The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Countertop Microwave: Top 20 Picks
If you're in the market for a new countertop microwave, you're in luck! Our team has researched and tested the top 20 best countertop microwaves on the market to help you find the perfect fit for your kitchen. From budget-friendly models to high-end options, we've got you covered.
Best Overall: Panasonic NN-SN966S This sleek and powerful model boasts a 2.2 cubic feet capacity, 1250 watts of power, and 14 preset cooking options. Its sleek design and high-end features make it a top pick for any kitchen.
Best Budget: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS This affordable option doesn't skimp on features. With a 1.2 cubic feet capacity, 1100 watts of power, and 10 power levels, this model is perfect for smaller kitchens or tight budgets.
Best for Small Spaces: Danby Designer DMW07A4BDB This compact model is perfect for those with limited counter space. It has a 0.7 cubic feet capacity, 700 watts of power, and six different cooking options.
Best High-End: Breville BMO870BSS This high-end model is packed with features, including a 1.2 cubic feet capacity, 1800 watts of power, and 13 different cooking presets. Its brushed stainless steel finish and sleek design make it a statement piece in any kitchen.
Best for Families: LG LCRT2010ST This model boasts a 2.0 cubic feet capacity, 1200 watts of power, and 10 different cooking options. Its child lock feature and energy-saving mode make it a great choice for families with young children.
Best for Seniors: Black+Decker EM720CB7 This model's large, easy-to-read display and one-touch cooking options make it a great choice for seniors. With a 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power, it's perfect for smaller meals.
Best for College Students: Hamilton Beach 0.7 cu ft Microwave Oven This compact and affordable model is perfect for dorm rooms and small apartments. It has a 0.7 cubic feet capacity, 700 watts of power, and six different cooking options.
Best Retro Design: Nostalgia RMO7AQ Retro This stylish model is perfect for those looking to add a pop of color to their kitchen. With a 0.7 cubic feet capacity, 700 watts of power, and five different cooking options, it's as functional as it is cute.
Best Compact: AmazonBasics Microwave This compact model is perfect for small kitchens and apartments. With a 0.7 cubic feet capacity, 700 watts of power, and 10 different power levels, it's a great choice for those looking for a simple and affordable option.
Best Large Capacity: Whirlpool WMC50522HZ This spacious model has a 2.2 cubic feet capacity, 1200 watts of power, and 10 different cooking options. Its large turntable and spacious interior make it perfect for cooking larger meals.
Best User-Friendly: Samsung MS14K6000AS This user-friendly model has a 1.4 cubic feet capacity, 1000 watts of power, and a unique ceramic enamel interior that is easy to clean. Its LED display and easy-to-use controls make it a great choice for any kitchen.
Best for Healthy Cooking: Cuisinart CMW .This versatile model has a 1.0 cubic feet capacity, 1000 watts of power, and nine different cooking options. It also includes a special feature that allows you to cook with steam to retain more nutrients in your food.
Best Stainless Steel: GE Profile PEM31SFSS This model's stainless steel finish gives it a modern and sleek look. With a 1.1 cubic feet capacity, 800 watts of power, and ten different cooking options, it's a great choice for any kitchen.
Best for Baking: Panasonic NN-SD975S This model includes a unique "Inverter Turbo Defrost" feature that allows you to quickly defrost and cook frozen foods. It also includes a built-in sensor that adjusts cooking times and power levels for perfect baking results every time.
Best for Quick Cooking: LG LMC0975ST This model's "EasyClean" interior makes it easy to clean up any spills or messes. With a 0.9 cubic feet capacity, 1000 watts of power, and a range of one-touch cooking options, it's a great choice for quick and easy meals.
Best for Even Cooking: Sharp ZSMC2242DS This model includes a "Sensor Cook" feature that automatically adjusts cooking times and power levels for perfect results every time. It also includes a large turntable for even cooking of larger dishes.
Best Voice-Activated: AmazonBasics Microwave with Alexa This model includes Alexa voice control, allowing you to quickly and easily start cooking with just your voice. With a 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power, it's a great choice for small kitchens and apartments.
Best for Popcorn: Westinghouse WCM11100SS This model includes a special "Popcorn" button that ensures perfectly popped popcorn every time. With a 1.1 cubic feet capacity, 1000 watts of power, and six different cooking options, it's a great choice for any kitchen.
Best Retro Look: Daewoo Retro Microwave This stylish model has a retro look that's sure to add some personality to your kitchen. With a 0.7 cubic feet capacity, 700 watts of power, and a range of different cooking options, it's as functional as it is cute.
Best for Smart Homes: Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) Smart This model includes Wi-Fi connectivity and smart home integration, allowing you to control it with your smartphone or other devices. With a 1.6 cubic feet capacity, 1200 watts of power, and ten different cooking options, it's a great choice for any smart home.
Panasonic NN-SU696S Countertop Microwave Oven
The Panasonic NN-SU696S countertop microwave oven is a reliable and efficient option for any kitchen. With a sleek stainless steel finish and a 1.3 cubic feet capacity, this model is perfect for families and larger households.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its inverter technology, which allows for more precise cooking and defrosting. This technology also helps to retain the natural texture and flavor of your food, resulting in better tasting meals.
With 1100 watts of power and ten different cooking options, including a quick minute feature and a popcorn button, this microwave is versatile and easy to use. It also includes a convenient "keep warm" feature, which maintains the temperature of your food until you're ready to eat.
The Panasonic NN-SU696S is also easy to clean, with a removable glass turntable and a sleek exterior that wipes clean with ease. It also includes a child safety lock, making it a great choice for families with young children.
Overall, the Panasonic NN-SU696S countertop microwave oven is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient microwave that delivers precise and delicious results every time.
Get it now on Amazon.com
LG LCRT2010ST 2.0 Cu Ft Counter Top Microwave Oven
The LG LCRT2010ST 2.0 Cu Ft Counter Top Microwave Oven is a large and powerful option for those in need of a spacious microwave for their kitchen. With a 2.0 cubic feet capacity and 1200 watts of power, this model is perfect for families and larger households.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its sensor cooking technology, which automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for optimal results. This technology also ensures even cooking and defrosting, making it easy to prepare meals and snacks quickly and efficiently.
In addition to sensor cooking, the LG LCRT2010ST also includes a variety of cooking options, such as popcorn, baked potato, and reheat. It also features an easy-to-use touchpad control panel and a large turntable for even heating.
With a sleek and modern stainless steel finish, this microwave is not only functional but also stylish. It's also easy to clean, with a non-stick interior that wipes clean with ease.
Overall, the LG LCRT2010ST 2.0 Cu Ft Counter Top Microwave Oven is a great choice for anyone in need of a spacious and powerful microwave that delivers even and delicious results every time.
Get it now on Amazon.com
Panasonic NN-SN651BAZ Countertop Microwave Oven
The Panasonic NN-SN651BAZ Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile and affordable option for any kitchen. With a 1.2 cubic feet capacity and 1200 watts of power, this model is perfect for families and individuals who need a reliable and efficient microwave.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its inverter technology, which allows for more precise cooking and defrosting. This technology also helps to retain the natural texture and flavor of your food, resulting in better tasting meals.
The Panasonic NN-SN651BAZ also includes a variety of cooking options, such as popcorn, reheat, and defrost, as well as a quick minute feature for convenient heating. It also features a sleek and stylish black finish that complements any kitchen décor.
This microwave is also easy to clean, with a removable glass turntable and a compact size that fits easily on most countertops. It also includes a child safety lock, making it a great choice for families with young children.
Overall, the Panasonic NN-SN651BAZ Countertop Microwave Oven is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient microwave at an affordable price. With its inverter technology and variety of cooking options, this microwave delivers precise and delicious results every time.
Get it now on Amazon.com
Panasonic NN-SN966S Countertop Microwave
The Panasonic NN-SN966S Countertop Microwave is a sleek and powerful option for any kitchen. With a spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity and 1250 watts of power, this model is perfect for larger families and those who need a microwave that can handle bigger meals.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its inverter technology, which allows for more precise cooking and defrosting. This technology also helps to retain the natural texture and flavor of your food, resulting in better tasting meals.
The Panasonic NN-SN966S also includes a variety of cooking options, such as popcorn, reheat, and defrost, as well as a quick minute feature for convenient heating. It also features a large and easy-to-read display and a one-touch sensor cook and reheat feature for optimal cooking results.
With a sleek stainless steel finish, this microwave is not only functional but also stylish. It's also easy to clean, with a removable glass turntable and a compact size that fits easily on most countertops.
In addition, this microwave includes a child safety lock and a handy delay start feature, making it a great choice for families with young children or busy schedules.
Overall, the Panasonic NN-SN966S Countertop Microwave is a great option for anyone in need of a spacious and powerful microwave that delivers precise and delicious results every time. Its inverter technology, variety of cooking options, and stylish design make it a standout choice for any kitchen.
Get it now on Amazon.com
Panasonic NN-SD945S Microwave Oven
The Panasonic NN-SD945S Microwave Oven is a high-end and powerful option for any kitchen. With a spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity and 1250 watts of power, this model is perfect for larger families and those who need a microwave that can handle bigger meals.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its Genius Sensor cooking technology, which automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level based on the type of food being cooked. This technology also ensures even cooking and defrosting, making it easy to prepare meals and snacks quickly and efficiently.
The Panasonic NN-SD945S also includes a variety of cooking options, such as popcorn, reheat, and defrost, as well as a Keep Warm feature to keep your food at the perfect temperature until you're ready to eat. It also features a sleek and modern stainless steel finish that complements any kitchen décor.
With a user-friendly and intuitive control panel, this microwave is easy to operate and customize to your specific needs. It also features a large and easy-to-read display and a one-touch sensor cook and reheat feature for optimal cooking results.
In addition, this microwave includes a child safety lock and a delay start feature, making it a great choice for families with young children or busy schedules.
Overall, the Panasonic NN-SD945S Microwave Oven is a top-of-the-line option for anyone in need of a spacious and powerful microwave that delivers precise and delicious results every time. Its Genius Sensor cooking technology, variety of cooking options, and stylish design make it a standout choice for any kitchen.
Get it now on Amazon.com
Panasonic NN-SD372S Microwave Oven
The Panasonic NN-SD372S Microwave Oven is a compact and affordable option for any kitchen. With a 0.8 cubic feet capacity and 950 watts of power, this model is perfect for smaller households and individuals who need a reliable and efficient microwave.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its inverter technology, which allows for more precise cooking and defrosting. This technology also helps to retain the natural texture and flavor of your food, resulting in better tasting meals.
The Panasonic NN-SD372S also includes a variety of cooking options, such as popcorn, reheat, and defrost, as well as a quick minute feature for convenient heating. It also features a sleek and modern stainless steel finish that complements any kitchen décor.
With a user-friendly and intuitive control panel, this microwave is easy to operate and customize to your specific needs. It also features a compact size that fits easily on most countertops, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments.
In addition, this microwave includes a child safety lock and a handy delay start feature, making it a great choice for families with young children or busy schedules.
Overall, the Panasonic NN-SD372S Microwave Oven is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient microwave at an affordable price. With its inverter technology and variety of cooking options, this microwave delivers precise and delicious results every time, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
Get it now on Amazon.com
Panasonic NN-SN736B Microwave Oven
The Panasonic NN-SN736B Microwave Oven is a versatile and powerful option for any kitchen. With a 1.6 cubic feet capacity and 1250 watts of power, this model is perfect for families and individuals who need a microwave that can handle a variety of meal sizes.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its inverter technology, which allows for more precise cooking and defrosting. This technology also helps to retain the natural texture and flavor of your food, resulting in better tasting meals.
The Panasonic NN-SN736B also includes a variety of cooking options, such as popcorn, reheat, and defrost, as well as a Keep Warm feature to keep your food at the perfect temperature until you're ready to eat. It also features a sleek and modern black finish that complements any kitchen décor.
With a user-friendly and intuitive control panel, this microwave is easy to operate and customize to your specific needs. It also features a large and easy-to-read display and a one-touch sensor cook and reheat feature for optimal cooking results.
In addition, this microwave includes a child safety lock and a delay start feature, making it a great choice for families with young children or busy schedules.
Overall, the Panasonic NN-SN736B Microwave Oven is a great option for anyone looking for a versatile and powerful microwave that delivers precise and delicious results every time. Its inverter technology, variety of cooking options, and stylish design make it a standout choice for any kitchen.
Get it now on Amazon.com
Sharp ZR551ZS Countertop Microwave Oven
The Sharp ZR551ZS Countertop Microwave Oven is a sleek and versatile option for any kitchen. With a 1.8 cubic feet capacity and 1100 watts of power, this model is perfect for families and individuals who need a microwave that can handle larger meal sizes.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its sensor cooking technology, which automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for optimal results. It also includes a variety of cooking options, such as popcorn, reheat, and defrost, as well as a Keep Warm feature to keep your food at the perfect temperature until you're ready to eat.
The Sharp ZR551ZS also features a modern and stylish stainless steel design that complements any kitchen décor. Its user-friendly and intuitive control panel includes a large and easy-to-read display and a one-touch start feature for quick and easy cooking.
In addition, this microwave includes a child safety lock and a timer function, making it a great choice for families with young children or busy schedules.
Overall, the Sharp ZR551ZS Countertop Microwave Oven is a great option for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable microwave that delivers precise and delicious results every time. Its sensor cooking technology, variety of cooking options, and stylish design make it a standout choice for any kitchen.
Get it now on Amazon.com
Danby Designer DMW077BLSDD Countertop Microwave Oven
The Danby Designer DMW077BLSDD Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and affordable option for any kitchen. With a 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power, this model is perfect for smaller households and individuals who need a reliable and efficient microwave.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its sleek and modern design, which includes a black stainless steel exterior and an easy-to-read LED display. It also includes a variety of cooking options, such as popcorn, reheat, and defrost, as well as a 30-second express cook feature for quick and convenient heating.
The Danby Designer DMW077BLSDD also features an easy-to-use control panel with simple and intuitive buttons. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to move and store, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments.
In addition, this microwave includes a child safety lock and a handy timer function, making it a great choice for families with young children or busy schedules.
Overall, the Danby Designer DMW077BLSDD Countertop Microwave Oven is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient microwave at an affordable price. Its sleek and modern design, variety of cooking options, and user-friendly control panel make it a great addition to any kitchen.
Get it now on Amazon.com
Whirlpool WMC20005YD Stainless Look Countertop Microwave
The Whirlpool WMC20005YD Stainless Look Countertop Microwave is a compact and stylish option for any kitchen. With a 0.5 cubic feet capacity and 750 watts of power, this model is perfect for smaller households and individuals who need a reliable and efficient microwave.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its unique and modern design, which includes a stainless steel exterior and a sleek, minimalist control panel. It also includes a variety of cooking options, such as popcorn, reheat, and defrost, as well as a 30-second express cook feature for quick and convenient heating.
The Whirlpool WMC20005YD also features an easy-to-use control panel with simple and intuitive buttons. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to move and store, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments.
In addition, this microwave includes a child safety lock and a handy timer function, making it a great choice for families with young children or busy schedules.
Overall, the Whirlpool WMC20005YD Stainless Look Countertop Microwave is a great option for anyone looking for a compact and stylish microwave at an affordable price. Its unique and modern design, variety of cooking options, and user-friendly control panel make it a great addition to any kitchen.
Conclusion: Choosing the perfect countertop microwave can be overwhelming, but with our top 20 picks, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your kitchen. From budget-friendly models to high-end options, there's something for everyone on this list. Happy cooking!