The Kitchen Bench
Countertop Microwaves for Reheating Leftovers Buying Guide 2027
How to buy countertop microwaves for reheating leftovers: what matters in this situation, the decisions, the products to compare, and what to verify before buying.
By The Kitchen Bench Research Team · Updated for 2027 · Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements
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What matters for reheating leftovers
For reheating leftovers, even heating and the right container size matter: food should heat through without drying out or leaving cold spots.
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
The No. 1 pick for reheating leftovers stays hidden until you tap.
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 for reheating leftovers — each card links to its full review and to the retailer price check. Verify the attribute that matters for this use on the manufacturer sheet for your exact variant.
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.
See the best countertop microwaves for reheating leftoversRead the full countertop microwaves buying guide
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.
Common problems and fixes
Uneven heating
Stir or rotate food midway, and arrange food in a ring rather than a mound. Cold spots are normal in microwaves.
Food explodes
Cover food loosely, pierce skins and shells, and never microwave sealed containers.
It runs but does not heat
That is a magnetron or door-switch fault, not a settings issue. Stop using it and have it checked.
Smells linger
Wipe spills promptly and run a bowl of water with lemon for a few minutes to freshen the cavity.
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 for Reheating Leftovers →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 for reheating leftovers
- ✓ 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
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.