Our Top Picks
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven1.2 Cu.Ft.-Black20.5 x 17.1 x 12.8 inches31.1 poundsCheck on Amazon
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.0.7 Cu. Ft12.93 x 17.52 x 9.53 inches23.81 PoundsCheck on Amazon
BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop1.1 cu. ft.14.8 x 20.6 x 11.8 Inches31.2 PoundsCheck on Amazon
The best countertop microwave for most kitchens is probably a mid-sized 900-watt model, while a 1.2 cubic foot, 1000-watt unit suits families and big plates, and 0.7 cubic foot models suit dorms and desks. That is the short version of what these eight listings suggest. We compared them using only what each product title states, so every size, wattage and feature below is a seller claim until you confirm it on the listing. Read the table first, then jump to the model that matches your counter space.
Top picks at a glance
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black | 12.4" Removable Turntable, Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus, Mute Function, ECO Mode, Easy Clean Interior
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Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
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BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Stainless Steel | Digital Controls, Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 10 Power Levels, Removable Turntable
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BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel | 10 Power Levels, Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, Countertop, 6 Auto Cook Presets
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BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel | Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 6 Auto Cook Presets, 10 Power Levels
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TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Black Stainless Steel | 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function, Child Lock, LED Lighting, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, Perfect for Apartment
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COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W,Pearl White, ECO Mode | Sound On/Off, One-Touch Buttons, Child Lock, for Apartment, Dorm & Office
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Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft., 900 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
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| Model | Key point from the title | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W | Smart humidity sensor, 12 auto menus, 12.4″ turntable | Premium | Families, large plates |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W | Push-button door, 6 auto presets | Mid-range | Roomy interior without the top price |
| TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W | 6 auto menus, LED lighting, 10.6″ turntable | Mid-range | Apartments and couples |
| BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W | 6 auto cook presets, 10 power levels | Mid-range | All-round daily use |
| Chefman 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W | One-touch express cook, Eco mode, mute | Budget | Value-minded small families |
| BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W | Digital controls, push-button door | Budget | Simple reheating |
| Chefman 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W | 6 presets, child lock, mute button | Budget | Small counters, dorm rooms |
| COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W | Pearl white, Eco mode, sound on/off | Budget | Light-colored kitchens, offices |
What is changing in countertop microwaves
Basic microwave ovens have not changed much in principle, but the feature lists around them keep growing. A decade ago a plain dial and a timer were normal. Today even inexpensive listings advertise one-touch presets, adjustable power levels, child lock and a mute option, and the titles in this set show how common those extras have become.
Two trends stand out when you read the titles. First, sizes are clustering around three steps: roughly 0.7, 0.9 and 1.1 to 1.2 cubic feet. Second, brands increasingly sell the same oven in several capacities with near-identical feature wording, so two listings from one maker can look almost the same on paper. That is why this guide spells out which differences are real, such as wattage and turntable size, and which are cosmetic.
Sensor cooking is also moving down-market. A humidity sensor, which tries to adjust time by detecting steam, used to be a premium selling point. In this set it appears on the largest Toshiba, though most others rely on presets and manual power levels. Energy-saving Eco modes and quiet mute options are becoming standard in smaller, apartment-oriented units.
Design is shifting too. Compact units now emphasize apartment, dorm and office use in their titles, which reflects smaller living spaces and more people reheating meals at work or school. Finishes beyond black, such as pearl white or black stainless steel, are appearing at budget prices, so style no longer forces you up a price tier.
A caution: general trends like these are hedged observations, not market data. Specifications vary by model year and retailer, so always compare against the current listing and the manufacturer’s manual before buying.
How we picked these
This is a desk-based comparison. We read each product title, grouped the models by capacity and wattage, and noted which features the title explicitly states. Our basis is published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews that you can read yourself on each listing. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. Where a title is silent, we say “check the listing” rather than guess, and we flag near-duplicate models so you do not pay for a difference that barely exists.
The eight models
TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W with smart humidity sensor
This is the largest and most feature-rich oven in the set, going by its title: 1.2 cubic feet, 1000 watts, a 12.4-inch removable turntable, a smart humidity sensor, 12 auto menus, a mute function, Eco mode and an easy-clean interior. It sits at the premium end of the group on price.
It suits households that regularly heat full dinner plates, large casserole dishes or family-sized portions. Picture a weeknight where two plates and a bowl of vegetables need warming together; the bigger cavity and wider turntable are the reasons to pay more. The sensor menus may also appeal if you prefer pressing a button over guessing times.
Because the title promises both a humidity sensor and a dozen auto menus, this is the model where reading the manual pays off: learn which menus rely on the sensor and which use fixed times, then reheat the same dish a few times to see what suits you. The extra cost is easiest to justify if the oven replaces an older, smaller one that could not fit your plates.
- Pro: Largest capacity and highest wattage listed here.
- Pro: Sensor and 12 auto menus reduce guesswork.
- Pro: Easy-clean interior and mute option.
- Con: Premium price tier within this set.
- Con: Bigger footprint needs more counter space.
Check the listing for exterior dimensions, the exact auto-menu names, cabinet clearance and whether a child lock is included, since the title does not mention one. Question to ask before buying: will you really use a cavity this large, or would a 0.9 cubic foot oven cover your plates?
BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W stainless steel
The title lists 1.1 cubic feet, 1000 watts, a push-button door, child safety lock, 6 auto cook presets and 10 power levels, in a stainless steel finish. On paper it gives most of the Toshiba’s power and size for a mid-range price, minus the humidity sensor and the stated turntable diameter.
It fits a family kitchen where speed matters: a 1000-watt oven tends to shorten reheating times, and 6 presets cover common jobs such as popcorn or beverages, though the title does not name them. A push-button door is easy to open with one hand while carrying a plate, which is a practical touch.
A practical thing to weigh is that a larger cavity also means a larger box. If your counter is already crowded by a toaster and a coffee maker, the extra 0.2 cubic feet over the 0.9 version may cost you usable space for little real gain. Measure first, then decide.
- Pro: High wattage and roomy size at a mid-range tier.
- Pro: Child safety lock and push-button door.
- Con: No sensor cooking mentioned in the title.
- Con: Turntable size is not stated, so check plate fit.
Check the listing for outside dimensions, interior height, mute or quiet options and the list of presets. Question to ask before buying: does the 1.1 cubic foot oven fit your counter, given that it shares a brand family with a smaller, cheaper 0.9 cubic foot version?
TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W black stainless steel
This Toshiba pairs 0.9 cubic feet and 900 watts with 6 auto menus, a mute function, child lock, LED lighting and a 10.6-inch removable turntable. The title also positions it for apartments, which signals a compact design aimed at tighter kitchens.
It suits a couple or a single cook who wants more than the bare minimum without the larger footprint of the 1.2 cubic foot sibling. A realistic scenario: you share a flat, run the microwave late at night, and want quiet operation; the mute function and interior lighting help there.
The title’s mention of LED lighting is a small detail that matters when you want to watch a bowl of soup without opening the door and losing heat. A 10.6-inch turntable also leaves room for a standard dinner plate in many homes, though you should measure yours.
- Pro: Mute, child lock and LED lighting together.
- Pro: Stated turntable diameter makes plate-fit checks easier.
- Con: A 10.6-inch turntable is smaller than the 12.4-inch one on the larger Toshiba.
- Con: No sensor cooking in the title.
Check the listing for exterior dimensions, door handle type, Eco mode availability and the auto menu names. Question to ask before buying: do your dinner plates exceed roughly ten inches across? If so, compare the measured width of your plates against the stated turntable before ordering.
BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W stainless steel
The title gives 0.9 cubic feet, 900 watts, 10 power levels, a push-button door, child safety lock and 6 auto cook presets. It is the middle sibling of a three-size line, and the wording is almost identical to the 1.1 cubic foot model apart from capacity and wattage.
That makes it an easy default for a household that wants a single everyday oven: leftovers at lunch, a mug of something warm, frozen vegetables at dinner. Its feature set is mostly about basics done sensibly rather than extras, which is a strength if you dislike complicated panels.
This is the sort of oven that suits a household with varied needs and no strong feature preferences. If someone in the family cooks rarely, six presets and ten power levels give enough guidance without a manual-heavy learning curve.
- Pro: Balanced size and wattage in a mid-range tier.
- Pro: Child lock and push-button door.
- Con: No mute function mentioned in the title.
- Con: Near-identical to its larger sibling, so the choice comes down to size.
Check the listing for turntable size, cavity dimensions, display type and how presets are labeled. Question to ask before buying: would a few extra tenths of a cubic foot be worth it, given the nearly matched 1.1 cubic foot version?
Chefman 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W with express cook
Chefman’s 0.9 cubic foot oven lists 900 watts, 10 power levels, 6 cooking presets with one-touch express cook, Eco mode, child safety lock and a mute button. It sits in the budget tier of this set while carrying a feature list that rivals pricier ones.
It suits a value-driven buyer who wants a middle size without paying for a premium finish. Express cook is aimed at quick one-press tasks, such as warming a single serving, so a student or a remote worker heating lunch each day could use it often.
One-touch express cook is typically a quick-start button that runs a short preset time with a single press; the title does not specify the duration, so look for that detail. Because Chefman sells the same style of oven in two sizes, double-check capacity and wattage on the page you buy from.
- Pro: Eco mode, mute and child lock at a budget price tier.
- Pro: One-touch express cook for quick jobs.
- Con: Black finish may show fingerprints more than some alternatives.
- Con: Turntable size not stated in the title.
Check the listing for exterior dimensions, interior material, turntable diameter and what express cook actually does. Note that the 0.7 cubic foot Chefman uses nearly identical wording, so confirm you are viewing the 900-watt version. Question to ask before buying: do you value Eco mode enough to keep it in your routine?
BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W stainless steel
The smallest B+D here lists 0.7 cubic feet, 700 watts, digital controls, a push-button door, child safety lock, 10 power levels and a removable turntable. It is at the budget end and focuses on core functions without presets in the title.
It suits a desk, a guest room or a small apartment counter, where the goal is to reheat a bowl of soup or warm a drink rather than cook a meal. With only 700 watts, expect longer times than larger-wattage models; package directions written for 1000 watts will need adjusting.
If you only ever warm drinks and reheat single portions, the lack of extras will not bother you. The clean control layout implied by digital controls and a push-button door may also appeal to older relatives or guests who prefer a simple panel.
- Pro: Compact and budget-friendly.
- Pro: Child lock and push-button door.
- Con: Lower wattage means longer cooking times.
- Con: No presets or mute function in the title.
Check the listing for exact dimensions, turntable diameter and whether the display offers a clock. Question to ask before buying: do you cook mostly frozen meals with instructions written for higher wattage, and are you willing to add time?
Chefman 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W with presets
This compact Chefman lists 0.7 cubic feet, 700 watts, 10 power levels, 6 cooking presets with one-touch express cook, child safety lock and a mute button, in black. Compared with the B+D of the same size, it adds presets and a mute option in the title.
Think dorm rooms, offices and studio kitchens. If you share a hallway kitchen or a break room, a mute button prevents beeping from disturbing others, and the child lock helps if small visitors are around.
Its small size is the draw, but remember that a 0.7 cubic foot interior can struggle with wide plates or tall containers. Measure your most-used bowl before committing, and treat the presets as starting points rather than exact programs.
- Pro: Presets and mute in a small, budget-tier unit.
- Pro: Child lock for shared or family spaces.
- Con: 700 watts means slower heating than larger models.
- Con: Near-duplicate of the 900-watt Chefman, so check the listing variant.
Check the listing for interior width, turntable size and whether Eco mode is included, because the title omits it. Question to ask before buying: can you spare the counter space for 0.9 cubic feet, which would add wattage for a small price step?
COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W pearl white
The COMFEE’ title lists 0.7 cubic feet, 700 watts, a pearl white finish, Eco mode, sound on/off, one-touch buttons and child lock, and says it is for apartments, dorms and offices. The color is the main visual difference in this set, where most competitors are black or stainless.
It suits a light-colored kitchen, a dorm with limited counter space or a small office. A realistic use: reheating a coffee or soup between meetings. The one-touch buttons keep operation simple for shared use.
The sound on/off feature is the title’s way of offering a mute option, which helps in a shared dorm hallway or early-morning kitchen. As with the other 700-watt models, expect to add time to instructions written for higher-wattage ovens.
- Pro: White finish for light kitchens.
- Pro: Eco mode, sound on/off and child lock.
- Con: Lowest wattage tier, so heating is slower.
- Con: White surfaces may show stains more easily.
Check the listing for dimensions, turntable size, number of presets and how long the cord is. Question to ask before buying: would a slightly larger 0.9 cubic foot oven serve you better if your plates are wide?
Buying guide for countertop microwaves
Capacity and counter footprint
Capacity in cubic feet describes the interior, not the box on your counter. Two ovens with the same capacity can have different outside dimensions because of vents, doors and control panels. Measure the space, then leave breathing room as the manual directs; ventilation clearances vary by model, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the model you buy.
Wattage and cooking time
Higher wattage generally heats faster. Many package directions assume about 1000 watts, so on a 700-watt oven you often add time. If you mostly reheat a single bowl, 700 watts may be fine. If you cook frozen meals daily, 900 to 1000 watts probably saves patience.
Turntable and interior
Turntable diameter affects which plates rotate freely. Two titles here state it (12.4 and 10.6 inches). A plate that catches the walls will not spin and may heat unevenly. A removable turntable also makes cleaning easier.
Power levels and defrosting
Most titles here mention 10 power levels. Lower levels cycle the energy on and off, which is how a microwave softens butter or thaws a block of frozen food without cooking the edges. If you defrost often, a model with clearly labeled power settings and a defrost option matters more than headline wattage. The titles do not say which models include a dedicated defrost menu, so check the listing and the manual.
Controls, presets and sensors
Presets are shortcuts, and quality varies. Sensor cooking tries to detect steam and adjust time. Neither replaces judgment: stir, rest and check food reaches a safe temperature, especially for leftovers and meat.
Cleaning, finish and everyday upkeep
A removable turntable and a smooth interior make wiping up splatters quicker. Black and stainless finishes tend to show fingerprints, while white surfaces can show stains, so think about how visible the oven will be in your kitchen. Covering food with a microwave-safe lid or vented cover keeps the interior cleaner and saves scrubbing later. Eco mode, listed on several of these models, is usually described as reducing standby power draw; check the manual for exactly what it changes.
Safety features
A child lock helps stop accidental starts. Never use metal, foil or damaged containers, never run the oven empty, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes for outlets and clearances.
Worked example: choosing by plate and routine
Assumptions: a two-person household, 10.5-inch dinner plates, reheating about four times a day, and an assumed electricity rate of 15 cents per kWh. A 900-watt oven running three minutes draws roughly 0.045 kWh of output energy (real draw is higher because the oven’s input power exceeds its cooking wattage), so the running cost per use is tiny either way. Cost therefore should not drive the decision; plate fit and counter space should.
| Spec concept | What to look for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.7 for one person, 0.9 for two, 1.1+ for families | Matches plates and containers |
| Wattage | 900-1000W for faster heating | Shorter times, closer to package directions |
| Turntable | At least an inch wider than your plate | Allows free rotation |
| Quiet and lock | Mute, child lock | Shared homes and families |
In this example the 10.5-inch plate clears the 12.4-inch Toshiba turntable but is tight against the 10.6-inch one, so the larger model or a smaller plate is the safer path. For deeper countertop comparisons, our look at air fryer toaster ovens shows when a different appliance may replace a microwave.
Mistakes buyers make
Buying by capacity alone is common. A 0.9 cubic foot oven with a small turntable can be less useful than a 0.7 oven that fits your plates. Compare turntable size, not just the headline number.
Ignoring wattage is another trap. Two ovens that look identical can differ by 200 watts, and that gap changes cooking times noticeably. Check the title and the manual.
Skipping the dimensions leads to cabinet or counter surprises. Measure width, depth and height, and keep ventilation clearance in mind.
Assuming presets are precise is a quiet mistake. Presets are averages; stir food, let it stand, and make sure it is hot all the way through.
Forgetting about cookware is easy to do. A big turntable is no help if your favorite bowl is metal-trimmed or your containers are not microwave-safe. Sort out which dishes you will use before you commit to a size.
Overlooking near-duplicates costs money. The Chefman and B+D lines each come in several sizes with matching feature wording, so confirm the capacity and wattage on the exact listing.
Verdict by use case
For a family or large plates: the TOSHIBA 1.2 cubic foot, 1000-watt model, if you can afford the premium tier and spare the counter. For mid-sized everyday use: the TOSHIBA 0.9 or BLACK+DECKER 0.9, depending on whether you prefer a stated turntable size and mute or the simple B+D layout. For a value-minded household: the Chefman 0.9, which packs Eco mode and mute into the budget tier. For dorms, desks and offices: the Chefman 0.7, COMFEE’ 0.7 or BLACK+DECKER 0.7, chosen by finish and features. For a roomy oven without the top price: the BLACK+DECKER 1.1. Whichever you choose, confirm the capacity, wattage and dimensions on the exact listing, read the manufacturer’s manual for ventilation and cookware guidance, and keep the return window in mind in case the footprint is not what you expected.
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Frequently asked questions
What size countertop microwave do I need?
It depends on the plates you use and the counter you have. Models around 0.7 cubic feet suit one or two people, dorms and offices. Around 0.9 cubic feet is a common middle size for couples and small families. Models near 1.1 to 1.2 cubic feet handle larger dinner plates and bigger containers. Always check the listing for the exterior width, depth and height, plus the turntable diameter, before you decide where it will sit.
Is a 1000-watt microwave much faster than a 700-watt one?
Higher wattage generally shortens cooking times, because more energy goes into the food each second. A 1000-watt unit will usually heat a cup of soup or a plate of leftovers noticeably quicker than a 700-watt unit, though the exact gap depends on the food and the container. Package directions are often written for 1000 watts, so a lower-wattage oven may need extra time. Wattage figures in listings are seller claims, so check the manufacturer’s documentation.
What does a humidity sensor do on a microwave?
A humidity sensor, sometimes described as a smart or sensor cooking feature, tries to detect steam released by the food and adjust the cooking time automatically. That can help with reheating and vegetables when you do not want to guess a time. It is a convenience feature rather than a guarantee, and results vary by food and container. Check the listing and the manual to see which menus use the sensor.
Are the child safety lock and mute features worth having?
A child lock stops the control panel from starting the oven when a small child presses buttons, which is useful in family kitchens, though it does not replace supervision. A mute option silences the beeps, which matters for late-night snacks, shared apartments and open-plan homes. Neither feature changes how the oven heats, so treat them as quality-of-life extras and weigh them against size and wattage first.
Can I put any dish or container in a countertop microwave?
No. Metal, foil and dishes with metallic trim can cause sparks and damage the oven, and some plastics warp or are not rated for microwave use. Look for containers marked microwave-safe, vent lids so steam can escape, and avoid sealed containers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the manual for your specific model, never run the oven empty, and check that glass or ceramic dishes have no cracks or metallic paint before heating.
Do countertop microwaves need space around them?
Many manuals ask for clearance at the back, sides and top so vents can release heat, but the amount differs by model. Do not block vents with towels, boxes or cabinet doors. Plug the oven directly into a suitable outlet rather than a crowded power strip, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local electrical codes. If you plan to place it on a shelf or in a nook, check the dimensions on the listing first.
