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10 Best Countertop Microwave 2026 in the United States

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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
10.0
Chosen by1,239
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Cooking Functions

Most important from
58745 reviews

Size and Capacity
The interior is spacious, offering plenty of room for most medium-sized dishes and is easy to clean.
Wattage
Incredibly powerful and heats food quickly and evenly, without any cold spots or overcooked edges.
Cooking Functions
The one-touch presets, such as the 'Popcorn' and 'Reheat' buttons, are convenient and save time.
Control Panel
The microwave has 10 power levels, which gives a fair amount of control over how to cook different foods.
Turntable
The turntable rotates smoothly, ensuring that food is heated evenly.
Noise Level
The best selling point is that it’s really quiet, and you can stop the annoying beeping when the microwave is finished.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a versatile countertop microwave that offers a good balance of power and functionality. With a 1.2 cubic feet capacity, it is spacious enough to fit a 12-inch pizza, making it suitable for both small and medium-sized households. Its 1100 watts of power ensure quick and efficient cooking, and with 10 power settings, you have ample control over the cooking process.

The smart humidity sensor is a standout feature, automatically adjusting the cooking time for optimal results, which is particularly helpful for common foods like pizza, potatoes, and vegetables. Additionally, the microwave includes 12 auto menus for one-touch cooking convenience. The large digital display and easy-to-read control panel make operation straightforward, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The mute function is a thoughtful addition for those who prefer a quieter kitchen environment.

The easy-clean interior helps in maintaining hygiene without much hassle, while the ECO mode contributes to energy savings. However, the microwave is relatively heavy at 34.6 pounds, which might be a concern if you plan to move it frequently. Additionally, while the stainless steel design is aesthetically pleasing, it may show fingerprints and smudges easily, requiring regular cleaning. The inclusion of a 1-year warranty provides some peace of mind, but it's always good to keep the packaging for any potential returns or service needs. This microwave is well-suited for anyone looking for a reliable, feature-rich appliance that simplifies everyday cooking tasks.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,239
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Cooking Functions

Most important from
58745 reviews

Size and Capacity
The interior is spacious, offering plenty of room for most medium-sized dishes and is easy to clean.
Wattage
Incredibly powerful and heats food quickly and evenly, without any cold spots or overcooked edges.
Cooking Functions
The one-touch presets, such as the 'Popcorn' and 'Reheat' buttons, are convenient and save time.
Control Panel
The microwave has 10 power levels, which gives a fair amount of control over how to cook different foods.
Turntable
The turntable rotates smoothly, ensuring that food is heated evenly.
Noise Level
The best selling point is that it’s really quiet, and you can stop the annoying beeping when the microwave is finished.
#2

TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4" Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS)

Rating
8.8
Wattage
Size and Capacity
Control Panel

Most important from
58745 reviews

Wattage
The microwave heats food faster than expected with its 1000-watt power, delivering consistently strong and even cooking results.
Size and Capacity
Its large 1.0 cubic foot interior and 12.4-inch turntable easily accommodate bigger items like whole roasted chickens or 12-inch pizzas.
Control Panel
The combination of easy-turn knobs and one-touch buttons makes operation intuitive and user-friendly.
Cooking Functions
Inverter power control and moisture-sensor smart cooking provide precise, automatic reheating and cooking without guesswork.
Interior Material
The stainless steel interior and black stainless steel exterior are stylish and easy to clean, maintaining a sleek look.
Noise Level
The microwave operates extremely quietly, adding to a pleasant kitchen environment.
Turntable
Its large 1.0 cubic foot interior and 12.4-inch turntable easily accommodate bigger items like whole roasted chickens or 12-inch pizzas.

The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines several cooking methods in one device, including microwave, air fry, bake (convection), broil (grill), and more. Its 1000-watt microwave power is strong enough for everyday cooking, while the additional 1600-watt input supports advanced functions like air frying and baking. The 1.0 cubic foot capacity is generous for a countertop microwave, with a large 12.4-inch turntable that can fit a whole roasted chicken or a 12-inch pizza, making it suitable for families or anyone who likes to cook larger meals. The compact footprint means it won’t take up too much counter space despite its relatively spacious interior.

The control panel combines easy-turn knobs and one-touch buttons, keeping it user-friendly, and safety is enhanced with a two-step child lock. The stainless steel interior and black stainless steel exterior look stylish and are easy to clean. Additionally, features like odor removal, multi-stage cooking, and a mute function add convenience. Some may find the weight (about 39 pounds) a bit heavy for frequent moving.

This microwave is a great choice for those who want more than just reheating capabilities, especially if they appreciate the flexibility of air frying and baking combined with microwave cooking in one device.

Rating
8.8
Wattage
Size and Capacity
Control Panel

Most important from
58745 reviews

Wattage
The microwave heats food faster than expected with its 1000-watt power, delivering consistently strong and even cooking results.
Size and Capacity
Its large 1.0 cubic foot interior and 12.4-inch turntable easily accommodate bigger items like whole roasted chickens or 12-inch pizzas.
Control Panel
The combination of easy-turn knobs and one-touch buttons makes operation intuitive and user-friendly.
Cooking Functions
Inverter power control and moisture-sensor smart cooking provide precise, automatic reheating and cooking without guesswork.
Interior Material
The stainless steel interior and black stainless steel exterior are stylish and easy to clean, maintaining a sleek look.
Noise Level
The microwave operates extremely quietly, adding to a pleasant kitchen environment.
Turntable
Its large 1.0 cubic foot interior and 12.4-inch turntable easily accommodate bigger items like whole roasted chickens or 12-inch pizzas.
#3

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft., 900 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black

Rating
8.2
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Control Panel

Most important from
3782 reviews

Size and Capacity
Its compact size saves counter space and fits perfectly in small kitchens, dorms, or offices without sacrificing reliability.
Wattage
Despite its 900-watt power, cooking times are moderate, making it ideal for reheating rather than fast cooking.
Control Panel
The keypad requires significant pressure to register inputs, making it necessary to brace the microwave against a wall and press firmly to operate.
Turntable
Quiet operation and an easy-to-clean removable glass turntable enhance everyday convenience.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a compact size with a 0.9 cubic foot capacity, making it a good fit for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices. At 900 watts, it delivers enough power for quick and efficient cooking without being too bulky or energy-heavy. It includes 10 power levels, which allows you to cook a variety of foods gently or quickly, from melting butter to reheating leftovers. The six preset cooking programs, like popcorn, pizza, and veggies, simplify cooking common dishes with just a button press.

The control panel is digital and user-friendly, featuring buttons for easy operation, a memory function to save your favorite settings, and a mute option to silence beeps if you want a quieter kitchen. Its 11.2-inch glass turntable helps ensure food cooks evenly and is dishwasher safe, making cleanup easier. The interior is stainless steel, which is durable and simple to clean. Safety is well addressed with a child lock on the door and lock mode for the panel, ideal for families. The microwave runs quietly and includes an Eco Mode to save power when not in use.

The 0.9 cubic foot size may feel small if you often cook larger dishes or bigger portions. While 900 watts is sufficient for everyday meals, it’s not as powerful as some larger microwaves, so cooking times might be slightly longer for big or dense foods. The plastic and metal exterior is durable but may be prone to fingerprints or smudges. This microwave is a solid choice for those needing a reliable, straightforward microwave with helpful presets and safety features, especially if space is limited and you don’t require heavy-duty cooking power.

Rating
8.2
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Control Panel

Most important from
3782 reviews

Size and Capacity
Its compact size saves counter space and fits perfectly in small kitchens, dorms, or offices without sacrificing reliability.
Wattage
Despite its 900-watt power, cooking times are moderate, making it ideal for reheating rather than fast cooking.
Control Panel
The keypad requires significant pressure to register inputs, making it necessary to brace the microwave against a wall and press firmly to operate.
Turntable
Quiet operation and an easy-to-clean removable glass turntable enhance everyday convenience.

Buying Guide for the Best Countertop Microwave

Choosing the right countertop microwave involves understanding your needs and matching them with the features and specifications of the microwave. Consider the size of your kitchen, the types of food you usually cook, and how often you plan to use the microwave. This will help you narrow down the options and find the best fit for you.
Size and CapacitySize and capacity refer to the physical dimensions of the microwave and the amount of space inside it. This is important because it determines how much food you can cook at once and whether the microwave will fit in your kitchen. Microwaves are usually measured in cubic feet. Small microwaves (0.5-0.9 cubic feet) are good for reheating and small kitchens, medium microwaves (1.0-1.5 cubic feet) are versatile for most households, and large microwaves (1.6-2.2 cubic feet) are ideal for cooking larger meals or for families. Choose a size that fits your kitchen space and meets your cooking needs.
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. For basic reheating and simple cooking, a microwave with 700-900 watts is sufficient. For more advanced cooking and better performance, look for microwaves with 1000 watts or more. Consider your cooking habits and choose a wattage that matches your needs.
Cooking FunctionsCooking functions refer to the preset programs and features that make cooking easier. These can include defrost, popcorn, pizza, and sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts time and power based on the food's moisture levels. More advanced models may offer grilling, convection cooking, and steam functions. If you mostly use the microwave for reheating and simple tasks, basic functions will suffice. If you want more versatility and convenience, look for models with a variety of cooking functions.
Control PanelThe control panel is the interface you use to operate the microwave. It can be digital or mechanical. Digital panels offer more precise control and additional features like timers and child locks, while mechanical panels are simpler and more durable. Consider your preference for ease of use and the features you need. If you prefer straightforward operation, a mechanical panel may be best. If you want more control and features, opt for a digital panel.
TurntableA turntable is a rotating glass plate inside the microwave that helps cook food evenly. Most microwaves come with a turntable, but some higher-end models offer flatbed designs without a turntable, which can accommodate larger dishes. If you often cook large or irregularly shaped items, a flatbed design might be more suitable. For most users, a turntable is sufficient and ensures even cooking.
Interior MaterialThe interior material of the microwave affects its durability and ease of cleaning. Common materials include stainless steel, ceramic enamel, and acrylic. Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean but can show fingerprints. Ceramic enamel is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Acrylic is less durable but more affordable. Choose an interior material based on your preference for maintenance and durability.
Noise LevelNoise level refers to how loud the microwave is during operation. This can be important if you have an open kitchen or are sensitive to noise. Microwaves with inverter technology tend to be quieter. If noise is a concern, look for models that are specifically designed to operate quietly.

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