6 Best Countertop Microwaves with Handles (November 2026)
The best countertop microwaves with door handles include the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven for everyday kitchens, the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. for compact counters, and the Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 cu.ft.1000 Watts for flexible small-space cooking.
On this page (4 sections)
The best countertop microwave with handle for most kitchens is the TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu.Ft. model, because it pairs a large easy-grip door handle with 1000W output, sensor cooking and a useful 1.2 cu ft capacity. That balance makes it a sensible starting point for daily reheating and cooking rather than a specialist choice for one narrow use.
Smaller Chefman and Farberware models suit tight counters and simpler routines. The 2.2 cu ft TOSHIBA is better for large dishes, but it needs a much bigger footprint.
A handle changes the way you open the door. Instead of pressing a release button, you pull the door toward you, which can feel more natural when the microwave sits beside other appliances.
It can also feel more direct when both hands are busy. You can steady a plate with one hand and use the handle with the other without searching for a small latch.
The trade off is clearance. A pull door needs room to swing toward you, so check the space in front of the counter before you commit to a layout.
These countertop microwaves with door handles vary more in size and power than in their basic purpose. Check the cabinet dimensions first, then choose capacity and wattage based on the dishes you use most.
Capacity matters in practical terms because it affects plate size and how food is arranged inside. A compact interior may suit cups, single portions and small leftovers, while a larger cavity gives more choice for family plates.
Power matters for timing and control rather than for physical fit. A 1000W model will usually move food along faster than a 700W model, while 10 power levels help with gentler jobs.
For a wider starting point, compare our best countertop microwave ovens guide. That broader view can help if you are still unsure whether a handle door is the right style for your kitchen.
If your counter is narrow or your door placement is awkward, also see our guide to a countertop microwave with reversible door. Door position can matter as much as the handle itself when appliances sit close together.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for compact countersChefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for flexible small-space cookingFarberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 cu.ft.1000 Watts
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itTOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart
Best for family-size dishes - 5
Best for simple stainless controlsCheck it - 6
Check itFarberware Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 cu.ft.
Best for basic compact cooking
The best countertop microwaves with handles for different kitchens
The best countertop microwave with handle depends on your available space, the dishes you heat and how much control you want. The top picks below are ordered by score, with the strongest overall matches first.
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for everyday kitchens
- 1.2 cu ft capacity
- 1000W output
- Large door handle
- Smart humidity sensor
- 10 power levels
This TOSHIBA combines a pull handle, 1000W output and sensor cooking in a practical 1.2 cu ft cabinet. It suits daily reheating and cooking when you want more room than a compact microwave.
Pros
- 1000W output
- Smart humidity sensor
- Large easy-grip handle
- Mute and ECO modes
Cons
- Wider than the compact models
- Needs more counter depth than the smallest picks
The TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu.Ft. model is the best all-around choice for a kitchen that has room for a medium countertop appliance. Its 20.6 in width, 14.6 in depth and 11.8 in height give you more cooking space than the compact models without moving into the large-cabinet class.
The 1000W output suits common reheating and cooking tasks. Ten power levels let you lower the heat for jobs such as melting or gentle warming, while the smart humidity sensor adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity.
Its 12.4 in glass turntable gives round plates room to rotate. Six preset menus cover common foods, and the controls include a clock, kitchen timer, one-touch starts and defrost by weight or time.
The large door handle is the main reason to choose this model for this roundup. It also has ECO and mute functions, which can help if you want less display or button noise in a shared kitchen.
Choose it when you want a balanced mix of capacity, power and handle access. Measure the counter depth first, especially if the microwave will sit near a wall or cabinet side.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.: Best for compact counters
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
- 700W output
- Top-edge pull handle
- 10 power levels
- 6 cooking presets
The compact Chefman gives small kitchens a pull-handle door, 700W output and six presets. It is a good fit when cabinet and counter space matter more than large dish capacity.
Pros
- Smallest cabinet in this roundup
- 10 power levels
- Mute button
- Child safety lock
Cons
- 700W output may need longer cook times
- 0.7 cu ft capacity limits dish size
The Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. model is the best compact option when every inch matters.
At 17.52 in wide, 12.93 in deep and 9.53 in high, it is the smallest cabinet in this group.
Its 700W output is suited to smaller portions, drinks and leftovers. You can choose among 10 power levels, use six presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes and leftovers, or add time with the +30 seconds button.
The top-edge handle opens by pulling upward. That gives you a direct grip instead of a push-button release, but make sure you have enough space above and in front of the unit for comfortable access.
A mute button can silence the audio, and the child safety lock helps prevent accidental door opening. The glass turntable is included, and the black exterior wipes clean with a damp towel.
Pick it for a dorm-style kitchen, office break room or small apartment counter. Its trade-off is the 0.7 cu ft interior and 700W output, so large plates and longer cooking directions may not fit your routine.
Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 cu.ft.1000 Watts: Best for flexible small-space cooking
- 1.1 cu ft capacity
- 1000W output
- Easy-grip door handle
- 10 power levels
- 6 one-touch options
Farberware gives you near full-size cooking in a 1.1 cu ft countertop cabinet. Its handle, multi-stage cooking and 1000W output suit home kitchens and office break rooms.
Pros
- 1000W output
- Defrost by weight or time
- 6 one-touch options
- Child safety lock
Cons
- Deeper than the compact Chefman
- Larger footprint than the 0.7 cu ft models
The Farberware 1.1 cu.ft. model is a good middle-size pick for buyers who want 1000W output without moving to the largest microwave here. Its 20.2 in width, 16.54 in depth and 12.03 in height need more depth than the compact Chefman.
The handle makes opening straightforward, while the child safety lock adds a separate control for households that need it. Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking give you more control than a simple preset-only unit.
Six one-touch options include popcorn, potato and pizza. Defrost by weight or time, then use the LED display as a clock, kitchen timer and cooking-time display.
The 1.1 cu ft capacity is suitable for home kitchens and office break rooms. Its stainless steel interior and exterior keep the design simple, but the depth is worth checking before you order.
Choose this Farberware when you want a 1000W handle-door microwave with flexible settings. It is less space-friendly than the 0.7 cu ft picks, but it gives you a larger cooking area.
TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart: Best for family-size dishes
- 2.2 cu ft capacity
- 1200W output
- Large door handle
- Smart humidity sensor
- 16.5 in glass turntable
This large TOSHIBA is the choice for a 16 in pizza, a whole chicken or other large dishes. Its pull handle and 1200W output come with the largest footprint in the group.
Pros
- Largest capacity here
- 1200W output
- 16.5 in turntable
- 23 auto menus
Cons
- Needs substantial counter space
- Heavier and deeper than the smaller picks
The large TOSHIBA is the best choice for family-size dishes because its 2.2 cu ft capacity and 16.5 in glass turntable leave room for a 16 in pizza or a whole chicken. It is also the biggest and deepest model in this roundup.
Its 1200W output supports larger cooking loads, while the smart humidity sensor adjusts power and time based on food humidity. Twenty-three auto menus, memory functions and multi-stage cooking give you more ways to set repeated meals.
The external size is 24.4 in wide, 19.6 in deep and 13.6 in high. Leave space for the pull handle and door swing, and confirm that the counter can support a heavier 49.2 lb appliance.
Auto-defrost programs work by time or weight and include settings for meat, poultry and fish. ECO mode, mute control and a child safety lock add convenience around the main cooking functions.
Choose this model when large plates matter more than a compact footprint. If your counter is shallow, compare the dimensions with our guide to a countertop microwave with drop-down door before deciding.
Chefman Countertop Microwave: Best for simple stainless controls
- 1.1 cu ft capacity
- 1000W output
- Pull handle
- 10 power levels
- 3 one-touch presets
The stainless Chefman offers 1.1 cu ft of space, 1000W output and a handle that opens by pulling upward on the top edge. It fits buyers who want straightforward controls and a moderate footprint.
Pros
- 1000W output
- 10 power levels
- Time and weight defrost
- Mute option
Cons
- Only 3 one-touch presets
- The handle opens with an upward pull
The stainless Chefman is a strong choice for buyers who want a moderate-size countertop microwave with a simple pull handle. It measures 20.1 in wide, 14.47 in deep and 11.99 in high, with a 1.1 cu ft capacity.
Its 1000W output and 10 power levels cover quick reheating and lower-power tasks. Three one-touch presets focus on popcorn, beverages and leftovers, so the controls stay more limited than on the TOSHIBA models.
The handle opens by pulling upward on the top edge. That movement is easy to plan for, but the microwave should not sit directly under a cabinet that makes the handle difficult to reach.
Time and weight defrost help with frozen foods, while the +30 seconds button adds a quick time adjustment. The mute option can turn off cooking sounds, and the child safety lock is built into the handle system.
Pick it if you want 1.1 cu ft space and 1000W power in stainless steel without a long preset menu. The main compromise is the smaller set of one-touch programs.
Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 cu.ft.: Best for basic compact cooking
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
- 700W output
- Easy-grip handle
- 10 power levels
- 6 one-touch options
This Farberware is a compact handle-door microwave for simple reheating, defrosting and preset cooking. Its 700W output and 0.7 cu ft capacity make it suited to modest portions.
Pros
- Compact footprint
- 10 power levels
- 6 preset options
- Child safety lock
Cons
- 700W output
- Smallest capacity group
The 0.7 cu.ft. Farberware is the best basic compact choice for small portions and simple controls.
Its 17.3 in width, 12.99 in depth and 10.14 in height make it easy to compare with other small countertop appliances.
The 700W output works for everyday reheating and defrosting, while 10 power levels give you more control than a single high-power setting. Six preset options cover common foods such as popcorn, potato and pizza.
The easy-grip handle gives the door a clear pull point. A child safety lock adds a separate safety feature, and the LED display shows the clock, timer and remaining cook time.
This model has the smallest capacity group, so it makes the most sense for a single person, office station or kitchen where large plates are uncommon. Its stainless steel finish keeps it visually close to the larger Farberware model.
Choose it for basic handle access in a small footprint. Choose the Chefman 0.7 Cu.
Ft. instead if a mute button and six named presets matter more to you.
How to choose a countertop microwave with a door handle
Choose the microwave by counter fit first, then compare capacity and power. A handle is useful only if you can reach it comfortably and open the door without hitting a wall, cabinet or nearby appliance.
Measure the counter before choosing a microwave with handle
Measure width, depth and height, including any trim or raised rear section. The compact Chefman is 17.52 in wide, while the large TOSHIBA needs 24.4 in of width and 19.6 in of depth.
Leave room in front of the door for a plate and your hand. If the microwave sits in a corner, check whether the handle or open door reaches the side wall.
Do not assume a countertop microwave can replace a built-in or over-the-range unit. Our guide answers Can You Put an Over-the-Range Microwave on a Countertop? when you are comparing installation types.
Match capacity to your plates and containers
Capacity tells you how much interior room the microwave has, but the turntable diameter is often easier to picture. The smallest models have 0.7 cu ft interiors, while the large TOSHIBA has a 16.5 in glass turntable.
Use a 0.7 cu ft model for modest portions and smaller dishes. A 1.1 or 1.2 cu ft model gives more flexibility for family plates, while the 2.2 cu ft unit is aimed at large dishes.
Measure your favorite dinner plate or casserole dish before choosing. A larger outside cabinet does not help if the item you use most still cannot rotate inside.
Compare 700W, 1000W and 1200W output
The 700W Chefman and Farberware models are compact and can suit basic reheating. The 1000W models offer more output for common cooking tasks, while the 1200W TOSHIBA is aimed at larger loads.
When moving from one wattage to another, follow the food instructions and check progress before the full time ends. Power levels are useful for lowering heat, but they do not change the microwave's physical size.
Decide how many presets you will use
Presets are helpful when they match food you heat often. The TOSHIBA 1.2 cu ft model has six preset menus, the large TOSHIBA has 23 auto menus, and the Chefman 1.1 cu ft model has three one-touch presets.
A shorter menu can be easier if you mostly use manual time and power settings. A longer menu can help if you regularly prepare the foods covered by those programs.
Check handle position and door clearance
Most products here use a pull handle, but the Chefman models describe an upward pull on the top edge. Think about whether you prefer pulling toward yourself or lifting your fingers over the handle area.
Keep the handle clean and avoid hanging towels from it. If the microwave is used by children, use the child safety lock where available and keep hot containers away from the door path.
For a lighter-colored kitchen, see our guide to the best white countertop microwave. If the handle is uncomfortable or difficult to grip, our guide to best microwave door handle covers covers a related comfort option.
How to set up and care for a countertop microwave with handle
Place the microwave on a stable, level countertop with the space required around the cabinet. Keep the handle and door path clear, then fit the glass turntable and roller ring where included.
Check that the turntable sits evenly before you use the microwave for the first time. A plate should rotate without catching on the sides or scraping against the door.
Leave access around the vents as well as in front of the door. Crowding the cabinet with nearby items can make normal use harder and can interfere with airflow.
Clean spills after the interior cools. Use a soft damp cloth on the exterior, and follow the instructions for the turntable before putting it in a dishwasher.
For interior cleaning, a damp cloth is usually enough for light splashes. Heavier residue may need a little more soaking time, but avoid harsh scrubbing that could mark the surface.
Chefman specifically describes the 0.7 Cu. Ft. glass turntable as top-rack dishwasher safe.
Other models should be checked against their own instructions rather than treated the same way.
Wipe the handle with the same care as the rest of the exterior. Grease and food residue can make a pull handle feel slippery, especially when your hands are damp.
Do not operate the microwave empty. Use cookware intended for microwave cooking, avoid sealed containers, and follow the food instructions for covering, stirring and standing time.
Stirring and standing time are not minor details. They help heat spread more evenly and reduce the chance that the outside feels hot while the centre stays cool.
Use the right power level for the job instead of relying on full power for everything. Lower levels can suit melting, softening and delicate reheating, while full power is better saved for straightforward cooking.
Defrost settings should be set by weight or time according to the model. Allow extra checking for thicker pieces, since frozen food rarely warms evenly without a pause.
A pull handle does not mean the door should be forced. If it does not open normally, stop and check whether the child safety lock is active or whether something is blocking the door.
Keep the door seal area free of crumbs and spills. A clean edge helps the door close properly and makes the microwave easier to keep in good condition over time.
Store the manual where you can find it again if a setting is unclear. It will tell you which parts can be washed, which controls to avoid and how the lock and presets work on your exact model.
Which countertop microwave with handle should you choose?
The TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu.Ft. is the best countertop microwave with handle for most homes because it balances 1000W power, sensor cooking, useful capacity and a large pull handle. It suits households that want one main microwave for everyday jobs without stepping up to a very large cabinet.
Choose the Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. or Farberware 0.7 cu.ft. when your counter is tight and your portions are modest.
Both give you a compact footprint, a handle door and enough control for reheating, drinks and small meals.
The Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. may suit you better if a mute button and named presets matter.
The Farberware 0.7 cu.ft. may suit you better if you want a straightforward compact model with six preset options.
Choose the large TOSHIBA for a 16 in pizza or other large dishes. Its 2.2 cu ft capacity and 16.5 in turntable make sense when standard plates feel too small for the food you cook.
That choice comes with a clear cost in space. The large TOSHIBA is wider, deeper and heavier than the other models, so it needs a counter that can spare room for both the cabinet and the door swing.
Choose the Farberware 1.1 cu.ft. or stainless Chefman when you want 1000W output in a medium-size cabinet. Both sit between the compact models and the large TOSHIBA in terms of everyday cooking room.
The Farberware 1.1 cu.ft. leans toward flexibility, with multi-stage cooking and defrost by weight or time. The stainless Chefman leans toward simpler controls, with three one-touch presets and a mute option.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you are shopping for. It is a guide to shortlisting, not a substitute for measuring your own counter and dishes.
Measure your counter and favorite dishes before choosing among these countertop microwaves with door handles. A model that fits your plates and space will serve you better than one chosen on power alone.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for compact counters
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for flexible small-space cooking
Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 cu.ft.1000 Watts
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best countertop microwave with handle?
The TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu.Ft. model is the best countertop microwave with handle for most kitchens because it combines a large pull handle, 1000W output, 1.2 cu ft capacity and smart humidity sensing. Choose a smaller Chefman or Farberware when counter space is tight.
Are countertop microwaves with door handles easier to use?
A pull handle gives you a separate grip for opening the door instead of requiring a push-button release. That can feel more direct when your other hand is holding a plate.
Check the handle position and the space in front of the microwave before you choose.
How much counter space does a countertop microwave need?
Measure the microwave's width, depth and height, then leave room for the door to open and for ventilation around the cabinet. The compact models here are about 17 in wide, while the large TOSHIBA is 24.4 in wide and 19.6 in deep.
Is 700W or 1000W better for a countertop microwave?
A 1000W microwave generally gives you more output for everyday cooking than a 700W model, while a 700W unit can be a better fit for a small counter. Follow the cooking directions and adjust time when a recipe assumes a different wattage.
Can a countertop microwave with a handle go under a cabinet?
Yes, if the microwave has the required clearance and the cabinet does not block ventilation or the door. Measure the full height and depth before placing it.
A countertop model should stay on a stable, level surface rather than being mounted like an over-the-range unit.
