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Best microwave ovens
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10 Best Microwave Ovens (2026)

Ryan Carter By Ryan Carter | 22 min read | Published

A microwave that leaves cold centers, takes up too much counter space, or turns every late-night snack into a sequence of loud beeps becomes a daily annoyance fast. The right countertop model should fit the dishes you actually use, heat food at a sensible pace, and make common tasks easy without burying them in menus.

Our Best microwave ovens picks range from compact 700-watt units to roomy 1.2-cubic-foot models, plus one genuine air fryer and convection combination. TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave is the best all-around pick, while the Chefman 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave is the smarter choice for smaller counters and the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo is the one to get when microwave-only cooking is not enough.

Best microwave ovens compared

# Product Award Capacity Output Standout feature Best for
1 TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave Best overall 1.2 cu. ft. 1, 000W Smart Sensor Cooking Everyday family use
2 TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave Best compact Toshiba 0.9 cu. ft. 900W 11 power levels Small kitchens
3 TOSHIBA Stainless 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave Best stainless finish 1.2 cu. ft. 1, 000W Smart Sensor Cooking Matching stainless appliances
4 BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave Best straightforward controls 1.1 cu. ft. 1, 000W Large LED display Simple daily reheating
5 Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave Best quiet compact model 0.7 cu. ft. 700W Mute button Dorms and bedrooms
6 COMFEE' 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave Best space saver 0.7 cu. ft. 700W ECO mode Very tight counters
7 TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Best multifunction model 1.0 cu. ft. 1, 000W Eight cooking functions Replacing several appliances
8 Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave Best for flexible cooking 1.1 cu. ft. 1, 000W Multi-stage cooking Custom cooking routines
9 BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave Best narrow countertop model 0.9 cu. ft. 900W Push-button door release Apartments and offices
10 Chefman 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave Best compact power 0.9 cu. ft. 900W Memory function Frequent repeat meals

1. TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave: Best Overall

TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave, one of the best microwave ovens for family kitchens

Pros

  • Roomy 1.2-cubic-foot interior
  • Strong 1, 000-watt output
  • Smart Sensor cooking adjusts time and power
  • One-touch starts from one to six minutes
  • Large 12.4-inch glass turntable

Cons

  • Takes up substantial counter depth
  • Only six preset menus
  • Heavier than the compact models

Best for: households that want a capable everyday microwave with enough room for family-size dishes.

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The first thing to know about the TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave is that it feels like a full-size countertop appliance rather than a small overflow machine. Its 12.4-inch glass turntable gives large plates and broad bowls room to rotate, and the 1.2-cubic-foot cavity is a better fit for family leftovers, casserole dishes, and larger microwave-safe containers than the 0.7-cubic-foot models below.

Its 1, 000 watts of output also give it a useful edge for routine cooking and reheating. The Smart Sensor Technology is the more interesting feature here. It adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, which can reduce the guesswork when reheating foods that tend to dry out or overcook at the edges. You still need to use sensible containers and portions, but this is more forgiving than simply running every dish at full power.

The controls cover the essentials without being sparse. There are six preset menus, including pizza, vegetables, and sensor reheat, along with 10 power levels, a clock, a kitchen timer, defrost by time or weight, and one-touch starts from one to six minutes. That mix makes it more flexible than the BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave, while its sensor cooking gives it a more automatic approach than the otherwise similar Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave.

The weakness is physical rather than functional. The listed exterior dimensions are about 20.6 inches wide, 14.6 inches deep, and 11.8 inches high, and the product information lists a weight of 34.6 pounds. Measure the counter carefully, especially if cabinets sit above it. This is also not the model for someone who wants air frying or convection cooking. For an ordinary kitchen that needs a roomy, dependable microwave, though, this is the one we'd keep.

2. TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave: Best Compact Toshiba

TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave in a compact countertop design

Pros

  • More compact footprint than the 1.2-cubic-foot Toshiba
  • 11 power levels
  • Defrost by time or weight
  • Two-step child lock
  • One-touch cooking for one to six minutes

Cons

  • Smaller 10.6-inch turntable
  • Lower output than the larger Toshiba models
  • Less room for wide dishes

Best for: apartment kitchens and counters that cannot accommodate a full-size microwave.

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The TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave trims the dimensions without stripping away the controls that matter. It is 18.7 inches wide, 13.3 inches deep, and 10.7 inches high, so it is noticeably easier to place on a shallow counter than the larger TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave. Its 24.9-pound weight also makes it less awkward to position or move during a kitchen rearrangement.

The trade-off is capacity. The internal dimensions are 12.1 by 10.9 by 7.6 inches, and the included glass turntable measures 10.6 inches. That is plenty for a standard dinner plate, a bowl of soup, or a smaller storage container, but it is not the right shape for large casserole dishes. The 900-watt output should handle normal reheating and cooking well, although it will not be as quick as a 1, 000-watt model for bigger portions.

This Toshiba is unusually well equipped for its size. It has 11 power levels, six preset menus for foods such as popcorn, pizza, and potatoes, a clock and kitchen timer, plus defrost settings based on either time or weight. One-touch starts from one to six minutes are useful when you are reheating something familiar and do not want to enter a complete cooking time. The two-step child lock is another practical feature for a family kitchen.

Compared with the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave, this model offers one extra power level and a slightly more cooking-focused control set. The BLACK+DECKER has a push-button door release, which some people will prefer. Skip this Toshiba if you regularly use oversized plates or want automatic sensor cooking. Choose it when counter depth matters and most of your cooking happens in ordinary bowls and plates.

3. TOSHIBA Stainless 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave: Best Stainless Finish

TOSHIBA Stainless 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave for coordinated kitchen counters

Pros

  • Spacious 1.2-cubic-foot cavity
  • 1, 000 watts of output
  • Smart Sensor Technology
  • 12.4-inch glass turntable
  • Defrost by weight or time

Cons

  • Large and heavy countertop design
  • Similar functionality to the black Toshiba model
  • No air fry or convection modes

Best for: cooks who want the leading Toshiba configuration with a stainless steel appearance.

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The TOSHIBA Stainless 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave is functionally the close twin of the top pick, but its stainless steel finish makes it the better visual match for kitchens built around stainless appliances. It has the same roomy 1.2-cubic-foot capacity and the same large 12.4-inch glass turntable, so it handles the same broad plates and larger containers that make compact microwaves frustrating.

Its 1, 000-watt output is enough for regular reheating, cooking, and boiling tasks without making the user wait as long as they might with a 700-watt compact unit. Smart Sensor Technology adjusts time and power using the food's humidity. That is particularly useful for leftovers, where a fixed high-power cycle can leave the outside hot before the center is ready.

The feature set is sensible rather than overloaded. Six preset menus cover familiar foods such as pizza, vegetables, and sensor reheat. There are 10 power levels, a clock, a kitchen timer, one-touch cooking from one to six minutes, and defrost by time or weight. For a closer look at what matters when comparing countertop cooking performance, the differences between microwave sizes and everyday cooking needs are more useful than a feature count by itself.

The main limitation is the footprint. The listed exterior measurements are approximately 20.6 inches wide, 14.6 inches deep, and 11.8 inches high, with a listed weight of 34.6 pounds. It also does not add any browning or baking function, so the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo is the more versatile option if you want one appliance to do more than microwave food. Pick this version when capacity and a stainless finish matter more than extra cooking modes.

4. BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave: Best Straightforward Controls

BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with large LED display

Pros

  • 1, 000-watt output
  • Large LED display
  • Six one-touch food buttons
  • Removable 12.4-inch glass turntable
  • Push-button door release

Cons

  • Enclosure is black despite the stainless door frame
  • No sensor cooking listed
  • Bulky for a 1.1-cubic-foot model

Best for: users who want familiar buttons and a clear display rather than complicated programming.

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The BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave is built around easy recognition. Its large LED digital display and clearly described control panel make it a good fit for a shared kitchen, office, or household where nobody wants to consult a manual for a bowl of leftovers. The push-button door release is also a nice practical touch, particularly for anyone who dislikes pulling on a stiff microwave handle.

With 1.1 cubic feet of capacity and a removable 12.4-inch glass turntable, it sits between the compact 0.9-cubic-foot models and the roomier Toshiba units. Its 1, 000 watts of output are well suited to regular cooking and reheating. Six pre-programmed buttons cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates, while 10 power settings allow more control when a full-power cycle is too aggressive.

The package of everyday conveniences is solid. There is a 30-second express function, a clock and kitchen timer, an interior light, and a child safety lock. The controls are more direct than the TOSHIBA Stainless 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave, though the Toshiba gains Smart Sensor cooking and a little more interior volume. The Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave is the better alternative if multi-stage cooking matters more than a large display.

Be aware of the appearance described in the product details: the door frame is stainless steel, while the enclosure is black. The exterior measures 20.6 by 14.8 by 11.8 inches, which is a significant amount of counter space for a 1.1-cubic-foot appliance. It is a good uncomplicated microwave, but skip it if you need sensor programs, a small footprint, or a fully stainless exterior.

5. Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave: Best Quiet Compact Model

Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave with mute button for small spaces

Pros

  • Compact 0.7-cubic-foot design
  • Mute option silences cooking beeps
  • Six presets and 10 power levels
  • +30 seconds control
  • Dishwasher-safe glass turntable

Cons

  • 700 watts cooks more slowly than larger models
  • Limited interior capacity
  • Handle requires an upward pull to open

Best for: dorm rooms, bedrooms, offices, and anyone who needs quiet operation.

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The Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave solves a problem that many larger models ignore: noise. Its mute option can turn off the usual beeps, making it a much more considerate choice for late-night snacks, sleeping households, and office spaces. That feature gives it a clearer identity than simply being another small black microwave.

At 17.52 inches wide, 12.93 inches deep, and 9.53 inches high, it is also one of the easiest units here to fit into a crowded space. The 0.7-cubic-foot interior is intended for smaller plates and bowls, not family-size cookware. Its 700-watt output is adequate for reheating and simple cooking, but food will generally need more time than it would in the 900-watt Chefman or the 1, 000-watt Toshiba models.

The controls are more capable than the compact dimensions suggest. There are 10 power levels, six presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes, and leftovers, plus number-key cooking and a +30 seconds button. The glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe, and the exterior is designed to wipe clean. A child safety lock is built into the handle, which adds reassurance in a dorm or family setting.

The COMFEE' 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave is the closest rival. It also has 700 watts, six common auto-cook functions, a two-step child lock, and silent operation, but its standout feature is ECO mode rather than the Chefman's explicit mute button. The Chefman is the better fit for quiet cooking, while the COMFEE' is more appealing if standby power reduction is a priority. Skip this model if you often heat large dinner plates or want fast cooking above all else.

6. COMFEE' 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave: Best Space Saver

COMFEE' 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave for compact kitchens

Pros

  • Small 0.7-cubic-foot footprint
  • ECO mode reduces standby power by 50 percent
  • Silent operation
  • Two-step child lock
  • Defrost by time or weight

Cons

  • 700-watt output is slower
  • Interior is too small for broad cookware
  • Fewer detailed power controls than some rivals

Best for: compact counters where simple cooking and low standby power matter.

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The COMFEE' 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave is a genuinely small appliance rather than a full-size microwave squeezed into a compact marketing category. Its exterior measures 17.3 inches wide, 13 inches deep, and 10.2 inches high, with a listed weight of 20.3 pounds. That makes it one of the easiest picks to place on a narrow counter, shelf, or office kitchenette.

It uses 700 watts, so it is best suited to reheating individual portions, cooking packaged foods, and handling smaller bowls. The compact cavity will not accommodate the larger dishes that fit on the 12.4-inch turntables in the Toshiba and larger BLACK+DECKER models. If your normal microwave task is one plate at a time, the limitation is manageable. If you cook for several people, it will feel cramped quickly.

The feature selection is thoughtful for a small unit. One-touch express cooking runs from one to six minutes, and a +30 seconds button lets you extend a cycle without starting over. There are two defrost settings, by weight or time, and automatic programs for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and reheating. The mute function silences the beeps when needed, while the two-step child lock helps prevent accidental use.

ECO mode is the differentiator. The feature is described as minimizing standby power by 50 percent, which means the display and idle electronics need not remain as active when the microwave is not being used. The Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave has a stronger quiet-cooking identity and more explicit power-level controls, so choose that model if those details matter. Choose COMFEE' when counter space and a low-power standby mode are the priorities.

7. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo: Best Multifunction Model

TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave for versatile countertop cooking

Pros

  • Eight cooking functions
  • Microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and combination modes
  • 1, 000-watt microwave output
  • 1.0-cubic-foot interior
  • Turntable fits a 12-inch pizza and whole roasted chicken

Cons

  • Heaviest model in the group
  • Deeper than a standard compact microwave
  • More complex than a microwave-only appliance

Best for: cooks who want microwave, air fry, baking, and broiling functions in one countertop machine.

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The TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo is the obvious outlier here, and that is precisely why it earns a place in the roundup. It is not just a microwave with a token extra program. The listed eight functions include microwave, air fry, bake with convection, broil, combination cooking, low temperature, odor removal, and defrost. For a kitchen short on appliance space, that broader role can matter more than having the largest microwave cavity.

Microwave performance is still substantial. It has 1, 000 watts of microwave output and a 1.0-cubic-foot interior, with internal dimensions of 14.0 by 13.2 by 9.5 inches. The 12.4-inch position-memory turntable is designed to fit a whole roasted chicken, a 12-inch pizza, or an 8 by 4-inch casserole. Those details make it more flexible than the smaller microwave-only options, particularly when food size and shape vary.

The exterior is 20.6 inches wide, 16.4 inches deep, and 11.8 inches high, and the listed weight is 39.2 pounds. That depth and weight deserve serious attention before ordering. It is not the appliance to perch on a shallow shelf, and moving it around will be more difficult than moving the 20.3-pound COMFEE'. The multi-function controls also bring more learning than the direct presets on the BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave.

The compromise is that combination appliances are inherently more involved. Someone who only reheats soup and leftovers will get little from the added cooking modes. Someone who wants crisped food, baked dishes, broiled surfaces, and microwave speed from one appliance will see the point immediately. If you are deciding between a microwave and another small countertop cooking appliance, how to make the most of limited kitchen counter space can help frame the layout before you commit.

8. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave: Best for Flexible Cooking

Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with multi-stage cooking

Pros

  • 1, 000 watts of output
  • 10 power levels
  • Multi-stage cooking
  • Six one-touch programs
  • Interior light and child safety lock

Cons

  • Heavier specification data is unclear
  • No mute or ECO mode listed
  • Larger than the compact models

Best for: users who want to program different power levels during one cooking sequence.

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The Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave is for people who use more than the default full-power cycle. Its key feature is multi-stage cooking, which lets you combine different power levels in one sequence. That is useful for food that needs a gentler start followed by a stronger finish, or for defrosting and cooking without stopping to reset the machine.

The 1.1-cubic-foot cavity gives it enough room for normal dinner plates and medium containers, while 1, 000 watts of output keep it competitive with the larger Toshiba and BLACK+DECKER choices. The six one-touch options include popcorn, potato, and pizza, and defrosting can be set by weight or time. There are also 10 power levels, so the controls support both quick preset cooking and more deliberate adjustments.

Farberware adds the useful basics that can disappear on smaller models. The clear LED display shows the clock and timer, the interior light lets you monitor food, and the child safety lock helps prevent unintended operation. One through six-minute express controls and an Add 30-Seconds button make routine reheating quick. Its easy-to-clean interior and exterior suit a busy home or office.

The listed exterior dimensions are 20.2 inches wide, 16.54 inches deep, and 12.03 inches high. That is a sizable depth, and it makes this less suitable for shallow counters than the TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave. The product information lists an unusual weight value, so it is better not to use that field for planning. Choose Farberware for the control of multi-stage cooking, but skip it if you want quiet operation, a smaller footprint, or an air fryer function.

9. BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave: Best Narrow Countertop Model

BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave for apartments and office kitchens

Pros

  • Compact 0.9-cubic-foot capacity
  • 900-watt output
  • Push-button door release
  • Six pre-programmed buttons
  • Removable 10.6-inch glass turntable

Cons

  • Smaller turntable limits dish size
  • No sensor cooking listed
  • Black enclosure is not fully stainless

Best for: users who need a familiar microwave layout in a narrower footprint.

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The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave keeps the same straightforward approach as its larger sibling but reduces the space requirement. It is 18.7 inches wide, 13.4 inches deep, and 10.7 inches high, making it a practical fit for apartment counters, office break rooms, and kitchens where every inch matters. The push-button door release makes it easy to open with one hand.

Its 900 watts are enough for ordinary reheating and cooking, though the difference from a 1, 000-watt model becomes more noticeable with larger or denser portions. The internal dimensions are 12.36 by 13.66 by 8.70 inches, and the removable glass turntable measures 10.6 inches. That is a good match for standard plates and bowls, but less comfortable with wide cookware.

The control panel includes six presets for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates. There are 10 power settings, a clock and kitchen timer, a 30-second express function, an interior light, and a child safety lock. The large LED display is shared with the 1.1-cubic-foot model, which is helpful when the microwave sits in a busy kitchen and needs to be readable at a glance.

The TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave is the stronger alternative if you want 11 power levels and defrost by weight, while the BLACK+DECKER wins on the door release and familiar control layout. The stainless detail is limited to the door frame, with a black enclosure, so it does not have the fully stainless look some buyers expect. Pick it for its compact proportions and direct controls, not for advanced cooking automation.

10. Chefman 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave: Best Compact Power

Chefman 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave with memory function and mute control

Pros

  • 900-watt output in a compact body
  • Memory function for repeat meals
  • Mute and ECO modes
  • Six presets and 10 power levels
  • Dishwasher-safe glass turntable

Cons

  • Larger and heavier than the 0.7-cubic-foot Chefman
  • Handle requires an upward pull
  • No sensor cooking listed

Best for: people who want compact dimensions without dropping to 700-watt output.

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The Chefman 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave is the useful middle ground in Chefman's range. It gives up some of the tiny 0.7-cubic-foot model's space-saving appeal, but raises output to 900 watts and adds room for more normal dinner plates. That makes it a better daily appliance for someone who wants compact dimensions without accepting the slower pace of a 700-watt unit.

Its feature set is unusually focused on repeat use. Along with six presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes, and leftovers, it has a memory function for programming frequently used operations. The 10 power levels, number-key time entry, and +30 seconds button cover more manual cooking, while the mute option keeps the controls quiet.

The dimensions are 18.9 inches wide, 13.27 inches deep, and 11.52 inches high, with a listed weight of 28.44 pounds. It is still a manageable countertop appliance, but not as easy to tuck away as the 17.52-inch-wide Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave. Its glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe, the exterior wipes clean, and the child safety lock can disable the controls as well as help prevent accidental opening.

The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave is a better fit for someone who prefers a push-button door release and a traditional control panel. Chefman is the more appealing choice for quiet cooking, repeat presets, and ECO mode, while the TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave offers 11 power levels and weight-based defrosting. Skip this model if you need the smallest possible appliance, but choose it when compact size and faster 900-watt cooking need to coexist.

How to choose the best microwave ovens
Image: fda.gov

How to choose the best microwave ovens

The best microwave ovens are separated less by flashy button counts than by the way their capacity, output, controls, and footprint fit your actual cooking routine.

Capacity and turntable size

Capacity tells you how much space the cavity provides, but the turntable diameter often gives a more useful picture of what will fit. The 0.7-cubic-foot Chefman and COMFEE' models are designed for smaller plates and bowls. A 0.9-cubic-foot microwave suits ordinary individual meals, while 1.1 to 1.2 cubic feet gives more breathing room for broad plates and casserole dishes.

A 12.4-inch turntable, as found in the larger Toshiba and BLACK+DECKER models, is a meaningful step up from a 10.6-inch turntable. Measure your favorite plate and the counter's usable depth before choosing by capacity alone.

Microwave output

Output power affects how quickly the oven heats food, though portion size and food density matter too. The 700-watt models are suitable for snacks, drinks, and individual portions, but they need more time than the 900-watt and 1, 000-watt models. A 900-watt unit is a sensible middle ground for compact kitchens.

The 1, 000-watt models are better suited to larger portions and frequent cooking. Output is not the same as input power, so compare the listed microwave output figures rather than the appliance's electrical draw.

A larger turntable often changes what you can cook more than an extra preset button does.

Presets and power levels

Presets are useful when they match the food you actually cook. Popcorn, pizza, potatoes, vegetables, beverages, and reheating appear across this group, but preset performance depends on portion size and food packaging. Treat them as shortcuts, not guarantees.

Power levels matter when you melt butter, soften ingredients, defrost food, or reheat delicate leftovers. The Toshiba models provide 10 or 11 levels, as do the BLACK+DECKER, Farberware, and Chefman models. The Farberware stands out for multi-stage cooking, while the Chefman 0.9 adds a memory function for repeated routines.

Counter footprint

Countertop microwaves can be surprisingly deep. The compact Chefman and COMFEE' models are easier to place in tight spaces, while the larger Toshiba and Farberware designs need more depth and overhead clearance. Leave enough room for ventilation as specified by the product instructions, and do not measure only the width.

Weight matters if the microwave will be moved frequently. The listed weights range from 20.3 pounds for the COMFEE' to 39.2 pounds for the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo.

Convenience and safety controls

A child lock is useful in family spaces, and the two-step designs on the smaller Toshiba, COMFEE', and air fryer combo add an extra barrier against unintended operation. A mute button matters in bedrooms, offices, and homes with sleeping children. ECO mode reduces standby power on the COMFEE' and Chefman 0.9.

Door design is a small detail that affects daily use. The BLACK+DECKER models have push-button releases, while the Chefman compact models use handles with an upward pull. Choose the control style that feels natural for the location where the appliance will live.

Best microwave ovens
Image: chefman.com

Frequently asked questions

What size microwave is best for a family kitchen?

A 1.1 or 1.2-cubic-foot model usually offers more practical room for family plates and larger containers. The 12.4-inch turntables in the larger Toshiba and BLACK+DECKER models are particularly useful for broad dishes. A 0.7-cubic-foot microwave is better suited to individual portions.

Is 700 watts enough for a countertop microwave?

Yes, 700 watts is enough for reheating food, warming drinks, defrosting, and cooking smaller portions. It will generally take longer than a 900-watt or 1, 000-watt microwave. The Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave and COMFEE' 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave are designed around that compact use case.

Do microwave presets replace manual power settings?

No. Presets provide shortcuts for common foods, but portion size, container shape, and food temperature can change the result. Manual power levels are still useful for defrosting, melting, softening, and reheating foods that dry out easily.

Which microwave is quietest?

The Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, COMFEE' 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, and Chefman 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave all include mute functions. That lets you silence the usual control beeps, which is useful for late-night cooking or shared spaces.

What does sensor cooking do?

Sensor cooking uses food humidity to adjust cooking time and power. The TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave and TOSHIBA Stainless 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave include Smart Sensor Technology. It can make reheating more automatic, though it does not remove the need to follow container and portion guidance.

Is a microwave air fryer combo worth choosing?

It makes sense when you want air frying, baking, broiling, and microwave cooking from one countertop appliance. The TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo includes eight listed functions and can fit a 12-inch pizza. It is deeper and heavier than a microwave-only model, so it needs more space and is not necessary for someone who only reheats food.

Best microwave ovens
Image: consumerreports.org

The bottom line

The TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave is the strongest all-purpose choice among these Best microwave ovens because it combines a roomy cavity, 1, 000-watt output, sensor cooking, useful presets, and a large turntable. The TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave is the better fit for a smaller counter, while the Chefman 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave adds a memory function and quiet operation without dropping to 700 watts.

Choose the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo only if you will use its air fry, bake, broil, and combination functions. For a very small space, the COMFEE' and Chefman 0.7-cubic-foot models are the sensible alternatives, with ECO mode favoring COMFEE' and the mute button favoring Chefman.

If you are undecided, measure the counter and your largest microwave-safe plate first, then choose the highest output that fits comfortably.

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