We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Food and Kitchen Reviews Small Kitchen Appliance Reviews The 8 Best Countertop Microwaves of 2024 These reliable appliances will heat up your leftovers with ease. By Andrea Wurzburger Andrea Wurzburger Andrea Wurzburger has been a writer for nearly a decade, with experience writing for publications like HerCampus.com, REDBOOK Magazine, VH1.com, and People.com. As a features writer at People.com, she wrote across verticals about everything from gift guides to buzzy pop culture galleries. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process and Brandi Fuller Brandi Fuller Brandi Fuller has been a writer and editor at Better Homes & Gardens for a year, and she specializes in gardening and outdoor products, pest control, linens, and small appliances. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on January 29, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Countertop microwaves are an important kitchen appliance to have whether you live in a dorm, apartment, or house. They can heat up leftovers and cook microwavable meals or snacks, and they are available in both compact and large sizes. If you don’t have a designated cabinet space or shelf for a built-in microwave, countertop microwaves are the way to go. “A countertop microwave offers the same cooking power as an installed microwave or built-in unit,” says Brian Shaunfield, Lowe’s store manager. Shaunfield says there are a few factors to consider before deciding on a countertop microwave. “When looking for a countertop microwave, shoppers should keep size in mind,” he says. “There’s flexibility in microwave sizes, from 15 inches to over 30 inches,” Shaunfield explains. “However, full-size countertop units can take up a lot of counter space. We recommend checking the product details for each microwave oven before purchasing and allow for extra space on all sides as recommended by the manufacturer.” He also suggests taking into consideration the cooking capacity of the microwave. “Cooking capacity refers to the interior cooking area—which spans from 0.7 cubic feet, which is great for small spaces and basic reheating, up to 2 cubic feet or larger for full cooking capability,” he says. After speaking to Shaunfield and conducting our own research based on his advice, we rounded up the best countertop microwaves and considered factors like size, cooking capacity, wattage, and voltage. Key Terms to Know Voltage: Voltage is often compared to water pressure going through pipes. It refers to the speed at which electrons pass a point in a circuit. Wattage: Wattage is a type of measurement that can show you how much energy will be used by a microwave (or other appliance). The number of volts multiplied by the amps equals wattage. What We Researched Features/Settings: Basic countertop microwaves typically feature sensor cooking and quick time options. More advanced options may also have app control from a phone or smart speaker. We featured both basic and advanced countertop microwaves to provide options for different types of shoppers. Capacity: We researched countertop microwaves with varying capacities from 0.7 cubic feet to 2.2 cubic feet. Style: We considered the style of each microwave and whether they would complement other appliances and popular aesthetics. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Toshiba Smart Countertop Microwave Oven at Amazon ($180) Jump to Review Best Budget: Black+Decker 0.7 Cu. Ft. Digital Microwave Oven at Amazon ($99) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Breville Compact Wave Soft-Close Microwave Oven at Amazon ($239) Jump to Review Best Retro: COMFEE' Retro Microwave with Multi-Stage Cooking at Amazon ($122) Jump to Review Best for Small Spaces: GE Compact Microwave at Wayfair ($98) Jump to Review Best for Large Capacity: Panasonic NN-SN936B Microwave Oven at Amazon ($300) Jump to Review Best White: GE 1.6-Cubic Foot 1150-Watt Countertop Microwave at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Air Fryer Combo: Galanz 4-in-1 ToastWave at Amazon ($277) Jump to Review Best Overall Toshiba Smart Countertop Microwave Oven Amazon View On Amazon $180 Why You Should Get It It gives you the ability to heat food up hands-free using your Alexa. Keep in Mind This microwave is 1.3 cubic feet, so it’s pretty compact. The Toshiba ML-EM34P (SS) Smart Countertop Microwave is the best overall countertop microwave because of both its basic, tried and true functions (like its power settings and presets), as well as its innovation. It can be controlled via your Amazon Dot or Echo with your voice, which means that you can heat up your food hands free. You can also program up to 23 preset time menus on the microwave’s accompanying app. For example, if you pop leftover pizza into the microwave, you can just say, “Alexa, reheat my pizza,” and the microwave will heat your pizza for the appropriate time. The microwave has a capacity of 1.3 cubic feet, which is on the more compact side as far as size goes. But it is small but mighty—it boasts 1,100 watts, which means it is still powerful enough to heat your food quickly. You can choose from 10 power levels, depending on your needs. It also has preset menus, which includes the microwave staples like popcorn, baked potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, and more. For those who get overwhelmed by kitchen noises, we also appreciate this microwave’s mute setting, which gives you the ability to stop the appliance from beeping when your food is done cooking. There are also energy saving features like an LED cavity light and an eco-mode that reduces the amount of energy it is consuming. Because of the amount of features for the price, this countertop microwave earned the top spot. Product Details: Wattage: 1,100 watts | Voltage: 120 volts | Dimensions: 16.6 x 20.4 x 12.4 inches | Space Capacity: 1.3 cubic feet Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Best Budget Black+Decker 0.7 Cu. Ft. Digital Microwave Oven Amazon View On Amazon $99 View On Wayfair $76 View On Home Depot $76 Why You Should Get It It’s affordable, while still featuring multiple settings for food and power. Keep in Mind The wattage is 700, whereas standard microwaves are typically 1000 watts. For a more affordable option, the Black + Decker EM720CB7 is the best countertop microwave for those on a budget. This compact microwave measures 0.7 cubic feet, with a width of 13 inches, length of 17.3 inches, and height of 10.2 inches. The glass turntable has a diameter of 10 inches, a small dinner plate or a bag of popcorn will fit perfectly. It also has a push button to open the door, making it easy to open when your hands are full. This wallet-friendly microwave contains all of the same basic functions of more expensive microwaves, without some of the higher tech perks. The stainless steel microwave has a basic, easy-to-read display and control panel. It also has 10 power levels, and preset buttons that allow you to easily heat up popcorn, pizza, potatoes, or frozen vegetables. The microwave also allows you to defrost either by time or weight, using a sensor. Instead of the standard 1000 watts that most microwaves use, this one operates using 700 watts so you may have to heat up your food for longer. But because it's affordable and has all the features you need, it’s one of our top choices. Product Details: Wattage: 700 watts | Voltage: 110 volts | Dimensions: 13 x 17.3 x 10.2 inches | Space Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Best Splurge Breville Compact Wave Soft-Close Microwave Oven Amazon View On Amazon $239 View On Best Buy $249 View On Crate & Barrel Why You Should Get It It’s sleek and stylish, and comes with a soft-close door. Keep in Mind The door has a handle, not a push button. The Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft-Close Microwave is stylish in a stainless silver finish, and it’s only 0.9 cubic feet. It’s the best countertop microwave to splurge on not only because of its aesthetics, but because of its function. It has one-touch buttons that can perform oft-repeated tasks, which include making popcorn, heating a beverage, reheating, and defrosting. It also has more specific buttons that allow you to quickly reheat pizza, defrost frozen vegetables, or cook potatoes. It also uses a dial timer to set the cook time, and has user-friendly “stop” and “add 30 seconds” buttons. This compact microwave has a soft close door, so you can make less noise while heating up those leftovers. Additionally, if you prefer a quieter microwave, you can mute all of the beeps on the microwave. The microwave also has a child lock that keeps your kiddos from using it when they aren’t meant to. This microwave operates using 900 watts, which is slightly less than standard microwaves. If you prefer push-open buttons, keep in mind that this microwave has a handle on the door which may make opening the appliance more cumbersome if you are multitasking or your hands are full. Product Details: Wattage: 900 watts | Voltage: 120 volts | Dimensions: 17.3 x 19.1 x 11.5 inches | Space Capacity: 0.9 Cubic Feet Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob The 6 Best Microwaves for Everything from Cooking Dinner to Reheating Leftovers Best Retro COMFEE' Retro Microwave with Multi-Stage Cooking Amazon View On Amazon $122 View On Lowe's $125 View On Home Depot $122 Why You Should Get It It has an old school look, without skimping on modern features. Keep in Mind It’s smaller than standard microwaves at 0.9 cubic feet. If you love decorating with retro motifs, this Comfee Retro Microwave will add both visual interest and practicality to your kitchen. It comes in three colorways: retro green, retro apricot, and retro red. To set your cook time, you use a rotary knob instead of buttons, which adds to the retro feel of the appliance. At 0.9 cubic feet, the Comfee Retro Microwave may be small—it measures 15.41 x 19.09 x 11.51 inches—but it doesn’t skimp on power. It’s a 900 watt microwave, which is slightly less than a standard microwave’s power. The turntable measures 10.62 inches in diameter, so you can easily fit a plate, a bag of vegetables, or a cup of coffee on it. This microwave has nine preset menus, like popcorn, beverage, or reheat, to make cooking or reheating as easy as pushing a button. It also has a defrosting function, an express cooking function, and 10 power levels for cooking. If you are worried about other members of your household getting into the microwave unattended, there is a safety lock to help keep your family safe. Additionally, the microwave also features a mute function, which comes in handy if you are sensitive to noise or trying to make a snack late at night. To help keep your electric bill low, you can switch to eco-mode to use less power. Because of its balance of retro style and useful features, it’s the best retro countertop microwave. Product Details: Wattage: 900 watts | Voltage: 110 volts | Dimensions: 15.41 x 19.09 x 11.51 inches | Space Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Best for Small Spaces GE Compact Microwave Best Buy View On Wayfair $98 View On Lowe's $128 View On Home Depot $95 Why You Should Get It It has an electronic control panel, and the beeps can be muted. Keep in Mind It only has 700 watts, so cooking time may be different compared to other microwaves. Having limited counter space can be a serious kitchen struggle, especially when you also don’t have space to install a microwave into a cabinet or above the stove. Coming in at just 12.75 x 17.3 x 10.18 inches, and taking up just 0.7 cubic feet, the GE Compact Microwave is the space-saver’s dream. The turntable for this microwave is 10.75 inches, so it’s perfectly sized for heating or reheating food. It features an electronic control panel, so you can enter your cook time more precisely than a dial. This microwave also makes opening the door easy with a push button instead of a traditional handle. It has preset options for cooking potatoes, popcorn, or reheating beverages, and it also has reheat and auto defrost settings. Additionally, it features a clock and a timer, so you can use it to help you time your recipes if you aren’t actually using the microwave. You can also manually program the microwave for defrost times. Like several options on our list, you can also turn the sound off of this microwave so that you don’t wake anyone up while making a midnight snack. This compact microwave packs a smaller punch with 700 watts, which means that your cook times may vary or take a bit longer than a standard microwave. Product Details: Wattage: 700 watts | Voltage: 120 volts | Dimensions: 12.75 x 17.3 x 10.18 inches | Space Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob The 7 Best Small Slow Cookers for Entertaining, Meal Prep, and More, According to Testing Best for Large Capacity Panasonic NN-SN936B Microwave Oven Amazon View On Amazon $300 Why You Should Get It This 1250 watt microwave is available in black or white. Keep in Mind It measures 2.2 cubic feet, so you’ll need plenty of counter space for this large microwave. The Panasonic NN-SN963B Microwave Oven is the best countertop microwave for someone with a large family or a love of entertaining. With higher power comes shorter cook times, and this 1250 watt microwave cooks food more quickly than the standard microwave. The 2.2 cubic foot microwave is available in two colors: black or white. Like the other Panasonic microwaves on this list, this large capacity microwave also has inverter technology. Inverter technology microwaves food with a steady stream of power in order to evenly cook it at any temperature. This means no more hot outsides but lukewarm (or, still frozen) middles or spillage and splatters because your beverage or soups heated unevenly. The microwave also has a “genius sensor” that automatically adjusts power and time by whatever food type you’ve chosen. It has 14 auto-cook options including: Oatmeal, omelet, quinoa, soup, potatoes, rice, pasta, fresh vegetables, frozen entrees, frozen pizza, and frozen vegetables. If you love to entertain, you can also use the microwave’s ‘Keep Warm’ setting to help keep your food the appropriate temperature while you wait to serve. Keep in mind that, because this is a large capacity microwave, it’ll also need more counter space. It measures nearly two feet long and 20 inches deep, with a height of 14 inches. It optimizes its internal space, though, with a 16.5 inch turntable. Product Details: Wattage: 1250 watts | Voltage: 120 volts | Dimensions: 23.8 x 19.4 x 14 inches | Space Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet Best White GE 1.6-Cubic Foot 1150-Watt Countertop Microwave Home Depot View On Amazon View On Wayfair $187 View On Lowe's Why You Should Get It It has a mid-range size of 1.6 cubic feet, and it has an easy to push button that opens the microwave door. Keep in Mind It doesn’t have advanced features or app control. If you’re looking to match your countertop microwave with other white appliances, the GE 1.6-cu ft 1150-Watt Countertop Microwave is the best option for you. This microwave has a mid-range capacity at 1.6 cubic feet so it’s larger than our best small pick, but smaller than our best large option. We love that this microwave has a classic and easy-to-use design. It has six sensor cooking settings (which automatically adjust the time and power settings) including dinner plate, reheat, and beverage. There’s also a defrost button—simply enter the weight of your food and the microwave adjusts its settings to defrost it quickly and efficiently. Instead of a handle, this microwave has a button below the number pad that opens the microwave door for you, which comes in handy when your hands are full. The door swings open to the left, so make sure your space will accommodate this. While it doesn’t have advanced features and app control like the Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave, it has all the functions you need to warm up and cook food, and it’s available for an affordable price. Product Details: Wattage: 1,150 | Voltage: 120 | Dimensions: 21.75 x 12.88 x 17.75 inches | Space Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet Best Air Fryer Combo Galanz 4-in-1 ToastWave Amazon View On Amazon $277 View On Lowe's $500 View On Home Depot $400 Why You Should Get It It’s a versatile microwave that does the job of four different appliances. Keep in Mind The control panel is horizontal, rather than vertical like traditional microwaves. If you are tired of pulling on multiple appliances or simply don’t have the storage space, this microwave is the perfect solution. The Galanz GTWHG12S1SA10 4-in-1 ToastWave is the best countertop microwave/air-fryer combo, and it even quadruples as a toaster and convection oven. It has TotalFry 360 technology, which means that it can act as an air fryer and cook whatever you want with little to no oil since it circulates air. It also has inverter technology, which means that it cooks your food more evenly. Rather than only heating the outside of the food, it cooks the inside at the same rate. It has a capacity of 1.2 cubic feet, meaning it can fit plenty of food, including a 12.6 inch personal pizza. The multitasking appliance features a humidity sensor, which ensures that your food isn’t under or over cooked. It also has a defrost setting that works by the same principle, using sensors to determine when your frozen food has defrosted. This four-in-one appliance comes with a silicone mat for toasting ease that also makes clean up easier, plus a non-stick turntable (which is different from the glass turntables you’ll often see in microwaves) and an air fryer kit. If you’re considering this model, make sure that you have enough counter space in your kitchen for it. While it’s not too tall at 12.56 inches (good for cabinets with a lower profile), it’s 21.25 inches deep and 22.25 inches long. The control panel is also located horizontally toward the top of the appliance, rather than vertically along one side like traditional microwaves. Product Details: Wattage: 1000 watts | Voltage: 120 volts | Dimensions: 21.25 x 22.25 x 12.56 inches | Space Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob How to Cook Patty Pan Squash 5 Ways—Plus How to Pickle It The Bottom Line Overall, when looking for the best countertop microwave for your home, it’s important to take into consideration the size of microwave you want, what kind of cooking you’ll be doing, and how it will fit in with your current lineup of kitchen appliances. We’ve chosen the Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave because it offers smart and useful features while being relatively affordable. If you’re looking for a countertop microwave with more style, we love the Comfee Retro Microwave, which looks like it hopped out of a time machine and onto your kitchen countertops. What to Know About Countertop Microwaves Before Shopping Wattage “Watts are a measure of the power flow rate through the system,” Shaunfield says. “This measure is a product of an amp flowing through an electrical difference of one volt. Wattage can show you how much energy will be used by an appliance over a period of time.” Our pick for the best countertop microwave for small spaces, the GE Compact Microwave, has the lowest wattage on our list at 700. The Panasonic NN-SN936B Microwave Oven has the highest wattage at 1,250, and it’s also the largest microwave on our list. Voltage “Using the water analogy, voltage, like water pressure flowing through the pipes, is the speed at which electrons pass a point along the circuit,” Shaunfield explains. “Voltage is the force that makes the current flow.” “The standard voltage for countertop microwaves is 120 volts,” he says. All of the microwaves on our list have a voltage of 120 except for two: the Black + Decker EM720CB7 Microwave Oven and the Comfee Retro Microwave. Both have a voltage of 110, which is slightly below the standard. This just means the cooking time may be slightly slower with these appliances. Dimensions When choosing the best microwave for your kitchen, you should ensure that you have not only adequate counterspace, but also enough room to keep your microwave well-ventilated. Though microwaves range in size, the standard is around 21 x 16 x 13 inches. Before purchasing a microwave, measure your space to ensure you are buying a microwave that will fit. Space Capacity Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet. For small spaces, compact microwaves measure under 1 cubic foot, which saves you valuable counter space. Medium-sized microwaves are the most standard size, and they have a capacity of 1 to 1.5 cubic feet. Large microwaves have a capacity of 1.6 cubic feet to over 2 cubic feet. The Panasonic NN-SN936B Microwave Oven has a capacity of 2.2 cubic feet. Your Questions, Answered Can you put a countertop microwave in a cabinet? Countertop microwaves can take up valuable kitchen real estate, so we understand wanting to clear some space. Countertop microwaves are, by design, meant to be kept out in the open. Not all countertop microwave designs are conducive to being put into an enclosed space. “A countertop microwave has vents that need a place to release heat,” Shaunfield says. “If there’s not enough air flow, it’s not safe to operate your microwave.” This being said, if your cabinet is spacious enough, and you can leave at least a few inches all the way around your microwave, it’s possible to put your countertop microwave into the cabinet. “Some countertop microwaves come with trim kits that make it possible to build them into surrounding cabinetry or attach them to a nearby wall,” Shaunfield says. If there isn’t enough space to provide ventilation, opt for a built-in microwave instead and have a professional install it. How much does a countertop microwave cost? Countertop microwaves are often the most budget-friendly type of microwave. Depending on the capacity, wattage, and features that it touts, countertop microwaves can cost anywhere from around $50 to $500, though of course some very high-end models can cost more. Generally, the smaller the microwave, the less wattage and capacity, the cheaper it is. A small microwave is typically around $50 to $150, while a medium model is anywhere from $70 to $300, and a large capacity microwave can cost up to $500, sometimes more. Who We Are Andrea Wurzburger is a freelance writer at Better Homes & Gardens. For this story, she spent several hours researching the best countertop microwaves based on features, wattage, voltage, and dimensions. This article was updated by Brandi Fuller, who has been an Associate Commerce Editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022. She has also written for publications such as Southern Living, Real Simple, and PEOPLE. For this article, she interviewed Brian Shaunfield, Lowe’s store manager, to find out what to look for when shopping for countertop microwaves. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit