7 Best Countertop Microwaves of 2025

Stylish retro flair meets essential functionality in the Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07, a microwave that turns heads while delivering reliable everyday performance. With its vibrant Bebop Blue finish and vintage-inspired pull handle, this 0.7 cu ft model is perfect for users who want their appliances to reflect personality without sacrificing practicality. The 700W power output and six power levels offer enough control for reheating leftovers or defrosting frozen meals, making it an excellent fit for small kitchens, dorms, or offices where space and charm matter equally.

In real-world use, this compact microwave shines in simplicity. The 360° rotating glass turntable ensures even heating—no more cold spots in your soup or unevenly thawed chicken. The LED display and interior light make monitoring food effortless, while the child lock adds peace of mind in shared living spaces. However, its lower wattage means longer cook times compared to higher-powered models, and it may struggle with larger dishes or family-sized meals. Still, for solo users or couples, it handles daily tasks with quiet efficiency.

Compared to the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), this Galanz model trades capacity and smart sensors for bold design and affordability. It doesn’t offer sensor cooking or a large cavity, but it stands out where others blend in—on aesthetics. Ideal for renters, students, or design-conscious buyers, the Galanz retro microwave proves that style can be a serious feature. It delivers solid performance for light use, offering a fun, functional upgrade over basic white boxes at a fraction of the cost of premium models.

Power, precision, and polish define the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), a microwave that earns its title as the best overall in the countertop category. Boasting 1200 watts and a smart sensor menu, this 1.6 cu ft oven automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food type—whether you’re reviving pizza, steaming veggies, or popping popcorn. The position-memory turntable is a game-changer: it returns to the same starting point after removal, making cleaning easier and reinstallation foolproof. For families or frequent cooks, this level of intelligent convenience solves the all-too-common frustration of guesswork heating.

In testing, the sensor technology consistently delivered perfectly reheated meals without drying them out, a major win over manual settings. The large interior fits a 13-inch pizza with room to spare, and the 13.6″ turntable ensures even heat distribution across bulky dishes. The sound on/off function is a subtle but appreciated touch for late-night snacks without disturbing others. That said, the microwave’s size demands ample counter space, and the control panel, while intuitive, lacks backlighting—making it slightly harder to use in dim lighting.

Pitted against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, the TOSHIBA offers significantly more power, smarter cooking, and superior build quality, though at a higher price point. It’s the ideal choice for households that demand reliability, capacity, and automation in one sleek black stainless steel package. While not the most compact, it strikes a near-perfect balance between performance, features, and aesthetics, outperforming budget models while avoiding the complexity of multi-function ovens.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a budget-savvy powerhouse, delivering essential features without frills—making it the best budget-friendly microwave for students, bachelors, or secondary kitchens. Despite its 700W output and 0.7 cu ft size, it packs in one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, veggies, and beverages, streamlining everyday tasks with impressive ease. The ECO mode slashes standby power by 50%, a rare and thoughtful inclusion that appeals to eco-conscious users, while the mute function ensures quiet operation—perfect for dorms or night shifts.

Real-world testing confirms it’s reliable for light to moderate use: reheating coffee, defrosting meat, or cooking instant meals are handled efficiently. The 10-inch turntable and bright digital display enhance usability, though the smaller cavity limits plate size and cooking volume. It lacks sensor cooking and advanced programming, so results depend on user input—but for basic needs, it performs consistently and quietly. The only real compromise? Build quality feels a bit lightweight, though not flimsy.

Against the Galanz retro model, the COMFEE’ wins on practicality and energy efficiency, trading visual flair for functional simplicity. It’s a no-nonsense appliance ideal for those who prioritize value, silence, and energy savings over style. While it can’t match the cooking intelligence of the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), it delivers core functionality at a fraction of the cost, making it a standout for price-performance balance.

This is not just a microwave—it’s a mini oven revolution. The GE GCST10A1WSS redefines versatility with air fry, convection, broil, and microwave modes packed into a compact 1.0 cu ft body, earning its title as the best multi-function countertop microwave. With 1,050 watts of power and a crisper pan, it crisps chicken wings, bakes potatoes, and even broils salmon with results that rival full-sized ovens. The elevated rack promotes airflow in convection mode, ensuring even browning—something most compact microwaves can’t claim.

In practice, switching between modes is seamless, and presets like Fries and Nuggets deliver crispy, golden results without preheating. The air fry function eliminates the need for a separate appliance, saving space and energy. However, the learning curve is steeper than a standard microwave, and the control panel can feel cluttered for beginners. Also, while compact, it’s heavier and wider than basic models—so it’s best suited for kitchens with stable, dedicated counter space.

Compared to the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, the GE offers broil capability and air frying, giving it a clear edge in culinary range. It’s ideal for small households, empty nesters, or urban dwellers who want oven-like results without the footprint. Though more expensive and complex than standard models, it justifies every added feature with real cooking performance, outpacing traditional microwaves in both flexibility and flavor.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS hits the sweet spot between smarts and simplicity, making it the best mid-range microwave for cooks who want intelligence without overcomplication. Its Smart Sensor Technology detects food humidity to automatically adjust cooking time and power, eliminating guesswork and preventing overcooking—a major upgrade over manual timers. With 1000 watts, 1.2 cu ft capacity, and a 12.4-inch turntable, it handles family meals with ease, while the mute function and ECO mode cater to quiet, energy-conscious homes.

During testing, the sensor reheat function preserved moisture in leftovers far better than manual settings, and the auto-defrost by weight was impressively accurate. The easy-clean interior resists stains and splatters, a real perk for messy kitchens. That said, the door release isn’t push-button, requiring a pull handle that feels outdated next to modern designs. Also, while presets include pizza and veggies, there are fewer one-touch options than on some competitors.

When stacked against the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11, the TOSHIBA offers superior sensor cooking and energy efficiency, though both share similar wattage and capacity. It’s perfect for families or professionals who want smart, consistent results without the clutter of extra functions. It outperforms budget models in automation and build, while avoiding the complexity of air fry combos—making it a balanced, intelligent choice for everyday excellence.

Compact, quiet, and cleverly designed, the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is the best for dorms and small apartments where space and noise are critical. At 0.9 cu ft and 900 watts, it delivers more power and capacity than typical mini microwaves, while the 10.6-inch turntable and six auto menus make cooking instant noodles, popcorn, or frozen meals a one-touch affair. The mute function silences end-of-cycle beeps, a godsend for late-night snacks without waking roommates.

In real dorm or studio use, it excels: quick defrost by weight, bright LED lighting, and 11 power levels give students control without complexity. The two-step child lock adds safety for family homes or shared spaces. However, the cavity still can’t fit large dinner plates, and the lack of sensor cooking means you’ll need to adjust settings manually. It’s also not powerful enough for large family meals—this is a solo or duo appliance through and through.

Versus the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, it offers higher wattage and better build quality, though at a slightly higher cost. It’s ideal for college students, bachelors, or office kitchens where reliability, quiet operation, and space efficiency matter most. While not the cheapest, it delivers premium features in a compact form, outperforming smaller models while staying lean on counter space.

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a space-smart workhorse, designed for those who need maximum utility in tight quarters—earning its title as the best value for space. With 1.1 cu ft capacity and 1000 watts of power, it bridges the gap between compact and full-size models, fitting larger plates while maintaining a relatively slim footprint. The push-button door release is a standout—smooth, modern, and far more convenient than pull handles—especially when hands are full.

In daily use, the pre-programmed buttons for pizza, popcorn, and dinner plate deliver consistent results with zero effort. The 30-second express cook and removable 12.4-inch turntable enhance usability, while the large digital display is easy to read from across the kitchen. However, it lacks sensor cooking and ECO mode, missing features found in similarly priced TOSHIBA models. Also, the black cabinet shows fingerprints easily, requiring frequent wiping to keep it looking sharp.

Compared to the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, it offers similar capacity and wattage but fewer smart features, trading automation for simplicity and a more modern door design. It’s ideal for small kitchens, RVs, or secondary spaces where convenience and footprint are top priorities. While not the most advanced, it maximizes space and core functionality, making it a smart pick for practical, no-fuss cooking.