We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Countertop Microwaves 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,251
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Pre-programmed Settings

Most important from
53678 reviews

Size and Capacity
The microwave's interior is spacious and easy to clean.
Wattage
With 1100 watts of power, it handles tasks like reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen meals, and cooking popcorn consistently well.
Pre-programmed Settings
The one-touch presets, such as 'Popcorn' and 'Reheat' buttons, are convenient and save time.
Turntable
The turntable is the perfect size for most standard plates and ensures even heating.
Control Panel
User-friendly controls and a clear digital display make it easy to navigate.
Inverter Technology
Inverter technology ensures more consistent cooking by delivering steady, even power output, preventing hotspots.

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.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,251
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Pre-programmed Settings

Most important from
53678 reviews

Size and Capacity
The microwave's interior is spacious and easy to clean.
Wattage
With 1100 watts of power, it handles tasks like reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen meals, and cooking popcorn consistently well.
Pre-programmed Settings
The one-touch presets, such as 'Popcorn' and 'Reheat' buttons, are convenient and save time.
Turntable
The turntable is the perfect size for most standard plates and ensures even heating.
Control Panel
User-friendly controls and a clear digital display make it easy to navigate.
Inverter Technology
Inverter technology ensures more consistent cooking by delivering steady, even power output, preventing hotspots.
#2

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black

Rating
9.8
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Turntable

Most important from
320 reviews

Size and Capacity
The microwave fits well on standard countertops, balancing compact size with a spacious interior.
Wattage
This microwave heats food quickly and offers many settings for versatile cooking needs.
Turntable
The interior is easy to clean, featuring a glass turntable that resists stains and odors better than plastic.
Control Panel
Easy-to-use touch controls with adjustable sound settings enhance convenience during operation.

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.

Rating
9.8
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Turntable

Most important from
320 reviews

Size and Capacity
The microwave fits well on standard countertops, balancing compact size with a spacious interior.
Wattage
This microwave heats food quickly and offers many settings for versatile cooking needs.
Turntable
The interior is easy to clean, featuring a glass turntable that resists stains and odors better than plastic.
Control Panel
Easy-to-use touch controls with adjustable sound settings enhance convenience during operation.
#3

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

Rating
9.6
Size and Capacity
Pre-programmed Settings
Turntable

Most important from
320 reviews

Size and Capacity
The sleek, stylish design and clear time display add a modern touch that fits perfectly in small spaces.
Pre-programmed Settings
This microwave warms food quickly and offers a variety of settings and cook times, making it a powerful and versatile kitchen companion.
Turntable
Its easy-to-clean interior with a glass turntable helps prevent stains and odors, enhancing long-term usability.
Control Panel
The sturdy door handle and touch screen controls provide a user-friendly experience preferred over button-push doors.

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.

Rating
9.6
Size and Capacity
Pre-programmed Settings
Turntable

Most important from
320 reviews

Size and Capacity
The sleek, stylish design and clear time display add a modern touch that fits perfectly in small spaces.
Pre-programmed Settings
This microwave warms food quickly and offers a variety of settings and cook times, making it a powerful and versatile kitchen companion.
Turntable
Its easy-to-clean interior with a glass turntable helps prevent stains and odors, enhancing long-term usability.
Control Panel
The sturdy door handle and touch screen controls provide a user-friendly experience preferred over button-push doors.

Buying Guide for the Best Countertop Microwaves

Choosing the right countertop microwave can make a big difference in your kitchen experience. A microwave is a versatile appliance that can help you quickly heat up leftovers, cook meals, and even bake. When selecting a countertop microwave, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and fits well in your kitchen space. Here are the key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Size and CapacitySize and capacity refer to the physical dimensions of the microwave and the amount of space inside it. This is important because you need to ensure the microwave fits on your countertop and can accommodate the dishes you plan to use. Microwaves typically range from compact (0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet) to mid-size (1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet) to large (1.6 cubic feet and above). If you have limited counter space or only need to heat small items, a compact microwave may be sufficient. For larger families or if you plan to cook larger meals, a mid-size or large microwave would be more appropriate.
WattageWattage indicates the power of the microwave, which affects how quickly and evenly it can cook food. Higher wattage means faster cooking times and more even heating. Microwaves typically range from 600 to 1200 watts. If you mostly use the microwave for simple tasks like reheating and defrosting, a lower wattage (600-800 watts) may be adequate. For more complex cooking tasks or if you want faster results, look for a microwave with higher wattage (900-1200 watts).
Pre-programmed SettingsPre-programmed settings are preset cooking times and power levels for specific types of food, such as popcorn, pizza, or vegetables. These settings can make cooking more convenient and ensure better results. If you frequently cook a variety of foods in the microwave, look for a model with a wide range of pre-programmed settings. If you only use the microwave for basic tasks, fewer settings may be sufficient.
TurntableA turntable is a rotating glass plate inside the microwave that helps to evenly distribute heat by moving the food around. This is important for ensuring that food cooks evenly. Most microwaves come with a turntable, but some higher-end models offer a flatbed design without a turntable, which can provide more usable space. If you often cook large or irregularly shaped dishes, a flatbed microwave might be a better choice. Otherwise, a turntable is usually sufficient for most needs.
Control PanelThe control panel is the interface you use to operate the microwave. It can be digital or mechanical. Digital control panels offer more precise control and additional features like timers and pre-programmed settings, while mechanical dials are simpler and more straightforward to use. If you prefer a modern look and more functionality, a digital control panel is a good choice. If you want something easy to use and reliable, a mechanical control panel might be better.
Child LockA child lock is a safety feature that prevents the microwave from being operated by children. This is important for households with young children to prevent accidental use and potential injuries. If you have young children at home, look for a microwave with a child lock feature. If this is not a concern for you, this feature may not be necessary.
Inverter TechnologyInverter technology allows the microwave to deliver a consistent level of power, which can result in more even cooking and better texture for certain foods. Traditional microwaves cycle the power on and off, which can lead to uneven cooking. If you often cook delicate foods or want the best possible cooking results, consider a microwave with inverter technology. If you primarily use the microwave for basic tasks, this feature may not be essential.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now