In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, the countertop microwave stands as an indispensable kitchen workhorse. From quick morning oatmeal to reheating family dinners, its daily utility is undeniable.
Yet, with a vast market of options, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. Choosing the best countertop microwave isn't merely about finding a device that heats food; it's about investing in reliability, efficiency, and consistent performance for years to come.
This guide is designed to cut through the noise, helping you identify the key factors that separate a mediocre appliance from a truly exceptional one. We'll provide the insights you need to confidently select the best countertop microwave that offers genuine value and perfectly suits your culinary needs.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 10 Best Countertop Microwave Compared

🏆 BEST OVERALL TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Smart Sensor technology for automated, even cooking.
- Convenient one-touch start and dedicated defrost options.
- Mute function allows for silent operation.
- 10 distinct power levels provide versatile cooking control.

🥈 2ND RUNNER UP TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Compact size is ideal for limited counter space.
- Mute function allows for silent operation.
- Multiple power levels and presets offer cooking versatility.
- One-touch express cook buttons for quick heating.

� BEST VALUE TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable
- Powerful 1200-watt output for fast and even cooking.
- Large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is ideal for families or larger dishes.
- Sensor cooking menus provide accurate results without manual guesswork.
- Convenient position-memory turntable for easier access.

Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Combines four cooking functions in one unit, saving counter space.
- Large interior capacity is suitable for family meals.
- Includes useful pre-programmed settings and a mute function.
- Air fry and convection modes provide expanded cooking versatility.

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
- Multiple convenient presets and one-touch start options.
- Mute function to silence beeps is a great feature for quiet environments.
- Comprehensive child safety lock for peace of mind.

- Good balance of size (1.1 cu. ft.) and power (1000W) for daily use.
- Convenient one-touch cooking with '+30 seconds' and 'Express Cook' keys.
- Modern design with a bright LED display and clear interior lighting.
- Large 12.4-inch turntable helps ensure food is cooked evenly.

- Compact size is ideal for apartments and smaller kitchens.
- Convenient one-touch cooking options like '+30 seconds' and 'Express Cook'.
- Modern design with a stainless finish and easy-to-read LED display.
- Multiple power levels and defrost options offer good cooking flexibility.

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Compact footprint is ideal for limited counter space.
- Intuitive controls with one-touch presets for common foods.
- Clear, large LED digital display is easy to read.
- Includes a child safety lock feature.

Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven
- Extremely quiet operation with a soft-closing door.
- Compact size is ideal for kitchens with limited space.
- User-friendly one-touch shortcuts and food menu presets.
- Gentle defrost and reheat functions prevent overcooking.

- Spacious 2.2 cu. ft. interior fits large family-sized dishes.
- Powerful 1200 watts with Inverter Technology for fast, even cooking.
- Sensor Cook and other presets provide accurate and convenient results.
- Modern design with stainless steel finish and bright LED lighting.
Detailed Reviews of the Best Countertop Microwave
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft - Smart Sensor technology for automated, even cooking.

This 1000-watt countertop microwave is a capable appliance for daily kitchen tasks. The standout feature is its Smart Sensor technology, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power, taking much of the guesswork out of reheating and cooking. It effectively helps prevent food from becoming overcooked or rubbery.
The one-touch start for 1-6 minutes is very convenient for quick heating, and the multiple power levels offer good control for more delicate jobs like defrosting by weight or time. Another thoughtful feature is the mute function to silence the beeps, which is a great addition for quiet households. While the exterior dimensions are standard, the internal capacity is somewhat compact, so it's best suited for standard-sized plates and bowls.
Overall, it's a solid performer with a good balance of smart features and essential functions.
Pros
- Smart Sensor technology for automated, even cooking.
- Convenient one-touch start and dedicated defrost options.
- Mute function allows for silent operation.
- 10 distinct power levels provide versatile cooking control.
- 1000-watt output is sufficient for most cooking needs.
Cons
- The internal capacity may be restrictive for larger family-sized dishes or cookware.
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable - Powerful 1200-watt output for fast and even cooking.

This is a capable and spacious microwave that performs its core functions very well. The 1200-watt power level heats food and beverages quickly and evenly, while the 1.6 cu. ft.
capacity is generous enough for large dinner plates and casserole dishes. The sensor cooking menus are a genuinely useful feature, taking the guesswork out of reheating common foods like potatoes and vegetables. I found the position-memory turntable to be a surprisingly convenient touch, always returning my mug handle to the front for easy retrieval.
The ability to mute the operational beeps is also a great option for households sensitive to noise. The black stainless steel finish gives it a modern look, though its overall size does command a fair amount of counter space. It's a solid, feature-rich option for a family kitchen.
Pros
- Powerful 1200-watt output for fast and even cooking.
- Large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is ideal for families or larger dishes.
- Sensor cooking menus provide accurate results without manual guesswork.
- Convenient position-memory turntable for easier access.
- The ability to turn off the beeper sound is a welcome feature.
Cons
- Its large exterior dimensions require a significant amount of counter space.
- The mute function is not intuitive, requiring a long press of a number key.
Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven - Combines four cooking functions in one unit, saving counter space.

This 4-in-1 countertop appliance offers a great deal of versatility, combining a standard microwave with convection, air fry, and combination cooking modes. At 1000 watts, the microwave function performs well for everyday tasks like reheating and defrosting. The convection feature is a welcome addition for baking and roasting, while the air fryer provides a healthier alternative for achieving crispy textures on foods like fries and chicken wings.
The capacity is generous, easily accommodating a family-sized meal or a 12-inch pizza on its 13.6-inch turntable. The stainless steel finish gives it a modern look, and the interior is simple to wipe down. A number of pre-programmed menus and convenience features, like the handy mute function, add to its overall user-friendliness.
It's a solid, multi-functional unit for those looking to consolidate appliances.
Pros
- Combines four cooking functions in one unit, saving counter space.
- Large interior capacity is suitable for family meals.
- Includes useful pre-programmed settings and a mute function.
- Air fry and convection modes provide expanded cooking versatility.
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel interior and a modern exterior design.
Cons
- The unit has a large footprint and requires significant counter space.
- Air fry and convection performance may not be as powerful as dedicated, standalone appliances.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. - Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.

This Chefman 700W microwave is a functional and feature-rich option for smaller spaces. Its compact design fits well in apartments, dorms, or office kitchens without sacrificing usability. The digital controls are straightforward, offering six common presets and quick-start number keys for simple operation.
The 10 power levels provide good flexibility, from melting butter to quickly reheating leftovers. I found the thoughtful additions, like the mute function to silence beeps and the child safety lock, to be particularly useful for a shared or quiet environment. While it won't cook as rapidly as a higher-wattage unit, it performs reliably for everyday tasks.
The easy-to-clean exterior and dishwasher-safe turntable are practical touches that make maintenance simple. Overall, it's a well-designed appliance that packs a lot of convenient features into a small footprint, making it a solid choice for basic microwave needs.
Pros
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
- Multiple convenient presets and one-touch start options.
- Mute function to silence beeps is a great feature for quiet environments.
- Comprehensive child safety lock for peace of mind.
- 10 adjustable power levels provide good cooking control.
- Easy to clean with a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.
Cons
- The 700W power level means cooking and reheating may take longer than larger, more powerful models.
- Its compact interior may not accommodate very large plates or casserole dishes.
Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven - Extremely quiet operation with a soft-closing door.

The Breville Compact Wave Soft Close is a thoughtfully designed appliance focused on convenience and quiet operation. With a 25L (0.9 cu.ft) capacity, its compact footprint is well-suited for smaller kitchens or apartments where counter space is at a premium. The most notable feature is the soft-close door, which, combined with quieter overall performance, significantly reduces kitchen noise.
The microwave offers a range of one-touch shortcuts for common tasks like making popcorn or reheating beverages, and its food menu simplifies cooking potatoes or defrosting vegetables. The 900-watt power is adequate for daily reheating and cooking needs. Smart functions for defrosting and reheating are engineered to warm food evenly without drying it out, and practical additions like a child lock and mute button enhance the user experience.
It's a solid, user-friendly unit for everyday use.
Pros
- Extremely quiet operation with a soft-closing door.
- Compact size is ideal for kitchens with limited space.
- User-friendly one-touch shortcuts and food menu presets.
- Gentle defrost and reheat functions prevent overcooking.
- Includes a child lock feature for enhanced safety.
- Mute function to silence beeps and alerts.
Cons
- The 900-watt power, while sufficient, may cook or reheat slower than higher-wattage models.
- Its 0.9 cu.ft capacity might be restrictive for large families or oversized dishes.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Countertop Microwave
Size and Capacity
When selecting the best countertop microwave, consider your available counter space and your family's needs. Compact models, ranging from 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet, are ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices. For families or those who cook larger meals, microwaves with capacities from 1.6 to 2.2 cubic feet, like the larger Toshiba and SHARP models, can accommodate bigger dishes and cookware, making them a more practical choice for heavy use.
Power and Wattage
Wattage determines how quickly and evenly your microwave cooks food. A 1000-watt microwave, such as the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, is generally sufficient for most daily cooking needs, from reheating leftovers to defrosting meats. For faster cooking and more power, look for models with 1200 watts. Higher wattage, often combined with features like Inverter Technology found in some SHARP models, ensures food is heated thoroughly and efficiently without cold spots.
Key Features and Technology
Modern microwaves offer features that simplify cooking. Smart Sensor technology, found in several Toshiba models, automatically adjusts cooking time and power for perfect results. One-touch start options and express cook buttons offer quick convenience. For quiet environments, a mute function is invaluable. Other useful features include child safety locks for peace of mind, position-memory turntables that return to their original spot, and versatile defrost options for both weight and time.
Specialty and Multi-Function Ovens
If you want to maximize counter space, consider a multi-function unit. The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo, for instance, acts as a 4-in-1 appliance, combining a microwave with an air fryer, convection oven, and broiler. This versatility allows you to bake, roast, and air fry, expanding your cooking capabilities far beyond what a standard microwave can offer. These combo units are an excellent choice for those seeking the best countertop microwave with maximum functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Countertop Microwave
What size microwave is best for a family?
For families or those who frequently cook larger meals, a microwave with a capacity of at least 1.6 cubic feet is ideal. Models like the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) or the spacious 2.2 cu. ft. SHARP oven can easily accommodate large family-sized dishes and cookware. A larger interior, often paired with a bigger turntable, ensures that food is heated evenly, making meal preparation for multiple people much more efficient and convenient than with a smaller, compact unit.
How important is wattage when choosing a microwave?
Wattage is very important as it directly impacts cooking speed and evenness. A 1000-watt model is sufficient for most everyday tasks like reheating and defrosting. However, a more powerful 1200-watt microwave will cook food faster and more thoroughly. High-wattage models, especially those with advanced features like Inverter Technology, provide consistent power for superior results, preventing the common issue of overcooked edges and cold centers, a key consideration for the best countertop microwave.
What is smart sensor cooking?
Smart sensor cooking is a technology that takes the guesswork out of microwaving. It uses built-in sensors to detect the humidity level of the food as it heats up. The microwave then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level to ensure your food is cooked perfectly without being overdone or undercooked. This
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft this microwave is a great choice for those who prioritize convenience and smart cooking technology over sheer size. the sensor cooking and user-friendly features make it a strong performer for everyday use, especially in smaller kitchens.