Best Countertop Microwaves in 2025: Honest Review of Top Models

At zourodour.com, our goal is simple: help you choose reliable, practical kitchen appliances without wasting time or money. In this guide, the team at Zourodour has carefully reviewed some of the best-rated countertop microwave oven models for real-world use: reheating leftovers, making microwave popcorn, cooking quick meals, and handling everyday kitchen tasks.

There are hundreds of microwaves on the market. Some focus on power, others on design, and a few are built as heavy-duty commercial microwave ovens. Here, we focus on countertop units from Toshiba, BLACK+DECKER, COMFEE, Farberware, Galanz, Magic Chef, Commercial Chef, and Panasonic — the kind most people actually buy and use every day.

One of the models we’ll cover, the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, is frequently ranked as one of the best microwaves overall thanks to its strong 1000+ watt output, smart sensor cooking, and very good value for money.

—

Quick Answer: What Is the Best Countertop Microwave?

For most home users, the best balance of power, size, features, and price is:

Best countertop microwave overall:

• Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave – 1000 W class, 1.2 cu ft capacity, sensor cooking, stainless steel look, and excellent reviews.
• Best compact microwave for small spaces:
• TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA-BS (compact, apartment-friendly)
• Best budget compact microwave:
• BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 0.7 cu ft black and decker microwave with presets and child lock
• Best commercial microwave:
• Panasonic NE-1054F – a stainless steel Panasonic microwave designed as a light-duty commercial microwave with 1000 W and 0.8 cu ft capacity

The sections below walk through each model in more detail so you can choose the right microwave for your home, office, or business.

—

How to Choose the Right Countertop Microwave

Before you pick a specific microwave oven, think about these basics:

Power (Wattage)

A 1000 watt microwave or above will cook faster and more evenly than low-power microwaves. This matters for things like frozen meals, leftovers, and microwave popcorn.

Capacity & Size

Compact units (around 0.7 cu ft) are perfect for dorms, offices, or a microwave stand in a small kitchen.

Mid-range 1.1–1.3 cu ft models usually make the best countertop microwave choice for families.

Finish & Style

A stainless steel microwave looks modern and matches most appliances. A white microwave or retro-style unit can blend better in some decor styles.

Use Case

Everyday home use → Toshiba, BLACK+DECKER, COMFEE, Farberware, Galanz, Magic Chef

Heavy office or restaurant use → Panasonic NE-1054F as the best commercial microwave choice in this list

Note: In this article we focus on countertop models. If you are shopping for an over the range microwave and range, a sharp microwave drawer, or an oven microwave combo / microwave and oven combo that installs into cabinetry, those are different categories than these portable units. Brands like GE (for a general electric microwave) and KitchenAid (for a kitchenaid microwave) are strong in those built-in and microwave convection oven categories.

—

Toshiba ML-EM34P-SS Smart Countertop Microwave

The Toshiba ML-EM34P-SS is a smart 1100 W stainless steel microwave with Alexa integration and a 1.3 cu ft capacity. It offers sensor reheat, ECO mode, mute function, and a 12.4-inch turntable that easily fits a standard dinner plate.

It is also sold at major retailers (you’ll often see it listed as a microwave en Walmart as well as on Amazon).

Why it’s a strong choice

• 1100 W output for fast heating
• Sensor cooking for more accurate reheating
• Voice control via Alexa and app integration
• Great for busy families who want smart features

—

—

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave (Best Overall)

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is widely recommended as one of the best all-around countertop microwaves. It offers around 1000–1100 W output, a 1.2 cu ft interior, and a 12.4-inch turntable. It includes smart sensor technology for popular foods like pizza, potatoes, and microwave popcorn, and features a useful mute function.

Highlights

• Ideal size for most kitchens
• Sensor cooking and pre-programmed menus
• Easy-clean interior
• Great value for performance

This is an easy recommendation if you simply want the best microwave for everyday home use without overpaying.

—

—

TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA-BS – Best Compact Microwave for Apartments

If you need a compact microwave for a small apartment, dorm, or office, the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA-BS gives you Toshiba build quality in a smaller footprint. It is especially well-suited for a microwave stand or tight countertop, yet still handles everyday tasks like reheating leftovers and making quick snacks.

This is a good candidate for people specifically searching for the best compact microwave or a “micro oven microwave” that does not dominate the kitchen.

—

—

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 – Budget Compact Black and Decker Microwave

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a 0.7 cu ft black and decker microwave with 700 W output, simple controls, and pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates.

Why consider it

• Great for small spaces and tight budgets
• One-touch cooking for popular foods
• Child safety lock and easy push-button door
• Perfect for an office break room or student kitchen

If you want a no-frills, low-cost compact microwave for everyday reheating and microwave popcorn, this is an excellent pick.

—

—

COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB – Best Ultra-Affordable Compact Microwave

The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is another 0.7 cu ft microwave oven targeted at small kitchens, offices, and dorms. It offers one-touch cooking, an easy-to-read display, and a stylish compact footprint.

Compared with some big brands, it aims to win on price while still handling all the basics: reheating coffee, quick breakfasts, small plates, and snacks in microwave safe containers.

—

—

BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 – Larger Family-Size Option

If you like black and decker microwave models but want more capacity than 0.7 cu ft, the EM031MB11 offers a larger interior and more power, making it more comfortable for full dinner plates, casseroles, and batch cooking.

This model is ideal for families who cook often in the microwave and want more space without stepping up to a built-in microwave convection oven or microwave & oven combo.

—

—

Farberware FMO11AHTBKB – Stainless Steel Mid-Size Microwave

The Farberware FMO11AHTBKB is a mid-size stainless steel microwave around 1.1 cu ft that balances power and capacity for everyday family use. It works well for reheating full plates, defrosting meats, and cooking quick meals.

This is a solid choice if you like the look of a stainless steel microwave but want something simpler and more affordable than a high-end microwave oven combo or microwave convection oven.

—

Galanz GLCMKA07BER – Retro Compact Microwave

The Galanz GLCMKA07BER is a 0.7 cu ft retro-style compact microwave with a rounded door and vintage design. It is perfect for small kitchens that also care about style.

It still handles typical tasks like popcorn, beverages, and quick snacks. If your priority is design and you want something different from the usual stainless box, this is a nice option.

—

Magic Chef MCM1611ST – Large Magic Chef Microwave

The Magic Chef MCM1611ST is a larger magic chef microwave with higher power aimed at users who want a bigger cavity and more speed without moving to a built-in unit like an over the range microwave and range setup.

It is ideal for cooking larger casseroles, reheating multiple dishes at once, or regularly using accessories like a microwave popcorn popper or microwave egg cooker.

—

Commercial Chef CHCM11100SSB – Value Stainless Steel Commercial-Style Option

The Commercial Chef CHCM11100SSB is a countertop microwave oven that aims to bring commercial-style durability into the home segment. If you like the heavy-duty feel of professional appliances but do not want a full microwave and oven combo, this can be an appealing middle ground.

—

—

Panasonic NE-1054F – Best Commercial Microwave in This List

The Panasonic NE-1054F is a light-duty Panasonic microwave designed specifically as a commercial microwave for break rooms, cafes, and light restaurant use. It offers 0.8 cu ft capacity, 1000 W of power, and a stainless steel body with touch controls and programmable memory slots.

If you are looking for the best commercial microwave in this lineup, this is the clear winner. It is not a fancy panasonic inverter microwave residential model; instead it is built to run repeatedly through the day, with simple controls and robust construction.

—

—

How These Countertop Microwaves Compare to Other Types

If you are still deciding between a countertop unit and something more integrated:

Over-the-range models

The best over the range microwave options from brands like GE, Whirlpool, or KitchenAid will also include a vent hood and sometimes an oven microwave combo feature. These are great when you want everything combined above your cooktop.

Microwave convection oven and drawer units

A microwave convection oven or sharp microwave drawer offers baking and roasting features in addition to basic microwave functions. These are ideal in a high-end kitchen where a microwave & oven integration is important.

The countertop models in this article are easier to install, move, and replace, and usually offer the best value per dollar.

—

Practical Tips for Using Your Microwave Oven

No matter which microwave oven you choose:

• Use only microwave safe containers to avoid warping or leaching.
• For microwave popcorn, follow the bag timing and stop it when popping slows.
• A dedicated microwave popcorn popper can give better results and less waste.
• A small microwave egg cooker can make quick breakfasts with minimal cleanup.

These accessories work well with every model listed above, from the smallest compact microwave to the largest family-size unit.

—

FAQ: Countertop Microwaves

1. What wattage should I choose for a countertop microwave?

For most people, a 1000 watt microwave or above is ideal. It heats food faster and more evenly than low-power units, which is especially helpful for frozen meals and dense foods. Compact 700 W units are fine for light use, office snacks, and simple reheating.

2. Are countertop microwaves as good as over-the-range models?

Yes for cooking performance, and often better for price. An over the range microwave and range setup saves counter space and adds ventilation, but a countertop unit is easier to install, replace, and move. If you live in a rental, a countertop microwave oven is usually the best choice.

3. What is the difference between a microwave and a microwave convection oven?

A regular microwave uses microwaves to heat food from the inside out. A microwave convection oven adds a heating element and fan to circulate hot air, allowing you to bake and brown foods similar to a traditional oven. This turns it into a more complete microwave oven combo or microwave and oven combo.

4. Is stainless steel better than white or black finishes?

Functionally, no. A stainless steel microwave, white microwave, or black finish all cook the same. Stainless steel simply matches more modern kitchens and other appliances. Choose the look that fits your space and your other devices, whether that is a general electric microwave, kitchenaid microwave, or another brand.

5. Are commercial microwaves worth it for home use?

A commercial microwave like the Panasonic NE-1054F is built for durability and frequent use. It is often overkill for a typical home kitchen, but it can be a great investment for offices, cafes, and small food businesses where reliability is more important than fancy features.

6. Where can I find good deals on microwaves?

Most of the models reviewed here are available on Amazon, but you will also see popular lines like the Toshiba ML-EM34P-SS as a microwave en Walmart or at big box retailers. Check seasonal sales and compare price against features to find your own best microwave for the budget.

—

Final Thoughts from the Zourodour Team

Choosing the right countertop microwave oven is easier when you focus on power, capacity, and how you actually cook every day. Whether you go for a compact unit like the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA-BS, a family favorite like the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, or a heavy-duty commercial microwave like the Panasonic NE-1054F, the key is matching the appliance to your space and lifestyle.

The team at Zourodour created this guide to save you hours of research and help you buy with confidence. If you found this helpful, you can explore more honest kitchen appliance reviews directly on zourodour.com, where we continue testing and reviewing the tools that make everyday cooking faster, easier, and more enjoyable.