Steam curls from a reheated bowl, the center is still cold, and dinner waits while the microwave runs another minute. A countertop model can turn that small kitchen snag into a quick, predictable routine.
This guide compares the best lg Microwaves alongside notable alternatives, with attention to capacity, power, and everyday countertop fit. Keep reading to sort compact convenience from family-size performance.
Key Takeaways
- Choose 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet for snacks and small portions, while larger households should consider 1.2 cubic feet or more.
- Prioritize wattage around 900 to 1,200 watts for faster heating and more even results across common meals.
- Measure your counter and overhead clearance, checking width, depth, and height before ordering.
- Look for sensor cooking and auto programs if you want the microwave to adjust heating time with less guesswork.
- Select a stainless steel or black finish that suits your kitchen, then confirm the interior is easy to clean.
| Large Capacity Pick | GE Countertop Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft. | Large 1.6-cu.-ft. capacity | 1,150 watts | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Compact Black Finish |  |
Toshiba Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Compact interior | Black stainless finish | 900-watt output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Inverter Compact |  |
LG NeoChef Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Smart Inverter technology | Compact 0.9-cu.-ft. size | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sensor Cooking Balance |  |
LG Sensor Microwave 1.5 Cu. Ft. | 1.5-cu.-ft. capacity | Sensor cooking | 1,200 watts | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Family Size Power | |
LG Smart Inverter 2.0 Cu. Ft. | Extra-large 2.0-cu.-ft. interior | Smart Inverter technology | 1,200 watts | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Everyday Black Option |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft. | Practical 1.2-cu.-ft. size | 1,000-watt output | Simple black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Mid-Size |  |
Toshiba Stainless Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft. | Stainless steel exterior | 1.2-cu.-ft. capacity | 1,000 watts | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Easy-Care Compact |  |
LG EasyClean Microwave 1.1 Cu. Ft. | EasyClean interior | Compact dimensions | 1.1-cu.-ft. capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Auto Cook Convenience |  |
Farberware Auto Cook Microwave 1.3 Cu. Ft. | Auto cook settings | Child safety lock | 1,000 watts | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small Space Saver |  |
BLACK+DECKER Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Very compact capacity | Stainless steel finish | Space-saving design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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GE Countertop Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft.
Choose this GE model if you need a roomier countertop microwave for family meals, large bowls, or serving dishes. Its 1.6-cubic-foot capacity and 1,150 watts provide more interior space and cooking power than many compact options.
The stainless steel finish suits most kitchen styles and should pair well with other appliances. The main limitation is a lack of listed details about sensor programs, controls, or specialized cooking features, so it may appeal more to shoppers prioritizing size and power than automation.
- 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:High-power cooking
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Toshiba Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft.
For a smaller kitchen, dorm, office, or apartment, this Toshiba keeps its footprint manageable with a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity. The 900-watt output is suitable for routine reheating, frozen meals, and basic cooking tasks.
Its black stainless steel finish gives the microwave a darker, contemporary appearance. Capacity is the clear tradeoff, so larger plates, casserole dishes, and family-size portions may require more careful sizing.
- 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 finish
- Additional Feature:Compact capacity
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LG NeoChef Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft.
This LG NeoChef fits shoppers who want a compact footprint without giving up LG’s Smart Inverter cooking system. At 1,000 watts, it offers a useful balance for apartments, offices, and kitchens where counter space comes at a premium.
The stainless steel finish is practical and easy to coordinate with other appliances. Its 0.9-cubic-foot interior is the limiting factor, however, particularly for wide dinner plates or larger serving bowls.
- Brand:LG
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Power:1,000 watts
- Dimensions:18.75 x 14 x 10.69 inches
- Additional Feature:Smart Inverter cooking
- Additional Feature:NeoChef design
- Additional Feature:Countertop installation
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LG Sensor Microwave 1.5 Cu. Ft.
Select this LG if you want a mid-size interior with room for everyday plates, bowls, and family portions. The combination of 1.5 cubic feet, 1,200 watts, and sensor cooking gives it a practical blend of capacity and automated convenience.
Its Smart Inverter system adds another useful cooking-focused feature, while the stainless steel exterior fits a traditional appliance lineup. The larger body needs more counter space than compact models, so measure the available area before choosing it.
- Brand:LG
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.5 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Power:1,200 watts
- Dimensions:21.44 x 12.13 x 16.19 inches
- Additional Feature:Smart Inverter cooking
- Additional Feature:Sensor cooking
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel finish
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LG Smart Inverter 2.0 Cu. Ft.
Large households should look closely at this LG, which provides a full 2.0-cubic-foot capacity for bigger dishes and generous portions. Its 1,200 watts and Smart Inverter technology make it a strong fit for frequent reheating and everyday meal preparation.
The stainless steel finish keeps the appearance polished, but the substantial dimensions demand a dedicated stretch of counter space. This is a poor match for narrow kitchens, although it offers plenty of room where compact models feel cramped.
- Brand:LG
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:2.0 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Power:1,200 watts
- Dimensions:23.9 x 13.6 x 19.8 inches
- Additional Feature:Smart Inverter cooking
- Additional Feature:Sensor cooking
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel finish
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Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft.
This Toshiba offers a useful 1.2-cubic-foot capacity, making it a middle-ground choice for everyday reheating without the bulk of a full-size model. The 1,000-watt power rating suits common tasks such as warming leftovers, cooking packaged foods, and defrosting.
Its black finish has a simple, understated look that works well in many kitchens. The available information does not list sensor cooking, inverter technology, or dimensions, so shoppers seeking specialized programs may want a more feature-specific model.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Power:1,000 watts
- Dimensions:1.2 cu. ft.
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Black finish
- Additional Feature:Mid-size capacity
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Toshiba Stainless Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft.
If you prefer a stainless steel exterior and need moderate capacity, this Toshiba provides a sensible middle option. Its 1.2 cubic feet of space and 1,000 watts cover the core needs of most countertop microwave users.
The stainless finish can coordinate with matching appliances and resist the visually busy look of mixed colors. As with the black version, the listed information does not identify sensor or inverter functions, and the exterior dimensions are not provided.
- 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 finish
- Additional Feature:Mid-size capacity
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LG EasyClean Microwave 1.1 Cu. Ft.
This LG makes sense for kitchens that need moderate capacity in a relatively compact body. The 1.1-cubic-foot interior and 900 watts cover everyday reheating, while the EasyClean interior focuses on simpler cleanup after spills.
The black finish gives it a discreet appearance, and the listed dimensions make it easier to plan counter placement. Its lower power output may require more cooking time than 1,000-watt or 1,200-watt alternatives, especially with larger portions.
- Brand:LG
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cu. ft.
- Power:900 watts
- Dimensions:20.1 x 11.4 x 15.7 inches
- Additional Feature:EasyClean interior
- Additional Feature:Black finish
- Additional Feature:Countertop installation
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Farberware Auto Cook Microwave 1.3 Cu. Ft.
Farberware suits shoppers who want automated cooking help without moving to an especially large countertop unit. Its 1.3-cubic-foot capacity, 1,000 watts, and auto cook settings cover a broad range of everyday microwave tasks.
The defrost function, easy-clean design, and child safety lock add practical household value, particularly for busy kitchens. The available title does not specify the exact preset programs or exterior dimensions, so installation planning may require additional product information.
- Brand:Farberware
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.3 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Power:1,000 watts
- Additional Feature:Auto cook settings
- Additional Feature:Defrost function
- Additional Feature:Easy-clean design
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BLACK+DECKER Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
This BLACK+DECKER is built for tight countertops, compact apartments, dorm rooms, and office kitchens where every inch matters. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 700 watts are best suited to mugs, small bowls, snacks, and straightforward reheating.
The stainless steel finish gives the compact unit a cleaner appliance look than many small microwave designs. Its limited interior and lower power make it less suitable for large plates, family portions, or fast cooking, but that is the natural tradeoff for a smaller footprint.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Power:700 watts
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Compact footprint
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Are LG microwaves reliable for everyday use?
LG offers microwaves across several formats and price levels, so reliability depends on the specific model, installation quality, and regular care. Focus on the warranty terms, control-panel design, door construction, and availability of replacement filters or parts. Keep the interior clean, avoid slamming the door, and follow the manual’s guidance for ventilation and cookware. Those simple habits help protect the unit from unnecessary wear.
What size LG microwave should I buy?
Choose based on the cookware you use most often, not just the listed cubic-foot capacity. A compact 0.7 to 0.9-cubic-foot model works for drinks, snacks, and small plates, while a larger model is better for family portions and casserole dishes. Measure the counter or cabinet opening, then check the microwave’s full depth and door swing. For an over-the-range unit, also measure the distance between the cooktop and the cabinet above it.
Do LG over-the-range microwaves vent outside?
Some LG over-the-range models can vent through an exterior duct, while others can recirculate air through a charcoal filter. A convertible design may support both arrangements, but the installation must be configured correctly. Check the product specifications and installation guide before ordering. If your kitchen has no existing ductwork, recirculation may be simpler, though it will not remove cooking air from the room as effectively as outdoor venting.
Can I install an LG microwave myself?
A countertop model usually requires only a suitable grounded outlet and adequate ventilation space, but built-in and over-the-range models are more involved. Over-the-range installation can require wall mounting, cabinet support, electrical work, and duct connections. Use a qualified installer if the unit is heavy, needs hardwiring or new ductwork, or must be mounted above a gas or electric range. Follow the LG installation instructions exactly, since incorrect clearances can create safety and performance problems.
Are LG microwave trim kits necessary?
A trim kit is generally needed when you want a countertop microwave installed as a built-in unit. It fills the surrounding gap, supports the intended appearance, and helps maintain the required ventilation clearances. Use only the trim kit specified for the microwave model. A generic frame may block airflow or fail to support the unit properly, turning a neat cabinet installation into an expensive puzzle.
