A microwave is the most-used appliance in many kitchens, handling everything from reheating leftovers and softening butter to defrosting meat and steaming vegetables. The right one saves you time daily, so it pays to match capacity and wattage to how you actually cook rather than buying the biggest box on the shelf.
When shopping, focus on interior capacity (measured in cubic feet), wattage (which determines how fast and evenly food heats), and the control layout. Compact 0.7 cu ft units suit dorms, offices, and small counters, while 0.9 to 1.2 cu ft models fit dinner plates and casserole dishes with room to spare. Look for preset cooking programs, a clear digital display, and an easy-clean turntable to keep daily use simple.
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
This Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-watt countertop microwave nails the essentials with 10 power levels and 6 preset programs in a compact, easy-to-use package. Its small footprint and intuitive controls make it the most versatile choice for the majority of kitchens.
- 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.
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 pairs a reliable turntable with a convenient push-button door release and a clear digital keypad. It delivers dependable everyday performance in a familiar, fuss-free design that is easy to operate.
- 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
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft., 900 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
This Chefman 0.9 Cu. Ft. model bumps the power to 900 watts and adds interior room for standard dinner plates while keeping the same 10 power levels and 6 presets. It is the natural step up for households that want faster heating without a bulky footprint.
- 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 900W 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.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
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 a generous 1.2 cu ft interior with a large 12.4-inch removable turntable and smart sensor-friendly programming. Its build quality and roomy cavity make it the standout for cooks who want premium capacity and even results.
- 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.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
This Chefman 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1000-watt microwave delivers full-size power and a roomy interior with 10 power levels and 6 presets. It is a strong pick for families who want fast, high-wattage cooking in an accessibly priced, no-nonsense design.
- 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 1000W 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.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
Key buying factors
Capacity is measured in cubic feet and determines what fits inside. A 0.7 cu ft oven handles mugs and single bowls, while 1.1 to 1.2 cu ft units accommodate full dinner plates and larger casserole dishes. Measure your counter space and your most-used dishware before deciding.
Higher wattage means faster, more even heating. A 700-watt model is fine for reheating and basic tasks, but 900 to 1000 watts noticeably speeds up cooking and reduces cold spots. Match wattage to how impatient you are at mealtime.
Ten power levels let you simmer, soften, and reheat without overcooking delicate foods. One-touch presets for popcorn, beverages, pizza, and defrost remove the guesswork. The more useful presets, the less time you spend programming.
A clear digital display with a readable clock and large buttons makes daily use effortless. Push-button door releases and simple keypads age better than fussy touch panels. Consider whether you prefer a dial, buttons, or a hybrid layout.
A removable glass turntable promotes even heating and pops out for dishwasher cleaning. Larger turntable diameters fit bigger plates, while a smooth, light-colored interior makes wiping spills quick. Easy cleaning keeps your microwave looking new for years.
Countertop microwaves vary widely in exterior size even at similar capacities. Check the width, depth, and height against your available space, and leave room for ventilation around the unit. A compact body with a roomy interior is the ideal combination.
Types explained
Small-footprint microwaves designed for tight spaces and light use. They handle mugs, single bowls, and quick reheats but cannot fit large plates.
Best for: Dorms, offices, RVs, and small apartment kitchensA versatile step up that fits standard dinner plates and most everyday dishes. Higher wattage cooks faster than compact units while still saving counter space.
Best for: Couples and small households who reheat full mealsRoomy interiors and 1000-watt-class power for casseroles, large plates, and family-size portions. These cook quickly and evenly with the most preset flexibility.
Best for: Families and frequent cooks who need maximum interior spaceMicrowaves with a simple push-button release instead of a pull handle for easy, one-hand opening. The mechanism is intuitive and convenient when your hands are full.
Best for: Shoppers who want fuss-free, accessible operationCare & usage tips
Place the microwave on a stable, level surface with several inches of clearance around the vents to prevent overheating. Keep it away from direct heat sources and make sure the door opens fully without obstruction.
Only use microwave-safe glass, ceramic, or labeled plastic containers and never put metal or foil inside. Cover dishes loosely to trap steam and reduce splatter, which keeps the interior cleaner and heats food more evenly.
Wipe the interior weekly with a damp cloth, and loosen stuck-on food by heating a bowl of water with lemon for a few minutes first. Remove the glass turntable to wash it separately and dry the door seal so it closes tightly.
Wattage matters more than capacity for cooking quality. A roomy but low-wattage microwave will heat large portions slowly and unevenly, leaving cold centers, while a slightly smaller 900 to 1000-watt unit cooks the same food faster and more uniformly. If you mostly reheat full plates, prioritize power over an extra tenth of a cubic foot.
Stir or rotate food halfway through and let it rest for thirty seconds after the timer ends, since heat keeps spreading and eliminates the cold spots that come from microwaving on full power.
Frequently asked questions
What size microwave do I need?+
For single servings and small spaces, a 0.7 cu ft model is plenty. If you regularly heat full dinner plates or casserole dishes, choose a 0.9 to 1.2 cu ft unit so your cookware fits with room to rotate.
How much wattage is enough?+
700 watts handles basic reheating and defrosting, but 900 to 1000 watts cooks faster and more evenly. Higher wattage is worth it if you cook full meals rather than just warming leftovers.
What do the 10 power levels actually do?+
They control how intensely the microwave cooks by cycling the power on and off. Lower levels are ideal for softening butter, melting chocolate, or gently reheating delicate foods without overcooking the edges.
Is a push-button door better than a handle?+
It comes down to preference. A push-button release lets you open the door with one hand or an elbow when full, while a pull handle feels more traditional and durable to some users.
Can I put any dish in the microwave?+
No. Use only microwave-safe glass, ceramic, or labeled plastic, and never insert metal, foil, or items with metallic trim, which can spark and damage the oven.