7 Best Countertop Microwave
The best best countertop microwave is the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, offering a spacious 1.2 cubic feet capacity and 1000 watts of power, making it a fantastic all-around choice for busy households and families. If you're looking for something more compact with a strong feature set, the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S stands out for its inverter technology and smart sensor.
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This guide will walk you through the top contenders, highlighting their unique strengths and any potential drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision. We'll also cover who might want to look elsewhere entirely, like those who'd be better off with a built-in model or a more specialized appliance.
Our recommendations are based on current Amazon product data, manufacturer specifications, and aggregated owner feedback, not on any hands-on testing by our editorial team.
Quick Answer: The Best Countertop Microwave
The TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven is the top pick, offering the best balance of capacity, power, and features for most kitchens.
- TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076VB5JFQ?tag=arianreview-20) (Best Overall for Families): Spacious interior, powerful cooking, and convenient presets.
- BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HGH1KG6?tag=arianreview-20) (Best Budget Compact): An affordable option for small spaces needing basic functionality.
- Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DEWZUG4?tag=arianreview-20) (Best for Even Cooking): Features inverter technology for consistent results and a smart sensor.
- LG Countertop Microwave 0.9 cu ft (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWJMQV3V?tag=arianreview-20) (Best for Smart Features): Offers advanced smart inverter technology and sleek design.
- TOSHIBA Microwave Oven Smart Sensor (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081T6GZZF?tag=arianreview-20) (Best for Sensor Cooking): Ideal for effortless cooking with automatic adjustments.
- BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HG9YGZY?tag=arianreview-20) (Best for Simple Operation): Straightforward to use with essential cooking functions.
- TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven Smart (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PK7WZC1?tag=arianreview-20) (Best for Large Capacity): Perfect for households that need to heat family-sized meals.
Thinking about built-in models or perhaps a convection oven instead? Jump to Who Should NOT Buy below before you spend anything.
Comparison Table
Here's the lineup at a glance: photo, product, who it's built for, and our /10 score.
| Photo | Product | Best for | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven | Families and busy households | 8.6/10 | Check price → |
 | BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven | Small kitchens and dorms | 7.4/10 | Check price → |
 | Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel | Even heating and precise control | 8.3/10 | Check price → |
 | LG Countertop Microwave 0.9 cu ft | Smart tech and modern kitchens | 8.2/10 | Check price → |
 | TOSHIBA Microwave Oven Smart Sensor | Effortless cooking with sensors | 8.0/10 | Check price → |
 | BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven | Basic needs, easy to use | 8.0/10 | Check price → |
 | TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven Smart | Larger meals and family gatherings | 7.9/10 | Check price → |
Scroll sideways on small screens to see every column.
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven: Best Overall for Families and Classrooms
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven: Best Budget Compact
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel: Best for Even Cooking
LG Countertop Microwave 0.9 cu ft: Best for Smart Tech
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven Smart Sensor: Best for Sensor Cooking
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for Simple Operation
TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven Smart: Best for Large Capacity
Buying Guide: Power, Capacity, Features, and Value
When picking out the best countertop microwave, there are a few key things to consider that'll make a big difference in your daily use. It's not just about hitting a button; it's about finding a model that fits your lifestyle and kitchen setup.
Power and Cooking Speed
Microwave wattage is a pretty straightforward indicator of how quickly your food will heat up. Most countertop microwaves fall into the 700W to 1200W range. A higher wattage, like the 1200W found in the Panasonic NN-SN686S and the larger TOSHIBA models, generally means faster cooking times.
If you're constantly in a rush or heating up larger portions, aiming for 900W or higher is a good idea. Lower wattage models, like the 700W BLACK+DECKER, will still cook food but might take a bit longer, which can be fine if you're not usually pressed for time.
Capacity and Size
The interior capacity, measured in cubic feet, is crucial. This tells you how much food or how large of a dish you can fit inside. For individuals or couples, a compact 0.7 to 0.9 cubic foot model like the BLACK+DECKER or LG might be perfectly adequate.
However, for families or those who like to cook in larger batches, a 1.2 cubic foot model like the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven or the Panasonic NN-SN686S is a better bet. If you need maximum space, the 2.2 cubic foot TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven offers the most room. Always measure your counter space before buying to ensure a good fit.
Key Features to Look For
Beyond basic heating, microwaves offer a range of features. Smart sensor cooking, found on some TOSHIBA models, automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food's steam, taking the guesswork out of reheating or cooking. Inverter technology, as seen in the Panasonic and LG microwaves, provides a continuous stream of power for more even cooking and defrosting, preventing hot spots. Preset cooking options for common foods like popcorn, beverages, or baked potatoes are handy for quick adjustments. Some models also offer features like turntable on/off options, child lock, or specialized defrost settings.
Value and Durability
When considering value, think about how long you expect the microwave to last and how well it performs for its price. Higher-end models with features like inverter technology or advanced sensor cooking often come with a higher price tag, but they can offer superior performance and convenience. Cheaper models, while saving money upfront, might have lower wattage, smaller capacity, or less robust build quality.
We found that the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven offers a great balance of capacity, power, and features for its price, making it a strong contender for overall value. If you're looking at simpler needs, the BLACK+DECKER options provide budget-friendly alternatives.
To see how these factors play out on real picks, compare the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven and the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel reviewed above.
Who Should NOT Buy Best Countertop Microwave
While countertop microwaves are incredibly versatile, they aren't the perfect solution for everyone. This category might not be the best fit if you have specific needs that a different type of appliance can address better.
You Need to Integrate Your Appliance Seamlessly
If you have a custom kitchen design or prefer a clean, built-in look without an appliance taking up prime counter real estate, a countertop microwave isn't for you. In this scenario, a built-in microwave model designed to fit into cabinetry or a wall unit would be a much better choice. These are specifically designed to be installed flush with your kitchen cabinets, offering a sleeker aesthetic.
You Need More Than Just Microwaving Capabilities
Countertop microwaves are primarily for heating and reheating. If you're looking for an appliance that can also bake, broil, or roast, you should consider a convection microwave. These combine microwave functionality with the ability to cook like a traditional oven, offering much more versatility for meal preparation.
Some higher-end models even offer air frying capabilities.
You Have Very Limited Counter Space or Extreme Budget Constraints
While some compact microwaves exist, if your counter space is exceptionally limited, even a small microwave might be too much. In such cases, or if your budget is extremely tight and you only need basic heating, you might explore microwave drawers (though these are generally pricier and require installation) or even consider if other appliances you already own, like a toaster oven, could cover your minimal heating needs.
Final Verdict
For the best all-around countertop microwave experience, the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven stands out. Its generous 1.2 cubic foot capacity and robust 1000-watt power output make it a workhorse capable of handling most kitchen tasks for families and busy households.
If even heating is your top priority, the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel is a fantastic choice, thanks to its advanced inverter technology and precise sensor cooking. Need something for a tighter space? The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven offers a compact and budget-friendly solution for basic needs.
Ultimately, the best microwave for you depends on your specific needs and kitchen setup. If you're unsure about the size or features, revisit the "Who Should NOT Buy" section to ensure a countertop model is indeed the right direction for your kitchen.
FAQ
What's the best Countertop Microwave overall?
The TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven is generally considered the best overall for its balance of capacity, power, and features, making it suitable for most households.
What size microwave do I need?
Consider how much you typically heat. For singles, 0.7-0.9 cu. ft. is often enough. For families or larger meals, aim for 1.2 cu. ft. or more.
Is a higher wattage always better?
Higher wattage (like 1000W or 1200W) generally means faster cooking. However, lower wattage microwaves (like 700W) can still be effective, just slower, and might offer more delicate heating control.
What's the difference between sensor cooking and inverter technology?
Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power based on detected steam. Inverter technology delivers continuous power for more consistent heating, preventing hot and cold spots.
Are countertop microwaves easy to clean?
Most countertop microwaves have stainless steel or enamel interiors that are relatively easy to wipe down. Removable glass turntables also make cleaning much simpler. Regular cleaning will keep your microwave in good condition.
