A microwave has to fit more than a dinner plate. It has to clear the cabinets, handle the bowls you actually use, and avoid turning every late-night snack into a chorus of beeps. The Best microwave brands are separated by those small daily details as much as by cooking power.
This list covers compact 700-watt models, larger countertop ovens, sensor-cooking options, and one over-the-range design with a vent. Our top pick is the TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft, with the rest ranging from dorm-friendly appliances to family-sized countertop ovens.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Capacity | Power | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft | Best overall | 1.2 cu. ft. | 1, 000W | Sensor cooking and everyday meals |
| 2 | TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu Ft | Best compact Toshiba | 0.9 cu. ft. | 900W | Smaller kitchens |
| 3 | Chefman 1.1 Cu Ft | Best feature set | 1.1 cu. ft. | 1, 000W | Quiet, flexible countertop cooking |
| 4 | COMFEE' 0.7 Cu Ft | Best compact design | 0.7 cu. ft. | 700W | Dorms and tight counters |
| 5 | Sharp SMC2266KS | Best large capacity | 2.2 cu. ft. | 1, 200W | Large dishes and family cooking |
| 6 | BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft | Best simple controls | 1.1 cu. ft. | 1, 000W | Straightforward reheating |
| 7 | Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft | Best small quiet microwave | 0.7 cu. ft. | 700W | Basic meals in small spaces |
| 8 | Farberware 1.6 Cu Ft | Best family countertop model | 1.6 cu. ft. | 1, 100W | Larger households |
| 9 | GE JVM3160RFSS | Best over-the-range model | 1.6 cu. ft. | 1, 000W | Replacing a range hood |
| 10 | GE Countertop 2.0 Cu Ft | Best GE countertop model | 2.0 cu. ft. | 1, 200W | Big countertop capacity |
1. TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft: Best Overall
Pros
- 1.2-cubic-foot interior handles everyday dinner plates
- 1, 000 watts gives it useful cooking speed
- Smart Sensor Technology adjusts time and power
- Defrost by time or weight
- One-touch starts and six preset menus
Cons
- Its 20.5-inch depth needs a substantial counter
- The larger body is less suitable for cramped kitchens
- Ten power levels offer less adjustment than the smaller Toshiba
Best for: households that want a capable countertop microwave without moving to a family-sized 2.0 or 2.2-cubic-foot appliance.
The TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft is the microwave we would put in the middle of most kitchens. It has enough room for routine meals without the oversized footprint of the Sharp SMC2266KS, and its 1, 000-watt output avoids the slower feel associated with the smallest ovens. The useful part is not simply the capacity. The interior measures 13.1 by 12.4 by 8.3 inches, so the extra room is practical for wider dishes and taller containers.
Smart Sensor Technology gives this model a more thoughtful approach to reheating. It monitors food humidity and adjusts cooking time and power, which can help when a fixed time would leave the center cold and the edges dried out. Six preset menus cover familiar foods such as pizza, vegetables, sensor reheat, and other common meals. Manual control remains available through ten power levels, along with a kitchen timer and clock.
The one-touch start buttons are useful when you are standing at the counter with a bowl in one hand. A single press can start cooking from one to six minutes at full power, and defrosting works by either weight or time. Those controls make the Toshiba more flexible than the COMFEE' 0.7 Cu Ft, while its sensor feature gives it an advantage over the BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft for hands-off reheating.
There is a trade-off. Its external measurements are about 20.5 inches long, 17.1 inches wide, and 12.8 inches high, and it weighs 34.6 pounds. That is not a microwave to squeeze onto a narrow shelf. Choose the TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft if you have the counter depth and want a balanced combination of capacity, power, sensor cooking, and easy controls.
2. TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu Ft: Best Compact Toshiba
Pros
- Smaller 0.9-cubic-foot interior suits tighter counters
- 900 watts is a useful step above compact 700-watt models
- Eleven power levels offer fine control
- Six preset menus and two defrost modes
- 10.6-inch glass turntable
Cons
- Less interior room than the TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft
- No sensor cooking is listed
- Its 18.7-inch width still requires careful measuring
Best for: apartment kitchens and offices that need more cooking power than a mini microwave but cannot accommodate a full-size model.
The TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu Ft hits a sensible middle ground for small kitchens. It is compact enough to avoid dominating a counter, yet its 900-watt output gives it more headroom than the COMFEE' 0.7 Cu Ft and Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft. The 10.6-inch glass turntable is a useful clue to its scale: this is designed for ordinary bowls, plates, and smaller frozen meals rather than oversized serving dishes.
Its control layout is more versatile than the capacity suggests. There are eleven power levels, so you can use lower settings for gentler heating rather than treating every task as an all-or-nothing burst. Six preset menus cover popcorn, pizza, potato, and other common foods. One-touch full-power cooking from one to six minutes and +30-second control keep quick reheats from becoming a keypad exercise.
Defrosting can be set by time or weight, which is more useful than a single automatic cycle when food sizes vary. The listed internal dimensions are 12.1 by 10.9 by 7.6 inches, while the exterior is 18.7 by 13.3 by 10.7 inches. Those numbers matter because the oven can fit in places where the deeper TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft cannot.
The main omission is sensor cooking. The larger Toshiba can adjust cooking based on humidity, while this model expects you to choose the time and power yourself. That is not a problem for reheating coffee, soup, leftovers, and packaged foods, but it makes the 1.2-cubic-foot Toshiba the better pick for varied meals. The 0.9 Cu Ft model is the one to choose when counter space is the deciding factor.
3. Chefman 1.1 Cu Ft: Best Feature Set
Pros
- 1, 000 watts and ten power levels
- Six cooking presets plus one-touch express cooking
- Memory function for frequently used settings
- Mute option and Eco Mode
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe glass turntable
Cons
- The 15.1-inch depth can be awkward on shallow counters
- It is heavier than the smaller Chefman
- No sensor cooking is listed
Best for: users who want a quiet, programmable microwave with enough capacity for regular meals.
The Chefman 1.1 Cu Ft is the practical upgrade over the brand's smaller model. Its 1, 000 watts make it better suited to regular reheating and cooking, while the 1.1-cubic-foot capacity leaves more space for plates and containers. It still has the compact-countertop character of the Chefman line, but it feels less restricted than a 0.7-cubic-foot oven.
This model has ten power levels and six presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes, and leftovers. The number keypad gives you direct control of cooking time, and the +30-second button handles quick adjustments. Its memory function is the unusual feature here. If you repeatedly use the same setting, you can program that routine rather than entering it from scratch each time.
The mute option is a strong reason to choose it over the BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft. Chefman lets you silence the audio button, which is useful in a bedroom-adjacent kitchen or when children are sleeping. Eco Mode can disable the display when the microwave is not in use, and the child safety controls can lock the handle and control panel.
The oven measures 20.1 inches wide, 15.1 inches deep, and 12 inches high, with a listed weight of 30.91 pounds. That depth is its real weakness, especially when compared with a shallower shelf or a narrow apartment counter. It also lacks the sensor cooking found in the TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft. Pick this Chefman when quiet operation, memory controls, and easy cleaning matter more than automatic humidity-based cooking.
4. COMFEE' 0.7 Cu Ft: Best Compact Design
Pros
- Compact 0.7-cubic-foot size
- Mute function turns off microwave beeps
- One-touch cooking from one to six minutes
- Defrost by time or weight
- Eco Mode reduces standby power by 50 percent
Cons
- 700 watts is slower than the larger models
- Small interior limits dish size
- Fewer power levels than either Toshiba
Best for: dorm rooms, offices, and kitchens where every inch of counter space matters.
The COMFEE' 0.7 Cu Ft is built around a simple idea: keep the appliance small, but do not strip away the controls people use most. Its 17.3-inch width, 13-inch depth, and 10.2-inch height make it one of the easier models here to place in a crowded kitchen. At 20.3 pounds, it is also less cumbersome to move than the larger countertop ovens.
The 700-watt output is adequate for reheating and basic cooking, but it will not keep pace with the 1, 000-watt Toshiba or the 1, 200-watt Sharp. The six one-touch cooking options cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and reheating. Express cooking runs from one to six minutes, and a +30-second function lets you add time without stopping to reprogram the oven.
COMFEE' also includes two defrost settings, one based on weight and one on time. Its two-step child lock is designed to prevent unintended use, while the sound can be turned off by holding the sound button for three seconds. Eco Mode reduces standby power by 50 percent, a useful touch for an appliance that may sit plugged in continuously.
The small size is both the appeal and the limitation. A 0.7-cubic-foot interior will not comfortably handle the wide cookware that fits in the Sharp SMC2266KS or GE Countertop 2.0 Cu Ft. It also has less power-level flexibility than the Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft. Choose COMFEE' when a compact footprint and quiet operation matter more than speed or capacity.
5. Sharp SMC2266KS: Best Large Capacity
Pros
- Spacious 2.2-cubic-foot interior
- 1, 200 watts for fast cooking
- 16.5-inch carousel turntable
- Inverter Cooking Technology
- Sensor Cook, Auto Cook, and Melt/Soften functions
Cons
- Requires a very wide counter
- One of the heavier countertop models
- Its capacity is excessive for small dishes and narrow kitchens
Best for: families that regularly use large plates, casserole dishes, and broad cookware.
The Sharp SMC2266KS is the clear choice when interior room comes first. Its 2.2-cubic-foot capacity and 16.5-inch carousel turntable are designed for dishes that simply will not fit comfortably in a compact microwave. The 1, 200-watt output also puts it at the top of this countertop group for cooking power.
Sharp adds more than raw size. Inverter Cooking Technology is listed alongside Sensor Cook, which gives the appliance a more advanced set of tools for controlled cooking and reheating. Ten power levels and two-stage cooking let you combine different power settings in one program. Melt/Soften is useful for ingredients that need gentler treatment than a full-power burst.
The controls include +30 seconds, Express Cook for up to six minutes with a single press, and defrosting by either weight or time. Auto Cook handles popular menu items, while LED interior lighting makes it easier to see the food as it cooks. The gray interior and white LED display give this model a different look from the more basic black countertop ovens.
The physical demands are substantial. The listed exterior dimensions are 24.4 inches wide, 19.6 inches deep, and 13.6 inches high, and the appliance weighs 33.7 pounds. That is wider than the GE Countertop 2.0 Cu Ft and far more demanding than the TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu Ft. Skip it if you are working with a shallow counter. For large cookware and family-size portions, though, it has the most useful interior in this group.
6. BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft: Best Simple Controls
Pros
- 1, 000 watts with ten power settings
- Large LED display
- Six pre-programmed food buttons
- 12.4-inch removable glass turntable
- Push-button door release
Cons
- No mute function is listed
- Exterior width exceeds 20 inches
- The enclosure is black despite the stainless door frame
Best for: anyone who prefers familiar buttons and direct manual control.
The BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft takes a no-nonsense approach. It has the capacity most people need for routine plates, a 1, 000-watt output, and a control panel built around straightforward buttons rather than specialty cooking technology. The large LED display is easy to read, and the push-button door release avoids the upward pull used by the smaller Chefman.
Its six preset buttons cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates. There are ten power settings for manual cooking, plus a 30-second express function, clock, and kitchen timer. That combination is enough for reheating leftovers, cooking frozen foods, and handling common kitchen tasks without digging through menus.
The removable 12.4-inch glass turntable gives it more usable dish space than the compact models. A child safety lock and interior light are included, so the basic controls do not mean the appliance is bare. The listed exterior dimensions are 20.6 inches long, 14.8 inches wide, and 11.8 inches high, with a 30.6-pound weight.
It is less feature-rich than the Chefman 1.1 Cu Ft, which adds memory, Eco Mode, and mute control. The BLACK+DECKER is the better fit for someone who does not need those extras and wants a familiar interface. Its stainless door frame and black enclosure also deserve attention if you are trying to match other appliances.
7. Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft: Best Small Quiet Microwave
Pros
- Compact 0.7-cubic-foot footprint
- Ten power levels
- Six presets and +30-second control
- Mute option for silent operation
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe turntable
Cons
- 700 watts takes longer than 1, 000-watt models
- Small cavity limits cookware
- No memory function is listed
Best for: small rooms and shared spaces where quiet operation is a priority.
The Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft is a compact microwave with unusually complete controls for its size. Its 17.52-inch width, 12.93-inch depth, and 9.53-inch height make it the shortest appliance in this roundup by the listed dimensions. That makes it a natural fit for a dorm room, office, or kitchenette with limited vertical clearance.
Chefman gives it ten power levels, six presets, and a number keypad for direct time entry. Popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes, and leftovers each have dedicated cooking options. Express cooking and +30 seconds handle the quick jobs, while the child safety lock helps prevent unintended operation.
The mute button is the feature that separates it from the COMFEE' 0.7 Cu Ft. Both are compact, but Chefman makes silence an immediate control-panel option. The exterior wipes clean with a damp towel, and the glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe. Chefman also lists cETL approval and a one-year assurance for this model.
The compromise is the same one that affects every 700-watt microwave: cooking takes more patience than it does in the 1, 000-watt models. The 0.7-cubic-foot cavity also rules out larger plates. Choose this Chefman over COMFEE' when ten power levels, easy cleaning, and a dedicated mute option matter more than Eco Mode or the smallest possible footprint.
8. Farberware 1.6 Cu Ft: Best Family Countertop Model
Pros
- 1.6-cubic-foot capacity
- 1, 100 watts of output power
- Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking
- Smart Sensor Auto Cook settings
- Interior lighting and child safety lock
Cons
- Takes up more counter width than mid-size models
- Weighs 34.5 pounds
- No mute or Eco Mode is listed
Best for: households that need more room than a 1.1-cubic-foot oven provides but want to stay with a countertop design.
The Farberware 1.6 Cu Ft is aimed at the part of the market where a compact microwave starts feeling cramped. Its 1, 100 watts and 1.6-cubic-foot cavity give it room for larger meals, while the countertop format avoids the installation requirements of the GE JVM3160RFSS. It is a sensible size for a busy kitchen that uses the microwave for more than snacks.
The cooking controls include ten power levels, multi-stage cooking, and six one-touch options for foods such as popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrosting can be set by weight or time. Smart Sensor Auto Cook settings are intended to adjust cooking based on the food, which gives the Farberware a more automated approach than the BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft.
A clear LED display provides the clock and kitchen timer, and the interior light lets you keep an eye on the dish. The easy-clean interior and exterior are useful for an appliance with this much space, where spills can otherwise be harder to reach. A child safety lock rounds out the family-oriented feature set.
The body measures 21.8 inches wide, 19.2 inches deep, and 12.9 inches high, with a listed weight of 34.5 pounds. It needs more counter planning than the TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu Ft and does not list the Chefman models' mute function. Pick it when bigger cookware and sensor-assisted cooking are more important than a quiet mode or compact dimensions.
9. GE JVM3160RFSS: Best Over-the-Range Model
Pros
- Designed for over-the-range installation
- 1.6-cubic-foot capacity
- 1, 000 watts
- Two-speed, 300-CFM venting system
- Auto and time defrost
Cons
- Not a drop-in countertop replacement
- Installation requires careful measuring
- Its venting role adds complexity compared with countertop models
Best for: kitchens that need a microwave and a hood vent in the same appliance.
The GE JVM3160RFSS is the outlier here because it belongs above the range rather than on the counter. Its 30-inch format and 1.6-cubic-foot capacity combine microwave cooking with a hood vent, making it relevant when counter space is already spoken for. The 1, 000-watt output is close to the countertop models that handle everyday meals.
Its two-speed ventilation system moves up to 300 CFM and is designed to remove smoke, steam, and odors. A charcoal filter replacement is listed for the behind-the-door grille. That makes this model more than a microwave with a different mounting position. It is also part of the kitchen's ventilation system, so the vent controls deserve as much attention as the cooking controls.
Auto and time defrost provide two ways to thaw food, and the turntable can be switched off when a dish needs to remain stationary. Convenience cooking controls keep common tasks simple. The listed measurements are about 29.88 inches wide, 15.25 inches deep, and 16.5 inches high, and it weighs 40 pounds.
The weakness is obvious if you are replacing a countertop appliance: this is not a flexible plug-in option. Installation, cabinet clearance, and vent configuration all matter. A Farberware 1.6 Cu Ft is easier for a renter or anyone who wants a movable appliance, while the GE makes more sense during a kitchen installation or replacement. Choose it for the combined microwave and hood function, not for countertop convenience.
10. GE Countertop 2.0 Cu Ft: Best GE Countertop Model
Pros
- 2.0-cubic-foot capacity
- 1, 200 watts of cooking power
- Sensor cooking controls
- Eight convenience cook settings
- Manual and automatic defrost
Cons
- 48-pound weight makes it difficult to move
- Requires significant clearance around the cabinet
- Large body may overwhelm a small counter
Best for: users who want a spacious countertop microwave with sensor controls and high output power.
The GE Countertop 2.0 Cu Ft offers nearly the capacity of the Sharp SMC2266KS in a slightly smaller listed footprint. Its 2.0-cubic-foot interior and 1, 200 watts are well suited to family portions, broad plates, and everyday meals that feel constrained in a 0.7 or 0.9-cubic-foot oven. It is still a countertop appliance, so there is no installation project like the GE JVM3160RFSS.
Sensor Cooking Controls monitor moisture and adjust cooking time, which can help reduce the guesswork involved in reheating different foods. Eight convenience cooking settings and one-touch express controls make common tasks quick, while the electronic keypad allows more precise manual settings. Manual and automatic defrost modes adjust time and power to thaw food more evenly.
GE specifies dimensions of 13.75 inches high, 24.09 inches wide, and 19.4 inches deep. It also weighs 48 pounds, making it the heaviest product here by a wide margin. The manufacturer calls for three inches of clearance on each side and above, one inch at the rear, and an unobstructed bottom for airflow. Those requirements should be measured before ordering.
The Sharp has a larger 2.2-cubic-foot capacity and a 16.5-inch carousel, while this GE is the better fit for someone who wants sensor controls in a broad countertop format and prefers the listed GE layout. It is too much machine for a narrow counter and too heavy to move casually. For a large kitchen with a permanent microwave spot, it is a capable alternative to the Sharp.
How to choose best microwave brands
The right microwave starts with the space and dishes you use, then narrows down to power, controls, and cooking assistance.
Capacity and turntable size
Capacity determines whether the microwave can accept the plates, bowls, and cookware you already own. The 0.7-cubic-foot COMFEE' and Chefman models suit small dishes, while 1.1 to 1.6 cubic feet covers more everyday cookware. The Sharp's 16.5-inch carousel and the GE countertop model's 2.0-cubic-foot interior are better suited to broad family dishes.
Do not judge capacity alone. Measure the turntable and the interior height, then compare those figures with your largest microwave-safe container. A large exterior cabinet is not useful if the dish still cannot rotate or fit beneath the ceiling.
Cooking power
Wattage affects how quickly the microwave heats food. The 700-watt compact models are suitable for basic reheating, but the 900-watt TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu Ft is a more capable small-kitchen option. Models at 1, 000 watts and above are better suited to frequent cooking and larger portions.
Power levels matter too. Ten or eleven settings let you soften, defrost, or warm food with more control than a single full-power cycle. Sensor cooking can reduce manual guesswork, but it does not remove the need to use an appropriate container and cooking time.
A bigger cavity only helps if your counter and your cookware can support it.
Sensor cooking and presets
Preset buttons are useful for repeatable tasks such as popcorn, pizza, potatoes, beverages, vegetables, and leftovers. Sensor cooking goes a step further by monitoring moisture and adjusting the cycle. The TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft, Sharp SMC2266KS, Farberware 1.6 Cu Ft, and GE Countertop 2.0 Cu Ft all list sensor-related cooking features.
Presets should supplement, not replace, manual controls. Look for time and weight defrost, a +30-second button, and several power levels. Those controls are what you will use when the food does not match a preset exactly.
Counter dimensions and clearance
Measure width, depth, height, and the space above the appliance. The compact COMFEE' is easier to place than the 24.4-inch-wide Sharp, while the GE Countertop 2.0 Cu Ft calls for three inches of clearance on each side and above, one inch at the rear, and an unobstructed bottom.
Remember that the listed exterior dimensions do not describe the full usable space on a crowded counter. Leave room for the door, ventilation, and access to the controls. An over-the-range microwave has a separate installation problem and should not be treated like a countertop model.
Noise, safety, and cleaning
A mute function is valuable in bedrooms, offices, and family kitchens where beeps become disruptive. COMFEE' and both Chefman models list silent operation features. Child locks appear across much of the group and help prevent accidental use, especially in shared spaces.
Cleaning details also matter. The Chefman models list top-rack dishwasher-safe glass turntables, while several other models provide removable glass turntables or easy-clean interiors. An interior light makes it easier to spot spills before they harden.
For a broader look at the differences between countertop designs and installation types, how microwave formats fit different kitchen layouts is a useful next step. If countertop placement is your main concern, the counter space a microwave really needs can help before you measure a final location.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts should a countertop microwave have?
A 700-watt microwave works for basic reheating and small meals, but it generally needs more time than a 1, 000-watt model. For frequent cooking, 900 to 1, 200 watts gives you more useful speed and better support for larger portions. Cooking power should be considered alongside interior capacity.
Is a 0.7-cubic-foot microwave large enough?
It is large enough for small plates, bowls, beverages, and common packaged foods. The COMFEE' and Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft models are better suited to dorms, offices, and compact kitchens than to family cookware. Measure your widest dish before choosing one.
What does sensor cooking do?
Sensor cooking monitors moisture as food heats and adjusts the cooking time or power. It can make reheating less dependent on a fixed time, especially when food portions vary. It is not available on every model, so check the feature list rather than assuming a microwave includes it.
Are over-the-range microwaves better than countertop models?
They solve a different problem. An over-the-range microwave such as the GE JVM3160RFSS combines cooking with a hood vent and keeps the counter clear, but it needs careful installation and cabinet clearance. A countertop model is easier to position and move.
Do microwave power levels change the wattage?
Power levels control how the microwave applies its cooking power, usually by changing the cycling pattern. Lower settings are useful for defrosting, softening, and gentler reheating. They do not necessarily mean the appliance has a different maximum wattage.
Is a mute function useful?
Yes, if the microwave is near a bedroom, nursery, office, or shared living area. COMFEE' and Chefman list mute controls that turn off the normal beeps. A quiet mode is less important in a separate kitchen, but it is a meaningful convenience in compact living spaces.
The bottom line
Among the Best microwave brands in this group, the TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft is the strongest all-purpose countertop pick. It combines useful 1.2-cubic-foot capacity, 1, 000 watts, sensor cooking, six presets, and flexible defrosting without reaching the size of the Sharp or GE large-capacity models.
Choose the Chefman 1.1 Cu Ft if mute control, Eco Mode, and a memory function matter more than sensor cooking. For the largest dishes, the Sharp SMC2266KS has the roomiest countertop interior, while the GE JVM3160RFSS is the right choice when a microwave must also serve as a range hood.
If you are undecided, measure your counter and largest dish first, then choose the smallest microwave that can handle both comfortably.
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