Buying guide for best countertop microwaves
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Last year, the workhorse countertop microwave that had dutifully popped popcorn, baked potatoes and reheated my favorite casseroles for over 12 years finally gave out on me. It had served me well, so my natural instinct should have been to replace it immediately, but I got a little cocky.
I'd gotten an air fryer oven that I'd fallen head over heels for, and I was convinced I didn't really need the old tried-and-true microwave. The air fryer oven took a little longer but could reheat leftovers and bake potatoes just as well. If I wanted popcorn, I could learn to be a little more patient, too, and pull my air popper out of the cabinet. I'd be fine without a microwave, I told myself. I didn't need a replacement.
It took less than two weeks — or a couple of busy nights when I was so hungry that waiting eight minutes to reheat lasagna seemed too long, a morning when I desperately needed boiling water for a cup of green tea for my a.m. caffeine boost and a frantic baking session when I forgot to take the butter out to soften — before I changed my mind. You just can't beat the convenience of a countertop microwave, which means I must have one on my kitchen countertop.
Sure, countertop microwaves are fairly basic, but you still want to choose the right one. Most people want a microwave that’s big enough to do what they need it to do — but not so large that it takes over their entire counter or cart. You'll also want to be sure it's got the power you need. The higher the wattage of a microwave, the faster and more evenly it heats food (around 800 to 1,200 watts is ideal).
Once you’ve decided on size and power, think about the other features you need. What kind of controls does it have? How loud is it? Does it have a display? Is it simple to clean? Will it look good in your kitchen? Note, too, that a countertop microwave should be easy for one person to lift. If you’ve got small children, look for one with a child-safety lock.
At BestReviews, we evaluated countertop microwaves for size, capacity, wattage, ease of use, how quickly and evenly they heat and defrost food, and how they set up and look to find the best models. Our top pick, the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave, stands out for its capacity, 10 power levels that provide plenty of flexibility, six presets for popular foods and smart sensor technology for fuss-free reheating.
Editors' picks
Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
Editors' Favorite
Product Dimensions: 16" D x 20.6" W x 11.8" H | Capacity: 1.2 cu ft | Material: Stainless Steel | Wattage: 1,000 W | Special Features: Eco+Mute Function, Humidity Sensor, Pre-programmed Sensor Menu
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave machine hits the sweet spot for a balance of style and functionality. Its sleek black stainless steel design fits well into any modern kitchen without taking up too much precious counter space.
We love how the preprogrammed sensor menu takes the guesswork out of cooking, and the Eco+Mute is great for those looking to reduce their energy usage.
Some users note mixed performance, with occasional delays in heating, but the overall sentiment is positive. If you want a dependable, stylish microwave, this one is a great choice.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven
Great Value
Product Dimensions: 13" D x 17.3" W x 10.2" H | Capacity: 0.7 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 700 W | Special Features: Preprogrammed buttons, sensor technology for optimal results and child-safety lock
The Black+Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse that fits perfectly into small spaces. It has intuitive preprogrammed buttons for popular foods, so you can effortlessly cook or reheat meals at the touch of a button. The sensor technology adjusts cooking times for optimal results, delivering consistent performance.
The overall value and effectiveness seem to hit the nail on the head for most users — — though some have reported mixed experiences with noise and heating distribution. If you're seeking a reliable, user-friendly microwave that doesn’t take up much room, this model might be your best bet.
Comfee' Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Compact & Capable
Product Dimensions: 13" D x 17.3" W x 10.2" H | Capacity: 0.7 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 700 W | Special Features: Child safety lock, mute function, energy-saving Eco mode
The Comfee' 0.7-Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave strikes a balance between size and functionality, making it an ideal choice for those of us with limited countertop space. We really appreciate its convenience features, like one-touch cooking for your favorite snacks and the silent mode for avoiding pesky beeps.
The energy-saving Eco mode is a real winner, saving power and keeping things efficient, although there are some complaints about it not cooking food quickly enough. The child safety lock is a godsend for those of us with little curious hands around. Overall, this microwave is a solid addition to any kitchen.
Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave
Best Large Microwave
Product Dimensions: 19.6" D x 24.4" W x 13.6" H | Capacity: 2.2 cu ft | Material: Metal | Wattage: 1,200 W | Special Features: Eco+Mute, Turntable, Humidity Sensor
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave offers a blend of power and convenience. With its 2.2-cubic-foot capacity and 1,200 watts of power, you can easily fit a large pizza or whole chicken for those family dinners or festive occasions.
The intuitive humidity sensor and six auto menus ensure your meals are cooked evenly, while features like the Eco mode and mute function add a thoughtful touch for energy efficiency and quiet operation.
While some users mention varied experiences with noise and heating times, the overall sentiment is that this microwave delivers consistent performance and ease of use. If you're looking for a kitchen appliance that combines functionality with a sleek design, then this one is worth checking out.
How we tested
After researching the top countertop microwaves on the market, we narrowed our list down to the microwaves above and tested some models in the following areas.
Ease of use
- Unboxing and setup: We noted how the microwave was packed, how easy it was to unbox, how heavy it was to lift, and what accessories it came with.
- Controls and display: We evaluated how easy it was to operate microwave controls and how informative, visible, and legible each display was.
- Cleaning and maintenance: We evaluated how easy and convenient it was to clean the interior and exterior of the microwave and noted whether the exterior seemed to attract dirt or blemishes.
Quality
- Noise level: We checked how loud the microwave was during operation, taking note of any beeps or sounds.
- Heating food: We tested how well the microwave heated food, checking evenness, doneness, and how long it took.
- Defrosting food: We tested how quickly and thoroughly the microwave defrosted food, both raw and prepared.
- Power levels: We evaluated how to set different power levels on the microwave and their effects on cooking time and doneness.
Advanced features
- Special features: We tested the performance of special features, such as automatic food settings for popcorn and pizza, as well as the quality of the sensor-based cooking.
Key considerations
Cooking presets and sensor technology
When you’re reheating leftovers or making a quick snack, having the right preset can save you time and hassle. Many microwaves now come with one-touch buttons for popular foods like:
- Popcorn: automatically pops without burning half the bag.
- Baked potatoes: cooks through without leaving cold spots.
- Pizza: reheats slices without turning them into rubber.
- Beverages: warms drinks without boiling them over.
Beyond these, some models include sensor cooking. This feature measures steam or humidity inside the microwave and adjusts cook times automatically. For example, if you’re heating soup, the microwave will stop when the sensors detect it’s hot enough instead of following a fixed timer.
Control panel and display
How you interact with your microwave matters just as much as what’s inside. A frustrating control panel can make even the best model feel like a bad buy.
Common control styles include:
- Touch panels: sleek and modern, but harder to use with wet or messy hands.
- Raised buttons: easier to find by feel, but can trap crumbs and grease.
- Dials: simple and intuitive, but less precise for setting exact times.
We also look at the display. A good display should be bright, easy to read from different angles, and clear about what’s happening. Some models show power levels, countdown timers, and even cooking stages. If you have low lighting in your kitchen, backlit displays are worth prioritizing.
Turntable vs. flatbed design
Most microwaves have a turntable that spins food for more even cooking. They’re simple, familiar, and generally effective. But they do have downsides:
- They limit the size and shape of dishes you can fit.
- Food can tip or slide during cooking.
- Cleaning requires removing and washing the plate and support ring.
A flatbed design takes a different approach. Instead of a moving plate, the microwave uses rotating antennas underneath the floor to distribute heat. The benefits are:
- More usable interior space for large or oddly shaped dishes.
- A smooth surface that’s easier to wipe clean.
- No moving parts to misalign or break.
Noise level
Microwaves aren’t known for being whisper-quiet, but some are definitely louder than others. If you live in a small space, cook late at night, or have a sleeping baby nearby, noise might be one of the most important considerations on your list.
When we evaluate noise, we look at:
- Operational hum: the baseline sound when it’s running.
- Beep volume: how loud the alerts are at the end of cooking.
- Other noises: clunks or vibrations from loose parts or uneven surfaces.
Some microwaves include a mute function that turns off the beeps completely, which can be a lifesaver in shared or quiet households.
FAQ
Q. What is the average lifespan of a countertop microwave?
A. A countertop microwave oven should last seven to 10 years without needing major repair. If you’re starting to notice odd smells, sounds, or an uneven performance, these might be signs that it’s time to repair or replace your microwave.
Q. Do microwaves interfere with TV reception?
A. If you use an indoor over-the-air antenna, running your microwave could cause some interference with your TV signal. This also goes for AM and FM radio and WiFi networks in the 2.4-gigahertz range. Microwave energy is emitted in the radio frequency range, so it could conflict with other appliances that use radio waves.
Q. Why shouldn't you stand in front of the microwave?
A. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against standing directly in front of or up against an operating microwave for long periods of time. This is to avoid very rare instances of being exposed to microwave radiation from a broken or poorly sealed microwave. It’s not a likely scenario, but to be safe, avoid staring into the microwave while it’s on. Your pizza won’t heat any quicker!
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair is a writer and product tester who has covered kitchen, home and lifestyle products for BestReviews since 2017. She has written over 100 articles on household appliances, such as toasters, vacuum sealers, air fryers, vacuum cleaners and more.
Jmar Gambol is a writer and product tester for BestReviews. He has written almost 200 articles and buying guides, as well as tested products as varied as coffee presses, robot vacuums, laptops and smartphones. He enjoys helping consumers find the best products to make their lives better.
