A best countertop microwave should do the basics exceptionally well: heat leftovers quickly, defrost frozen food without cooking the edges, fit your everyday dishes, and be simple enough to use when you’re half-awake in the morning.

But today’s best countertop microwave ovens go well beyond reheating. Some offer sensor cooking, inverter technology, convection baking, broiling, and even built-in air frying.

To narrow down our picks, we compared current recommendations and testing insights from Consumer Reports, RTINGS, and the Good Housekeeping Institute. Good Housekeeping tested more than 16 countertop microwaves and collected more than 500 data points, while RTINGS has tested more than 30 microwave models.

Here are the 10 best countertop microwave ovens of 2026 for different kitchens, budgets, and cooking styles.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability may change.

10 Best Countertop Microwave Ovens: Our Top Picks

Best For	Countertop Microwave
Best Overall	Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Best Premium	Breville Smooth Wave
Best Microwave Air Fryer Combo	Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1
Best Easy-to-Use Combo	GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave
Best Large-Capacity	Sharp SMC2266KS
Best Value	Hamilton Beach 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Best Compact	BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft.
Best Budget Sharp	Sharp SMC1162HS
Best Small Inverter Microwave	LG NeoChef
Best Everyday Budget Pick	Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft.

---

1. Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven — Best Overall

If you want one countertop appliance that can handle far more than reheating leftovers, the Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is one of the most versatile options available.

Good Housekeeping named it its Best Overall countertop microwave, highlighting its compact 1.0-cu.-ft. design, 1,000 watts of microwave power, sensor cooking, inverter technology, and seven cooking modes. In testing, it performed particularly well when reheating casserole dishes and distributing heat evenly.

Those seven functions include microwave, air fry, convection, broil, defrost, sensor cook, and combination cooking. That versatility can be especially useful in apartments and smaller kitchens where you don’t want multiple countertop appliances.

Why we like it:

• 7 cooking functions in one appliance
• 1,000 watts of microwave power
• Sensor cooking
• Inverter technology
• Air fry and convection modes
• Mute function
• Compact footprint

Best for: Shoppers who want an all-in-one countertop cooking appliance.

👉 Check Toshiba 7-in-1 Price on Amazon

Safety note: Consumer Reports published a safety alert on June 25, 2026 concerning reports involving some Toshiba microwave units starting on their own. Before purchasing or using any Toshiba microwave, check current manufacturer and product-safety notices for the exact model.

---

2. Breville Smooth Wave BMO850BSS — Best Premium Countertop Microwave

The Breville Smooth Wave is for shoppers who use their microwave every day and are willing to pay more for a noticeably more refined experience.

RTINGS currently ranks the Smooth Wave as its best countertop microwave, praising its responsive physical controls, informative LED display, steam sensor, quiet operation, and soft-close door.

Breville also includes Sensor iQ technology, 15 built-in smart presets, Smart Cook, Smart Defrost, and Smart Reheat. Its power-smoothing inverter adjusts power rather than simply cycling full power on and off.

One feature families may appreciate is the soft-close door. Microwave doors are surprisingly loud in a quiet house, and Breville designed this model to make everyday operation less disruptive.

Why we like it:

• 1.2-cu.-ft. capacity
• Sensor iQ technology
• 15 smart presets
• Smart reheat and defrost
• Inverter power system
• Quiet operation
• Soft-close door
• Excellent physical controls

Best for: Buyers who prioritize ease of use, quiet operation, and premium design.

👉 Check Breville Smooth Wave Price on Amazon

---

3. Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 — Best Microwave Air Fryer Combo

If you’re trying to reduce the number of appliances sitting on your counter, the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 deserves serious consideration.

It combines four cooking methods: microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler.

Good Housekeeping selected the HomeChef as its best microwave-air-fryer combo. Its current version offers 20 cooking presets and app-linked cooking guidance.

The Amazon-listed model has 1.2 cubic feet of capacity and 1,000 watts of microwave power.

This is not the cheapest option on our list, but it could potentially replace a separate microwave, air fryer, and small convection oven.

Why we like it:

• Microwave + air fryer + convection + broiler
• 1.2-cu.-ft. capacity
• 1,000 watts
• 20 cooking programs
• Sensor reheating
• Convection baking
• App-linked recipes

Best for: Home cooks who want maximum versatility from one appliance.

👉 Check Panasonic HomeChef Price on Amazon

---

4. GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven — Best for Easy Operation

The GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave combines microwave cooking with air frying, convection cooking, and broiling without making the controls unnecessarily complicated.

Good Housekeeping found the GE particularly easy to operate and noted strong results in heat distribution, baked potatoes, defrosting, and air-fried chicken wings. The model offers approximately 1.0 cubic foot of capacity and 1,050 watts of microwave power.

Its presets are displayed directly on the control panel, which makes it easier to use than machines that require you to memorize preset numbers.

Why we like it:

• Microwave, air fry, convection, and broil
• 1,050 watts
• 1.0-cu.-ft. capacity
• Straightforward controls
• Convenient preset programs
• Good option for small kitchens

Best for: Anyone who wants multifunction cooking without complicated controls.

👉 Check GE 4-in-1 Price on Amazon

---

5. Sharp SMC2266KS — Best Large-Capacity Countertop Microwave

Need enough microwave space for a casserole dish or family-size leftovers? The Sharp SMC2266KS is the standout.

RTINGS ranks it as its Best Mid-Range Countertop Microwave, noting its powerful heating, exceptionally large internal capacity, sensor cooking, and quiet operation.

The Amazon-listed version offers a substantial 2.2-cu.-ft. capacity, 1,200 watts of cooking power, a 16.5-inch Carousel turntable, 10 power levels, sensor cooking, and express cooking.

This is a big microwave, so measure your counter before ordering.

Why we like it:

• Huge 2.2-cu.-ft. interior
• 1,200 watts
• 16.5-inch turntable
• Sensor cooking
• 10 power levels
• +30-second button
• Quiet operation

Best for: Families and anyone regularly reheating large dishes.

👉 Check Sharp SMC2266KS Price on Amazon

---

6. Hamilton Beach 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave — Best Value

You don’t necessarily need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a useful everyday microwave.

Good Housekeeping selected the Hamilton Beach 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave as its Best Value pick. The tested unit delivered 1,000 watts of power and included six cooking presets, express cooking buttons, and 10 power levels.

Its biggest limitation was less-consistent reheating across different foods, so stirring or rotating food midway through the cycle can help.

For basic jobs—popcorn, frozen meals, coffee, leftovers, and quick defrosting—it offers plenty of functionality for the money.

Why we like it:

• 1.1-cu.-ft. capacity
• 1,000 watts
• 10 power levels
• Six cooking presets
• Express cooking
• Straightforward controls
• Budget-friendly design

Best for: Families, apartments, offices, and value-focused shoppers.

👉 See Hamilton Beach 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwaves on Amazon

---

7. BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave — Best Compact Microwave

For dorm rooms, apartments, offices, and kitchens where every inch of counter space matters, the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave offers a practical balance of size and power.

Good Housekeeping recommends a 0.9-cu.-ft., 900-watt BLACK+DECKER as its Best Compact pick.

The Amazon model includes 900 watts, 10 power levels, six auto-cook presets, a child safety lock, and push-button door release.

At 900 watts, it won’t cook quite as quickly as a 1,200-watt microwave, but that’s a reasonable tradeoff for the smaller footprint.

Why we like it:

• Compact 0.9-cu.-ft. size
• 900 watts
• 10 power levels
• Six preset menus
• Child safety lock
• Simple digital controls

Best for: Dorm rooms, offices, apartments, and small kitchens.

👉 Check BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Price on Amazon

---

8. Sharp SMC1162HS — Best Budget Sharp Microwave

The Sharp SMC1162HS is a good choice if you want reliable everyday microwave features without paying for air frying, convection, or premium smart controls.

RTINGS identifies it as its Best Budget Countertop Microwave. It is a 1,000-watt model with enough room for most standard plates and bowls.

It does not have sensor cooking, but you still get convenient food presets, auto defrost, and a +30-second key.

For users who mainly reheat food and don’t need extra cooking modes, simplicity can actually be an advantage.

Why we like it:

• 1.1-cu.-ft. capacity
• 1,000 watts
• +30-second key
• Auto defrost
• Food presets
• Straightforward controls

Best for: Buyers looking for a traditional microwave at a reasonable price.

👉 Check Sharp SMC1162HS Price on Amazon

---

9. LG NeoChef 0.9 Cu. Ft. — Best Small Inverter Microwave

The LG NeoChef is worth considering if you want a compact microwave with a more modern design.

The Amazon-listed 0.9-cu.-ft. NeoChef uses LG’s Smart Inverter system and includes an EasyClean interior, SmoothTouch glass controls, and a stabilized turntable ring.

Its compact size makes it appealing for apartments or smaller kitchens, while 1,000 watts gives it more cooking power than many compact 700- or 900-watt alternatives.

Why we like it:

• 0.9-cu.-ft. footprint
• 1,000 watts
• Smart Inverter
• EasyClean interior
• Sleek touch controls
• Stable turntable design

Best for: Small kitchens where design and countertop space both matter.

👉 Check LG NeoChef Price on Amazon

---

10. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave — Best Everyday Budget Pick

The Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave keeps things simple—and for many households, that’s exactly what a microwave should do.

The current Amazon listing offers a 1.1-cu.-ft. interior, 1,000 watts of cooking power, 10 power levels, eight automatic cooking settings, express cooking, and a +30-second button.

That combination makes it well suited to apartments, offices, dorm rooms, RVs, and everyday family use.

You aren’t paying extra for air frying or convection. Instead, the focus is on basic microwave functions that most people use every day.

Why we like it:

• 1.1-cu.-ft. capacity
• 1,000 watts
• 10 power levels
• Eight auto-cook settings
• Express cooking
• +30-second button
• Good everyday value

Best for: Buyers who want an affordable, no-nonsense countertop microwave.

👉 Check Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Price on Amazon

---

How to Choose the Best Countertop Microwave Oven

1. Start With Wattage

Microwave wattage has a major impact on cooking speed.

For most households, 1,000 watts or more is a good target. High-powered models like the 1,200-watt Sharp SMC2266KS can heat food particularly quickly. RTINGS also emphasizes power as one of the most meaningful performance differences among microwave ovens.

Smaller 700- to 900-watt microwaves can still work well but will typically require longer cooking times.

2. Measure Your Countertop

Don’t shop based on interior capacity alone.

A 2.2-cu.-ft. microwave may sound appealing, but large-capacity models can take up a surprising amount of countertop space.

Measure:

• Counter width
• Counter depth
• Available height
• Door-opening clearance
• Required ventilation space

Always compare your measurements with the manufacturer’s installation requirements before buying.

3. Choose the Right Capacity

For most households:

• 0.7–0.9 cu. ft.: Dorms, offices, and small apartments
• 1.0–1.2 cu. ft.: Good general-purpose size
• 1.4–2.2 cu. ft.: Families and larger dishes

The best size is the smallest microwave that comfortably holds the plates and containers you actually use.

4. Decide Whether You Need Sensor Cooking

Sensor cooking detects moisture or steam and automatically adjusts cooking time.

It’s especially convenient for reheating leftovers, vegetables, rice, and similar foods where guessing the correct time isn’t always easy.

Models such as the Breville Smooth Wave and Sharp SMC2266KS include cooking sensors.

5. Consider Air Fry and Convection Features

Combination microwaves such as the Toshiba 7-in-1, Panasonic HomeChef, and GE 4-in-1 can replace multiple appliances.

They make the most sense when countertop space is limited and you’ll actually use functions such as:

• Air frying
• Convection baking
• Broiling
• Combination cooking

If you only microwave leftovers and frozen meals, a traditional microwave will usually cost less and be easier to operate.

See more: Best Stand Mixers Consumer Guide

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best countertop microwave oven?

For versatility, the Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is one of the strongest all-in-one options and is Good Housekeeping’s current Best Overall pick. For a premium traditional microwave experience, RTINGS currently ranks the Breville Smooth Wave first among countertop microwaves.

What wattage is best for a countertop microwave?

Around 1,000 to 1,200 watts is a useful range for most households. Higher-powered microwaves generally heat food faster, although overall usability, capacity, noise, and features should also influence your decision.

What size microwave should I buy?

For most households, a microwave between 1.0 and 1.2 cubic feet provides a practical balance between interior capacity and countertop footprint.

If space is extremely limited, a 0.7- to 0.9-cu.-ft. model may make more sense.

Are microwave air fryer combos worth it?

They can be—especially when you have limited countertop space.

Models such as the Panasonic HomeChef and GE 4-in-1 combine several appliances into one. They’re most valuable when you’ll regularly use the air-fry, convection, or broil functions rather than treating them as occasional extras.

Is an inverter microwave better?

Inverter technology can provide more continuous power at lower power settings instead of repeatedly switching full power on and off.

However, RTINGS’ testing found that microwave ovens overall are surprisingly similar when it comes to heating evenness, so inverter technology alone shouldn’t determine your purchase.

---

Final Verdict

There isn’t one perfect microwave for every kitchen.

For maximum versatility, the Toshiba 7-in-1 combines microwave cooking, convection, air frying, broiling, and sensor cooking in a relatively compact appliance.

For a more premium traditional microwave, the Breville Smooth Wave stands out for its excellent controls, sensor cooking, quiet operation, and soft-close door.

If you have a family and need serious interior space, the Sharp SMC2266KS gives you an impressive 2.2 cubic feet of capacity and 1,200 watts of power.

And if affordability is the priority, the Hamilton Beach, BLACK+DECKER, Sharp SMC1162HS, and Farberware models cover the everyday basics without forcing you to pay for features you may never use.

Whichever model you choose, measure your countertop first, consider the dishes you use most often, and focus on features you’ll actually use every week.