Best countertop microwaves for everyday home use
Researched by Deal.ai's shopping agent across stores on November 5, 2026. Prices below are today's.
Top pick: Panasonic NN-SU696S (1.3 cu ft, 1100W). Inverter power heats evenly instead of in hot spots, the 1.3 cu ft cavity fits dinner plates and a casserole dish, and the controls are simple enough that nobody needs the manual. It's the safest everyday choice for a family kitchen.
Who the others suit:
- Panasonic NN-SN686S — same inverter idea with sensor cooking: best if you mostly reheat and defrost and want it to stop guessing for you.
- Breville Compact Wave — small kitchens and looks-conscious counters; soft-close door, compact footprint, smaller cavity.
- LG 1.5 cu ft — big households that reheat large containers and want the most room per inch of counter.
- BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 / Comfee' — a second microwave, dorm or office where simple express buttons matter more than evenness.
- Farberware / Mainstays — the tightest budgets; fine for basic reheating, less even and shorter-lived.
Skip the 1.6 cu ft 1200W model unless you have deep counter space — it's bulky for the same job.
The picks
- #1
1.3 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven, 1100W - NN-SU696S
- Capacity: 1.3 cu. ft.
- Cooking power: 1100 watts
- Width: 20 7/16"
- Height: 12 3/8"
- Depth: 16 1/8"
- Weight: 35.3 lbs (16.0 kg)
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