The Kitchen Bench
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.
By The Kitchen Bench Research Team · Updated for 2027 · Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements
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Top picks
The reviewed countertop microwaves in this category. Each review states what is verified and what to check on the manufacturer sheet before buying.
Countertop Microwaves
Breville Combi Wave BMO870
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Countertop Microwaves
Panasonic NN SN686S
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Countertop Microwaves
Toshiba EM131A5C
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Countertop Microwaves
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven EM720CB7
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Countertop Microwaves
Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 BMO870
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Countertop Microwaves
Farberware Professional Microwave FMO11AHTBSK
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Countertop Microwaves
GE Countertop Microwave Oven GCST16S1WSS
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Countertop Microwaves
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-Oven NN-CD87KS
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Countertop Microwaves
Samsung Countertop Microwave MS14K6000AS
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Countertop Microwaves
Sharp Carousel Countertop Microwave SMC1161HB
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Countertop Microwaves
Hamilton Beach Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Head-to-head comparisons
Every difference page in this category — countertop microwaves head to head, so you can compare two products directly before choosing.
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.
How 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.
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Best Countertop Microwaves →Browse all reviews
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The winner is insideGuides and fixes
In this category
The full countertop microwaves cluster — the hub, the ranked best list, the buying guide, the problems-and-fixes article, and the use-case picks for this category.
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.