The plate is cold at the center, the soup has erupted along the rim, and dinner is already running late. A dependable microwave turns that small kitchen snag into a quick reheat, defrost, or snack without claiming half the counter.
This roundup brings together compact and larger countertop models across the best Microwaves deals, with choices suited to different spaces and daily routines. Keep reading for a clear comparison before a sale disappears.
Key Takeaways
- Check interior capacity against your largest everyday dish, especially if you regularly heat dinner plates or casserole bowls.
- Prioritize wattage if speed matters, since higher power generally shortens reheating and cooking times.
- Compare power levels and preset programs so delicate foods do not receive the same treatment as frozen meals.
- Measure counter depth and width before ordering, leaving enough clearance for ventilation and door movement.
- Confirm the turntable size, control layout, and mute function if ease of use matters in your kitchen.
| Compact Everyday Pick |  |
Toshiba 0.9-Cu.-Ft. Microwave | Compact countertop footprint | 900-watt cooking power | Black stainless finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Kitchen Helper |  |
Chefman 0.9-Cu.-Ft. Microwave | Ten power levels | Six cooking presets | Mute button included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Roomier Black Countertop |  |
Toshiba 1.2-Cu.-Ft. Microwave | Roomy 1.2-cubic-foot cavity | 1,000-watt output | Classic black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small-Space Value |  |
Chefman 0.7-Cu.-Ft. Microwave | Space-saving footprint | Ten power levels | Six cooking presets | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Family Favorite |  |
Toshiba 1.2-Cu.-Ft. Stainless Microwave | Spacious cooking cavity | 1,000-watt power | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Black Basic |  |
Frigidaire 0.7-Cu.-Ft. Microwave | Compact 0.7-cubic-foot size | Neutral black finish | Suitable for small spaces | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Retro Style Specialist |  |
Frigidaire Retro 0.7-Cu.-Ft. Microwave | Distinctive black-gold styling | Eight auto-cook menus | Auto defrost function | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Toshiba 0.9-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
The Toshiba 0.9-cubic-foot microwave suits small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and anyone who mainly reheats leftovers, beverages, or single servings. Its 900-watt output offers a practical balance of cooking speed and compact size.
The black stainless finish gives it a polished look that fits modern counters, while the smaller cavity helps conserve space. The tradeoff is straightforward: 0.9 cubic feet may feel tight for large plates, casserole dishes, or family-sized portions.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Black stainless exterior
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Chefman 0.9-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
Choose this Chefman if you want a compact microwave with more control than a basic heat-and-go model. Its 10 power levels support gentler warming and more precise cooking, while six presets and one-touch express cooking keep routine tasks moving.
The mute button is useful in quiet offices, bedrooms, or early-morning kitchens, and Eco Mode can reduce standby energy use. The 0.9-cubic-foot interior remains the main limitation, so oversized dishes may require a larger appliance.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black
- Presets:Six cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cook
- Additional Feature:Eco Mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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Toshiba 1.2-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
The larger Toshiba is a strong fit for family kitchens and regular meal prep, especially if a compact microwave feels cramped. Its 1.2-cubic-foot capacity gives you more room for dinner plates, bowls, and larger containers, while the 1,000-watt output supports faster cooking.
A black finish keeps the appearance understated and easy to coordinate with other appliances. Its larger footprint may consume more counter space than a 0.7- or 0.9-cubic-foot model, which matters in a narrow kitchen.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
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Chefman 0.7-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
This Chefman makes sense for tight countertops, dorm rooms, compact offices, and occasional use. The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity saves space, while 10 power levels and six presets provide more flexibility than the small exterior suggests.
Express cooking offers quick access to common settings, and Eco Mode, a child lock, and a mute button add useful day-to-day controls. At 700 watts, it will generally need more cooking time than a 900- or 1,000-watt microwave, and the compact cavity limits dish size.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Presets:Six cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cook
- Additional Feature:Eco Mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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Toshiba 1.2-Cu.-Ft. Stainless Microwave
With 1.2 cubic feet of interior space, this Toshiba is well suited to households that regularly heat full-size plates, bowls, and prepared meals. Its 1,000-watt power gives it the capacity and speed expected for frequent kitchen use.
The stainless steel finish pairs naturally with other stainless appliances and gives the countertop a coordinated appearance. You will need to reserve more counter space than the smaller Toshiba models require, so measure the available area before choosing a roomy cavity.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
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Frigidaire 0.7-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
The Frigidaire EMW733BLACKAMZ is aimed at simple everyday reheating in spaces where every inch of counter matters. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity fits dorms, office break rooms, guest suites, and small apartments particularly well.
The black exterior keeps the design neutral and easy to place beside other appliances. The available specifications do not list wattage, presets, or power levels, and the compact interior may not accommodate larger plates or cooking vessels.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop design
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Frigidaire Retro 0.7-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
Pick this Frigidaire if you want a compact microwave that contributes to the room's look, not just its function. The retro black-and-gold finish, LED display, and glass turntable give it a distinctive appearance, while eight auto-cook menus simplify common meals.
Its auto defrost setting and five power levels cover routine reheating and thawing tasks without adding much complexity. The 700-watt output and 0.7-cubic-foot capacity are best for smaller portions, so larger dishes may feel cramped and require more time.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Retro countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black gold
- Presets:Eight auto-cook menus
- Additional Feature:Five power levels
- Additional Feature:LED display
- Additional Feature:Glass turntable
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts should a microwave have?
For most kitchens, 900 to 1,200 watts offers a useful balance of speed and price. Around 1,000 watts works well for reheating leftovers, cooking frozen meals, and following many standard package instructions. Lower-wattage models can still perform well, but you may need to extend cooking times. Follow the wattage adjustment guidance on the food packaging, and heat food in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
What size microwave should I buy?
Choose based on both the food you cook and the available space. A 0.7 to 0.9-cubic-foot model suits small portions, while a 1.1 to 1.6-cubic-foot microwave is more practical for family meals and larger dishes. Measure the opening, counter, and clearance around the unit before ordering. Also check the turntable size, since interior capacity alone does not guarantee that your largest plate will fit.
Are over-the-range microwaves worth the extra cost?
They can be a good choice if you need a vent hood and want to save counter space. The main benefits are combined ventilation, built-in lighting, and a cleaner appearance above the cooktop. Installation is more involved than with a countertop model, and ventilation performance varies. Check the required mounting height, electrical connection, duct configuration, and CFM rating before choosing one.
Do microwaves use a lot of electricity?
Microwaves typically use less energy for small heating tasks than a full-size oven, although power consumption depends on wattage and cooking time. A 1,000-watt microwave uses about 1 kilowatt-hour for one hour of operation, though normal heating sessions are much shorter. Use the microwave for appropriately sized portions, and avoid running it empty. The appliance still draws a small amount of standby power, so an outlet switch can help reduce that draw if the microwave will sit unused for long periods.
What cookware is safe to use in a microwave?
Use containers labeled microwave-safe, including heat-resistant glass, ceramic without metallic decoration, and approved plastic. Avoid metal, foil, metallic trim, and containers that can warp or melt under heat. Loosen lids to let steam escape, and never heat sealed containers or whole eggs in their shells. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for unusual materials, because a stylish plate with a gold rim has no obligation to cooperate with microwave physics.
