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10 Best Countertop Microwave 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,365
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Cooking Functions

Most important from
54067 reviews

Size and Capacity
The interior is spacious, offering plenty of room for most medium-sized dishes and is easy to clean.
Wattage
Incredibly powerful and heats food quickly and evenly, without any cold spots or overcooked edges.
Cooking Functions
The one-touch presets, such as the 'Popcorn' and 'Reheat' buttons, are convenient and save time.
Control Panel
The microwave has 10 power levels, which gives a fair amount of control over how to cook different foods.
Turntable
The turntable rotates smoothly, ensuring that food is heated evenly.
Noise Level
The best selling point is that it’s really quiet, and you can stop the annoying beeping when the microwave is finished.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a versatile countertop microwave that offers a good balance of power and functionality. With a 1.2 cubic feet capacity, it is spacious enough to fit a 12-inch pizza, making it suitable for both small and medium-sized households. Its 1100 watts of power ensure quick and efficient cooking, and with 10 power settings, you have ample control over the cooking process.

The smart humidity sensor is a standout feature, automatically adjusting the cooking time for optimal results, which is particularly helpful for common foods like pizza, potatoes, and vegetables. Additionally, the microwave includes 12 auto menus for one-touch cooking convenience. The large digital display and easy-to-read control panel make operation straightforward, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The mute function is a thoughtful addition for those who prefer a quieter kitchen environment.

The easy-clean interior helps in maintaining hygiene without much hassle, while the ECO mode contributes to energy savings. However, the microwave is relatively heavy at 34.6 pounds, which might be a concern if you plan to move it frequently. Additionally, while the stainless steel design is aesthetically pleasing, it may show fingerprints and smudges easily, requiring regular cleaning. The inclusion of a 1-year warranty provides some peace of mind, but it's always good to keep the packaging for any potential returns or service needs. This microwave is well-suited for anyone looking for a reliable, feature-rich appliance that simplifies everyday cooking tasks.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,365
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Cooking Functions

Most important from
54067 reviews

Size and Capacity
The interior is spacious, offering plenty of room for most medium-sized dishes and is easy to clean.
Wattage
Incredibly powerful and heats food quickly and evenly, without any cold spots or overcooked edges.
Cooking Functions
The one-touch presets, such as the 'Popcorn' and 'Reheat' buttons, are convenient and save time.
Control Panel
The microwave has 10 power levels, which gives a fair amount of control over how to cook different foods.
Turntable
The turntable rotates smoothly, ensuring that food is heated evenly.
Noise Level
The best selling point is that it’s really quiet, and you can stop the annoying beeping when the microwave is finished.
#2

Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor, 6 Menus, Auto Defrost, ECO Mode, Mute Option & 16.5" Position Memory Turntable, 2.2 Cu Ft, 1200W, Stainless Steel

Rating
10.0
Size and Capacity
Cooking Functions
Control Panel

Most important from
32633 reviews

Size and Capacity
Perfect for families, with a large capacity that fits big plates and bowls easily.
Cooking Functions
The sensor cooking feature automatically adjusts time and power for perfect results.
Control Panel
The controls are intuitive and easy to use, with plenty of preset cooking options for convenience.
Turntable
The rotating tray's ability to return to its default position saves you from awkwardly reaching across hot items.
Interior Material
The stainless steel interior makes cleaning a breeze.
Noise Level
Surprisingly quiet operation and energy-efficient performance.

The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Countertop Microwave offers a substantial 2.2 cubic feet capacity, making it a strong choice for larger families or those who frequently cook large meals, like a whole chicken or 16-inch pizza. With 1200 watts of power, it promises quick and efficient cooking.

The microwave features an intuitive humidity sensor, which helps achieve optimal cooking results by sealing in moisture. Its six auto menus cover common foods such as bacon, oatmeal, chicken pieces, and beverages, providing convenience and ease of use. The auto-defrost function is particularly noteworthy, as it simulates natural defrosting for more even results.

Additional features like the ECO mode for energy saving, sound on/off option, and child safety lock enhance its practicality in a busy kitchen environment. The position memory turntable ensures the turntable resumes its original position after cooking, which is convenient for evenly heating food. The control panel is user-friendly, designed for straightforward operation. However, its large size (19.6

Rating
10.0
Size and Capacity
Cooking Functions
Control Panel

Most important from
32633 reviews

Size and Capacity
Perfect for families, with a large capacity that fits big plates and bowls easily.
Cooking Functions
The sensor cooking feature automatically adjusts time and power for perfect results.
Control Panel
The controls are intuitive and easy to use, with plenty of preset cooking options for convenience.
Turntable
The rotating tray's ability to return to its default position saves you from awkwardly reaching across hot items.
Interior Material
The stainless steel interior makes cleaning a breeze.
Noise Level
Surprisingly quiet operation and energy-efficient performance.
#3

TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, Perfect for Apartment, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Black Stainless Steel

Rating
9.8
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Cooking Functions

Most important from
32633 reviews

Size and Capacity
The microwave delivers solid cooking performance with its 900-watt power, fitting even large plates comfortably despite its compact size.
Wattage
The microwave delivers solid cooking performance with its 900-watt power, fitting even large plates comfortably despite its compact size.
Cooking Functions
An effective humidity sensor ensures food like pasta reheats evenly without drying out, enhancing meal quality.
Control Panel
User-friendly controls and preset menus simplify everyday cooking tasks, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Turntable
The rotating tray’s thoughtful design returns it to the default position, making it easier and safer to handle hot dishes.
Noise Level
Quiet operation stands out, making it ideal for busy households that prefer a peaceful kitchen environment.

The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact countertop microwave that fits well in smaller kitchens or apartments, thanks to its 0.9 cubic feet capacity and modest size (about 19 by 15 by 11 inches). Its 900-watt power level offers solid cooking performance, enough for reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking tasks. The microwave includes 6 preset cooking menus for convenience, covering popular foods like popcorn and pizza, which makes it user-friendly for everyday use.

A standout feature is the two-step child lock, ensuring safety in homes with young children. It also offers 11 power levels, allowing you to cook with more precision, from gentle defrosting to full-power heating. The mute function is handy if you prefer a quieter kitchen environment. The LED lighting inside helps you monitor your food, and the 10.6-inch removable glass turntable allows even cooking and easy cleaning.

On the control side, it uses a simple control panel with one-touch start options and a kitchen timer, making it straightforward for anyone to operate. The interior is stainless steel, which is durable and easy to clean, though some users may prefer ceramic interiors for scratch resistance. At 24.9 pounds, it’s sturdy but still manageable for countertop placement. This Toshiba microwave is a reliable, safety-conscious choice for small kitchens, offering good cooking flexibility and easy-to-use features without extra bulk or complexity.

Rating
9.8
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Cooking Functions

Most important from
32633 reviews

Size and Capacity
The microwave delivers solid cooking performance with its 900-watt power, fitting even large plates comfortably despite its compact size.
Wattage
The microwave delivers solid cooking performance with its 900-watt power, fitting even large plates comfortably despite its compact size.
Cooking Functions
An effective humidity sensor ensures food like pasta reheats evenly without drying out, enhancing meal quality.
Control Panel
User-friendly controls and preset menus simplify everyday cooking tasks, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Turntable
The rotating tray’s thoughtful design returns it to the default position, making it easier and safer to handle hot dishes.
Noise Level
Quiet operation stands out, making it ideal for busy households that prefer a peaceful kitchen environment.

Buying Guide for the Best Countertop Microwave

Choosing the right countertop microwave involves understanding your needs and matching them with the features and specifications of the microwave. Consider the size of your kitchen, the types of food you usually cook, and how often you plan to use the microwave. This will help you narrow down the options and find the best fit for you.
Size and CapacitySize and capacity refer to the physical dimensions of the microwave and the amount of space inside it. This is important because it determines how much food you can cook at once and whether the microwave will fit in your kitchen. Microwaves are usually measured in cubic feet. Small microwaves (0.5-0.9 cubic feet) are good for reheating and small kitchens, medium microwaves (1.0-1.5 cubic feet) are versatile for most households, and large microwaves (1.6-2.2 cubic feet) are ideal for cooking larger meals or for families. Choose a size that fits your kitchen space and meets your cooking needs.
WattageWattage indicates the power of the microwave, which affects how quickly and evenly it can cook food. Higher wattage means faster cooking times and more even heating. Microwaves typically range from 600 to 1200 watts. For basic reheating and simple cooking, a microwave with 700-900 watts is sufficient. For more advanced cooking and better performance, look for microwaves with 1000 watts or more. Consider your cooking habits and choose a wattage that matches your needs.
Cooking FunctionsCooking functions refer to the preset programs and features that make cooking easier. These can include defrost, popcorn, pizza, and sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts time and power based on the food's moisture levels. More advanced models may offer grilling, convection cooking, and steam functions. If you mostly use the microwave for reheating and simple tasks, basic functions will suffice. If you want more versatility and convenience, look for models with a variety of cooking functions.
Control PanelThe control panel is the interface you use to operate the microwave. It can be digital or mechanical. Digital panels offer more precise control and additional features like timers and child locks, while mechanical panels are simpler and more durable. Consider your preference for ease of use and the features you need. If you prefer straightforward operation, a mechanical panel may be best. If you want more control and features, opt for a digital panel.
TurntableA turntable is a rotating glass plate inside the microwave that helps cook food evenly. Most microwaves come with a turntable, but some higher-end models offer flatbed designs without a turntable, which can accommodate larger dishes. If you often cook large or irregularly shaped items, a flatbed design might be more suitable. For most users, a turntable is sufficient and ensures even cooking.
Interior MaterialThe interior material of the microwave affects its durability and ease of cleaning. Common materials include stainless steel, ceramic enamel, and acrylic. Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean but can show fingerprints. Ceramic enamel is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Acrylic is less durable but more affordable. Choose an interior material based on your preference for maintenance and durability.
Noise LevelNoise level refers to how loud the microwave is during operation. This can be important if you have an open kitchen or are sensitive to noise. Microwaves with inverter technology tend to be quieter. If noise is a concern, look for models that are specifically designed to operate quietly.

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