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Best Microwaves Countertop
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The microwave is a cornerstone of the modern kitchen, a symbol of convenience for everything from reheating leftovers to defrosting ingredients. But with countless models on the market, finding the best microwaves countertop that truly delivers can be a daunting task.

The difference between a great appliance and a mediocre one lies in its performance, reliability, and overall value. A poor choice can lead to uneven cooking and frustration, while the right one becomes a seamless part of your daily routine.

This guide is designed to cut through the noise, helping you understand the essential factors to consider. We’ve done the research on the best microwaves countertop options to ensure you invest in a product that combines quality with everyday practicality for years to come.

Top 10 Best Microwaves Countertop Compared

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft

🏆 BEST OVERALL TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft

  • Smart Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power.
  • 1000 watts provides ample power for quick cooking.
  • Convenient one-touch start and multiple presets.
  • Mute function to silence keypad and end-of-cycle beeps.
★★★★
4.8/5 Check Price on Amazon
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable

🥈 2ND RUNNER UP TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable

  • Powerful 1200W output with 10 distinct power levels.
  • Large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity suitable for family-sized meals.
  • Pre-programmed sensor menus for optimal heating.
  • Convenient features like a position-memory turntable and a sound on/off function.
★★★★
4.5/5 Check Price on Amazon
Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven

� BEST VALUE Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven

  • Notably quiet operation with a soft-close door.
  • Compact footprint is ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments.
  • User-friendly one-touch shortcuts and food menu presets.
  • Effective reheating and defrosting functions that heat food evenly.
★★★★
4.6/5 Check Price on Amazon
SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4" Carousel Turntable
  • Good balance of size (1.1 cu. ft.) and power (1000W) for typical family use.
  • Modern design updates like the gray interior and clear white LED display.
  • Convenient one-touch cooking options like '+30 seconds' and 'Express Cook'.
  • Versatile controls with 10 power levels and specific auto-defrost menus.
★★★★
4.4/5 Check Price on Amazon
SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 10.6SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 10.6" Carousel Turntable
  • Compact size is ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
  • Intuitive one-touch cooking functions like '+30 seconds' and 'Express Cook'.
  • Modern aesthetic with stainless steel finish, LED lighting, and display.
  • Carousel turntable and 10 power levels help ensure even heating.
★★★★
4.4/5 Check Price on Amazon
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

  • Compact size is ideal for small kitchens and dorms.
  • Features useful presets, a memory function, and a +30 seconds button.
  • Includes thoughtful additions like a child safety lock and a mute option.
  • Easy to clean with a wipeable exterior and dishwasher-safe turntable.
★★★★
4.5/5 Check Price on Amazon
Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven

Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven

  • Combines four functions (microwave, air fry, convection, combo) in one unit.
  • Large capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable suitable for family-sized meals.
  • Air fry feature provides a healthier way to cook fried foods.
  • Includes useful accessories like a grill rack and tray.
★★★★
4.8/5 Check Price on Amazon
SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5" Carousel Turntable
  • Very large 2.2 cu. ft. capacity is ideal for families.
  • Inverter technology and Sensor Cook provide even, precise cooking.
  • Multiple convenient one-touch functions like Express Cook and +30 seconds.
  • Generous 16.5-inch turntable fits large dishes and cookware.
★★★★
4.8/5 Check Price on Amazon
TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology

TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology

  • Large interior capacity and 13.6" turntable fit bigger plates.
  • Inverter technology provides consistent, even heating and defrosting.
  • Smart sensor menus simplify cooking for popular foods.
  • Convenient sound on/off function and one-touch start.
★★★★
4.4/5 Check Price on Amazon
Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Stee

Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Stee

  • Powerful 1000W output for quick and even cooking.
  • Compact 1.1 cu ft size is ideal for smaller kitchens or offices.
  • Multiple one-touch and express cooking shortcuts for convenience.
  • Features ten adjustable power levels and multi-stage cooking.
★★★★
4.6/5 Check Price on Amazon

Detailed Reviews of the Best Microwaves Countertop

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft - Smart Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power.

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft

This 1000-watt countertop microwave offers a solid range of features for everyday kitchen tasks. The Smart Sensor technology is its main highlight, designed to automatically adjust cooking times to prevent guesswork and ensure food is heated properly. With 10 distinct power levels and six presets for common items like pizza and vegetables, it provides good cooking flexibility.

The one-touch start for 1-6 minutes is convenient for quick reheating, and the options to defrost by either time or weight are very practical. A thoughtful inclusion is the mute function, which allows you to silence the beeps—a great feature for quiet households. Its external dimensions are fairly standard, but it's wise to measure your counter space beforehand.

The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough to accommodate most dinner plates, making it a capable appliance for daily use.

Pros

  • Smart Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power.
  • 1000 watts provides ample power for quick cooking.
  • Convenient one-touch start and multiple presets.
  • Mute function to silence keypad and end-of-cycle beeps.
  • Flexible defrost options by either weight or time.
  • Ten adjustable power levels offer precise cooking control.

Cons

  • The 20.6-inch width may occupy significant counter space in smaller kitchens.
  • Limited to only six preset menu options.

TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable - Powerful 1200W output with 10 distinct power levels.

TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable

This 1200-watt microwave is a solid performer, offering a good balance of power and capacity for family use. The 1.6 cu. ft.

interior is spacious enough for large plates and even a 13-inch pizza, handled by the 13.6-inch turntable. The sensor menu is a helpful feature, taking the guesswork out of heating common foods like potatoes and vegetables. Several thoughtful details enhance the user experience, such as the innovative position-memory turntable that returns to its starting point, making it easier to retrieve mugs and bowls.

The option to mute the beeping sounds is another welcome addition for a quieter kitchen environment. With standard functions like auto-defrost, a child lock, and a sleek black stainless-steel finish, it's a well-rounded appliance that covers all the essential bases while adding a few convenient extras.

Pros

  • Powerful 1200W output with 10 distinct power levels.
  • Large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity suitable for family-sized meals.
  • Pre-programmed sensor menus for optimal heating.
  • Convenient features like a position-memory turntable and a sound on/off function.
  • Includes essential safety and multi-stage cooking functions.

Cons

  • The large external footprint requires significant counter space.
  • Protective film on the keypad needs to be removed before first use, which could be easily missed.

Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven - Notably quiet operation with a soft-close door.

Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven

The Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave is a well-designed appliance, particularly for those with limited counter space. Its 25L (0.9 cu.ft.) capacity is suitable for everyday reheating and cooking tasks for individuals or small households. The standout feature is its quiet operation, with a soft-close door that significantly reduces noise, complemented by a mute function for a truly silent experience.

The control panel is straightforward, offering useful one-touch shortcuts for popcorn, beverages, and defrosting, as well as a specific food menu for common items like pizza and potatoes. The 900-watt power is adequate for most needs, and the defrost and reheat functions are engineered to heat food evenly without drying it out. The inclusion of a child lock adds a welcome layer of safety.

Overall, it's a solid, premium-feeling microwave that prioritizes user convenience and a quieter kitchen environment.

Pros

  • Notably quiet operation with a soft-close door.
  • Compact footprint is ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments.
  • User-friendly one-touch shortcuts and food menu presets.
  • Effective reheating and defrosting functions that heat food evenly.
  • Includes convenient features like a child lock and mute button.

Cons

  • The 900-watt power level may result in slightly longer cooking times than higher-wattage models.
  • Its 0.9 cu.ft. capacity might be restrictive for large dishes or family-sized meals.

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. - Compact size is ideal for small kitchens and dorms.

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

This Chefman 700W microwave is a solid, compact option for those with limited counter space, such as in apartments, dorm rooms, or offices. The digital controls are intuitive, offering six common presets that simplify daily use for items like popcorn or reheating leftovers. With 10 adjustable power levels, it provides good flexibility for everything from gently melting butter to more rapid cooking.

The thoughtful extra features are a highlight for a model of this size and price point. The child safety lock is a welcome addition for households with young children, and the ability to mute the beeps is great for late-night use. The memory function for saving a custom cooking cycle is also a handy, time-saving touch.

Its sleek black design is modern and easy to keep clean, with a wipeable exterior and a dishwasher-safe glass turntable. It’s a capable appliance for everyday reheating and light cooking tasks.

Pros

  • Compact size is ideal for small kitchens and dorms.
  • Features useful presets, a memory function, and a +30 seconds button.
  • Includes thoughtful additions like a child safety lock and a mute option.
  • Easy to clean with a wipeable exterior and dishwasher-safe turntable.
  • 10 adjustable power levels offer good cooking versatility.

Cons

  • At 700 watts, it may cook or heat food slower than higher-powered models.
  • The smaller internal capacity may not fit larger plates or casserole dishes.

Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven - Combines four functions (microwave, air fry, convection, combo) in one unit.

Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven

This 4-in-1 countertop appliance is a highly versatile option for those looking to consolidate kitchen gadgets. It effectively combines a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven, handling a wide range of cooking tasks. The 1000-watt microwave performs reliably with its 10 power settings, while the convection and air fry functions are great for roasting, baking, and making healthier fried foods.

The interior is quite spacious, easily accommodating a 12-inch pizza or a small chicken on its 13.6-inch turntable. The stainless steel front gives it a modern look, though the casing is black. Thoughtful features like the pre-programmed sensor menus, the ability to mute the buzzer, and the included grill accessories add to its overall convenience and value.

It's a solid, multi-functional unit that performs well across its different cooking modes, making it a practical choice for a busy kitchen.

Pros

  • Combines four functions (microwave, air fry, convection, combo) in one unit.
  • Large capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable suitable for family-sized meals.
  • Air fry feature provides a healthier way to cook fried foods.
  • Includes useful accessories like a grill rack and tray.
  • Convenient features such as sensor menus, one-touch buttons, and a mute function.

Cons

  • The two-tone finish (stainless steel door frame, black enclosure) may not appeal to everyone.
  • Its large external footprint requires a significant amount of counter space.

TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology - Large interior capacity and 13.6" turntable fit bigger plates.

TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology

This Toshiba microwave offers a generous capacity, easily accommodating a 12-inch pizza on its 13.6-inch turntable, which is ideal for families or larger dishes. The standout feature is the inverter technology, providing noticeably even heating and defrosting compared to conventional models. The smart sensor menus are a convenient addition, automatically adjusting power and time for common items like vegetables and potatoes, which helps prevent overcooking.

Other thoughtful touches include a one-touch quick start for 1-3 minutes and the ability to mute the beeping sounds, a feature many will appreciate. While the stainless steel design looks sleek, be mindful of its substantial footprint, as it requires significant counter space. It's a well-rounded and capable appliance for everyday use.

Pros

  • Large interior capacity and 13.6" turntable fit bigger plates.
  • Inverter technology provides consistent, even heating and defrosting.
  • Smart sensor menus simplify cooking for popular foods.
  • Convenient sound on/off function and one-touch start.
  • Sleek stainless steel design fits modern kitchens.

Cons

  • The control panel is not backlit, making it difficult to use in low light.
  • Its large external dimensions require considerable counter space.

Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Stee - Powerful 1000W output for quick and even cooking.

Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Stee

This Farberware microwave offers a solid balance of power and size. With 1000 watts and a 1.1 cu ft capacity, it's well-suited for daily use in apartments, dorms, or office kitchens. The ten power levels and multi-stage cooking provide good flexibility beyond simple reheating.

The inclusion of six one-touch cooking options, like popcorn and potato, is genuinely convenient for quick tasks. I also appreciate the express cook buttons for 1-6 minutes and the +30 seconds feature, which I use frequently. The LED display is clear and easy to read, and the child safety lock is a thoughtful addition for households with young children.

The interior is simple to wipe down, and the overall footprint doesn't consume too much counter space. It's a reliable, straightforward appliance that handles all the essential microwave tasks efficiently without unnecessary complexity.

Pros

  • Powerful 1000W output for quick and even cooking.
  • Compact 1.1 cu ft size is ideal for smaller kitchens or offices.
  • Multiple one-touch and express cooking shortcuts for convenience.
  • Features ten adjustable power levels and multi-stage cooking.
  • Includes useful functions like a child lock, kitchen timer, and clock.
  • Versatile defrost options by either weight or time.

Cons

  • The 1.1 cu ft capacity may be too small for larger families or oversized cookware.
  • Lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or convection found in higher-end models.

Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Microwaves Countertop

No buying guide available.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Microwaves Countertop

No FAQs available.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft this is a well-rounded and capable microwave with useful smart features and user-friendly controls. it is a great choice for individuals or families seeking a reliable appliance that simplifies everyday cooking and reheating tasks, provided they have adequate counter space.