Best Countertop Microwaves 2026: 6 Picks by Size

The TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA(BS) is a 1000W countertop microwave designed for anyone seeking reliable heating in a compact footprint. It's particularly ideal for apartment dwellers, college students, and anyone upgrading from an older microwave who wants modern conveniences without the bulk.

The standout feature is its smart sensor cooking technology, which actively detects cold spots in food and adjusts heating patterns accordingly. Users consistently report exceptional results reheating complex dishes like tamales, burritos, and oatmeal with toppings, where traditional microwaves often leave frozen centers while overheating edges. Combined with 13 preset menus and 10 power levels, this microwave handles everything from defrosting by weight to keeping food warm.

Build quality impresses with its black stainless steel exterior, 12.4-inch glass turntable, and solid stainless steel interior. The design is genuinely quiet, and the selectable mute function eliminates all beeping, which owners praise as a game-changer for noise-sensitive households. Safety features include a two-step child lock and control panel lock, plus convenient touches like a memory function for your favorite settings.

Minor drawbacks include touch controls that may require firmer pressing than expected, occasional vibration on uneven surfaces, and a door handle that uses a specific trigger mechanism rather than a traditional pull. These are small compromises for the overall quality and performance delivered at this price point.

The TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA(BS) is a smart choice for anyone prioritizing even heating, quiet operation, and space efficiency. With a 4.5-star rating backed by hundreds of verified purchases, this microwave delivers exceptional value and reliability for residential kitchens of any size.

Capacity and Dimensions: 1.1 cubic feet (20 liters) with external dimensions of 20.6 inches wide by 14.8 inches deep by 11.8 inches high. The 12.4-inch glass turntable provides ample cooking space for most dishes.

Power and Performance: 1000 watts output power with 1600 watts input power. Features 10 adjustable power levels and operates at 2.45 GHz frequency. Heating method is microwave radiation with multiple sensor emitters for even distribution.

Cooking Functions: 13 auto cook menus, defrost by weight or time, keep warm function, and reheat mode. Touch control interface with one-touch buttons and programmable memory to save your favorite settings.

Materials and Design: Black stainless steel exterior with stainless steel interior and glass turntable. Includes microwave rack for organization. Countertop installation only. Backed by 1-year limited manufacturer warranty.

Safety Features: Two-step child safety lock and control panel lock to prevent accidental operation by children. Timer function with mute capability for silent operation.

Best For: This microwave is ideal for apartment and dorm living where counter space is limited but cooking reliability matters. It's perfect for anyone frustrated with uneven heating on complex foods, families with young children who need safety features, or those seeking quiet kitchen appliances.

Great Upgrade Choice: If you're replacing an older microwave and want modern sensor technology without paying premium prices, this TOSHIBA model delivers excellent value. It's particularly suited for households that reheat varied foods regularly and appreciate quiet operation.

Consider Alternatives If: You need a larger capacity microwave for family cooking or prefer traditional mechanical buttons over touch controls. If vibration on uneven surfaces is a concern, you may want to test the unit in your specific kitchen setup.

The Sharp SMC2266KS is a premium countertop microwave designed for large families, frequent entertainers, and anyone who regularly cooks for groups. With its impressive 2.2 cubic foot capacity and 1200-watt power output, this model steps well beyond standard microwaves to handle real-world demands of busy households.

What sets this microwave apart is its innovative inverter cooking technology combined with sensor cook capabilities. These features work together to provide precise temperature control and even cooking results, particularly beneficial for defrosting meats, reheating leftovers, and cooking delicate dishes. The 16.5-inch carousel turntable is noticeably larger than typical models, accommodating full casserole dishes and large serving platters without awkward positioning.

The design quality is evident in the brushed stainless steel exterior, which provides a modern, professional appearance that complements contemporary and traditional kitchens alike. The new white LED display and LED interior lighting enhance usability and visibility. The control panel features intuitive one-touch buttons for common functions, plus a convenient plus-30-seconds button for quick reheating tasks.

The main consideration is space requirements. At 24.4 inches wide, 19.6 inches deep, and 13.6 inches tall, this microwave demands substantial countertop real estate. However, Sharp addresses this with an optional trim kit that allows built-in installation for a seamless, integrated kitchen look, though this requires additional investment.

For households needing serious microwave capacity and cooking performance, the Sharp SMC2266KS delivers excellent value. The combination of generous capacity, advanced cooking technology, and durable construction makes it a smart investment for anyone tired of compromising with undersized models.

Capacity and Power: 2.2 cubic feet capacity, 1200 watts power output, 10 power levels with 2-stage cooking capability

Dimensions and Weight: 24.4 inches wide by 19.6 inches deep by 13.6 inches tall, weighs 33.7 pounds. Turntable diameter is 16.5 inches.

Construction: Brushed stainless steel exterior with stainless steel interior, removable carousel turntable, white LED display with LED interior lighting

Cooking Programs: Auto cook, sensor cook, weight and time defrost, express cook, melt/soften function, plus 10 preset menu programs

Installation and Warranty: Countertop installation standard, optional Sharp trim kit available for built-in installation in 27 or 30-inch spaces. Includes 1-year limited warranty. Operates on 120 volts AC.

Is This Microwave Right for You? This model excels for large families of 5 or more people, those who frequently entertain guests, meal preppers who reheat in bulk, and anyone who has outgrown a standard microwave's limitations.

Space Considerations: Measure your available countertop space carefully. At nearly 25 inches wide, this microwave needs a dedicated location. If counter space is extremely limited, consider whether the optional trim kit for built-in installation fits your kitchen layout and budget.

Key Features to Appreciate: Focus on the inverter technology and sensor cooking if you prepare delicate foods or defrost frequently. These features justify the premium price over basic models. The express cook button and one-touch controls add genuine convenience for daily use.

Installation Options: Standard countertop placement works for most kitchens. If you want a seamless, built-in appearance, budget for the separate Sharp trim kit and professional installation, which may add $100-200 to your total investment.

Long-term Value: Sharp's reputation for durable microwaves, combined with the 1-year warranty and advanced cooking technology, makes this a solid investment for households that will use the extra capacity regularly over many years.

The Farberware 1.1 cu ft countertop microwave is a practical, budget-conscious choice for anyone seeking reliable microwave performance without premium pricing. This compact unit is ideal for apartment dwellers, office workers, college students, and families looking for a secondary microwave in kitchens with limited counter space.

Performance-wise, the 1000-watt power output handles everyday cooking tasks efficiently, from reheating leftovers to cooking frozen meals. The six one-touch presets (popcorn, potato, pizza) provide genuine convenience for common foods, while ten power levels and multi-stage cooking capabilities allow experienced users to fine-tune results. The dual defrost options by weight or time make thawing intuitive, and the 1 through 6-minute express cooking controls add genuine speed when you need quick results.

The design strikes a solid balance between form and function. The stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints and looks professional in any kitchen setting. Interior lighting lets you monitor cooking progress, and the easy-clean surfaces make maintenance straightforward. The LED display with integrated kitchen timer and clock proves genuinely useful for meal planning and timing.

The child safety lock is a thoughtful inclusion for households with young children, adding security without complexity. However, the 1.1 cu ft capacity may feel constraining for larger families or anyone doing bulk meal preparation, and the 1000-watt power level means slightly longer cooking times compared to higher-wattage models.

Overall, the Farberware 1.1 cu ft microwave delivers solid, dependable performance at an exceptional price point. It excels as a primary microwave for small spaces or a reliable secondary unit for any home, offering genuine value and trustworthy Farberware quality for everyday cooking needs.

Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet
Power Output: 1000 watts
Dimensions: 20.2 inches wide x 16.54 inches deep x 12.03 inches high
Color: Stainless Steel
Material: Steel construction
Installation: Countertop
Power Levels: 10 adjustable levels
Cooking Modes: Multi-stage cooking with 6 one-touch presets (popcorn, potato, pizza)
Defrost Options: By weight or by time
Display: LED with clock and kitchen timer
Special Features: Child safety lock, interior lighting, express cooking controls (1-6 minutes), Add 30-Seconds button
Included: Microwave oven, turntable, user guide
Recommended Use: Residential

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is a compact 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave designed for apartment dwellers, office break rooms, and anyone seeking a reliable mid-size cooking appliance. With 1000 watts of power and smart sensor technology, this model delivers consistent results without requiring extensive programming knowledge.

The standout feature is the humidity sensor that automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food moisture content, eliminating overcooked or undercooked dishes. Users consistently report faster heating than comparable models, and the 10 customizable power levels plus 6 preset menus provide flexibility for everything from defrosting to reheating pizza. The large 12.4-inch turntable accommodates full-size dinner plates, making it practical for real-world kitchen use.

Build quality is solid with black stainless steel exterior that complements modern kitchens, and the large easy-grip door handle makes operation effortless. The touch control interface is intuitive, and the digital display clearly shows cooking time, countdown timer, and clock function. Many customers report this microwave lasting 5 or more years with daily use, indicating excellent durability for the price point.

The main drawback is operational noise during cooking, though this is standard for microwaves at this power level. The 1000W output is slightly lower than some premium models, requiring minor power adjustments for recipes designed for 1100W+ units. The compact 1.2 cubic foot capacity means very large items won't fit, though this is the intended trade-off for space efficiency.

Overall, this is an excellent value microwave that delivers on performance, reliability, and ease of use. It's particularly well-suited for small living spaces, offices, and anyone prioritizing dependable everyday functionality over premium features. The #1 bestseller status and high customer satisfaction rate confirm its standing as a smart, practical choice.

Power and Performance: 1000 watts microwave output, 1600 watts input power, 60 Hz frequency. Heats food using electromagnetic radiation with 10 adjustable power levels.

Capacity and Dimensions: 1.2 cubic feet interior capacity with 12.4-inch removable glass turntable. External dimensions are 20.6 inches wide x 14.6 inches deep x 11.8 inches high. Weighs 34.6 pounds.

Controls and Features: Touch keypad interface with digital display showing clock, countdown timer, and cooking time. Includes humidity sensor, 10 cooking programs, 6 preset menus, easy defrost by weight or time, one-touch start for 1-6 minutes at full power, ECO+Mute mode, and option to program 3 favorite time/power combinations.

Materials and Installation: Black stainless steel exterior with stainless steel interior. Countertop installation model. Includes glass turntable, roller ring, instruction manual, and 1-year limited warranty.

Who Should Buy This Microwave: This model is ideal for apartment residents, college students, office break rooms, and anyone with limited counter space who needs reliable everyday cooking. It's perfect if you want a dependable workhorse without complex features, and if you value proven durability over premium bells and whistles.

Consider Your Space: Before purchasing, measure your counter space. The footprint is approximately 20.6 inches wide by 14.6 inches deep. The turntable accommodates full-size dinner plates but not oversized serving platters. If you frequently cook for large groups or need to reheat multiple items simultaneously, you may need a larger model.

Power Level Considerations: At 1000 watts, this microwave handles all standard cooking tasks effectively. If you regularly use recipes designed for 1100W+ microwaves, you may need to increase cooking time slightly or adjust power levels. This is a minor adjustment that most users handle easily after one or two uses.

Long-Term Value: Multiple customers report 5+ years of daily use, making this an excellent value purchase. The straightforward design and durable construction suggest strong long-term reliability compared to models with more complex electronics. Budget for potential replacement around the 5-year mark as typical for microwave appliances.

The Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) is a full-featured countertop microwave designed for families and busy households that demand both capacity and smart cooking technology. With its 1.6 cubic-foot interior and 1200-watt power output, it handles everything from reheating leftovers to defrosting bulk items with equal proficiency. The black stainless-steel exterior adds contemporary style that works in virtually any kitchen aesthetic.

What sets this model apart is its smart sensor cooking system, which includes six pre-programmed auto-menus for common foods like pizza, potatoes, and vegetables. The 10 adjustable power levels give you granular control, while features like auto defrost, multi-stage cooking, and a memory function streamline repetitive tasks. The position-memory turntable is a practical innovation that returns to its starting position after each cycle, improving safety and convenience. Express cook buttons and a dedicated popcorn button add everyday usability.

The build quality is solid with a glass turntable, bright LED lighting, and an easy-to-grip door handle that feels durable. The LED digital display is clearly visible, and the touch control panel uses silver-grey buttons that contrast adequately with the black faceplate. An eco mode helps reduce energy consumption, and the child safety lock provides peace of mind in homes with young children.

The main drawback is the learning curve with the control panel, which requires consulting the manual to master all functions. Additionally, the unit operates with a noticeable hum and produces a fairly loud end-of-cycle beep, though you can mute the buzzer by long-pressing button 8. The microwave also demands ample ventilation space, so confirm your cabinet dimensions before purchasing.

Overall, this Toshiba microwave is a reliable, feature-rich choice for families seeking a spacious unit with smart cooking capabilities and proven durability. If you prioritize capacity, power, and convenience features over whisper-quiet operation, this model delivers excellent value and performance for everyday kitchen use.

Capacity and Dimensions: 1.6 cubic feet interior, 13.6-inch glass turntable, external dimensions 21.77 inches W x 17.91 inches D x 12.87 inches H, internal dimensions 15.51 inches W x 17.05 inches D x 10.24 inches H. Weight is 36.6 pounds.

Power and Performance: 1200-watt power output, 10 adjustable power levels, 60-hertz frequency, 120-volt operation. Features smart sensor cooking with 6 auto-menus, auto defrost, fast cooking, multi-stage cooking capability, and memory function for repeated recipes.

Controls and Interface: Touch control keypad with easy-to-read LED digital display, bright LED interior lighting, clock and kitchen timer functions, sound on/off capability, child safety lock, and eco mode for energy savings. Express cook buttons for 1-6 minute quick starts and dedicated popcorn button.

Design and Materials: Black stainless-steel exterior finish, glass turntable and interior, position-memory turntable technology. Includes 1-year limited warranty and comes with microwave unit, glass turntable, and instruction manual.

Who Should Buy This Microwave: Families needing a spacious, powerful microwave with smart cooking features, users upgrading from older carousel models, and anyone wanting a stylish black stainless-steel unit that fits modern kitchens. This model suits households that cook regularly and value convenience features like auto defrost and memory cooking.

Space Requirements: Measure your available cabinet or counter space carefully. External dimensions are 21.77 inches wide by 17.91 inches deep by 12.87 inches tall. The unit requires several inches of clearance on all sides for proper ventilation, so ensure adequate space around the unit for air circulation.

Setup Tips: Peel off the protective film covering the keypad before first use. Keep the original packaging and manual for warranty service or potential returns. Spend time reading the instruction manual to understand all features, particularly the control panel functions and sensor menu options. Long-press button 8 for 3-5 seconds if you want to mute the end-of-cycle buzzer.

Best For: Reheating and cooking for multiple people, defrosting larger food quantities, accommodating full-size pizzas and large dishes, energy-conscious users wanting eco mode, and anyone prioritizing reliability and feature-rich performance over silent operation.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact 0.7 cubic foot countertop microwave designed for busy households and small kitchens that need reliable, everyday cooking without taking up excessive counter space. This 700-watt unit works best for families, students, and anyone seeking a straightforward appliance for reheating, cooking, and defrosting common foods.

What sets this microwave apart is its remarkably quiet operation and sensor cooking technology that automatically adjusts cooking time and power levels for consistent results. The six pre-programmed buttons eliminate guesswork for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates. The 30-second express button provides quick time additions, while dual defrost options with time or weight settings handle frozen meats and casseroles safely and effectively.

The stainless steel exterior delivers a professional appearance that complements modern kitchens, and the removable 10-inch glass turntable cleans easily. The large LED display clearly shows cooking time and includes a clock function, while the push-button door release and interior light make it user-friendly. At just 21.6 pounds and measuring 17.3 by 13 by 10.2 inches, it fits comfortably on most countertops.

The main drawback is the child safety lock, which some owners find annoying to disable repeatedly and cannot be permanently turned off. Additionally, a small number of users have reported durability issues after extended use, though the one-year limited warranty provides protection. The limited preset options and lack of intuitive customization may frustrate power users seeking more control.

Overall, this BLACK+DECKER microwave excels as a dependable workhorse for standard cooking tasks. Its combination of quiet performance, sensor technology, compact design, and affordable price makes it an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing reliability and space efficiency over advanced features.

Capacity and Power: 0.7 cubic feet, 700 watts output, 1050 watts rated input power, 10 power level settings

Cooking Features: Sensor cooking technology, six pre-programmed buttons, 30-second express cooking, dual defrost modes (time and weight), 2.45 GHz frequency

Design and Controls: Touch button controls, large LED digital display with clock and countdown timer, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10-inch glass turntable, push-button door release

Dimensions and Weight: 17.3 inches wide by 13 inches deep by 10.2 inches high, 21.6 pounds

Electrical and Safety: 110 volts, electric heating method, UL approved, one-year limited warranty

Installation: Countertop installation only, recommended for residential use

Who Should Buy This Microwave: This model works best for apartment dwellers, small households, students, and anyone with limited counter space who needs dependable everyday cooking. It excels for reheating leftovers, cooking frozen meals, and preparing quick snacks.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere: If you require extensive customization, advanced cooking programs, or a larger capacity for family-size portions, consider stepping up to a higher-wattage model with more preset options. Power users who frequently adjust temperature and time settings may find the limited controls frustrating.

Key Considerations: Verify your kitchen has a standard 110-volt outlet near your desired placement. The child safety lock cannot be disabled permanently, so factor this into your decision if you have concerns about accessibility. The one-year warranty covers manufacturing defects but does not extend beyond that period.

Value Assessment: At this price point, you receive solid build quality, quiet operation, and reliable sensor technology that typically costs more in competing brands. The compact size makes it ideal for space-conscious kitchens without sacrificing essential cooking power.