The Best Countertop Microwaves of 2026

• Dimensions: ‎23 x 18.5 x 14.5 inches
• Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet
• Power: 1000 watts

The surprisingly sturdy Magic Chef 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 pretty typical microwave, its average power and space is enough to handle most microwave tasks. With 10 power levels and essential presets, this model has everything you need. It is available in black, white, and stainless steel finishes, and it has almost retro-looking control panel.

• Dimensions: 17.91 x 21.77 x 12.87 inches
• Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet
• Power: 1200 watts

The Toshiba EM45P Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor is the next-best performing microwave after our badge winners, and except for its size, it’s very similar to the rest of the mid-ranking units in this roundup. Its size may be useful to some, but it may be too large for people with small kitchens.

This unit excelled in the popcorn and frozen dinner tests, although it couldn’t heat tomato sauce to a suitable temperature in the recommended time. It offers multi-stage cooking, sensor cooking, and a few presets, making it straightforward and easy to use—but the panel isn’t always easy to see in the dark. Its aesthetic could be described as functional, rather than beautiful. Ultimately, this is a quality model, considering its size and price.

• Dimensions: 23.88 x 19.44 x 14 inches
• Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet
• Power: 1250 watts

We were excited to test the Panasonic NN-SD975S after several Reviewed readers asked us about cyclonic wave inverter technology. The patented technology means the microwave heats foods using radio waves that cover three directions—up/down, left/right, and front/back—rather than the usual two—left/right and up/down.

It's meant to help food heat evenly, and offer more consistent microwaving performance while heating multiple things in quick succession, like several bags of popcorn. However, our food tests didn't prove any real differences in successfully heating our food than models that rely on single inverter technology.

This stainless-steel microwave is a beauty though, and it's one of the best-looking kitchen appliances to come into the Reviewed labs. It includes three stages of multi-stage cooking and has more sensor cooking options than other microwaves we've tested. However, it is meant for the precision cooker, rather than your average user who just wants to quickly heat up leftovers, make a cup of tea, or pop some popcorn.

Its control panel includes actual buttons that depress, and it features a responsive dial that rotates smoothly. If you haven’t used a microwave with a dial instead of a numeric keypad, it may take a moment to get used to. Be aware that this microwave oven will require more countertop real estate than most.

• Dimensions: 14.6 x 19.1 x 11.3 inches
• Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
• Power: 900 watts

The Magic Chef MCM990ST Countertop Oven has a stainless steel front, but its looks are still on the dated side. It popped popcorn well and adequately heated frozen dinners and tomato sauce. It’s a fine, basic microwave at an affordable price, but it’s too small for more substantial cooking.