A microwave that takes up too much counter space can be as frustrating as one that cannot fit the dinner plate you use every night. The right choice comes down to the interior dimensions, turntable size, power level control, and how much help you want from preset programs. Our Best countertop microwave picks cover compact dorm-ready models, full-size 1.2-cubic-foot ovens, and sensor-equipped options.
The strongest models make routine cooking almost automatic, while the weaker ones force you to compensate for lower wattage or cramped interiors. We compared the controls, cooking programs, dimensions, power, and safety features across all 10 models.
The Toshiba 1.2-Cubic-Foot Black is our top pick, with the Chefman 1.1-Cubic-Foot, Toshiba Smart Sensor 1.2-Cubic-Foot, and smaller Chefman models covering the most useful alternatives.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Capacity | Power | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toshiba 1.2-Cubic-Foot Black | Best overall | 1.2 cu. ft. | 1, 000W | Everyday family cooking |
| 2 | Toshiba 0.9-Cubic-Foot | Best compact Toshiba | 0.9 cu. ft. | 900W | Smaller counters |
| 3 | Toshiba 1.2-Cubic-Foot Stainless | Best stainless Toshiba | 1.2 cu. ft. | 1, 000W | Coordinated kitchens |
| 4 | BLACK+DECKER 1.1-Cubic-Foot | Best simple controls | 1.1 cu. ft. | 1, 000W | Straightforward reheating |
| 5 | Toshiba Smart Sensor 1.2-Cubic-Foot | Best preset selection | 1.2 cu. ft. | 1, 000W | Sensor-assisted cooking |
| 6 | Chefman 1.1-Cubic-Foot | Best quiet operation | 1.1 cu. ft. | 1, 000W | Quiet kitchens |
| 7 | Chefman 0.7-Cubic-Foot | Best small-space pick | 0.7 cu. ft. | 700W | Dorms and offices |
| 8 | Farberware 1.1-Cubic-Foot | Best express cooking | 1.1 cu. ft. | 1, 000W | Fast daily tasks |
| 9 | Sharp SMC1162KS | Best carousel design | 1.1 cu. ft. | 1, 000W | Even-turning dishes |
| 10 | Chefman 0.9-Cubic-Foot | Best middle size | 0.9 cu. ft. | 900W | Compact daily cooking |
1. Toshiba 1.2-Cubic-Foot Black: Best Overall
Pros
- 1, 000W output handles full-size reheating well
- Smart Sensor Technology adjusts time and power
- 12.4-inch glass turntable
- One-touch starts from 1 to 6 minutes
Cons
- Large footprint for a countertop model
- Only six preset menus
- Heavy at 34.6 pounds
Best for: households that want a roomy microwave with helpful automatic cooking controls.
The Toshiba 1.2-Cubic-Foot Black is the one we would put in the busiest kitchen. It has enough interior room for common dinner plates and larger containers, while the controls remain approachable for quick reheating. The 1.2-cubic-foot cavity and 12.4-inch glass turntable give it more practical space than the compact Toshiba 0.9-Cubic-Foot and Chefman 0.7-Cubic-Foot.
Its 1, 000W output is the useful middle ground for everyday cooking. It is powerful enough to reheat leftovers without the long waits associated with smaller 700W ovens, and the 10 power levels allow gentler jobs such as softening butter or warming liquids. The six preset menus cover familiar tasks such as pizza, vegetables, and sensor reheat. Defrosting can be set by weight or time, and the quick-start controls begin full-power cooking from 1 to 6 minutes.
The standout feature is Smart Sensor Technology. The microwave uses food humidity to adjust cooking time and power, which is more useful for reheating varied portions than blindly repeating the same timer setting. It also includes a clock and kitchen timer, so it can handle routine timing jobs without another appliance. The internal dimensions are listed as 13.1 by 12.4 by 8.3 inches, while the exterior measures about 20.6 by 14.6 by 11.8 inches.
That footprint is the main drawback. This is not the model to squeeze onto a narrow shelf, and its 34.6-pound weight makes moving it a chore. The black stainless steel finish is understated, but the oven still occupies substantial depth. If your available counter is tight, the Toshiba 0.9-Cubic-Foot is easier to accommodate. For everyone else, this is the most balanced Best countertop microwave in the group.
2. Toshiba 0.9-Cubic-Foot: Best Compact Toshiba
Pros
- Compact 18.7-inch width
- 11 power levels
- Two-step child lock
- Defrost by time or weight
Cons
- 900W output is slower than 1, 000W models
- 10.6-inch turntable limits dish size
- Smaller interior than the larger Toshiba models
Best for: apartment kitchens, offices, and counters that cannot fit a full-size microwave.
The Toshiba 0.9-Cubic-Foot is a sensible answer when counter width matters more than maximum capacity. At 18.7 inches wide and 10.7 inches high, it is noticeably easier to place than the 1.2-cubic-foot Toshiba models. The 13.3-inch depth also makes it less intrusive on a shallow counter, though you still need room around the appliance as required by its instructions.
Its 900W output is adequate for reheating soup, cooking frozen meals, and handling the ordinary jobs most people ask of a microwave. It will generally need more time than a 1, 000W model, but the difference is manageable when the smaller footprint is the priority. Eleven power levels give it fine control for low-power heating, and the six preset menus cover popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and other familiar foods.
The 10.6-inch glass turntable is the clearest sign of its compact design. It works well with smaller plates and bowls, but wide dinnerware may be a poor fit. Defrost by weight and defrost by time add flexibility, while one-touch cooking from 1 to 6 minutes keeps basic reheating quick. The two-step child lock is a useful safety feature in homes where accidental button presses are a concern.
The larger Chefman 0.9-Cubic-Foot has a similar capacity but adds mute, Eco Mode, and a memory function. The Toshiba counters with 11 power levels and a slightly more compact width. Skip this model if you routinely heat large plates or family-size containers. For a small kitchen that needs a capable, uncomplicated oven, it is one of the more convincing compact options.
3. Toshiba 1.2-Cubic-Foot Stainless: Best Stainless Toshiba
Pros
- Roomy 1.2-cubic-foot interior
- 1, 000W output
- Smart Sensor Technology
- 12.4-inch turntable
Cons
- Takes up considerable counter space
- Heavy 34.6-pound construction
- Six preset menus are less extensive than some rivals
Best for: kitchens where a stainless steel finish matters and full-size capacity is needed.
The Toshiba 1.2-Cubic-Foot Stainless is functionally the closest sibling to our top pick, but its stainless steel exterior may fit a kitchen with matching appliances more naturally. It has the same broad 1.2-cubic-foot capacity and the same 12.4-inch glass turntable, so it is better suited to full-size plates than the compact Toshiba 0.9-Cubic-Foot.
Cooking power comes from a 1, 000W output rating, with 10 selectable power levels. That combination is useful for more than simply blasting leftovers at full power. Lower settings can help with delicate heating, while full power gives routine meals a brisk start. The clock and kitchen timer also make the microwave useful as a basic timing tool.
Smart Sensor Technology is the feature that separates it from simpler ovens such as the BLACK+DECKER 1.1-Cubic-Foot. By responding to food humidity, the microwave can adjust cooking time and power during sensor programs. There are six preset menus, including pizza, vegetables, and sensor reheat, plus defrost settings based on either weight or time. One-touch start controls cover 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
The weakness is not cooking capability but size. Its listed exterior dimensions are about 20.5 inches wide, 17.1 inches deep, and 12.83 inches high, so measure the counter carefully before ordering. The substantial 34.6-pound weight also means it is best treated as a permanent installation. Choose it over the black Toshiba when the finish matters, but choose the smaller models when every inch of counter space is contested.
4. BLACK+DECKER 1.1-Cubic-Foot: Best Simple Controls
Pros
- 1, 000W output with 10 settings
- Large LED display
- Six dedicated food buttons
- Push-button door release
Cons
- Black enclosure is not fully stainless steel
- No sensor cooking listed
- Broad 20.6-inch width
Best for: users who prefer familiar buttons and direct control over automatic features.
The BLACK+DECKER 1.1-Cubic-Foot takes a conventional approach, and that is its appeal. Instead of leaning heavily on sensor programs, it gives you a clear control panel with dedicated buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate. The large LED display is easy to read, and the push-button door release is more convenient than a handle when the microwave sits under a cabinet.
At 1.1 cubic feet, it sits between the compact and full-size models in this group. Its 12.4-inch removable glass turntable is large enough for many everyday plates, while the 20.6-inch width and 14.8-inch depth mean it still needs a reasonably open counter. The 11.8-inch height is less imposing than some taller models.
The 1, 000W output supports quick reheating, and 10 power settings let you reduce intensity when a dish needs slower warming. A 30-second express button is useful for small time extensions, while the clock and kitchen timer handle routine kitchen tasks. The interior light lets you see the food while it cooks, and the child safety lock prevents unintended operation.
Compared with the Toshiba 1.2-Cubic-Foot Black, this BLACK+DECKER gives up sensor cooking and some capacity but keeps the basic controls easy to understand. It is a better fit for someone who wants to choose the time and power personally rather than rely on automatic adjustments. Skip it if mute operation or sensor cooking is essential. For direct, familiar operation, it remains a dependable Best countertop microwave choice.
5. Toshiba Smart Sensor 1.2-Cubic-Foot: Best Preset Selection
Pros
- 13 preset menus
- Sensor cooking and 1, 000W output
- Mute mode
- Memory function
- Two-step child lock
Cons
- Large 20.6-inch width
- No weight listed in the product information
- Preset-heavy controls may feel excessive for simple reheating
Best for: cooks who use automatic programs and want more preset choices than the standard Toshiba models.
The Toshiba Smart Sensor 1.2-Cubic-Foot is the feature-rich member of the Toshiba group. Its 13 preset menus give it much more automatic coverage than the six-menu Toshiba 1.2-Cubic-Foot models. That makes it appealing when the microwave handles a rotating mix of meals, snacks, beverages, and leftovers rather than the same two or three tasks.
The 1, 000W output and 10 power levels give it the same core cooking flexibility as the top Toshiba picks. Its internal dimensions are listed as 13.9 by 14.1 by 10 inches, with a 12.4-inch glass turntable. The external dimensions are 20.6 by 14.8 by 11.8 inches, so the oven offers a roomy cavity without being taller than many competing countertop models.
Sensor cooking is the main reason to choose this model. The presets are intended to simplify cooking different foods, while the sensor system reduces the need to guess at a time. Defrosting works by time or weight, and the memory function can save frequently used settings. Mute mode silences the beeps, and Eco Mode can disable the display when the microwave is not in use.
The trade-off is a more involved control experience. Someone who mainly reheats a mug or plate may find the extra programs unnecessary, while the larger Toshiba 1.2-Cubic-Foot Black has a simpler layout and the same output. Choose this model when preset breadth and quiet operation matter more than minimal controls. It is also a strong pick for readers who want the Best countertop microwave with the most automatic assistance in this list.
6. Chefman 1.1-Cubic-Foot: Best Quiet Operation
Pros
- 1, 000W output in a 1.1-cubic-foot cavity
- Mute option
- Eco Mode can disable the display
- Memory function
- Dishwasher-safe glass turntable
Cons
- 30.91-pound weight
- No sensor cooking listed
- Black finish may not match stainless appliances
Best for: households that want a roomy microwave without audible button and completion beeps.
The Chefman 1.1-Cubic-Foot stands out because it treats noise and everyday cleanup as serious design details. Its mute option turns off the usual microwave beeps, which is genuinely useful in an open kitchen, early in the morning, or when someone is sleeping nearby. Eco Mode can also disable the display when the appliance is idle.
The 1.1-cubic-foot interior is a practical size for common plates and containers, and the 1, 000W output keeps it competitive with larger Toshiba models. Ten power levels allow everything from low-intensity melting to full-power cooking. Six presets cover popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes, and leftovers, while a +30-second button handles quick adjustments.
The memory function is more useful than it sounds. If you repeatedly warm the same meal or use a familiar setting, saving it reduces button presses. The child safety lock can lock the control panel, and the product information lists cETL approval and a one-year assurance. The glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe, and the exterior is designed to wipe clean with a damp towel.
At 20.1 inches wide, 15.1 inches deep, and 12 inches high, this Chefman is not a tiny appliance. It also weighs 30.91 pounds, so plan to place it once rather than move it often. The BLACK+DECKER 1.1-Cubic-Foot offers similarly direct cooking with a stainless door frame, while this Chefman is the better choice for quiet operation, memory settings, and easier turntable cleanup.
7. Chefman 0.7-Cubic-Foot: Best Small-Space Pick
Pros
- Small 17.52-inch width
- 700W output for compact spaces
- Mute option
- Dishwasher-safe glass turntable
- Child safety lock
Cons
- Lowest output in the group
- 0.7-cubic-foot cavity limits dish size
- No memory function listed
Best for: dorm rooms, office kitchens, and very tight counters.
The Chefman 0.7-Cubic-Foot is designed around the realities of a small counter. Its 17.52-inch width and 12.93-inch depth make it substantially easier to place than the full-size ovens, and the 9.53-inch height works well where overhead clearance is limited. At 23.81 pounds, it is also less awkward to position than the heavier 1.1 and 1.2-cubic-foot models.
The limitation is capacity and power. With 700W output, it will take longer to heat the same food than the 900W Chefman 0.9-Cubic-Foot or 1, 000W Chefman 1.1-Cubic-Foot. Its 0.7-cubic-foot cavity also favors mugs, bowls, and smaller plates. People who regularly heat wide dinner plates should measure their dishes first rather than assume the listed capacity tells the whole story.
The controls remain well equipped for a compact oven. There are 10 power levels and six presets for foods such as popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes, and leftovers. A +30-second button adds time without requiring a full reset. The mute option is especially useful in a dorm or shared office, and the child safety lock helps prevent accidental use.
The Toshiba 0.9-Cubic-Foot cooks faster and offers a slightly larger interior, but it also takes up more room. This Chefman is the better fit when the counter comes first and cooking speed comes second. Skip it for family-size meals or frequent reheating of large containers. For a dorm or office that needs a genuinely small appliance, it is the most focused option here.
8. Farberware 1.1-Cubic-Foot: Best Express Cooking
Pros
- 1, 000W output
- Six one-touch cooking options
- Express cooking from 1 to 6 minutes
- Two defrost modes
- Interior light and child safety lock
Cons
- No mute option listed
- No sensor cooking listed
- Dimensions are broad for a 1.1-cubic-foot model
Best for: people who want fast access to common cooking times and presets.
The Farberware 1.1-Cubic-Foot is built for repetitive kitchen routines. Its express controls start cooking from 1 through 6 minutes, and the add-30-seconds button makes small corrections simple. That combination is more convenient than entering a full time when all you need is a quick reheat.
Its 1, 000W output puts it alongside the Toshiba and BLACK+DECKER models for everyday cooking speed. The 1.1-cubic-foot cavity is a useful compromise between compact appliances and the larger 1.2-cubic-foot ovens. The listed external dimensions are 20.2 inches wide, 16.54 inches deep, and 12.03 inches high, so it still needs a substantial counter area.
Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking give it more control than its simple express buttons suggest. The six one-touch options include popcorn, potato, and pizza, while defrosting can be set by time or weight. A clear LED display, kitchen timer, clock, and interior light fill in the basic functions without adding sensor-based complexity.
This model is less appealing if silent operation is a priority, since no mute option is listed. The Chefman 1.1-Cubic-Foot adds mute, Eco Mode, memory, and a dishwasher-safe turntable, while the Farberware keeps the focus on direct express controls. Choose Farberware when speed of operation matters more than advanced convenience features.
9. Sharp SMC1162KS: Best Carousel Design
Pros
- 1, 000W output
- 12.4-inch Carousel turntable
- Ten power levels
- Two-stage cooking
- Weight and time defrost
Cons
- No child lock listed in the supplied features
- No mute option listed
- Relatively heavy at 33.1 pounds
Best for: users who want a straightforward 1.1-cubic-foot microwave with a large rotating turntable.
The Sharp SMC1162KS keeps its feature set focused on the mechanics of everyday microwave cooking. Its 1.1-cubic-foot capacity and 1, 000W output suit the same broad use cases as the Farberware and BLACK+DECKER, while the 12.4-inch Carousel turntable gives plates room to rotate evenly.
The 10 power levels cover ordinary full-power reheating as well as lower settings for more delicate jobs. Two-stage cooking is particularly useful when a recipe calls for one power level followed by another, since you can set both stages rather than stopping the oven manually. Weight and time defrost add useful flexibility for frozen food.
Sharp includes an Auto Cook function for popular menu items, plus a popcorn preset certified for Orville Redenbacher's popcorn. Express Cook starts up to 6 minutes with a single press, and the +30 seconds key handles the small adjustments that come up during reheating. These are practical controls rather than a large collection of specialized programs.
The 20.6-inch width, 14.7-inch depth, and 11.8-inch height make it similar in counter demand to the BLACK+DECKER. Its 33.1-pound weight also suggests a set-it-and-leave-it appliance. The feature list does not mention a child lock or mute option, so readers who specifically need either should choose the Chefman 1.1-Cubic-Foot or a Toshiba model instead.
10. Chefman 0.9-Cubic-Foot: Best Middle Size
Pros
- 900W output
- Smaller footprint than 1.1-cubic-foot Chefman
- Mute and Eco Mode
- Memory function
- Dishwasher-safe turntable
Cons
- Less interior room than 1.1-cubic-foot models
- Slower than 1, 000W ovens
- No sensor cooking listed
Best for: kitchens that need more room than a compact 0.7-cubic-foot model but less bulk than a full-size oven.
The Chefman 0.9-Cubic-Foot occupies the useful middle ground in the Chefman range. It is larger than the 0.7-cubic-foot model without reaching the counter demands of the 1.1-cubic-foot version. Its listed dimensions are 18.9 inches wide, 13.27 inches deep, and 11.52 inches high, making it a reasonable fit for apartments and smaller kitchen worktops.
The 900W output is enough for normal reheating and cooking, though it will not match the pace of a 1, 000W model. Ten power levels provide control over gentler heating, and the six presets cover popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes, and leftovers. Express cooking and the +30-second button keep the basic controls quick.
Like the larger Chefman, this model includes a memory function for frequently used settings. The mute option turns off the beeps, Eco Mode can disable the display, and the control panel can be locked. The glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe, while the exterior is designed to wipe clean. Those small conveniences make it more pleasant for daily use than many compact ovens.
The Toshiba 0.9-Cubic-Foot offers 11 power levels and a two-step child lock, but the Chefman counters with mute, memory, and Eco Mode. The larger Chefman 1.1-Cubic-Foot cooks faster and gives more room, while this model is easier to place. Choose it when a compact Best countertop microwave needs a broader feature set than the smallest oven can provide.
How to choose best countertop microwave
The right countertop microwave is a balance between the food you heat, the space you have, and how much control you want over the cooking process.
Capacity and interior clearance
Capacity describes the approximate volume of the cooking cavity, but the turntable diameter and interior height matter just as much. A 1.1 or 1.2-cubic-foot model is better suited to full-size plates and larger containers, while a 0.7-cubic-foot oven is aimed at mugs, bowls, and smaller dishes. Measure your widest everyday plate and compare it with the listed turntable diameter before choosing.
Output power
Higher wattage generally shortens cooking and reheating times. The 1, 000W models in this group are the most capable for regular family meals, while 900W ovens offer a useful compromise for smaller counters. A 700W microwave can work well in a dorm or office, but expect longer cooking times and follow package instructions carefully.
Power levels and cooking stages
Ten or 11 power levels let you use lower intensity for melting, softening, and gentle reheating instead of applying full power throughout. Two-stage cooking is useful when a recipe changes power during preparation. A microwave with only basic full-power controls can handle simple reheating, but more adjustable models are easier to use for varied foods.
A large cavity is wasted if your everyday dinner plate cannot rotate freely inside it.
Presets and sensor cooking
Preset buttons make common tasks faster, but they are only useful when they match what you actually cook. Sensor cooking goes a step further by using food humidity to adjust cooking time and power. The Toshiba sensor models are the strongest choices for automatic assistance, while the BLACK+DECKER and Farberware favor direct manual control.
Counter space and door clearance
Compare the full exterior width, depth, and height rather than looking only at capacity. The Chefman 0.7-Cubic-Foot is far easier to fit in a tight area than the 1.2-cubic-foot Toshiba models. Leave suitable clearance around the appliance, and check that the door can open fully without striking a wall or adjacent appliance.
Noise, cleaning, and safety
Mute mode is useful in shared homes, bedrooms, and early-morning kitchens. A dishwasher-safe turntable reduces cleanup, while an interior light helps you monitor food without opening the door. Child safety locks vary, so look for a clearly described lock when children may have access to the controls.
If the microwave will sit near another appliance, how much counter space common kitchen appliances need can help you plan the layout before ordering. For readers comparing cooking appliances more broadly, which microwave features matter for everyday meals is another useful place to start.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity is suitable for a family microwave?
A 1.1 or 1.2-cubic-foot model is the most practical range for many households. These ovens generally provide more room for full-size plates and larger containers than 0.7 or 0.9-cubic-foot models. Measure the turntable and interior height if you regularly use tall or wide dishes.
Is 1, 000W better than 700W?
A 1, 000W microwave generally cooks and reheats faster than a 700W model. The 700W Chefman can still handle ordinary tasks, but cooking times may need adjustment. Lower-wattage models make the most sense where compact dimensions matter more than speed.
Do countertop microwaves need a turntable?
A turntable helps food rotate through the microwave energy for more even heating. The models in this roundup use glass turntables, with several using a 12.4-inch surface. A larger turntable can make a meaningful difference when you heat full-size plates.
Are sensor cooking programs useful?
Sensor programs can reduce guesswork by adjusting cooking time and power based on food humidity. They are most useful when you reheat different quantities or types of food. If you mainly use fixed times for the same meals, manual controls may be all you need.
What is the advantage of mute mode?
Mute mode disables the beeps that signal button presses and completed cooking cycles. It is useful in open-plan homes, dorms, offices, and kitchens near bedrooms. The Chefman models and the Toshiba Smart Sensor 1.2-Cubic-Foot include this feature.
How important is a child safety lock?
A child lock helps prevent unintended operation and accidental changes to the controls. It is especially useful when the microwave is accessible to children. The Toshiba compact model and Toshiba Smart Sensor model specifically describe a two-step child lock, while Chefman models include a child safety lock and control lock mode.
The bottom line
The Toshiba 1.2-Cubic-Foot Black is our leading Best countertop microwave because it combines a roomy cavity, 1, 000W output, a 12.4-inch turntable, useful presets, and Smart Sensor Technology. It is the model we would choose for a household that has enough counter space and wants reliable automatic assistance without giving up manual power control.
The Chefman 1.1-Cubic-Foot is the better alternative for quiet kitchens, with mute, Eco Mode, memory settings, and a dishwasher-safe turntable. For a very small counter, the Chefman 0.7-Cubic-Foot is the easiest to place, while the Toshiba 0.9-Cubic-Foot offers a more traditional compact design with 11 power levels.
If you are undecided, choose the largest model that fits your counter and the turntable that fits your everyday plate.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.