The 5 Best Countertop Microwaves, According to Our Lab Tests
This do-it-all appliance can heat a meal, pop popcorn, and defrost food—all in record time.
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After testing more than 16 countertop microwaves over nearly five years in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, I've found the models that deliver the best combination of performance, ease of use, and value. Whether you want a traditional microwave for reheating leftovers and defrosting proteins, or a versatile model that can also air fry and bake, there's a pick for you.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best value: Hamilton Beach 1.1 Cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best compact: Black + Decker Digital Countertop Microwave
- Best microwave air fryer combo: Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo
To find the best countertop microwaves, I evaluated how quickly and evenly each model heated food, testing everything from popcorn and casseroles to baked potatoes and frozen ground beef. If you're looking to make the most of your countertop real estate, our top-tested model is the Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, which only takes up 1 cubic foot of space yet offers plenty of power and versatility.
Best Deal
Pros
- Has a feature that utilizes sensors to adjust power and cooking time
- Reheated a large casserole better than any other model tested
- Seven settings in one appliance
Cons
- Presets listed on inside of microwave, instead of on control panel
This Toshiba microwave strikes the perfect balance between compact size and impressive power. Though smaller than many of the other 1,000-watt models I've tested, it easily fits a standard dinner plate and packs in more features than you might expect. It’s got all the basics and then some, including food presets and the ever-handy plus-30-seconds button.
Where this microwave truly shines is its versatility with seven cooking modes—microwave, air fry, convection, broil, defrost, sensor cook, and “combi” cook, which combines microwave and convection cooking.
This model is built with inverter technology, which continuously distributes energy for more efficient and even cooking, no matter what power level you are microwaving on. And the "sensor cook" feature utilizes built-in humidity sensors to adjust power and cooking time based on the contents.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: During testing, this microwave stood out for its incredibly even heat distribution. It melted cheese to perfection, cooked four baked potatoes nicely, and reheated a large mac and cheese casserole more evenly than the other models we tested.
I appreciate that you can mute those annoying beeps at the end of a cooking cycle, and I'm a big fan of the easy-to-open handle for opening the door—no more awkward button pushing.
TAKE NOTE: Just a heads up: The preset codes aren’t displayed on the control panel, but are listed inside the microwave, so you'll need to open the door to check them.
| Dimensions | 20.6" x 16.3" x 11.8" |
| Wattage | 1,000 watts |
| Size | 1 cubic foot |
| Type | Inverter microwave air fryer combo |
| Power levels | 10 |
Pros
- The popcorn preset worked incredibly well on this model
- Powerful output for a small price tag
- Easy-to-navigate control panel and sleek handle.
Cons
- Didn't reheat leftovers as well as competitors
Looking for a high performing microwave that won’t break the bank? This Hamilton Beach microwave delivers excellent performance for around $100. With a 1,000-watt output, it houses the kind of wattage usually reserved for much pricier models.
You get all the must-haves: a plus-30-second button, six cooking presets, and one-touch express buttons for quick, no-fuss heating from one to six minutes. I also love the easy-to-navigate control panel and sleek handle.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: When I tested it in our Lab, I was seriously impressed with its popcorn preset. It popped nearly all the kernels, leaving only 1 ounce of the 3.2-ounce bag unpopped—better than some of the more expensive microwaves I tried.
TAKE NOTE: This microwave was somewhat inconsistent when reheating a dinner plate of leftovers. After six minutes on high, one meatloaf reached 186°F, while another reached 153°F. The mashed potatoes were at 149°F, but the gravy was at 143°F. This means it's essential to stop and stir often when reheating food, but for such an affordable price, this little microwave is a great value.
| Dimensions | 20.6" x 16.5" x 11.8" |
| Wattage | 1,000 watts |
| Size | 1.1 cubic feet |
| Type | Traditional microwave |
| Power levels | 10 |
Pros
- Small footprint
- Sleek and stylish
- Lets you save three custom cooking presets
Cons
- Lower wattage means slightly longer cook times
If you’re tight on counter space, live in a dorm room, or need a work microwave for reheating leftovers and making quick snacks, I recommend this sleek and stylish Black + Decker.
It features a 10-inch turntable that is perfect for a small dinner plate or a low-profile mug—just don’t try to fit anything too big in there. The inside is about 12" x 13" by 8", so plan accordingly.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: While this specific model hasn’t been tested in our Lab, similar Black + Decker microwaves have performed well in past Kitchen Lab evaluations, and we assessed this model based on its features, specs, and brand track record. What’s cool about this model is that it not only has presets for microwave staples like popcorn, potatoes, and frozen veggies, but you can also program up to three functions you use the most.
TAKE NOTE: At 900 watts, it may have slightly lower wattage than some, but it’ll still handle most tasks just fine—maybe with an extra minute.
| Dimensions | 19.1" x 14.8" x 11.5" |
| Wattage | 900 watts |
| Size | 0.9 cubic feet |
| Type | Traditional microwave |
| Power levels | 10 |
Pros
- Inverter technology helps heat food more evenly
- 20+ different cooking presets
- Convenient app compatibility
Cons
- Multiple accessories require storing
The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo is better than ever. This newer model of a previously tested model still combines microwave, broiler, convection oven, and air fryer functions in one sleek appliance, but the new compatible app takes all the guesswork out of cooking. Select presets like popcorn, and the microwave will automatically run the correct program. The app not only tells you which inserts to use but also comes loaded with recipes developed specifically for this oven.
This model features Panasonic's Inverter Technology, which uses a continuous stream of power to heat foods thoroughly. The microwave also offers 20 presets—all of which are at your fingertips in the compatible smartphone app.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: The convection oven baked a 9-inch yellow cake, and the chicken wings were impressively crispy with the air-fry function. And now you can take your cooking to new heights with the brand's Magic Pot, a three-piece cookware set designed for this microwave. The crispy pot, steam tray, and stainless steel lid let you pan-sear proteins, simmer soups, steam veggies, and even revive leftover pizza. I also tried the brand’s huevos rancheros recipe, and it produced perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs, crispy tortillas, and a salsa made from veggies charred in the pot.
TAKE NOTE: It comes with a glass tray, an enamel tray, a grill rack, and an air fry basket, all of which fit inside the microwave when not in use. However, when the microwave is in use, many of the pieces need an alternative storage solution, especially if you don't want them lying on your kitchen counter.
RELATED: Best Microwave Air Fryer Combos
| Dimensions | 22.5" x 26.6" x 19" |
| Wattage | 1,000 watts |
| Size | 1.2 cubic feet |
| Type | Inverter microwave air fryer combo |
| Power levels | 10 |
Pros
- Great price for the mix of features and performance
- All presets are listed on the control panel
- Excellent heat distribution
Cons
- Door can be harder to open for some
This model was one of the easiest microwaves to operate in my Lab testing and costs less than other microwaves of similar performance, making it a great value for everything that it offers.
One of my favorite features? While most microwaves require the turntable to be in exact alignment on the rotating ring underneath to function, this one will spin regardless of its placement (seriously, a game changer in design). And instead of searching for preset codes, all presets are listed on the front of the microwave for superior ease of use.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: This model cooked up perfectly tender baked potatoes and excelled at heat distribution tests, melting cheese evenly, and defrosting meat better than the majority of its competitors. Air-fried chicken wings also came out very moist and juicy.
TAKE NOTE: Without a door handle, you do have to press firmly to open the microwave.
| Dimensions | 16.6" x 20.6" x 11.88" |
| Wattage | 1,050 watts |
| Size | 1.0 cubic feet |
| Type | Traditional microwave air fryer combo |
| Power levels | 10 |
Other countertop microwaves we recommend
- Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave: The easy-open handle, intuitive controls, and easy-to-clean interior make this microwave simple to use, however its cooking performance was inconsistent compared with the top models we tested.
- KitchenAid Countertop Microwave: The large capacity, oversized turntable, and sleek design are standout features, but it struggled to heat food evenly in our tests.
- LG Inverter Technology Countertop Microwave: The large capacity and oversized turntable are ideal for family-size meals, and while it handled popcorn and baked potatoes well, its overall cooking performance fell short of the best models we tested.
- Ninja Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer: We're currently testing Ninja's first countertop microwave and are eager to see how it compares with the top-performing models in our Lab.
How we test countertop microwaves
The analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab analyze and test small appliances regularly. In our most recent evaluations in the Kitchen Lab, we tested 16 new countertop models, collecting more than 500 data points across tests calculating performance, speed, and ease of use. To select our top picks, we went through over 124 slices of bread, 48 potatoes, and 18 pounds of mac and cheese.
To identify the best models, we evaluated each microwave through the following tests:
✔️ Heat distribution: We test how evenly the microwave melts cheese on bread (pictured) to assess how uniformly a microwave melts and distributes heat in case there are any hot spots.
✔️ Speed, power, and consistency: We "bake" four potatoes (pictured), a tricky food to cook through evenly.
✔️ Reheating:
- We heat a large, cold mac and cheese casserole and measure its temperature at 10 different sections to check for signs of uneven cooking, such as dried-out areas, burnt bits, and cold spots.
- We also reheat a dinner plate of cold meatloaf and sides, then measure the temperature of each food item (pictured).
✔️ Presets: If the microwave has presets, such as a popcorn setting, we'll test its performance by popping a batch of popcorn, weighing the remaining unpopped kernels, and measuring the number of burned kernels (pictured).
✔️ Defrost: We use a pound of ground beef (in two shapes) to test the defrost preset.
✔️ Ease of use: We consider how user-friendly it is to use the control panel, adjust the turntable, operate the door, and clean the microwave.
✔️ Special functions: Lastly, if a microwave also functions as a toaster oven, convection oven, or air fryer, we test those features by toasting bread, baking a cake, and air-frying chicken wings (pictured).
What to look for when shopping for the best countertop microwave
When buying a countertop microwave, the main factor to look for is a model that fits your counter space, but you'll also want to consider these factors:
✔️ Capacity: Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet, which tells you how much space is inside the appliance. Most microwaves fall between 0.8 and 2.2 cubic feet, with 1.2 cubic feet being the sweet spot. If you're eyeing our favorite compact model, don't expect to squeeze in your 11-inch dinner plate! Measure your favorite plates or bowls to ensure the microwave fits them.
✔️ Wattage: Think of wattage as the microwave’s muscle. For small tasks like reheating leftovers, defrosting vegetables, or popping popcorn, 700 to 900 watts should suffice. But if you plan to cook larger portions or follow instructions on frozen meals (which often recommend 1,100 watts), you’ll want at least 1,000 watts of power. Lower wattage means longer cook times, so factor that in.
✔️ Power delivery: Microwaves either use inverter technology for continuous power or a traditional on/off method that cycles power levels.
- Inverter: These sophisticated devices maintain steady power, so if you set it to 50% power, it'll cook continuously at 50% power. Inverter technology helps cook food more efficiently and evenly, but it tends to be pricier.
- Traditional: More budget-friendly but less energy-efficient, these microwaves don’t maintain a steady power level. Instead, they cycle on and off to simulate lower settings, which can lead to hot and cold spots. Still, they’re a solid choice if you’re looking for something affordable and straightforward.
✔️ Features: These bells and whistles can make your microwave experience a lot more convenient:
- Smart sensor: This adjusts time and power automatically by detecting your food’s moisture level, so you won't have to guess or stop the microwave to check.
- Turntable: Essential for even heating. Opt for a removable one—they’re way easier to clean.
- Plus-30-seconds button: You may think it's minor, but trust us, this button is a game-changer. One quick press to get your food cooking, no extra steps required.
- Presets: Standard ones are available for defrosting, reheating, and popcorn. If you need a potato or beverage setting, check if it's included; avoid overpaying for extras you won't use.
- Additional functions: Microwaves aren't just microwaves anymore. Some combo models also include air fryer and/or convection oven functionality.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Eva Bleyer has professionally tested all kinds of kitchen equipment, from oven ranges and juicers to kitchen scales and blenders. She has tested nearly 20 microwave models in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab. After testing microwaves for the last four+ years, she has incorporated microwaves more frequently in her daily life, Bleyer especially loves the convenience of quickly melting butter or making a personal mug cake in a microwave.
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