The Best Countertop Microwave Ovens
We compared 8 countertop microwave ovens on owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs. The Farberware Countertop Microwave is our top pick for its powerful performance and ease of use.
Updated
The bottom line
The Farberware Countertop Microwave (asin B01IB17RLE) is our top pick for a countertop microwave oven. It offers powerful 1000 watts output, 10 power levels, and 6 auto-cook settings in a compact 1.1 cu. ft. size. Owners rate it 9.2/10 from 5183 ratings, and it has a clear LED display with a child safety lock. The closest alternative is the Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven (asin B076VB5JFQ), which has smart sensor technology and preset menus but is priced higher at $148.99. For a budget pick, the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven (asin B0DY9CXFGG) offers 10 power levels and 6 cooking presets for $79.87.
Farberware Countertop Microwave $129.99
Best overall performance and ease of use
The Farberware Countertop Microwave offers powerful 1000 watts output, 10 power levels, and 6 auto-cook settings in a compact 1.1 cu. ft. size. Owners rate it 9.2/10 from 5183 ratings, and it has a clear LED display with a child safety lock. The tradeoff is its higher price at $129.99.
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TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven $148.99
Best value for money
The Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven offers smart sensor technology, preset menus, and 10 power levels for $148.99. Owners rate it 8.8/10 from 21380 ratings. The tradeoff is its larger size and higher price compared to the Farberware model.
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Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven $79.87
Best budget option
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers 10 power levels and 6 cooking presets for $79.87. Owners rate it 8.6/10 from 5029 ratings. The tradeoff is its smaller size and lower wattage compared to the Farberware and Toshiba models.
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- Farberware Countertop Microwave Best overall performance and ease of use 9.0/10 $129.99 Amazon
- TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven Best value for money 8.5/10 $148.99 Amazon
- Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven Best budget option 8.0/10 $79.87 Amazon
- TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven Good performance but larger size 7.5/10 $101.87 Amazon
- TOSHIBA Microwave Oven Decent performance but limited capacity 7.0/10 $116.36 Amazon
- BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven Basic features but compact design 6.5/10 $79.97 Amazon
- Chefman Countertop Microwave Compact design but limited power 6.0/10 $69.96 Amazon
- TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave Multifunctional but less precise controls 5.5/10 $189.99 Amazon
Who should buy which
If you need powerful performance and ease of use, the Farberware Countertop Microwave (asin B01IB17RLE) is the best choice. If you're looking for a budget option, the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven (asin B0DY9CXFGG) offers good value for its price. If you want a multifunctional appliance, the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo Microwave (asin B0DPQTDXWC) combines microwave, air fryer, and convection oven capabilities.
What owners complain about
Some owners of the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven (asin B0DY9CXFGG) and Chefman Countertop Microwave (asin B0DY95T5HB) mention that the buttons are small and dark, requiring a longer press to activate. Owners of the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven (asin B07HGH1KG6) report limited setting options and lack of intuitive usage. The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo Microwave (asin B0DPQTDXWC) has received complaints about less precise controls and less effective air fryer function.
Also-rans
The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven (asin B07HGH1KG6) and Toshiba Microwave Oven (asin B0DPQQM1SF) did not earn any pick roles. The BLACK+DECKER model has limited setting options and lack of intuitive usage, while the Toshiba model has a smaller capacity compared to the top picks.
Timing
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven (asin B0DY9CXFGG) has sold for $79.87, making it a consistently affordable option. The Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven (asin B076VB5JFQ) has shown price fluctuations, with a current price of $148.99.