Best Buy Top 5 Countertop Microwaves for 2026
If you’re tired of juggling dishes, reheating leftovers, or waiting forever for your coffee to brew, it’s time to upgrade to a countertop microwave that actually works for you. From lightning‑fast cooking to sleek, space‑saving designs, the right microwave can become the unsung hero of your culinary routine. In this guide, we’ve hand‑picked the top five best‑buy models that blend performance,
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA Countertop Microwave
The Toshiba ML‑EM09PA(BS) is a sleek, black‑stainless countertop microwave that packs big performance into a compact 0.9 cu ft cavity. With 900 W of microwave power (1400 W input) it heats food quickly, while the 10.6‑inch removable glass turntable ensures even cooking. Six dedicated auto‑menus take the guesswork out of popular items such as popcorn, pizza, and potatoes, and the 11 power‑level settings plus a built‑in clock and kitchen timer give you full control for everything from gentle defrosting to rapid boiling. Safety‑first families will appreciate the two‑step child lock, and the mute function lets you silence the end‑of‑cycle beep with a long press of the “8” key. Defrosting is simple—choose weight or time—and a one‑touch start lets you launch 1‑6 minutes of full‑power cooking at the press of a button. The interior dimensions (12.1 × 10.9 × 7.6 in) fit most dishes, while the exterior (18.7 × 14.7 × 10.7 in) fits neatly on any countertop.
Pros
- Versatile cooking control – 11 power levels, clock, timer, and six auto‑menus cover a wide range of dishes.
- Family‑friendly safety – Two‑step child lock prevents accidental use, and mute mode keeps the kitchen quiet.
- Compact yet powerful – 900 W output in a small footprint, ideal for apartments or limited countertop space.
Cons
- The 0.9 cu ft cavity may be tight for larger casserole dishes or multi‑plate meals.
- No convection or grill function, so browning and crisping require a separate appliance.
4. TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA Air Fryer Combo Oven
The TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8‑in‑1 Countertop Microwave blends the speed of a 1000 W microwave with the versatility of a convection oven, broiler, and air‑fryer—all in a sleek black stainless‑steel package. Its 12.4‑inch position‑memory turntable fits a whole roasted chicken, a 12‑inch pizza, or a family‑size casserole, while the compact 20.6 × 18.0 × 11.8 in footprint makes it a perfect kitchen essential. With a two‑step child lock, one‑touch popcorn, easy‑turn knobs, and a mute function, everyday cooking becomes safer and more convenient. The built‑in odor‑removal mode keeps the interior fresh, and the low‑temp setting lets you dehydrate or proof dough without extra appliances. Whether you’re air‑frying crispy fries with up to 80 % less fat or using the convection bake for golden‑brown pastries, this combo delivers speedy, consistent results.
Pros
- 8‑in‑1 functionality replaces several appliances, saving space and money.
- Healthy air‑fry technology provides fried texture with minimal oil.
- Two‑step child lock adds peace of mind for families with young children.
Cons
- The control panel may feel a bit busy for users who prefer ultra‑simple interfaces.
- The 1.0 cu ft interior, while generous for its size, may still be limiting for very large roasts.
3. Toshiba ML-EM62P Countertop Microwave.
The Toshiba ML‑EM62P(SS) is a powerhouse countertop microwave that blends generous space with smart cooking technology. Its 2.2 cu ft. cavity and 1200 W output handle everything from a 16‑inch pizza to a whole chicken, making it ideal for busy families. A built‑in humidity sensor works with six preset auto‑menus—bacon, frozen rolls/muffins, beverages, chicken pieces, oatmeal, and more—to lock in moisture and deliver evenly heated results every time. The Auto‑Defrost function tailors thawing cycles for meat, poultry, and fish, mimicking a natural defrost environment for optimal texture. Convenience features include a 16.5‑inch position‑memory turntable, one‑touch auto‑defrost, energy‑saving ECO mode, mute option, child‑safety lock, interior light, clock, and kitchen‑time display, all housed in a sleek stainless‑steel finish.
Pros
- Large capacity & power – 2.2 cu ft. space and 1200 W handle big meals quickly.
- Smart sensor cooking – Humidity sensor + 6 auto‑menus ensure even heating and moisture retention.
- Convenient controls – ECO mode, mute, memory turntable, and child lock simplify everyday use.
Cons
- Size – The generous footprint may be too large for cramped countertops.
- Menu limitation – Only six preset menus; users who want more specialized programs may need manual settings.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave
The Toshiba EM131A5C‑SS is a sleek, silver countertop microwave that packs a powerful 1000 W of cooking power into a compact 1.2 cu ft interior. Its 12.4‑inch removable glass turntable and spacious cavity (13.1 × 12.4 × 8.3 in) make it easy to fit plates, bowls, and even a small pizza. Smart Sensor Technology reads the humidity of your food and automatically tweaks time and power, so you get perfectly cooked results without guesswork. Choose from 6 preset menus—pizza, veggle, sensor reheat, and more—or fine‑tune cooking with 10 distinct power levels, a built‑in clock, and a kitchen timer. The one‑touch start and easy‑defrost functions let you defrost by weight or time in seconds, while the mute button and ECO mode keep the kitchen quiet and energy‑efficient. A removable interior panel simplifies cleaning, and the sleek silver finish adds a modern touch to any countertop.
Pros
- Smart Sensor automatically adjusts time/power for consistent results.
- Versatile controls: 6 presets, 10 power levels, clock, timer, and quick‑start.
- Energy‑saving ECO mode and mute function for a quieter, greener kitchen.
Cons
- Turntable size (12.4 in) may be limiting for very large dishes.
- No built‑in grilling or convection feature, so it’s focused solely on microwave cooking.
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C Countertop Microwave
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C‑BS is a sleek black countertop microwave that packs a powerful 1000 W output in a compact 20.6 × 16.0 × 11.8 in footprint. Inside, a 13.1 × 12.4 × 8.3 in cavity and a 12.4‑inch glass turntable give you plenty of room for plates, bowls, or a pizza. Its Smart Humidity Sensor reads the moisture level of your food and automatically fine‑tunes cooking time and power, so you get perfectly cooked results without the guesswork. Six preset menus—pizza, veggle, sensor reheat, and more—plus 10 power‑level options let you handle everything from delicate defrosting to rapid boiling. The one‑touch start and easy‑defrost by weight or time get meals on the table in seconds, while the mute function silences the buzzer for late‑night cooking. An ECO mode reduces standby power, and the Easy‑Clean interior makes wiping spills a breeze.
Pros
- Smart Sensor Technology eliminates over‑ or under‑cooking by adjusting power based on food humidity.
- Versatile cooking control with 6 presets, 10 power levels, and a built‑in kitchen timer for precise results.
- Energy‑saving ECO mode and mute function add convenience for eco‑conscious and noise‑sensitive households.
Cons
- The 12.4‑inch turntable may be too large for very small dishes or narrow countertops.
- No built‑in grilling or convection feature, so it’s limited to traditional microwave cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size microwave is ideal for a countertop?
A good rule of thumb is to choose a microwave that fits the available counter space while providing enough interior capacity for your cooking needs.
– Counter space: Measure the width, depth, and height of the area where you’ll place the unit. Most countertop models range from 18‑24 inches wide.
– Interior capacity: For families or frequent reheating, a 1.0‑1.5 cu ft. cavity works well. Solo cooks can comfortably use a 0.7‑0.9 cu ft. model.
– Weight: If you need to move it often, look for units under 30 lb.
Balancing these dimensions ensures the microwave sits comfortably on your kitchen counter without crowding other appliances.
Which features should I prioritize when selecting a countertop microwave?
- Power (Wattage): 900‑1100 W delivers fast, even cooking; lower wattage may require longer cooking times.
- **Pre‑programmed settings
Conclusion
Choosing the right countertop microwave ultimately hinges on balancing power, size, and convenience with your cooking habits and kitchen layout. Prioritize models that deliver consistent heating, intuitive controls, and reliable durability, while also fitting comfortably on your counter space. Energy efficiency and thoughtful extras—such as sensor cooking or preset menus—can streamline daily meals without sacrificing performance. By focusing on these core attributes, you’ll secure a versatile appliance that enhances both speed and quality in the kitchen, turning quick reheats and simple recipes into effortless, satisfying experiences.