The Kitchen Bench
Countertop Microwaves Buying Guide 2027
How to choose countertop microwaves: the decisions that actually matter, the mistakes buyers make, and the checks that prevent a wrong purchase.
By The Kitchen Bench Research Team · Updated for 2027 · Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements
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The decisions that matter
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.
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.
Reveal the winner
Every guide hides its No. 1 pick until you tap — then the full comparison follows.
The suspense ends hereReveal the No. 1 pick →Tap to uncover the winner — then compare the rest below.
Countertop Microwaves
Breville Combi Wave BMO870
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Products to buy
Reviewed countertop microwaves you can buy from this guide — each card links to its full review and to the retailer price check. Verify the variant, size and capacity for your exact model before ordering.
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.
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.
Guides for your situation
Buying for a specific situation? Each guide below is written for that use — same checks, tuned priorities, same products.
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 insideWhat to verify before buying
Before you buy any countertop microwave
- ✓ Cavity dimensions against your largest plate
- ✓ Power rating for your cooking speed
- ✓ Door swing and ventilation clearance
- ✓ Turntable size and whether it removes for cleaning
Prices and availability change; check the retailer page before buying. Specifications on a retailer listing can differ from the manufacturer sheet — where they conflict, the manufacturer sheet wins, and this site flags the conflict rather than publishing one figure as fact.
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.