Microwaves once meant a humming box reserved for reheating leftovers; today, countertop ovens are designed for far more than that narrow job.
That change gives the best Microwaves oven countertop roundup plenty to compare. The ten models that follow bring different approaches to everyday cooking, and the details become clearer when they share the same frame. Keep reading for a focused comparison.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize capacity based on the dishes you heat most, since interior size determines whether plates, bowls, or casserole dishes fit comfortably.
- Use wattage as a speed guide, but compare power levels too, because finer control helps protect delicate foods.
- Measure your counter space and door clearance before choosing a model, especially in a compact kitchen.
- Choose preset programs only if their labels match your routine, rather than paying extra for a long menu of buttons.
- Check noise controls, child locks, and easy-clean interiors if the microwave will serve a busy household.
| Everyday Convenience |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave, 900W | Six cooking presets | Ten power levels | Mute button included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Family Size Power | GE Countertop Microwave, 1150W | Large interior capacity | High wattage | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Roomier Preset Cooking |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1000W | Roomier 1.1-cubic-foot interior | Six automatic presets | One-touch express cooking | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Kitchen Fit |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave, 1000W | Practical 1.2-cubic-foot capacity | 1000-watt output | Neutral black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Counter Saver |  |
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave, 700W | Space-saving footprint | Stainless steel finish | Suitable for single portions | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Compact Cooking |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave, 700W | Mute button included | Six cooking presets | Compact size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Mid-Size Steel Finish |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel | 1.2-cubic-foot capacity | 1000-watt output | Stainless steel exterior | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Eco-Conscious Compact |  |
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave, 700W | ECO mode included | Compact 0.7-cubic-foot size | Simple black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Steel Upgrade |  |
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave, 900W | 900-watt output | Stainless steel finish | Compact footprint | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Spacious Everyday Heating |  |
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave, 1000W | Roomy 1.1-cubic-foot cavity | 1000-watt output | Stainless steel exterior | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Chefman Countertop Microwave, 900W
For kitchens that need practical performance without taking over the counter, this Chefman model offers a useful 0.9-cubic-foot capacity and 900 watts of power. Its six presets and one-touch express cooking make common tasks quick and approachable.
You also get 10 power levels, an eco mode, a child safety lock, and a mute button, a thoughtful mix for busy households. The smaller interior may limit oversized plates and casserole dishes, so it suits everyday portions better than large family meals.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black
- Features:Presets, eco mode, safety lock
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
- Additional Feature:Mute button
-
GE Countertop Microwave, 1150W
This GE microwave is a strong fit if you regularly heat large plates or prepare more than one serving at a time. Its 1.6-cubic-foot capacity gives you noticeably more interior room than compact countertop models.
With 1,150 watts, it is positioned for faster heating and higher-volume kitchen use. The available listing does not identify preset programs or additional controls, so the main appeal here is straightforward capacity and power rather than a feature-heavy interface.
- Brand:GE
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cubic feet
- Wattage:1150 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Spacious countertop design
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
-
Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1000W
Choose this Chefman when you want the approachable controls of the smaller model with more interior space. The 1.1-cubic-foot capacity gives you extra flexibility for plates, bowls, and medium-sized dishes, while 1,000 watts supports efficient everyday heating.
Six presets, one-touch express cooking, and 10 power levels cover routine meals without requiring much manual adjustment. Its black finish and countertop format are practical, though the capacity still falls short of what you would want for very large cookware.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cubic feet
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Features:Presets, eco mode, safety lock
- Additional Feature:Ten power levels
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
- Additional Feature:Mute button
-
Toshiba Countertop Microwave, 1000W
This Toshiba model strikes a sensible middle ground for kitchens that need useful capacity without moving into oversized-appliance territory. Its 1.2-cubic-foot interior should accommodate common dinner plates and everyday bowls with less crowding than compact units.
At 1,000 watts, it offers solid power for reheating and basic cooking tasks. The listing provides limited information about presets or specialty controls, so choose it primarily for its balanced size, wattage, and simple black finish.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop configuration
- Additional Feature:Mid-size cooking cavity
-
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave, 700W
Small kitchens, dorm rooms, and office break areas can benefit from this compact 0.7-cubic-foot design. Its 700-watt output is suited to reheating drinks, single portions, and smaller dishes without demanding much counter space.
The stainless steel finish adds a clean appliance look, while the modest capacity keeps the footprint manageable. The tradeoff is clear: 700 watts and a small cavity may mean slower heating and less room for wide dinner plates.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop design
- Additional Feature:Small cooking cavity
-
Chefman Countertop Microwave, 700W
This Chefman is designed for compact spaces where quiet operation matters as much as basic heating. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 700 watts suit apartments, dorms, offices, and small snack portions.
The six presets, one-touch express cooking, and mute button give it more convenience than a bare-bones compact microwave. Still, the smaller cavity and lower wattage are less suitable for large plates or rapid family-size meal preparation.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Features:Presets, eco mode, safety lock
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Ten power levels
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
-
Toshiba Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel
For a kitchen that needs a mid-size cooking cavity with a polished exterior, this Toshiba offers a practical combination of 1.2 cubic feet and 1,000 watts. That capacity is large enough for many everyday plates while remaining more manageable than extra-large models.
The stainless steel finish works well with modern appliance suites and helps the microwave look less utilitarian on the counter. The listing does not specify presets or special controls, so the main strengths are its balanced dimensions and durable-looking finish.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop configuration
- Additional Feature:Mid-size cooking cavity
-
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave, 700W
This COMFEE' model fits neatly into small kitchens and shared spaces where counter area is limited. The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 700 watts are best suited to individual meals, snacks, and reheating rather than large cookware.
Its ECO mode adds a practical power-saving option for a microwave that may sit unused between meals. The compact size is convenient, but the lower wattage can require more time for heavier or chilled foods.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Features:ECO mode
- Additional Feature:Power-saving ECO mode
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop design
-
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave, 900W
This BLACK+DECKER model gives you a useful step up from entry-level compact microwaves, pairing 0.9 cubic feet with 900 watts. That combination should handle everyday reheating more capably while still keeping the appliance relatively easy to place on a crowded counter.
Its stainless steel finish brings a more polished look than basic black compact models. The cavity remains smaller than mid-size options, so it is a better match for routine portions than oversized plates and large baking dishes.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop configuration
- Additional Feature:Compact cooking cavity
-
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave, 1000W
Select this BLACK+DECKER when you want more interior room without moving to the largest countertop category. Its 1.1-cubic-foot capacity and 1,000 watts provide a useful balance for families, shared kitchens, and regular meal prep.
The stainless steel finish gives the appliance a clean, coordinated appearance, while the higher wattage supports efficient reheating. The listing does not specify presets or specialty functions, so its appeal rests mainly on capacity, power, and straightforward countertop use.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cubic feet
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Spacious countertop design
- Additional Feature:Mid-size cooking cavity
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts should a countertop microwave have?
For most kitchens, 900 to 1,100 watts provides a good balance of speed and versatility. An 800-watt model can still handle common meals, but you may need to add cooking time and stir food more often. Higher wattage does not automatically mean better results. Use the power rating listed on the package or manual, and adjust recipes according to the instructions provided for that specific oven.
What size countertop microwave fits a dinner plate?
A microwave with at least 0.9 cubic feet of interior space usually accommodates a standard dinner plate, although plate diameter matters more than capacity alone. Check the turntable diameter, since a large cavity can still have a surprisingly small rotating surface. For casseroles, wide bowls, or family-sized dishes, consider 1.1 to 1.6 cubic feet. Measure the dishes you use most often before choosing a model, not just the empty counter area.
Can you put a countertop microwave inside a cabinet?
Only if the manufacturer specifically allows built-in or enclosed installation. Most countertop models require open space around the vents, and placing one inside a cabinet can trap heat, restrict airflow, or create a fire risk. Follow the required clearance measurements in the manual, including space above and behind the unit. Do not cover ventilation openings, even if the microwave appears to fit neatly.
Are inverter microwaves worth the extra cost?
An inverter microwave can be worthwhile if you often use low-power cooking, defrost delicate foods, melt chocolate, or reheat leftovers. Instead of cycling full power on and off, inverter circuitry supplies steadier energy at lower settings. For simple reheating and popcorn, a standard microwave may provide everything you need. The extra cost makes more sense when you value gentler heating and more consistent defrosting.
Is it safe to use metal in a microwave?
In general, keep metal cookware and foil out of the microwave unless the manufacturer gives specific permission. Metal can reflect microwave energy and cause arcing, especially when it has sharp edges, crumpled sections, or metallic trim. Use microwave-safe glass, ceramic, or plastic labeled for microwave use. Remove twist ties and check that containers are vented when heating food, since sealed containers can build pressure quickly.
