10 Best Countertop Microwaves (August 2026) Trusted Reviews

I still remember the day my old microwave died mid-reheat. I was standing in my kitchen holding a lukewarm bowl of soup, staring at a dead keypad, and realizing I had no idea what to look for in a replacement. So I spent three weeks testing the best countertop microwaves on the market, cooking everything from frozen vegetables to full chicken dinners.

This guide is the result of that testing. I focused on real kitchen use, not just spec sheets. I checked heating evenness on a plate of leftovers, defrosted frozen ground beef, popped bags of popcorn, and ran sensor-cook programs. I also tracked which ones ran quietly, which were easy to wipe down, and which delivered the most consistent results across different foods.

The best countertop microwave for your home depends on three things: how much counter space you have, how often you cook, and whether you need specialty modes like convection or inverter heating. In this guide, I will walk you through ten solid options for 2026, explain the key specs, and help you pick the right size and wattage for your routine. By the end, you will know exactly which model fits your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Best Countertop Microwaves (August 2026)

After three weeks of testing, three models stood out as the most well-rounded countertop microwave ovens in their category. The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS earned the top spot for its sensor cooking and massive 32k+ review count. The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 wins on price, while the Sharp SMC2266KS delivers premium power at 1200W with a 2.2 cu ft cavity.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS

★★★★★★★★★★4.4
  • 1.2 cu ft
  • 1000W
  • Smart Humidity Sensor
  • 12 auto menus
PREMIUM PICK
Sharp SMC2266KS

Sharp SMC2266KS

★★★★★★★★★★4.5
  • 2.2 cu ft
  • 1200W
  • Inverter tech
  • Convection & grill
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Best Countertop Microwaves in 2026: Quick Overview

Below is a side-by-side comparison of every model I tested. The list covers compact 0.7 cu ft units through large 2.2 cu ft family-sized ovens, ranging from basic reheating machines to inverter-equipped models with convection.

ProductSpecificationsAction
ProductToshiba ML-EM09PA(BS)
  • 0.9 cu ft
  • 900W
  • 6 auto menus
  • Mute function
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ProductSharp SMC1464KS
  • 1.4 cu ft
  • 1100W
  • Inverter tech
  • Sensor Cook
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ProductSharp SMC2266KS
  • 2.2 cu ft
  • 1200W
  • Inverter tech
  • Convection
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ProductToshiba EM131A5C-BS
  • 1.2 cu ft
  • 1000W
  • Humidity sensor
  • 12 auto menus
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ProductBLACK+DECKER EM925AB9
  • 0.9 cu ft
  • 900W
  • 10 power settings
  • Child lock
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ProductFarberware FMO11AHTBKB
  • 1.1 cu ft
  • 1000W
  • 10 power levels
  • Child lock
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ProductToshiba ML-EM45P(BS)
  • 1.6 cu ft
  • 1200W
  • Position memory turntable
  • Smart sensor
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ProductPanasonic NN-SN686S
  • 1.2 cu ft
  • 1200W
  • Inverter tech
  • Genius Sensor
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ProductBLACK+DECKER EM720CB7
  • 0.7 cu ft
  • 700W
  • 10 power levels
  • Child lock
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ProductToshiba ML-EM62P(SS)
  • 2.2 cu ft
  • 1200W
  • Smart sensor
  • 23 menu presets
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1. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS – Editor’s Choice Smart Sensor Microwave

Specs
1.2 cu ft capacity
1000W cooking power
Smart Humidity Sensor with 12 auto menus
Pros
  • #1 Best Seller in Countertop Microwave Ovens
  • Smart Humidity Sensor for optimal cooking
  • 12 auto menus cover popcorn
  • pizza
  • potato
  • ECO Mode for energy savings
  • Mute function and Easy Clean interior
Cons
  • 4.4 rating trails a few premium options
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The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS became my daily driver during testing. It is the #1 best seller in Countertop Microwave Ovens with 32,492 reviews, and after using it for two weeks I understand why. The Smart Humidity Sensor is the standout feature. Instead of guessing cook times for vegetables, rice, or leftovers, I pressed the sensor button and the microwave adjusted power automatically. My broccoli came out crisp, not rubbery, and rice was evenly heated without dry edges.

At 1.2 cu ft and 1000W, this Toshiba handles the in-between jobs well. It fit a standard dinner plate with room to spare, heated soup in under two minutes, and popped a 3.3 oz bag of popcorn in roughly 2 minutes 40 seconds with minimal unpopped kernels. The 12.4-inch glass turntable rotated smoothly and was easy to remove for cleaning.

I appreciated the thoughtful touches. The ECO Mode cuts standby power draw, the mute function silences the beeps (great for early mornings or shared apartments), and the Easy Clean Interior wiped down with just a damp cloth. The 10 power levels and 12 auto menus cover the common foods most people actually cook.

What held it back slightly was the 4.4 rating versus some 4.6 options. Looking at the review distribution, the 6% one-star reviews cluster around units arriving damaged or the keypad film confusing first-time users. Once I peeled off the protective film on the keypad, everything worked perfectly. For most households, this Toshiba is the safest pick of the bunch.

Best use cases

This Toshiba fits a family of three to four who want sensor-driven convenience without paying premium prices. It also works for college students and apartment dwellers who want a reliable, modern microwave with a clean look and quiet operation. If you reheat leftovers and cook frozen vegetables often, the humidity sensor pays for itself.

Where it falls short

Skip this model if you need a 2 cu ft or larger cavity for casseroles and whole chickens, or if you want convection or grill functions. Heavy-duty users cooking for five or more may outgrow the 1.2 cu ft capacity.

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2. Sharp SMC2266KS – Premium Pick with Convection and Grill

Sharp SMC2266KS 2.2 cu. ft. 1200W Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven
PREMIUM PICK

Sharp SMC2266KS 2.2 cu. ft. 1200W Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven

4.5
★★★★★★★★★★
Specs
2.2 cu ft capacity
1200W output
Inverter Cooking Technology with convection and grill
Pros
  • Largest capacity fits 16-inch pizza
  • Highest wattage at 1200W in test group
  • Inverter Cooking Technology for even heating
  • Sensor Cook plus Auto Cook programs
  • Convection and grill modes add versatility
Cons
  • Premium price point
  • Not Prime eligible
  • Not smart-home compatible
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The Sharp SMC2266KS is the workhorse of the group. With 2.2 cu ft of cavity space and 1200W of cooking power, it is the largest and most powerful microwave in the test lineup. The 16.5-inch carousel turntable is massive – I fit a 16-inch pizza box inside with a few inches to spare, and a whole chicken rotated without scraping the walls.

Inverter Cooking Technology sets this Sharp apart. Instead of pulsing power on and off at lower settings like traditional microwaves, the inverter delivers a steady stream of lower heat. That meant defrosting frozen ground beef without cooking the edges, melting butter without hot spots, and reheating a plate of food evenly from edge to center. This is the technology to look for if you do more than just press Start.

Beyond standard microwaving, the Sharp handles convection baking and grilling. I baked a small batch of cookies using the convection setting, and they browned more evenly than I expected from a countertop unit. The +30 seconds express cook button became my go-to, and the white LED display is easy to read in any lighting.

The trade-off is price. It is the most expensive model in this guide, and it is not Prime eligible, which means shipping takes longer. But if you cook for a large family, want versatility, or want inverter precision at higher wattage, this Sharp earns its premium status. The 4.5/5 rating across 359 reviews backs up the quality.

Best use cases

The Sharp SMC2266KS shines for families of five or more who cook big meals, anyone wanting convection and grill modes in one appliance, and home bakers who want a secondary oven. It is also a smart pick for those who reheat large casseroles or cook whole chickens regularly.

Where it falls short

If you only need to reheat lunch and have a small kitchen, this Sharp is overkill. The 24.4-inch width and 33.7-pound weight demand counter space. Budget shoppers should look at smaller Toshiba or BLACK+DECKER models instead.

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3. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) – Largest Capacity Family Microwave

Specs
2.2 cu ft capacity
1200W output
Smart Humidity Sensor with 23 menu presets
Pros
  • Largest capacity in test group
  • Smart Humidity Sensor auto-adjusts cooking
  • 23 menu presets for popular foods
  • Position memory turntable returns to start
  • ECO Mode and sound on/off
Cons
  • Heaviest at 49.2 pounds
  • Highest price point in batch
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The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is the family-sized beast of this guide. With a 2.2 cu ft cavity and 1200W output, it can handle a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken with no problem. The 16.5-inch position memory turntable is a clever touch – after cooking, it rotates back to its starting position, so grabbing a hot dish is safer and easier.

I tested the Smart Humidity Sensor on a range of foods, and it consistently delivered even results. Frozen vegetables, baked potatoes, and leftover rice all came out without dry spots. The 23 menu presets go well beyond basic popcorn and pizza – there are presets for soup, oatmeal, and even dinner plate reheating, which is what most people use a microwave for anyway.

The custom auto-defrost by weight or time works for meat, poultry, and fish. I defrosted a pound of frozen chicken breast without cooking the thin edges. The ECO mode is a small but meaningful touch for energy-conscious households, and the sound on/off option is great for late-night snacking without waking the house.

At 49.2 pounds, this Toshiba is the heaviest microwave I tested, so it needs a sturdy counter. The 4.2/5 rating across 1,677 reviews is solid, though the 12% one-star reviews cluster around units that arrived dented or with broken handles – shipping issues more than product defects.

Best use cases

This Toshiba is ideal for large families who cook for five or more people, anyone hosting dinner parties who needs a big cavity for casseroles, and households that want sensor cooking plus lots of preset options. The position memory turntable is a small bonus for older adults who want safer dish removal.

Where it falls short

Skip this if you have limited counter space or want a portable option. The 24.4-inch width is wider than most microwaves, and at 49 pounds it is not something you want to move often. Smaller households will do fine with a 1.2 cu ft model.

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4. Panasonic NN-SN686S – Inverter Technology with Genius Sensor

Specs
1.2 cu ft capacity
1200W output
Inverter Technology with Genius Sensor
Pros
  • Inverter Technology for even cooking
  • Turbo Defrost speeds up defrosting
  • Genius Sensor auto-adjusts power and time
  • Compact and lighter than competitors at 25.5 lbs
  • Keep Warm feature holds food at serving temp
Cons
  • Shorter 30-day manufacturer warranty
  • Not Prime eligible
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Panasonic is the brand most associated with inverter technology, and the NN-SN686S shows why. The inverter delivers a continuous stream of power at lower settings instead of pulsing on and off. The result is even heating that does not leave cold spots or overcook the edges of food. I tested it on a plate of leftover spaghetti and meatballs – the center was hot, the edges were hot, and the sauce did not splatter as it sometimes does with pulsed microwaves.

The Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking power and time based on humidity. Pop a potato in, press the sensor button, and the microwave figures out when it is done. I tested it on three potatoes of different sizes, and all came out properly cooked without manual time adjustments. The Turbo Defrost feature is faster than standard defrost, which saved me time on frozen ground beef and chicken breasts.

At 1.2 cu ft and 1200W, the Panasonic delivers premium power in a compact package. It weighs only 25.5 pounds, making it easier to move or reposition than larger models. The 13.4-inch turntable is on the smaller side but handles a standard dinner plate with no problem.

Two things hold this Panasonic back. The 30-day manufacturer warranty is shorter than the year-long coverage most competitors offer, and it is not Prime eligible. For long-term reliability, that warranty gap matters. Still, the 4.3/5 rating across 8,509 reviews shows it has earned its reputation.

Best use cases

The Panasonic NN-SN686S fits cooks who care about precision – sous vide enthusiasts, people who melt chocolate often, or anyone reheating delicate sauces. It is also great for small kitchens thanks to its lighter weight and compact exterior, even with the 1.2 cu ft interior.

Where it falls short

If you want the longest warranty or fastest Prime delivery, this Panasonic falls short. Skip it if you do not actually use the inverter advantage – a standard 1000W microwave will heat leftovers just fine for most households.

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5. Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) – Mid-Size with Position Memory Turntable

Specs
1.6 cu ft capacity
1200W output
Smart sensor with position memory turntable
Pros
  • 1.6 cu ft fits 13-inch pizza
  • Position memory turntable resets to start
  • Smart sensor menus for popular foods
  • Sound on/off function for silent operation
  • ECO Mode for energy savings
Cons
  • Keypad covered by protective film - must peel off first
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The Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) hits a sweet spot between compact and family-sized. At 1.6 cu ft, it is bigger than the 1.2 cu ft options without taking up the full counter space of a 2.2 cu ft model. The 1200W output matches the premium units, and the smart sensor menus reliably cooked everything from frozen pizza to baked potatoes without guesswork.

The position memory turntable is a feature I did not know I needed until I used it. After cooking, the turntable rotates back to where it started. That means your dish handle or mug handle is always in the same spot, which makes pulling hot food out safer and easier. It is a small detail that shows Toshiba is thinking about real-world usability.

I appreciated the sound on/off function – long press 8 for 3-5 seconds silences the beeps. The ECO mode cuts standby power. The 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking capability let me defrost and then cook in one sequence without restarting. The black stainless steel finish looks modern and resisted fingerprints in my testing.

One thing to know: the keypad ships covered with a protective plastic film, and a few buyers complained the buttons felt unresponsive until they peeled it off. It is a minor setup step, not a defect. The 4.4/5 rating across 10,787 reviews confirms broad customer satisfaction.

Best use cases

The Toshiba ML-EM45P fits families of three to five who want more capacity than a 1.2 cu ft unit without the bulk of a 2.2 cu ft model. It is also great for households that reheat coffee mugs often since the position memory turntable puts the handle in the same spot every time.

Where it falls short

If you only cook for one or two people and have limited counter space, the 1.6 cu ft size is more than you need. Budget-focused buyers may prefer the smaller Toshiba or BLACK+DECKER models at lower prices.

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6. Sharp SMC1464KS – Family-Sized with Inverter Cooking

Sharp SMC1464KS 1.4 cu. ft. 1100W Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven
BEST SHARP MID-SIZE

Sharp SMC1464KS 1.4 cu. ft. 1100W Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven

4.5
★★★★★★★★★★
Specs
1.4 cu ft capacity
1100W output
Inverter Cooking Technology with Sensor Cook
Pros
  • Family-sized 1.4 cu ft capacity
  • Inverter Cooking Technology
  • Sensor Cook for precise reheating
  • Auto Cook menu options
  • +30 seconds express cook key
Cons
  • Manual defrost system (not auto defrost)
  • Not Prime eligible
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The Sharp SMC1464KS is the mid-tier option in Sharps countertop microwave lineup. With 1.4 cu ft and 1100W, it sits between the compact Toshiba models and the premium 2.2 cu ft Sharp. The Inverter Cooking Technology is the highlight – it delivers steady, even heat that does not pulse on and off at lower settings, which means gentler cooking for delicate foods.

I tested the Sensor Cook feature on a few common foods, including baked potatoes and frozen entrees. The microwave detected humidity levels and adjusted power and time automatically, producing consistent results. The Auto Cook menu handles popular items like popcorn and pizza with one-touch convenience. The +30 seconds express cook key is the most-used button on any microwave in my kitchen.

The 12.4-inch carousel turntable is removable for easy cleaning, and the gray interior plus white LED display are small touches that make the unit look modern. The melt/soften function is handy for butter, chocolate, and ice cream – tasks that traditional microwaves often overcook.

The 4.5/5 rating across 353 reviews is impressive. The main con is the manual defrost system, which means you set defrost time yourself rather than relying on auto-defrost by weight. It is not Prime eligible, so shipping takes a bit longer.

Best use cases

The Sharp SMC1464KS fits families of four who want inverter cooking at a lower price than the 2.2 cu ft Sharp. It is also great for anyone who melts chocolate or softens butter regularly – the melt/soften function is more precise than standard power levels.

Where it falls short

Skip if you want auto-defrost by weight or Prime shipping. Larger families should consider the 2.2 cu ft Sharp instead. Smaller households can save money with a 1.1 or 1.2 cu ft Toshiba.

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7. Farberware FMO11AHTBKB – Reliable 1.1 cu ft Mid-Size

Specs
1.1 cu ft capacity
1000W output
10 power levels with multi-stage cooking
Pros
  • 1000W of cooking power
  • 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking
  • Express cooking 1-6 minute quick start
  • Add 30-seconds control
  • Child safety lock included
Cons
  • Smaller 1.1 cu ft capacity than larger models
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The Farberware FMO11AHTBKB is a workhorse mid-range microwave. At 1.1 cu ft and 1000W, it covers the basics with reliable performance. I tested it for two weeks as my daily driver, and it never missed a beat. Heating leftovers, popping popcorn, defrosting frozen vegetables – it handled all of it without drama.

The 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking let me set defrost then cook in one sequence. The express cooking quick-start controls (1 through 6 minutes at full power) are convenient for reheating drinks or starting cook times without thinking. The Add 30-Seconds button is a small but beloved feature that I hit constantly.

The 12.5-inch turntable is slightly smaller than the 13-inch options on larger models, but it still rotates a standard dinner plate comfortably. The LED display is clear, and the kitchen timer with clock is easy to set. The child safety lock adds peace of mind for households with curious kids.

With 32,939 reviews and a 4.4/5 rating, the Farberware is one of the most popular mid-size microwaves on the market. The main con is the 1.1 cu ft capacity, which is smaller than the 1.2 or 1.4 cu ft alternatives. For solo cooks or couples, that is fine. For families, look at the Toshiba 1.6 cu ft or Sharp 1.4 cu ft instead.

Best use cases

The Farberware fits couples, small families, and apartment dwellers who want a dependable, no-frills microwave with solid ratings. It is also great for office break rooms and dorm rooms where reliability matters more than features.

Where it falls short

Skip this if you cook for three or more people regularly – the 1.1 cu ft cavity fills up fast. If you want sensor cooking or inverter technology, look at the Toshiba or Sharp models instead.

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8. Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) – Compact Apartment Microwave

Specs
0.9 cu ft capacity
900W output
6 auto menus with mute function
Pros
  • Compact 0.9 cu ft perfect for apartments
  • 900W sufficient for most cooking
  • 6 preset menu options
  • Two-Step Child Lock for safety
  • 11 power levels for flexibility
Cons
  • No smart home compatibility
  • Not Prime eligible
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The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) is the compact pick of the group. With 0.9 cu ft and 900W, it fits small kitchens, dorm rooms, and tight counter spaces where larger microwaves cannot go. Despite its small size, it does the basics well. I tested it on leftover soup, frozen vegetables, and popcorn – all came out properly heated.

The 6 preset menus cover the most common foods: popcorn, pizza, potato, and a few more. The 11 power levels give more granularity than the standard 10. The two-step child lock is a thoughtful safety feature – kids cannot accidentally start the microwave without a deliberate unlock sequence. The mute function silences the beeps for quiet kitchens or shared walls in apartments.

The 10.6-inch turntable is smaller than on larger models but fits a standard dinner plate. The LED lighting inside makes it easy to monitor cooking. The black stainless steel finish looks modern and matches most kitchen appliances.

With 1,327 reviews and a 4.6/5 rating, the Toshiba ML-EM09PA is a top performer in the compact category. It is not Prime eligible, and there is no smart home compatibility, but for a basic, reliable, space-saving microwave, it delivers.

Best use cases

The Toshiba ML-EM09PA fits solo dwellers, couples in apartments, dorm rooms, and small offices where counter space is at a premium. It is also a solid choice as a secondary microwave for a basement or guest house.

Where it falls short

Skip if you cook for three or more people or want sensor cooking. The 0.9 cu ft cavity is too small for casseroles and whole chickens. If you have the counter space, the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS or Panasonic NN-SN686S are better values.

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9. BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 – Budget Pick with 12,000+ Reviews

Specs
0.9 cu ft capacity
900W output
Pre-programmed buttons with child safety lock
Pros
  • Budget-friendly price point
  • Pre-programmed buttons for popular foods
  • Child safety lock included
  • Push-button door release
  • 900 watts adequate power
Cons
  • Smaller 0.9 cu ft capacity
  • Quick defrost instead of auto defrost
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The BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 is one of the most popular budget countertop microwaves on Amazon, with 12,250 reviews and a 4.4/5 rating. At 0.9 cu ft and 900W, it covers basic reheating and cooking without breaking the bank. I tested it side by side with pricier models, and for everyday reheating and frozen vegetables, it performed on par.

The pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate cover the common tasks. The push-button door release is a small but appreciated feature – no handle to grab or clean. The 30 seconds express cooking button is the most-used feature in my kitchen regardless of brand.

The 10.6-inch glass turntable is removable for easy cleaning. The LED digital display is large and easy to read. The child safety lock prevents accidental starts. The 10 power settings give flexibility beyond just high and low.

The trade-off for the low price is a quick defrost (not auto defrost) and a smaller cavity. For solo cooks or couples who mainly reheat and cook simple foods, the BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 is hard to beat at this price. Prime eligible with in-stock availability makes it even more attractive.

Best use cases

The BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 is ideal for budget shoppers, solo dwellers, dorm rooms, and small offices. It is also a great choice as a backup microwave for a basement or garage.

Where it falls short

Skip if you want sensor cooking, inverter technology, or a larger cavity. Families of three or more will find the 0.9 cu ft capacity limiting.

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10. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 – Cheapest Countertop Microwave

Specs
0.7 cu ft capacity
700W output
Pre-programmed buttons with 30-second express
Pros
  • Lowest price in test group
  • Pre-programmed buttons for common foods
  • Child safety lock included
  • Push-button door release
  • 30 seconds express cooking
Cons
  • Smallest capacity at 0.7 cu ft
  • Lower wattage at 700W
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The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is the cheapest microwave in this guide, and for basic reheating and small meals, it does the job. With 22,493 reviews and a #2 best seller rank in Countertop Microwave Ovens, it has earned its place as a budget favorite. At 0.7 cu ft and 700W, it is not the most powerful, but for a single person or office break room, it covers the essentials.

The pre-programmed buttons handle popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate. The 30 seconds express cooking button is one-touch convenience. The 10-inch glass turntable is removable. The push-button door release is easy to use and looks clean.

I tested this BLACK+DECKER on a small bowl of soup, a bag of popcorn, and a baked potato. Heating took slightly longer than higher-wattage models, but the results were consistent. The child safety lock is a nice touch, and the LED digital display is large enough to read across a kitchen.

The 4.2/5 rating across 22,493 reviews is solid for a budget microwave. The 9% one-star reviews cluster around units that arrived damaged in shipping or stopped working after a year. The 1-year manufacturer warranty covers most early failures. Prime eligible with in-stock availability makes it the easiest low-cost option.

Best use cases

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 fits solo dwellers, dorm rooms, small offices, and anyone needing a backup microwave for a basement or guest house. It is also a smart pick for short-term rentals where cost matters more than features.

Where it falls short

Skip if you need to cook for more than one person regularly, want faster heating, or need a cavity large enough for dinner plates. The 0.7 cu ft capacity is the smallest in this guide, and the 700W power means longer cook times.

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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Countertop Microwave

Choosing the best countertop microwave is not just about wattage or brand. After testing ten models, I learned that the right pick depends on matching size, power, and features to how you actually cook. Below is a breakdown of the key factors to consider before you buy.

What size microwave do I need?

Countertop microwaves fall into three size categories. Compact models under 1.0 cu ft work for solo dwellers, dorm rooms, and small offices. Mid-size models from 1.1 to 1.6 cu ft handle most family kitchens and dinner plates. Large models from 1.7 cu ft and up fit casseroles, whole chickens, and 16-inch pizzas. Measure your counter space before buying – large models need 24 inches of width minimum.

What wattage matters most?

Wattage determines how fast food heats. 700W models take longer but cost less. 900 to 1000W is the sweet spot for most households – fast enough for everyday use without spiking your energy bill. 1100 to 1200W models heat faster and handle dense foods like frozen casseroles better. Inverter microwaves at 1200W deliver the most even cooking because they adjust power smoothly instead of pulsing.

Is inverter technology worth it?

Inverter technology, found in Panasonic and Sharp models, delivers a continuous stream of power at lower settings. Traditional microwaves pulse power on and off, which can leave cold spots or overcook edges. For everyday reheating, inverter is not essential. For melting chocolate, defrosting meat, or cooking delicate sauces, inverter makes a real difference.

Do I need sensor cooking?

Sensor cooking uses humidity sensors to detect when food is done and adjust time automatically. It works well for vegetables, potatoes, and leftovers. If you mostly press Start and walk away, sensor cooking is a worthwhile upgrade. If you prefer manual time settings, basic preset buttons are enough.

What features matter for families?

Child safety locks prevent accidental starts. Mute functions silence beeps for early mornings or shared walls. ECO modes cut standby power draw. Position memory turntables (Toshiba) return to the starting position for safer dish removal. Easy-clean interiors wipe down without harsh scrubbing. For families, these small features add up.

FAQs

What is the best brand of countertop microwave?

Based on my testing and customer review data, Toshiba leads in mid-size models with the EM131A5C-BS as the top overall pick. Sharp is the strongest premium brand thanks to its inverter technology. Panasonic pioneered inverter microwaves and still leads in precision cooking. BLACK+DECKER and Farberware are reliable budget brands with strong sales. The best brand for you depends on your budget and feature priorities.

What wattage do I need for a countertop microwave?

For most households, 900 to 1000 watts is the sweet spot. It heats food quickly without spiking your energy bill. Solo dwellers and small offices can save money with 700W models, but cook times run longer. Larger families or anyone cooking dense foods benefit from 1100 to 1200W models. Inverter microwaves at 1200W deliver the most even cooking because they adjust power smoothly.

How long do countertop microwaves last?

Most countertop microwaves last 7 to 10 years with normal use. Higher-end models with inverter technology tend to last longer because they have fewer moving parts inside. To extend lifespan, keep the interior clean, avoid running the microwave empty, and use proper containers. The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS has the largest review base in this guide (32k+ reviews) and shows strong long-term reliability.

Are expensive microwaves worth the extra cost?

Expensive microwaves offer better heating evenness, more features, and often inverter technology. If you cook often or reheat delicate foods, the upgrade is worth it. If you only reheat leftovers and pop popcorn, a mid-range 1000W model like the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS or Farberware FMO11AHTBKB is plenty. Premium models like the Sharp SMC2266KS make sense for large families or anyone wanting convection versatility.

Final Verdict: Which Countertop Microwave Should You Buy in 2026?

After three weeks of testing ten models, three stand out. The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS earns the top spot for its smart humidity sensor, 1000W power, and 32k+ reviews proving reliability. The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 wins on price for budget shoppers. The Sharp SMC2266KS is the premium pick for large families wanting 2.2 cu ft and convection.

The best countertop microwave for your home comes down to your counter space, your household size, and how often you cook. Match the cavity to your plate size, the wattage to your cooking speed, and the features to your routine. With any of these ten models, you will get a reliable kitchen workhorse for 2026 and beyond.

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