TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven - Versatile 8-in-1 functionality saves counter space by combining multiple appliances.

This 8-in-1 appliance is a very versatile addition to the kitchen, effectively combining a standard 1000W microwave with an air fryer, convection oven, and broiler. For those looking to save counter space, this is a significant advantage. The unit performs well for daily microwave tasks, and the air fry function is a nice feature for making healthier versions of fried foods.

Its external footprint is reasonably compact, but the interior is spacious enough to fit a 12-inch pizza or a whole chicken, striking a good balance between size and capacity. The controls are a mix of knobs and buttons, which are mostly intuitive to use. Thoughtful features like the position memory turntable, which returns to its starting point, and a mute function are genuinely useful.

The two-step child lock is a necessary and well-implemented safety feature for households with children, and the stainless steel interior makes cleanup relatively simple.

1.1 Cu. ft. 1000 W Mid Size Microwave Oven - Convenient one-touch presets for common foods.

This microwave covers all the essential bases for everyday kitchen needs. The six quick-set menu buttons for items like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza are quite convenient, taking the guesswork out of common tasks. The '+30 Seconds' express cook button is particularly useful for quick reheats or adding a little extra time without navigating complex settings.

The defrost functions are also versatile, offering options for both time and weight, which helps ensure food is thawed properly. The inclusion of a child-lockout feature is a thoughtful addition for households with young children, providing an extra layer of safety. While it doesn't boast high-end features, it's a reliable and straightforward appliance for daily use.

The digital clock is easy to read, and the long cooking timer is sufficient for any standard microwave cooking. It's a practical choice for anyone needing a dependable, no-frills machine.

BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry - Versatile 5-in-1 functionality saves significant counter space.

This 5-in-1 countertop appliance successfully combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and more into a single unit. With 900 watts and 10 power levels, it handles basic microwave tasks effectively, further simplified by seven auto-cook menus for items like popcorn and vegetables. The standout feature is its air frying capability, which includes 11 presets for popular foods such as french fries, chicken wings, and fish sticks, making operation straightforward.

User-friendly additions like the 30-second express cook button and a child-lock for the control panel are practical and thoughtful touches. While it aims to replace several gadgets, its performance is on par with what you would expect from a multi-function device. It consolidates kitchen functions well, offering significant versatility for its size and proving to be a capable all-in-one cooking solution, especially for those with limited counter space.

Breville BMO850BSS Smooth Wave Countertop Microwave Oven - Significantly quieter operation and a soft-close door reduce kitchen noise.

The Breville Smooth Wave microwave offers a significant upgrade over standard models, primarily through its focus on quiet operation and precise cooking. The soft-close door and reduced operational noise are immediately noticeable and make for a much more pleasant kitchen environment. Its performance is impressive, thanks to the Sensor iQ and inverter technologies.

Food reheats evenly without the usual hot and cold spots, and the sensor accurately determines when items like soup or leftovers are ready. The 15 smart presets are genuinely useful, taking the guesswork out of common tasks. While it has many functions, the interface is fairly intuitive, and the shortcuts panel inside the door is a clever touch for frequently used settings.

The 'A Bit More' button is also a simple but highly practical feature. Overall, it's a well-engineered appliance that delivers on its promises of smarter, quieter, and more even cooking.

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. - Compact design is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.

This Chefman 700W microwave is a solid option for those needing a compact appliance without sacrificing functionality. It fits well in smaller spaces like apartments, dorm rooms, or office breakrooms. The digital controls are straightforward, offering six common presets, 10 power levels, and a handy "+30 seconds" button for quick reheating.

The memory function is particularly useful for programming go-to settings for daily tasks. For households with children, the child safety lock on the handle and the control panel lock are reassuring features. The ability to mute the beeps is also a great addition for quiet environments.

While 700 watts means it might take a bit longer to cook than more powerful models, it handles everyday tasks like reheating leftovers, melting butter, and making popcorn effectively. The easy-to-clean exterior and dishwasher-safe turntable make maintenance simple. Overall, it’s a well-designed, feature-rich compact microwave.

TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable - Spacious 1.6 cu. ft. capacity fits large family-sized meals.

This 1.6 cu. ft. microwave offers solid performance with its 1200 watts of power and multiple levels.

The sensor menus are a genuinely useful feature, taking the guesswork out of heating common items like potatoes and vegetables, resulting in more even cooking. Its large capacity is ideal for family-sized dishes, easily accommodating a 13-inch pizza. Two standout features are the position-memory turntable, which conveniently returns your mug handle to its starting position, and the ability to mute the beeping sounds—a welcome option for a quieter kitchen.

The one-touch buttons and auto-defrost function work as expected. The black stainless steel finish gives it a modern look that fits well in most kitchens, but its overall size requires a good amount of counter space. It's a capable and well-rounded appliance for everyday use.

TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus - Compact size is well-suited for smaller kitchens or apartments.

This 900-watt microwave is a functional and compact appliance suitable for everyday kitchen needs. Its external dimensions are ideal for smaller countertops, though it's wise to check the internal measurements to ensure your standard dishes will fit. The unit provides good cooking flexibility with its 11 distinct power levels and 6 preset menus for common items like popcorn and potatoes, simplifying quick meal preparation.

The one-touch start for 1 to 6 minutes is a convenient time-saver, and the defrost functions work by either weight or time. Thoughtful additions include a two-step child safety lock for peace of mind in family homes and a mute function to silence the end-of-cycle beeps, which is a great feature for shared living spaces or late-night use. Overall, it's a well-rounded machine for its category, handling basic reheating and cooking tasks effectively.

SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 10.6" Carousel Turntable - Compact size is ideal for apartments and smaller kitchens.

This 0.9 cu. ft. microwave is a solid performer for everyday use, especially in smaller kitchens or dorm rooms.

The 900 watts of power is sufficient for most tasks like reheating leftovers, defrosting meats, and cooking simple meals. I found the one-touch features, particularly the '+30 seconds' and 'Express Cook' buttons, to be very convenient for quick jobs. The updated design elements, such as the gray interior and bright LED lighting, make it easy to see inside and keep clean, while the white LED display is clear and easy to read.

The 10.6-inch turntable is standard for this size and does a good job of ensuring food is heated evenly. It handles all the basic functions you'd expect from a modern microwave without any unnecessary complications. It's a functional and straightforward appliance that gets the job done reliably.

Sharp 1.1 cu. ft. Mid-Size Countertop Microwave Ov - Sufficient 1000-watt power heats food quickly and evenly.

This Sharp microwave offers a solid performance for everyday kitchen needs. With 1000 watts of power and a 1.1 cu. ft.

capacity, it handles reheating leftovers and cooking simple meals efficiently. The size is practical, accommodating most standard dinner plates without taking up excessive counter space. The control panel is straightforward, featuring several useful preset buttons for popular items, which takes the guesswork out of cooking times.

The '+30 seconds' key is particularly convenient for quickly adding time or starting a short heating cycle. The auto defrost function works as expected, thawing food evenly without starting to cook the edges. While it doesn't have high-end features like sensor cooking, it reliably covers all the essential functions one would expect from a modern microwave oven.

The popcorn preset, specifically tuned for a popular brand, is a nice, albeit specific, touch for movie nights.

Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven - Exceptionally quiet operation and soft-close door

The Breville Compact Wave Soft Close is a well-designed microwave that focuses on user experience, especially for those in smaller living spaces. Its 25L (0.9 cu.ft) capacity is suitable for everyday reheating, defrosting, and cooking small meals without taking up excessive counter space. The standout feature is undoubtedly the soft-close door and significantly quieter operation, which is a noticeable improvement over the clanging and loud humming of many standard models.

The 900 watts of power is adequate for most tasks, and the one-touch shortcut buttons for popcorn, beverages, and reheating are genuinely useful. The food menu presets also add a layer of convenience for common items like pizza and vegetables. While it's not the largest or most powerful unit available, its thoughtful touches like the mute button and child lock make it a very refined and practical appliance for daily use.