all your culinary needs. With 1.2 cubic feet of cooking space, this slim stainless steel beauty has quite a bit to boast about.

It changed the way you look at microwaves forever. This microwave, convection oven and air fryer in one can turn out everything from crispy fries to roast chicken. Want to impress your friends? No problem! The Genius Sensor Cooking eliminates the guesswork out of meal planning and guarantees that your dishes are cooked to perfection.

But wait, there’s more! Having the 1000 watt inverter technology is like having a sous-chef… who knows exactly how to prepare your meal, whether you want to reheat or cook yours from scratch. So the Healthy Air Fryer mode lets you enjoy all your sinful pleasures sans culpa — brown, crisp and so quick that you do not even have to preheat.

The FlashXpress Broiler also helps ensure your dishes stay browned and crisped. That way if you are a kitchen novice or a restaurant-style chef, whether above or below grade, this versatile workhorse will quickly become your go-to tool. Calm down about the future of cooking — and just enjoy a little something for your mouth to do.

 

3. Toshiba ML-EM62P – Best Large‑Capacity Smart‑Sensor Countertop Microwave

 

 

Time to up your countertop game, say hello to the Toshiba ML-EM62P. This is not just like any microwave you would have ever seen, this is more of like a private sous-chef which specializes in group cooking. For busy families, its 2.2 cu. ft. capacity accommodates everything from a sixteen-inch pizza to a whole chicken that can be built to savory perfection in this fossil-fuel free chamber of cookery!

I purchased this microwave after pulling the trigger on an equally but CR recommended Panasonic and immediately noticed a giant leap forward from the days of guessing how long to nuke your leftovers sans hot spots—its humidity sensor & 6 automatic preset menus mean perfect heating time is just buttons away, ensuring juicy-ness reigns supreme. No matter what, this microwave will handle everything from bacon that just needs a little crisping up to frozen rolls pretending they just came out of the oven.

You definitely can’t ignore the Auto-Defrost function that allows you to safely thaw meats, poultry and fish so there’s no guessing involved. And never again will you get a nasty surprise as best use of nature ensures perfect defrosting every time!

This stainless steel powerhouse is not just smart, it pumps out 1200 watts of power as well. Goodbye to the mundane process involved in food prepping, and say hello to all natural convenience that can keep up with your daily bustling schedule! Because with the Toshiba ML-EM62P, great food is only a press of a button away!

 

4. BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 – Best Compact Countertop Microwave

 

 

If your kitchen feels like the space is shrinking as though it belongs in New York City, then… The brand new Black + Decker EM925AB9 is a prime example of why good things come in small packages. This tiny powerhouse knows how to get the job done, with just 0.9 cubic feet of space that makes it perfect for dorm life, a small kitchen, or reheating last night’s pizza without taking over your counter.

This microwave is built for function, but not to be fooled by its size. With a 10-inch turntable, you’ll have plenty of room to slide in a standard dinner plate or your go-to coffee mug—all though I very much still appreciate the fact that it gives you measurements beforehand (hello~ less cooking messes).

The real claim to fame of this microwave is the user-friendly integration. It has easy presets for popcorn, potatoes and frozen veggies and you can program three of your most-used functions. You use your microwave assistant, who is prepared to bend to your whim as long as you allow it a small RockCandy.

900 watts gives it enough juice to tackle most tasks, but if you’re taking down some serious leftovers it might have to run a few more seconds. Its slender size at 19.1 inches x 14.8 inches x 11.5 inches nestles in the corner of your kitchen and makes it a great looking partner for all your cooking needs. This is it, if you were in need of a powerful and space-saving microwave that wont clash with your style.

 

5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 – Best Budget Countertop Microwave

 

 

Still looking for an affordable microwave to replenish your empty wallet? Enter: The Black + Decker EM720CB7—your future countertop companion! But this stylish little wonder at 0.7 cubic feet of smallness isn’t going to take up your coveted counter real estate (ideal for those of you living in a studio, or let’s face it, still in dorm rooms). At less than 13 inches wide and 10.2 inches tall, it fits right in any kitchen.

We guarantee that you will love the 10-inch glass turntable that provides even reheats for leftovers so that you no longer need to play “hot and cold” with your meals. Oh, speaking of convenience — with the touch of a button you can pull open that hot dish without spilling your secrets (or dinner)!

You have 10 power levels to choose from whenever you adjust your culinary creations, the range of melting butter or reheating pizza. Yea it may not be as fast as those turbocharged models at 700 watts, but slow and steady wins the race. In addition, one-touch buttons for favorites such as popcorn make cooking easier and more entertaining.

Even at this undeniably high price, you get something that you can count on as your kitchen companion if you’re a busy bee beating the clock or a student heading for last-minute exam prep—or simply an efficiency-obsessed person. Finally, you will enjoy once again the user-friendliness and reliability… What did we learn, life without this microwave was child left behind!

 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Countertop Microwave:

There’s a set of factors you should weigh when choosing a countertop microwave: your available counter space and interior capacity, wattage and cooking performance, useful features like sensor cooking or convection, ease of use and cleaning, and warranty or service options; evaluating these helps you pick a model that fits your kitchen, cooking habits, and budget.

Evaluating Frequency of Use

Estimate daily minutes and weekly cycles: if you use the microwave 30+ minutes per day for family meals, prioritize durability, higher wattage (900–1200W) and a stainless interior; occasional users can opt for 700–900W and lighter materials to save money.

Track patterns for two weeks—count reheats, full meals, and defrosts—to calculate duty cycle and expected lifespan. Heavy users typically run 100–200 cycles monthly, so look for models with robust turntable motors, longer warranties (2–5 years), and easy-service parts. Single-person kitchens that heat coffee and quick meals 1–2 times daily can safely choose compact, lower-power units to reduce energy draw and countertop clutter.

Countertop Footprint vs. Kitchen Layout

Measure the available counter area before shopping: most countertop microwaves are 18–24 inches wide, 12–20 inches deep and 10–14 inches tall, and you’ll want manufacturer-recommended clearances (typically about 1 inch at the sides and ~3 inches above) for ventilation. Place the unit near an outlet and avoid siting it directly next to the stove or sink where steam and splatter can shorten its life; consider whether a recessed nook or prep zone will leave enough working surface once the microwave is in place.

Internal Capacity: Meal Size Considerations

Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet: 0.5–0.8 cu ft suits reheating single servings and small plates, 0.9–1.2 cu ft handles full dinner plates (around 11 inches), and 1.3–2.2 cu ft is best for family meals and larger cookware such as 9×13-inch casseroles. Match capacity to the dishes you use most so you don’t end up shuttling food in multiple batches.

Check turntable diameter and interior height as well: many compact models have a 10–11 inch turntable while mid to large units use 12–14 inches, and interior heights commonly range 6–9 inches. Flatbed designs give more usable space for square or rectangular dishes; if you regularly heat tall mugs, multiple plates, or a 9×13 baking dish aim for at least 1.4 cu ft and verify the interior width/depth dimensions rather than relying solely on the cu ft number.

Measuring Available Kitchen Space

Measure width, depth and height at the exact spot you plan to place the unit, noting standard counter depth is 24″. Leave 1–3 inches clearance on sides and back and 2–3 inches above unless the manual states otherwise. Check outlet position and cord reach (typically ~3–4 feet) and allow 12–20 inches of front clearance for door swing. If a cabinet sits 15–18″ above the counter, you’ll need a low-profile model or an inset design to avoid hitting the door.

Understanding Interior Capacity

Interior capacity runs roughly 0.5–2.2 cu ft (14–62 L); a 1.5–1.6 cu ft cavity often accommodates a 9×13″ casserole, while 0.7–1.0 cu ft models suit plates and single bowls. Pay attention to internal width, depth and height — cubic feet alone can be misleading — and note common turntable diameters (10″, 12″, 13.5″) which determine usable floor space. Match interior dimensions to the dishes you use most to avoid surprises.

Measure your most-used items: dinner plates (often 10–12″ diameter), cereal bowls (~6″ diameter) and tall travel mugs (6–8″ height) and compare against the microwave’s stated interior width, depth and height — manufacturers often list these in inches. Remember turntable recess reduces usable flat area; flatbed or inverter models give more straight-through space for rectangular bakeware. For family cooking with 9×13 pans, target an interior width of ~16–18″ and height around 10–12″; if you primarily reheat single plates, a 1.0–1.2 cu ft unit with a 12″ turntable will usually suffice. Always verify the actual interior measurements rather than relying solely on advertised cubic feet.

Energy Efficiency Ratings and Long-Term Savings

Rather than relying on wattage alone, check for inverter technology and manufacturer cook-time tests; inverter models keep power steady for more even heating and can cut reheating time by roughly 10–25% in real-world tests. Magnetic coupling efficiency varies, so compare independent lab reviews or consumer tests showing actual energy-per-task numbers — you may save only $10–$30 per year, but savings add up if you use the microwave heavily.

Navigating Control Panel Options

Compare physical buttons, touchpads, and rotary knobs for speed and reliability: tactile buttons endure heavy use better, while glass touch panels can be sleek but less forgiving with grease. Check display contrast and font size—backlit LCDs or LED clocks reduce squinting during evening use. Note layout: a dedicated numeric pad speeds time entry, a single-touch popcorn or reheat key saves steps, and clearly separated start/stop keys prevent accidental starts. If you share the kitchen, sample the panel in-store to see what feels natural.

Evaluating Preset Functions and Smart Technology

Assess presets by relevance: standard options like popcorn, sensor reheat, defrost by weight/time, and beverage are common, while specialty presets (frozen pizza, steam, or air-fry) vary by model; count on 6–10 useful presets in mainstream units. Sensor cooking uses humidity sensors to adjust time automatically, improving consistency across wattages (700–1,250W). Smart features—Wi‑Fi, app control, or voice commands—add convenience but also require firmware updates and network setup.

Dig deeper into presets by testing them against your typical foods: sensor-reheat should warm a mug of soup uniformly in about 1–2 minutes on 900W models, while weight-defrost often reduces overcooking compared with manual timing. Brands that advertise inverter or variable-power technology tend to throttle power more precisely for delicate tasks like melting chocolate. For smart microwaves, verify app reviews and update policies; intermittent connectivity can disable remote start or recipe sync, so balance convenience against reliability.

Design Styles That Complement Your Kitchen

For a cohesive look, match finish and hardware: brushed stainless pairs with modern or transitional kitchens, matte black suits industrial or high-contrast schemes, and white or cream enamel blends with cottage or farmhouse styles. Slim-profile bezels and recessed handles create a built-in appearance on small counters, while visible trim kits can mimic the visual weight of a built-in microwave. Look at neighboring appliances—if your fridge and range are stainless, a stainless microwave prevents a mismatched focal point.

Final Words

Conclusively, when you choose a countertop microwave you should assess cooking power and capacity, available countertop space, ventilation and compatibility with nearby appliances, preset functions and control simplicity, energy efficiency, warranty and service, and whether the design suits your workflow and cleanup habits. Prioritize the features that match your typical meals so you get reliable performance and value over time.