This essential appliance saves considerable space without sacrificing power. A modern countertop microwave oven is a game-changer for small kitchens and busy households. You get serious cooking speed without the bulk of a built-in model. It’s plug-and-play convenience at it’s best.
But with so many models out there, how do you choose the right one? We tested the latest to see which ones truly deliver on their promises. From reheating leftovers to actually cooking a meal, we’ve got the details you need.
Product Comparison Table: 9 Best Countertop Microwave Oven
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TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4″…
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9.7 |
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TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with…
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9.5 |
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BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door,…
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9.3 |
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Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts…
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9.1 |
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COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO…
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8.9 |
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TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus,…
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8.8 |
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TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus,…
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8.6 |
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Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor, 6…
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8.4 |
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Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000…
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8.2 |
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Quick Review For Top 9 Countertop Microwave Oven
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
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is a compact 1.2 cubic foot appliance designed to simplify your kitchen routine. With 1000 watts of cooking power, it provides the speed you need for everyday tasks, from reheating leftovers to preparing quick meals. Its sleek black design fits nicely on most countertops, measuring 20.6 inches wide, 16 inches deep, and 11.8 inches high.
Inside, you get a spacious cavity with a 12.4-inch removable glass turntable for even cooking and easy cleanup.
One of the standout features is the Smart Humidity Sensor. This technology takes the guesswork out of cooking by automatically detecting moisture levels from your food and adjusting the time and power accordingly. It helps prevent overcooked or dried-out meals, aiming for consistent results with foods like steamed vegetables or reheated casseroles.
You can also choose from 12 auto menus, which include settings for items like pizza, potatoes, and sensor reheat, giving you a reliable starting point for common dishes.
For times when you prefer manual control, the microwave offers 10 distinct power levels. This flexibility lets you tailor the cooking intensity, whether your gently melting butter, simmering a sauce, or deodorizing a sponge.
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
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact 1.2 cubic foot appliance designed to simplify your daily cooking with smart technology and consistent results. Its 1000-watt cooking power provides the speed you need for quick meals, while its silver finish offers a clean, modern look for any kitchen counter. With external dimensions of 20.6 inches wide by 16.0 inches deep, it fits comfortably in most spaces without sacrificing a roomy interior for your dishes.
A standout feature is the Smart Sensor Technology. This function automatically detects the humidity levels from your food and adjusts the cooking time and power accordingly. It takes the guesswork out of reheating leftovers or cooking packaged foods, aiming to prevent those common issues of overcooked edges or a still-cold center. You just select the sensor setting, and the microwave handles the rest, which is a real help on busy days.
For added convenience, this model includes 12 auto menus, including options for pizza, vegetables, and sensor reheat. These presets are programmed with recommended times and power levels, giving you a reliable starting point for a variety of foods. You also have access to 10 distinct power levels, allowing for precise control whether your melting chocolate, simmering a sauce, or just needing a low warm setting.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed to simplify your daily cooking tasks. With 700 watts of power and a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, it offers a practical solution for reheating, defrosting, and cooking meals without taking up to much counter space. Its stainless steel finish gives it a clean, modern look that fits well in most kitchens.
You’ll appreciate the straightforward control panel, which features a large LED digital display that’s easy to read. The microwave includes several convenient, pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, and even a beverage setting. This takes the guesswork out of cooking times for those everyday items. For more control, you have 10 adjustable power settings and a kitchen timer function.
The 30-second express cooking button is perfect for when you need to quickly heat something up. Safety and ease of use are key features here. The child safety lock provides peace of mind if you have little ones around. Opening the door is simple thanks to the push-button release mechanism, which is often easier than a handle for some people. Inside, a removable 10-inch glass turntable helps ensure your food heats evenly, and it can be taken out for easy cleaning.
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
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. is a compact, full-featured appliance designed to simplify your kitchen tasks. With 700 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently, but it’s the thoughtful details that make it a practical choice for any home.
You get six one-touch cooking presets for everyday items like popcorn, pizza, and leftovers. This takes the guesswork out of microwaving, ensuring your snacks and sides come out just right.
For more control, there are ten adjustable power levels. You can gently defrost something on a low setting or use full power to boil water for a beverage in moments. The digital controls are straightforward, and the handy +30 seconds button is perfect for adding a little extra time without restarting the whole process.
Convenience is a big focus here. The memory function lets you save your most frequent custom settings.
Once programmed, you can start those routines with a single touch, which is a real time-saver for your daily routine. The design is sleek and modern in black, fitting neatly on your counter without dominating the space. It’s also built to be easy to live with. The exterior wipes clean easily, and the interior glass turntable can go right in the dishwasher for no-fuss cleaning.
Safety and quiet operation are well considered.
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact, 0.7 cubic foot appliance designed for straightforward cooking and reheating in your kitchen. It offers 700 watts of power, which is a solid balance for efficient cooking without being overly complex. Its black finish gives it a clean, modern look that fits with most countertop decors. A key feature you might appreciate is the sound on/off function.
This allows you to mute the beeps, which is perfect for late-night snacks or if you just prefer a quieter kitchen. The control panel is laid out clearly with a bright digital display, making it easy to see your settings. One-touch buttons for popular items like popcorn, potato, pizza, and reheating take the guesswork out of cooking times. You simply press the corresponding button, and the microwave handles the rest. For everyday tasks, the express cooking function is incredibly handy.
You can start cooking with one press for 1 to 6 minutes, and the plus 30 seconds button is there for that extra bit of time we often need. Defrosting is flexible too, with options to defrost by weight or by time, so you can thaw things more precisely. The interior has a helpful light and a 10-inch glass turntable to help ensure your food heats evenly. This model includes an Energy Saving Eco Mode.
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Countertop, Black Stainless Steel
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven is a compact and thoughtfully designed countertop appliance that balances functionality with a sleek black stainless steel finish. It’s built for everyday tasks in smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices, offering a 0.9 cubic foot capacity thats surprisingly versatile without taking up to much space. At its core, this is a 900-watt microwave, providing plenty of power for quick heating, cooking, and reheating.
You get 11 distinct power levels, which lets you tailor the cooking process. You can gently defrost, simmer a sauce, or quickly boil water, giving you real control over your results. Defrosting is made simple with dedicated settings for both time and weight, so frozen ingredients are ready faster. For ultimate convenience, the one-touch start lets you begin cooking at full power for 1 to 6 minutes instantly—perfect for that quick cup of tea or reheating leftovers.
Six handy preset menus take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and more. Just press the corresponding button, and the microwave adjusts the time and power for you. The interior is lit by bright LED lighting and features a 10.6-inch removable glass turntable. This turntable ensures even cooking, and because it’s removable, cleaning up any spills is straightforward. Toshiba has included several features focused on quiet and safety.
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Countertop, Stainless Steel
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven is a compact and thoughtfully designed countertop appliance that balances power with practical features for everyday use. Its 0.9 cubic foot capacity and stainless steel finish make it a space-efficient and durable addition to your kitchen, perfect for smaller households or as a secondary oven. With 900 watts of cooking power, this microwave handles a wide range of tasks efficiently, from reheating leftovers to boiling water quickly.
The interior is lit by bright LED lighting, so you can easily monitor your food’s progress. A key feature is the 10.6-inch removable glass turntable, which ensures even cooking and can be taken out for simple cleaning—no more awkward scrubbing inside the cavity. For convenience, it includes six preset auto menus for common items like popcorn, pizza, and baked potatoes. These settings take the guesswork out of cooking times and power levels for those foods.
When you need more control, you have access to 11 distinct power levels. This lets you tailor the cooking process, whether your gently defrosting meat or need a lower power for simmering. Defrosting is straightforward with options for both time and weight, and a one-touch start allows for instant cooking at full power for up to six minutes. Family safety and quiet operation are well considered.
Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor, 6 Menus, Auto Defrost, ECO Mode, Mute Option & 16.5" Position Memory Turntable, 2.2 Cu Ft, 1200W, Stainless Steel
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave is designed to be a powerful and intelligent helper in your kitchen. With its generous 2.2 cubic foot capacity and 1200 watts of power, it’s built to handle the demands of a busy household. You can fit a full 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken inside, making it a practical solution for family dinners and larger meals without taking up to much counter space.
One of it’s standout features is the intuitive humidity sensor.
This smart technology automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level by detecting the steam released from your food. The result is even heating that helps seal in moisture, preventing dried-out leftovers. This sensor works hand-in-hand with the six automatic preset menus. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking common items like bacon, reheating frozen muffins, warming beverages, preparing chicken pieces, and making oatmeal.
You just select the menu, and the microwave handles the rest.
Defrosting is another area where this microwave excels. The auto-defrost function isn’t just a simple timer; it uses specific programs for meat, poultry, and fish to simulate a more natural thawing environment. This helps achieve better texture and results compared to quick, uneven defrosting, giving you more predictable outcomes for your recipes.
Usability is a clear focus.
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
The Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and powerful kitchen helper designed to simplify your daily routine. With its 1000 watts of cooking power, it heats food quickly and efficiently, saving you valuable time when you need it most. Its 1.1 cubic foot capacity is a smart balance, offering enough space for a standard dinner plate or a large bowl without taking over your entire counter.
It fits perfectly in small kitchens, dorm rooms, or office breakrooms where space is at a premium. You get a lot of control over your cooking with this model. It features ten adjustable power levels, allowing you to gently warm leftovers or rapidly boil water. The six one-touch Auto Cook settings take the guesswork out of preparing common items like popcorn, baked potatoes, and pizza. For frozen foods, the defrost function can be set either by weight or by time, giving you flexibility.
Starting a cook cycle is straightforward with the 1-through-6 minute Express Cooking buttons, and the handy Add 30-Seconds button lets you easily extend cooking time without resetting everything. Keeping this microwave clean is simple. The interior wipes down easily, and the stainless steel exterior maintains a sleek look with minimal effort. Inside, a bright light lets you clearly see your food as it cooks, so you can check on progress without stopping the cycle.
Countertop Microwave Oven Buying Guide
Priorities for your next countertop microwave oven. With so many models on the shelf, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide cuts through the noise to help you focus on what really matters for your kitchen and your routine.
Size and Power Capacity
Think about what you’ll heat most often. A solo diner might manage with a compact 0.7 cubic foot model, but a family will need 1.2 cubic feet or more for dinner plates. Power, measured in watts, is crucial too. Higher wattage (1000W+) heats food faster and more evenly, while 700-900W models are fine for basic tasks but may take longer. Match the interior space to your typical meals.
Ease of Use and Controls
Do you prefer simplicity or precision? A basic dial timer is wonderfully straightforward—just turn and go. Digital keypads offer exact time entry and preset functions like ‘popcorn’ or ‘beverage.’ Some even have sensor cooking that automatically adjusts time and power based on steam. Consider who uses it; if it’s for a busy household, intuitive controls are a lifesaver.
Special Features and Functions
Modern microwaves do more than just reheat. A convection mode combines microwave speed with oven-style browning for crisping foods. An inverter provides steady, lower power for delicate jobs like melting chocolate without scorching. Look for useful extras like a turntable on/off option for large dishes, or a quiet mode for open-plan living spaces. Decide which features you’ll actually use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Countertop Microwave Oven
What size microwave do I need?
This depends on your space and how you cook. Compact models are great for small kitchens or solo use. For families, a midsize or full-size model offers more flexibility. Check the interior cubic feet measurement and your available counter space before you buy.
What wattage is best?
Most home microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts. Higher wattage cooks food faster and more evenly. A 1000-watt or above model is a good standard for versatile cooking. Lower wattage is okay for simple reheating, but it may take longer.
Are there important features to look for?
Yes! Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power. Inverter technology provides consistent power for better results. A turntable helps cook evenly, but some models have a flat bottom instead. Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn or potatoes are very handy.
How do I clean and maintain it?
Keep it clean by wiping the inside and door seal with a damp cloth after spills. For stuck-on food, heat a bowl of water for a few minutes to create steam—this loosens grime. Never use harsh abrasives on the interior, as it can damage the surface.
Can I put any dish inside?
No, you must use microwave-safe containers. Glass, ceramic, and most plastics labeled “microwave-safe” are fine. Avoid metal, which can spark, or styrofoam that might melt. When in doubt, its better to use a glass or ceramic dish.
Where should I place it on the counter?
Choose a flat, stable spot with a few inches of clearance on all sides, especially the vents. It needs good air flow to work properly. Ensure it’s near an outlet so you don’t need an extension cord, which can be a safety risk.
Is it expensive to run?
Not really. Microwaves are generally efficient for reheating and cooking small meals. They use less energy than a conventional oven for many tasks. The operating cost is usually quite low compared to other kitchen appliances.
Closing Thoughts
Reclaim kitchen space with a capable countertop microwave. It’s a simple change that makes a real difference. You get a powerful tool for daily tasks without a complicated installation. It fits right where you need it, keeping your main cooking area open and organized. This ease of use is what makes it such a popular choice for so many homes.
When considering your options, think about how you cook most days. A well-chosen countertop microwave oven can handle everything from reheating leftovers to helping with quick meals. It supports your routine without getting in teh way. Ultimately, it’s about finding a model that fits your space and your life, giving you one less thing to worry about on a busy day. That’s a win for any kitchen.