8 Best Counter Microwave Ovens of 2025

Built like a tank and engineered for precision, the SHARP 1.1 cu. ft. microwave delivers exceptional build quality that stands out in a sea of flimsy competitors. With a robust 1000-watt power output and a spacious 12.4-inch removable turntable, it ensures even heating across most meal sizes, while Orville Redenbacher’s certified popcorn button adds a fun, practical touch for snack lovers. The inclusion of 2-stage cooking and 10 power levels gives users real control—perfect for those who want consistency without complexity.

In real-world testing, this microwave handles reheating leftovers, defrosting proteins, and cooking frozen meals with commendable reliability. The weight and time defrost functions are accurate, and the “+30 seconds” express button is a small but game-changing convenience when you’re in a rush. However, it lacks smart sensors or inverter tech, so delicate tasks like softening butter or gently warming sauces can result in uneven results or hotspots. It shines brightest with standard reheating and simple cooking—ideal for kitchens where durability and simplicity matter most.

Compared to sensor-packed models like the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, the SHARP trades automation for rugged dependability. It doesn’t offer humidity-sensing or eco modes, but it’s more durable and consistent than budget units. This makes it a top pick for users seeking a no-nonsense, long-lasting workhorse—especially in offices, dorms, or secondary kitchens. While less feature-rich than high-end models, it outperforms its peers in structural integrity and ease of use, making it the go-to for those who value solid engineering over bells and whistles.

Precision meets power in the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS), a high-performance microwave that redefines what mid-range units can do. Armed with inverter technology, it delivers continuous, even heating—no more cold spots or overcooked edges—making it a standout for delicate tasks like melting chocolate or reheating leftovers. The 1250-watt output and massive 1.6 cu. ft. capacity make it ideal for families or meal preppers, while the 13.6-inch turntable easily fits large plates and 13-inch pizzas.

During real-world use, the 6 smart sensor menus consistently delivered perfectly heated meals—pizza emerged crisp, vegetables stayed tender, and reheated pasta didn’t turn mushy. The inverter tech ensures smooth power delivery, avoiding the pulsing heat of traditional microwaves, which translates to better texture retention. It handles large dishes with ease, though its depth (19.2 inches) may challenge tighter countertops. The quick start button is a small but meaningful touch for daily use, though the buzzer can’t be permanently silenced without a long press—minor friction in an otherwise seamless experience.

When stacked against the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS), this model offers higher wattage and smarter cooking, making it the best overall choice despite a slightly higher cost. It outshines budget models in both performance and durability, and while it lacks air frying, it beats combo units in microwave-specific excellence. Ideal for serious home cooks who want restaurant-grade results at home, it strikes a rare balance between advanced features and intuitive operation—offering more culinary finesse than most, without sacrificing reliability.

Big value in a small package—the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is the undisputed king of budget microwaves, offering essential features without cutting critical corners. Despite its modest 700-watt power and 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, it packs one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, and beverages, plus a mute function and ECO mode that cuts standby power by 50%—a rare win for energy-conscious users. The 10-inch turntable rotates smoothly, and the bright digital display ensures readability, even in dim lighting.

In practical use, it excels at light-duty tasks: reheating coffee, defrosting small portions, or popping popcorn. However, its lower wattage means longer cook times, and larger dishes or dense foods heat unevenly—expect cold centers in thick meals. The auto-cook functions are basic and lack sensor intelligence, so results can vary. It’s best suited for solo users, college students, or as a secondary unit in a garage or office. While it struggles with heavy lifting, its silent mode and compact footprint make it perfect for shared spaces where noise and size matter.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, it offers better energy efficiency and quieter operation, though both share similar capacity and power. It doesn’t match the performance of 1000W+ models, but for those prioritizing low cost and eco-friendliness, it’s unmatched. This microwave isn’t built for families or serious cooking, but as a no-frills, wallet-friendly solution, it delivers surprising functionality for its size and price—making it the smartest pick for minimalists and budget shoppers.

Spacious, smart, and family-ready, the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) is engineered for households that demand capacity without compromise. With a 1.6 cu. ft. interior and 1200-watt power, it handles everything from toddler meals to full family leftovers, while the 13.6-inch turntable with position memory stops in the same spot every time—making it safer and easier to remove hot dishes. The smart sensor menu adjusts cooking based on moisture levels, ensuring pizza stays crispy and veggies don’t overcook, a major step up from basic timers.

In daily use, the multi-stage cooking and auto-defrost by weight shine, allowing complex routines like defrost-then-reheat with minimal input. The interior light and bright display make monitoring meals easy, and the stylish black stainless finish resists smudges better than standard stainless steel. However, the sensor accuracy lags slightly behind the ML-EM45PIT(BS), sometimes undercooking dense items. It’s also heavier and deeper than average, so it needs a solid countertop—compact kitchens may struggle with fit.

Versus the Farberware 1.3 cu. ft. model, this Toshiba offers larger capacity and smarter cooking, making it better for growing families. While not as powerful as the 1250W ML-EM45PIT(BS), it balances performance, usability, and price exceptionally well. It’s the ideal choice for parents, meal preppers, or anyone who regularly heats large or multiple dishes—delivering family-sized convenience with fewer compromises than most rivals.

A true kitchen multitasker, the GE GCST10A1WSS blurs the line between microwave and oven, thanks to its built-in air fry, convection, and broil modes. With 1050 watts of power and a crisper pan, it delivers golden, crispy fries and juicy chicken wings without a separate appliance—perfect for health-conscious cooks avoiding deep frying. The convection fan ensures even browning, while the broil function adds a seared finish to meats and melts cheese beautifully. All this in a compact 1.0 cu. ft. body that fits snugly on small countertops.

Real-world testing confirms it air fries faster than toaster ovens, producing results comparable to full-sized units in half the time. The preset controls for fries and nuggets take guesswork out of cooking, and the microwave function heats efficiently, though not as evenly as inverter models. However, the small turntable limits plate size, and the crisper pan requires hand washing—minor inconveniences for the functionality gained. It’s not ideal for large meals, but for singles or couples, it’s a space-saving powerhouse.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS), it sacrifices some microwave precision for versatility, but wins in culinary range. It’s pricier than basic models, but the ability to air fry, bake, and broil justifies the cost for those wanting an all-in-one solution. If you crave crispy, oven-quality food without bulk, this is the ultimate compact upgrade—offering more cooking modes and better texture control than any standard microwave in its class.

Sleek, simple, and space-smart, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is the best compact microwave for tight kitchens, dorms, or minimalist setups. Its 17.3-inch width and 0.7 cu. ft. interior make it one of the most counter-friendly models, while the push-button door release adds a premium touch—no more awkward handle pulls with full hands. The 700-watt output handles basic reheating and defrosting, and the 30-second express cook makes quick tasks effortless.

In practice, it’s reliable for coffee, oatmeal, or single servings, but struggles with larger or dense foods due to lower wattage and turntable size. The pre-programmed buttons for popcorn and pizza are convenient, though less accurate than sensor-driven models. The interior light and large LED display enhance usability, and the removable turntable simplifies cleaning. However, it lacks advanced features like mute mode or eco settings, and the child lock requires two steps, making it less intuitive than competitors.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, it offers better build and push-door convenience, but misses out on energy-saving ECO mode. It’s not built for families or heavy use, but for those who need a clean, compact, and easy-to-use microwave, it’s a standout. With its sleek stainless look and smart footprint, it maximizes function in minimal space—making it the top pick for urban dwellers and small households.

Tailored for family life, the Farberware 1.3 cu. ft. microwave strikes a sweet spot between size and smarts, offering 1100 watts of power and smart sensor cooking in a footprint that fits most kitchens. Its interior is spacious enough for 9×13 dishes yet remains compact enough for countertops, while the sensor auto-cook settings adjust time and power for pizza, veggies, and reheats—delivering consistent results without guesswork. The easy-clean interior resists stains and wipes down quickly, a real win for busy parents.

In real use, it handles family-sized meals with confidence, reheating multiple plates evenly and defrosting chicken breasts accurately by weight. The six one-touch presets speed up daily routines, and the bright LED display with interior lighting makes monitoring food easy. However, the sensor sometimes overcooks delicate items, and the white finish shows fingerprints and scratches more than stainless models. It’s not as powerful as 1200W+ units, but for most household tasks, it performs reliably and quietly.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS), it offers similar sensor tech in a smaller body, making it better for medium-sized families with limited space. While it lacks a position-memory turntable, it matches in usability and ease of cleaning. It’s the ideal blend of practicality and performance for homes where daily cooking demands efficiency and durability—delivering family-friendly features without overcomplicating the experience.

Precision cooking perfected, the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS is the best sensor microwave for users who want set-and-forget accuracy without upgrading to a convection model. Its smart humidity sensor detects steam in real time and automatically adjusts cooking time, preventing overcooking—a game-changer for reheating lasagna or steaming veggies. With 1000 watts, 12 auto menus, and a 12.4-inch turntable, it balances power and intelligence, while the mute function and ECO mode cater to eco-conscious and noise-sensitive users.

In testing, the sensor reheat function preserved texture better than manual settings, keeping rice fluffy and sauces creamy. The one-touch start for 1–6 minutes is intuitive, and the easy-clean interior resists splatter buildup. However, the sensor occasionally underestimates dense foods, requiring a quick boost. The silver finish is sleek but shows smudges, and the unit is slightly wider than average—verify your space before buying. It’s not the most powerful, but for consistent, hands-off cooking, it’s unmatched.

Against the Farberware 1.3 cu. ft., it offers superior sensor accuracy and quieter operation, though with slightly less capacity. It doesn’t air fry like the GE model, but for microwave purists who value culinary precision, it’s the top choice. With its smart automation and eco features, it delivers restaurant-level consistency in a home-friendly design—making it the ultimate pick for tech-savvy cooks who want perfect meals with zero effort.