8 Best Countertop Microwaves (November 2026)
The best countertop microwave ovens include the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven for sensor cooking, the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. for compact, quiet cooking, and the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven for a stainless steel compact pick.
On this page (5 sections)
The best countertop microwave ovens for most kitchens balance usable capacity, output power and a footprint that fits your counter. Our top pick is the 1.2 cu ft TOSHIBA with 1000 watts and humidity sensor cooking; choose Chefman for a compact 0.7 cu ft option or the larger Toshiba for a 13 in pizza.
A countertop microwave should suit both your cooking routine and your available space. Measure width, depth and height before comparing controls, presets or sensor features.
For a brand-specific shortlist, see our best Toshiba countertop microwaves, best white countertop microwaves and best stainless steel countertop microwaves. We compared capacity, output power, dimensions and everyday features across these eight options.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for compact, quiet cookingChefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a stainless steel compact pickBLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itBLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven
Best for a little more compact capacity - 5
Check itBLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop
Best for 1000-watt daily cooking - 6
Check itCOMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven
Best for quiet standby and simple controls - 7
Check itFarberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 cu.ft.
Best for flexible family meals - 8
Check itTOSHIBA Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
Best for large dishes
Which countertop microwave ovens are the best picks?
The best countertop microwave depends on how much space you need and which features you'll use most. Toshiba leads for sensor cooking, while Chefman and COMFEE' offer compact choices with mute functions.
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for sensor cooking
- 1.2 cu ft capacity
- 1000 watts of output power
- Humidity sensor cooking
- 12.4 in glass turntable
Humidity sensor cooking, 10 power levels and a 12.4 in turntable make this a flexible everyday option. Its 1.2 cu ft capacity balances room for meals with a footprint smaller than the largest pick.
Pros
- Humidity sensor adjusts cooking time and power
- 10 power levels
- One-touch start from 1 to 6 minutes
Cons
- Needs more counter space than the compact 0.7 cu ft models
- 1000 watts of output power
This Toshiba is the best all-around fit for many kitchens because it combines a 1.2 cu ft capacity with 1000 watts of output power. Its 12.4 in glass turntable and sensor cooking suit routine reheating and cooking without taking up as much space as the 1.6 cu ft model.
The humidity sensor adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity. Six preset menus include pizza, vegetables and sensor reheat, and the 10 power levels give you options for lower-power tasks.
It measures 20.6 x 14.6 x 11.8 in, so check your counter depth as well as width. The large handle and one-touch start from 1 to 6 minutes make everyday use straightforward.
Choose it if you want sensor cooking in a medium-size oven. If you need to heat larger dishes, compare its footprint with the 1.6 cu ft Toshiba before deciding.
For more high-capacity choices, compare large countertop microwaves.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.: Best for compact, quiet cooking
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
- 700 watts
- Six cooking presets
- Mute button
The compact 0.7 cu ft cabinet fits smaller kitchens, and its mute button can silence cooking beeps. Six presets cover common foods, including popcorn, pizza, vegetables and leftovers.
Pros
- Compact outside dimensions
- Mute button
- Six presets and 10 power levels
Cons
- 700 watts of output power
- Smaller capacity than the 1.2 and 1.6 cu ft picks
Chefman is a compact choice for a small kitchen, office or dorm. The 0.7 cu ft interior and 700 watts suit simple reheating and common preset foods, while the mute button lets you silence its beeps.
Six presets cover popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes and leftovers. You can also enter a cooking time, choose among 10 power levels or add time with the +30 seconds button.
Its 17.52 x 12.93 x 9.53 in dimensions make it the smallest by width and height in this group. The glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe, and a child safety lock helps prevent the door from opening accidentally.
Pick Chefman when counter space and quiet operation matter more than a larger cooking cavity. For more Toshiba options, read our best Toshiba countertop microwave guide.
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for a stainless steel compact pick
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
- 700 watts
- Six pre-programmed buttons
- Removable 10 in glass turntable
This compact BLACK+DECKER adds a stainless steel exterior and six preset buttons for common foods. The push-button door release gives it a different opening style from the handle models.
Pros
- Stainless steel exterior
- Six preset buttons
- Child safety lock
Cons
- 700 watts of output power
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
This BLACK+DECKER fits buyers who want a compact microwave with a stainless steel exterior and push-button door release. Its 0.7 cu ft capacity and 700 watts place it alongside the smallest options here.
Six pre-programmed buttons cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and dinner plates. The unit also has 10 power settings, a clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock and removable 10 in glass turntable.
At 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 in, it has a modest footprint. The push-button release is useful if you'd rather press to open than pull a handle.
Choose this model if you want a compact stainless steel design and familiar presets. If you prefer more room, the 0.9 cu ft BLACK+DECKER below adds capacity and output power.
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for a little more compact capacity
- 0.9 cu ft capacity
- 900 watts
- Six pre-programmed buttons
- Removable 10.6 in glass turntable
The 0.9 cu ft capacity and 900 watts of output power offer a middle size between compact 0.7 cu ft models and larger family options. It has six preset buttons and a push-button door release.
Pros
- More capacity than a 0.7 cu ft model
- 900 watts of output power
- Child safety lock
Cons
- Stainless steel door frame with black enclosure
- Takes more room than the smaller 0.7 cu ft pick
The 0.9 cu ft BLACK+DECKER is a step up from compact models without reaching the size of a 1.1 or 1.2 cu ft oven. It provides 900 watts of output power and a removable 10.6 in glass turntable.
Six preset buttons cover common foods, including popcorn, pizza and frozen vegetables. Its 10 power settings, clock, kitchen timer and 30-second express cooking add useful control for routine meals.
The microwave measures 18.7 x 13.4 x 10.7 in. Its stainless steel door frame has a black enclosure, so check that finish against your other appliances if a matching set matters.
Choose it if 0.7 cu ft feels too small but you don't need a full-size cooking cavity. Buyers looking at lighter finishes can compare our best white countertop microwave options.
BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop: Best for 1000-watt daily cooking
- 1.1 cu ft capacity
- 1000 watts
- 10 power settings
- Removable 12.4 in glass turntable
This 1.1 cu ft model pairs 1000 watts of output power with 10 power settings and six preset buttons. Its 12.4 in glass turntable gives meals more room than the compact models.
Pros
- 1000 watts of output power
- 10 power settings
- 12.4 in removable glass turntable
Cons
- Larger footprint than the 0.7 cu ft models
- Push-button door release may not suit buyers who prefer a handle
This 1.1 cu ft BLACK+DECKER offers 1000 watts of output power and a 12.4 in removable glass turntable. It has six preset buttons and 10 power settings for a mix of automatic and manual cooking.
The 20.6 x 14.8 x 11.8 in dimensions make it similar in width and height to the 1.2 cu ft Toshiba, though it is slightly deeper. A clock, kitchen timer, interior light and child safety lock round out the controls.
A push-button door release replaces a pull handle. That may suit a kitchen where you prefer press-to-open access or want a smooth front without a projecting handle.
Pick it for a roomy 1000-watt model with presets and a stainless steel door frame. If door style is a priority, compare our countertop microwaves with handles before choosing.
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for quiet standby and simple controls
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
- 700 watts
- ECO mode
- Mute function
COMFEE' combines a compact 0.7 cu ft size with one-touch cooking and a mute function. ECO mode can turn off the LED display and reduce standby power.
Pros
- Mute function
- ECO mode
- Defrost by weight or time
Cons
- 700 watts of output power
- Smaller 0.7 cu ft capacity
COMFEE' makes sense for a compact kitchen where muted beeps and a dark display are useful. Its 0.7 cu ft capacity, one-touch buttons and ECO mode give it a simple feature set for routine meals.
The mute function turns off the beeps, while ECO mode can turn off the LED display and reduce standby power. Six auto-cook options include popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage and reheat.
It measures 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 in and includes one-touch express cooking from 1 to 6 minutes. Defrost by weight or time provides two ways to handle frozen food.
Choose COMFEE' for compact size, a mute option and display control. Its 700 watts of output power is lower than the 900- and 1000-watt models here, so consider your usual cooking needs.
Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 cu.ft.: Best for flexible family meals
- 1.2 cu ft capacity
- 1000 watts of output power
- 10 power levels
- Defrost by weight or time
The 1.2 cu ft Farberware offers 1000 watts of output power, 10 power levels and six one-touch options. Multi-stage cooking and defrost by weight or time add flexibility for varied meals.
Pros
- 1.2 cu ft capacity
- Six one-touch options
- Child safety lock
Cons
- Deeper than the TOSHIBA 1.2 cu ft option
- Confirm the stated dimensions against your counter depth
Farberware combines a 1.2 cu ft capacity with 1000 watts of output power. Six one-touch options cover common foods, and 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking give you more control over varied meals.
The oven measures 20.5 x 17.3 x 12.8 in, making it deeper than the similarly sized Toshiba above. Confirm the counter depth and required ventilation clearance before choosing it for a tight spot.
Defrost by weight or time, a kitchen timer, clock, interior light and child safety lock support everyday cooking. Farberware also includes a memory function for saving favorite settings.
Pick it if you want 1.2 cu ft of capacity and a broad set of manual controls. If counter depth is limited, the Toshiba's listed depth is 14.6 in, compared with Farberware's 17.3 in.
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor: Best for large dishes
- 1.6 cu ft capacity
- 1200 watts
- 13.6 in position-memory turntable
- Sensor menus
This 1.6 cu ft Toshiba has the largest capacity in this group and a 13.6 in turntable designed to fit a 13 in pizza. Its greater depth and width call for careful counter measurements.
Pros
- Largest capacity in this group
- 13.6 in position-memory turntable
- 1200 watts and sensor menus
Cons
- Largest footprint in this group
- Confirm the available counter depth before buying
The 1.6 cu ft Toshiba is the largest option here, with 1200 watts and a 13.6 in position-memory turntable. It can fit a 13 in pizza, making it a strong match for larger dishes and family-size portions.
Sensor menus target popular foods such as pizza, potatoes and vegetables. Other features include auto defrost, a memory function, multi-stage cooking, a child safety lock and sound control.
Its 21.77 x 17.91 x 12.87 in dimensions make it the widest and deepest model in this roundup. Measure the counter and leave the clearance required by the manual before buying.
Choose this Toshiba when the larger turntable and capacity solve a real need. For an even larger cooking cavity, compare [2.2 cu. ft.
1200-watt microwaves](/best-2-2-cu-ft-microwave-1200-watt/). If most of your meals fit on a standard plate, one of the smaller models will take up less counter space.
How should you compare countertop microwave sizes and power?
Compare outside dimensions first, then choose capacity and output power for your usual dishes. A microwave that fits its cabinet opening still needs appropriate ventilation space and room for the door.
The compact 0.7 cu ft models measure about 17.3 to 17.52 in wide and 12.93 to 13 in deep. The 1.1 and 1.2 cu ft options are about 20.5 to 20.6 in wide, while the largest Toshiba is 21.77 in wide and 17.91 in deep.
Output power ranges from 700 to 1200 watts across these picks. More watts can mean faster cooking, but the right setting and time also depend on the food, portion and directions.
If you've seen a countertop microwave with a reversible door, check the model's opening direction and clearance before deciding it will solve a tight layout. Our guide explains what to know about a countertop microwave with a reversible door.
Which countertop microwave features are useful for everyday cooking?
Useful features depend on your routine: sensor cooking can adjust time and power, presets speed up familiar tasks, and mute controls help when you want fewer beeps. A turntable size and door style can matter just as much as the control panel.
Sensor features appear on both Toshiba models. The 1.2 cu ft model uses humidity sensor cooking, while the larger 1.6 cu ft model has sensor menus and a position-memory turntable.
Preset buttons are common across this group, but they cover different foods. Check whether the controls match what you heat often, such as beverages, vegetables, leftovers, potatoes or pizza.
For door access, compare handles with push-button releases and consider how much room you have in front of the oven. Read our guides to countertop microwaves with drop-down doors and choosing a white 1000-watt microwave if those details matter to your setup.
How did we compare the best countertop microwave ovens?
We compared capacity, output power, exterior dimensions, turntable size and everyday controls against the needs of countertop use. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
The picks cover compact 0.7 cu ft models, mid-size 0.9 to 1.2 cu ft options and one larger 1.6 cu ft oven. We also considered practical differences such as mute controls, sensor cooking, preset menus and door style.
Which countertop microwave should you choose?
Choose the 1.2 cu ft Toshiba for a balanced mix of sensor cooking, capacity and 1000 watts. Pick Chefman or COMFEE' when compact size is the priority, or the 1.6 cu ft Toshiba when you need room for larger dishes.
Before you buy, measure the available counter and check ventilation clearance in the manual. If a white finish or a particular door design is part of your decision, use the related guides above to narrow the shortlist.
The best countertop microwave ovens are the ones that fit your counter and the meals you actually cook. Compare the Toshiba 1.2 cu ft for sensor cooking, Chefman for compact quiet use, and Toshiba 1.6 cu ft for large dishes.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for compact, quiet cooking
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a stainless steel compact pick
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What size countertop microwave should I get?
Choose capacity by the dishes you heat and the counter space you have. A 0.7 cu ft model suits smaller kitchens and everyday portions, while 1.1 to 1.2 cu ft offers more room for plates and larger meals.
Measure the available width, depth and height, including space around the appliance required by its manual.
Is 700 watts enough for a countertop microwave?
A 700-watt microwave can handle common tasks such as reheating leftovers, making popcorn and heating beverages. It has less output power than the 900-, 1000- and 1200-watt options here, so cooking times may differ.
Use the package directions as a starting point and adjust as needed.
How much counter space does a countertop microwave need?
Measure the appliance footprint and the clearance required by its manual. For example, the compact Chefman measures 17.52 in wide by 12.93 in deep, while the 1.6 cu ft Toshiba measures 21.77 in wide by 17.91 in deep.
Also leave room for the door to open and for safe access to the plug.
Can I put an over-the-range microwave on a countertop?
An over-the-range microwave is designed for a different installation and may need specific mounting, ventilation or clearance arrangements. Don't assume it can sit safely on a counter just because it fits there.
Check the exact model manual and our guide on putting an over-the-range microwave on a countertop before using one that way.
What features matter most in a countertop microwave?
Start with capacity, output power, outside dimensions and the type of controls you prefer. Sensor cooking can adjust time and power based on food humidity, while preset buttons, mute controls and defrost settings can simplify repeated tasks.
Choose features you'll use, then make sure the appliance fits your counter.
