The 5 Best Countertop Microwave Ovens
The microwave that fits your dinner plate may not fit the shelf you planned for it. I would measure the cabinet, ventilation gap and turntable before getting distracted by preset buttons. A compact 0.7-cubic-foot oven is fine for reheating a mug or small dish; bigger plates and shared kitchens are where a larger cavity earns the counter space.
The larger Toshiba is my starting point for a family counter. Total Chef is for a small shelf, BLACK+DECKER's 0.9-cubic-foot model occupies the middle, and the other Toshiba gives another full-size layout to compare. The final BLACK+DECKER is a basic compact alternative. Compare interior dimensions and actual cooking watts on the exact listing; external size alone can mislead.
Our top 5 countertop microwave ovens
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 Toshiba Large Countertop MicrowaveDetails ↓ | $199.99 | 4.1/5Amazon | Best roomier family counter |
02 Total Chef 0.7 Cu. Ft.Details ↓ | $95.98 | 3.9/5Amazon | Best very small counter |
03 BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft.Details ↓ | $89.87 | 4.4/5Amazon | Best middle-size value |
04 Toshiba Countertop MicrowaveDetails ↓ | $133.96 | 4.4/5Amazon | Best second Toshiba layout |
05 BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft.Details ↓ | $79.95 | 4.2/5Amazon | Best basic compact alternative |
01 — TOSHIBA
Best roomier family counterToshiba Large Countertop Microwave
I would start with this larger Toshiba for a shared kitchen where dinner plates and leftover containers go through the microwave every day. More cavity room is useful only if the counter can accommodate the housing and ventilation gap.
It leads for the broad family brief, but the exact capacity and wattage should be confirmed on the current listing before ordering. It is wasted space if you mostly warm a cup in a tiny kitchen. The Total Chef is the more honest choice for a narrow shelf.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗A shared kitchen reheating larger dishes.
Counter width and clearance are tight.
What I like
+Roomier countertop format.
What to weigh
−Takes more counter and ventilation space.
- ProductType
- microwave
02 — TOTAL Chef
Best very small counterTotal Chef 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Total Chef is the one I would look at for a dorm-like counter or a small apartment shelf, provided local appliance rules allow it. Its stated 0.7-cubic-foot cavity and 700-watt output serve single portions without taking over the room.
It ranks second because fitting the kitchen is a real benefit, not because it handles every plate. Measure the turntable and a normal dinner dish. If you regularly reheat wide containers, the 0.9-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER is the better comparison.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Small kitchens reheating single portions.
You use broad plates or large dishes.
What I like
+Compact 0.7-cubic-foot size.
What to weigh
−Limited interior and 700-watt output.
03 — BLACK+DECKER
Best middle-size valueBLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft.
I would choose this BLACK+DECKER when 0.7 cubic foot feels cramped but a large Toshiba claims too much counter. Its stated 0.9-cubic-foot cavity and 900-watt output make it a sensible middle size for normal reheating.
Third place reflects a familiar compromise. Confirm the turntable diameter and exterior depth with the door open; the extra cavity does not guarantee every serving dish fits. The smaller BLACK+DECKER below may cost less space if your portions are modest.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Everyday reheating with limited but not tiny space.
You need a very wide dish or the smallest footprint.
What I like
+0.9-cubic-foot and 900-watt middle ground.
What to weigh
−Plate fit still depends on turntable size.
- ProductType
- microwave
04 — TOSHIBA
Best second Toshiba layoutToshiba Countertop Microwave
This Toshiba gives a buyer another countertop layout when the larger first pick is too costly or its dimensions do not suit the kitchen. I would compare its exact cavity, power and control panel with the top Toshiba, rather than assume two ovens from one brand are interchangeable.
It ranks fourth because its role depends on those model-level details. A preset label does not tell you whether the pot or plate will fit. Check the precise ASIN and dimensions on the offer; if size is your main constraint, the Total Chef has a clearer brief.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Toshiba buyers matching a specific counter and controls.
You need a confirmed compact 0.7-cubic-foot unit.
What I like
+Alternative Toshiba countertop configuration.
What to weigh
−Exact capacity and controls need checking.
- ProductType
- microwave
05 — BLACK+DECKER
Best basic compact alternativeBLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft.
The 0.7-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER is a small microwave I would keep on the shortlist when a basic reheating routine and modest counter are the whole job. Its stated 700-watt output means following the food’s heating result, not blindly copying times from a more powerful oven.
It closes the ranking because Total Chef already covers the compact role; this one wins only if its plate fit, controls or current offer better match your kitchen. Check the turntable and ventilation clearance before deciding that two 0.7-cubic-foot ovens occupy the same space.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗A small kitchen wanting basic reheating.
You need larger plates or faster high-output heating.
What I like
+Compact everyday microwave option.
What to weigh
−Limited cavity and lower power than larger picks.
- ProductType
- microwave
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 — Countertop Microwave Ovens
01Is a 0.7-cubic-foot microwave big enough for a dinner plate?+
It depends on the turntable diameter and interior height. Measure the plate and any food cover against the exact model before choosing a compact oven.
02Can I put a countertop microwave inside a closed cabinet?+
Only if the manufacturer permits that installation and the required ventilation clearances are met. Do not assume a small exterior size makes an enclosed space safe.
The short answer
Start with the Toshiba Large Countertop Microwave.
I recommend it for a shared kitchen reheating larger dishes. Choose something else if counter width and clearance are tight.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
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