The Kitchen Bench
Best Countertop Microwaves in 2027
A countertop microwave reheats, defrosts and cooks small meals fast. Cavity size, power and door swing decide whether it fits your kitchen and your containers — wattage alone does not. The picks below cover the category's main types and sizes. Where a standalone review exists, it is linked; where it does not, the card states what to verify before buying.
By The Kitchen Bench Research Team · Updated for 2027 · Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements
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On this page
The picks
Ranked 11 picks for countertop microwaves — the number is the roundup rank, not a rating.
The suspense ends hereReveal the No. 1 pick →Tap to uncover the winner — the full ranking follows below.
Countertop Microwaves
Panasonic NN SN686S
Rank 1 of 11 in Best Countertop Microwaves — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Countertop Microwaves
Toshiba EM131A5C
Rank 2 of 11 in Best Countertop Microwaves — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Countertop Microwaves
Breville Combi Wave BMO870
Rank 3 of 11 in Best Countertop Microwaves — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Countertop Microwaves
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-Oven NN-CD87KS
Rank 4 of 11 in Best Countertop Microwaves — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Countertop Microwaves
GE Countertop Microwave Oven GCST16S1WSS
Rank 5 of 11 in Best Countertop Microwaves — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Countertop Microwaves
Samsung Countertop Microwave MS14K6000AS
Rank 6 of 11 in Best Countertop Microwaves — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Countertop Microwaves
Farberware Professional Microwave FMO11AHTBSK
Rank 7 of 11 in Best Countertop Microwaves — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Countertop Microwaves
Sharp Carousel Countertop Microwave SMC1161HB
Rank 8 of 11 in Best Countertop Microwaves — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Countertop Microwaves
Hamilton Beach Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft
Rank 9 of 11 in Best Countertop Microwaves — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Countertop Microwaves
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven EM720CB7
Rank 10 of 11 in Best Countertop Microwaves — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Countertop Microwaves
Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 BMO870
Rank 11 of 11 in Best Countertop Microwaves — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Inside the countertop microwave
Illustrative exploded view — parts shown separated so you can see how it fits together. Not a photo of this exact product.
VIP pick — the winner is inside2027
Still deciding? Reveal the No. 1 pick.
The ranked roundup hides its winner until you tap — then shows the full ranking, the checks, and what to verify before buying.
Best Countertop Microwaves →Browse all reviews
Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements — every pick links to its full review.
The winner is insideHow to choose
Cavity size
Measure your largest plate, bowl and mug. A microwave that cannot hold your dinner plate is a daily frustration.
Power
Higher wattage cooks faster and more evenly. Low-wattage models work but need longer times and more stirring.
Door swing and placement
The door needs clearance and the vents need space. A microwave crammed into a tight shelf overheats and underperforms.
Controls
A clear timer and power-level control beat a panel of presets. Defrost by weight is genuinely useful if you defrost often.
Frequently asked questions
What wattage do I need?
Higher wattage cooks faster. For reheating and defrosting, mid-range power is fine; for cooking, higher helps.
Can I put metal in a microwave?
No, except where the manual explicitly allows a specific accessory. Metal arcs and damages the oven.
How do I clean it?
Wipe after spills, wash the turntable, and steam-clean with a bowl of water and lemon for odours.