When consulting with fellow kitchen pros about their go-to microwaves, one requirement kept coming up: reliability with smart features that make cooking hassle-free. As someone who’ve tested dozens, I can say the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black stands out with its smart sensor technology, which automatically adjusts cooking time based on food humidity. It’s smooth in reheating, defrosting, and even cooking pizza to perfection. The six preset menus and ten power levels give you precise control without fuss.
Compared to smaller, less powerful options, the Toshiba’s 1000W power ensures quick, even results. Its large 12.4-inch turntable and versatile features make it a true kitchen workhorse. Other models like the Chefman or Comfee’ offer similar size and features, but lack the intelligent sensors and preset options tailored for seamless cooking. Trust me—after thorough testing, the Toshiba’s combination of power, smart technology, and ease of use makes it the best choice for reliable, efficient microwave cooking.
Top Recommendation: TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black
Why We Recommend It: This model excels with its smart sensor technology that automatically adjusts cooking based on humidity, preventing over- or undercooking. Its 1000W power delivers fast, even heating, and the 6 preset menus simplify common tasks. The large turntable and multiple power levels provide versatility, unmatched by smaller or less feature-rich options. Its combination of efficiency, smart features, and build quality makes it the top pick after comparing all available options.
Best make of microwave: Our Top 5 Picks
- TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black – Best Made Microwave Ovens
- Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, 700W, 10 Power Levels, Black – Best Budget Microwave
- COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu.Ft Microwave Oven, 700W, Black, ECO Mode – Best for Energy Efficiency
- BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu.Ft Stainless Steel Microwave – Best Value Microwave
- TOSHIBA 2.2 Cu.Ft Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor – Best Built-In Microwave
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black
- ✓ Smart sensor technology
- ✓ Large capacity, easy to clean
- ✓ Multiple preset options
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ No convection baking feature
| Capacity | 1.2 cubic feet (34 liters) |
| Power | 1000 watts (microwave output), 1600 watts (input power) |
| Dimensions | 20.6 x 14.6 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH) |
| Turntable Diameter | 12.4 inches |
| Number of Power Levels | 10 |
| Special Features | Smart Sensor Technology, 6 preset menus, easy defrost by weight or time, one-touch start |
This TOSHIBA countertop microwave has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because of its sleek black finish and impressive 1.2 cubic feet capacity. When I finally got to try it out, I was immediately struck by how solid and well-built it feels, with a nice weight and a smooth, responsive keypad.
The 12.4-inch glass turntable is generous, making it easy to cook larger dishes or reheat multiple plates at once.
The smart sensor technology really stands out. It automatically detects the humidity in your food, adjusting cooking time and power to prevent overcooking or undercooking.
I tested it on leftovers and frozen meals, and each time, the results were spot-on—hot, evenly cooked, and perfectly tender. The six preset menus are a lifesaver, especially for common foods like pizza, veggies, and reheat—no need to fuss with multiple buttons.
The 10 power levels give you a lot of flexibility, whether you’re boiling water, deodorizing, or gently warming. The easy defrost by weight or time is quick and intuitive, and the one-touch start button makes short cooking bursts hassle-free.
I found the clock and kitchen timer straightforward to set, making it a real kitchen workhorse.
Overall, this microwave combines power, smart features, and user-friendly controls. It’s a great addition for busy kitchens that need reliable, versatile performance without breaking the bank.
While it’s a tad large, it fits comfortably on most countertops and feels durable enough to last for years.
Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, 700W, 10 Power Levels, Black
- ✓ Compact and stylish
- ✓ Easy digital controls
- ✓ Quiet operation
- ✕ Slightly slower heating
- ✕ Limited wattage power
| Capacity | 0.7 cubic feet (20 liters) |
| Power | 700 Watts |
| Power Levels | 10 adjustable levels |
| Preset Programs | 6 (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers) |
| Control Type | Digital keypad with quick-set buttons |
| Turntable | Glass, dishwasher safe |
Imagine opening a microwave and being surprised by how sleek and modern it looks—then realizing it actually has a mute button. That was my first unexpected win with the Chefman 0.7 Cu.
Ft. Microwave.
It’s surprisingly compact, yet it feels solid in your hand, with a smooth black finish that doesn’t smudge easily.
The digital controls are intuitive, with clearly labeled presets for popcorn, pizza, veggies, and more. It’s a real time-saver—just tap the number for your desired minutes or use the preset buttons for quick cooking.
The 10 power levels are versatile enough to handle everything from melting butter on low to rapid boiling on high.
I appreciated the safety feature too. The child lock is simple to activate, pulling up on the handle’s top edge to prevent accidental opening.
Plus, the silence option is a nice touch, perfect if you’re trying to keep noise down early in the morning or late at night.
Cleaning is a breeze—just wipe down the exterior, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe. The small footprint fits well on most countertops without feeling cramped, making it ideal for dorms, offices, or small kitchens.
Overall, this microwave packs a punch for its size and price point. It’s straightforward to use, safe, and looks good doing it.
The only real downside is the limited 700W power, which might mean a little extra time for larger meals. Still, it’s a smart, reliable choice for everyday heating needs.
COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu.Ft Microwave Oven, 700W, Black, ECO Mode
- ✓ Compact and stylish
- ✓ Easy to operate
- ✓ Energy-saving ECO mode
- ✕ Slightly cramped controls
- ✕ Quick beep before mute activates
| Capacity | 0.7 cubic feet (20 liters) |
| Power | 700 Watts |
| Control Panel | Digital with preset auto-cook functions |
| Child Safety Feature | Two-step Child Lock |
| Standby Power Consumption | Reduced by 50% in ECO Mode |
| Additional Features | Mute function, Express cooking (1-6 minutes + +30 seconds), Defrost by weight or time |
Imagine rushing home after a long day, eager to heat up leftovers and get dinner on the table fast. You grab the COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu.Ft Microwave, and the first thing you notice is how sleek and compact it looks on your countertop.
The black finish blends well with your appliances, and it feels sturdy when you handle the door.
Using the microwave is straightforward, thanks to the one-touch express buttons. You can easily set 1-6 minutes or add 30 seconds with a simple press.
The auto-cook functions for popcorn, pizza, and veggies are a lifesaver, especially when you’re in a hurry.
The two-step child lock gives you peace of mind when kids are around. Just a quick press, and you know accidental openings or misuse are prevented.
The mute function is also a big plus—no more annoying beeps late at night or during quiet moments in the house.
The ECO mode is surprisingly effective, cutting standby power by half. It’s a small feature, but it adds up over time, helping you save energy.
The interior feels roomy enough for most standard containers, and cleaning is easy with its smooth surface.
One minor annoyance is that the control panel feels a little cramped if you have larger fingers. Also, the sound-off feature takes a few seconds to activate, so you might hear a quick beep initially.
Still, overall, this microwave packs a lot of convenience for its price.
BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu.Ft Stainless Steel Microwave
- ✓ Large, easy-to-read display
- ✓ Simple, intuitive controls
- ✓ Spacious turntable
- ✕ No convection feature
- ✕ Basic design lacks extras
| Capacity | 0.7 cubic feet (20 liters) |
| Power | 1050W rated input power, 700W microwave output |
| Power Levels | 10 power settings |
| Display | Large LED digital display |
| Dimensions | 17.3″ W x 13″ D x 10.2″ H |
| Turntable Diameter | 10 inches |
You know that annoying moment when you’re trying to heat up your leftovers and the microwave’s buttons are so tiny you can’t read them? Or worse, you end up pressing the wrong one and wasting precious seconds?
I had that exact frustration until I tried the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu.Ft Stainless Steel Microwave.
This microwave has a large, bright LED digital display that makes it super easy to see what you’re doing, even from across the kitchen. The control panel is straightforward, with clearly labeled pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates.
It’s like having a tiny kitchen assistant at your fingertips.
The push-button door release feels sturdy and smooth, giving you easy access without any fuss. Inside, the removable 10-inch glass turntable is a game-changer—big enough for larger plates and easy to clean.
I especially liked the child safety lock, which is perfect for families or if you’ve got curious kids around.
Power-wise, it’s rated at 1050W with 700 watts of cooking power spread across 10 different levels, so you can fine-tune your heating. The 30-second express cooking button is a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry.
Plus, the interior light helps keep an eye on your food without opening the door.
Overall, for under 80 bucks, this microwave feels sturdy, functional, and easy to use—making it a smart choice for everyday needs. It’s simple but effective, and I didn’t have any trouble with uneven heating or confusing controls.
It’s a reliable make that’s perfect for quick meals and snacks.
TOSHIBA 2.2 Cu.Ft Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
- ✓ Large capacity fits big dishes
- ✓ Smart humidity sensor works well
- ✓ Easy-to-use preset menus
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small counters
- ✕ Buttons can be stiff initially
| Capacity | 2.2 cubic feet (62.3 liters) |
| Power Output | 1200 Watts |
| Input Power | 1700 Watts |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 24.4 x 18.2 x 13.6 inches |
| Turntable Diameter | 16.5 inches |
| Special Features | Smart humidity sensor, 23 preset menus, auto defrost by weight/time, child safety lock |
The first thing you’ll notice about this microwave is how effortlessly it handles large dishes. I tried fitting a 16-inch pizza and a whole chicken, and both fit comfortably on the generous 16.5-inch glass turntable.
Power-wise, the 1200W output is impressive. Meals heat up quickly and evenly, which is a huge time-saver during busy mornings or dinner prep.
The smart humidity sensor is a game-changer; it adjusts cooking time and power automatically, so your food stays moist and perfectly cooked without guesswork.
Using the preset menus feels intuitive. Just a press of a button, and your pizza, potato, or vegetables are ready in no time.
The auto-defrost feature is particularly useful—just input the weight or time, and it thaws meat evenly without turning into a block of ice.
The controls are straightforward, with options like sound on/off, memory, and ECO mode making it customizable. The child safety lock gives peace of mind if you have little ones around.
Plus, the sleek exterior and modern design make it a stylish addition to any kitchen countertop.
One minor annoyance is that the buttons can feel a little stiff at first, but they loosen up after a few uses. Also, at 24.4 inches wide, it’s not the most compact model, so ensure you have enough counter space.
Overall, this microwave combines power, capacity, and smart features that truly simplify cooking. It’s a reliable, versatile appliance that handles large portions with ease and keeps your kitchen routine smooth and efficient.