10 Best Countertop Microwaves Of 2026
Countertop Microwaves — Reviews, Recommendations & Updated Buying Guide October 2026
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven
Why We Love It
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft
Why We Love It
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven
Why We Love It
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven
Why We Love It
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Why We Love It
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft
Why We Love It
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven
Why We Love It
BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop
Why We Love It
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Why We Love It
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven
Why We Love It
Quick Pick
10 Best Countertop Microwaves Of 2026
Quick Pick
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black | 12.4" Removable Turntable, Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus, Mute Function, ECO Mode, Easy Clean Interior
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Black Stainless Steel | 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function, Child Lock, LED Lighting, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, Perfect for Apartment
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Stainless Steel | Digital Controls, Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 10 Power Levels, Removable Turntable
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Black, ECO Mode | Sound On/Off, One-Touch Buttons, Child Safety Lock, for Dorm, Apartment, Office
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft,700W,Child Safety, Black | 6 One-Touch Presets, Express Cooking, 10 Power Levels, Child Safety Lock, Easy Clean Interior
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel | 10 Power Levels, Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, Countertop, 6 Auto Cook Presets
BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel | Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 6 Auto Cook Presets, 10 Power Levels
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel | Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus, Mute Function, ECO Mode, Easy Clean Interior
Buying Guide: Countertop Microwaves
📋 Table of Contents
1What size microwave do I actually need for my kitchen?
A 20-25L microwave works well for singles or couples and fits most kitchen spaces, while 30L+ models suit families or those who reheat large dishes regularly. Measure your counter space first—these units need at least 5cm clearance on sides and back for proper ventilation.
2What wattage matters, and how much power should I look for?
700-800W is sufficient for basic reheating and defrosting, but 1000W+ cooks faster and more evenly, especially for frozen foods. Higher wattage also means more precise power levels, giving you better control over delicate items like melting chocolate or heating sauces.
3Should I pay extra for a microwave with convection or just stick with standard?
Standard microwaves are fine if you only reheat and defrost, but convection models let you bake and crisp food—worth the extra cost if you want more cooking versatility. Without convection, you're limited to microwaving only.
4What features actually matter versus ones that are just gimmicks?
Look for multiple power levels, a reliable timer, and child lock if you have kids; these make daily use safer and more flexible. Sensor cooking and pre-set menus sound useful but often don't work better than manual settings, so don't overpay for them.
5How do I know if a microwave will last or if I'm wasting money on a cheap one?
Mid-range established brands typically last 7-10 years with normal use, while budget models may fail sooner due to cheaper components. Avoid the very cheapest options, but you don't need premium brands either—focus on models with good reviews and proper warranties instead.
How we choose
Our editors are people who genuinely love testing and writing about products. We compare each product's real-world usability and strengths, then distill what matters most into our own "Why We Love It" points — so you get an honest, at-a-glance sense of what counts before you buy.