The 5 Best Microwaves
A microwave is easy to buy by wattage and surprisingly easy to regret by size. A compact 0.7-cubic-foot model can reheat a mug and a small plate, yet refuse your favorite dinner dish. A larger one might fit the plate and crowd the only preparation space. I would measure the dishes you actually use, the shelf opening, and the clearance the manual requires before comparing presets.
Farberware's 1.1-cubic-foot model is my everyday starting point. Toshiba offers another full-size counter choice, while the smaller Total Chef and BLACK+DECKER suit tighter kitchens. Nostalgia is for someone who wants a small oven that looks good on display. No listed wattage tells me whether a specific meal heats evenly; check the controls and interior dimensions, then try your usual dishes during the return window.
Our top 5 microwaves
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 Farberware 1.1-Cu.-Ft. MicrowaveDetails ↓ | $119.99 | 4.4/5Amazon | Best everyday counter size |
02 Toshiba Countertop MicrowaveDetails ↓ | $133.96 | 4.4/5Amazon | Best full-size alternative |
03 Total Chef 0.7-Cu.-Ft. MicrowaveDetails ↓ | $95.98 | 3.9/5Amazon | Best small modern counter |
04 BLACK+DECKER Countertop MicrowaveDetails ↓ | $79.95 | 4.2/5Amazon | Best basic compact controls |
05 Nostalgia 0.7-Cu.-Ft. MicrowaveDetails ↓ | $73.30 | 4.0/5Amazon | Best retro look for a small kitchen |
01 — Farberware
Best everyday counter sizeFarberware 1.1-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
Farberware's 1.1-cubic-foot cavity is where I would start for a household reheating full plates as well as mugs. Its listed 1,000-watt output gives more headroom than the compact 700-watt choices.
It leads because usable dish space is a daily benefit. The trade-off is counter depth; measure the door swing and required ventilation before ordering.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Full dinner plates and daily reheating.
You only have a shallow shelf.
What I like
+Roomier cavity and higher listed output.
What to weigh
−Takes more counter space.
02 — TOSHIBA
Best full-size alternativeToshiba Countertop Microwave
Toshiba is the full-size comparison I would make if Farberware's controls or finish do not suit the kitchen. Its listing also puts it in the 1,000-watt class, so the decision should turn on cavity and interface.
It ranks second because another 1,000-watt label is not proof of better heating. Check the exact interior dimensions, buttons and current price against Farberware.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗A conventional roomy counter microwave.
You need a very compact unit.
What I like
+Another full-size control layout.
What to weigh
−Exact cavity fit needs checking.
- ProductType
- microwave
03 — TOTAL Chef
Best small modern counterTotal Chef 0.7-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
Total Chef is for a small apartment where a 0.7-cubic-foot stainless-look oven fits the available counter. Digital touch controls and 700-watt listed output cover simple reheating.
It is third because compactness solves a real space problem, but you give up room for wide plates and larger containers. I would trace the turntable on paper before buying.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗A tight counter and small dishes.
You reheat large dinner plates.
What I like
+Compact cabinet and digital controls.
What to weigh
−Small cavity and lower output.
04 — BLACK+DECKER
Best basic compact controlsBLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave
This BLACK+DECKER is a straightforward smaller microwave for someone who wants reheating without making the appliance a focal point. Its 700-watt listing belongs with the compact choices, not the larger family ovens.
It comes fourth because low price and simple use are attractive, while capacity and heating time demand patience. Confirm the actual turntable size and door clearance.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Simple reheating on a budget.
You cook in broad containers.
What I like
+Basic compact format.
What to weigh
−Limited dish size and output.
- ProductType
- microwave
05 — Nostalgia
Best retro look for a small kitchenNostalgia 0.7-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
Nostalgia earns its place if the microwave sits in plain view and you like a retro control panel. The 0.7-cubic-foot size keeps the look from taking over a modest kitchen.
It finishes fifth because styling is personal and does not expand the cooking space. I would choose it only after checking the dish fit and finding its controls comfortable to use.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗A small visible kitchen with retro styling.
You need a large practical cavity.
What I like
+Distinct compact appearance.
What to weigh
−Design premium with small capacity.
Price information
Amazon price and availability checked Oct 17, 2026, 10:20 PM Lisbon time. Prices and availability are subject to change; the information shown on Amazon.com at purchase applies.
Our process
How we picked.
We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.
- 01Relevance
Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.
- 02Specifications
We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.
- 03Use case and fit
We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.
- 04Strengths and limitations
We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.
Good questions
FAQ — Microwaves
01Does 1,000 watts always heat food better than 700 watts?+
Higher output can shorten cooking time, but cavity shape, turntable size and the food itself affect results. It is not a measure of even heating.
02Can I fit a dinner plate in a 0.7-cubic-foot microwave?+
Maybe. Measure the plate diameter and height against the usable interior and turntable dimensions on the exact model.
The short answer
Start with the Farberware 1.1-Cu.-Ft. Microwave.
I recommend it for full dinner plates and daily reheating. Choose something else if you only have a shallow shelf.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
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