You're not alone. We’ve tested top brands, comparing performance, features, and value, so you don’t have to guess. Whether you're reheating leftovers or defrosting dinner, we’ll help you find the perfect fit—because upgrading your microwave should be simple, smart, and totally satisfying. Let’s dive in.
Editor's Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for bottom energy feed: Panasonic NE-1025F Compact Light-Duty Countertop Commercial Microwave Oven with 6-Minute Electronic Dial Control Timer
- Best for smart sensor: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
- Best for inverter power: TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
- Best for braille touch control: Panasonic NE-1054F Compact Light-Duty Countertop Commercial Microwave Oven with 10 Programmable Memory and Touch Screen Control
- Best for mute mode: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for compact space saver: GE Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for memory power levels: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- Best for soft close quiet: Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for 4-in-1 multicooker: GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven w/ 1
- Best for large sensor capacity: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
Product Comparison: Best Bottom Hinged Countertop Microwave
Bottom Energy Feed
Panasonic NE-1025F Compact Light-Duty Countertop Commercial Microwave Oven with 6-Minute Electronic Dial Control Timer, Bottom Energy Feed, 1000W, 0.8 Cu. Ft. Capacity Silver
Panasonic
- COMPACT COMMERCIAL MICROWAVE OVEN Occupies minimal space on a countertop or table, ideal for vending, break rooms, waitress stations, offices, hotels and cafeterias
- BOTTOM ENERGY FEED SYSTEM FOR FAST COOKING RESULTS 1000W power, and 0.8-cu. ft. capacity fits 1 half-size, 6-inch deep steam table pan/cover; Energy travels less distance to reach the food, for increased efficiency in heating a variety of items
- GRAB & GO HANDLE ON STAINLESS STEEL DOOR Ensures fast, smooth, long-lasting performance; Commercial microwave oven also features see-through oven door, interior light and anti-theft component, and chef technical support is available
- 6-MINUTE ELECTRONIC DIAL TIMER User-friendly dial timer counts down in 10-second increments; Timer resets automatically after countdown
- COMPACT DESIGN SAVES SPACE Occupies minimal space on a countertop or table; Exterior dimensions (HxWxD): 12-inch x 20-1/8-inch x 16-3/8 inch; Interior (HxWxD): 8-1/16-inch x 13-inch x 13-inch
- Panasonic kitchen appliances reflect Japan’s relentless innovation and high-tech heritage, delivering not only smarter, faster meals but also a seamless, elevated cooking experience you can taste in every bite.
Smart Sensor
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver
TOSHIBA
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
Inverter Power
TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6" Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Black Stainless Steel
TOSHIBA
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Specification: With output power 1250 watts, input power 1350 watts. External dimensions 21.8x 19.2x 12.9 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 15.5x17.0x 10.2 inches (WxDxH); includes 13.6 inch glass turntable
- Origin Inverter Technology: This microwave oven with inverter technology, provides even heating and defrosting, enables faster cooking and more satisfying user experience.
- 6 Smart Sensor Auto Menus: Pre-programmed sensor menus for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetables and more. Smart sensor will automatically adjust power and keeps food texture.
- Sound On/Off Function: If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, pleas long press on the button "8" for 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
- Quick Start Button One touch quick access to start the countertop microwave from 1 to 3 minutes cooking at full power
- First Use Tips The microwaves keypad is covered by a protective film during shipment. Please peel it off before first use. 1 year limited warranty, please keep the packaging for contacting Toshiba after sales service and product returns.
Braille Touch Control
Panasonic NE-1054F Compact Light-Duty Countertop Commercial Microwave Oven with 10 Programmable Memory and Touch Screen Control, 1000W of Cooking Power, 0.8 Cu. Ft, Stainless Steel
Panasonic
- HEAVY DUTY COMMERCIAL GRADE MICROWAVE Ideal for full-service and fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, offices, hotels, cafeterias, breakrooms and other business-related settings, plus heavy home or dorm room usage
- BOTTOM ENERGY FEED SYSTEM FOR FAST COOKING RESULTS 1000W power, and 0.8-cu. ft. capacity; Energy travels less distance to reach the food, for increased efficiency in heating dinner plates, large casserole dishes, coffee mugs and other common kitchenware
- NO-HASSLE GRAB & GO HANDLE Ensures fast, smooth, long-lasting performance; Also features see-through oven door, interior light, anti-theft component, tone control and self-diagnostics
- TOUCH-CONTROL KEYPAD WITH BRAILLE Programmable and manual operation provides 10 programmable memory pads and 20-memory capability plus 99:99-minute capacity, presets from 10 seconds up to 3:30 minutes, 6 power levels and program list/cycle counter
- COMPACT, SPACE-SAVING DESIGN Occupies minimal space on a countertop or table; 13"D x 16"W x 13"H
Mute Mode
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
TOSHIBA- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Mute Mode: If yout want to mute the buzzer of the microwave, please long press on the button "8" For 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
Compact Space Saver
GE Compact Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cubic Ft., 950w Capacity, 6 Auto Cook Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Dorm Room, Apartment, Stainless Steel
GE
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- SPACE-SAVING EXTERIOR, SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 950 watts of power and 1.1 cu. ft. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates throughout cycles for optimum cooking
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with convenience cooking controls; kitchen timer, child lock controls and cooking complete alarms add convenience
- WEIGHT & TIME DEFROST - Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- EASY SET UP: Freestanding microwave fits easily on countertop or open shelf, with 39 power cord
Memory Power Levels
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
Chefman
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
- MUTE OPTION: Silence this counter top microwave with the Audio Button, turning off any annoying beeps if you’re trying to stay quiet or not wake up your kids.
- MODERN DESIGN: This microwave countertop design fits in well alongside your other kitchen appliances. Its compact frame and sleek, black finish blend in well with any home décor. Plus, you can save power and disable the display when not in use with Eco Mode.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Don’t worry about grease or scuffs; this black microwave exterior is durable and wipes clean with a damp towel. Additionally, the glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability and a 1-year assurance provided by Chefman. 700W/120V-RJ55-7-V2
Soft Close Quiet
Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven, Silver
Breville
- With a 25L compact footprint and an easy shortcuts and foods menu, the Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave is big on convenience; Designed to precisely reheat, defrost and cook; Countertop microwave oven engineered with 80% quieter soft close door
- COMPACT MICROWAVE: This countertop small microwave has a compact footprint with 25L capacity and all the space you need to cook, defrost and reheat delicious meals; Kitchen appliance works well in homes with limited space for cooking
- COOKING SHORTCUTS AND FOOD MENU: One touch auto buttons including Reheat, Defrost, Popcorn & Beverage providing access to your favorite settings; Food Menu functions such as reheat pizza, defrost vegetables or cook potatoes to create quick and easy snacks
- QUIET MICROWAVE WITH SOFT CLOSE DOOR: Countertop microwave has 80% quieter soft close door and is 50% quieter in operation; Clever touches like Child Lock, Breville Sound Suite and Mute button mean less beeps and clangs, more pops and crunches
- DEFROST & REHEAT FUNCTIONS: Breville microwaves deliver on versatility; Defrost function gently defrosts food without overheating and drying out edges; Reheat function uses lower power levels to carefully reheat meals without drying or overcooking
- PRIORITIZE SECURE USE WITH CHILD LOCK: Protect small children and reduce the potential for harm in your home kitchen while you use your compact microwave; It's only one touch away with the Child Lock button
- SETTINGS: Popcorn Beverage, Food Menu, Defrost, Reheat, Power Level Adjustment, Child Lock and Clock Setting
- WARRANTY: 1 Year Limited Product Warranty; Power: 900 Watts; Voltage: 120 Volts; Capacity: 0.9 cu.ft/25L
4-in-1 Multicooker
GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven w/ 1,050 w Air Fryer, Child-Lock Technology, 1.0 Cu. Ft. Capacity, Kitchen Door Room, Stainless Steel
GE
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- AIR FRY MODE: Cook healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods in less time, thanks to an air fryer built into your microwave.
- CONVECTION MODE: Achieve crisp, golden brown results in this microwave oven with convection, which includes a special rack that allows air to circulate around foods for even heat distribution.
- BROIL MODE: When you have a microwave with a broiler right inside, you can achieve the same effect you do with grill racks, radiating heat to sear or caramelize any food to perfection.
- PRESET CONTROLS: Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: This 1,050-watt & 1.0 CU FT. compact microwave offers the perfect balance of size and convenience, designed to fit perfectly in dorm rooms, offices and kitchens alike.
- GLASS TURNTABLE: Rotates food throughout the cycle for even through cooking of food.
Large Sensor Capacity
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1,200-watt Capacity, 2.0 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
GE
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: 1200watts of power and 2.0 CU. FT. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking
- SENSOR COOKING CONTROLS: Automatically adjusts time and power for delicious cooking results
- WEIGHT AND TIME DEFROST: Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with Instant On express cooking controls and multiple cooking modes; kitchen timer, and cooking complete alarms add convenience
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing a compact countertop microwave?
Look at the interior capacity, power rating, and footprint to ensure the unit fits your kitchen space and can handle the dishes you plan to cook. Also compare control styles—dial versus digital—and any extra features like sensor cooking or preset menus. Finally, check for safety features such as child locks and easy‑to‑clean interiors.
How does the bottom energy feed system in Panasonic models affect cooking performance?
The bottom energy feed directs microwave energy from the lower part of the cavity, reducing the distance the waves travel to reach food. This design can produce faster, more even heating, especially for larger plates and deep containers. It also helps improve energy efficiency, which can lower your electricity usage over time.
Which microwave offers the best balance of power and size for small kitchens?
The Chefman 0.7 cu ft model provides 700 W of power in a very compact footprint, making it ideal for dorm rooms or tight countertops. For a bit more power without sacrificing space, the GE Compact 1.1 cu ft unit delivers 950 W and still fits comfortably on a small counter. Both models include essential presets while keeping the overall size minimal.
How do sensor cooking technologies differ among Toshiba, Panasonic, and GE models?
Toshiba’s Smart Sensor adjusts time and power based on food humidity, aiming for consistent results across a range of dishes. Panasonic’s commercial‑grade units rely on a simple electronic timer and manual power levels rather than humidity sensing. GE combines sensor cooking with weight‑based defrost, giving a hybrid approach that can be more intuitive for everyday home use.
Are there any safety features I should look for, especially for families with children?
Two‑step child locks are common on GE, Panasonic, and Chefman models and prevent accidental door opening or operation. Some units, like the Breville Compact Wave, also include a mute button to reduce beeping noises. Look for sturdy handles and anti‑theft locks if the microwave will be in a public or shared space.
How important is the turntable size and does it affect cooking versatility?
A larger turntable, such as the 13.6‑inch glass plate on the Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT, can accommodate bigger dishes and promote more even heating. Smaller turntables, like the 12.4‑inch on Toshiba EM131A5C, are sufficient for most everyday meals but may require repositioning food for uniform results. Consider the typical plate or container size you use when evaluating turntable diameter.
What are the advantages of inverter technology found in Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT?
Inverter technology delivers continuous, variable power rather than the traditional on‑off cycling, which results in smoother heating and better defrost performance. It helps preserve food texture, preventing over‑cooking of the edges while the center remains underdone. This technology also tends to reduce overall cooking time for many recipes.
How do extra cooking modes like air fry and convection impact value compared to standard microwaves?
Microwaves with built‑in air‑fry or convection, such as the GE 4‑in‑1 model, let you replace a separate countertop oven, saving counter space and money. These modes add versatility for crisping, baking, and broiling, but they typically come with a higher price tag and slightly larger footprint. If you frequently prepare fried or baked foods, the added functionality can outweigh the extra cost.