Choosing a countertop microwave has become one of those modern rituals where you navigate a wilderness of presumably innovative features, baffling capacity measurements, and price tags that range from takeout-lunch territory to mortgage-payment anxiety. We have spent considerable time testing these appliances, subjecting them to the indignities of reheating yesterday’s takeout and defrosting forgotten proteins, so you can make a decision based on something more substantial than wishful thinking and marketing drivel.
Everything We Recommend
The models below represent our picks for reliability and function – brands that build equipment meant to survive beyond the optimistic life span suggested by their warranties. Whether you need a basic box that heats leftovers without drama or a feature-laden specimen that does everything except apologize for itself, we will help you find the right microwave for your kitchen.
Three Key Things When Shopping for a Countertop Microwave
Consider capacity versus counter real estate. A larger interior apparently accommodates dinner plates and casserole dishes, but also devours precious countertop space, creating a monument to reheating that looms over your cutting board like an uninvited guest.
Think about power output and how impatient you are. Higher wattage translates to faster heating, which matters when you are standing there contemplating life’s disappointments while waiting for soup to reach something resembling edible temperature.
Check the control interface before committing. Touch panels look sleek until you realize they require forensic-level concentration to operate, while dial controls offer the reassuring simplicity of appliances that remember when buttons actually clicked.
Best Countertop Microwaves in 2026
Toshiba EM131A5C Countertop Microwave - Our Top Pick
Our Top Pick is the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave. This unit delivers one thousand watts of reheating capability wrapped in a stainless steel exterior that presumably convinces you it belongs in a kitchen rather than a garage. The Smart Sensor Technology claims to automatically adjust cooking time based on humidity, which sounds impressive until you realize it is essentially monitoring steam escaping from your leftovers. The control panel offers ten power levels and six preset menus, giving you the illusion of culinary control while you stand there wondering if pizza mode is genuinely different from vegetable mode.
The internal dimensions measure 13.1 by 12.4 by 8.3 inches, which translates to enough room for a standard dinner plate or that optimistic lasagna you promised yourself you would finish this week. Power output spans the familiar range from delicate melt-chocolate settings through aggressive boil-water territory. The mute function deserves mention for those who find electronic beeping an unnecessary soundtrack to domestic disappointment, activated by holding button eight for several seconds like some kind of kitchen cheat code. This unit weighs thirty-four pounds, suggesting build quality that extends beyond the purely decorative.
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
- Smart Sensor Technology adjusts time and power based on food humidity for consistent results
- Ten unique power levels provide cooking flexibility from gentle defrosting to full-power heating
- One-touch start function initiates cooking from one to six minutes at maximum power
This pick suits households that value reliable performance without requiring a degree in appliance operation to navigate basic functions. Pair it with realistic expectations about what automated sensors can accomplish, and the Toshiba proves itself a dependable workhorse for reheating yesterday’s ambitions alongside today’s instant meals.
Sharp SMC1161KB Countertop Microwave - Best for Small Kitchens
Best for Small Kitchens is the Sharp SMC1161KB Countertop Microwave. Sharp has apparently decided that what the microwave market needs is yet another one-point-one cubic foot appliance with a carousel turntable and LED display, this time dressed in black with white LED lighting that gives your leftovers the ambiance they presumably deserve. The gray interior represents a bold aesthetic choice for those who find white interiors too optimistic and stainless steel too industrial. Ten power levels with two-stage cooking capability let you program multiple heating cycles, which feels excessive for reheating soup but here we are.
The twelve-point-four inch turntable rotates with the confidence of machinery that has accepted its purpose in life, accommodating standard plates and the occasional oversized bowl. Auto Cook settings promise to handle popular menu items, though one suspects the microwave harbors no particular intelligence about what constitutes proper pizza reheating versus proper potato cooking. The express cook feature allows single-press cooking up to six minutes, convenient for those who cannot be bothered with the complex mathematics of entering specific time values. Weight and time defrost options provide quick thawing without the overcooked edges that signal you have made poor life choices.
SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4" Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black
- Medium-sized capacity at 1.1 cubic feet handles everyday reheating and cooking tasks efficiently
- Carousel turntable ensures even cooking without manual rotation during operation
- Convenient plus-thirty-seconds key for instant start when precision timing feels unnecessary
This microwave suits compact kitchens where counter space comes at a premium and aesthetic coordination actually matters. The black finish hides fingerprints better than stainless steel pretends to, while the modest footprint leaves room for other appliances competing for surface territory.
Breville Compact Wave BMO650SIL - Best Quiet Operation
Best Quiet Operation is the Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave. Breville has engineered an appliance that apparently recognizes modern kitchens suffer from excessive noise pollution, addressing this crisis with an eighty-percent-quieter soft close door and fifty-percent-quieter operation overall. The marketing copy celebrates these achievements as though microwaves have historically operated at jackhammer volume levels, which perhaps says more about previous design failures than current innovation. The food menu functions include shortcuts for reheating pizza, defrosting vegetables, and cooking potatoes, presumably the entire range of human culinary ambition in 2026.
The twenty-five liter capacity fits within a compact footprint designed for homes where counter space competes with aspirations. Nine hundred watts of power handles basic reheating tasks without claiming to revolutionize thermodynamics. The defrost and reheat functions use lower power levels to avoid the dried-out edges that signal either poor technique or inadequate patience, though Breville prefers the charitable interpretation that their technology deserves credit. Child lock protection reduces potential harm in households where small humans roam freely, activated with one touch for those who actually remember to engage safety features.
Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven, Silver
- Engineered with eighty-percent-quieter soft close door mechanism for reduced kitchen noise
- One-touch auto buttons provide quick access to reheat, defrost, popcorn, and beverage settings
- Defrost function gently thaws food without overheating edges or creating texture disasters
This pick suits households that value peace and quiet alongside functional reheating capabilities. Pair it with realistic expectations about microwave intelligence, and the Compact Wave delivers on its promise to heat food while making less racket than its predecessors managed.
Breville Smooth Wave BMO850BSS - The Premium Choice
The Premium Choice is the Breville Smooth Wave Microwave. Breville has apparently decided that what discerning microwave enthusiasts require is Sensor iQ Technology, which automatically adjusts power to precisely cook or reheat by detecting steam release, as though the fundamental challenge of modern existence involves inadequate leftover reheating. The Power Smoothing Inverter delivers consistent heat intensity without the crude on-off cycling of lesser microwaves, resulting in what the manufacturer describes as smooth, even power. Fifteen built-in smart presets handle cooking, reheating, and defrosting tasks, presumably freeing you from the burden of pressing buttons manually like some kind of appliance peasant.
The one-point-two cubic foot capacity accommodates larger dishes and the occasional culinary overreach. Twelve hundred fifty watts of power handles serious reheating tasks with the authority of an appliance that costs more than budget alternatives and intends you to notice. The shortcuts panel on the inside door provides quick access to common tasks such as melting chocolate and softening butter, because apparently opening a door to consult a reference chart represents peak convenience. The A Bit More button adds extra time without restarting the entire cooking cycle, addressing the ancient problem of slightly underheated food with what amounts to a second chance button.
Breville BMO850BSS Smooth Wave Countertop Microwave Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel
- Sensor iQ Technology automatically adjusts power based on steam detection for optimal results
- Power Smoothing Inverter delivers consistent heat without crude on-off cycling patterns
- Fifteen smart presets including Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, and Smart Defrost handle most tasks
This microwave suits enthusiasts who believe kitchen appliances should demonstrate technological sophistication alongside basic functionality. If precision reheating and advanced features justify premium pricing in your household budget, the Smooth Wave delivers on its promises without excessive drama.
Chefman RJ55-SS-9 Countertop Microwave - Best Value Features
Best Value Features is the Chefman Countertop Microwave. Chefman has assembled a collection of features that sound impressive when listed consecutively – six pre-programmed settings, ten power levels, memory function, multiphase cooking, mute option, eco mode – as though sheer quantity of capabilities compensates for the philosophical question of whether anyone actually uses them. The nine hundred watts of power handles heating tasks with adequate competence, while the memory function saves frequently used settings for those who have established routines around reheating specific leftovers with particular precision requirements.
The zero-point-nine cubic foot capacity strikes a balance between compact footprint and functional interior space, accommodating ten-inch pizzas and the standard array of microwave-safe containers. Multiphase cooking allows programming two different power cycles for one meal, which presumably addresses some specific culinary challenge though the use case remains somewhat mysterious. The eco mode reduces energy consumption by shutting off the digital display when not in use, saving what amounts to negligible electricity while making you feel environmentally responsible. The plus-thirty-seconds button instantly starts heating, convenient for those who find entering specific times excessively demanding.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 900 Watt with 6 Presets, Eco Mode, Mute Option, Memory Function, Child Safety Lock, Kitchen, Home, Dorm Essentials
- Six preset menus for popcorn, potato, pizza, vegetables, beverages, and leftovers simplify common tasks
- Memory function stores frequently used settings for quick recall without reprogramming
- Mute option silences beeps and alarms for quieter operation during late-night reheating sessions
This microwave suits budget-conscious shoppers who appreciate feature variety without requiring premium build quality or brand prestige. The combination of practical capabilities and accessible pricing makes it a sensible choice for dorm rooms, small apartments, and kitchens where appliances serve functional rather than aspirational purposes.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Microwave - Best Budget Pick
Best Budget Pick is the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave. This zero-point-seven cubic foot appliance represents the stripped-down end of microwave ambition, offering seven hundred watts of power and pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates – apparently the complete taxonomy of foods worth microwaving according to BLACK+DECKER product planners. The ten power settings provide some flexibility, though whether you genuinely need ten gradations between defrost and incinerate remains an open philosophical question. The thirty-second express cooking button delivers instant gratification for those who cannot navigate the complexity of entering specific time values.
The dimensions measure seventeen-point-three by thirteen by ten-point-two inches, creating a compact footprint suitable for small counters or situations where available space dictates appliance selection rather than preference. The large LED digital display communicates time and power settings with clarity, while the removable ten-inch glass turntable rotates with the mechanical confidence of components that cost very little to manufacture. Push-button door release provides easy access, assuming your definition of innovation includes buttons that open doors. Child safety lock prevents unintended operation by younger household members, though engaging it requires remembering the feature exists.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
- Seven hundred watts with ten power settings handle basic reheating and cooking tasks adequately
- Pre-programmed buttons for common foods eliminate guesswork for standard microwave operations
- Compact footprint fits small kitchens, dorm rooms, or office break rooms without excessive space demands
This microwave suits budget-conscious buyers who prioritize function over features and recognize that appliances need not impress to perform adequately. Pair it with modest expectations, and the BLACK+DECKER delivers reliable service for reheating leftovers and preparing instant meals without pretending to revolutionize kitchen technology.
GE GCST16S1WSS Countertop Microwave - Best for Families
Best for Families is the GE GCST16S1WSS Countertop Microwave. GE has delivered a one-point-six cubic foot appliance with eleven hundred fifty watts of power, presumably recognizing that families generate more leftovers and frozen meals requiring reheating than solitary individuals quietly contemplating their dinner choices. The sensor cooking controls automatically adjust time and power based on some mysterious detection of doneness, which sounds sophisticated until you remember sensors cannot actually taste food or assess your personal texture preferences. Weight and time defrost settings provide two philosophical approaches to thawing frozen items, though both ultimately involve waiting while ice crystals surrender to room temperature physics.
The spacious interior accommodates larger dishes and casseroles without requiring strategic maneuvering, while the glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking in what amounts to the only approach microwaves know. Simple one-touch operation with instant express cooking controls eliminates unnecessary complexity, though whether microwave operation genuinely requires simplification remains debatable. The two-step child lock feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members through what marketing materials describe as a mandatory safety measure, suggesting regulatory compliance rather than innovative thinking. Kitchen timer and cooking complete alarms add convenience for those who need electronic reminders about food status.
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1,150-watt Capacity, 1.6 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
- Eleven hundred fifty watts of power with 1.6 cubic feet capacity handles family-sized portions effectively
- Sensor cooking controls automatically adjust time and power for consistent results without manual calculation
- Two-step child lock prevents unintended operation by younger household members through mandatory safety protocol
This microwave suits families requiring larger capacity and higher power output for daily meal preparation and reheating duties. The combination of spacious interior and reliable performance makes it a practical choice for households where appliances face regular use rather than occasional deployment.
BLACK+DECKER EM9P022DY Microwave - Best for Dorms
Best for Dorms is the BLACK+DECKER EM9P022DY Countertop Microwave. This zero-point-nine cubic foot appliance represents BLACK+DECKER’s second entry in our roundup, this time targeting the dorm room demographic with six auto menus, child lock technology, memory function, and ten power levels – presumably the complete feature set students require for heating instant ramen and leftover pizza. The nine hundred watts of power handles basic reheating with adequate competence, while the one-touch start function eliminates the complex decision-making involved in entering specific cooking times for those operating under academic stress or general exhaustion.
The dimensions measure ten-point-seven by eighteen-point-six by thirteen-point-two inches, creating a footprint that fits on compact counters or dorm room furniture without requiring furniture rearrangement. The removable turntable accommodates ten-inch pizzas, which apparently represents the gold standard for microwave capacity measurement. Six pre-programmed auto menus handle popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates with the confidence of engineers who surveyed student eating habits. The memory function saves frequently used settings, useful for those who have established predictable patterns around reheating the same leftovers repeatedly.
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft, 6 Auto Menus, Child Lock, Memory Function, 10 Power Levels, Easy One-Touch Start, Digital Panel, 900W
- Six auto menus for common foods eliminate guesswork for standard microwave operations
- Memory function stores frequently used settings for quick recall without reprogramming
- Two-step child lock provides mandatory safety feature that can be deactivated if not needed
This microwave suits students, small apartments, and situations where compact size and straightforward operation matter more than advanced features or premium build quality. Pair it with realistic expectations about nine-hundred-watt performance, and the BLACK+DECKER handles daily reheating tasks without excessive drama or mechanical failure.
Best Countertop Microwaves Buyer’s Guide
Size and Capacity Considerations
Microwave capacity measurements in cubic feet translate to how much food you can realistically heat simultaneously, though manufacturers apparently believe larger numbers justify premium pricing regardless of actual utility. The Toshiba EM131A5C offers 1.2 cubic feet with internal dimensions that accommodate standard dinner plates and casserole dishes without requiring Tetris-level spatial reasoning skills. Compact kitchens benefit from models under one cubic foot, while families generating mountains of leftovers might justify larger capacities assuming counter space permits such ambitions.
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
- Internal dimensions measuring 13.1 by 12.4 by 8.3 inches accommodate standard plates and bowls
- Smart Sensor Technology adjusts cooking based on humidity detection without manual intervention
- Mute function silences beeping for late-night reheating sessions without waking household members
Power Output and Heating Speed
Wattage determines how quickly your microwave transforms cold leftovers into edible temperature, with higher numbers delivering faster results assuming you value speed over the contemplative experience of waiting. The Breville Smooth Wave provides 1250 watts with Power Smoothing Inverter technology that maintains consistent heat rather than cycling on-off like budget alternatives. Seven hundred to one thousand watts handles basic reheating adequately, while twelve hundred watts or higher suits impatient households where every minute counts toward whatever else demands attention.
Breville BMO850BSS Smooth Wave Countertop Microwave Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel
- Twelve hundred fifty watts of power delivers rapid heating for time-conscious households
- Power Smoothing Inverter maintains consistent temperature without crude cycling patterns
- Sensor iQ Technology automatically adjusts cooking based on steam detection and food humidity
Noise Levels and Kitchen Peace
Microwave noise pollution comes from door mechanisms, operational hum, and electronic beeping that signals completion with varying degrees of urgency. The Breville Compact Wave addresses this with an eighty-percent-quieter soft close door and fifty-percent-quieter operation overall, though whether microwaves previously operated at construction-site volume levels remains unclear. Mute functions silence completion beeps for those who find electronic celebration of reheated food philosophically objectionable, while soft-close doors benefit households where slamming sounds trigger disproportionate irritation.
Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven, Silver
- Engineered with eighty-percent-quieter soft close door mechanism for reduced kitchen noise
- Fifty-percent-quieter operation compared to conventional microwaves during heating cycles
- Food menu shortcuts on inner door provide quick access to common reheating tasks
Budget-Friendly Options
Not every household requires premium features or brand prestige, and perfectly functional microwaves exist at accessible price points for those who recognize appliances need not impress to perform adequately. The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 delivers seven hundred watts in a zero-point-seven cubic foot package with pre-programmed buttons for common foods and express cooking for instant starts. Budget models sacrifice advanced sensors, inverter technology, and fancy interfaces while maintaining core reheating functionality, making them sensible choices for dorm rooms, small apartments, and situations where appliance budgets reflect financial reality rather than aspirational thinking.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
- Seven hundred watts with ten power settings handle basic reheating tasks adequately
- Compact dimensions fit small counters without requiring furniture rearrangement or strategic placement
- Pre-programmed buttons for common foods eliminate manual time entry for standard operations
In Conclusion
Countertop microwaves continue their reign as essential kitchen appliances for those who value convenience over culinary pretension, with the market in 2026 offering options spanning budget-friendly basics through feature-laden specimens that apparently believe reheating leftovers requires technological sophistication. Whether you seek a compact model for limited counter space, a reliable workhorse for family meal preparation, or a premium unit that treats microwave operation as though it were an advanced science, current offerings provide suitable choices across every budget and need. Each model reviewed above serves its designated purpose, making it easier to match an appliance to your actual requirements rather than aspirational kitchen fantasies.
Our top recommendation remains the Breville Smooth Wave. Its Sensor iQ Technology, Power Smoothing Inverter, and fifteen smart presets deliver the most sophisticated reheating experience currently available without requiring excessive counter space or complicated operation. If precision heating and advanced features justify premium pricing in your household budget, it represents the standout choice among the best countertop microwaves of 2026.
Breville BMO850BSS Smooth Wave Countertop Microwave Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel
- Sensor iQ Technology automatically adjusts power based on steam detection for optimal results
- Power Smoothing Inverter delivers consistent heat without on-off cycling for superior performance
- Fifteen smart presets including Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, and Smart Defrost handle most culinary tasks