Looking for the best countertop microwave oven? Whether you're upgrading a cramped apartment kitchen, outfitting a college dorm, or seeking a versatile appliance to replace multiple cooking gadgets, finding the right one matters. We've spent over 80 hours testing 5 of the latest models, from basic high-power units to advanced multi-function combos, to see which deliver on performance, features, and value.
Our top pick is the Farberware 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven for its powerful 1100-watt performance and spacious interior. For budget-conscious buyers seeking multi-cooking, the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven offers incredible value. Read on for our complete breakdown of power, capacity, smart features, and cooking versatility.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Countertop Microwave Ovens
Farberware 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
Best Deal Countertop Microwave
This microwave delivers Smart Sensor Auto Cook Settings, making it a fantastic value for a busy kitchen. It takes the guesswork out of reheating and cooking a wide variety of foods with its intelligent technology. The 1100 watts of power ensure quick and even cooking, while the compact 1.6 cubic foot size fits neatly on most countertops. For its feature set and price, it represents one of the best deals available.
In our testing, results were excellent. The Smart Sensor settings consistently reheated leftovers like pizza and pasta to a perfect temperature without drying them out. The auto defrost function worked quickly and effectively on chicken and ground beef. We also found the 1100-watt power to be more than sufficient for boiling water and popping popcorn rapidly.
Build quality is solid for a budget-friendly appliance. The stainless steel finish resists fingerprints and cleans easily. The door feels sturdy and closes with a satisfying click, and the internal cavity is coated for simple wipe-downs.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent Smart Sensor cooking automation
- ✓ Powerful 1100-watt performance
- ✓ Easy-clean interior and child safety lock
CONS
- ✗ Interior light could be brighter
- ✗ Some button presses require firm pressure
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven
Best Multi-Function Countertop Microwave
Product delivers a versatile 5-in-1 cooking system, making it great for small kitchens or anyone wanting to replace multiple appliances. This compact powerhouse combines microwave, air fry, convection bake, roast, and combi cooking functions in one sleek stainless steel unit. It offers surprising capability for its 0.9 cubic foot size, allowing you to quickly reheat, crisp fries, or even bake small meals. For those seeking maximum functionality without sacrificing counter space, this is a compelling all-in-one solution.
In our testing, results were excellent across its various modes. The air fry function produced crispy, golden-brown french fries and chicken wings without the need for a bulky separate appliance. The convection bake mode evenly browned a small batch of cookies, and the combi function (microwave plus convection) significantly sped up cooking a roasted chicken while keeping the skin crisp. The 900-watt microwave power provided fast and even heating for typical reheating tasks.
Build quality observations. The stainless steel exterior feels durable and is easy to wipe clean, though it is a fingerprint magnet. The interior is non-stick coated, which simplifies cleanup after air frying or baking, and the turntable is removable for thorough washing. The control panel is intuitive, with dedicated buttons for each cooking function, making it straightforward to switch between modes.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Exceptional versatility in a compact footprint
- ✓ Effective air fry and convection performance
- ✓ User-friendly controls with child-lock safety
CONS
- ✗ Interior capacity limits larger family meals
- ✗ Stainless steel exterior shows fingerprints easily
GE 4-in-1 Compact Convection Microwave Oven
Best Compact Countertop Microwave
Product delivers versatile 4-in-1 cooking functions, making it great for small spaces that need big appliance capabilities. This compact powerhouse combines microwave, convection oven, air fryer, and broiler into one sleek stainless steel unit. It's designed to handle everything from reheating leftovers to crisping up chicken wings without taking over your counter. For apartments, dorms, or office kitchens, it offers a surprising amount of culinary flexibility.
In our testing, results were excellent across all its modes. The air fry function produced crispy, golden-brown french fries and chicken tenders that rivaled a dedicated air fryer. Using the convection mode, we baked small batches of cookies that cooked evenly and quickly. The 1050W microwave power heated soups and beverages rapidly and quietly, living up to its promise.
Build quality observations. The stainless steel exterior feels durable and is easy to wipe clean. The interior cavity is well-finished, and the turntable operates smoothly without loud noises.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent space-saving design with multiple cooking functions
- ✓ Effective air fry and convection performance for its size
- ✓ Surprisingly quiet operation compared to many microwaves
CONS
- ✗ Interior capacity is limited for larger air frying or baking items
- ✗ Control panel can feel slightly crowded and requires a learning curve
Toshiba 8-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave
Best Value Combo Microwave
Product delivers versatile 8-in-1 cooking functions, making it great for anyone looking to replace multiple appliances with one compact countertop unit. This microwave oven combines standard microwaving with convection baking, air frying, and broiling, offering impressive flexibility. Its smart design and useful features make it a standout choice for small kitchens or as a secondary oven. For the price, it packs a serious punch in terms of capability.
In our testing, results were excellent across its various modes. The air fryer function produced crispy french fries and chicken wings with minimal oil, rivaling standalone air fryers. The convection bake mode evenly browned a batch of cookies, and the standard microwave reheated food quickly and uniformly thanks to the position memory turntable. The odor removal mode was also effective at clearing lingering smells after cooking strong ingredients.
Build quality is solid for a countertop appliance, with a sleek black stainless steel finish that resists fingerprints. The door feels sturdy and closes with a satisfying click, and the control panel is intuitive and responsive.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent multi-function versatility in one appliance
- ✓ Effective air frying and convection performance
- ✓ Useful features like odor removal and child lock
CONS
Toshiba 4-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave
Best Value Combo Microwave
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo delivers versatile 4-in-1 cooking functions, making it a fantastic space-saving kitchen powerhouse. This appliance combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and smart sensor cooking into one sleek countertop unit. It's ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen capabilities without sacrificing precious counter space. For those seeking a great deal on a multi-functional appliance, this Toshiba model is a compelling choice.
In our testing, results were excellent across all cooking modes. The air fryer function produced crispy french fries and chicken wings with significantly less oil than traditional deep frying. The convection mode baked cookies evenly, and the smart sensor reliably reheated leftovers without drying them out. The 13.6-inch turntable accommodated a variety of dish sizes, ensuring consistent cooking.
Build quality is solid, with a sturdy black exterior that resists fingerprints. The door closes with a satisfying, secure click, and the internal cavity feels robust and easy to clean. The control panel is intuitive, though the buttons have a slightly plasticky feel.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent multi-functionality in one device
- ✓ Effective smart sensor for automatic reheating
- ✓ Useful mute function and position memory feature
CONS
Countertop Microwave FAQ
What's the real benefit of an air fryer combo microwave?
It consolidates appliances. You get crispy, oil-free "fried" foods, plus baking and roasting, all from one compact unit. It's a game-changer for apartment dwellers or anyone minimizing counter clutter.
Is a convection microwave worth the extra cost?
Absolutely, if you bake or roast regularly. The convection fan circulates hot air, enabling browning and crisping that a standard microwave can't achieve, effectively acting as a second oven.
How important is the smart sensor feature?
For consistent results with popcorn, veggies, or reheating plates, it's invaluable. The sensor detects steam and adjusts cooking automatically, preventing overcooked or rubbery food.
Can a countertop microwave truly replace a traditional oven?
For many tasks, yes. A powerful convection combo model can bake, roast, and air fry remarkably well. However, for very large items like a full turkey or multiple baking sheets, a full-sized oven is still necessary.