3 Best Countertop Microwaves You Might Choose

An all-purpose countertop device that defrosts food quickly, pops popcorn, and can quickly heat food.

A countertop microwave is made to easily fit next to your desk at work, in your dorm room, or on your kitchen counter. This multipurpose device is simple to use and yields swift results, whether you need to quickly defrost chicken, soften hardened brown sugar, or prepare a delectable microwave mug cake. Countertop microwaves may be moved around simply without sliding about on your countertop, don’t need any special installation, and are typically inexpensive.

In just recent years, Jeannie Wellness Journey’s team has researched, evaluated and tested hundreds of small appliances, including microwave air fryer combos, built-in microwaves and of course countertop microwaves.

When we test microwaves we assess everything from ease of opening the door to how intuitive the control panel is to navigate. To assess whether each microwave offers even heat distribution, speed and efficiency we pop popcorn, reheat a large casserole, melt cheese on bread, defrost ground beef and so much more. If they offer air fry, toast or convection settings, we test those as well.

You can read more about how we test countertop microwaves at the end of this guide — plus we offer expert advice on how to master your microwave.

BEST OVERALL COUNTERTOP MICROWAVE

TOSHIBA 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven

NOW 17% OFF 

$189 at AMAZON

PROS

  • Offers “sensor cook” preset
  • 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

The perfect combination of size and power, this Toshiba is smaller than most of the other high-power, 1000-watt microwaves we tested but still fits a dinner plate nicely. It has all the necessary features and more including food presets (that are listed on the interior), a child safety lock and a plus-30-seconds button. This model offers 8 different ways to cook — microwave, air fry, bake(convection), broil (grill), combi, low temp, odor removal, defrost can fulfill more usages — making it a true multitasker in the kitchen.

This microwave had the most even heat distribution out of all popular microwaves recently. It completely and evenly melted cheese, produced four perfectly cooked baked potatoes and reheated a large casserole of mac and cheese more evenly. This pick also offers a mute button to turn off beeps and alerts when the cooking time ends. We love the handlebar design for opening the door — rather than a button you push — because it’s more ergonomic. Take note that this model’s presets aren’t listed on the control panel; you have to look inside the microwave where preset codes are listed.

MOST VERSATILE COUNTERTOP MICROWAVE

Panasonic Microwave Oven  Stainless Steel Countertop

NOW 12% OFF

$185 at AMAZON

PROs

  • Smart Cooking Settings with Genius Sensor
  • Compact Design
  • Keep warm feature
  • Safety lock

CONs

  • Preset codes are only listed in the manual

Panasonic Microwave: This 1200-watt high power, 1.2 cubic foot capacity stainless steel countertop/built-in microwave delivers a seamless stream of cooking power for even cooking and delicious flavor.Turntable Diameter 340mm. Clock: 12H. Child Lock: Yes. Operating Frequency: 2,450 MHz
Inverter Technology with Turbo Defrost: Patented Inverter Technology generates a seamless stream of power and delivers consistent, evenly prepared food without overcooking; Advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost speeds up defrosting time
Compact Design: This countertop microwave with 13.4 inch turntable is thinner, lighter, and more efficient, allowing you to devote less space to electronics and more to interior capacity; Internal dimensions (H x W x D): 9 15/16 inch x 13 15/16 inch x 14 3/8 inch
Smart Cooking Settings with Genius Sensor: Built-in automatic genius sensor adjusts power and times based on different foods; Other advantages include 14 preset menu items, a quick minute timer, delay start, and child safety lock
Keep Warm Feature: This inverter microwave keeps soups, gravies, or desserts warm and fresh until ready to serve. Power Source 120V / 60Hertz. Power Consumption 1480W. Membrane keypad and 5 menu buttons for easy programming, 10 Power Levels; push-button door release

EASIEST COUNTERTOP MICROWAVE TO OPERATE

GE 3-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven

NOW 11% OFF

$195 at AMAZON

PROS

  • Easy to align turntable
  • Great heat distribution
  • Good mid-sized option

CONS

  • Short owner’s manual
  • IR FRY MODE – Cook healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods in less time, thanks to an air fryer built into your microwave.Electrical Input – 120V Amperage : 12.0, Electrical Input – 120V Watts : 1500Power Cord Length : 39″
  • CONVECTION MODE – Achieve crisp, golden brown results in this microwave oven with convection, which includes a special rack that allows air to circulate around foods for even heat distribution
  • BROIL MODE – When you have a microwave with a broiler right inside, you can achieve the same effect you do with grill racks, radiating heat to sear or caramelize any food to perfection
  • PRESET CONTROLS – Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results
  • 1,050 WATTS & 1.0 CU. FT. – This 1,050-watt compact microwave offers the perfect balance of size and convenience, designed to fit perfectly in dorm rooms, offices and kitchens alike
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