8 Best Countermicrowave Ovens of 2025

This powerhouse performer delivers serious cooking capability in a compact 1.1 cu. ft. footprint, making it ideal for small kitchens or office spaces where every inch counts. With 1000 watts of output power and ten adjustable power levels, it handles everything from reheating coffee to cooking frozen dinners with impressive consistency. The six one-touch presets—including popcorn, pizza, and potatoes—streamline daily use, while the multi-stage cooking function allows precise control over complex meals, solving the all-too-common problem of unevenly heated food.

In real-world testing, the Farberware microwave shines in speed and reliability. The easy-clean interior resists splatters and wipes down effortlessly, a major win for busy households. The 30-second add button and express cooking shortcuts make it incredibly intuitive, especially for users who value speed over advanced features. However, it lacks sensor cooking, meaning you’ll need to manually adjust times for optimal results—this microwave excels in simplicity but doesn’t offer smart humidity detection like higher-end models. It struggles slightly with delicate defrosting, often starting to cook edges before the center fully thaws.

Positioned between budget picks and premium models, the Farberware stands out as a best value contender when you want more power and features than a mini microwave offers, without paying for extras you won’t use. It outperforms smaller 700W units like the COMFEE’ in speed and capacity, yet avoids the complexity and steep price of multi-function models like the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo. Perfect for students, small families, or secondary kitchens, it balances performance, size, and ease of use—offering more cooking flexibility than entry-level models while costing significantly less than smart or convection-equipped alternatives.

Don’t let its tiny 0.7 cu. ft. size fool you—this COMFEE’ microwave packs a surprising punch for its footprint, making it the go-to pick for ultra-compact spaces where efficiency is king. With 700 watts of power, it’s designed for light-duty tasks like reheating leftovers, brewing coffee, or popping microwave popcorn, and its one-touch auto-cook buttons make it idiot-proof for dorm rooms or break rooms. The mute function is a quiet hero—perfect for late-night snacks without disturbing roommates or family.

During testing, the COMFEE’ proved remarkably consistent for its class, though it naturally takes longer to heat dense foods compared to 1000W+ models. The 10-inch turntable rotates smoothly, ensuring even cooking for small plates, and the ECO mode cuts standby power by 50%, a rare and thoughtful inclusion at this price point. However, its limited capacity means it can’t fit standard dinner plates or large bowls, and the lack of sensor cooking demands more user input to avoid overcooking. It’s not built for families or frequent cooks, but for solo users or minimalists, it’s a no-frills workhorse.

When stacked against the Chefman 0.9 cu. ft. model, the COMFEE’ trades a bit of interior space for lower cost and superior energy efficiency. It’s not as powerful or feature-rich as the Farberware or Toshiba models, but it’s the best compact budget option for those who prioritize space savings and silence over speed. Ideal for dorms, RVs, or office desks, it delivers essential functionality without clutter or complexity—a minimalist’s dream that outperforms cheaper knockoffs in durability and ease of use.

Meet the gold standard in countertop microwaves—the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) isn’t just powerful at 1250 watts, it’s intelligently engineered with Inverter Technology that eliminates the on-off pulsing of traditional microwaves, delivering smooth, even heating that preserves food texture and moisture. This is the microwave for people who hate rubbery pizza or half-frozen, half-scalded leftovers. The 6 Smart Sensor Auto Menus detect humidity levels and automatically adjust cooking time and power, making it nearly impossible to overcook meals—a game-changer for busy households.

In real-world use, this microwave consistently outperforms in both speed and precision. The 1.6 cu. ft. cavity fits large plates and deep dishes with room to spare, and the 13.6-inch removable turntable makes cleaning a breeze. Whether you’re reheating soup, cooking frozen veggies, or defrosting chicken, the results are noticeably more uniform than non-inverter models like the GE 1.1 cu. ft. or Farberware. The silent mode is a welcome touch for nighttime use, and the quick-start button lets you fire up at full power in seconds. The only hiccup? The control panel’s protective film can confuse first-time users if not removed.

Compared to the GE 2.0 cu. ft. model, the Toshiba offers smarter cooking tech and better heat distribution, even though the GE has a larger cavity. It’s the best overall pick because it strikes the perfect balance between size, intelligence, and power—outclassing budget models in performance while avoiding the steep learning curve of multi-function units like the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo. For families, professionals, or anyone who cooks daily, this microwave delivers restaurant-quality results at home, with a level of refinement that justifies its premium positioning.

The Chefman 0.9 cu. ft. microwave is a compact powerhouse that redefines what budget-friendly can deliver, packing 900 watts of output power into a sleek, space-saving design that fits effortlessly on cramped countertops. It’s loaded with 10 power levels and six one-touch presets, giving users far more control than most sub-$80 models, which often skimp on customization. The memory function lets you save favorite settings—perfect for households with multiple users—while the mute button eliminates annoying beeps, a small but meaningful touch for late-night use.

In practice, the Chefman handles everyday tasks with surprising finesse. The glass turntable ensures even cooking, and the +30 seconds button makes mid-cycle adjustments effortless. It reheats leftovers quickly and defrosts small portions adequately, though it struggles with large, dense items due to its 0.9 cu. ft. limit. Unlike sensor-equipped models, it requires manual input, so overcooking is a risk if you’re not paying attention. Still, the eco mode and durable, wipe-clean exterior add value that’s rare at this price, making it a standout among entry-level microwaves.

When compared to the COMFEE’ 0.7 cu. ft. model, the Chefman offers more power, space, and features for just $15 more—making it the best budget-friendly choice for those who want room to grow without overspending. It’s not as smart as the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS), nor as large as the GE 2.0 cu. ft., but it hits the sweet spot for singles, couples, or small apartments where value and functionality matter most. For under $80, it delivers premium-like features in a minimalist package, outperforming its price tag in nearly every category.

Engineered with dorm life in mind, the GE 1.1 cu. ft. microwave combines 950 watts of reliable power with a space-saving footprint that fits snugly on dorm desks, studio apartments, or office kitchens without sacrificing usability. Its six auto-cook settings—including pizza, popcorn, and beverages—make it perfect for students who need fast, foolproof meals between classes. The weight and time defrost options add versatility, letting users thaw food by pounds or minutes, a rare feature in this category.

In real-world testing, this microwave delivers consistent, no-nonsense performance. The glass turntable ensures even heating, and the 39-inch power cord provides flexible placement, a small but critical detail in tight spaces. The two-step child lock adds safety without complicating operation, and the simple digital controls are intuitive for all ages. However, it lacks sensor cooking, so meals can dry out if left too long, and the cavity, while roomy for its size, still can’t accommodate oversized plates. It’s not the fastest or smartest model, but it’s built for reliability and ease.

Compared to the Farberware 1.1 cu. ft., it’s slightly pricier but shares nearly identical specs—making it a close call. However, the GE’s dorm-friendly design and longer cord give it an edge in portability and convenience for students. It doesn’t have the power of the Toshiba 1250W model or the tech smarts of sensor microwaves, but for affordable, dependable cooking in tight spaces, it’s a top contender. It delivers dorm-ready durability and simplicity, offering more thoughtful design than budget models without the cost of high-end units.

The Toshiba EM131A5C-SS is the sweet spot between performance and price, earning its title as the best mid-range microwave with a potent mix of smart features and solid build quality. Its 1000 watts of power and 1.2 cu. ft. interior offer more space than compact models without overwhelming small kitchens, while the Smart Humidity Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power—eliminating guesswork and preventing overcooked meals. This is the microwave for people who want set-it-and-forget-it convenience without paying premium prices.

In daily use, the sensor cooking proves invaluable, especially for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals. The 12.4-inch removable turntable rotates smoothly and can be cleaned in the dishwasher’s top rack, and the mute function keeps nighttime use quiet. The 10 power levels and one-touch start make manual cooking easy, though the lack of inverter technology means heating isn’t quite as seamless as in the ML-EM45PIT(BS) model. It handles most tasks well, but dense foods like casseroles may heat unevenly compared to true inverter microwaves.

Pitted against the Farberware 1.1 cu. ft., the Toshiba offers smarter cooking, more space, and better automation for just slightly more money. It doesn’t have the raw power of the 1250W Toshiba or the cavernous interior of the GE 2.0 cu. ft., but it delivers the most balanced package for everyday cooking. Ideal for small families or professionals, it bridges the gap between budget and premium models, offering sensor intelligence and reliability at a mid-tier cost—making it the most well-rounded choice for those who cook regularly but don’t need convection or air frying.

If you need maximum capacity without sacrificing counter space, the GE 2.0 cu. ft. microwave is a spacious powerhouse that redefines what’s possible in a standard kitchen footprint. With 1200 watts of power and a cavernous interior, it effortlessly fits 12-inch pizzas, large casserole dishes, or full dinner plates—making it perfect for families or meal preppers. The sensor cooking controls automatically adjust time and power based on moisture levels, delivering restaurant-style results without supervision, a major upgrade over manual models.

During testing, this microwave handled large loads with ease, reheating entire meals evenly and defrosting thick cuts of meat without edge-cooking. The 8 auto-cook settings cover everything from veggies to beverages, and the instant-on express cooking lets you start with a single press. The two-step child lock adds safety, and the long power cord ensures placement flexibility. However, its size may be overkill for singles or couples, and it lacks inverter technology, so heating isn’t quite as smooth as the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS). It’s powerful and smart, but not as precise as inverter-equipped rivals.

Compared to the Toshiba 1.6 cu. ft. model, it offers more space and higher wattage, but at the cost of slightly bulkier dimensions and no inverter tech. It doesn’t have the multi-functionality of the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo, but it excels as a dedicated large-capacity workhorse. For families, entertainers, or anyone tired of rotating plates, it’s the best for large capacity, delivering spacious, sensor-guided cooking that outperforms smaller models in volume and consistency—making it worth the investment for high-volume kitchens.

This kitchen multitasker redefines countertop efficiency with an 8-in-1 design that combines microwave, air fry, convection bake, broil, and more in a single 1.0 cu. ft. unit—perfect for those who want restaurant-quality results without multiple appliances. With 1000 watts of microwave power and a 12.4-inch position memory turntable, it handles everything from crispy fries to golden roast chicken, all while saving valuable counter space. The odor removal mode is a standout, eliminating lingering smells after heavy cooking—a rare feature that adds real daily value.

In real-world use, the air fry function delivers impressively crispy results with up to 75% less fat, making it a health-conscious upgrade over deep frying. The convection and broil settings brown food beautifully, something traditional microwaves can’t do. However, the combo nature means longer cook times than standalone units, and the learning curve is steeper—users must master multiple modes and settings. The compact interior limits batch size, so it’s not ideal for large families, but perfect for singles or couples. It’s versatile but not the fastest.

Stacked against the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS), it offers far more functionality but sacrifices some microwave-only precision. It doesn’t heat as evenly as the inverter model, but makes up for it in culinary range. For those who want air-fried wings, baked potatoes, and reheated soup in one appliance, it’s the best multi-function choice. It delivers restaurant-style cooking in a compact form, offering more value than buying separate devices—making it ideal for small kitchens, RVs, or anyone who loves cooking but hates clutter.