The best microwave for most kitchens is the Toshiba 1.2 Cu Ft — the right size, a smart humidity sensor, and a great price. A good microwave reheats evenly, defrosts without cooking the edges, and doesn’t take forever. Below are the best countertop microwaves we’d actually buy, from a $69 compact to a premium inverter — every one confirmed in stock.
How we chose the best microwaves
Every pick was scored against the same criteria, and we confirmed each product is currently in stock on Amazon before including it:
- Real-world quality — materials, construction, and durability, not marketing claims.
- Fit for purpose — sound design and the right fit for the job each product is meant to do.
- Value across budgets — from a solid budget pick to a premium best-in-class option.
- Owner consensus — thousands of verified reviews and Amazon’s Choice standing, cross-checked against known failure points.
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Microwaves: the 10 best, compared
The 10 best microwaves, ranked
1Toshiba 1.2 Cu Ft (1000W) Best overall
The all-around winner — a 1.2-cubic-foot, 1000-watt countertop microwave with a smart humidity sensor that auto-adjusts time for even reheating, 12 presets, a mute option, and an easy-clean interior. The right size and features at a fair price. What most kitchens should buy.
Sale
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 1.2 Cu.Ft.-Black
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 14.6 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
$133.97
Buy on Amazon
2Panasonic NN-SN65KW Inverter (1.2 Cu Ft) Best inverter (even cooking)
Panasonic’s Inverter tech delivers a steady stream of power instead of cycling on and off — so food reheats and defrosts evenly with no rubbery edges or cold centers. 1200 watts, sensor cooking, Turbo Defrost. The pick when reheating quality matters most.
Sale
Panasonic NN-SN65KW Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, 1200W, 1.2 cu.ft. Small Genius Sensor One-Touch Cooking, Popcorn Button, Turbo Defrost-NN-SN65KW-(White) | 1.2 cu.ft. Small Genius Sensor One-Touch Cooking, Inverter Technology, 1200W, Popcorn Button, Turbo Defrost
- Microwave Cooking Made Easy: 1200W white microwave with 11 power levels, smart controls, 3-level popcorn button, and more for easy cooking of dinner and snacks
- Even Cooking and Reheating for Delicious Food: Panasonic’s patented Inverter Technology generates a seamless steam of cooking power for evenly heated foods, edges to center
- Smarter Cooking: Genius Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking but automatically adjusting power and cooking time; Includes 10 sensor cook settings; sensor reheat warms leftovers evenly
- More Features to Enjoy: Inverter Turbo Defrost accelerates thawing time; 15 Auto Cook Options, Keep Warm and more
- Space-Saving Design: Countertop microwave with 1.2 cu.ft. easy-clean interior houses 13.4” turntable but maintains a small external footprint to maximize counterspace
3COMFEE 0.7 Cu Ft (700W) Best budget / compact
A compact 0.7-cubic-foot, 700-watt microwave with one-touch cooking, 11 power levels, a mute button, and a child lock — for around seventy dollars. Small enough for a dorm, office, or apartment. The value pick when you just need reliable reheating cheaply.
Sale
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Black, ECO Mode | Sound On/Off, One-Touch Buttons, Child Safety Lock, for Dorm, Apartment, Office
- Two-step Child Lock Feature: For extra protection and prevent misuse, all microwave oven manufacturers are asked to follow the new safety standard and add this 2-step child lock function
- Mute Function: Turn off all the microwave beeps by pressing the sound on/off button for 3 seconds, for a quiet cooking experience
- Easy one-touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time). With easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizes 50% standby power by using ECO mode
- Included Components: 1 Microwave Oven and 1 Manual Instruction Book
$69.97
Buy on Amazon
4Toshiba 4-in-1 Microwave + Air Fryer Best combo
A single appliance that microwaves AND air fries, with convection and a smart sensor in a 1.5-cubic-foot body — reheat, crisp, bake, and defrost from one machine. The pick for a small kitchen that wants to replace a microwave and an air fryer with one unit.
TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer Combo, 1.5 Cu.Ft, 1000W | Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory Turntable, Countertop Use, Silver
- 4-in-1 Multifunctional Countertop Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking (microwave plus convection) can fulfill more usages
- Healthy Air Fryer Combo Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry
- One Kitchen Appliance, Better Texture Combines microwave and convection cooking in one appliance, with auto bake, defrosting and auto roast menus. Also with pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum result of popular foods like frozen pizza, vegetables and more
- Large Capacity for a Family Size 13.6 inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza
- Stylish Appearance: Stainless steel finish (color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black) with easy to clean stainless steel interior
$271.99
Buy on Amazon
5Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft (1000W) Best value mid-size
A 1.1-cubic-foot, 1000-watt microwave with 6 auto-cook programs, LED lighting, defrost, and a child lock — a well-rounded everyday microwave from a trusted name at a friendly price. The value pick in the most popular size.
Sale
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1000 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.1 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
$119.99
Buy on Amazon
6Panasonic NN-SD975S Inverter (2.2 Cu Ft) Best large premium
A big 2.2-cubic-foot, 1250-watt microwave with Cyclonic Wave Inverter tech and a Genius one-touch sensor — roomy enough for large dishes and casseroles, with Panasonic’s best even-cooking technology. The premium pick for a big family or serious reheating.
Sale
Panasonic Microwave Oven with Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology, 1250W, 2.2 cu.ft. Countertop Microwave with Genius Sensor One-Touch Cooking – NN-SD975S (Stainless Steel/Silver)
- Delicious Food, Smarter Cooking with Panasonic Microwaves: Cyclonic Inverter Technology evenly circulates heat in 3D waves for more even, efficient cooking with delicious results
- Simple Microwave Controls: You’re never more than the touch of a button or turn of a dial away from 20 preset menu items, inverter turbo defrost, quick 30 sec, delicious popcorn and more
- Take the Guesswork out of Cooking: Cook and reheat without setting a time. Sensor Cook and Reheat functions offer pre-set options for easier cooking
- Defrost in a Hurry, Keep Warm When You Need It: Sensor Inverter Turbo Defrost evenly thaws foods more evenly and quickly; Keep warm feature keeps foods, like vegetables, sauces & bread, warm until ready to serve
- Maximize Counter Space: Uses a spacious 2.2 cu.ft interior and compact exterior to take up minimal counterspace; make it a built in microwave with trim kit models sold separately (NN-TK922SS / NN-TK932SS)
$474.95
Buy on Amazon
7Toshiba 1.6 Cu Ft Smart Sensor Best mid-large
A roomier 1.6-cubic-foot, 1200-watt Toshiba with a position-memory turntable and smart sensor — more space for big plates and bowls without jumping to a full 2.0+ size. The pick for a household that wants extra room and sensor cooking at a mid price.
Sale
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, 1.6 Cu.Ft, 1200W | Position Memory Turntable, Sound On/Off, Countertop, 13.6" Turntable, Black Stainless Steel Sensor-1.6 Cu.Ft
- 【Better texture with sensor menus 】This 1200-watt high power countertop microwave with 10 power levels includes a pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetable and more
- 【Large Capacity for a Family Size】1.6 cu. ft. capacity ; 13.6" turntable; fitting a 13inch pizza; with one touch popcorn button as kitchen essential
- 【Position Memory Turntable】 Innovative position-memory technique resets the turntable to the initial position for more convenient and safer use
- 【Convenience Features】Auto defrost, fast cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, clock and kitchen timer
- 【Sound On/Off Function】If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, please long press on the button "8" for 3-5 seconds; The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
$164.47
Buy on Amazon
8Nostalgia Retro 0.9 Cu Ft (800W) Best retro style
A 0.9-cubic-foot, 800-watt microwave dressed in a charming retro design with a chrome-accented handle and dial-look controls — 12 presets and an LED display under the vintage looks. The pick for a kitchen where the microwave is also a statement piece.
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven - Large 800-Watt - 0.9 cu ft & BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster, T2569B, Extra Wide Slots, 6 Shade Settings, 850 Watts, Crub Tray
- Product 1: POWERFUL UNIT: With all the cooking capacity you need, this compact microwave quickly cooks and re-heats food with simple and easy-to-navigate cooking settings. Just turn and push the program dial to start.
- Product 1: CONVENIENT CONTROLS: 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, a delay timer, and express cooking provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more.
- Product 1: EASY TO READ CLOCK: No need to squint with our easy-to-read LED display. It lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting.
- Product 1: VINTAGE ACCENTS: Boost your kitchen with a classic look. This large microwave has a sleek chrome door handle, control panel, and accents that add fun and flair to this unique retro-styled appliance.
- Product 2: Special Functions - Press the frozen or bagel buttons and the toaster will automatically adjust to provide ideal results. Plus, the cancel button pops the toaster at any time
$149.98
Buy on Amazon
9Farberware 1.3 Cu Ft (1000W) Best larger value
The bigger 1.3-cubic-foot Farberware — a bit more room for large plates and dishes, with the same auto-cook programs, LED lighting, and child lock, still at a value price. The pick when the 1.1 feels a touch small but you don’t need a jumbo unit.
Sale
Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless 1.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1000 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.3 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
$132.29
Buy on Amazon
10COMFEE Retro 0.9 Cu Ft (900W) Best budget retro
A 0.9-cubic-foot, 900-watt retro-styled microwave with 6 auto menus, multi-stage cooking, and a mute function in cheerful vintage colors — retro looks without the premium price. The pick for style on a budget.
Sale
COMFEE' Retro Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft 900W Countertop, Apricot | 6 Auto Menus, Multi-stage Cooking, Mute Function, LED Display, for Small Kitchen & Dorm 0.9 Cu.Ft Apricot
- Two-Step Child Lock Feature: For extra protection and prevent misuse, all microwave oven manufacturers are implementing a new safety standard and add a 2-step child lock function, which will be easily deactivate by the instruction. Please refer to the product manual for the full features of this microwave oven.
- 11 Power Cooking Level with 900w Output: This microwave has 6 auto menus, which can help you in your daily meals--popcorn, beverage, vegetable, meat, pizza, potato, pasta, soup, reheat.
- Mute Function: The 0.9 cu.ft microwave oven allows you to easily set up the mute fuction by pressing the Time/Clock button for only 3 seconds and then you can enjoy your cooking at any time without worrying about the noise.
- Multi-stage Cooking: This small microwave oven can save your cooking time by setting multi-stage cooking. For example, you can defrost and cook at ONE time setting.
- Stylish Retro Design: With compact size, this retro microwave fits all types of kitchen styles, also adds to the colour of your home. Easy-to-read control panel with LED display is suitable for all of you to use. Perfect gift for the one you love.
$99.97
Buy on Amazon
Microwaves: buyer’s guide & FAQ
What size microwave do I need?
Match it to your space and dishes. A compact 0.7-0.9 cu ft suits a dorm, office, or apartment and single plates. A 1.1-1.3 cu ft is the everyday sweet spot for most homes and standard dinner plates. Go 1.6-2.2 cu ft for big families, large casserole dishes, or if you reheat a lot at once. Measure your counter space too.
Is an inverter microwave worth it?
If you reheat and defrost often, yes. A standard microwave cycles full power on and off to simulate lower settings, which can overcook edges. An inverter delivers a steady, lower power stream, so food heats and defrosts more evenly with no rubbery spots. Panasonic leads here, and it’s a real, noticeable improvement.
How much wattage do I need?
More watts means faster, more even cooking. 700 watts (typical of compact models) works but is slower; 1000 watts is the everyday standard and cooks noticeably faster and more evenly; 1200+ watts is best for large microwaves and heavy use. If speed and even results matter, aim for 1000 watts or more.
Is sensor cooking useful?
Yes — sensor (or humidity) cooking detects the steam coming off your food and automatically sets the time, so you don’t guess and end up with a cold center or an exploded bowl. It’s especially handy for reheating leftovers and popcorn. Most mid-range and premium models here include it.
Countertop or over-the-range microwave?
This list covers countertop microwaves — the flexible, affordable, no-installation choice that most people buy. Over-the-range models mount above your stove and include a vent/light, saving counter space but costing more and requiring installation. If you have the counter room, a countertop unit is simpler and cheaper.
More kitchen gear, ranked
Meet your guide
M
Melissa
Home, Kitchen, Beauty & Fitness
I’ve spent years writing about and recommending the products people actually live with — the kitchen gear, home goods, and beauty finds that earn their place on a shelf. At Golden’s List I lead editorial across Home, Kitchen, Beauty, and Fitness, digging through reviews, specs, and real owner feedback to separate the genuinely great from the merely popular — and making sure every pick is in stock with a live price before it makes a list. Meet the whole team →