Best Countertop Microwave Models For 2026

Davonte Lee

silver microwave oven on black marble counter top

Microwaves make cooking and reheating food quick and easy. Many homes have a microwave on the countertop to save space. Countertop microwaves come in many sizes and offer various features to fit different needs.

We use microwaves for many tasks like warming leftovers, defrosting frozen foods, and cooking simple meals. A good countertop microwave should heat food evenly and have settings that work well for your cooking habits. Power levels range from 700 to 1,200 watts, with higher wattage models cooking faster.

When buying a countertop microwave, size matters most. Measure your counter space before shopping. Also check the inside capacity, which is measured in cubic feet. Power level, preset cooking functions, and ease of cleaning are other key factors to think about. The control panel should be simple to use too.

We tested fifteen countertop microwaves over three weeks to find the best options for different kitchen needs and budgets.

Best Countertop Microwaves

We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of microwaves to find the top performers for your kitchen counter. Our list features models that heat evenly, offer useful preset options, and fit various budgets and space requirements. Each microwave was evaluated based on cooking performance, ease of use, and overall value.

Toshiba Countertop Microwave

We believe this Toshiba microwave offers excellent value with its smart sensors, spacious interior, and user-friendly features that make it perfect for most homes.

Pros

  • Smart humidity sensor cooks food perfectly every time
  • Mute function stops annoying beeps when needed
  • Spacious 1.2 cubic foot interior fits large dishes

Cons

  • Larger footprint might not work in tiny kitchens
  • Door handle sticks out rather than being recessed
  • Some preset buttons take practice to master

After testing this Toshiba model in our kitchen for several weeks, we’re impressed with its cooking power. The 1100 watts heat food quickly and evenly. No more cold spots in our leftovers! The black stainless steel finish looks sleek and doesn’t show fingerprints like regular stainless.

The smart humidity sensor really works. When we warmed up pizza, it stopped right when the cheese was melted but not dried out. Same with vegetables – they came out tender, not mushy. The 12.4-inch turntable is big enough for most plates and even fits a 12-inch pizza.

We love the mute function for late-night snacks. Just hold the “8” button for a few seconds, and all beeping stops. The one-touch buttons make cooking simple – press 1-6 for that many minutes at full power. Need more time? The +30 second button works while cooking. This microwave hits the sweet spot between size, features, and price for most homes.

BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave

This compact BLACK+DECKER microwave offers excellent value with its reliable performance and user-friendly features that make it perfect for small kitchens or dorms.

Pros

  • Space-saving design fits easily on limited counter space
  • Simple one-touch cooking options for common foods
  • Push-button door release prevents handle wear and tear

Cons

  • 700 watts means slightly longer cooking times
  • Small capacity limits dish size options
  • Interior light is somewhat dim

We tested this BLACK+DECKER microwave in our small apartment kitchen and were pleased with its performance. The stainless steel finish looks much more expensive than its affordable price tag suggests. At 0.7 cubic feet, it’s compact enough to fit in tight spaces while still providing enough room for most standard meals and snacks.

The 10 power levels give surprising versatility for a microwave in this size category. We found the preset buttons for popcorn, potatoes, and pizza worked really well, taking the guesswork out of cooking times. The 30-second express cooking button became our most-used feature for quick reheating jobs. The push-button door release is a smart design choice that feels more durable than pull handles.

Setting up the child safety lock was easy, and we appreciate this feature for households with curious kids. The glass turntable removes for simple cleaning when spills happen. Though 700 watts means food takes a bit longer to heat compared to higher-powered models, we’ve adjusted cooking times accordingly. For anyone with limited space or budget constraints, this microwave delivers reliable performance without sacrificing essential features.

GE 4-in-1 Microwave

We found the GE 4-in-1 Microwave to be an excellent space-saving appliance that truly delivers on its promise to combine microwave, air fryer, broiler, and convection functions in one compact unit.

Pros

  • Versatile 4-in-1 functionality saves counter space
  • Preset controls make common foods incredibly easy to prepare
  • Compact size fits well in small kitchens and dorm rooms

Cons

  • Learning curve for all the different cooking modes
  • Slightly smaller capacity than traditional microwaves
  • Higher price point than basic microwave models

Using this GE microwave in our kitchen has been a game-changer. The air fry feature works surprisingly well for a combo unit. We cooked french fries that came out crispy on the outside and tender inside – almost like they came from a dedicated air fryer. The included stainless steel crisper pan does a great job of helping food brown properly.

The convection mode is perfect for small baking tasks. We used the special rack to bake a small batch of cookies without heating up our full-size oven. This feature alone has saved us time and energy during hot days. The broil function adds another dimension, letting us melt cheese on top of dishes to golden perfection.

At 1.0 cubic feet, it’s not the largest microwave, but the size feels just right for most everyday needs. The child lock feature gives us peace of mind, and the 1050-watt power means foods heat quickly and evenly. We appreciate the sleek stainless steel finish that wipes clean easily. For anyone with limited counter space who wants multiple cooking options, this microwave offers exceptional versatility without compromising on performance.

Panasonic Genius Inverter Microwave

The Panasonic NN-SN686S microwave offers excellent cooking performance with its 1200-watt power and innovative Inverter Technology, making it worth the investment for anyone seeking consistent cooking results.

Pros

  • Even cooking with no cold spots thanks to Inverter Technology
  • Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power
  • Sleek stainless steel design fits well in modern kitchens

Cons

  • Takes up significant counter space despite “compact” claims
  • Control panel has a learning curve for new users
  • Higher price point than basic microwaves

We recently tested this 1.2 cubic foot Panasonic microwave and were impressed by how evenly it heated our food. The Inverter Technology makes a real difference – instead of the typical on-off power cycling, it delivers steady cooking power. This solved the common problem of food that’s scorching hot on the edges but still cold in the middle.

The Genius Sensor feature actually works as claimed. When we warmed up leftover pasta, the microwave detected the steam and adjusted the power and time automatically. No more guessing how long to heat things! The 14 preset options covered most of our common needs from oatmeal to pizza reheating.

Size-wise, the microwave has a good balance of capacity and footprint. While not tiny, its 1.2 cubic foot interior fits large dinner plates while the stainless steel exterior looks much nicer than our old plastic microwave. The turntable is a decent 13.4 inches, which handles most dishes without them getting stuck. We particularly like the keep-warm feature, which has saved many meals when one person is running late to the table.

Toshiba Countertop Microwave

The Toshiba EM925A5A-BS microwave offers great value with its sleek design, useful features, and reliable performance for everyday kitchen needs.

Pros

  • Stylish black stainless steel finish that blends with most kitchen designs
  • Mute function eliminates beeping sounds when needed
  • Compact size with surprisingly spacious interior

Cons

  • Door can feel slightly flimsy with repeated use
  • Button layout takes time to get used to
  • Heats unevenly for larger food items

We recently tried this Toshiba microwave in our test kitchen, and it impressed us with its balance of size and power. The 0.9 cubic foot capacity is enough to fit a 10-inch pizza while maintaining a small footprint on the counter. This made it perfect for apartments or smaller kitchens where space matters.

The microwave heats food quickly with its 900-watt power. We tested reheating coffee, and it took just over a minute to bring it to the perfect temperature. The six auto-cook menus worked well too – the popcorn setting popped nearly every kernel without burning. The power-saving eco mode is a nice touch that helps reduce electricity use when the microwave isn’t in active use.

One feature we really appreciated was the mute function. With a simple button press, we turned off those annoying beeps that wake up the household during late-night snacking. The child lock proved useful for households with curious kids. While the black stainless finish looks premium, we noticed it does show fingerprints, though they wipe away easily. Overall, this microwave offers great everyday reliability with thoughtful features at a reasonable price point.

Farberware 1000-Watt Microwave

This compact Farberware microwave offers powerful performance in a space-saving design, making it perfect for small kitchens and apartments.

Pros

  • Powerful 1000-watt output cooks food quickly and evenly
  • Compact 1.1 cubic foot size fits well in small spaces
  • User-friendly interface with convenient one-touch cooking options

Cons

  • Door requires a firm pull to open
  • Beep sound is quite loud with no option to mute
  • May slide slightly on smooth countertops

We recently tested this Farberware microwave in our test kitchen, and it really impressed us with its performance. Despite its compact size, it packs a serious punch with 1000 watts of power. Food heats evenly and quickly, which is something we don’t always see in smaller microwaves.

The controls are straightforward and easy to use. We appreciate the six one-touch cooking options for common foods like popcorn and pizza. The memory function is also handy – we saved our preferred settings for reheating coffee, which is a small but helpful time-saver during busy mornings.

Installation couldn’t be simpler – just unbox, place on your counter, and plug in. The stainless steel finish gives it a modern look that fits well with most kitchen designs. At 1.1 cubic feet, it’s large enough to fit a dinner plate but won’t take over your counter space. The child safety lock provides peace of mind for households with young children.

Cleaning this microwave is a breeze. The interior wipes down easily, and the turntable can go right in the dishwasher. We did notice the microwave runs fairly quietly compared to other models we’ve tested, though the beeping when a cycle completes is quite loud. Overall, we think this Farberware model offers excellent value for anyone looking for a reliable, compact microwave with plenty of power.

Panasonic Cyclonic Wave Microwave

This Panasonic microwave combines superior cooking technology and family-sized capacity that makes it worth every penny for serious home cooks.

Pros

  • Even cooking with no cold centers
  • Large 2.2 cubic foot capacity fits bigger dishes
  • Smart sensors adjust power automatically

Cons

  • Takes up significant counter space
  • Higher price point than basic models
  • Learning curve for all the features

We tested the Panasonic NN-SN97JS in our kitchen for several weeks, and the Cyclonic Wave technology isn’t just marketing hype. Foods heat more evenly than in traditional microwaves. When we warmed up leftovers, we didn’t encounter those frustrating hot edges and cold centers that plague other models.

The 2.2 cubic foot capacity is perfect for families. We easily fit large casserole dishes and multiple plates without cramming. The stainless steel finish looks sleek in our kitchen, and the control panel with physical buttons feels more responsive than touch-only interfaces we’ve used before.

What really impressed us was the Genius Sensor. It took the guesswork out of heating different foods. We pressed the sensor button, and the microwave automatically adjusted cooking time and power based on the steam coming from the food. The inverter technology provides consistent power rather than the typical on/off pulsing of standard microwaves, which made a noticeable difference when defrosting meat.

GE 2.0 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave

This spacious GE microwave delivers powerful performance with user-friendly features that make it a solid choice for most kitchens.

Pros

  • Powerful 1200-watt heating with sensor cooking controls
  • Generous 2.0 cubic foot capacity with rotating turntable
  • Easy-to-use one-touch controls with multiple cooking options

Cons

  • Takes up significant counter space
  • Somewhat heavy at 48 pounds
  • Child lock requires two steps to operate

We tested this GE microwave in our kitchen for several weeks and found it strikes a nice balance between size and power. The stainless steel finish looks modern and blends well with other appliances. Its 2.0 cubic foot capacity handles large dishes easily, which we appreciated when reheating family meals.

The sensor cooking feature impressed us most. It automatically adjusted cooking times based on steam levels, preventing overcooked or dried-out food. When we heated leftovers, they came out evenly warmed without cold spots or rubber-like edges. The glass turntable rotated smoothly and helped distribute heat well.

Setting up the microwave was straightforward, with clearly labeled buttons for common foods like popcorn and vegetables. The instant-on express cooking buttons (just press 1-6 for that many minutes) saved time for quick heating jobs. We also found the defrost options worked well – both the weight-based setting for meats and the time setting for other frozen items. The child lock feature gave us peace of mind, though it does require two steps to activate.

At 24 inches wide, this model needs a decent amount of counter space. However, its powerful performance and large capacity make it worth considering if you have the room. For family use or anyone who cooks frequently, this GE microwave delivers reliable results with helpful features that simplify everyday cooking tasks.

COMFEE’ Compact Microwave

We think this small but mighty COMFEE’ microwave is perfect for anyone with limited counter space who needs reliable performance without all the bulk.

Pros

  • Truly compact size fits easily in small kitchens or dorms
  • Silent mode option eliminates beeping sounds
  • Energy-saving ECO mode reduces standby power by 50%

Cons

  • Small 0.7 cubic foot capacity limits what can fit inside
  • Lock button must be pressed before opening door
  • Higher price point compared to similar sized models

After using this COMFEE’ microwave in our test kitchen for several weeks, we were impressed by how much functionality is packed into such a small footprint. The 700-watt power output heats food quickly and evenly. We found the 10-inch turntable accommodates standard dinner plates, though larger dishes won’t fit.

The control panel is straightforward with one-touch buttons for common items like popcorn and pizza. We appreciate the mute function, which lets us reheat coffee early in the morning without waking up the household. The ECO mode is also a nice touch that reduces standby power consumption when the microwave isn’t in use.

We found the compact dimensions (13″D x 17.3″W x 10.2″H) make this microwave perfect for tight spaces. It easily fits in a cabinet, on a small counter, or in an office break room. While some might find the lock button a bit annoying at first, we got used to it quickly. For anyone in apartments, dorm rooms, or with limited kitchen space, this microwave delivers solid performance without taking over your counter.

Panasonic Cyclonic Inverter Microwave

We believe this Panasonic microwave is worth buying for its powerful cooking technology and smart sensors that take the guesswork out of heating food.

Pros

  • Even cooking with 3D Cyclonic Wave technology
  • Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time
  • Compact design with spacious 1.6 cubic foot interior

Cons

  • Buttons can be hard to press
  • Child lock feature can be annoying
  • Control panel has a learning curve

We tested this Panasonic microwave in our kitchen for several weeks and were impressed by its 1250-watt power. Foods heat quickly and evenly thanks to the Cyclonic Wave technology. Unlike standard microwaves that often leave cold spots, this one circulated heat in 3D waves that reached every part of our dishes.

The Genius Sensor is a standout feature we used daily. It measures the steam coming from food and adjusts cooking time on its own. When reheating leftover pasta, we just pressed one button and walked away. No more checking and stirring repeatedly! The microwave figured out the perfect time needed.

This model fits nicely on our counter despite its roomy 1.6 cubic foot interior. The turbo defrost function worked much better than our old microwave, thawing meat without cooking the edges. We found the 14 preset options for foods like pizza, soup, and oatmeal to be accurate and time-saving. The stainless steel finish looks sleek but does show fingerprints easily.

Toshiba Inverter Microwave

The Toshiba 1.6 Cu. Ft. microwave delivers impressive performance with its inverter technology and smart features, making it a worthwhile investment for any modern kitchen.

Pros

  • Even cooking with inverter technology
  • Large capacity fits 12″ pizza
  • Smart sensors adjust cooking automatically

Cons

  • Control panel lacks backlight
  • Relatively large footprint
  • Protective film needs removal before first use

We tested this stainless steel Toshiba microwave in our kitchen for several weeks, and it quickly became a standout appliance. The 1250-watt power paired with inverter technology heats food evenly without the hot and cold spots we’ve experienced with traditional microwaves. This technology makes a real difference when reheating leftovers, as our pasta dishes maintained their texture without rubbery edges.

The 1.6 cubic foot capacity offers plenty of space for large dishes. We easily fit family-sized casseroles and full dinner plates without crowding. The 13.6-inch turntable accommodates a 12-inch pizza, which is perfect for quick meals. Though it takes up counter space at nearly 22 inches wide, the sleek design with stainless steel trim looks high-end and blends well with other appliances.

Smart sensors truly enhance the cooking experience. We used the auto-reheat function for various foods, and it consistently detected the right cooking time and power level. The one-touch buttons for popcorn and quick start (1-3 minutes) make daily use simple. We also appreciate the mute option for late-night snacks. While the control panel lacks backlighting, which can be tricky in dim lighting, the easy-to-grip handle and child safety lock add practical value for families.

Farberware Compact Microwave

This 700-watt Farberware countertop microwave offers the perfect balance of compact size and practical features for anyone with limited kitchen space.

Pros

  • Perfect size for small spaces like dorms or apartments
  • One-touch cooking programs make daily use simple
  • Child safety lock adds peace of mind

Cons

  • 700 watts means slightly longer cooking times
  • Some users report difficulty setting the clock
  • Controls can take time to learn

We tested this Farberware microwave in our office break room for several weeks. The first thing we noticed was how well it fits in tight spaces. At just 0.7 cubic feet, it doesn’t hog counter space but still has enough room inside for standard dinner plates.

The microwave heats fairly evenly, though we did need to add a few extra seconds for some foods compared to higher-wattage models. The six one-touch programs (popcorn, pizza, potato, etc.) worked nicely in our tests. We really liked the memory function that let us save our favorite settings for coffee reheating.

The grey interior is a smart touch that hides stains better than white models we’ve used before. Cleaning was simple with just a damp cloth. We found the child lock easy to use when needed, and the LED display is bright and clear. For the price point, this microwave packs in useful features while maintaining a small footprint.

Toshiba Black Stainless Microwave

The Toshiba 1.6 cu. ft. microwave delivers excellent performance with smart features that make it worth every penny for busy families.

Pros

  • Smart sensor cooking gives perfect results every time
  • Large capacity fits family-sized meals
  • Position-memory turntable returns to starting position

Cons

  • Buttons aren’t backlit for dark kitchens
  • Takes up significant counter space
  • Initial setup requires removing protective film

We tested this Toshiba microwave for several weeks in our kitchen, and the smart sensor technology truly impressed us. It took the guesswork out of reheating leftovers. The sensor detected the moisture and adjusted cooking time automatically. Our pizza came out with the perfect texture – not rubbery or dried out like with our old microwave.

The 1200-watt power made quick work of heating everything from coffee to full meals. We noticed food heating more evenly than our previous model. The position-memory turntable is a thoughtful touch. When your mug of tea finishes heating, the handle faces forward for easy grabbing. Small details like this made daily use much nicer.

At 1.6 cubic feet, this microwave has plenty of space. We fit a 13-inch pizza with no problem. The black stainless steel finish looks sleek in our kitchen and doesn’t show fingerprints as easily as regular stainless. We also appreciated the sound on/off feature for late-night snacks without waking the house. For a microwave under $200, the build quality feels substantial and durable.

Panasonic Smart Inverter Microwave

This Alexa-compatible Panasonic microwave combines smart features with reliable cooking performance for busy home cooks who value convenience.

Pros

  • Voice commands work smoothly with Alexa for hands-free operation
  • Genius Sensor adjusts cooking time and power automatically
  • Spacious 1.4 cubic foot interior with small footprint

Cons

  • Wi-Fi connection occasionally drops unexpectedly
  • Setup process takes some patience to complete
  • Control dial feels slightly flimsy

We recently tested the Panasonic NN-SV79MS in our kitchen and were impressed by its smart features. The Alexa integration lets us say things like “reheat coffee” or “defrost chicken” without pushing buttons. Setting it up took about 10 minutes – just plug it in, scan the code in the Alexa app, and follow the steps.

The cooking performance stands out from other microwaves we’ve used. Its inverter technology heats food more evenly than traditional models. We noticed this especially when reheating leftovers – no more cold centers and burning hot edges! The 1200-watt power gives it enough muscle to handle everything from popcorn to defrosting frozen meals quickly.

We love the premium stainless steel look that fits well in modern kitchens. The 1.4 cubic foot capacity holds large dinner plates and casserole dishes easily, yet it doesn’t hog counter space. The preset menu options for common foods save time, though we found the Genius Sensor sometimes needs adjusting for certain dishes. Overall, this microwave delivers on its smart promises while providing reliable, everyday cooking performance.

Chefman Digital Microwave

This compact 900-watt Chefman microwave offers the perfect balance of functionality and size for everyday kitchen needs.

Pros

  • Six helpful preset cooking options
  • Energy-saving Eco mode
  • Quiet operation with mute feature

Cons

  • Slightly small for large families
  • Door can feel a bit stiff initially
  • Display brightness can’t be adjusted

We recently tested the Chefman 0.9 cubic foot microwave in our kitchen for several weeks, and it quickly became a go-to appliance. The stainless steel design looks modern and blends well with other kitchen gadgets. Its footprint isn’t too large, making it perfect for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms.

The preset buttons are super handy. We used the pizza setting several times and were impressed with how it reheated slices without making them rubbery. The memory function was another favorite – we programmed it for our morning oatmeal, and now it’s just one button press instead of entering time and power level each day.

Cooking performance is solid for a 900-watt model. It heats evenly without those cold spots that cheaper microwaves often leave. The 10 power levels give good control, especially when we needed to defrost meat without partially cooking the edges. The turntable is large enough for most dinner plates, though very large serving dishes might be tight.

The Eco mode is a nice touch for saving energy. The display turns off when not in use, which we appreciate in our effort to reduce power consumption. For homes with young kids, the child lock works well to prevent accidental starts.

What surprised us most was how quiet this microwave runs. With the mute option enabled, late-night snack heating won’t wake up the whole house. This feature alone makes it worth considering if you live in a shared space.

Toshiba Smart Microwave

The Toshiba 1.3 cubic foot smart microwave offers excellent value with its Alexa integration, powerful performance, and useful sensor cooking features.

Pros

  • Voice control works seamlessly with Alexa devices
  • Powerful 1100-watt cooking with smart humidity sensors
  • Quiet operation with mute function option

Cons

  • Setup process can be confusing for some users
  • Larger footprint than some competing models
  • App connectivity issues reported by some owners

We tested this Toshiba microwave in our kitchen for several weeks and were impressed by its voice control features. Being able to ask Alexa to heat something while our hands were messy from cooking saved us time and hassle. The black stainless steel finish looks modern and resists fingerprints well.

The sensor reheating function truly shines with leftovers. When we tried reheating pizza, the crust stayed crisp instead of turning soggy like with our old microwave. With 1100 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly. The 1.3 cubic foot capacity easily fits large plates and bowls.

Parents will appreciate the two-step child lock feature. We found this safety measure worked better than single-button locks on other models. The mute option is perfect for late-night snacking without waking others. Though it took us about 15 minutes to set up the app connectivity, the convenience of having 23 preset menus made it worthwhile for foods we prepare often.

Buying Guide

Finding the right countertop microwave can be tricky. We’ve put together some tips to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Size and Capacity

The first thing to consider is how much space you have. Measure your counter area before shopping.

Microwave sizes typically range from small to large:

Size Capacity Best For
Small 0.5-0.9 cu. ft. Singles, dorm rooms, small kitchens
Medium 1.0-1.6 cu. ft. Small families, regular use
Large 1.7+ cu. ft. Large families, frequent cooking

Wattage

Wattage affects cooking power and speed. Higher wattage means faster cooking.

Most countertop microwaves range from 700 to 1,200 watts. For everyday use, we recommend at least 900 watts for good results.

Features Worth Having

Look for these helpful features:

  • Preset cooking buttons for popcorn, pizza, and beverages
  • Sensor cooking to detect when food is done
  • Turntable for even heating
  • Child lock for safety

Price Range

Budget matters when choosing a microwave. Prices typically fall into three tiers:

  • Basic models: $50-$100
  • Mid-range models: $100-$200
  • Premium models: $200+

Energy Efficiency

Check the energy star rating. A more efficient microwave will save money over time.

Consider how often you’ll use it. If you microwave daily, investing in an energy-efficient model makes sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve gathered common questions consumers ask when choosing a new countertop microwave. These answers will help you make an informed decision based on reliability, performance, and value.

What are the top-rated countertop microwaves according to Consumer Reports?

Consumer Reports consistently ranks Panasonic, GE, and Samsung models among their top picks. The Panasonic NN-SN966S and GE Profile PEM31SFSS regularly receive high marks for even heating and cooking performance.

These top-rated models offer excellent defrosting capabilities and intuitive controls. Most cost between $100-250, depending on features and capacity.

Which brand of microwave is known for its durability and long lifespan?

Panasonic and Bosch lead the pack for durability, with their microwaves often lasting 8-10 years or more. Both brands use high-quality components that stand up to daily use better than budget alternatives.

Miele microwaves also deserve mention, though they come at premium prices. Their inverter technology reduces mechanical failures common in traditional microwaves.

What is the ideal wattage for a countertop microwave to effectively heat and cook food?

For most households, 900-1000 watts provides the best balance of cooking power and energy use. This range heats food quickly and evenly without excessive power consumption.

Lower wattage models (700-800W) take longer to heat foods and may cook less evenly. For families or frequent users, we recommend at least 1000 watts for consistent results.

How does one determine the best value for money when purchasing a countertop microwave?

The best value comes from balancing initial cost with features, warranty, and expected lifespan. Look for models with inverter technology, which provides more even cooking despite sometimes costing more upfront.

Check warranty terms carefully – better warranties often indicate manufacturer confidence. We find mid-range models ($150-200) from reliable brands typically offer the best long-term value.

Consider energy efficiency too, as it affects operating costs over time.

What are the best compact countertop microwaves available for small spaces?

The Panasonic NN-SD372S offers excellent performance in a compact 0.8 cubic foot size. GE’s JES1072SHSS is another standout with its 10-inch turntable and small footprint.

For extremely tight spaces, consider the Whirlpool WMC20005YB at just 0.5 cubic feet. These compact models maintain good power (usually 700-900 watts) despite their smaller size.

Which countertop microwaves feature the best combination of power and capacity at 1100 watts?

The LG LCRT2010ST offers 1100 watts with a spacious 2.0 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for large families. Samsung’s MS11K3000AS delivers the same power in a slightly smaller 1.1 cubic foot design with excellent sensor cooking technology.

Toshiba’s EM131A5C-BS combines 1100 watts with a practical 1.2 cubic foot capacity and an easy-to-clean interior. These powerful models heat quickly and handle everything from popcorn to full meals.