7 Best Counter Microwaves of 2025

This compact powerhouse delivers impressive cooking flexibility in a space-saving design, making it ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or office use. With 900 watts of cooking power and 10 precise power levels, it handles everything from gently melting chocolate to rapidly reheating leftovers without drying them out. The one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, and beverages eliminate guesswork, while the +30 seconds express function ensures quick top-offs—perfect for users who want efficiency without complexity.

In real-world testing, the Chefman shines in speed and usability. The digital interface is intuitive, responding instantly to inputs, and the memory function lets you save frequently used settings—great for morning coffee reheat routines or nightly meal prep. The 0.9 cu. ft. cavity fits standard dinner plates and medium bowls, though larger containers may struggle to rotate freely. While it lacks advanced sensors, the consistent performance across textures—from soggy leftovers to frozen burritos—proves reliability. However, the turntable is smaller than average, which can limit cookware options.

Compared to budget models like the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, the Chefman offers more power and smarter features without a significant price jump. It doesn’t have sensor cooking like the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, but its balance of control, quiet operation, and Eco Mode makes it a standout for minimalist users. Ideal for singles, students, or secondary kitchens where space matters most, this microwave delivers thoughtful design over flash. It’s not the most feature-rich, but for straightforward, daily-use reliability, it outperforms many in its class.

Step into the future of reheating with the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, a microwave that thinks for you thanks to its Smart Sensor Technology. This isn’t just another preset machine—its humidity-sensing system detects steam levels in real time and automatically adjusts cooking time and power to prevent sogginess or overcooking, delivering restaurant-level consistency at home. Backed by 1000 watts and a spacious 1.2 cu. ft. interior, it’s built for families or meal preppers who demand precision without babysitting the clock.

During testing, the sensor reheat function was a revelation—leftover pasta came out steaming hot but not mushy, and reheated pizza retained its crust integrity. The removable 12.4-inch turntable makes cleaning a breeze and accommodates larger dishes, while the 10 power levels allow granular control for delicate tasks like proofing dough or softening ice cream. The mute function and ECO mode add quiet, energy-efficient operation—perfect for late-night snacks. However, the digital panel can be sluggish, and the sensor mode sometimes underestimates dense foods like casseroles, requiring manual override.

When stacked against the SHARP 1.1 cu. ft. model, this Toshiba offers smarter automation and a slightly larger cavity, though it lacks Orville Redenbacher certification—a minor loss for popcorn lovers. It’s not as flashy as the GE convection model, but for users who value set-it-and-forget-it intelligence, this is the gold standard. Compared to similarly priced units, it strikes a perfect balance between automation and simplicity, making it the top pick for those tired of guessing cook times.

Don’t let the ultra-affordable price tag fool you—the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB punches well above its weight with essential features packed into a tiny frame. At just 0.7 cu. ft., it’s one of the most space-efficient microwaves available, perfect for college dorms, studio apartments, or RV kitchens. Despite its 700 watts of power, it handles basic reheating and defrosting with surprising competence, and the one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, and beverages make daily use effortless.

In practice, it excels at light-duty tasks—warming soup, melting butter, or reheating a single serving—but struggles with larger or denser meals. The 10-inch turntable keeps food rotating evenly, though the small cavity limits plate size. The mute function is a quiet hero, silencing beeps for midnight snacks, while ECO mode slashes standby power by 50%, appealing to eco-conscious users. However, the lack of power beyond 700W means longer cook times and uneven results with frozen entrees, and the digital display feels dated compared to rivals.

Compared to the Chefman 900W model, this COMFEE’ unit trades raw power and capacity for lower cost and footprint. It doesn’t offer sensor cooking like the TOSHIBA, but for users who need bare-bones functionality on a tight budget, it’s unmatched. It’s not built for families or heavy users, but as a no-frills, reliable starter microwave, it delivers exactly what it promises. When value is king, this model quietly outperforms expectations.

Meet the multicooking marvel that redefines what a microwave can do—the GE GCST10A1WSS isn’t just for reheating; it’s a full kitchen powerhouse with air fry, convection, and broil modes in one compact body. With 1050 watts of microwave power and a built-in crisper pan, it delivers crispy fries, golden chicken nuggets, and even roasted vegetables—all without firing up the oven. The convection technology circulates hot air evenly, while the elevated rack ensures browning on all sides, making it a dream for health-conscious cooks avoiding deep frying.

Real-world tests confirm its versatility: frozen tater tots came out crunchy, a small casserole browned beautifully under broil mode, and reheated pizza regained its crispness thanks to the convection setting. The 1.0 cu. ft. cavity is compact but smartly designed, fitting a 10-inch dish with room to spare. However, the learning curve is steeper—users must understand multi-stage programming, and the interior light is dim, making it hard to monitor cooking. Also, while it’s smaller than a full oven, it’s bulkier than standard microwaves, so countertop space is a consideration.

Against the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), this GE model sacrifices some capacity (1.6 vs. 1.0 cu. ft.) but gains true multi-functionality. It’s pricier than basic models, but for those seeking an all-in-one appliance, it’s a space-saving powerhouse. Compared to standalone air fryers, it integrates seamlessly into microwave routines. For small households, bachelors, or anyone wanting oven-like results without the cleanup, this is the ultimate upgrade. It’s not the cheapest, but in performance per cubic inch, it’s unmatched.

The SHARP 1.1 cu. ft. microwave is a masterclass in even, reliable cooking, thanks to its 12.4-inch removable carousel turntable that ensures consistent rotation and heat distribution. With 1000 watts of power and Orville Redenbacher’s Certified Popcorn Preset, it delivers perfectly popped kernels every time—no more burnt edges or unpopped centers. The two-stage cooking function lets you program multiple power levels in one cycle, ideal for defrosting then cooking meat seamlessly.

In testing, the turntable’s smooth glide minimized noise and wobble, a common flaw in budget models, while the auto-cook and weight defrost settings took the guesswork out of meal prep. The +30 seconds express key is perfectly placed for quick boosts, and the bright digital display remains readable in low light. However, it lacks sensor cooking or mute functions found in TOSHIBA models, and the control panel feels basic compared to smart rivals. Still, for users who prioritize consistent results over bells and whistles, this is a workhorse.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11, which shares similar specs, the SHARP stands out with certified popcorn performance and superior turntable stability. It doesn’t have air frying like the GE model, but for pure microwave excellence, it’s hard to beat. Ideal for families needing dependable, daily performance, it offers refined engineering without complexity. When even cooking is non-negotiable, this SHARP model delivers precision in every rotation.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is the undisputed champion of all-around performance, earning its “Best Overall” title with a 1.6 cu. ft. family-sized cavity, 1200 watts of power, and Smart Sensor menus that adapt to food moisture in real time. Its 13.6-inch Position Memory Turntable is a game-changer—it resets to the same starting point after each use, making it safer and easier to load and unload large dishes. Whether you’re reheating lasagna for four or cooking a whole chicken, this microwave handles volume and variety with ease.

In real-world use, the sensor reheat function preserved texture better than any other model—rice stayed fluffy, and casseroles heated evenly without dry edges. The multi-stage cooking lets you defrost, cook, and crisp in one programmed cycle, while the stylish black stainless finish resists smudges and elevates kitchen aesthetics. However, its large footprint demands serious counter space, and the initial setup requires peeling a protective film from the keypad—a quirky but necessary step. It’s not the quietest, but the sound-off function helps.

Against the GE air fry model, this Toshiba offers greater capacity and smarter sensors but lacks convection or broil modes. Compared to the SHARP, it provides more power and automation at a similar price point. For families, home cooks, or anyone who demands maximum versatility and intelligence, this is the ultimate choice. It doesn’t do everything, but what it does, it does exceptionally well—making it the most complete microwave in the lineup.

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 strikes a sweet spot between value and performance, offering 1000 watts, a spacious 1.1 cu. ft. interior, and a sleek two-tone design at a competitive price. Its removable 12.4-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking, while the push-button door release adds a touch of modern convenience—no more pulling handles with greasy hands. With one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, and dinner plates, it simplifies daily use for busy households.

In testing, it reheated meals quickly and evenly, though dense foods like stew required stirring midway. The large LED display is bright and easy to read, and the child safety lock works reliably. However, it lacks sensor cooking or mute functionality, putting it behind TOSHIBA models in automation. The 30-second express cook is handy, but there’s no +30 seconds during active cooking—a small but noticeable omission. Still, for users who want solid performance without overspending, it delivers.

Compared to the SHARP 1.1 cu. ft. model, it shares similar capacity and power but loses points on specialized features like popcorn certification. Against the COMFEE’ budget model, it’s a clear upgrade in size and power. It doesn’t have the flair of the GE air fryer or the brains of the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS), but for everyday reliability at a fair price, it’s a no-nonsense winner. When you want more than basic but less than premium, this BLACK+DECKER hits the mark.