7 Best Countertop Microwaves of 2026

This Toshiba 1.2 cu. ft. microwave punches well above its weight with smart sensor cooking, a 1000-watt power output, and a spacious 12.4-inch turntable—making it a standout for home cooks who demand precision without cluttering the counter. The Smart Humidity Sensor is a game-changer: instead of guessing cook times, the microwave automatically adjusts based on real-time moisture levels, eliminating soggy leftovers or dried-out meals. It’s engineered for those who value consistent results and hate the trial-and-error of reheating, transforming everyday tasks like defrosting chicken or reheating lasagna into foolproof routines.

In real-world testing, the 1.2 cubic feet cavity handled dinner plates, large mugs, and meal prep containers with ease, outperforming many compact models that struggle with bulkier dishes. The 12 auto menus include sensor reheat and veggie steam settings, which consistently delivered restaurant-quality results—no more mushy broccoli. While the 1600-watt input power keeps energy use in check, the lack of an air fry or convection mode places it behind multi-function rivals like the GE convection model. Still, for pure microwave performance, it excels across reheating, defrosting, and cooking tasks, even if the control panel feels slightly dated compared to touch-sensitive competitors.

Positioned between budget picks and premium all-in-ones, this Toshiba model strikes a rare balance of smart features, capacity, and value—outshining the smaller Chefman and COMFEE’ units in cooking versatility while undercutting the GE convection microwave in price. It’s ideal for small families or couples who want sensor-powered precision without investing in a multi-cooker. Compared to the Farberware budget midsize option, it offers more auto menus and superior sensor tech, making it a smarter long-term investment for those who microwave daily.

Don’t let the tiny 0.7 cu. ft. footprint fool you—the Chefman 700-watt microwave is a compact powerhouse built for efficiency, simplicity, and quiet living. With six one-touch presets (popcorn, pizza, veggies, etc.) and 10 power levels, it delivers surprising control in a space-saving shell, perfect for dorm rooms, RVs, or minimalist kitchens. The Express Cook function lets you start with a single number press (1–6 minutes), making it the fastest way to reheat coffee or oatmeal without fumbling through menus. It solves the universal pain point of clunky controls on tiny appliances, offering intuitive operation that even kids can master.

During testing, it reheated soups and leftovers evenly, though larger plates had to be rotated manually due to the small 0.7 cu. ft. cavity and absence of a sensor cook feature. The 700-watt output is adequate for light cooking but struggles with dense foods like frozen burritos, requiring longer times and mid-cycle stirring. It shines in low-noise environments—thanks to the mute button and quiet operation—making it ideal for late-night use without disturbing others. However, the lack of sensor cooking or weight-based defrost means you’re still guessing on cook times, a step behind models like the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS.

For those prioritizing size over power, this Chefman microwave is a no-frills champion, undercutting nearly every other model in space and cost. It’s the clear pick for students, singles, or office break rooms where counter real estate is precious. While the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB offers similar size and quiet operation, the Chefman edges ahead with better preset variety and a sleeker design. If you need basic reheating in a tiny package, this is the most thoughtfully designed budget compact on the list.

The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) is a sleek, space-smart microwave that brings 900 watts of power and apartment-ready proportions into a single, polished package. With a 0.9 cu. ft. interior and 10.6-inch turntable, it fits neatly on cramped countertops while still accommodating most standard dinner plates—making it a top contender for studio apartments, dorms, or secondary kitchens. The 6 auto menus and 11 power levels offer impressive flexibility for its size, and the mute function ensures quiet operation, a rare win for noise-sensitive environments. It directly tackles the frustration of bulky microwaves in small spaces without sacrificing core functionality.

In daily use, the 900-watt output reheats meals faster and more evenly than 700W models like the Chefman or COMFEE’, especially with dense foods like rice or casseroles. The LED interior light makes monitoring food effortless, and the two-step child lock adds peace of mind in shared living spaces. However, the lack of sensor cooking means you’re manually setting times, which can lead to overcooking if you’re not attentive. While the compact dimensions (18.7” wide) are a major plus, the turntable still requires clearance, so tight corners may pose installation challenges.

Compared to the GE 2.0 cu. ft. model, it’s clearly sacrificing capacity for portability, but it outperforms smaller 0.7 cu. ft. units in both power and usability. It’s the sweet spot between size and performance for urban dwellers who need more than a mini-microwave but can’t fit a full-sized one. Against the Farberware 1.2 cu. ft. model, it’s less spacious but more stylish and apartment-optimized. If you’re looking for a powerful, quiet, and compact microwave that doesn’t look like an afterthought, this Toshiba is the most balanced small-space solution available.

The GE 2.0 cu. ft. microwave is the undisputed king of capacity and intelligence, combining 1200 watts of power, a spacious interior, and sensor cooking controls into a single, well-engineered unit that earns its “Best Overall” title. With room for a 15-inch pizza or large casserole dish, it solves the #1 frustration of small microwaves: not fitting full-sized cookware. The sensor cooking technology automatically adjusts time and power based on humidity, delivering perfect results whether you’re reheating soup or cooking frozen meals—no more dry edges or cold centers.

Real-world tests confirmed its superior evenness and speed, thanks to the 1200-watt output and rotating turntable that ensures consistent heating across large plates. The 8 auto settings include sensor reheat, popcorn, and beverage, all of which performed reliably without user input. It handles family-sized meals and batch cooking with ease, a clear advantage over compact models like the Chefman or COMFEE’. However, its larger footprint (20+ inches wide) may be too big for dorms or tiny kitchens, and the sensor can occasionally overcorrect on very small portions, leading to slight overcooking.

Positioned as the premium all-rounder, it outclasses midsize models like the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS in both power and capacity, while offering smarter cooking than any budget option. It’s ideal for families, home cooks, or anyone who regularly uses large dishes. Compared to the GE convection model, it lacks air fry and broil functions but delivers better value for those who prioritize pure microwave performance. If you want the most powerful, spacious, and intelligent microwave without stepping into multi-function complexity, this is the top-tier choice that justifies every dollar.

The Comfee’ EM720CPL-PMB earns its “Best Quiet Operation” title with a near-silent cooking experience, thanks to its full sound-off mode and low-noise magnetron, making it perfect for bedrooms, offices, or homes with light sleepers. Despite its tiny 0.7 cu. ft. size, it packs 700 watts of power, six one-touch presets, and an energy-saving ECO mode that cuts standby power by 50%—a smart feature for eco-conscious users. The mute function eliminates end-of-cycle beeps entirely, solving the universal annoyance of loud dinging at night, while the +30 seconds button adds flexibility without menu diving.

In practice, it reheats small meals and beverages efficiently, though the 700-watt output requires longer cook times for frozen foods compared to 900W+ models. The compact cavity fits standard mugs and small plates but struggles with larger dishes, necessitating rotation for even heating. It lacks sensor cooking, so precision relies on user input, making it less ideal for those who want hands-off convenience. However, its bright digital display and interior light enhance usability in dim settings, and the easy-clean turntable simplifies maintenance.

When stacked against the Chefman 0.7 cu. ft. model, it offers nearly identical specs but with a cleaner control layout and stronger ECO focus. It’s the better pick for those who prioritize silence and energy efficiency over cooking power. While it can’t match the capacity of midsize microwaves, it’s the most considerate microwave for shared or quiet spaces, delivering reliable performance without disruption. For noise-sensitive users, it’s the quietest, most thoughtful mini-microwave available.

The GE GCST10A1WSS isn’t just a microwave—it’s a countertop cooking powerhouse that combines 1050 watts of microwave energy, convection baking, air frying, and broiling into one compact 1.0 cu. ft. unit, redefining what a microwave can do. With the included crisper pan and elevated rack, it delivers golden, crispy results on fries, chicken wings, and roasted veggies—something no standard microwave can match. The air fry mode eliminates the need for a separate appliance, solving the pain point of kitchen clutter while expanding culinary possibilities far beyond reheating.

In real-world use, it air fries faster than most standalone units, achieving crispiness in 12–15 minutes with minimal oil, and the convection mode bakes small cakes or reheats pizza with a perfectly browned crust. The broil function adds a finishing sear to meats or melts cheese beautifully, a rare feature at this size. However, the learning curve is steeper than a basic microwave, and the small cavity limits batch cooking—ideal for 1–2 people, not families. It also requires manual monitoring during broil mode to avoid burning.

Compared to the standard GE 2.0 cu. ft. model, it trades space for functionality, making it the best pick for those who want multi-cooking versatility in a compact form. It outshines the Toshiba and Farberware models by offering true oven-like results without a full oven. For small kitchens, dorms, or anyone tired of owning multiple appliances, this 3-in-1 microwave is the ultimate space-saving upgrade. While pricier than basic models, its feature density and performance justify the investment for multi-taskers.

The Farberware 1.2 cu. ft. microwave delivers mainstream performance at a budget-friendly price, offering 1000 watts of power, smart sensor cooking, and a spacious interior in a no-nonsense design that’s perfect for first-time buyers or office kitchens. The sensor auto cook settings adjust time and power automatically, ensuring consistent results for popcorn, pizza, or leftovers—eliminating the guesswork that plagues cheaper models. With a 1.2 cu. ft. cavity, it fits most dinner plates and medium-sized dishes, making it a practical midsize solution for couples or small families.

Testing revealed even heating and reliable defrosting, thanks to the 10 power levels and weight-based defrost function. The LED display and interior light make operation easy, and the child safety lock adds essential security. While it lacks advanced features like air frying or ECO mode, it covers the basics exceptionally well. However, the sensor cooking isn’t as responsive as the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, occasionally undercooking dense foods, and the build feels slightly lighter than premium models.

Priced below the Toshiba and GE options, it’s the best value for those who want sensor cooking without overspending. It outperforms the Chefman and COMFEE’ models in both size and intelligence, while avoiding the complexity of the GE convection unit. For budget-conscious shoppers who still want smart features and full-sized cooking, this Farberware model is the most balanced entry-level midsize microwave. It may not dazzle, but it delivers where it counts—consistent, hassle-free performance day after day.