A do-it-all countertop appliance that can heat a meal, pop popcorn and defrost food — all in record time.
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A countertop microwave is designed to fit nicely on your kitchen counter, in your dorm room or next to your desk at work. This versatile appliance is easy to use and provides fast results — whether you need to defrost chicken in a pinch, soften brown sugar that has gone hard or whip up a quick and delicious microwave mug cake. Countertop microwaves do not require any special installation, can be moved around easily without sliding around on your countertop and are generally affordable.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab, our analysts have researched, evaluated and tested hundreds of small appliances in the last decade alone, including microwave air fryer combos, built-in microwaves and of course countertop microwaves. In our recent side-by-side Lab test, we tested 12 new countertop microwave models conducting over 10 tests on each model over the span of two months. 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 in our Lab at the end of this guide — plus we offer expert advice on how to master your microwave. Interested in other small appliances that can cook and reheat food? Check out our guides to best air fryer toaster ovens and indoor grills.
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 seven different ways to cook — microwave, air fry, convection, broil, defrost, sensor cook and “combi” cook — making it a true multitasker in the kitchen. This model has inverter technology, which according to Lab Assistant Nikolas Greenwald "distributes energy continuously, ultimately resulting in a more efficient application of energy to your food." If you use the "sensor cook" preset, it will utilize the microwave's built-in humidity sensor to adjust power and cooking time accordingly.
In our recent testing, this microwave had the most even heat distribution out of all microwaves tested. It completely and evenly melted cheese, produced four perfectly cooked baked potatoes and reheated a large casserole of mac and cheese more evenly than 11 other models we tested. 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.
This Hamilton Beach microwave delivers high performance at a low cost. It has a power output of 1,000 watts, which is usually a wattage found in pricier models. It comes with all the critical features: A plus-30-seconds button, a child safety lock, six cooking presets and one-touch express buttons for one to six minutes. This microwave is the newer model of our best value pick which was recently discontinued. We appreciate that it has the same easy-to-read and clean control panel and that this newer model boasts a handle. Did we mention, all for under $80? Plus, it comes in three different colorways to coordinate with your other kitchen appliances.
When we Lab-tested the previous model, we were impressed with how well the popcorn preset performed, only leaving 0.2 ounces of 3.2 ounces of the popcorn kernels unpopped — better results than more expensive microwaves we tested. We also love that this microwave features a built-in kitchen timer that allows you to use the microwave simultaneously. Keep in mind that this microwave's presets are also listed on the interior of the microwave and reviewers noted that the buttons were hard to read in a dimly lit room because they aren't backlit.
Two factors make this Panasonic microwave fast: It has 1,250 watts of heating power — one of the highest wattages we tested — and a built-in inverter that helps heat food more quickly and evenly. In our tests, microwaves with inverters did a good job reheating food evenly and excelled at baking potatoes.
This pick has a smart sensor and is loaded with features like a "quick 30" button, "more" and "less" buttons that adjust cook times by 10-second increments, a quick-minute timer, a delay-start feature and a child safety lock. We love the keep warm feature that can be added at the beginning of the cook cycle and will run for up to 30 minutes after a cook cycle ends. The sensor cook button has an impressive 14 presets for everything from oatmeal to fish fillets, but hold onto your owner’s manual because those are a lot of codes to remember.
The GE 3-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven was one of the easiest microwaves to operate in our recent testing, housing unique features that other models we tested did not offer. While most microwaves require that you place the turntable in exact alignment on the rotating ring underneath or it won't spin, no matter how you place this turntable on the rotating ring, it will spin. And instead of searching for preset codes, all presets are listed on the front of the microwave for superior ease of use.
This mid-sized countertop microwave model cooked up perfectly tender baked potatoes and excelled at heat distribution tests, melting cheese evenly and defrosting meat better than majority of its competitors. Something to note is that you have to press hard to open up the microwave while pushing the large external button and the user's manual is very brief and doesn't explain all functions as much as other microwaves we've tested. Thankfully this was an intuitive microwave to operate with all presets and settings listed on the front of the model.
The HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is not just a regular microwave; it's also a broiler, convection oven and air fryer — all in one sleek-looking machine. This countertop microwave model is actually our best overall microwave air fryer combo, but the convection setting is what truly drew us to this model. The four-in-one appliance can perform simple tasks like popping a bag of popcorn, as well as more complicated jobs like baking a cake in the convection oven or air frying chicken wings. We tried both and were especially impressed with how evenly the convection oven baked a nine-inch yellow cake and how crispy chicken wings were with the air fry function.
This model features Panasonic inverter technology which uses a continuous stream of power to thoroughly heat foods. While this microwave offers 20 presets, we recommend reviewing the instruction manual before operating to understand how they all work and which included accessories should be used (there are quite a bit of accessories).
With a roomy capacity of two cubic feet, this microwave has a smooth, easy-to-clean control panel and a large interior with a 16-inch glass turntable, making it a great model for families or anyone who wants to pop an entire casserole dish into the microwave. In our tests, we did notice that you need to keep large casseroles in the microwave for a bit longer than other models, but the results will be very moist. We found it interesting to watch the microwave use inverter technology to determine how much time was needed to pop a bag of popcorn. The results were that 94% of popcorn kernels popped, better than seven other microwave models tested.
This microwave features fewer presets than other models but does offer a child-lock, a plus-30-second button and rapid defrost. Make sure to measure the countertop space you have available in your kitchen first before purchasing this microwave as it is a large and quite heavy model.
We love the thoughtful construction of Breville appliances — and this quiet and attractive microwave lives up to the brand's reputation. A mute button turns off all beeps and the soft-close door claims to be 80% quieter than most microwaves on the market. In our tests, we did find the door to be quieter than other microwaves we tested, but cannot confirm that it is 80% quieter. The control panel is large and the slightly raised buttons are easy to press. Instead of a numeric keypad, you get an ergonomic dial that feels like it clicks as it quickly toggles through minutes and seconds. We were especially impressed with how easy it is to navigate the control panel when using the defrost preset.
This pick features preprogrammed buttons for defrost, reheat, popcorn and beverage as well as a food menu that houses the presets for “baked” potatoes, pizza and frozen vegetables. Take note: The food menu presets are coded, but the key is hidden inside the microwave like other models tested. In our tests, the popcorn preset popped almost all of the kernels but unfortunately did burn a few pieces of popcorn. Because of this we recommend not using the preset and listening for when popcorn has stopped popping. The potatoes that were "baked" in this countertop microwave needed an additional minute compared to other models tested, but after 10 minutes were nicely cooked.
If you have limited counter space, live in a dorm room or need a microwave primarily for reheating or cooking small amounts of food, this compact Black + Decker model is a great choice. The 10-inch turntable can fit a small dinner plate or low-profile mug, but nothing much bigger. We recommend that you measure your dinner plates or commonly microwaved tableware to make sure that they fit inside. The interior dimensions are about 12 inches x 13 inches x 8 inches.
It not only features presets for popcorn, potatoes, frozen vegetables and more, but it also allows you to program up to three functions you use most. This microwave has a lower wattage than other models we tested, but at 900 watts, you will still be able to perform most tasks — it might just take a few seconds longer. There is also a child safety lock feature.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab, we've researched, evaluated and tested hundreds of small appliances in the last decade alone, testing over 30 microwaves in that time.
In our recent side-by-side Lab test, we tested 12 new countertop microwave models, conducting over 10 tests and collecting more than 500 data points. To select our top picks, we went through 124 slices of bread, 48 potatoes and 18 pounds of mac and cheese. We rate each model on performance, ease of use, heat distribution and range of settings and presets.
To test countertop microwaves, we evaluate how evenly they melt cheese (pictured above) and "bake" potatoes (pictured here). Melting cheese on bread shows how uniformly a microwave melts and distributes heat, in case there are any hot spots. And we "bake" four potatoes to evaluate the speed, power and consistency of each microwave.
Numerous temperature datapoints are collected during microwave testing. We cook a large mac and cheese casserole on the stovetop, chill it overnight and then reheat it in a microwave. After being reheated, we collect the temperature of 10 different sections of casserole and examine the finished product for signs of overcooking, like a dried out consistency or burnt areas.
A dinner plate of meatloaf with sides is also reheated in each microwave, collecting the temperature of each section and assessing the cooking.
We test presets like the popcorn setting to see how well each microwave pops a bag of popcorn. We weigh the unpopped kernels that remain and assess any burning that occurred. We also test the defrost preset on microwaves by defrosting a pound of frozen ground beef (in two different shapes).
Lastly, if a microwave also functions as a toaster oven, convection oven or air fryer, we put those features to the test by toasting bread, baking a cake and air frying chicken wings.
We consider ease of use when it comes to the control panel, positioning the turntable, opening and closing the door, navigating the control panel, presets, settings and cleaning the microwave.
There are lots of choices for countertop microwaves that could fit your space and style, but these are the essential features to look for:
✔️ Size: The internal size of a microwave is noted as cubic feet and it will determine just how much you can fit inside. For example, you can’t fit an 11-inch dinner plate in our favorite compact countertop microwave pick. Based on our research, the most common capacity for countertop microwaves is around 1.2 cubic feet, but microwaves can be anywhere from 0.8 cubic feet to 2.2 cubic feet on average. Pick the size that best fits your space and needs.
✔️ Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. If you are reheating individual portions of food, defrosting small quantities of vegetables or making popcorn, a 700- to 900-watt microwave may be sufficient. For more varied use, you’d want at least 1,000 watts of power. The heating instructions for most packaged frozen meals are based on a 1,100-watt microwave. Anything lower will simply take longer to heat through.
✔️ Features: There are a lot of great bells and whistles on the market these days. These are some that make microwave use so much easier:
The countertop microwaves that we've tested range from $70 to $760 in price and after rigorous testing we have found that price didn't correlate with performance. High-end countertop microwaves tend to be geared towards aesthetics, boasting a sleek exterior that pairs well with luxury large appliances, but with similar performance to affordable countertop microwave models. High-end microwaves are worth it if the design of your kitchen is important to you, otherwise we don't see the need to splurge on a high-end microwave. Many of the countertop microwaves on this list are affordable and high-performing models.
Eva Bleyer has professionally tested all kinds of kitchen equipment, from oven ranges to juicers to kitchen scales to blenders. Eva conducted the most recent side-by-side testing of 12 new microwave models in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab. While Eva doesn't cook in a microwave every day, she loves the convenience of being able to quickly melt butter or make a personal mug cake in a microwave.
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab where she oversees all of Good Housekeeping's content and testing related to kitchen appliances, tools, gadgets and gear. She's been testing kitchen appliances professionally since 2013 and has worked at kitchen appliance companies where she helped develop microwaves as well as many recipes for them. She is trained in classic culinary arts and is a professional recipe developer. Nicole oversaw the most recent side-by-side testing of 12 microwaves. Nikolas Greenwald is a Lab Assistant in the Good Housekeeping Institute where he works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Nik worked in the labs of MIT and Regeneron, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.
Eva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager.
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