At 11:47 p.m., a bowl of soup spins beneath the microwave light while dinner waits, coffee cools, and the kitchen timer keeps shouting for attention. Counter space, cooking speed, and easy controls suddenly matter a great deal.
This roundup compares the best countertop Microwaves oven options across several sizes, wattages, finishes, and convenience features. Keep reading to see which specifications deserve your attention before you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Choose 900 to 1,150 watts for faster heating and more even results, especially with larger portions.
- Match capacity to your dishes, since a compact interior may not fit wide plates or casserole bowls.
- Check the preset functions and control layout so common tasks require fewer button presses.
- Consider stainless steel for a polished appearance, but confirm whether the finish is exterior-only or includes the cooking cavity.
- Look for child safety locks, mute settings, and eco modes if the microwave will sit in a family or shared kitchen.
| Family Size Favorite | GE Countertop Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft. | Large 1.6-cu.-ft. capacity | High 1,150-watt power | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Compact Black Classic |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave, 1.2 Cu. Ft. | Practical 1.2-cu.-ft. size | 1,000 watts of power | Simple black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small Space Saver |  |
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Compact 0.7-cu.-ft. size | Stainless steel finish | Suitable for small kitchens | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Kitchen Match |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave, 1.2 Cu. Ft. | Useful 1.2-cu.-ft. capacity | 1,000-watt cooking power | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Office Helper |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Ten power levels | Six cooking presets | Mute button included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Energy-Aware Compact |  |
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Compact countertop footprint | ECO mode included | 700 watts of power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Safety-Minded Mid-Size |  |
Farberware Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu. Ft. | Mid-size 1.1-cu.-ft. capacity | Auto cook settings | Child safety lock | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Preset-Rich Mid-Size |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu. Ft. | Flexible 1.1-cu.-ft. capacity | Ten power levels | Six cooking presets | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Everyday Size |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave, 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Balanced 0.9-cu.-ft. size | Ten power levels | Mute button included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sleek Space Optimizer |  |
Toshiba Microwave, 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Compact 0.9-cu.-ft. capacity | 900 watts of power | Black stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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GE Countertop Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft.
The GE countertop microwave suits families and shared kitchens that need more interior room for larger plates, bowls, and reheating jobs. Its 1.6-cubic-foot capacity and 1,150-watt output give it a practical advantage for bigger portions and faster everyday cooking.
The stainless steel finish fits many kitchen styles and should be relatively straightforward to coordinate with other appliances. Its main limitation is the larger footprint, so measure your counter space carefully before choosing it.
- Brand:GE
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Power:1,150 watts
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Large interior capacity
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Toshiba Countertop Microwave, 1.2 Cu. Ft.
Choose this Toshiba model for a mid-size kitchen microwave that balances usable interior space with a simple black exterior. The 1.2-cubic-foot capacity works well for everyday reheating, while its 1,000-watt power supports regular meals and snacks.
The black finish can blend neatly into darker appliances and modern kitchens. It does not provide the larger capacity of the GE above, so oversized dishes may require more careful positioning.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Power:1,000 watts
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Black exterior
- Additional Feature:Mid-size cooking cavity
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BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cu. Ft.
For a dorm room, office, apartment, or compact kitchenette, this BLACK+DECKER microwave keeps the footprint modest. Its 700-watt output handles standard reheating and defrosting tasks, while the 0.7-cubic-foot capacity suits smaller plates and portions.
The stainless steel finish adds a more polished look than a basic all-black exterior. The tradeoff is limited interior room, so large dinner plates and family-size containers may not fit comfortably.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Power:700 watts
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Compact cooking cavity
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
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Toshiba Countertop Microwave, 1.2 Cu. Ft.
This stainless steel Toshiba model is a sensible fit if you want mid-size capacity without moving up to a larger family-style microwave. Its 1.2-cubic-foot interior and 1,000 watts of power cover the core jobs most kitchens ask of a countertop unit.
The stainless steel exterior pairs well with other stainless appliances and gives the microwave a cleaner visual presence. Like the black version, it may feel restrictive for especially wide plates or larger serving dishes.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Power:1,000 watts
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Mid-size interior
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Chefman Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Chefman’s compact model is aimed at small kitchens and shared spaces where practical controls matter as much as size. You get 10 power levels, six cooking presets, and one-touch express cooking, giving you more control than a basic reheating-only appliance.
An eco mode can help reduce standby energy use, while the mute button keeps beeps from becoming office-wide announcements. The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity remains the central limitation, particularly for wide plates and bulky containers.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Power:700 watts
- Presets:6 cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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COMFEE' Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cu. Ft.
The COMFEE' microwave makes sense for tight counters and light-duty cooking, especially in apartments, offices, or secondary kitchen areas. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity takes up less room, while the 700-watt output covers routine reheating and defrosting.
Its defining feature is ECO mode, which gives energy-conscious households a simple way to reduce standby consumption. The smaller cavity limits dish size, and the available product information does not list presets or additional cooking programs.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Power:700 watts
- Additional Feature:ECO mode
- Additional Feature:Black exterior
- Additional Feature:Compact cooking cavity
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Farberware Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Farberware’s 1.1-cubic-foot model fits households seeking mid-size versatility without stepping up to a particularly large appliance. Its 1,000-watt power, auto cook settings, and defrost function cover several common meal-preparation tasks.
The child safety lock adds useful peace of mind in family kitchens, while the easy-clean design helps with routine maintenance. Its capacity sits between compact and large models, so it may not suit very small counters or oversized cookware equally well.
- Brand:Farberware
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Power:1,000 watts
- Presets:Auto cook settings
- Additional Feature:Defrost function
- Additional Feature:Easy-clean design
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu. Ft.
This Chefman model offers a useful middle ground for households that want more room without choosing a full-size microwave. Its 1.1-cubic-foot capacity, 1,000-watt output, and 10 power levels provide a flexible base for everyday cooking.
The six cooking presets and one-touch express buttons simplify common tasks, while eco mode and the mute button add practical polish. It is larger than Chefman’s compact versions, but it still may not accommodate the widest serving dishes.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cu. ft.
- Power:1,000 watts
- Presets:6 cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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Chefman Countertop Microwave, 0.9 Cu. Ft.
Pick this Chefman model for a compact-to-mid-size setup that needs more room than a 0.7-cubic-foot unit but less bulk than a 1.1-cubic-foot appliance. Its 900-watt power, 10 power levels, and six presets support a broad range of everyday reheating and cooking tasks.
The mute button is helpful in bedrooms, offices, and open-plan spaces, while the child lock adds a family-friendly safeguard. Its 0.9-cubic-foot cavity is a compromise, offering versatility but not the spaciousness of larger models.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Power:900 watts
- Presets:6 cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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Toshiba Microwave, 0.9 Cu. Ft.
Toshiba’s 0.9-cubic-foot model is well suited to smaller kitchens that still need a practical everyday microwave. Its 900-watt output provides a useful middle ground, and the compact capacity should be easier to place on a crowded counter.
The black stainless steel finish gives it a more refined look than a plain black exterior. Its smaller cooking cavity limits large plates and casserole dishes, so measure both the microwave area and the cookware you use most often.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Material:Black stainless steel
- Power:900 watts
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Black stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Compact cooking cavity
Frequently Asked Questions
What size countertop microwave should I buy?
Choose a model based on the largest dish you use regularly, not just the advertised cubic-foot capacity. For mugs and standard plates, 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet may be enough, while family meals usually call for 1.1 cubic feet or more. Measure the microwave’s interior turntable and door opening as well as the counter space. A large cavity is not useful if your favorite casserole dish cannot fit through the door.
Is higher wattage better for a microwave?
Higher wattage usually means faster heating and shorter cooking times, but it does not automatically guarantee better results. A 900-watt model can suit many kitchens, while 1,000 to 1,200 watts is useful for larger portions and frequent cooking. Follow the instructions for your microwave’s wattage, especially with packaged foods. If a recipe was written for a different power level, adjust the cooking time gradually and stir or rotate food as directed.
Are sensor cooking programs worth paying more for?
Sensor programs can be worthwhile if you often reheat leftovers, cook vegetables, or prepare meals with changing portion sizes. They use steam and humidity readings to estimate doneness, reducing the need to guess a cooking time. They are less essential if you mainly heat drinks or use fixed cooking times. Compare the sensor menu and instructions, because a long list of presets does not always translate into useful control.
Can I use metal or aluminum foil in a countertop microwave?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions because microwave guidance can vary by model and cookware design. Metal trim, twist ties, and crumpled foil can cause arcing, while some manuals permit small, smooth pieces of foil for shielding. Never use metal if the manual prohibits it, and keep foil away from the oven walls. Use microwave-safe glass, ceramic, or labeled plastic for routine cooking, and never heat sealed containers or eggs in their shells.
How much clearance does a countertop microwave need?
Clearance requirements vary by design, so follow the manual before placing the unit. Many models need several inches of open space around the sides and top, plus an unobstructed rear or side vent, while compact models may have different requirements. Keep the microwave on a flat, stable surface away from heat and moisture. Do not install a countertop model inside a cabinet unless the manufacturer specifically approves that placement, since restricted airflow can create a safety problem.
