3 Best Countertop Microwaves, According to Our Testing

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we've analyzed and tested hundreds of small appliances in the last decade alone, including over 30 microwaves.

In our recent side-by-side Lab test, we tested over a dozen new countertop microwave models and collected over 500 data points. To select our top picks, we went through 124 slices of bread, 48 potatoes and 18 pounds of mac and cheese. We rate each model on performance, ease of use, heat distribution and range of settings and presets.

When shopping for a countertop microwave, the main factor to look for is a model that fits your counter space, but you'll also want to consider these essential features:

✔️ Capacity: Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet, which tells you how much space is inside the appliance. Most microwaves fall between 0.8 to 2.2 cubic feet, with 1.2 cubic feet being the sweet spot. If you’re eyeing our favorite compact model, don’t expect to squeeze in your 11-inch dinner plate! Measure your favorite plates or bowls to avoid a microwave that doesn’t fit.

✔️ Wattage: Think of wattage as the microwave’s muscle. For small tasks like reheating leftovers, defrosting veggies or popping popcorn, 700 to 900 watts should do the trick. But if you plan to cook larger portions or follow instructions on frozen meals (which often recommend 1,100 watts), you’ll want at least 1,000 watts of power. Lower wattage means longer cook times — so factor that in.

✔️ Type: The tech under the hood can include:

• Inverter: These fancy gadgets keep the power steady, so if you set it to 50% power, it’ll cook consistently at 50% power. Inverter technology helps things cook more efficiently and evenly, but it does tend to be pricier.
• Traditional: More budget-friendly but less energy-efficient, these microwaves don’t hold a steady power level and can result in hot and cold spots in your food. However, they're a solid option if you’re looking for something simple and affordable.

✔️ Features: These bells and whistles can make your microwave experience a lot more convenient:

• Smart sensor: This adjusts time and power automatically by detecting your food’s moisture level, so you won't have to guess or stop the microwave to check.
• Turntable: Essential for even heating. Opt for a removable one — they’re way easier to clean.
• Plus-30-seconds button: You may think it’s minor, but trust us, this button is a game changer. One quick press to get your food cooking, no extra steps required.
• Presets: Standard ones are available for defrosting, reheating and popcorn. If you need a potato or beverage setting, check to see if it’s included, but don’t overpay for extras you won’t use.
• Additional functions: Microwaves aren’t just microwaves anymore. Some combo models include air fryer and/or convection oven functionality too.

1. Stir food frequently throughout the cooking process to ensure even heat distribution and consistent cooking.
   
2. Cover food with a damp towel (to prevent low-moisture foods from drying out) or a vented lid (to hold in the liquid of high-moisture foods and heat foods more evenly).
   
3. Adjust the power level depending on what you are cooking. For example, melting chocolate chips and butter requires less power than potatoes.
   
4. Operate your microwave in smaller increments, checking often for doneness and to avoid overcooking.
   
5. Choose cookware that is microwave-safe and fits on your microwave's turntable. We're fans of Anyday Cookware, which is specially designed for microwave cooking and helps ensure your microwaved meals are cooked evenly.

The microwaves we’ve tested range from $70 to $760, and here’s the kicker — price doesn’t always mean better performance. Sure, high-end microwaves tend to look sleek and complement luxury kitchens, but many of the more affordable models perform just as well when it comes to function.

If you care about aesthetics and want your microwave to match your luxury large appliances, go for it. Otherwise, save your money. The more budget-friendly microwaves on this list offer fantastic performance without the hefty price tag.

Perry Santanachote is a contributing writer for Good Housekeeping. She has been testing and writing about the best kitchen appliances and cookware — from toaster ovens and air fryers to handheld mixers and nonstick pans — for over 10 years.

Eva Bleyer has professionally tested all kinds of kitchen equipment, from oven ranges and juicers to kitchen scales and blenders. Bleyer conducted the most recent side-by-side testing of 12 new microwave models in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. While Bleyer doesn't cook in a microwave every day, she loves the convenience of quickly melting butter or making a personal mug cake in a microwave.