The Best Countertop Microwaves of 2026

Magic Chef HMM1110B

• Dimensions: 18.5 x 23 x 14.5 inches (D x W x H)
• Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet
• Power: 1,000 watts

The surprisingly sturdy Magic Chef HMM1110B passed all our food tests with flying colors, and it's one of the few microwaves at this low price point that also offers multi-stage cooking. While it's a typical unit, its average power and capacity handle most tasks. With 10 power levels and essential presets, this model has everything you need. It's available in black, white, and stainless steel finishes, and it has an almost retro-looking control panel.

Pros

• Affordable

• 10 power levels

• Multiple finishes

Cons

• None that we could find

$127.99 from Home Depot

$122.79 from Walmart

$127.86 from Amazon

How we tested countertop microwaves

We evaluate microwaves for usability, size, wattage, affordability, and the usefulness of features, along with even heating and durability as reported in user reviews. We also factor in overall user scores and brand history.

The tests

When assessing microwaves, we look for common issues such as confusing or dimly lit control panels, non-responsive buttons, loud humming or rattling noises, and anything that would make the microwave hard to clean.

Our favorite models are both effective and user-friendly. Beyond using the microwave in everyday life as you would at home, we run a battery of food tests to check how the microwaves perform a few key functions, including:

Water test: To get a sense of raw power, we warmed three cups of water for two minutes on the microwave's maximum power setting, then measured the water's temperature. More powerful appliances typically produce hotter water.

Melted butter test: To see whether there's a difference in a microwave's power levels, we melted butter in a glass dish for 30 seconds on level 2, 30 seconds on level 6, and 30 seconds on level 10, noting how quickly each setting melted the butter—and whether level 10 caused it to pop or explode.

Popcorn test: One of the most obvious use cases is popping popcorn. Using the popcorn setting on each microwave, we popped a regular-sized bag of popcorn. Once it stopped, we checked whether the bag or the popcorn was burned. We also noted the number of unpopped kernels.

Defrost test: We defrosted a piece of meat, using its weight to set the power and duration, and determined whether the setting could defrost without cooking the protein.

What to consider when choosing the best microwave for you

Cost

A microwave can cost anywhere from $80 to $2,000. As it turns out, expensive microwaves aren't inherently better than ones that cost around $250. If you're drawn to high-end design, covet a ton of features, want a unit that's built into your cabinetry, or prefer over-the-range microwaves, you'll probably spend upwards of $200.

Power

People often believe the higher the wattage, the better the microwave, but we've found that isn't always the case. Even though we recommend a baseline of 1,000 watts for mid-sized models, there are compact microwaves with just 700 watts that heat food evenly—whether you're baking potatoes, popping popcorn, or reheating leftovers. The higher the wattage, the faster your microwave cooks, so if you don't care about lightning speeds, don't be afraid of lower wattages.

Capacity

Microwave sizes are measured in cubic feet and range from 0.5 to just over 2 cubic feet. Compact models (between 0.5 and 0.9 cubic feet) can suit smaller kitchens, dorms, and anywhere you need to conserve counter space, but may be too small to fit a full-size dinner plate or cook larger dishes. Ultimately, buy whatever size suits your needs, and compare the exterior dimensions to your space before you invest.

FAQ: What to know about microwaves

Do you need a microwave with sensor cooking or inverter technology?

Both sensor cooking and inverter technology can make a microwave easier to use and improve cooking results, but they solve different problems. Sensor cooking helps the microwave decide how long to cook, while inverter technology helps it control how it delivers the cooking power.

Sensor cooking: less guesswork Sensor cooking uses a humidity sensor to detect how much moisture, in the form of steam, is coming off your food and automatically adjusts the cooking time. Instead of guessing whether leftovers need two or three minutes to reheat, you select a sensor-cook program and let the microwave determine when the food is heated.

If you tend to reheat for way longer than necessary, this can help prevent overcooking and drying out food.

The important caveat: Sensor cooking isn't magic. Results can vary depending on the food, container, portion size, and how it's arranged. It's a convenience feature, not necessarily an indication that a microwave has better basic heating performance.

Inverter technology: more consistent power Inverter technology changes how a microwave delivers power. Traditional microwaves achieve lower power settings by cycling the magnetron on and off—for example, running at full power for part of the cooking cycle and then stopping. An inverter microwave can deliver a continuous, controlled level of energy for more consistent results.

This is particularly helpful when defrosting meat so the edges don't start cooking. It's also better at reheating delicate foods that easily turn rubbery or dry, and cooking foods at lower power for longer periods.

Should you get a countertop or over-the-range microwave?

Neither is universally better—the right choice depends on your kitchen layout, ventilation needs, and how much you value counter space.

Why we recommend countertop models For most shoppers, a countertop microwave is the better value and the more flexible choice. You aren't paying for installation or an integrated ventilation system, and you have a much larger selection of models at different price points. They're also easier to replace when the microwave eventually fails.

Countertop models also tend to be easier to access, particularly for shorter users, children, or anyone who has difficulty lifting hot or heavy dishes overhead. And if you're renting, remodeling, or unsure where your microwave will live permanently, countertop is the obvious choice.

When an over-the-range microwave makes more sense

An OTR microwave is a good choice when counter space is at a premium and you want to combine two appliances in one footprint. The built-in exhaust fan can also be useful if you're replacing a range hood, though OTR ventilation usually isn't as powerful as a dedicated hood. The biggest tradeoff is ergonomics. An OTR microwave sits above the cooktop, so reaching into it with a hot bowl or casserole can be less comfortable—and potentially less safe—than reaching into a countertop model. Installation can also add cost and complexity.

Are expensive microwaves worth it?

Usually, no—but there are some worthwhile reasons to spend more. With microwaves, price doesn't necessarily mean better heating performance dramatically. A $100–$150 model can do the fundamental job—heating food—well, while a $300–$500 model may primarily be charging you for added technology, capacity, design, or convenience.

Spending more on inverter technology is worth it for consistent, continuous power, better defrosting, and reheating delicate foods.

If you need a larger capacity, it may also be worth spending more for a quality unit. If you regularly use large dinner plates, casserole dishes, or family-size containers, paying more for a 1.5–2.2 cu. ft. microwave can be worthwhile. Capacity is one area where spending more provides a tangible everyday benefit.

It's also worth the step up if you care particularly about build quality and usability. A cleaner control panel, quieter operation, brighter interior lighting, easier-to-clean surfaces, and a more thoughtfully designed door can make a premium microwave more pleasant to use every day.

What size microwave is best for a family?

For most families, a 1.2–1.6 cubic-foot countertop microwave is the sweet spot. It gives you enough room for full-size dinner plates, bowls, and many casserole dishes without taking up as much counter space as the largest models.

Here's a quick size guide: