Best Countertop Microwaves for 2025

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Best Picks
Published: January 4th, 2024
1 min read
Last Updated: January 9th, 2025

🔥Microwaves have become kitchen staples, making our lives easier and meals quicker. Whether you're just reheating leftovers or experimenting with advanced cooking features like convection and air frying, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve reviewed a range of models, focusing on performance, ease of use, and value, to help you find the perfect countertop microwave for 2024.

🥇
Overall Best: Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN67HS

The Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN67HS shines as our top pick for a reason. This microwave boasts impressive heating performance thanks to its advanced inverter technology, ensuring even cooking without the dreaded hot and cold spots. With 1,200 watts of power and a spacious 1.2-cubic-foot interior, it handles everything from defrosting meats to steaming vegetables with ease. Its sleek design includes a modern button opener, adding to its aesthetic appeal, though it is worth noting that it lacks instant-start express settings. Despite this minor drawback, its overall performance and reliability make it an excellent choice for any kitchen.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$154.99 at Target

📚More About Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN67HS

🥈
Runner-up: Toshiba EM131A5C

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1100W

Toshiba's EM131A5C earns the runner-up spot with its well-rounded features and dependable performance. This midsize microwave offers handy instant-start express settings and a user-friendly door handle design, which are features often overlooked in other models. With 1,100 watts of power encased in a 1.2-cubic-foot interior, it caters to most cooking needs efficiently, although it doesn't quite match the speed and uniform heating of our top pick. Still, it stands out as a reliable and versatile option for those seeking a balance of performance and convenience.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

💸
Budget Pick: Black+Decker Digital Microwave

BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, Stainless Steel, 0.9 Cu Ft

The Black+Decker Digital Microwave is a fantastic budget pick, providing essential features at an affordable price. Although compact with a 0.7 cubic foot capacity and 700 watts of power, it is ideal for small kitchens or dorm rooms. It may not compete with larger, more powerful models, but it gets the job done for basic tasks like reheating and defrosting. If space and budget constraints are a concern, this microwave offers great value without sacrificing functionality.

Lowest at Amazon
$111.54 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$71.19 at AliExpress.com

More Answers

Still curious about the BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave 0.9 Cu Ft? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

Best for Small Spaces: GE JES1072

When counter space is at a premium, the GE JES1072 proves to be the best compact microwave. Offering 0.7 cubic feet of capacity and 700 watts of power, it's perfect for tight spaces. Despite its smaller size, this microwave delivers sturdy construction and versatile functionality. Its compact dimensions and three stylish finish options make it an adaptable and practical addition to small kitchens.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$154.99 at Target

📚More About Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN67HS

Best Convection and Air-Fryer Microwave: Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CD87KS

Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, Convection Bake, FlashXpress Broiler, Inverter Microwave Technology, 1000W, 1.2 cu ft with Easy Clean Interior - NN-CD87KS (Stainless Steel)

For those who crave versatility in their kitchen, the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-oven NN-CD87KS is an excellent choice. This microwave combines four useful functions: microwave, convection oven, broiler, and air fryer. With 1,000 watts of power and a roomy 1.2-cubic-foot capacity, it can handle a wide range of cooking tasks from baking to air frying. Its easy-to-clean design and comprehensive feature set make it a standout for anyone looking to maximize their kitchen's capabilities.

Lowest at Amazon
$499.99 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$353.57 at AliExpress.com

More Answers

Still curious about the Panasonic HomeChef Microwave Oven NN-CD87KS? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🍽️
What is the wattage of the Panasonic NN-CD87KS microwave?
The [Panasonic NN-CD87KS](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), also known as the [HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), operates at 1000 watts. While it might take a bit longer compared to some higher wattage microwaves, it handles cooking, reheating, and defrosting effectively, based on our research. You might need to adjust cooking times a bit for things like [air frying](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dair%2Bfryer%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [convection baking](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dconvection%2Boven%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), but it still performs well overall. This microwave isn't just a microwave—it's also an [air fryer](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dair%2Bfryer%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [convection oven](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dconvection%2Boven%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and [broiler](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dbroiler%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). People seem to really like the air fry option, even though it can be a bit slower than standalone air fryers. The convection cooking feature is great for even heating, though it might not brown food as perfectly as a traditional oven. The broiler has had mixed feedback; some folks think it's not quite strong enough for tasks like searing meats. Aside from a few small downsides, a lot of people appreciate how versatile the [HomeChef](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is. Its compact design is perfect if you don’t have a ton of counter space. The stainless steel finish looks nice but might need regular wiping to stay spotless. Plus, it comes with several pre-set cooking functions that make it pretty user-friendly. There's also an option to use the [Drop app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DDrop%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) for guided recipes, although some think simpler instructions would be more helpful. All in all, the Panasonic [HomeChef](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) offers a lot of versatility in a compact package. It might have a few quirks, like a slightly tricky control interface and a noisy cooling fan, but having multiple cooking options in one unit makes it a handy appliance for those wanting to streamline their kitchen.
🍲
How well does the Panasonic NN-CD87KS reheat food?
The Panasonic NN-CD87KS, or the [HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DHomeChef%204-in-1%20Microwave%20Oven%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), is a pretty versatile piece of kitchen gear. It acts as a microwave, convection oven, air fryer, and broiler. But let's focus on how it handles reheating food specifically. According to our research, this model has **inverter technology**, which helps reheat food evenly without those annoying cold spots you sometimes get with regular microwaves. This is super handy for things like casseroles or pasta where you want everything uniformly hot. The microwave’s **1000 watts of power** and **1.2 cubic foot capacity** should cover most of your reheating needs. People who've used it say it does a good job, particularly at not overcooking the edges while leaving the center cold. This means your food keeps its texture and doesn't dry out, so everything from soup to pizza turns out well. Another cool thing is the combo of microwave and convection heat, which can make stuff like reheated pizza come out with a crispy crust and evenly warmed toppings—something a standard microwave might struggle with. That said, not everything's perfect. Some folks find the **rotary dial system** for setting times and power levels a bit annoying. Instead of punching in specific times, you have to scroll through increments, which can take a bit of getting used to. Also, it can be a bit noisy when running. Another thing we found is that while the stainless steel looks nice, it’s prone to smudges and needs regular cleaning to stay spotless. There aren't any robust self-cleaning features, so that's a bit of a downside. All in all, the Panasonic NN-CD87KS is really good at reheating food evenly without drying it out, thanks to its inverter technology. If you need an appliance that does more than just microwave, this could be a great pick. Just be ready for a short learning curve with the controls and some extra cleaning.
👩‍🍳
Is the Panasonic NN-CD87KS easy to use?
The [Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB08F2JHQ6L%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) (model NN-CD87KS) offers a lot of functionalities—microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler. But is it easy to use? Here's a rundown based on what we've found about its usability and features. ### Versatility and Functionality According to the manufacturer's product description, the NN-CD87KS is designed to handle a range of cooking jobs with its inverter technology, which helps cook food evenly and avoids those pesky cold spots. It packs 1000 watts of power, which is generally enough for everyday needs, though a few people feel it's a bit less powerful than some higher-wattage models out there. ### User Experience with Microwave Function The microwave aspect is highly rated for its even cooking, thanks to that inverter tech. Some folks mentioned that it’s not the most powerful microwave they've used, but it still gets the job done for basic heating and cooking tasks. ### Air Fryer and Convection Oven Capabilities The air fryer feature is really popular for those wanting healthier fried foods, but it might take a little longer compared to standalone air fryers. On the convection side, it gets a thumbs up for baking evenly. One minor gripe mentioned is that it can be somewhat noisy, especially when the fan kicks in. ### Control Interface and Ease of Use The control interface seems to be a mixed bag. Instead of a usual numeric keypad, it has a rotary dial—some people find this less intuitive. Also, the START button is very easy to press, which could lead to accidental starts. This seems to be the main usability issue people face when first using it. ### Design and Aesthetics As per our research, it’s pretty stylish and modern-looking, which is a plus for most kitchens. However, this stylish design sometimes clashes with practical function—like with the control dial. ### Final Thoughts Overall, the [Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB08F2JHQ6L%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is a versatile piece of equipment. It’s got its quirks—like the control interface and a bit longer air frying times—but it’s generally well-liked for its multiple functions. If you don’t mind a little learning curve, it could be a solid addition to your kitchen.
🍪
How does the convection bake function perform on the Panasonic NN-CD87KS?
The Panasonic NN-CD87KS has a convection bake function that a lot of users seem to like. It's designed to give you even cooking, kind of like a regular oven, but faster and more energy-efficient. According to the manufacturer, it circulates hot air around your food, which helps bake things evenly. From our research, it sounds like people have had good experiences baking cookies, cakes, and even meats like chicken in it—kind of like what you'd expect from a traditional oven. One thing that stands out is the even heat distribution. People seem pretty happy that it helps avoid those annoying burnt edges or undercooked centers. The oven uses something called inverter technology, which basically means it controls the power more precisely. This seems to help with keeping the texture and flavor of your food spot on. That said, the learning curve is a real thing. Getting used to the cooking times and settings can take a bit, especially if you're switching from a regular oven. Plus, the dial system instead of the usual numeric keypad might take some getting used to, but folks generally find it intuitive after a bit of use. Just keep in mind, while this convection bake function is great for everyday baking and smaller batches, it might not cut it for big meals or when you're cooking for larger groups. It's probably best for those who need something versatile and compact. So, in a nutshell, if you're looking for consistent baking results and don't mind a small learning curve, the Panasonic NN-CD87KS could be a good fit for your kitchen. Make sure to think about how you usually cook and your counter space before making a decision.
How easy is it to clean the Panasonic NN-CD87KS microwave?
Cleaning the [Panasonic NN-CD87KS](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB084D8BPCD%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) microwave, also called the [Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB084D8BPCD%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), is pretty easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Here’s what we found from our research. ### Stainless-Steel Interior The microwave has a stainless-steel interior which makes it smooth and non-porous, so wiping it down is generally a breeze. It resists stains better than enamel, but it can attract fingerprints and smudges. A quick wipe with a damp cloth or some [stainless steel cleaner](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dstainless%2Bsteel%2Bcleaner%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) should do the trick. ### Removable Parts It comes with a few removable pieces like the turntable and wire rack used for convection and air fry functions. You can take these out and clean them separately with warm, soapy water. According to our research, people find this super helpful for getting rid of deeper grime. ### After Air Frying The air fry and broil functions can leave behind grease and food residues. Regular cleaning after using these features is key to preventing build-up and potential smoking later. One helpful tip is to steam clean the interior by heating a microwave-safe dish with water and lemon slices for a few minutes. This helps loosen up any stuck-on grime, making it easier to wipe off. ### Convection Baking Residues Using the convection bake function might result in more crumbs and splatters. Promptly cleaning these up will help keep your microwave running smoothly and looking good. ### User-Friendly Interface While not directly related to cleaning, the modern rotary dial and button interface is designed to be pretty intuitive, which helps avoid messes from user errors. Just remember that the control panel might need a gentle wipe now and then to stay smudge-free. ### Overall Maintenance Overall, the [Panasonic NN-CD87KS](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB084D8BPCD%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is designed to be easy to clean, especially with its stainless-steel interior and removable parts. Regular maintenance, particularly after using functions that leave more residue, will keep it looking and working well. According to our data, most people find the cleaning process straightforward and manageable. Hope that helps!
🔥
Can you adjust the temperature on the air fryer mode of the Panasonic NN-CD87KS?
Yep, you can adjust the temperature on the air fryer mode of the [Panasonic NN-CD87KS](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), also called the [Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dpanasonic%2Bhomechef%2B4-in-1%2Bmicrowave%2Boven%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). It's not just a microwave, but also a convection oven, broiler, and air fryer all in one. When you use the air fryer mode, you can tweak the temperature using the rotary dial on its control panel. According to the manufacturer's description, even though there's a bit of a learning curve since it doesn't have a traditional keypad, you’ll get the hang of it soon enough. The oven offers preset temperature settings that work well for most air frying tasks, ensuring your food gets crispy with little to no oil. Our research shows that these settings are pretty reliable for most recipes. The air fryer mode circulates hot air around the food, so it cooks evenly without needing to flip it. However, a few people noticed the fan sometimes feels like it’s working intermittently, somewhat like broiling rather than air frying. The air fryer feature shares space with other cooking modes, so it may not perform each function as perfectly as dedicated appliances. This is a trade-off for its versatility, which could be a big plus if you're trying to save counter space. Some folks have mentioned that the cooling fan is a bit noisy, but it's a small inconvenience considering all the functions packed into this one device. So yeah, the [Panasonic NN-CD87KS](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) lets you adjust the air fryer temperature. It just might take a bit of getting used to, but overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a multi-function kitchen gadget.
How we researched this

How we chose these: We looked at around 5 products in this category, compared prices across thousands of retailers, and read through hundreds of user reviews. We also tracked how prices have changed over the past few months to get a sense of value.

Get ShopSavvy
ShopSavvy is totally free and works on all popular phones and browsers
Download ShopSavvy AppDownload ShopSavvy App

Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more

Install ShopSavvy Browser ExtensionInstall ShopSavvy Browser Extension

Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.

🥇 ShopSavvy Best Picks
Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.
Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.

🔥 Trending Deals

Loading trending deals...

Latest Deals

🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️

a month ago
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️

a month ago