Best Countertop Microwaves of 2023
Find a reliable, top-performing microwave fit for your kitchen counter
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You can spend less than $100 on a small countertop microwave—or five times that on a larger model. Spending more typically gets you more power and convenience features, such as a sensor that shuts off the oven when your food is hot enough. But according to Consumer Reports’ tests of microwave ovens, a higher price doesn’t necessarily indicate better performance when you’re comparing microwaves of the same size.
First and foremost, you want a microwave that heats your food and drinks quickly and evenly. To test speed, we measure how fast the microwave heats 1 liter of room-temperature water. For heating evenness, we heat a bowl of cold mashed potatoes for 10 minutes, then take the internal temperature in 20 spots. Models that do well will heat your leftovers through and through.
Our testers also rate how evenly a microwave defrosts frozen food, how noisy it is, and how easy it is to operate without checking the owner’s manual (because most people don’t). We incorporate ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction for each brand using survey results from our members, who purchased 61,480 countertop microwaves between 2012 and 2022.
The countertop units in our microwave ratings are grouped by size: small, midsized, and large. Read on for reviews of some of the top countertop microwaves from our tests, listed alphabetically within each group. For more tips, take a look at our comprehensive microwave buying guide. And find out which brands are the most and least reliable microwaves based on our extensive CR members’ survey.
CR’s take: Small microwaves tend to be underpowered, and the Commercial Chef CHM770B is no exception. But it may be all you need for a college dorm or home office. This one is a champ at heating evenness, acing our mashed potato test, but it’s a slowpoke at heating a simple bowl of water. It’s average at defrosting and pretty quiet. And for the price, it’s worth a look.
CR’s take: If cute and retro is your thing, the Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 is the microwave for you. Bonus: It’s the best small microwave in our tests. That might not be saying much; small microwaves are typically underpowered. The Galanz lags at heating speed and may try your patience, but once it gets going it heats evenly and operates quietly. And it earns a strong rating for defrosting. Plus, it looks good and the price is right.
CR’s take: Small microwaves are typically underpowered compared with large and midsized models. That said, the Insignia NS-MW07BK0 performs better than most small models. In our tests, this model’s heating evenness and defrosting earn favorable ratings. And it’s very quiet. But if you’re in a hurry for your food, you’ll have to wait because its score for speed of heating is disappointing. Insignia countertop models receive a very good rating for predicted reliability but a bottom rating for owner satisfaction in CR’s member surveys.
CR’s take: The midsized Galanz GSWWD12S1SA10A boasts a stellar rating for heating evenness. Our testers found the machine’s controls easy to use and understand. Plus, this model is quieter than most countertop microwaves, garnering the second-highest mark on our noise test. On the downside, this model’s speed of heating is middle of the road.
CR’s take: Although it’s a bit slower than others in its class, the midsized countertop GE JES1109RRSS would make a solid addition to any kitchen. The appliance hits CR’s defrosting and noise tests out of the park, and it earns a very good rating for heating evenness. But owners surveyed by CR gave GE’s countertop microwaves lukewarm scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.
CR’s take: For the price, you can’t go wrong with the Panasonic NN-SN67HS, our top-performing midsized countertop microwave. Its speed of heating and defrosting evenness both notch outstanding ratings in CR’s tests. It also evenly heats food, and our testers say it’s easy to operate. It’s a bit noisy when running on high, but typically you run your microwave in such short bursts that the noise might not bother you. As a brand, Panasonic countertop microwaves boast solid ratings for owner satisfaction and predicted reliability in our member surveys.
CR’s take: The Panasonic NN-SD975S’s heating evenness and speed of heating are both top-notch, so you won’t have to dillydally waiting for your food when using it. It’s almost equally as good at defrosting, and the machine operates quietly. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to read manuals, feel free to skip it; the controls on this model are self-explanatory. The brand earns strong ratings for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in CR’s member surveys
CR’s take: In addition to its cooking prowess, the large Panasonic NN-SE785S comes from a brand that earns very good ratings for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction from our members. While pricey, this machine’s heating evenness and speed of heating are superb, and it defrosts very well. The controls are self-explanatory, and the microwave operates relatively quietly. It comes equipped with a sensor, which takes the guesswork out of cooking.
CR’s take: We picked the Panasonic NN-SN77HS for its combination of an attractive price and impressive performance. Its heating evenness and speed of heating are top-notch. It’s also superb at defrosting ground beef evenly. It runs quietly, and the controls are easy to understand and use. Because it’s equipped with a sensor, you don’t have to worry about overheating your food.
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