A microwave is the most-used appliance in most kitchens, handling everything from reheating leftovers to defrosting meat and making quick single-serve meals. The right model saves you time and counter space while delivering even heating, so it pays to match capacity and wattage to how you actually cook rather than grabbing whatever fits the shelf.
When choosing a microwave for home, the key trade-offs are interior size versus footprint, wattage versus even cooking, and simple dials versus sensor automation. Compact 0.7 cubic foot units suit dorms, offices, and couples, while 1.2 cubic foot models comfortably fit dinner plates and casserole dishes. We tested for heating consistency, ease of cleaning, button layout, and how quietly and reliably each unit ran day after day.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
The Chefman 0.7 cubic foot countertop microwave delivers 700 watts with 10 power levels and handy presets in a tidy footprint. It covers all the everyday reheat and defrost essentials, making it a smart pick for small kitchens and single users.
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally. Just pull upwards on the top edge of the handle to open the microwave.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS pairs a roomy 1.2 cubic foot interior with sensor cooking and a 12.4 inch removable turntable for even, hands-off results. Its blend of capacity, automation, and reliable power makes it the most versatile choice for the average home.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven - 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless
The Farberware 0.7 cubic foot countertop microwave offers 700 watts of power plus auto-cook settings in a compact, no-fuss package. It is an easy, dependable option for reheating and defrosting when space and simplicity matter most.
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 700 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 0.7 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 brings a digital interface, turntable, and push-button door release to a compact 0.7 cubic foot frame. Its child-friendly controls and clean design make it a solid everyday performer for smaller households.
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : 110 Volts.Rated Input Power(Microwave):1050W
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver
The Toshiba EM131A5C-SS offers the same 1.2 cubic foot capacity, sensor cooking, and 12.4 inch removable turntable as our top pick in a polished stainless steel finish. It is the choice for buyers who want full-size performance with a more upscale kitchen look.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
Key buying factors
Capacity is measured in cubic feet and determines what dishes will actually fit. A 0.7 cubic foot oven handles mugs, bowls, and small plates, while a 1.2 cubic foot interior accommodates full dinner plates and casserole dishes. Measure your usual cookware before deciding.
Higher wattage means faster, more even heating. Compact units around 700 watts work fine for reheating and defrosting, but 1000 watts or more cooks frozen meals and dense foods more thoroughly. Lower-wattage models often need longer cook times to match the same result.
Sensor cooking detects steam and humidity to stop automatically when food is done, reducing overcooking and guesswork. Manual models rely on preset times and your own judgment. Sensor cooking is worth it if you reheat varied foods, while manual dials suit predictable, repetitive tasks.
Even a powerful microwave is useless if it crowds your prep area. Check both external dimensions and door swing clearance against your available space. Compact models are the safest bet for small kitchens, apartments, and dorms.
Look for an intuitive button or dial layout with one-touch presets for common foods like popcorn, beverages, and potatoes. Express-cook buttons that start the oven at full power with a single tap speed up daily use. A child lock adds safety in busy households.
A removable glass turntable promotes even heating and slides out for dishwasher cleaning. A larger turntable, such as 12.4 inches, accommodates bigger plates. A smooth, wipe-clean interior cavity makes spills far easier to manage over the long run.
Types explained
A small-footprint countertop oven sized for mugs, bowls, and single plates, typically running around 700 watts. It fits tight kitchens and shared spaces without sacrificing the core reheat and defrost functions.
Best for: Dorms, offices, apartments, and households of one or two peopleA roomier countertop model that fits full dinner plates and casserole dishes, usually with higher wattage and a larger turntable. It handles family-size reheating and frozen meals more comfortably.
Best for: Families and anyone who cooks or reheats larger portionsA microwave that uses humidity sensors to automatically adjust time and power until food is properly heated. It reduces overcooking and takes the guesswork out of varied reheating tasks.
Best for: Hands-off cooks who reheat a wide range of foodsA model with a button-release door instead of a pull handle, paired with simple digital controls. The clean front and one-touch presets make it straightforward for all ages to use.
Best for: Households wanting simple, fuss-free everyday operationCare & usage tips
Place the microwave on a flat, stable surface with several inches of clearance around the vents for airflow. Keep it away from heat sources and ensure the door opens fully without obstruction. Run a short test cycle with a cup of water before first real use.
Always use microwave-safe containers and avoid metal or foil, which can spark. Cover dishes loosely to trap steam and heat food evenly, and pause to stir thicker foods halfway through. Never run the unit empty, as this can damage internal components.
Wipe the interior after spills before they harden, and remove the glass turntable for regular washing. Steam-clean stubborn residue by microwaving a bowl of water with lemon, then wiping the softened grime. Keep the door seal clean so it closes tightly and heats efficiently.
Wattage matters more than capacity for cooking results. A larger 1.2 cubic foot oven with 1000-plus watts will reheat and cook more evenly than a roomy but underpowered unit, because cook times on package instructions assume around 1000 watts. If you buy a 700-watt compact model, expect to add roughly 30 to 50 percent more time to packaged-food directions to get the same result.
Place food slightly off-center on the turntable so it passes through more of the energy field as it rotates, which produces noticeably more even heating than a dish parked dead center.
Frequently asked questions
What size microwave is best for home use?+
For most households, a 1.2 cubic foot microwave hits the sweet spot, fitting full dinner plates and casserole dishes while still suiting a standard counter. If you live alone, have a small kitchen, or mainly reheat single servings, a compact 0.7 cubic foot model is plenty and saves space.
How many watts should a good home microwave have?+
Around 1000 watts is ideal for fast, even cooking that matches packaged food instructions. Compact 700-watt models still handle reheating and defrosting well, but you will need to add cooking time for frozen and dense foods.
Is sensor cooking worth it?+
Yes, if you reheat a variety of foods. Sensor cooking detects steam and stops automatically when food is hot, which reduces overcooking and guesswork. If you mostly run the same quick tasks, a manual model with presets works fine.
How do I clean my microwave easily?+
Microwave a bowl of water with a few lemon slices for a couple of minutes, then let it sit before wiping. The steam loosens dried-on food so it comes off with a cloth. Remove and wash the glass turntable separately.
Can I put metal in the microwave?+
No. Metal and foil can cause sparks and damage the oven or start a fire. Always use microwave-safe glass, ceramic, or plastic containers labeled for microwave use.