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The best countertop microwaves to buy in 2026
The Toshiba 7-in-1 wins for even heating and useful versatility; cheaper Toshiba and BLACK+DECKER models cover everyday reheating for less.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML2-EC10SA(BS) | Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven | BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 Digital Microwave Oven |
| Price | about $300 | about $149 | about $90 |
| Why | Good Housekeeping named it its top countertop pick after it heated a large casserole more evenly than the other tested models. It combines microwave cooking with air fry, convection, broil and sensor options. | Tom’s Guide recommends it for most people, citing quick, even heating, useful presets and a humidity sensor at a considerably lower price than the Toshiba 7-in-1. RTINGS also recommends it as a lower-cost option and describes it as fast and quiet. | Tom’s Guide recommends this compact model as a budget pick under $100, with preset programs and enough power for everyday reheating. It costs less than the Toshiba options, though its smaller interior and lower wattage are trade-offs. |
| Good to know | You have to open the door to check the preset codes. | It lacks the extra cooking modes of a microwave-convection combo. | Its 10.6-inch turntable and 900-watt output are limiting for large dishes and faster cooking. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIGood Housekeeping named it its top countertop pick after it heated a large casserole more evenly than the other tested models. It combines microwave cooking with air fry, convection, broil and sensor options.
Good to know: You have to open the door to check the preset codes.
See on Amazonpicture by AITom’s Guide recommends it for most people, citing quick, even heating, useful presets and a humidity sensor at a considerably lower price than the Toshiba 7-in-1. RTINGS also recommends it as a lower-cost option and describes it as fast and quiet.
Good to know: It lacks the extra cooking modes of a microwave-convection combo.
See on Amazonpicture by AITom’s Guide recommends this compact model as a budget pick under $100, with preset programs and enough power for everyday reheating. It costs less than the Toshiba options, though its smaller interior and lower wattage are trade-offs.
Good to know: Its 10.6-inch turntable and 900-watt output are limiting for large dishes and faster cooking.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Check the microwave’s outside dimensions and turntable size against your counter and dishes. Higher wattage can heat faster, while sensor cooking and easy controls make everyday use less guesswork.
Who this is for
These picks are for people shopping for a countertop microwave in the United States. Choose the Toshiba 7-in-1 if you’ll use its extra cooking modes; otherwise, a basic model costs much less.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML2-EC10SA(BS)
Good Housekeeping named it its top countertop pick after it heated a large casserole more evenly than the other tested models. It combines microwave cooking with air fry, convection, broil and sensor options. In Good Housekeeping’s tests, it melted cheese well and cooked four baked potatoes evenly. Its humidity sensor adjusts cooking time and power, and the inverter technology supplies continuous power at lower settings. It has a 1-cubic-foot interior, 1,000 watts and a mute function. The presets are printed inside the door rather than on the control panel, and the included racks and baskets need storage. Skip it if you just need a simple microwave and won’t use the extra modes.
Good to know: You have to open the door to check the preset codes.
See on AmazonBest value: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven
Tom’s Guide recommends it for most people, citing quick, even heating, useful presets and a humidity sensor at a considerably lower price than the Toshiba 7-in-1. RTINGS also recommends it as a lower-cost option and describes it as fast and quiet. It has a 1.2-cubic-foot capacity, a 12.4-inch turntable and 1,100 watts, so it offers more room than the compact overall pick. Sensor cooking can adjust reheating automatically, and there’s a mute button for the end-of-cycle beeps. It’s a straightforward microwave rather than a multi-function cooker. Choose it if you mainly reheat, defrost and cook everyday foods; skip it if you want air-frying or convection features.
Good to know: It lacks the extra cooking modes of a microwave-convection combo.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 Digital Microwave Oven
Tom’s Guide recommends this compact model as a budget pick under $100, with preset programs and enough power for everyday reheating. It costs less than the Toshiba options, though its smaller interior and lower wattage are trade-offs. The 0.9-cubic-foot oven has 900 watts and a 10.6-inch turntable, making it a practical fit for smaller kitchens. Presets cover common foods such as popcorn, potatoes and vegetables, and it also has a child lock. Tom’s Guide notes the smaller capacity compared with its top pick but considers the power adequate for quick reheating. Good Housekeeping’s testing of a similar Black+Decker model found its 900 watts could mean longer cooking times; this exact model was not lab-tested there. Skip it if you regularly heat large dishes or want the fastest cooking.
Good to know: Its 10.6-inch turntable and 900-watt output are limiting for large dishes and faster cooking.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Good Housekeeping tested 16 microwaves, recording more than 500 data points on heat distribution, cooking speed, reheating, defrosting and ease of use. RTINGS says it has tested more than 40 models and evaluates everyday use, power, capacity, controls and operating noise. Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.