10 Best Countertop Microwaves 2025 in the United States

The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a well-rounded countertop microwave, boasting a large 2.2 cubic feet capacity and 1200 watts of power, making it ideal for larger families or those who cook substantial meals. Its ample size can easily fit a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken, making it versatile for various cooking needs. The microwave features an intuitive humidity sensor that helps to evenly heat food and maintain moisture, which is beneficial for achieving optimal results.

The six pre-programmed menus add convenience for common food items like bacon, chicken pieces, and beverages, simplifying the cooking process. Another practical feature is the auto-defrost function, which offers specific settings for different types of meat, simulating natural defrosting conditions for better results. Its ECO Mode and mute option are thoughtful additions for energy saving and minimizing noise. The position memory turntable ensures the turntable returns to its starting position after use, which is handy for consistent placement of dishes. Additionally, the child safety lock enhances kitchen safety for families with young children.

However, the microwave’s larger size might be cumbersome for kitchens with limited counter space. While the stainless steel design is sleek, it may show fingerprints and require regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. Users looking for advanced features like inverter technology might be disappointed, as this model does not include it. Yet, for most household needs, this microwave offers a great balance of power, capacity, and useful features.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and efficient option for those looking for a reliable countertop microwave. With a size of 0.7 cubic feet and dimensions of 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”, it fits well in smaller kitchens or limited spaces, making it an excellent choice for apartments or dorm rooms.

At 700 watts, it offers decent power for reheating and cooking, supported by 10 power levels and pre-programmed settings for various foods like popcorn and pizza. Its turntable ensures even cooking, while the push-button door makes accessing your meals easy. The large LED digital display and straightforward control panel enhance usability, which is perfect for anyone who prefers simplicity in their kitchen appliances. The inclusion of a child safety lock is a significant plus for families with young children, ensuring safety during cooking.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 serves well as an entry-level countertop microwave, ideal for light cooking and reheating. Its compact size and safety features make it particularly suitable for smaller households or those seeking a simple, straightforward appliance. However, if you're looking for higher wattage or larger capacity, you might want to explore other options.

The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) is a solid countertop microwave with a roomy 1.6 cubic feet capacity, making it suitable for families or anyone who cooks larger portions. Its 1250-watt power ensures food heats quickly and efficiently. One standout feature is the inverter technology, which provides more even cooking and defrosting compared to traditional microwaves, helping to avoid hot spots or uneven textures in food. The 13.6-inch removable glass turntable is a convenient size for most dishes and makes cleaning easier.

This model offers six smart sensor auto menus that adjust cooking times and power levels automatically for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, reducing guesswork. The control panel includes a quick start button for fast one-touch cooking, and the sound on/off function lets you mute beeps, which some users find helpful. The two-step child lock adds an important safety layer to prevent accidental use, making it a good choice for homes with children.

Though it is relatively heavy at nearly 29 pounds, making it less easy to move around, and the control panel has a protective film that must be removed before use, these are minor inconveniences. While the microwave offers plenty of features for everyday cooking, it lacks more advanced or customizable settings that some might want. Its black stainless steel finish looks sleek but could show fingerprints more easily than other finishes. This Toshiba microwave effectively balances a roomy interior, powerful and even heating with inverter technology, and helpful safety and convenience features, making it well suited for most residential kitchens, especially families or users seeking reliable, sensor-driven cooking without complexity.