A countertop microwave takes up real counter space, so the first number to check is the outside footprint, not just the cubic feet inside. Capacity, wattage and turntable diameter decide what plates and dishes it can handle, and controls range from a handful of presets to sensor cooking.
The six models below run from compact 0.7 cubic foot units to a 2.2 cubic foot family-size oven. Sizes, wattage and features come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these microwaves ourselves, and performance claims are the makers’ own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Outside size | Measure the counter and the space above it before you buy |
| Capacity | Larger interiors take bigger plates and dishes |
| Wattage | Higher wattage usually means shorter heating times |
| Turntable | Its diameter limits the plate size that can rotate |
| Controls | Presets, sensor cook and express keys change how much you set by hand |
Specs at a Glance
| Microwave | Capacity and power | Outside size (D x W x H) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toshiba 1.2 cu ft | 1.2 cu ft; 1000 W | 14.6 x 20.6 x 11.8 in | 12.4 in turntable; humidity sensor; ECO and mute modes |
| Black+Decker 0.7 | 0.7 cu ft; 700 W | 13 x 17.3 x 10.2 in | 10 in turntable; 10 power levels; push-button door release |
| Farberware 0.7 | 0.7 cu ft; 700 W | 12.91 x 17.75 x 10.1 in | Six one-touch options; defrost by weight or time |
| Sharp SMC2266KS | 2.2 cu ft; 1200 W | 19.6 x 24.4 x 13.6 in | 16.5 in turntable; inverter cooking; sensor cook |
| Comfee 0.7 | 0.7 cu ft; 700 W | 13 x 17.3 x 10.2 in | ECO mode; mute button; two defrost settings |
| Midea Retro 1.1 | 1.1 cu ft; 1000 W | 14.7 x 20.6 x 11.8 in | Navy blue retro look; 6 presets; ECO mode |
The 6 Best Countertop Microwaves
1. Toshiba 1.2 Cu Ft 1000W Countertop Microwave
A stainless steel microwave with 1.2 cubic feet of space, 1000 watts of output and a 12.4 inch glass turntable. The listing highlights a humidity sensor that adjusts time and power, ECO and mute modes, ten power levels and defrost by weight or time. It measures 20.6 by 14.6 by 11.8 inches. The bullets mention six preset menus while the details table lists ten programs, so confirm the menu before buying.
Suits: a mid-size microwave with sensor cooking. Strengths: 1000 watts and a mute mode. Weaknesses: the preset count is unclear in the listing. Skip it if you have a very small counter.
View Toshiba 1.2 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave on Amazon
2. Black+Decker 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Countertop Microwave
A compact stainless steel unit, 13 by 17.3 by 10.2 inches, with a 10 inch removable glass turntable, ten power levels and a large LED display. It adds a 30 second express key, an interior light, a child lock and a push-button door release, with preset buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable and beverage. The listing gives the voltage as 110 volts in one place and 120 volts in another.
Suits: a small kitchen or an office. Strengths: a compact footprint and simple presets. Weaknesses: only 700 watts and a 10 inch turntable. Skip it if you heat large dinner plates.
View Black+Decker 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave on Amazon
3. Farberware 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Countertop Microwave
A black 0.7 cubic foot microwave, 12.91 by 17.75 by 10.1 inches, with ten power levels and multi-stage cooking. The maker lists six one-touch options including popcorn, potato and pizza, defrost by weight or time, a clear LED display with kitchen timer and clock, interior lighting and a child lock. The listing gives the material as stainless steel or another metal finish without saying which.
Suits: a compact kitchen. Strengths: multi-stage cooking and a timer. Weaknesses: the exact finish is not stated. Skip it if you want sensor cooking.
View Farberware 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave on Amazon
4. Sharp SMC2266KS 2.2 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
The largest oven here at 2.2 cubic feet and 1200 watts, 19.6 by 24.4 by 13.6 inches outside, with a 16.5 inch carousel turntable. The maker lists inverter cooking, sensor cook, auto cook, a melt and soften function, weight and time defrost, ten power levels with two-stage cooking, a gray interior and a white LED display.
Suits: a family kitchen with counter room. Strengths: a very large interior and inverter cooking. Weaknesses: a big footprint. Skip it if counter space is tight.
View Sharp SMC2266KS 2.2 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave on Amazon
5. Comfee 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Countertop Microwave
A black 0.7 cubic foot microwave, 13 by 17.3 by 10.2 inches. The listing describes a two-step child lock, a mute button, one-touch express cooking from one to six minutes with a +30 second key, two defrost settings and auto cook for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage and reheat. The maker says ECO mode cuts standby power by 50 percent.
Suits: a small space that wants a quiet mode. Strengths: a mute button and ECO mode. Weaknesses: 700 watts only. Skip it if you want a larger turntable.
View Comfee 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave on Amazon
6. Midea Retro 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Countertop Microwave
A navy blue retro-styled microwave with 1.1 cubic feet, 1000 watts and a pre-coated metal body, 14.7 by 20.6 by 11.8 inches. The maker lists six presets, one-touch express cooking, defrost, an ECO mode and a child lock, and says the cavity fits standard dinner plates.
Suits: a kitchen that wants a colored appliance. Strengths: a retro color and 1000 watts. Weaknesses: the turntable size is not listed in the text we read. Skip it if you want a stainless look.
View Midea Retro 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Measure the counter, the height under cabinets and the space around the unit.
- Check the turntable diameter against your largest plate.
- Follow the maker’s instructions for cleaning and use.
- Learn the express and mute keys on the model you choose.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying on cubic feet alone without checking outside dimensions.
- Assuming the listed wattage is the same measure on every brand.
- Ignoring the turntable size.
- Skipping the preset list when you rely on one-touch cooking.
Countertop Microwave FAQ
What size is right for a small kitchen?
The 0.7 cubic foot models here (Black+Decker, Farberware and Comfee) have the smallest outside footprints of the six.
Do higher wattage models cook faster?
The makers describe 1000 and 1200 watt units as faster than 700 watt units, but timings depend on the food and dish.
The Short Version
For sensor cooking, the Toshiba. For a small footprint, the Black+Decker. For multi-stage cooking, the Farberware. For the largest interior, the Sharp. For a mute button, the Comfee. For a retro color, the Midea.
