Best Microwave Ovens in 2026

Home cooks looking to reclaim precious counter space without sacrificing power should look no further than this GE over-the-range unit. It packs a significant 1000-watt punch into a 6 cubic foot interior, making it much more capable than your standard built-in model. I found the defrosting options particularly helpful. You can let the machine handle the timing automatically or take manual control for more precision. The integrated 300-CFM venting system is a lifesaver for clearing out steam and cooking odors quickly, and having the ability to toggle the turntable on or off adds a layer of customization that many similar models lack. It is a heavy, substantial piece of hardware that feels built to last in a busy kitchen.

Over several weeks of regular use, the efficiency of this Toshiba microwave has become a key part of my daily cooking experience. The 1100W power consistently heats up dishes effectively. The smart humidity sensing feature is a major plus for ensuring that your frozen veggies don't end up with that nasty rubbery consistency or when reheating food. The interior space surprised me. It's spacious enough to fit a 12 inch pizza. Something rare for this size. The controls are easy to use but remember to remove the protective film before your first use. I love the mute feature (press and hold number 8). Perfect for keeping the noise down when having late night snacks. Great performance in a sleek package. It's a powerhouse!

You may find your kitchen counter space bursting with big appliances that really don't deliver the power needed to whip up quick meals. But with this BLACK+DECKER model you get the ideal combination of minimal size with 1000W power to make life easier. The control panel was so easy to use, especially that 30 second express cooking button for those wild mornings. There are preset options to reheat essentials like popcorn, pizza, frozen veggies, so you don't have to guess. The large LED display is great and very easy to read at a distance. It has a sleek black finish with a nice stainless steel frame door giving it a much more expensive appearance. Push button door and removable 12.4" glass turntable for easy access and cleaning. You don't have to be complicated to be efficient.

Sharp's 1.1 cu. ft. countertop microwave gets the everyday jobs done without making you think about them. The 1000-watt engine heats leftovers fast and evenly, helped along by a 12.4-inch Carousel turntable that keeps a plate of pasta from turning into a lava pocket on one side and a cold bite on the other. The dedicated popcorn preset is tuned to Orville Redenbacher's, and it nails a full bag without scorching. Ten power levels with two-stage cooking let you defrost then cook in one programmed run, and the +30 seconds key plus one-press Express Cook up to six minutes means most meals are two taps away. The stainless finish is a nice step up from the usual plain white box.

For a built-in microwave, you might need to compromise between size and sleekness. But not with the 2.2 cu. ft. Frigidaire Gallery model. This microwave has a nice size interior space where you can place a complete casserole dish with a side of veggies, without the need to stack them. With its sensor cooking feature, it does the work for you, sensing what food you're heating up and automatically adjusting power levels and time, so your leftovers will be evenly warmed-up and not just scalding on the edges. The trim kit for a 27/30" opening is not included (which you'll need for that seamless built-in look), so you may want to consider that additional purchase. Make sure you have a 24 3/4" x 20" x 16 3/4" cutout to fit this in. When it's all installed, this unit becomes one with your cabinets.

In small apartments or busy office break rooms, space can be limited for larger appliances on the counter. This Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. microwave frees you from that problem by providing you with 1000 watts of power in a small footprint. I loved the express cooking buttons and the 30 second quick start feature in the morning. The memory is really a time saver for preparing the same meals. The stainless steel exterior gives the microwave a classy and premium look. You don't feel like you are using a cheap appliance. Despite the smaller size, you have a 12.5 inch turntable and 6 one touch programs including pizza and popcorn. It really feels like you can do a lot of cooking with this despite the smaller size. It has the high-end feel but the security of a dedicated child lock.

After using the BLACK+DECKER digital microwave for several weeks, it's definitely the trusty steed in my minimalist kitchen arsenal. The 900w power is steady and the 10 levels of power are very useful so you don't have to deal with that gross rubbery feeling that comes with a low powered one. Using the controls are so easy with the big LED display. The 30 second express cook button is great for a quick lunch break. Even though the size of 0.9cu ft is small, the 10.6 inch glass tray can easily fit on your normal plates. I also love the push button door release and the child safety lock built-in. Perfect for busy households or when you live in an apartment and want to maximize your space.

Get the heavy lifting done in the kitchen with no fuss with the 1.1 cu. ft. countertop microwave from BLACK+DECKER. With six one-touch cooking presets that cover what you actually eat (popcorn, baked potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage, dinner plate), never leave reheating to guesswork. For more control, you've got 10 power levels to work with, or for instant hot food use the express cooking buttons to skip all the hassle. Power through a full plate with ease at 1000W. The 1.1 cu. ft. interior is large enough to fit standard size dinner plates, but doesn't dominate your countertop. Easily clean the black fingerprint resistant finish and for added peace of mind if you've got a curious little one, lock the control panel with a simple 5-second cancel button hold.

A lot of power for this stainless countertop microwave oven. It can be used for simple reheating food as well as a pound of ground beef to thaw - no cold spots. 0.9 cu ft internal space and 900 watts of power do the job. You can also remove the 10.6" Carousel turntable (removable) to prevent food from getting cold spots from sitting in the same place. It has 10 different power levels and two stage cooking for real control over your food cooking. Also, features like +30sec, Express Cook settings and auto cook settings can be used for simple everyday operations. The grey color inside the oven, white LED display and LED interior lights are good modern features. Overall, a simple to use and well-featured oven for those who just want to get reliable cooking results.

Toshiba's 0.7-cu. ft. countertop microwave proves that small can be big in more ways than one. The microwave (about 17 in. x 12 in. x 9.5 in.) fits into the narrow confines of your dorm desk or apartment counter. But the 700-watt microwave's 6 auto menus can still help you reheat leftovers, warm drinks, and even make popcorn. You'll especially love the ChefDefrost feature. Not only does it thaw frozen meat much quicker than defrost mode, but the quality of the meat is also maintained, keeping the texture and taste. Plus, you get to play (or not) with the 11 power levels. No more wild guess game. The 9.6-in. glass turntable can handle a normal plate for dinner. But for large casserole dishes, you may need something bigger. Other features include one touch start buttons, child lock, sound on/off, and eco mode. Easy to use and figure out in no time.

Chefman’s 0.7 Cubic Foot Countertop Microwave makes a strong case for petite appliances not feeling bare bones. The 700w motor isn't beastly but with 10 power levels you can choose to get buttery low and slow or hot ‘n nasty for left overs in mere minutes. Six one-touch cook presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes and left overs. And hit a number key for the number of minutes to cook. Plus child lock on the handle actually works. We like the mute button as a blessing for mornings. Dishwasher safe glass turntable and easy-clean black outside with a damp towel. Micro compact and economical for dorm room, office or squeeze on your kitchen counter.

The Toshiba 900 Watt Countertop Microwave is a countertop beauty that deserves its place in the kitchen with its sleek stainless steel design that's much better than one would expect for its size. The cooking chamber measures 0.9 cu. ft and supports a 10.6 inches glass turntable that allows it to support a regular sized dinner plate and popcorn bags without touching the sides of the microwave. With the six preset menu functions, you can easily prepare the classics (popcorn, pizza, potato) and choose from a range of 11 power levels to give you the ability to properly warm up your food or get a quick boil going. You can use the start at max power with one-touch operation to get things started at full power for 1-6 minutes. The defrosting function can be used by weight or time for those of us who lack forward planning. The 2-step child safety lock and mute mode are great for those living in an apartment or dorm where there's a need to not be too loud. It's a simple, no fuss machine that gets the job done.

No need to have a large microwave when you're working with a smaller kitchen. Check out this BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave. It has 10 power levels and 700 watts of power, it's perfect for reheating leftovers, popcorn or frozen meals, and it won't take up too much counter space. There are six one-touch programs for common microwave foods like popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage, and dinner plate reheat. For rapid heating, just use the express cook buttons to avoid the button pushing. There's even multi-stage cooking so you can have the microwave go from defrost to reheat automatically. The black color is fingerprint resistant and keeps it looking clean. Plus it has a child safety lock feature that's great if you have curious little ones. This microwave won't brown or crisp up your food. But it's great for quick heating for your dorm, apartment or office.

GE has always been synonymous with kitchen. This tiny countertop microwave is no different. 1.1 cu. ft. of space with a powerful 950 watts, you can go from reheating leftovers to doing a whole dinner plate of food without the usual hot spots you get with less expensive models. I love how simple it is. With 6 convenience cook settings, one touch express buttons and clear digital keypad, this thing is very quick even when you're half asleep. The auto/manual defrost will get your frozen foods defrosted evenly without cooking the sides. For shared kitchens or even a family with curious kids, the child lock feature is a great touch. As long as you're within the required clearance, this thing is quiet and consistent.

Frigidaire Retro Countertop Microwave: showing small appliances can be cooler than they look. The retro style with black & gold color scheme gives a true 50s style appeal. Looks good enough you'll get compliments on it (rather than hiding in the cupboard). The style isn't all there is though. With a 700W power and 5 different power levels, you can warm up left overs, oatmeal or frozen burritos. Eight 1 touch auto cook menus make it easy to pop your popcorn, pizza, beverages or frozen meals with just a single button press. Auto defrost lets you know how long you need to thaw food and the express cook button is the one you'll be using most for quick work in the morning. Glass rotating turntable help you to get even heat throughout and easy to clean up. It's 0.7 cu. ft. size means it fits well for dorms, office or limited space countertops (although don't plan on cooking a whole chicken in this thing).

It's hard to escape the mindset that small = compromise, but this Farberware microwave is a great example that can make small an advantage for your kitchen workflow. Being only 0.7 cubic feet makes this microwave a great fit for cramped office spaces or dorm kitchen tops that avoids the toy-like feel. 700 watts of power is also more than capable of handling your real meals with this one. The express cooking buttons, especially the 30 second setting, were a god send for quick reheating. There's some surprisingly smart design here given the size with 10 power levels and 6 express buttons like pizza or potato. Even the brushed stainless steel has that nice premium feel, not some utilitarian vibe. It's one of those sweet spots that's small enough to get out of the way but packs enough power for your primary heating needs.

The RCA RMW733-BLACK is a compact and powerful microwave that's perfect for small living spaces such as dorms or tiny apartment kitchens. This microwave measures only 29" in length, making it a great fit for most kitchen counters without taking up too much space. I particularly appreciated the easy-to-use digital controls, including express cook and the option to delay the start of the cooking cycle for scheduled warmups. The smart sensor function is impressive, as it automatically calculates power and time with the help of 6 auto-cook options for various foods such as popcorn, frozen foods, etc. In addition, there are dual defrost timers for greater control, which isn't commonly found in smaller microwaves. It even has a child safety lock which is always great for families with children.

Most people would assume smaller oven, means less food. Not with this Ninja countertop oven! You can cook a 13” pizza or 6 chicken breasts. But it's not just about the 1800 watts of power and 60 second preheat. What sets it apart is the brilliant flip up design that saves 50% of your counter space when not in use. This is the 8 in 1 work horse! It uses Digital Crisp Control Technology to air fry, roast, bake and dehydrate perfectly. Cook full meals in about 20 minutes! Enjoy the crispy goodness of fried food with up to 75% less fat! With the adjustable toast darkness selector and easy cleaning back access. You'll think this was made for life's crazy kitchen moments.

BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 is your go to workhorse for a busy family that needs a reliable mid level performer. The 1000-watt microwave serves up meal prepping magic with quick and dedicated presets for everything from frozen veggies to pizza. That 30 second express button is your fast track to reheating bliss! I really love how easy it is to use. The large LED screen is easy to read even under the bright kitchen lights. The push button door release is fast and feels strong. The 1.4 cu ft interior and 12.4" glass turntable gives you a lot of room to fit larger plates without feeling crowded. Comes with that extra measure of security with the child safety lock. Really a good balance of functionality with a clean and modern kitchen style.

It's been a few weeks now that I've been using this Farberware microwave to heat my fast lunch every day. The 1000-watt power output is quite amazing for this compact size microwave. It's super easy to prepare my snack fast. I'm really loving the express cook buttons and the memory function. I just store my most common settings and don't need to mess with the knobs every time. The metallic red color with the black stainless front provides a nice colorful touch on my counter top. Plus, the clear led lights and the dedicated one-touch options like pizza, popcorn, etc., make it a breeze from thawing to reheating!

Forget the cramped air fryers that require you to do everything in batches. This enormous 26-quart beast of an air fryer changes the entire dynamic of family dinner prep. The real star of the show here is the sleek French door system. It provides effortless and one-handed access to your food so you can check it out with the bright lights inside. It gets up to a blistering 500°F so you can enjoy that deep fried crunch signature with up to 70% less fat than traditional frying. It's a 10-in-1 air fryer replacement to tackle a whole rotisserie chicken to a 12 inch pizza all at once with the multi-level racks. This is a countertop air fryer beast if you're sick of waiting around for little appliances to take their time with one batch at a time.

Panasonic has revolutionized the way we think about countertop convenience with this 1.6 cubic foot dynamo, combining impressive wattage with an unexpectedly small size. At the core of this device is the revolutionary patented Cyclonic Wave Inverter technology, which leverages 3D waves to distribute heat much more effectively than traditional microwaves, eliminating those dreaded cold spots in your food. I particularly loved the Genius Sensor, which saved me from overcooking my leftovers. With its 15 smart cooking preset options, you can easily reheat anything from oatmeal to pasta without any guesswork. Plus, despite its massive internal capacity, the design is still smart enough to keep your counter space at a premium. With features like Turbo Defrost for uniform thawing and the convenient Quick 30 button, this is ideal for someone who needs high-speed performance that doesn't skimp on quality.

If you’re a dorm resident or apartment dweller, this Farberware microwave is going to be your best friend when it comes to limited kitchen space. This microwave is so much more than just a heating machine because it packs a bunch of great features into a small footprint of only 0.7 cu ft. There are 10 different power levels and 6 one-touch menu options such as pizza and popcorn so you don’t have to think too hard when you want to whip up a quick snack. The retro white design looks great on your countertop and with LED lights you know for sure that your food isn’t boiling over. It also comes with a child safety lock and a basic defrost option so you can still have control over your important cooking needs even when you live in a small space.

Magic Chef packs a surprising amount of control into a microwave that fits neatly on a cramped counter. Ten power levels and a 900-watt engine handle everything from reheating leftovers to actually cooking, while the black ceramic interior wipes clean far easier than the painted cavities on cheaper units. Auto defrost by weight or time means you're not guessing how long that frozen chicken needs, and one-touch express cooking up to six minutes covers the popcorn-and-coffee crowd. The Add 30 Seconds button and kitchen timer are the small touches you'll use daily, and the child safety lock is a genuine relief in a house with curious kids.

Toshiba's 1.2 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave oven is perfect for those cramped dorm or apartment countertops or even your desk in your room. With the smart sensor cooking, all you need to do is select one of 13 auto menus, and it will auto-adjust the time to cook. Which means, reheating leftovers or frozen meals aren't scorching in one spot and cool in another. 10 power levels allow you to take control when necessary. The weight or time defrosting feature works great for meats like ground beef and chicken. Love the extra little features like the mute button to silence the beeps, memory feature to bring up the most used settings, and a 2-step lock-out for kids to avoid them tampering when you're not around. The black stainless finish and 12.4" turntable make it an overall nice looking unit.

Scan-to-Cook is a game changer, just aim at the barcode of your frozen meal and it'll grab the time and power settings from the box. Besides that neat feature, this GE Profile has got the essentials down—800 watts and 1.1 cubic feet means you've got space for a big casserole without taking up your whole countertop. With sensor cooking, it'll detect the moisture levels as your food heats up and auto-adjust so your leftovers don't turn into rubber. The one-touch express buttons and 10 power levels will handle most of your cooking needs. Plus, with Wi-Fi and Alexa/Google Assistant, you can even kick it on from your couch. Child lock is a handy feature if you've got little ones around.

It's often a tradeoff with compact microwaves. Not in the case of this GE. You can get it smaller but not at the expense of power. This little microwave has 900 watts of power so it warms up leftovers, frozen meals and coffee cups as quick as any full sized microwave. It also has 0.9 cubic feet of room that will hold your standard dinner plate. Got instant access to the things you use most with one touch express keys. Plus there are seven auto cook settings to remove the guesswork in cooking popcorn, baked potatoes, and even reheated pizza. Both manual and auto defrost settings will defrost meat while preventing overcooking the edges. The child lock is handy if you're sharing your kitchen. Just allow the side clearance of 3".

Squeezing counter space to the max, Farberware's 0.9 cubic ft. microwave offers high-powered convenience that doesn't skimp. With a 900 watt cooking element, Farberware gets your frozen burritos, leftovers, and oatmeal popping in an even manner every time. Then there's the 10 power levels to help you dial down the heat when tasks like melting butter and softening cream cheese require more sensitive handling. You can also make use of 8 one-touch auto-cook options that include popcorn, pizza, potato, frozen & fresh vegetables, beverages, meat, bread - essentially covering the bases of what small kitchens prepare regularly. Throw in the express cook plus +30 second button so you don't have to wade through your reheating options and you've got an easy-to-use solution that's perfect for dorms, offices, RVs, and small kitchens.

This 3-in-1 countertop oven from Sharp offers you three appliances in one convenient package. It has the microwave, convection oven, and air fryer features, all built into a single 0.9 cu. ft. appliance. Multi-stage cooking lets you go from defrosting chicken to roasting it, to crisping up the skin, all without having to stop and reconfigure anything. Preset buttons help you with common food and drink items, and the +30 button lets you adjust the time as needed. With the auto defrost setting you can trust to get accurate defrosting for meat, poultry, and fish. The interior is stainless steel for easy cleanup, and the air fryer basket and baking pan are dishwasher safe. LED interior lights and 10.6" turntable give you visibility on browning without having to open the door. Truly compact. Truly versatile.