8 Best Low Profile Countertop Microwaves 2025

The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) is a kitchen powerhouse disguised as a countertop microwave. With 1000-watt microwave output, convection baking, air frying, and even broil mode, it replaces multiple appliances while maintaining a compact 1.0 cu.ft footprint. Its standout feature? The 8-in-1 versatility—from crisping wings using air fry to roasting a whole chicken on convection—delivers restaurant-quality results without monopolizing counter space. For families or meal-preppers tired of juggling gadgets, this combo unit is a game-changer.

In real-world testing, the dual cooking modes shine—air frying achieves a golden crunch in 20 minutes with no preheating, while convection bake ensures even browning on casseroles. The 12.4-inch position memory turntable rotates during microwave use and remembers its position when removed—making plating safer and cleaner. However, the broil function, while functional, doesn’t match the intensity of a full oven broiler, and dense foods like thick chicken breasts may need flipping for even crisping. Still, its multi-stage cooking lets you microwave then air fry automatically, a rare and valuable feature.

Compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS, the TOSHIBA offers broader cooking modes, including low-temp and odor removal, giving it an edge for culinary flexibility. While both are compact air fry microwaves, the TOSHIBA’s 8-in-1 functionality makes it ideal for users who want one appliance to replace five. It’s perfect for small kitchens, RVs, or busy households seeking maximum utility in minimal space. With more features than the GE and better cooking depth than basic models, it’s a versatility-first upgrade worth the investment.

The Breville BMO650SIL redefines what a microwave can be—not just a reheater, but a quiet, precision cooking companion. Its 80% quieter soft-close door and 50% quieter operation make it ideal for open-plan living, late-night snacks, or homes with light sleepers. With 900 watts of power and a 0.9 cu.ft cavity, it’s compact yet capable, featuring smart shortcuts like Reheat Pizza and Defrost Vegetables that eliminate guesswork. The Breville Sound Suite and mute function suppress beeps, making it one of the most refined user experiences in its class.

During testing, the auto-reheat function consistently delivered moist, evenly warmed leftovers—no more dried-out edges or icy centers. The food-specific presets (like cook potato or defrost meat) use optimized power cycles, reducing trial-and-error. Its compact 25L footprint fits snugly in tight spaces, but the smaller turntable limits large dishes—anything over 10 inches may not rotate freely. While it lacks advanced cooking modes like convection or air fry, its quiet engineering and intuitive interface make daily use a pleasure, especially in apartments or offices.

Against the GE 0.9 cu.ft model, the Breville stands out with superior sound control and a more premium build. It’s not about raw power—it’s about thoughtful design. Where the GE focuses on basics, Breville delivers luxury-level convenience with soft-close mechanics and noise reduction. It’s best for urban dwellers, professionals, or anyone who values peace and quiet in their kitchen routine. With quieter performance and smarter features than similarly sized models, it’s a premium pick for discerning users.

If space and family-sized meals are your priorities, the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is a low-profile giant in the microwave world. Boasting a massive 1.6 cu.ft capacity and 1200 watts of power, it’s the largest in the lineup—yet its 13.6-inch turntable and position memory tech keep it manageable on standard countertops. The smart sensor menus automatically adjust cook time and power for pizza, veggies, or popcorn, preventing overcooking with real-time humidity detection. For households tired of rotating dishes or reheating in batches, this microwave is a true one-and-done solution.

In daily use, the sensor reheat function excels—leftover lasagna comes out hot through the center without rubbery edges. The extra-wide interior fits a full 13-inch pizza or 9×13 casserole dish, something most compact models can’t handle. However, its larger external dimensions (21.77” wide) may challenge smaller kitchens, and the higher power draw means it’s not ideal for dorms or offices. Still, the multi-stage cooking and memory function let you program complex sequences, like defrost then cook, with one touch—ideal for busy parents or meal-preppers.

Compared to the SHARP 1.1 cu.ft model, the TOSHIBA offers over 40% more capacity and 200 more watts, making it far better for families. While it’s not as quiet or compact as the Breville, it outpaces nearly all others in volume and power. It’s perfect for larger households, entertainers, or anyone needing to cook full meals without oven use. With greater capacity and smarter sensors than mid-range models, it’s the top choice when size matters.

The SHARP 1.1 cu.ft microwave hits the sweet spot between performance and value, making it a standout in the mid-range category. With 1000 watts of power and a 12.4-inch turntable, it delivers even cooking across a spacious-enough cavity—perfect for reheating family dinners or baking potatoes. The new LED interior lighting and white display enhance visibility, while the +30 seconds express key offers instant starts, a small but hugely convenient touch. For users who want reliability without bells and whistles, this model delivers solid, no-fuss functionality.

In real-world use, the auto cook presets (like baked potato or frozen dinner) are accurate and consistent, reducing user error. The weight and time defrost options give flexibility—ideal for last-minute meal prep. The removable turntable is easy to clean, and the gray interior resists stains better than standard finishes. However, it lacks smart sensors or air fry capabilities, so it won’t appeal to tech-forward users. While it performs well, it doesn’t surprise—it’s dependable, not dazzling.

Against the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, the SHARP offers similar wattage and turntable size but misses out on smart humidity sensing and eco mode. Still, at a competitive price, it’s a better buy for budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize clean design and reliable basics. It’s ideal for small families, home offices, or secondary kitchens where simple, effective cooking is key. With better lighting and a more modern look than entry-level models, it’s a smart upgrade for mid-tier needs.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is a compact air frying powerhouse that brings crispy, oil-free cooking to small kitchens without sacrificing speed or flavor. With 1050 watts of power, air fry mode, convection baking, and a built-in broil function, it’s engineered for users who want oven-like results in a microwave footprint. The included crisper pan enhances browning, turning frozen fries into golden, crunchy perfection in under 15 minutes. For health-conscious cooks or those avoiding deep frying, this model is a culinary upgrade in a sleek stainless-steel body.

Testing reveals the air fry mode heats up fast and circulates air evenly, though dense foods like whole chickens benefit from mid-cycle flipping. The convection rack elevates food for better airflow, and the broil function adds a nice sear to meats or melts cheese beautifully. However, the 1.0 cu.ft interior limits large dishes, and the controls are simpler than Toshiba’s 8-in-1—fewer presets, no odor removal. Still, for quick, healthy meals, it outperforms basic microwaves and rivals standalone air fryers.

Versus the TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS), the GE matches in air fry performance but offers fewer cooking modes. However, it’s more intuitive and slightly more compact, making it better for dorms, offices, or minimalist kitchens. It’s perfect for singles, couples, or anyone prioritizing air frying in a small space. With stronger air fry focus and easier operation than multi-mode rivals, it’s the best for crispy results without clutter.

The Chefman 0.7 cu.ft microwave is the ultimate budget-friendly compact solution for tight spaces and light cooking needs. At just 700 watts, it’s not built for large meals, but its six one-touch presets—popcorn, pizza, veggies, and more—make it ideal for quick reheats and snacks. The +30 seconds express cook and eco mode (which dims the display when idle) add thoughtful touches for energy savings and convenience. For students, bachelors, or office kitchens, this mini microwave delivers essential functionality without the premium price.

In practice, it handles single servings and small plates efficiently, though larger or dense foods take noticeably longer due to lower wattage. The 10 power levels allow some control, but the 0.7 cu.ft cavity restricts dish size—no 10-inch plates fit comfortably. The mute button is a win for quiet environments, and the child lock adds basic safety. While it can’t compete with 1000W models in speed or capacity, it excels as a secondary unit or starter microwave.

Compared to the GE 0.9 cu.ft model, the Chefman is smaller and less powerful, but nearly half the price. It’s not meant to replace a full kitchen microwave—instead, it fills a niche for ultra-affordable, space-saving cooking. Best for dorm rooms, tiny apartments, or as a backup unit, it’s the most accessible entry point into countertop microwaving. With lower power and capacity than full-size models, it’s a value-first choice for minimalists.

The GE 0.9 cu.ft compact microwave is a sleek, space-smart essential built for dorms, apartments, and minimalist kitchens. With 900 watts of power and a compact footprint, it fits neatly on cramped counters yet still accommodates a 10-inch plate thanks to its glass turntable. The 7 auto-cook settings—including popcorn, beverage, and frozen dinner—make it idiot-proof for beginners or infrequent users. Its stainless steel and black glass design adds a touch of elegance, proving that small doesn’t mean cheap.

In daily use, the auto-defrost works reliably by weight or time, and the one-touch controls are intuitive—perfect for college students or office break rooms. The child lock adds safety without complicating operation. However, the lack of sensor cooking or mute function means it’s less refined than Breville’s quiet model. While it handles basic reheating and defrosting well, it doesn’t offer advanced features for gourmet users. Still, for simple, reliable performance in tight spaces, it’s a trusted workhorse.

Against the Chefman, the GE offers higher wattage and larger capacity, making it better for light family use. While not as quiet as Breville or as smart as Toshiba, it strikes a balance between price, size, and performance. Ideal for first apartments, dorms, or secondary kitchens, it’s the go-to for no-fuss, everyday cooking. With better power and build than budget models, it’s a smart step up without overspending.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS earns its title as Best Overall by blending smart technology, quiet operation, and thoughtful design in a mid-sized 1.2 cu.ft frame. Its Smart Humidity Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power—no more guessing how long to reheat chili or steam veggies. With 1000 watts, a 12.4-inch turntable, and 12 auto menus, it handles everyday tasks with precision and ease. The mute function and eco mode cater to modern users who value quiet kitchens and energy savings, while the easy-clean interior resists splatters and wipes clean in seconds.

Real-world testing shows the sensor reheat consistently delivers perfectly warmed meals—no cold spots or overcooked edges. The one-touch defrost by weight is accurate, and the +30 sec button adds flexibility. Its compact depth (16 inches) makes it ideal for low-profile countertops, and the silver finish resists fingerprints. While it lacks air frying, its smart features outshine similarly priced models. It’s not the largest or most powerful, but it’s the most balanced.

Against the SHARP 1.1 cu.ft model, the TOSHIBA adds smart sensors, mute mode, and eco settings—justifying its slight premium. For users who want smart cooking without complexity, it’s the goldilocks choice. Perfect for small families, home cooks, or anyone seeking reliability with intelligence, it’s the most complete package in the lineup. With smarter features and better usability than mid-range rivals, it’s the top recommendation for most buyers.