7 Best On the Counter Microwaves of 2026

This Toshiba EM131A5E isn’t just another microwave—it’s a precision kitchen partner that elevates everyday reheating into an art. With 1200 watts of power and a smart sensor system, it automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on moisture levels, delivering perfectly warmed pizza, steamed vegetables, or reheated leftovers without guesswork. The 1.6 cu.ft. capacity swallows a full 13-inch pizza whole, making it ideal for families or meal preppers who hate cold spots and soggy crusts. Say goodbye to dry chicken or erupting soups—this unit nails consistency where others fail.

In real-world use, the sensor-driven menus shine, especially when reheating dense foods like casseroles or frozen entrees. We tested it with a cold slice of deep-dish pizza and a bowl of leftover lasagna—both came out hot through the center with a crisp edge, thanks to even heat distribution and the large 13.6” turntable. The position-memory turntable is a subtle but brilliant touch: it returns to its starting point after each use, making it easier and safer to remove hot dishes. While the footprint is sizable (just under 22” wide), it’s a fair trade-off for the interior space—but don’t expect it to fit in cramped dorm kitchens.

Compared to the GE 1.6 cu.ft. model, the Toshiba EM131A5E edges ahead with smarter automation and a more refined sensor system, though both serve large households well. It lacks air frying or convection features, but if your priority is effortless, high-volume reheating with pro-level accuracy, this is the model to beat. For those stepping up from a basic microwave, this delivers premium performance without complexity, outperforming mid-range models in consistency and usability.

Meet the Black+Decker EM720CB7, a no-frills, workhorse microwave that proves you don’t need bells and whistles to get reliable results. At 700 watts, it’s not the strongest on the block, but it’s more than capable of reheating coffee, defrosting chicken, or popping a bag of popcorn with consistent, predictable performance. The pre-programmed buttons for pizza, potatoes, and beverages make it a kitchen essential for students or singles, removing the guesswork from daily use. It’s the kind of appliance that just works—quietly, efficiently, and without drama.

We ran it through daily routines: morning oatmeal, midday soup, and frozen dinners. The 10 power levels let us fine-tune cooking, and the 30-second express function is perfect for quick boosts. The removable 10” turntable makes cleanup a breeze, and the push-button door release is a surprisingly satisfying touch—no more wrestling with a stiff handle. However, it struggles with larger dishes and dense foods; a full plate of leftovers heats unevenly, with cold spots in the center. Its compact size (17.3” wide) is a win for small kitchens, but that also limits what you can fit inside.

When stacked against the COMFEE’ ECO model, the Black+Decker EM720CB7 offers a brighter display and simpler interface, though it lacks energy-saving mode. It doesn’t wow with features, but for budget-conscious buyers who want reliability over innovation, it’s a smart pick. It won’t replace your oven, but as a basic, durable countertop companion, it delivers solid performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end models.

The Black+Decker HMCJ103B is a space-saving powerhouse, packing five cooking modes—microwave, air fry, convection, bake, and roast—into a surprisingly compact frame. With 900 watts of power and 11 dedicated air fry presets, it transforms frozen fries into golden, crispy delights and gives chicken wings a satisfying crunch—no second appliance needed. For apartment dwellers or anyone with limited counter space, this all-in-one marvel eliminates the need for both a microwave and an air fryer, making it a game-changer for small kitchens.

In testing, the air fry function impressed—frozen tater tots came out crisp on the outside, fluffy within, rivaling results from standalone air fryers. Switching to microwave + convection combo mode, we baked a small batch of cookies with even browning, though they lacked the depth of a full oven. The 0.9 cu.ft. cavity is roomier than most mini-microwaves, but still tight for family-sized meals. It’s not ideal for roasting a whole chicken, but perfect for reheating, crisping, or baking for 1–2 people. The 30-second start button is handy, though the interface can feel cluttered with all the preset options.

Compared to the GE 4-in-1, the Black+Decker HMCJ103B is more compact and slightly more intuitive for air frying, though GE offers a broil function this one lacks. If you want maximum functionality without sacrificing counter space, this combo delivers more versatility than a standard microwave. It’s not as powerful as full-sized models, but for urbanites, dorm users, or minimalist kitchens, it offers exceptional value in a single appliance.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is a multitasking marvel, blending microwave speed with convection, air fry, and broil functions in one sleek unit. With 1,050 watts of microwave power and a 1.0 cu.ft. cavity, it’s compact but capable—ideal for cooking full meals without heating up the kitchen. The included stainless steel crisper pan transforms frozen fries into golden perfection, while the wire rack enables true convection baking, producing evenly browned muffins and roasted vegetables. It’s not just a microwave—it’s a mini oven that replaces three appliances on your counter.

We tested its air fry mode with frozen chicken nuggets—crispy in 12 minutes, no preheating. The convection bake handled a small lasagna with even heat, though browning took longer than a full oven. The broil function is a standout: we seared a salmon fillet with caramelized edges, something most microwaves can’t touch. However, the small interior limits large dishes, and the learning curve is steeper—you’ll need to experiment with combo settings. It’s quiet during operation, a plus for open-plan living or office kitchens.

Against the Black+Decker 5-in-1, the GE GCST10A1WSS offers broiling and better convection, making it more versatile despite a similar footprint. It’s pricier in spirit, but for those who cook real meals, not just reheat, it’s worth the investment. If you want restaurant-style results without a full kitchen upgrade, this 4-in-1 powerhouse delivers unmatched functionality in a compact design.

The Comfee’ EM720CPL-NB is the eco-conscious minimalist’s dream, combining essential functionality with a standout ECO mode that slashes standby power by 50%—a rare feature in microwaves. At 700 watts, it’s not built for speed demons, but it handles daily tasks like reheating coffee, defrosting meat, or popping popcorn with quiet efficiency. The mute function lets you use it late at night without disturbing others, making it perfect for bedrooms, offices, or shared living spaces where noise matters. It’s a no-waste, low-impact appliance for those who value sustainability.

In real use, the one-touch express cooking (1–6 minutes) and auto-cook menus simplify routine tasks. We reheated a bowl of soup—results were even, though slightly slower than higher-wattage models. The 0.7 cu.ft. interior fits standard dinner plates but struggles with larger containers. The two-step child lock adds security, and the simple interface is easy for all ages. While it lacks advanced features like sensors or air frying, it excels in reliability and energy savings, especially for light users.

Compared to the Black+Decker EM720CB7, the Comfee’ EM720CPL-NB is nearly identical in size and power but wins with ECO mode and quieter operation. It doesn’t offer flashy extras, but for eco-minded users or secondary kitchens, it’s the smarter long-term choice. It may not cook faster, but it saves energy and noise, offering thoughtful design for sustainable living.

The GE JES1657SRSS is a family-sized powerhouse, built for households that demand speed, space, and smart cooking. With 1,150 watts and a spacious 1.6 cu.ft. cavity, it effortlessly handles large casseroles, multiple meal prep containers, or a whole rotisserie chicken. Its sensor cooking controls monitor moisture in real time, automatically adjusting time and power—no more overcooked leftovers or icy centers. For large families, this eliminates the guesswork that plagues smaller or basic models.

We tested it with a full plate of cold pasta, a frozen burrito family pack, and a bowl of stew. Each came out evenly heated, with no cold spots, thanks to the large turntable and strong magnetron. The one-touch express cooking and 8 auto menus make daily use fast, while the digital display is bright and easy to read. It’s not compact—measuring nearly 22” wide—so it needs serious counter real estate. But if you’re feeding four or more people daily, that space is justified.

Pitted against the Toshiba EM131A5E, the GE JES1657SRSS offers similar capacity and smart sensors but with slightly lower wattage and fewer design flourishes. It lacks a position-memory turntable, but makes up for it with GE’s trusted reliability and simpler interface. For large families prioritizing consistency and ease, this microwave delivers robust performance without complexity, outperforming smaller models in volume and automation.

The Farberware FMW1154DB strikes a perfect balance between size, power, and price, making it the best value pick for small kitchens that still want full performance. With 1000 watts and a 1.1 cu.ft. cavity, it’s compact enough for countertops but spacious enough for dinner plates and medium-sized dishes. The six one-touch menus—including popcorn, pizza, and potato—deliver consistent results, while defrost by weight or time takes the stress out of thawing frozen meals. It’s the Goldilocks of microwaves: not too big, not too weak, just right.

In testing, it reheated a plate of lasagna evenly in under 3 minutes, and the interior light made it easy to monitor progress. The easy-clean coating resists splatters, and the Add 30-Seconds button is a small but brilliant feature for quick boosts. The LED display is clear, and the child safety lock works reliably. While it doesn’t have smart sensors or air frying, it covers the basics flawlessly. It’s not for large families, but ideal for couples, singles, or office kitchens.

Compared to the GE 1.0 cu.ft. model, the Farberware FMW1154DB offers more power (1000W vs 1050W microwave but smaller cavity) and a simpler design, though it lacks multi-function cooking. It doesn’t try to do everything—just the essentials, well and affordably. For those who want reliable, no-nonsense performance without overspending, this microwave delivers exceptional bang for the buck.