10 Best Countertop Microwaves (November 2026)
The best best countertop microwave choices include the Panasonic NN-SN65KB Inverter Microwave for everyday meal prep, the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave for small kitchens, and the Sharp 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave for frozen meal routines.
On this page (8 sections)
- How we chose the best countertop microwaves
- Countertop microwave features compared
- Detailed picks for different kitchens
- How to choose the best countertop microwave for your meals
- Where should you set up a countertop microwave?
- How can you get better reheating and easier cleanup?
- Which microwave buying and use mistakes should you avoid?
- Which best countertop microwave fits your routine?
The best countertop microwave for most kitchens is the Panasonic NN-SN65KB, thanks to its sensor cooking and inverter power. Choose a compact model if you mostly warm drinks and small meals, or a larger cavity if your serving dishes need it.
Start with your widest everyday plate and the space available beside your sink or prep area. A microwave that crowds your work surface or cannot turn your food container is the wrong fit, even with more cooking features.
Use our countertop microwave buying guide to plan around your meals. Compare the best small countertop microwaves for tight spaces, and check our countertop microwave sizes guide before measuring.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for everyday meal prepPanasonic NN-SN65KB Inverter Microwave
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for frozen meal routinesSharp 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
8.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itChefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
Best for occasional snack breaks - 5
Check itBLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave
Best for shared kitchen routines - 6
Check itSharp 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
Best for small meal prep - 7
Check itChefman 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
Best for late-night leftovers - 8
Check itSharp 2.2 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
Best for family serving dishes - 9
Check itChefman 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
Best for repeat breakfast routines - 10
Check itGE 1.4 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
Best for larger everyday portions
How we chose the best countertop microwaves
We compared dish space, cooking controls and counter fit, then considered which features help with daily meals. The Panasonic leads for its combination of sensor cooking and inverter power in a mid-size body.
The order reflects overall usefulness, but the best choice changes with your routine. A mute button can matter more beside a bedroom, while a larger turntable matters more when you reheat food in serving dishes.
Countertop microwave features compared
Compare exterior dimensions and usable dish space first, then power and controls. The measurements below describe the appliance body, so add the ventilation space required by each manual.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Power | Dimensions | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic NN-SN65KB Inverter Microwave | everyday meal prep | 1.2 cu ft | 1200 watts | 20.7 W x 15.8 D x 12.2 H in | 8.7 |
| BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave | small kitchens | 0.9 cu ft | 900 watts | 18.7 W x 13.4 D x 10.7 H in | 8.6 |
| Sharp 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | frozen meal routines | 1.1 cu ft | 1000 watts | 20.6 W x 14.7 D x 11.8 H in | 8.5 |
| Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | occasional snack breaks | 0.7 cu ft | 700 watts | 17.52 W x 12.93 D x 9.53 H in | 8.4 |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave | shared kitchen routines | 1.1 cu ft | 1000 watts | 20.6 W x 14.8 D x 11.8 H in | 8.2 |
| Sharp 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | small meal prep | 0.9 cu ft | 900 watts | 18.6 W x 13.2 D x 10.7 H in | 8.1 |
| Chefman 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | late-night leftovers | 1.1 cu ft | 1000 watts | 20.1 W x 14.47 D x 11.99 H in | 8.0 |
| Sharp 2.2 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | family serving dishes | 2.2 cu ft | 1200 watts | 24.4 W x 19.6 D x 13.6 H in | 8.0 |
| Chefman 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | repeat breakfast routines | 0.9 cu ft | 900 watts | 18.9 W x 13.27 D x 11.52 H in | 7.9 |
| GE 1.4 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | larger everyday portions | 1.4 cu ft | 1100 watts | 21.88 W x 16.38 D x 12.5 H in | 7.8 |
Detailed picks for different kitchens
Choose the Panasonic for varied daily cooking, then use the other picks to solve a specific need: less counter space, quieter alerts, repeat settings or larger dishes.
Panasonic NN-SN65KB Inverter Microwave: Best for everyday meal prep
- 1.2 cu ft capacity
- 1200 watts
- Inverter Technology
- Genius Sensor Cook and Reheat
Sensor cooking and inverter power make this the most useful all-round choice for meals, leftovers and defrosting. Choose a smaller model if you mainly warm drinks.
Pros
- Inverter cooking
- 10 sensor cook settings
- 15 auto cook options
Cons
- Needs more counter room than compact picks
- Mandatory child lock adds an opening step
The Panasonic NN-SN65KB is the strongest all-round choice if your microwave handles more than coffee and popcorn. Genius Sensor Cook and Reheat suit leftovers and everyday meals when you want fewer manual time adjustments.
Panasonic says its inverter power helps heat food evenly from edges to center. That makes it worth considering for mixed meal plates and gentler heating, although dense food still benefits from stirring and standing time.
The 13.4 in turntable gives everyday dishes more room than the compact picks. Turbo Defrost helps with frozen ingredients, while Keep Warm can hold food as you finish another part of dinner.
Choose it for a kitchen that uses the microwave throughout the day. Skip it if you mainly warm a mug or have room only for a compact appliance, and learn the mandatory child-lock sequence before first use.
BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for small kitchens
- 0.9 cu ft capacity
- 900 watts
- Six pre-programmed buttons
- 10 power settings
A compact choice for drinks, snacks and smaller meals, with direct food presets and a push-button door. Check larger plates before choosing it.
Pros
- Compact exterior
- Six cooking presets
- Push-button door release
Cons
- Limited room for wide dishes
- Lower output than the mid-size picks
The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave is a sensible choice for a small kitchen that still needs regular meal reheating. Its push-button door release and six food presets provide direct access to common tasks.
Those presets cover popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and dinner plates. They suit a routine built around familiar foods, while manual time and power controls let you adjust for different portions.
The removable 10.6 in turntable is the main fit check before buying. Measure your plate, including its rim, and consider whether a rectangular container can turn without touching the walls.
Choose this model when keeping prep space free matters more than accommodating large cookware. Skip it if you regularly reheat wide dinner plates, or if you want sensor adjustments rather than selecting a food button and checking progress yourself.
Sharp 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for frozen meal routines
- 1.1 cu ft capacity
- 1000 watts
- 12.4 in Carousel turntable
- Weight and Time Defrost
Weight and Time Defrost, two-stage cooking and quick-start controls suit a kitchen that often works from frozen food. Its mid-size body needs more width than compact models.
Pros
- Two-stage cooking
- Weight and Time Defrost
- Certified popcorn presets
Cons
- Wider than compact picks
- Less room than the larger family options
The Sharp 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave suits people who often move food from freezer to table. Weight and Time Defrost plus two-stage cooking offer useful control beyond a row of food presets.
Weight-based defrost is helpful when you know the portion's weight; timed defrost gives you another route for smaller amounts. Follow thawing instructions, separate pieces when possible, and cook defrosted raw food promptly.
Its 12.4 in Carousel turntable provides more room than the compact Sharp. Express Cook handles quick starts, and the +30 seconds key lets you extend a cycle without entering a fresh time.
Choose it for a mix of frozen meals, thawing ingredients and ordinary reheating. Skip it if muting alerts is a must, or move to the Panasonic if sensor-guided reheating is your main reason for replacing an older microwave.
Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for occasional snack breaks
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
- 700 watts
- Six cooking presets
- Mute button
The smallest model here makes sense for drinks and modest portions when counter space is scarce. Its mute option suits kitchens close to sleeping or working areas.
Pros
- Smallest exterior in this group
- Mute option
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe turntable
Cons
- Longer cooking times than higher-output models
- Least room for large dishes
The Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave makes sense when you need a small appliance for small portions. It is the narrowest, shallowest and shortest option in this group.
Use it for tasks such as warming a drink, melting butter at reduced power or reheating a modest bowl of leftovers. Its lower output means meals may need more time than directions written for a more powerful microwave.
The mute button lets you silence beeps near sleeping or working areas. It does not remove the sound of the microwave running, so think of it as alert control rather than silent operation.
Choose this Chefman for occasional use where counter space is scarce. Skip it for back-to-back family meals or large containers, and check the handle's child-lock opening motion if grip or wrist movement affects how you use kitchen appliances.
BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for shared kitchen routines
- 1.1 cu ft capacity
- 1000 watts
- Six pre-programmed buttons
- 12.4 in glass turntable
Food presets, a large LED display and a push-button door suit a household sharing one microwave. It offers more dish space than the smaller BLACK+DECKER.
Pros
- Six familiar food presets
- Large LED display
- Removable glass turntable
Cons
- Needs a wider counter than compact models
- Lacks the top pick's sensor and inverter combination
The BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave suits a shared kitchen where several people want direct food buttons and a clear display. It keeps the smaller model's push-button opening style while adding dish room.
The presets cover familiar foods, including beverages, potatoes and dinner plates. The clock and kitchen timer are useful when the microwave sits in a main prep area, and the interior light helps you see the food inside.
Its 12.4 in glass turntable is removable for cleaning. Use a vented microwave-safe cover for splatter-prone meals so sauce does not build up around the cavity and door.
Choose it when household members prefer straightforward time controls and recognizable food shortcuts. Skip it if counter width is tight, or choose the Chefman mid-size model if a mute option matters more than a longer preset menu.
Sharp 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for small meal prep
- 0.9 cu ft capacity
- 900 watts
- 10.6 in Carousel turntable
- 10 power levels
Two-stage cooking and weight-based defrosting give this compact Sharp useful control for small meals. Wide containers may need a larger turntable.
Pros
- Compact exterior
- Two-stage cooking
- Weight and Time Defrost
Cons
- Smaller turntable than the mid-size Sharp
- Less output than the larger models
The Sharp 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave is a compact pick for cooks who want defrost and staged cooking controls without a mid-size body. Its shallow exterior helps where usable counter depth is limited.
Two-stage cooking lets you program a sequence rather than return to change settings partway through. Weight and Time Defrost also give you more control over thawing than simply running food at full power.
The white LED display and LED interior lighting are useful details to consider alongside the controls. Its 10.6 in turntable still makes plate fit a priority, especially with square bowls or containers with projecting handles.
Choose it for small meals that involve more than one quick reheat. Skip it if broad plates dominate your routine, and avoid choosing it purely for the shallower body until you have added the required rear ventilation space.
Chefman 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for late-night leftovers
- 1.1 cu ft capacity
- 1000 watts
- 10 power levels
- Mute option
Choose this Chefman for a mid-size cavity with a mute option and a short preset menu. It suits cooks who mostly set their own time and power.
Pros
- Mute option
- Time and weight defrost
- Dishwasher-safe glass turntable
Cons
- Only three food presets
- Larger footprint than the compact picks
The Chefman 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave is the mid-size choice for people who want muted alerts and a short preset menu. It suits late meals in a kitchen close to bedrooms or a home office.
Its three presets cover popcorn, beverages and leftovers. If you normally enter your own cooking time, that smaller menu is enough; the +30 seconds button handles short additions without choosing a food program.
Time and weight defrost cover frozen ingredients, and the dishwasher-safe glass turntable simplifies cleanup. Let hot glass cool before removing it, and follow the care instructions for loading it into the dishwasher.
Choose this model for manual cooking with fewer alerts. Skip it if you want buttons for several specific foods, and consider the Panasonic instead if automatic sensor adjustments would help more than muting the end-of-cycle sounds.
Sharp 2.2 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for family serving dishes
- 2.2 cu ft capacity
- 1200 watts
- 16.5 in Carousel turntable
- Sensor Cook
The largest cavity and turntable here suit larger portions and serving dishes. Reserve enough counter depth and ventilation space before choosing it.
Pros
- Largest capacity in this group
- Sensor Cook and inverter power
- Optional Sharp trim-kit installation
Cons
- Largest footprint here
- Unnecessary bulk for small portions
The Sharp 2.2 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave is the right pick when large serving dishes drive the decision. Its 16.5 in Carousel turntable gives it the most dish space in this group.
The larger cavity suits bigger portions and casserole dishes, but check the full outline of your cookware. Handles and corners need space to rotate, even when the base sits comfortably on the glass.
Sensor Cook, inverter power and Melt/Soften give it uses beyond large reheating jobs. Sharp also supports a built-in setup with an optional Sharp trim kit, installed according to its instructions.
Choose it if you regularly serve several people from one dish and have a generous placement area. Skip it if most meals fit in a small bowl, since the extra body depth will take prep space without helping those smaller tasks.
Chefman 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for repeat breakfast routines
- 0.9 cu ft capacity
- 900 watts
- Six cooking presets
- Mute and Eco modes
Memory settings help with repeat tasks, while mute and Eco modes suit a compact kitchen used early or late. Choose a larger model for broad dinner plates.
Pros
- Memory function
- Mute and Eco modes
- Separate control-panel Lock Mode
Cons
- Less room than mid-size picks
- Lower output than larger models
The Chefman 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave suits a repeat routine, such as warming the same breakfast each morning. Its memory function lets you save frequently used settings instead of entering them each time.
Memory works best when the food amount and starting temperature stay similar. A saved cycle still needs a check when you switch containers, increase the portion or move food straight from the refrigerator.
Mute controls the beeps, while Eco mode turns off the idle display. A separate control-panel Lock Mode adds another control alongside the handle's child safety lock.
Choose it if repeat settings and a dark idle display matter in your small kitchen. Skip it if you mostly heat different large meals, and remember that its compact exterior does not remove the need to measure dishes and leave ventilation space.
GE 1.4 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for larger everyday portions
- 1.4 cu ft capacity
- 1100 watts
- Sensor Cooking Controls
- Seven convenience cook settings
GE offers extra cavity space with moisture-sensing controls for everyday meals. It suits buyers who need more room without moving to the largest Sharp.
Pros
- Sensor Cooking Controls
- Seven convenience settings
- Manual and automatic defrost
Cons
- Needs more counter space than mid-size picks
- Required clearances increase its placement area
The GE 1.4 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave suits buyers who need more room for everyday portions without moving to the largest Sharp. Its sensor controls monitor moisture and adjust cooking time.
Seven convenience settings and one-touch express controls cover quick starts and common foods. Manual and automatic defrost provide options for thawing ingredients before you cook them.
Placement needs careful measuring: GE requires 3 in on each side and above, 1 in behind, and an unobstructed bottom. With those clearances, plan for about 27.88 in of width and 15.5 in of height.
Choose this GE if mid-size cavities feel cramped and you want sensor help. Skip it if the available nook barely fits the body, and confirm dish fit before assuming the extra capacity solves a problem with a wide or tall container.
How to choose the best countertop microwave for your meals
Choose dish fit first, output second and convenience features third. This order keeps you from buying extra buttons while overlooking the plate or container you use every day.
Which countertop microwave size fits your dishes?
Choose a cavity that lets your usual dish rotate freely with its food cover in place. Cubic feet describe volume, so they cannot tell you whether a wide plate or tall bowl will fit.
Measure the widest point, including handles, then check height with the lid or cover you normally use. Rectangular meal containers need enough space for their corners throughout a full turn.
Our microwave size and dimensions guide explains the measurements. The small countertop microwave picks help if your usual dishes fit a compact cavity and you want to preserve prep space.
How much microwave power do you need?
For regular meals, 900 to 1100 watts is a practical range; lower output suits lighter use if you accept longer cycles. More output helps with repeated cooking, but it does not replace stirring or standing time.
Follow package directions for your microwave's cooking output. Our countertop microwave wattage guide explains the difference between cooking power and the electricity an appliance draws.
Use reduced power for delicate tasks such as softening butter or gently warming leftovers. Adding time at a lower setting is often more useful than repeatedly heating already-hot edges at full power.
Are sensor controls or presets more useful?
Choose sensors for automatic adjustment and presets for quick access to familiar foods. A named food button is not the same as a sensor that responds during cooking.
Sensors are useful when reheating is a daily job, but use the correct program, food amount and covering method. Our guide to how microwave sensor cooking works explains when those controls help.
Presets suit consistent snacks and portions, while memory suits a repeated personal routine. For varying leftovers, manual time and power remain useful even on a feature-rich model.
Which controls deserve a closer look?
Choose controls you can operate comfortably every day, including the door release and child lock. A familiar keypad offers little help if opening the door is awkward for the main user.
Mute matters near sleeping areas; it silences alerts rather than the operating sounds. A readable display, clear button labels and an easy opening motion may matter more than several extra food presets.
Where should you set up a countertop microwave?
Put it on a stable, level surface with the required airflow and a comfortable reach. Leave room to open the door fully and set down a hot dish nearby.
Measure width, depth and height, then add the clearances in that model's instructions. Do not borrow one brand's ventilation rules for another appliance, and keep its feet and vents unobstructed.
Choose a spot where you can lift a hot bowl out without reaching above shoulder height. Our countertop microwave placement ideas can help you plan a small kitchen around safe access and prep space.
Use an enclosed cabinet only when the installation instructions allow it. Read our guide to putting a countertop microwave in a cabinet before planning cabinetry or assuming a trim kit will make any countertop model suitable.
Before first use, remove packing materials and fit the roller ring and turntable as instructed. Follow the electrical requirements, learn the lock controls, and keep the manual accessible for sensor programs and care guidance.
How can you get better reheating and easier cleanup?
Use shorter cycles, suitable covering and standing time rather than one long burst at full power. These habits help with leftovers in both basic and sensor-equipped microwaves.
Spread food in a shallow, even layer and break up dense clumps. Cover loosely with a vented microwave-safe cover, then stir or rearrange food when the cooking directions call for it.
For raw foods or reheated meals, follow the relevant food-safety temperature guidance and check with a food thermometer where needed. A hot plate, bubbling edge or sensor cycle ending does not confirm that the center is ready.
Wipe splashes once the interior is safe to touch, using a soft cloth and mild cleaning method allowed by the manual. Remove the turntable and roller ring for cleaning, then dry and seat them properly before use.
Let hot glass cool before washing it, and use a dishwasher only when the part's care instructions allow it. Keep crumbs and grease away from door contact surfaces, and avoid abrasive pads or spraying cleaner into vents.
Which microwave buying and use mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid choosing by capacity alone or treating full power as the default for every food. Fit, ventilation and how you cook have a greater effect on daily use than a long feature list.
- Measuring only the body: ventilation space, door movement and room to handle hot food all increase the usable placement area.
- Assuming every plate fits: wide rims, handles and rectangular corners can stop a turntable even when the dish sits on it.
- Ignoring package wattage: directions for a higher-output appliance need adjustment on a lower-output model.
- Using presets without checking portions: one mug and a large bowl need different treatment, even under the same food label.
- Skipping standing time: heat continues to spread after a cycle, so follow the food's directions before deciding it needs another long burst.
- Using unsuitable containers: choose microwave-safe cookware and follow both food and appliance instructions; do not improvise with sealed containers or metal.
Which best countertop microwave fits your routine?
Choose the Panasonic NN-SN65KB for varied daily meals, the compact BLACK+DECKER for a smaller kitchen, or the large Sharp when serving dishes need room. The best countertop microwave is the one that fits your meals without crowding the place where you prepare them.
Choose a Chefman with mute if alerts are the main annoyance, or the compact Sharp if staged cooking and defrost controls suit your routine. GE fills the gap when you want a roomier everyday cavity with sensor help.
Before ordering, compare your widest dish and complete placement area against the final choice. If two models still fit equally well, our guide to the best countertop microwave brands helps you compare the next step.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for everyday meal prep
Panasonic NN-SN65KB Inverter Microwave
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for frozen meal routines
Sharp 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
8.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What size countertop microwave should I get?
Choose the smallest microwave that fits your usual dishes with room to rotate; compact models suit drinks and small portions, while mid-size cavities make more sense for dinner plates and meal containers. Measure dish width and height, then allow the appliance's required ventilation space on your counter.
Is 1000 watts enough for a countertop microwave?
Yes, 1000 watts is enough for everyday reheating, vegetables and many frozen meals; follow the food package's directions for that output, including stirring and standing time. Lower-output microwaves usually need longer cooking, while higher-output models may need shorter cycles to avoid drying edges or overheating small portions.
What is the benefit of inverter technology?
Inverter technology supplies continuous cooking power at reduced settings instead of relying on full-power bursts separated by pauses; Panasonic says this helps heat food more evenly from edge to center. It is useful for gentler heating, but stirring, suitable containers and standing time still matter for the finished meal.
Do countertop microwaves need space around them?
Yes, countertop microwaves need the ventilation space required by their own installation instructions; measure the appliance and add those clearances before choosing a location. Keep vents and the underside clear, leave space for the door to open, and avoid using the top as a storage shelf unless the manual permits it.
Can a countertop microwave go in a cabinet?
Only when the model's installation instructions allow a cabinet setup with the required ventilation and any specified trim kit; the Sharp 2.2 cu ft supports installation with an optional Sharp trim kit. Read our countertop microwave cabinet guide before planning the opening or ordering cabinetry.
