A good countertop microwave earns its place through even heating, not merely a large wattage number. A machine that leaves cold centers and scorching edges turns a quick meal into a small kitchen negotiation.
This roundup of the best counter Microwaves compares compact models across several sizes, power levels, finishes, and helpful controls. Keep reading to see which specifications matter most before you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize capacity and turntable size if you regularly heat dinner plates, bowls, or large containers.
- Choose 900 to 1,150 watts for faster heating and better performance with dense foods.
- Check the microwave’s exterior dimensions, because listed capacity does not reveal how much counter space it needs.
- Look for preset programs and one-touch controls if convenience matters more than manual settings.
- Select mute controls or an eco mode if kitchen noise and standby energy use are daily concerns.
| Large-Capacity Workhorse | GE Countertop Microwave 1.6-Cubic-Foot | Large 1.6-cubic-foot capacity | High 1,150-watt output | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Compact Daily Helper |  |
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 700-Watt | Compact 0.7-cubic-foot size | Stainless steel finish | Simple everyday format | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Kitchen Pick |  |
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave 1.2-Cubic-Foot | Well-balanced interior size | 1,000-watt output | Black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Control Specialist |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave 700-Watt | 10 power levels | Six cooking presets | Mute button | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Midrange Standout |  |
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Stainless 1.2-Cubic-Foot | Practical mid-size capacity | 1,000-watt power | Stainless steel exterior | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Energy-Minded Compact |  |
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave 700-Watt | Compact 0.7-cubic-foot size | ECO mode included | Black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Power Upgrade |  |
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 900-Watt | 900-watt output | Useful compact capacity | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Roomy Everyday Performer |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave 1.1-Cubic-Foot | Roomy 1.1-cubic-foot interior | 1,000-watt output | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Preset-Focused Convenience |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave 900-Watt | 10 power levels | Six cooking presets | Child safety lock | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sleek Small-Space Choice |  |
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave 900-Watt | Compact 0.9-cubic-foot size | 900-watt output | Black stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
GE Countertop Microwave 1.6-Cubic-Foot
The GE is a strong fit for family kitchens, shared spaces, and anyone who regularly heats larger dishes. Its 1.6-cubic-foot capacity gives you more interior room than compact models, while the 1,150-watt output supports faster everyday heating.
That extra capacity takes up more counter space, so measure your available area before buying. The listing does not provide details about presets, controls, or special convenience features, which limits how precisely you can compare its cooking options.
- Brand:GE
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cubic feet
- Power:1,150 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop format
-
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 700-Watt
For a dorm room, office, apartment, or smaller kitchen, the BLACK+DECKER offers a space-conscious design with a 0.7-cubic-foot capacity. Its 700-watt output suits basic tasks such as reheating leftovers, warming drinks, and preparing small frozen meals.
The smaller interior keeps the footprint manageable, but it can restrict the size of plates and cookware you can use. The product details do not list presets or added controls, so this model is best considered a straightforward countertop option.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Power:700 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop format
-
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave 1.2-Cubic-Foot
TOSHIBA’s 1.2-cubic-foot capacity lands in a practical middle range, giving you more room than compact models without moving into the largest countertop sizes. The 1,000-watt power rating also makes it a sensible choice for regular reheating and cooking in apartments, family kitchens, and offices.
Its black finish has a clean, understated appearance, though it may show fingerprints or dust more readily than lighter finishes. Because the listing does not identify presets or other controls, you should choose it for its capacity and power balance, not for a specific feature set.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Power:1,000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop format
-
Chefman Countertop Microwave 700-Watt
This Chefman suits kitchens that value simple preset cooking and quieter operation. You get 10 power levels, six cooking presets, one-touch express cooking, and a mute button, giving you more control than a bare-bones compact microwave.
The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity works well for small portions, but the interior may feel tight for large dinner plates or family-size dishes. Its 700-watt output is adequate for routine heating, although it may take longer than higher-powered models.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Power:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Presets:Six cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
-
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Stainless 1.2-Cubic-Foot
Choose this TOSHIBA if you want a mid-size countertop microwave with a polished stainless steel exterior. Its 1.2-cubic-foot capacity and 1,000-watt output provide a useful balance for everyday meals, reheating, and moderate cookware sizes.
The larger footprint will need more counter room than a compact 0.7-cubic-foot model. The available product information does not list presets or special functions, so its main strengths are its size, power, and finish rather than a documented control package.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Power:1,000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop format
-
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave 700-Watt
The COMFEE' is aimed at small spaces where a manageable footprint matters. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity, 700-watt output, and ECO mode make it a reasonable fit for dorms, offices, and compact apartments where basic heating is the priority.
You will have less room for oversized plates and cookware, and the lower power rating may mean slower heating than 900-watt or 1,000-watt models. The black finish keeps the look simple, but the listing does not identify any presets beyond ECO mode.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Power:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:ECO mode
- Additional Feature:Countertop format
-
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 900-Watt
This BLACK+DECKER gives you a 900-watt output while keeping its capacity below the larger mid-size models. The 0.9-cubic-foot interior is well suited to solo meals, office use, apartments, and kitchens that need a little more room than the smallest compact units provide.
It still will not offer the interior space of a 1.2- or 1.6-cubic-foot microwave, so large serving dishes may be awkward. The available listing does not provide preset or control details, leaving power, capacity, and the stainless steel finish as its clearest selling points.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Power:900 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop format
-
Chefman Countertop Microwave 1.1-Cubic-Foot
Chefman’s 1.1-cubic-foot capacity gives you comfortable room for everyday dishes without the bulk of the largest countertop models. With 1,000 watts of power and a stainless steel finish, it fits family kitchens, apartments, and office break rooms that need a capable general-purpose microwave.
Its larger interior requires more counter space than compact 0.7-cubic-foot options. The listing does not specify presets, power levels, or safety functions, so you should select this model primarily for its roomier capacity and higher output.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cubic feet
- Power:1,000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop format
-
Chefman Countertop Microwave 900-Watt
This Chefman is a smart fit if you want compact sizing with a wider range of cooking controls. It includes 10 power levels, six presets, one-touch express cooking, a mute button, ECO mode, and a child safety lock, a notably complete feature list for a 0.9-cubic-foot microwave.
The 900-watt output is suitable for regular reheating, though higher-powered models can be quicker with larger portions. Its 0.9-cubic-foot capacity is useful but not especially roomy, so oversized plates may not fit comfortably.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Power:900 watts
- Finish:Black
- Presets:Six cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Mute button
-
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave 900-Watt
TOSHIBA’s 0.9-cubic-foot capacity makes this model a useful middle ground for compact kitchens, offices, and apartments. The 900-watt output offers more heating power than 700-watt compact models, while the black stainless steel finish gives the appliance a darker, modern appearance.
The interior remains smaller than 1.2- and 1.6-cubic-foot alternatives, which may limit larger plates and cookware. The listing does not provide preset or control information, so its strongest documented qualities are its compact size, power rating, and finish.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Power:900 watts
- Finish:Black stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop format
Frequently Asked Questions
What size countertop microwave should I buy?
Choose a model based on both interior capacity and available counter space. Around 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet works for compact kitchens and small portions, while 1.4 to 1.8 cubic feet provides more room for dinner plates, bowls, and casserole dishes. Measure your largest regularly used dish, then compare it with the microwave’s interior dimensions and turntable diameter. Exterior measurements alone do not reveal how much usable cooking space you will get.
Is higher microwave wattage better?
Higher wattage usually means faster heating and shorter cooking times, but it also requires closer attention to package directions. Around 1,000 watts is a useful middle ground for reheating, cooking, and defrosting. Lower-wattage models can still perform well, especially for basic reheating, but food may need more time and occasional stirring. Use the power-level control for delicate foods instead of relying only on the highest setting.
Can a countertop microwave go inside a cabinet?
Only place it inside cabinetry if the manufacturer specifically approves built-in or enclosed installation. Standard countertop models need open space around their vents to release heat, and a cabinet can restrict airflow. Follow the required clearances in the manual, including space above, behind, and beside the unit. Never block ventilation openings or operate the microwave in a confined shelf that was not designed for the appliance.
Are microwave sensor settings worth paying for?
Sensor settings can be worthwhile if you frequently reheat leftovers or cook common foods such as vegetables, potatoes, rice, and frozen meals. The microwave measures steam levels and adjusts the cooking time, which can reduce overheating. They are less essential if you mainly warm drinks or use manual time settings. Consider sensor reheat a practical convenience, not a substitute for stirring food and checking its temperature.
What cookware can I use in a countertop microwave?
Use cookware labeled microwave-safe, including glass, ceramic, and certain approved plastics. Avoid metal, foil, metallic trim, and containers that can warp or melt, unless the manufacturer specifically gives different instructions for a particular feature. Do not microwave sealed containers, eggs in their shells, or foods with tightly closed skins without venting them as directed. Cover food loosely to reduce splatter, and let steam escape so pressure does not turn lunch into a small kitchen event.
