Buying guide for best countertop microwaves
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Last year, the workhorse countertop microwave that had dutifully popped popcorn, baked potatoes and reheated my favorite casseroles for over 12 years finally gave out on me. It had served me well, so my natural instinct should have been to replace it immediately, but I got a little cocky.
I'd gotten an air fryer oven that I'd fallen head over heels for, and I was convinced I didn't really need the old tried-and-true microwave. The air fryer oven took a little longer but could reheat leftovers and bake potatoes just as well. If I wanted popcorn, I could learn to be a little more patient, too, and pull my air popper out of the cabinet. I'd be fine without a microwave, I told myself. I didn't need a replacement.
It took less than two weeks — or a couple of busy nights when I was so hungry that waiting eight minutes to reheat lasagna seemed too long, a morning when I desperately needed boiling water for a cup of green tea for my a.m. caffeine boost and a frantic baking session when I forgot to take the butter out to soften — before I changed my mind. You just can't beat the convenience of a countertop microwave, which means I must have one on my kitchen countertop.
Sure, countertop microwaves are fairly basic, but you still want to choose the right one. Most people want a microwave that’s big enough to do what they need it to do — but not so large that it takes over their entire counter or cart. You'll also want to be sure it's got the power you need. The higher the wattage of a microwave, the faster and more evenly it heats food (around 800 to 1,200 watts is ideal).
Once you’ve decided on size and power, think about the other features you need. What kind of controls does it have? How loud is it? Does it have a display? Is it simple to clean? Will it look good in your kitchen? Note, too, that a countertop microwave should be easy for one person to lift. If you’ve got small children, look for one with a child-safety lock.
At BestReviews, we evaluated countertop microwaves for size, capacity, wattage, ease of use, how quickly and evenly they heat and defrost food, and how they set up and look to find the best models. Our top pick, the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave, stands out for its capacity, 10 power levels that provide plenty of flexibility, six presets for popular foods and smart-sensor technology for fuss-free reheating.
Editors' picks
Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave Oven
Editors’ Favorite
Product Dimensions: 15.8" D x 20.7" W x 12.2" H | Capacity: 1.2 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 1200 W | Special Features: Sensor cook and reheat, inverter technology, child-safety lock
With 1,200 watts of maximum heating power, the Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave Oven is versatile enough to handle just about any food you throw at it. It features inverter technology, too, which ensures that its power stays steady across 10 levels for even heating. It also helps the Turbo Defrost setting thaw foods more quickly, without any overcooked edges.
To make heating your favorite dishes even easier, the NN-SN686S also has a built-in Genius sensor, which automatically adjusts the power and cooking time based on the food you’re preparing, so you don’t have to do any guesswork. It has 14 preset auto-cook settings for commonly prepared foods, too, including frozen dinners and veggies, casseroles and soup. It even has a Keep Warm feature that keeps your food at the right temperature until you’re ready to eat.
Best of all, you don’t lose all your counter space to this microwave. It has a compact design and weighs 8 pounds less than similar models. That doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing on interior space, though. It offers 1.2 cubic feet of capacity, so you can easily cook for up to four people.
Comfee' Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Compact & Capable
Product Dimensions: 13" D x 17.3" W x 10.2" H | Capacity: 0.7 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 700 W | Special Features: Child safety lock, mute function, energy-saving Eco mode
The Comfee' 0.7-Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave strikes a balance between size and functionality, making it an ideal choice for those of us with limited countertop space. We really appreciate its convenience features, like one-touch cooking for your favorite snacks and the silent mode for avoiding pesky beeps.
The energy-saving Eco mode is a real winner, saving power and keeping things efficient, although there are some complaints about it not cooking food quickly enough. The child safety lock is a godsend for those of us with little curious hands around. Overall, this microwave is a solid addition to any kitchen.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven
Best Small Microwave
Product Dimensions: 13" D x 17.3" W x 10.2" H | Capacity: 0.7 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 700 W | Special Features: Preprogrammed buttons, sensor technology for optimal results and child-safety lock
The Black+Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse that fits perfectly into small spaces. It has intuitive preprogrammed buttons for popular foods, so you can effortlessly cook or reheat meals at the touch of a button. The sensor technology adjusts cooking times for optimal results, delivering consistent performance.
The overall value and effectiveness seem to hit the nail on the head for most users — — though some have reported mixed experiences with noise and heating distribution. If you're seeking a reliable, user-friendly microwave that doesn’t take up much room, this model might be your best bet.
LG 1.5-Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave
Best for Families
Product Dimensions: 16.19" D x 21.44" W x 12.13" H | Capacity: 1.5 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 1200 W | Special Features: Smart inverter, sensor cooking, self-cleaning, child-safety lock
The LG 1.5-Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave gives you precise control over your cooking, so you can do everything from reheating leftovers to cooking fresh meals quickly. It uses smart inverter technology to heat the food evenly, so there are no cold spots or overcooked areas. It has seven sensor cook options for commonly cooked foods like bacon, frozen dinners, potatoes and oatmeal, too, so you get perfect results every time.
There’s plenty of room for preparing meals for your family, too. It has a 1.5-cubic-foot capacity, so it can fit larger casserole dishes and pans. It also has a six-wheel hexagonal ring that provides excellent stability even for taller or heavier items, so you don’t have to worry about them tipping over while heating.
We also love the bright LED interior light, which makes it easy to keep an eye on your food as it cooks. You won’t have to spend much time on cleanup, either, because it has a smooth EasyClean interior that only requires a damp cloth for wiping clean.
Black+Decker 0.9-Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave Oven
Easiest to Use
Product Dimensions: 13.4" D x 18.7" W x 10.68" H | Capacity: 0.9 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 900 W | Special Features: Child-safety lock
If you don’t want to have to think too much when making popcorn or a baked potato, the Black+Decker 0.9-Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave Oven might be the perfect fit for your kitchen. It has a large LED digital display with an intuitive touchpad control panel, so operation is a breeze. It also has pre-programmed buttons for foods you probably make all the time, including popcorn, potatoes, pizza and beverages, so you can enjoy your favorite snack or meal in a hurry.
This microwave has a compact design, so its small footprint won’t take up much counter space. It still delivers 900 watts of heating power and features 10 power levels, making it easy to prepare a wide range of dishes quickly.
For those nights when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry, it even offers multistage cooking. You can defrost and cook your meal in a single time setting, so you can move on to other dinner-prep tasks without having to babysit the main course.
Sharp 1,000-Watt Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven
Best Midsized Microwave
Product Dimensions: 14.7" D x 20.6" W x 11.8" H | Capacity: 1.1 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 1,000 W | Special Features: Child-safety lock, Orville Redenbacher certified popcorn tuned preset
The Sharp 1,000-Watt Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven offers plenty of convenient features that come in handy in a busy household. It has 1,000 watts of heating power across 11 levels, allowing you to reheat, cook and defrost all your favorite foods. If you tend to forget to take your meat out of the freezer the night before, you’ll especially love the Auto Defrost feature, which defrosts quickly and accurately by weight or time, removing any guesswork.
It also has presets for commonly made foods, so you only have to press a button to heat potatoes, veggies, frozen pizza and more. Popcorn fans will especially love the Orville Redenbacher certified popcorn presets, which are specially designed for optimal popping results no matter what size bag you’re making.
The convenient +30 Seconds button instantly starts up the microwave and lets you quickly and easily choose your desired cooking time. If you have little ones at home, the child-resistant door lock will prevent kids from accidentally turning it on. The feature is easy to turn off if you prefer, though.
LG 2-Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave
Best Oversized Microwave
Product Dimensions: 19.81" D x " 23.88” W x 13.56" H | Capacity: 2 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 1200 W | Special Features: Sensor cooking, smart inverter, child-safety lock, easy clean interior
With an extra-large capacity, the LG 2-Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave is perfect for families. It offers 2 cubic feet of interior space, which is big enough to fit large dinner plates, casserole dishes and group meals for up to six people. It provides up to 1,200 watts of heating power and 10 adjustable power levels, too, making it versatile enough for a wide range of uses.
To make your cooking even easier, it also offers seven sensor cook options for popular foods like bacon, potatoes, oatmeal and frozen dinners. The sensors are self-adjusting, ensuring perfect meals every time without any guesswork on your part.
Best of all, this LG microwave is extremely easy to clean. It features smooth glass controls that are not only easy to use but also wipe down quickly, with no food residue getting stuck in crevices. The oven’s interior resists stains and buildup, too, and can also be cleaned with nothing more than a damp cloth.
Panasonic 1,000-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven
Best Under 1.0 Cubic Foot
Product Dimensions: 14.19" D x 18.56" W x 11" H | Capacity: 0.9 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 1000 W | Special Features: Inverter technology, auto cook, child safety lock
The Panasonic 1,000-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven is compact, so it won’t take up much space on your counter. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer plenty of power. It has 1,000 watts of heating power and inverter technology, so your food is always fully and evenly heated no matter what power level you use.
It also features advanced sensor technology that automatically adjusts power and cooking time based on your food's moisture level, reducing the chance of over- or undercooking. You can also use the 15 auto-cook presets to make your favorite foods, including frozen pizza, vegetables and soup, with the press of a button.
We’re also big fans of this microwave’s multistage cooking option. It allows you to cook with different functions and power levels, and the oven will follow your input functions in sequence for perfectly cooked food. If you don’t have time to defrost your roast overnight, it also has a Turbo Defrost feature that reduces defrosting times without any frozen spots or overcooked edges.
Panasonic 1-Cubic-Foot Japanese Microwave
Best for Its Premium Design
Product Dimensions: 15.3" D x 18.5" W x 13.7" H | Capacity: 1 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 1,200 W | Special Features: Flatbed interior, inverter technology, sensor cook
If you want a microwave that perfectly combines form and function, the Panasonic 1-Cubic-Foot Japanese Microwave is the perfect option. It features a modern, Japanese-inspired design with a pull-down door just like your oven. It also has a flatbed interior without a traditional turntable, so you get more usable space inside the oven and have an easier time cleaning up after use.
Its advanced thermo-sensing technology delivers superior cooking results, too. It monitors your food’s temperature and automatically selects the right power and cooking time. That ensures your meals are always perfectly cooked, with no guesswork on your part.
It offers 1 cubic foot of capacity, so it’s large enough inside to make one-bowl meals for two. However, the Panasonic Japanese Microwave still has an extremely compact footprint, so it can fit easily on most countertops and even inside some cabinets. The pull-down door also helps maximize space, making it ideal for smaller kitchens.
Breville Compact Wave Soft-Close Microwave Oven
Best for Defrosting
Product Dimensions: 17.3" D x 19.1" W x 11.5" H | Capacity: 0.9 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 900 W | Special Features: Soft-close door, mute button, child-safety lock
The Breville Compact Wave Soft-Close Microwave Oven makes reheating leftovers, cooking fresh meals and defrosting meat quick and convenient. Its footprint is compact, but it still offers ample capacity. It’s equipped with one-touch auto-cook buttons for popular foods, including popcorn, beverages, pizza and potatoes, so you can whip up snacks and meals with the press of a button.
The Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave Oven is also incredibly versatile. It has a defrost function that carefully thaws food without drying out the edges, as well as a reheat setting that reheats your favorite meats without overcooking.
You don’t have to worry about disturbing the rest of the house while using the microwave, either. It has a soft-closing door that reduces noise by up to 80%. It’s 50% quieter than other models in operation, too, and even has a Mute button to silence its beeps and chimes.
How we tested
After researching the top countertop microwaves on the market, we narrowed our list down to the microwaves above and tested some models in the following areas.
Ease of use
- Unboxing and setup: We noted how the microwave was packed, how easy it was to unbox, how heavy it was to lift, and what accessories it came with.
- Controls and display: We evaluated how easy it was to operate microwave controls and how informative, visible, and legible each display was.
- Cleaning and maintenance: We evaluated how easy and convenient it was to clean the interior and exterior of the microwave and noted whether the exterior seemed to attract dirt or blemishes.
Quality
- Noise level: We checked how loud the microwave was during operation, taking note of any beeps or sounds.
- Heating food: We tested how well the microwave heated food, checking evenness, doneness, and how long it took.
- Defrosting food: We tested how quickly and thoroughly the microwave defrosted food, both raw and prepared.
- Power levels: We evaluated how to set different power levels on the microwave and their effects on cooking time and doneness.
Advanced features
- Special features: We tested the performance of special features, such as automatic food settings for popcorn and pizza, as well as the quality of the sensor-based cooking.
Key considerations
Size and space
When choosing a microwave for your counter, the first questions to ask yourself are how much cooking capacity you need and how much counter space is available.
If you’re only cooking for yourself, a microwave with up to 0.9 cubic feet is usually big enough. For two to three people, you’ll want a model with at least 1 to 2 cubic feet. For families of four or more, you’ll typically need a microwave with a capacity of 1.7 to 2.2 cubic feet.
Capacity is just one part of the equation, though. The microwave also has to fit on your counter without taking up too much valuable counter real estate, so pay careful attention to its dimensions. Smaller models with a compact footprint generally measure between 15 and 18 inches wide and 10 to 14 inches deep. A microwave with a midsize capacity is typically between 19 and 22 inches wide and 15 and 19 inches deep. Large-capacity models obviously require the most counter space, usually measuring between 21 and 24 inches wide and 15 to 20 inches deep.
Power and wattage
Most countertop microwaves range in power from 600 to 1,800 watts. In general, the more wattage that a model has, the more power levels and auto-cook settings it offers. Microwaves with higher wattage can typically cook more quickly, too, and prepare a wider range of dishes. If you plan to use your microwave for defrosting and cooking larger portions, you should definitely consider a higher wattage.
For most homes, a countertop microwave with at least 1,000 watts offers plenty of versatility and efficiency. If you want a little extra power for defrosting and faster reheating times, consider a 1,200-watt model. Keep in mind, though, that higher-wattage microwaves generally cost more, so make sure you really need the extra power.
Cooking presets and sensor technology
When you’re reheating leftovers or making a quick snack, having the right preset can save you time and hassle. Many microwaves now come with one-touch buttons for popular foods like:
- Popcorn: automatically pops without burning half the bag.
- Baked potatoes: cooks through without leaving cold spots.
- Pizza: reheats slices without turning them into rubber.
- Beverages: warms drinks without boiling them over.
Beyond these, some models include sensor cooking. This feature measures steam or humidity inside the microwave and adjusts cook times automatically. For example, if you’re heating soup, the microwave will stop when the sensors detect it’s hot enough instead of following a fixed timer.
Control panel and display
How you interact with your microwave matters just as much as what’s inside. A frustrating control panel can make even the best model feel like a bad buy.
Common control styles include:
- Touch panels: sleek and modern, but harder to use with wet or messy hands.
- Raised buttons: easier to find by feel, but can trap crumbs and grease.
- Dials: simple and intuitive, but less precise for setting exact times.
We also look at the display. A good display should be bright, easy to read from different angles, and clear about what’s happening. Some models show power levels, countdown timers, and even cooking stages. If you have low lighting in your kitchen, backlit displays are worth prioritizing.
Turntable vs. flatbed design
Most microwaves have a turntable that spins food for more even cooking. They’re simple, familiar, and generally effective. But they do have downsides:
- They limit the size and shape of dishes you can fit.
- Food can tip or slide during cooking.
- Cleaning requires removing and washing the plate and support ring.
A flatbed design takes a different approach. Instead of a moving plate, the microwave uses rotating antennas underneath the floor to distribute heat. The benefits are:
- More usable interior space for large or oddly shaped dishes.
- A smooth surface that’s easier to wipe clean.
- No moving parts to misalign or break.
Noise level
Microwaves aren’t known for being whisper-quiet, but some are definitely louder than others. If you live in a small space, cook late at night, or have a sleeping baby nearby, noise might be one of the most important considerations on your list.
When we evaluate noise, we look at:
- Operational hum: the baseline sound when it’s running.
- Beep volume: how loud the alerts are at the end of cooking.
- Other noises: clunks or vibrations from loose parts or uneven surfaces.
Some microwaves include a mute function that turns off the beeps completely, which can be a lifesaver in shared or quiet households.
FAQ
Q. What is the average lifespan of a countertop microwave?
A. A countertop microwave oven should last seven to 10 years without needing major repair. If you’re starting to notice odd smells, sounds, or an uneven performance, these might be signs that it’s time to repair or replace your microwave.
Q. Do microwaves interfere with TV reception?
A. If you use an indoor over-the-air antenna, running your microwave could cause some interference with your TV signal. This also goes for AM and FM radio and WiFi networks in the 2.4-gigahertz range. Microwave energy is emitted in the radio frequency range, so it could conflict with other appliances that use radio waves.
Q. Why shouldn't you stand in front of the microwave?
A. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against standing directly in front of or up against an operating microwave for long periods of time. This is to avoid very rare instances of being exposed to microwave radiation from a broken or poorly sealed microwave. It’s not a likely scenario, but to be safe, avoid staring into the microwave while it’s on. Your pizza won’t heat any quicker!
Q. What microwave wattage is generally worth looking for?
A. For most kitchens, about 800 to 1,200 watts is the sweet spot because it heats faster and more evenly. Models like the Panasonic 1,000W Countertop Microwave Oven and the Sharp 1,000W Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven fit that range well for everyday reheating and cooking. Lower-wattage units such as the BLACK+DECKER 700W Countertop Microwave Oven can still work, but they usually take longer.
Q. How do I choose the right microwave size for my counter and cooking habits?
A. Match capacity to the dishes you use most, not just the amount of counter space you have. The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven and the Panasonic 1.0 cu. ft. Japanese Microwave are good examples for smaller kitchens, while the LG 1.5 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave gives you more room for bigger plates and leftovers. If you regularly heat family-sized portions, a larger cavity can be worth the extra footprint.
Q. Which features help a microwave handle leftovers and mixed food more evenly?
A. Sensor cooking and multiple power levels are the biggest helpers because they adjust heat instead of relying on one fixed timer. The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave and the Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave Oven are both strong examples of models built around flexible cooking and smarter reheating. Those features matter most when you want fewer hot spots in soup, pasta, or casseroles.
Q. Are quiet features and user-friendly controls actually worth paying attention to?
A. Yes, especially if your kitchen is open to living spaces or you microwave food late at night. The Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave Oven is designed to reduce slam-heavy noise, and the COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven adds a mute function for quieter operation. Easy-to-read displays and simple controls also make daily use less frustrating.
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair is a writer and product tester who has covered kitchen, home and lifestyle products for BestReviews since 2017. She has written over 100 articles on household appliances, such as toasters, vacuum sealers, air fryers, vacuum cleaners and more.
Jmar Gambol is a writer and product tester for BestReviews. He has written almost 200 articles and buying guides, as well as tested products as varied as coffee presses, robot vacuums, laptops and smartphones. He enjoys helping consumers find the best products to make their lives better.
