Best Countertop Microwaves for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: February 8th, 2024

🔥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.

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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

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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.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$129.99 at Amazon

More Answers

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

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How long does the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS typically last?
The **Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven** tends to be known for its solid build and features like a black stainless steel finish that helps resist fingerprints. It's also got some cool features according to the manufacturer, like a Smart Humidity Sensor and an ECO Mode, which are handy. But when it comes to how long it lasts, it kind of depends on the user. Our research shows mixed experiences. Some folks mentioned their unit had issues after about two and a half years—like still running even when the timer was off. Others have found it to be reliable and well-built, especially compared to other brands they've tried. It sounds like, on average, you might expect it to last a few years, with some people choosing to replace it around that time. If you're looking for peace of mind, maybe consider getting a protection plan.
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Does the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS have a sensor cooking feature?
Yep, the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave does have a sensor cooking feature. This means it can automatically tweak the cooking time and power by checking the humidity levels in your food. Pretty handy, right? The manufacturer mentions that this is great for things like heating drinks, melting chocolate, or cooking veggies. From what we found, a lot of folks find this feature super convenient and reliable. So, if you like the idea of your microwave doing some of the guesswork for you, this one's a good pick.
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How well does the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS defrost frozen food?
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave does a solid job with defrosting frozen food. The manufacturer's product description mentions that it has a smart humidity sensor, which automatically adjusts cooking times and power levels to ensure even defrosting. So, you don't have to keep an eye on it or fuss with manual settings too much. Our research shows it comes with pre-programmed settings specifically for defrosting common foods, which makes things easier. Folks who've used it often mention that it efficiently defrosts a variety of frozen items, like meats and veggies. The sensor accurately detects moisture levels, adjusting as needed to prevent uneven thawing or partial cooking. Professional reviews echo these sentiments too. They highlight the microwave's defrosting capabilities and say the sensor technology is both convenient and reliable. So, when you hit the defrost button on this microwave, it works to ensure your food thaws evenly. In a nutshell, the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is pretty reliable for defrosting tasks. Whether it's meat for dinner or veggies for a quick stir-fry, you can count on it to get the job done efficiently with minimal effort on your part.
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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:

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Is the BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 microwave easy to clean?
Yeah, the BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 microwave is pretty easy to clean. One thing that really helps is the removable 10.6-inch glass turntable. According to the manufacturer's description, this turntable not only ensures your food heats evenly, but you can also take it out to clean it separately. Makes dealing with spills and splatters a breeze. Our research backs this up - people really appreciate the convenience of it. If easy cleaning is what you're after, this microwave definitely makes the job simpler.
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How effective is the child safety lock on the BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 microwave?
The BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 microwave has a child safety lock that's designed to prevent little ones from using it unsupervised. According to the manufacturer's product description, it's meant to ensure only someone who knows how to unlock it can operate the microwave, which is reassuring for parents. From our research, it looks like this lock does a good job. People found it easy to turn on and off, and it effectively stops kids from using the microwave when they shouldn't be. There were a few mentions of the microwave sliding on the counter when the push-button door is pressed, but placing some [non-slip pads](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dnon-slip%2Bpads%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) underneath seems to fix that. All in all, the child safety lock on this BLACK+DECKER microwave is a practical and helpful safety feature for families with kids.
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What are the dimensions of the BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 microwave?
The BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 microwave measures about 19.1 inches wide, 14.8 inches deep, and 11.5 inches tall. These dimensions make it pretty compact while still offering enough space inside. According to our research, folks have mentioned that it fits nicely in tighter kitchen spaces. I'd definitely suggest measuring the spot where you plan to put it just to be sure it’ll fit perfectly.
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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

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:

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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.
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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.
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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.
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