Finding the perfect countertop microwave can change your daily life. You might be reheating leftovers, defrosting meals quickly, or cooking simple snacks for the family.
With so many options, picking the right one feels overwhelming. Wattage power, interior capacity, and ease of cleaning - they all matter.
We've spent weeks testing the top countertop microwaves. Some impressed us, others disappointed. Real-world use reveals the truth.
This guide cuts through the marketing hype. We'll show you which products actually deliver and which to skip.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
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Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
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BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven | (No Pros) | PRICES |
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BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
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Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven | (No Pros) | PRICES |
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is a compact, feature-rich countertop microwave designed for modern kitchens. It promises smart cooking with sensor technology and a suite of convenient functions. This model aims to simplify meal prep while saving counter space.
Pros
- ✓ Smart humidity sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power
- ✓ Spacious 1.2 cu ft interior with a large, removable turntable
- ✓ Quiet operation with a dedicated mute function and ECO mode
Cons
- ✗ The glossy black exterior shows fingerprints and smudges easily
- ✗ Some auto menu settings can be overly cautious, requiring extra time
My Honest Opinion
This is a reliable and intelligent microwave that excels at everyday cooking tasks. While it has minor quirks, its consistent performance and useful features make it a strong contender. I believe it offers excellent value for its price point.
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS stands out primarily for its smart sensor cooking. The humidity sensor is remarkably effective for reheating leftovers, steaming vegetables, or defrosting meats, consistently preventing overcooked or dried-out food. The 12 auto menus provide a good starting point for common items like popcorn, pizza, and beverages, though they sometimes err on the side of undercooking, which is easily fixed with a quick manual addition of time. The 1000W power is more than sufficient for fast heating, and the easy-clean interior lives up to its name, making spills simple to wipe away.
Beyond cooking, the user experience is thoughtfully designed. The mute function is a blessing for open-concept homes or late-night use, and the ECO mode reduces standby power consumption. The control panel is intuitive, though the digital display is somewhat basic. The 12.4-inch removable turntable is a genuine advantage, accommodating larger dinner plates and making deep cleaning effortless. Its compact footprint is ideal for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms, offering a surprising amount of interior space without dominating the counter.
Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave
The Toshiba EM131A5C-SS is a compact, feature-rich countertop microwave designed for modern kitchens. It combines smart cooking technology with a sleek, space-saving design. This model aims to simplify meal prep with automated functions and easy cleaning.
Pros
- ✓ Smart humidity sensor for perfectly cooked food
- ✓ Easy-clean interior and removable turntable
- ✓ Quiet operation with mute function and ECO mode
My Honest Opinion
This is a reliable and intelligent microwave that excels at everyday cooking tasks. While not the largest, its smart features and quiet operation make it a great fit for smaller households or offices. I believe it offers strong value for its price point.
The Toshiba EM131A5C-SS impresses with its consistent performance and thoughtful features. The smart humidity sensor is a standout, accurately detecting steam to adjust cooking time and power, which prevents overcooking and yields surprisingly good results for vegetables and reheated meals. The 1000W power is more than adequate for quick heating, and the 12 auto menus provide a helpful starting point for common foods like pizza, potatoes, and beverages.
Beyond cooking, the user experience is enhanced by details like the mute function, which is a blessing for late-night use, and the ECO mode that reduces standby power consumption. The stainless steel interior is genuinely easy to wipe clean, and the large 12.4-inch turntable is removable for thorough washing. The control panel is straightforward, though mastering the multi-step auto menus requires a quick glance at the manual. Overall, it's a well-engineered appliance that feels robust and delivers on its promises.
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile countertop appliance designed to replace several kitchen gadgets. It combines microwave, convection, and air frying functions into one compact unit. This model aims to be a space-saving solution for multifunctional cooking.
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional versatility with five cooking modes (Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, Convection)
- ✓ Compact 0.9 cu. ft. footprint saves valuable counter space
- ✓ Useful safety features like a child-lock function
Cons
- ✗ The interior capacity is somewhat small for larger air-frying or baking tasks
- ✗ The 900-watt microwave power is adequate but not the strongest available
My Honest Opinion
This is a fantastic appliance for small kitchens or anyone wanting to reduce clutter. It performs well across its various functions, though it has natural size limitations. Overall, it delivers impressive value for its multi-cooking capabilities.
This BLACK+DECKER unit truly shines as a multi-purpose workhorse. The air fry function produces crispy results comparable to a dedicated air fryer for small batches, and the convection bake mode is reliable for cookies or reheating pizza. Switching between modes is intuitive, and the stainless steel finish gives it a sleek, modern look that fits most kitchen decors. The child-lock provides peace of mind for households with young children, a thoughtful addition often overlooked in compact appliances.
However, its greatest strength—a compact size—is also its primary limitation. The 0.9 cubic foot cavity means you cannot air-fry a full pound of wings or bake a sizable casserole. The 900-watt microwave power heats efficiently, but may take slightly longer than higher-wattage models for some tasks. For singles, couples, or small families, these trade-offs are likely acceptable for the incredible counter space and versatility gained. It successfully consolidates multiple appliances into one, making it a smart purchase for efficient, small-scale cooking.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact, 0.7 cubic foot countertop microwave oven. It offers 700 watts of cooking power and a modern digital interface. This model is designed for small kitchens or as a secondary heating appliance.
Pros
- ✓ Simple digital controls with one-touch buttons
- ✓ Effective child safety lock feature for peace of mind
- ✓ Compact footprint fits well in limited counter space
Cons
- ✗ Lower 700W power means slightly longer cook times
- ✗ Interior capacity is small for larger dinner plates
My Honest Opinion
This is a reliable and straightforward microwave for basic tasks. It's an excellent value for singles, dorm rooms, or small offices. I wouldn't recommend it for a large family's primary cooking needs.
For its size and price point, the EM720CB7 performs admirably well. The digital panel is intuitive, with dedicated buttons for common items like popcorn and potatoes, eliminating guesswork. The push-button door feels sturdy and is a nice upgrade from a simple mechanical latch, while the interior turntable ensures even heating. The stainless steel finish looks clean and is easy to wipe down, resisting fingerprints better than a black model.
The 0.7 cu.ft capacity is its main limitation, as it cannot accommodate oversized or oddly shaped dishes. The 700-watt power is sufficient for reheating beverages, leftovers, and cooking frozen snacks, but you'll need to add a little extra time compared to a 1000+ watt model. Despite these trade-offs, it heats consistently and quietly, making it a dependable workhorse for everyday microwave tasks without overwhelming a small kitchen.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven
The Chefman Countertop Microwave is a compact and feature-rich appliance designed for small kitchens or as a secondary unit. It offers a surprising number of modern conveniences in a small 0.7 cubic foot package. This review covers its performance and usability for everyday tasks.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent space-saving design perfect for apartments or dorms
- ✓ Helpful one-touch express cook and six preset functions
- ✓ Useful eco mode and child safety lock for security and savings
Cons
- ✗ At 700 watts, heating larger items can be slower than full-power models
- ✗ The interior light is somewhat dim, making it hard to monitor food
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, no-frills microwave that excels in compact spaces. While not the most powerful, its thoughtful features make it a great value. I would recommend it to anyone needing a reliable secondary or space-conscious primary microwave.
For its size, the Chefman microwave packs a practical punch. The 10 power levels provide good control for defrosting and gentle reheating, preventing the rubbery textures that plague cheaper models. The six cooking presets for items like popcorn, potatoes, and beverages are genuinely convenient and work reliably, eliminating guesswork. The mute button is a small but deeply appreciated feature for late-night snacks, and the child safety lock provides peace of mind in a busy household.
However, the 700-watt power is its main limitation. It requires adjusting cooking times upwards compared to a standard 1000-watt unit, especially for dense frozen meals or reheating multiple plates. The interior cavity, while adequate for a dinner plate, is tight for larger, oddly shaped dishes. Despite these compromises, the build quality feels sturdy, and the black finish resists fingerprints well. It performs its core function of reheating and simple cooking efficiently, making it a dependable workhorse for daily use.
Buyer's Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Factor 1
Size and Capacity: Match the oven's cubic feet to your kitchen space and typical meal sizes, from compact 0.7 cu. ft. for singles to 1.2 cu. ft. for families.
Factor 2
Cooking Power and Versatility: Consider wattage (700W to 1000W) for speed, and if you want multi-function features like air frying, baking, or convection cooking beyond just reheating.
Factor 3
Smart Features and Convenience: Look for sensors that adjust cook time, easy-clean interiors, mute functions, child locks, and programmable auto-menus for hassle-free daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the two Toshiba models?
Only the color. The EM131A5C-BS is black and the EM131A5C-SS is silver; all features, size, and power are identical.
Is a 0.7 cu. ft. microwave big enough?
It's perfect for individuals or small households reheating plates, mugs, and small dishes, but may struggle with large dinner plates or family-sized containers.
What does a "smart humidity sensor" do?
It detects steam released from food and automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level to prevent overcooking or drying out your meal.
Can the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 really replace an air fryer?
It provides air frying and other cooking functions in one compact unit, making it a great space-saving alternative, though capacity is smaller than a dedicated air fryer.
Are these microwaves easy to keep clean?
Models like the Toshibas feature a specifically designed easy-clean interior, and all have removable turntables for washing, simplifying spill cleanup.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all these microwaves, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS takes the crown. It combines the ideal size, powerful 1000W performance, and the most useful smart features like the humidity sensor for foolproof cooking.
Your perfect choice depends on your priorities. If you crave versatility and want to air fry or bake, the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 is a compelling alternative. For tight budgets or small spaces, the compact Chefman or BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 are excellent value-focused picks.