7 Best Small Countertop Microwaves 2026

This Toshiba EM131A5C-BS isn’t just another microwave—it’s a culinary game-changer for compact kitchens that refuse to compromise. With a robust 1000W output and a spacious 1.2 cu ft cavity, it delivers professional-grade heating in a footprint that fits snugly on most countertops. The Smart Sensor Technology is where this model truly shines, automatically adjusting cooking time and power based on real-time humidity—no more dry leftovers or undercooked meals, just consistent, restaurant-quality results.

In real-world use, the 12.4-inch removable turntable ensures even heat distribution, eliminating cold spots across plates of lasagna or bowls of soup. Whether reheating a dense casserole or defrosting chicken breasts, the six preset menus and 10 power levels offer precision that belies its mid-tier price. The ECO Mode reduces standby power, and the mute function is a quiet win for late-night snacking—though the control panel can feel slightly sluggish when programming multi-stage cooking. It’s not flawless, but its performance on mixed textures (like pizza with cold toppings or soggy crusts) is impressively balanced.

Compared to the SHARP B0CNQ9Y534, this Toshiba offers smarter automation and a larger interior, making it ideal for families or frequent cooks. While the Sharp excels in turntable reliability, the Toshiba’s sensor-driven cooking gives it an edge for those who value set-and-forget convenience. It’s the best overall pick for users who want power, intelligence, and capacity without stepping into high-end pricing—delivering premium features in a thoughtfully engineered package.

The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(SS) brings sleek efficiency to small spaces without sacrificing performance. With a 900W output and 0.9 cu ft interior, it’s compact enough for dorm rooms or studio kitchens, yet powerful enough to handle daily meals with ease. The 11 power levels and six auto menus—including popcorn and potato—make it a versatile performer for students or singles who demand speed and consistency. Where it really stands out is in its thoughtful safety features, like the two-step child lock and mute mode, which silences beeps with a simple button hold—perfect for shared living spaces.

During testing, the 10.6-inch turntable rotated smoothly, ensuring even heating across most dishes, though thicker foods like mashed potatoes showed slight edge overheating. The LED lighting made monitoring food easy, and the one-touch start function was a boon for quick reheat jobs. However, the lack of ECO mode means it draws more standby power than rivals like the COMFEE’ or Chefman models. It handles standard tasks reliably but doesn’t impress with advanced automation—ideal for users who prefer manual control over sensor cooking.

When stacked against the Chefman B0DY9CXFGG, the Toshiba feels more premium with its stainless steel finish, but the Chefman offers better value with memory functions and Eco Mode at a lower price. This Toshiba is best for those who prioritize build quality and simplicity over smart features—delivering dependable mid-range performance with a polished look that elevates any countertop.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a quiet powerhouse of energy efficiency, built for eco-conscious users who still want reliable performance. With 700W output and a 0.7 cu ft capacity, it’s one of the most space-smart microwaves on the market—perfect for tiny kitchens, RVs, or office break rooms. Its standout feature? ECO Mode, which slashes standby power by up to 50%, making it the most energy-efficient option in this lineup. The one-touch express cooking and mute function add to its stealthy appeal, letting you heat meals in silence—ideal for midnight snacks or early mornings.

In daily use, the 10-inch turntable handled small plates and mugs well, though larger dishes barely fit. The six auto-cook presets (popcorn, pizza, reheat) worked consistently, but lacked the fine-tuning of higher-end models. Defrosting by weight was accurate, though it struggled slightly with unevenly shaped meats. The digital display is bright and easy to read, but the plastic exterior feels less durable than metal-clad rivals. Still, for light to moderate use, it delivers solid performance without guzzling power.

Compared to the budget B0F65296JL model, the COMFEE’ offers better build quality and a more responsive interface, justifying its higher cost. While it doesn’t match the power or capacity of the Toshiba 1000W models, it excels in long-term energy savings and quiet operation—making it the top choice for environmentally aware users who want efficient, no-fuss heating without paying extra for features they won’t use.

Don’t let the ultra-low price fool you—the B0F65296JL is a no-frills workhorse built for budget-savvy users who need basic functionality without compromise. With 700W power and a 0.7 cu ft cavity, it’s among the most compact options here, yet it packs 10 power levels, six one-touch presets, and even a child safety lock—features often missing at this price. The LED display is crisp, and the 9.6-inch turntable rotates reliably, ensuring decent heat distribution for its class. It’s the kind of microwave that quietly gets the job done, day after day.

In real-world testing, it reheated coffee and ramen efficiently, though denser foods like frozen burritos required manual rotation for even cooking. The defrost-by-weight function was surprisingly accurate, and the easy-clean interior wiped down effortlessly after splatters. However, the plastic housing feels thin, and the buttons can feel unresponsive after repeated use. It lacks ECO mode or mute function, making it less ideal for eco-focused or noise-sensitive users. But for students or renters on a tight budget, it’s a reliable, full-featured starter microwave.

When compared to the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, this model offers similar capacity and power but fewer premium touches like sound-off mode or energy-saving features. Still, at nearly half the price of some competitors, it delivers exceptional value for basic needs—proving you don’t need smart sensors or stainless steel to enjoy consistent, countertop-ready performance in a minimalist design.

The SHARP B0CNQ9Y534 earns its title as the best for even heating thanks to its 12.4-inch removable carousel turntable and 1000W output, which work in harmony to eliminate cold spots. With a 1.1 cu ft cavity, it strikes a sweet spot between compactness and usability—large enough for family-sized dishes, yet small enough for most counters. The Orville Redenbacher-certified popcorn preset is a fun touch, delivering perfectly popped kernels every time, while the 10 power levels and two-stage cooking allow for precise meal prep.

During testing, the turntable’s smooth rotation ensured uniform heating across everything from oatmeal to frozen dinners, outperforming models with smaller trays. The +30 seconds express key is a small but impactful feature for quick boosts, and the weight-and-time defrost handled thick cuts of meat with surprising accuracy. However, the lack of ECO mode or mute function feels like a missed opportunity, especially at this price point. The stainless steel finish resists fingerprints well, but the control panel lacks the polish of Toshiba or Chefman interfaces.

Against the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, the Sharp trades smart sensor cooking for mechanical reliability—ideal for users who distrust automation and prefer manual control with consistent results. While it doesn’t offer the same level of automation, its superior turntable design and certified popcorn function make it a top pick for those who prioritize heating uniformity and simplicity over smart features—delivering professional-grade performance with old-school dependability.

The Chefman B0DY9CXFGG is a hidden gem that punches far above its weight, blending affordable pricing with premium features usually found in higher-tier models. With 900W power and a 0.9 cu ft interior, it’s ideal for singles or small families who want speed, safety, and sustainability in one sleek package. The memory function lets you program favorite settings—say, your morning oatmeal or nightly leftovers—for true one-touch convenience. Add in Eco Mode, mute button, and a dishwasher-safe turntable, and you’ve got a microwave that’s as practical as it is intuitive.

In daily use, the six presets responded quickly, and the +30 seconds button was used constantly for fine-tuning. The child safety lock is robust, preventing accidental starts, and the black finish resists smudges better than stainless steel. The 10 power levels handled everything from melting chocolate to boiling water with precision. However, the interior lighting is dimmer than competitors, making it harder to monitor food in low light. Still, for frequent users who value customization and ease of cleaning, it’s a near-perfect balance of form and function.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EM09PA(SS), the Chefman offers more features at a lower price, including memory programming and Eco Mode—making it the best value upgrade for those stepping up from basic models. While it doesn’t have the sensor cooking of high-end Toshibas, its smart usability enhancements and durable design deliver exceptional bang for the buck—a rare find in the crowded small microwave market.

The Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 isn’t just a microwave—it’s a statement piece that blends vintage charm with modern functionality. Dressed in Bebop Blue with a retro pull handle, it’s the best design pick for users who want their kitchen appliances to spark joy. Behind the eye-catching exterior lies a 700W motor and a 0.7 cu ft cavity, making it compact yet capable for everyday tasks. The 360° rotating turntable ensures even heating, while the LED display clearly shows countdowns—though the three-beep finish alert can feel jarring in quiet spaces.

In practice, the six power levels and defrost-by-weight function performed adequately, though not as precisely as higher-wattage models. The interior light made checking food easy, and the child lock added peace of mind. However, the plastic body, while stylish, feels less durable than metal alternatives, and the pull handle, while charming, takes up more clearance space than standard doors. It’s best suited for users who prioritize aesthetic appeal and don’t need heavy-duty cooking power.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, the Galanz trades energy efficiency for bold design, offering no ECO mode or mute function. But for renters, dorm dwellers, or design lovers, it delivers personality and performance in one vibrant package—proving that small microwaves can be both functional and fun, even if they sacrifice some practicality for style.