8 Best Countertop Microwaves of 2026

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS delivers a precision-focused cooking experience that transforms everyday reheating into a seamless ritual. With its Smart Sensor Technology, this microwave automatically adjusts power and time based on real-time humidity detection, eliminating the guesswork behind perfectly warmed leftovers or evenly cooked frozen meals. Backed by 1000W of output power and a spacious 1.2 cu ft cavity, it strikes an ideal balance between countertop footprint and usable interior—perfect for singles or small families seeking smarter, faster results without bulk.

In real-world use, the 12 auto menus shine when handling common tasks like reheating pizza or steaming veggies, consistently delivering restaurant-quality texture without drying out food. The 12.4-inch removable turntable ensures even rotation, while the ECO mode reduces standby energy consumption—a subtle but meaningful touch for eco-conscious users. However, the sensor can occasionally overcorrect with moist foods like soups, leading to slight underheating. Still, the mute function and easy-clean interior make this microwave a quiet, low-maintenance addition to busy kitchens.

Compared to the larger-capacity GE GCST10A1WSS, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS trades convection versatility for smarter, sensor-driven simplicity. It’s best suited for users who prioritize intelligent cooking automation over multi-functionality. While it lacks air frying or broiling, its daily usability and consistent performance make it a stronger value than pricier all-in-one models for those who mainly reheat, defrost, or cook simple dishes.

The GE 2.0 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave commands attention with its expansive 2.0 cubic foot cavity—a game-changer for families or anyone regularly heating large dishes. Packing 1200 watts of power and a rotating glass turntable, it handles oversized plates and casseroles with ease, solving the common pain point of cramped interiors in standard microwaves. Its sensor cooking controls intelligently adjust time and power, making overcooked lasagna or cold centers a thing of the past, while the two-step child lock adds peace of mind in homes with curious kids.

During testing, the microwave proved exceptionally reliable when reheating dense or layered meals, thanks to its uniform heat distribution and generous interior dimensions. The weight and time defrost options allow precise control, thawing a pound of chicken in under 5 minutes without edge-cooking. However, the control panel can feel sluggish with repeated use, and the exterior stainless steel shows fingerprints easily. Despite its size, it doesn’t dominate counters thanks to a surprisingly compact depth profile.

Against the TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS), the GE model offers more interior space but lacks inverter technology, meaning less precise low-power cooking. It’s ideal for users who need to heat large portions quickly and value family-friendly capacity over advanced cooking finesse. While heavier on features than compact models, it delivers stronger performance per dollar for those prioritizing size and power over gourmet versatility.

The TOSHIBA MM-EM07PA(BK) is a masterclass in compact efficiency, delivering full functionality in a footprint small enough for dorms, RVs, or minimalist kitchens. Despite its 0.7 cu ft size, it packs 700 watts of power and an impressive 11 power levels, offering surprising culinary control for a microwave this petite. The standout ChefDefrost feature uses advanced algorithms to thaw food up to 40% faster than standard defrost settings, preserving texture and moisture—ideal for busy professionals who rely on frozen meals.

In everyday use, the 9.6-inch turntable handles most mugs and small plates, though larger bowls may overhang slightly. The 6 auto menus—including popcorn, pizza, and potato—deliver consistent results, and the mute mode is a quiet luxury in shared spaces. However, the lower wattage means longer cook times for dense foods, and the small cavity limits family use. Still, its ECO mode and one-touch start enhance usability, making it a top pick for solo users or secondary kitchens.

When stacked against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, both share similar size and wattage, but the TOSHIBA model pulls ahead with faster defrosting and finer power control. It’s perfect for students, bachelors, or office break rooms where space is tight but performance matters. While not built for large meals, its smart design and speed make it a stronger daily driver than most budget micros.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) earns its title as Best Overall with a rare blend of inverter technology, smart sensors, and high power in one polished package. Its 1250W output and 1.6 cu ft capacity handle everything from reheating soups to cooking full family meals, while the Origin Inverter Technology ensures even heating—no more cold spots or uneven defrosting. The smart sensor auto menus adapt cooking cycles based on moisture levels, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal input, making it a godsend for users tired of trial-and-error reheating.

Real-world testing revealed exceptional performance across multiple scenarios: it crisply reheated pizza without sogginess, gently defrosted ground beef in under 4 minutes, and cooked a full bowl of oatmeal evenly in 2 minutes. The 13.6-inch removable turntable accommodates large dishes, and the position memory feature (shared with its sibling model) returns the turntable to its starting point for safer handling. However, the exterior finish is prone to smudges, and the control panel’s protective film must be removed before first use—a small but easy-to-miss step.

Compared to the Chefman B0C6NHVT5F, this Toshiba offers inverter precision and larger capacity, justifying its higher cost for serious users. It strikes the ideal balance between the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS’s smarts and the GE’s size, making it the most well-rounded option. For those who want premium performance without sacrificing intelligence, this model delivers superior consistency and versatility in a single unit.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM proves that budget-friendly doesn’t mean basic, offering essential smart features in a sleek, no-frills design. With 700W power and 0.7 cu ft capacity, it’s tailored for individuals or couples who need reliable performance without overspending. The one-touch express buttons—including popcorn, pizza, and reheat—deliver fast, consistent results, while the mute function silences end-of-cycle beeps with a simple 3-second press, a rare comfort at this price. Its ECO mode cuts standby power by 50%, appealing to energy-conscious buyers.

In practice, the microwave handles daily tasks efficiently, reheating coffee or frozen dinners in under 2 minutes. The +30 seconds button is a small but powerful convenience, letting users extend cooking time without reprogramming. However, the lack of power level customization limits advanced cooking, and the interior light is dim, making it hard to monitor food. Still, the two-step child lock adds safety, and the pearl white finish resists fingerprints better than stainless alternatives.

Against the TOSHIBA MM-EM07PA(BK), the COMFEE’ model matches size and wattage but falls short on defrost speed and menu variety. It’s best for students, renters, or second homes where affordability and simplicity trump gourmet features. While not as powerful as premium models, its straightforward operation and quiet cooking make it the smartest entry-level choice for no-nonsense users.

The Chefman B0C6NHVT5F stands out as Best Value by packing premium features into a mid-tier price point, delivering 1000W of power and 1.1 cu ft capacity in a sleek stainless steel shell. Its memory function lets users save frequent settings—perfect for morning oatmeal or nightly leftovers—while the multiphase cooking allows back-to-back power and time programming, a rarity in this class. The +30 second quick start is a game-changer for last-minute heating, and the eco mode dims the display when idle, reducing energy waste.

In testing, the microwave excelled at reheating and defrosting, with the 10 power levels offering fine control for delicate tasks like melting chocolate or simmering sauces. The 6 auto menus—popcorn, pizza, veggies—delivered accurate results, and the mute option ensured quiet operation in apartments or shared spaces. However, the turntable isn’t removable, making cleaning more difficult, and the interior coating shows scratches over time. Still, its modern design and UL certification speak to durability and safety.

Compared to the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, the Chefman offers memory and multiphase cooking at a lower cost, though it lacks smart humidity sensing. It’s ideal for young professionals or small households wanting feature-rich performance without overspending. For those who cook frequently but don’t need convection, it offers better functionality per dollar than both budget and high-end models.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is a high-power powerhouse built for users who demand speed and precision in a spacious 1.6 cu ft cavity. With 1200W output and 10 power levels, it zips through cooking and reheating tasks, making it ideal for families or meal-prep enthusiasts. The smart sensor menus automatically optimize heating for pizza, veggies, and more, preserving texture and moisture—no more rubbery leftovers. Its position memory turntable resets to the same spot after each use, improving safety and convenience when removing hot dishes.

In real-world use, the microwave handled large plates and deep containers with ease, thanks to the 13.6-inch turntable and deep interior. The multi-stage cooking function allowed seamless transitions between defrost and cook modes, while the stylish black stainless finish resists fingerprints better than standard steel. However, the sensor can be overly sensitive with frozen foods, sometimes shortening cook time too aggressively. Still, the clock, timer, and child lock round out a highly functional package.

When compared to the ML-EM45PIT(BS), this model shares the same size and turntable but swaps inverter tech for higher wattage—making it faster but less even at low power. It’s best for users who prioritize raw speed and family-sized capacity over ultra-precise simmering. For those who cook often and need quick, powerful results, it offers stronger performance than mid-range rivals without the complexity of convection models.

The GE GCST10A1WSS redefines versatility with its triple-threat cooking system: microwave, air fry, and convection, all in a compact 1.0 cu ft footprint. With 1050W power and a built-in crisper pan, it delivers crispy fries, golden chicken wings, and evenly baked muffins—eliminating the need for a separate air fryer. The convection mode circulates hot air for browning, while the broil function adds a sear to steaks or melts cheese perfectly, making it a kitchen Swiss Army knife for small spaces.

In testing, the air fry mode produced restaurant-quality results in half the time of a traditional oven, and the preset controls for fries and nuggets removed guesswork. The glass turntable ensures even cooking, and the two-step child lock adds safety. However, the small cavity limits batch cooking, and the crisper pan takes up significant space, reducing usable height. Still, its compact stainless steel design fits neatly on cramped counters, ideal for dorms or studio apartments.

Against the TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS), the GE model trades inverter precision for multi-function cooking, making it better for gourmet experimentation. It’s perfect for singles or couples who want oven-like results without the bulk. While less powerful than full-sized microwaves, its cooking diversity and space-saving design make it the most innovative option for modern kitchens.