10 Best Countertop Microwaves 2025 in the United States

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable microwave with a good mix of features. With a capacity of 1.2 cubic feet, it accommodates larger plates and can even fit a 12-inch pizza, making it ideal for families or individuals who cook for multiple people. The microwave operates at 1100 watts, ensuring that your food heats up quickly and evenly, which is a significant advantage for busy kitchens.

One of the standout features is its pre-programmed sensor menu that optimizes heating for various foods, including pizza and veggies, which simplifies cooking. Additionally, the microwave includes a humidity sensor, helping to prevent overcooking. The control panel is user-friendly, with a large digital display, making it easy to select settings even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the microwave has a mute function, some users may find the buzzer sound to be persistent if not muted, which could be a nuisance in quieter households. The design, while attractive in stainless steel, may show fingerprints more easily, requiring regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. Furthermore, the weight of 34.6 pounds means it may not be as portable or easy to move around as lighter models.

In terms of safety features, the child lock is a welcome addition for families with young children. The easy clean interior is another practical aspect, ensuring maintenance is less of a chore. With a one-year warranty, you also get some peace of mind regarding any potential issues.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is well-suited for family use or for those who frequently cook larger meals. It offers practical features and a stylish design, but keep in mind its weight and maintenance needs when considering your kitchen setup.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a solid balance of power and convenience for everyday kitchen use. With a 1.1 cubic feet capacity, it’s spacious enough to handle most plates and bowls, making it suitable for small to medium households. Its 1000-watt power ensures meals heat quickly without long wait times. You get 10 power levels, which is helpful for adjusting cooking intensity—from gentle warming to rapid cooking. The microwave includes 6 popular one-touch presets like popcorn and pizza, which simplify common tasks, especially if you prefer quick cooking without fiddling with settings.

The touch control panel is straightforward and supports a memory function to save your frequently used cooking modes, speeding up meal prep. Safety is well covered with a child lock feature that prevents accidental opening or tampering, ideal for families with young children. The mute button to silence sounds and the eco mode to save power add thoughtful touches that improve user experience. The glass turntable is dishwasher safe, making cleanup easier. It does not include inverter technology, which some microwaves use for more even cooking, so very precise heat control might be limited. At just over 14 inches deep and 20 inches wide, it’s compact but you should check your countertop space before buying.

The sleek black finish looks modern and should blend well with most kitchens. Customer feedback reflects good value and reliable performance. This microwave suits anyone wanting a practical, easy-to-use countertop model with solid power and useful presets, though those seeking the latest cooking tech like inverter might consider other options.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a compact size with a 0.7 cubic feet capacity, making it a good fit for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices where space is limited. Its 700-watt power level is modest but sufficient for everyday reheating, defrosting, and light cooking tasks. You get 10 power levels, allowing flexibility from gentle melting to quicker cooking. The microwave comes with six popular pre-programmed settings like popcorn, pizza, and veggies, which simplifies cooking common foods without guesswork.

Its touch control panel is user-friendly, and the added memory function lets you save custom settings for your favorite meals, speeding up future use. A glass turntable ensures even heating and is easy to clean—dishwasher safe, which is a handy feature. Safety is well covered with a child lock on the handle and a lock mode to prevent accidental operation, useful in homes with kids. The mute button to silence beeps and an eco mode to save power when idle are thoughtful touches that improve convenience.

One downside is the lack of inverter technology, which some higher-end microwaves have for more even and gentle cooking. Also, the 700-watt power might be on the lower side if you often cook larger or denser foods. This microwave is suitable for users looking for a simple, reliable, and compact appliance that covers basic cooking needs without extra bells and whistles.