A common mistake is assuming a microwave’s price tells you how well it will fit your kitchen, schedule, and routines. Small differences can matter more than expected.
The best Microwaves deals online span compact models and larger formats, giving this category plenty of range to compare. The comparison below brings those options into one clearer view, so keep reading before choosing your next countertop appliance.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize capacity based on your usual dishes, since 0.7 cubic feet suits lighter use while 1.2 cubic feet handles larger plates more comfortably.
- Compare wattage carefully, because higher power generally shortens cooking times and improves consistency for reheating and defrosting.
- Check the microwave’s outside dimensions and door swing before buying, especially if counter space is limited.
- Look for useful preset programs, but make sure manual power levels are included for flexible cooking.
- Consider noise controls, child locks, and easy-clean interiors if the microwave will serve a busy household.
| Quiet Control Pick |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave 900W | 10 power levels | Six cooking presets | Mute button | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stylish Everyday Warmer |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 900W | Black stainless finish | Compact countertop design | 900-watt cooking power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Space-Saving Preset Pick |  |
Chefman Compact Microwave 700W | Compact 0.7-cubic-foot size | Six cooking presets | Mute button | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Family-Size Powerhouse |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1000W | Large 1.2-cubic-foot capacity | 1000-watt output | Family-friendly interior | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Budget Classic |  |
BLACK+DECKER Compact Microwave 700W | Stainless steel finish | Compact footprint | Simple everyday heating | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Energy-Minded Compact |  |
COMFEE' Compact Microwave 700W | Eco Mode included | Compact 0.7-cubic-foot size | Straightforward countertop format | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| No-Frills Kitchen Helper |  |
Countertop Microwave 700W | Compact countertop footprint | 700-watt cooking power | Neutral black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Roomy Stainless Workhorse |  |
Toshiba Stainless Microwave 1000W | Roomy 1.2-cubic-foot interior | 1000-watt output | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Simple Black Essential |  |
Frigidaire Compact Microwave 700W | Compact 0.7-cubic-foot size | Simple black finish | Everyday 700-watt heating | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Retro Menu Specialist |  |
Frigidaire Retro Microwave 700W | Retro black-gold finish | Eight auto-cook menus | Auto defrost function | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Chefman Countertop Microwave 900W
The Chefman 900W microwave suits small kitchens, dorm rooms, and households that want straightforward controls without unnecessary fuss. Its 10 power levels, six cooking presets, and one-touch express buttons make everyday reheating and cooking easier to manage.
The mute button helps keep alerts from interrupting a quiet room, while Eco Mode can reduce standby energy use. At 0.9 cubic feet, the interior is compact, so oversized plates and large family portions may require more careful fitting.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black
- Special Features:Eco Mode, mute button
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
- Additional Feature:Six cooking presets
-
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 900W
Choose this Toshiba for compact everyday reheating with a polished black stainless steel exterior. The 0.9-cubic-foot capacity fits common kitchen tasks, while 900 watts provides practical power for heating meals, drinks, and leftovers.
Its finish adds a more refined look than basic black, and the countertop format keeps installation simple. The smaller cavity can limit large cookware, so it is better suited to individual servings than oversized casseroles.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop footprint
- Additional Feature:Everyday reheating capacity
- Additional Feature:900-watt output
-
Chefman Compact Microwave 700W
This Chefman model is a sensible match for dorms, offices, and smaller counters where every inch matters. It includes 10 power levels, six cooking presets, and one-touch express cooking, giving you useful control despite its compact size.
Eco Mode and a mute button add convenience, while the child safety lock offers an extra layer of household control. At 700 watts and 0.7 cubic feet, it may heat larger portions more slowly and has less room for wide dishes.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Special Features:Eco Mode, mute button
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
- Additional Feature:10 power levels
-
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1000W
With 1.2 cubic feet of interior space, this Toshiba is a strong fit for families, shared kitchens, and anyone who regularly heats larger plates. Its 1000-watt output supports faster everyday reheating than smaller 700-watt models.
The black finish keeps the design understated, and the countertop format avoids complicated installation. Its larger body needs more counter space, so measure the available area before making room for it.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Larger countertop cooking space
- Additional Feature:High-power everyday heating
- Additional Feature:Suitable for larger plates
-
BLACK+DECKER Compact Microwave 700W
The BLACK+DECKER model fits basic reheating needs in compact kitchens, work areas, and apartments. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity takes up less room, while 700 watts cover familiar tasks such as warming drinks, snacks, and single servings.
A stainless steel finish gives the appliance a cleaner, more durable-looking exterior than plain black. The compact cavity and lower wattage are the trade-offs, particularly if you often prepare large portions or dense foods.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop design
- Additional Feature:Single-serving capacity
- Additional Feature:700-watt cooking power
-
COMFEE' Compact Microwave 700W
For a small countertop footprint and basic kitchen duties, this COMFEE' microwave keeps the focus on practicality. The 0.7-cubic-foot interior suits single servings, while 700 watts provide useful everyday heating without requiring a larger appliance.
Its Eco Mode is the defining convenience, helping reduce standby power use when the microwave is not active. The compact interior is less accommodating for wide plates, and the lower wattage may call for longer heating times.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Special Features:Eco Mode
- Additional Feature:Standby energy-saving mode
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop footprint
- Additional Feature:Single-serving cooking capacity
-
Countertop Microwave 700W
This compact 700W microwave is aimed at simple kitchen routines, including reheating leftovers, warming beverages, and preparing individual portions. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity keeps the footprint modest, which works well for apartments, offices, and dorm rooms.
The black finish offers a neutral appearance that blends into most counters. Because the listing provides few additional details, you should expect a more basic feature set and a smaller cooking cavity than larger countertop models.
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Compact cooking cavity
- Additional Feature:Individual-serving format
- Additional Feature:Simple countertop placement
-
Toshiba Stainless Microwave 1000W
This Toshiba combines 1.2 cubic feet of space with 1000 watts, making it a practical choice for family kitchens and larger meals. The roomy interior gives you more flexibility with plates and containers, while high cooking power supports efficient reheating.
Its stainless steel finish adds a brighter, more traditional appliance look. The larger footprint may crowd a narrow counter, so check both width and depth before choosing this model.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Larger meal capacity
- Additional Feature:High-power countertop cooking
- Additional Feature:Family-sized interior
-
Frigidaire Compact Microwave 700W
The Frigidaire EMW733BLACKAMZ is suited to small households and limited counters, offering a compact 0.7-cubic-foot format for everyday warming. Its 700-watt power level covers standard tasks, from reheating leftovers to warming coffee or soup.
The black exterior keeps the design understated and easy to pair with other appliances. Its smaller interior is the main limitation, especially if you regularly use large plates or cook more than one serving at a time.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop design
- Additional Feature:Individual-serving capacity
- Additional Feature:Straightforward everyday use
-
Frigidaire Retro Microwave 700W
This Frigidaire brings retro styling to a compact countertop format, making it a good fit for kitchens where appearance matters as much as function. Its eight auto-cook menus, auto defrost, and five power levels simplify common meals while keeping controls approachable.
The LED display and glass turntable add useful everyday touches, and the black-gold finish gives it a distinctive look. At 0.7 cubic feet and 700 watts, it is better for individual portions than large dishes or heavy cooking workloads.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Retro countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black gold
- Special Features:Auto defrost, LED display
- Additional Feature:Five power levels
- Additional Feature:Glass turntable
- Additional Feature:Eight auto-cook menus
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts should a microwave have?
For everyday reheating and cooking, choose at least 900 watts. A 1,000 to 1,200-watt model generally heats food faster, while a lower-wattage unit can still work well if you adjust cooking times. Check the wattage listed in the product specifications rather than relying on the model name. Package directions are often written for 1,000 watts, so lower-powered microwaves may need additional time.
What size microwave should I buy?
Choose a compact model around 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet for drinks, small plates, and limited counter space. A mid-size unit around 1.0 to 1.3 cubic feet suits most households, while larger models are better for casserole dishes and family portions. The turntable matters as much as the stated capacity. Measure your largest regular dish and compare it with the interior dimensions before ordering.
Are countertop or over-the-range microwaves better?
A countertop microwave usually offers the simplest installation and the lowest upfront cost. An over-the-range model saves counter space and adds ventilation, but it requires accurate measurements, suitable electrical access, and more involved installation. Choose based on your kitchen layout rather than appearance alone. Countertop models are easier to replace, while over-the-range units can provide a tidier setup.
Can I put metal in a microwave?
Avoid metal containers, foil, twist ties, and dishes with metallic trim unless the manufacturer specifically states that an item is microwave-safe. Metal can reflect microwave energy and create arcing, which may damage the oven or start a fire. Use containers labeled microwave-safe, and never operate the microwave while it is empty. If sparks appear, stop the appliance immediately and remove the questionable item once it is safe to do so.
Do microwaves use a lot of electricity?
Most countertop microwaves use roughly 1,000 to 1,500 watts while running, but cooking times are usually short. Actual energy use depends on wattage, frequency of use, power settings, and whether standby features remain active. To reduce waste, heat only the portion you need and avoid running the appliance longer than necessary. A model with sensor cooking can help prevent extra cooking time, though it does not remove the need to monitor food.
