Choosing the right countertop microwave can make everyday meals faster, quieter, and easier. Some models now include smart features like Alexa voice control, while others focus on practical upgrades such as sensor cooking, mute mode, ECO mode, child locks, compact sizing, or larger family-friendly capacity.
This guide compares five countertop microwaves for different kitchens and cooking styles. If you specifically want a voice-controlled microwave, pay close attention to the Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS), which is the smart-home pick in this list. The other models are included because they offer useful convenience features that may matter more if you want extra capacity, simple controls, quiet operation, or a lower-profile countertop design.
Quick Verdict
Best voice-control pick: TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave if you want Alexa support and hands-free control.
Best large-capacity pick: Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave if you need more interior room for family meals.
Best compact pick: COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven if you need a smaller model for a dorm, apartment, office, or tight counter space.
Important note: Not every microwave in this guide has voice control. Check the product details carefully before buying if Alexa or app control is a must-have feature.
Top Picks
- Best Large-Capacity Microwave: Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave
- Best Value Microwave: Sharp SMC1161KW Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best Compact Microwave: COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best Smart Features: TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave
- Best for Larger Households: BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Digital Microwave Oven
How We Selected Our Top Picks
When comparing countertop microwaves, focus on the features that affect daily use: capacity, wattage, controls, preset menus, sensor cooking, turntable size, child lock, mute mode, ECO mode, and smart-home compatibility. A good microwave should fit your counter, handle your usual plate or dish size, and make reheating simple without adding unnecessary complexity.
Before You Buy
- Check voice control carefully: If Alexa support matters, confirm that the product listing specifically says it works with Alexa or app control.
- Match capacity to your dishes: Compact 0.7 cu. ft. models save space, while 1.3 to 2.2 cu. ft. models fit larger plates, bowls, and family portions more easily.
- Look at wattage: Higher-wattage microwaves usually heat faster, while lower-wattage compact models may need extra cooking time.
- Consider noise: A mute function is useful for apartments, shared homes, early mornings, or late-night snacks.
- Measure your counter: Leave room around the microwave for safe ventilation and easy door opening.
Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave built for households that need more interior space. Its 2.2 cu. ft. capacity and 1200-watt power make it a strong fit for reheating family portions, larger plates, and bigger microwave-safe dishes. It is not the voice-control pick in this guide, but it does offer practical convenience features such as a humidity sensor, preset menus, auto defrost, ECO mode, and a mute option.
Why You’ll Like It
This model is a good choice if your main frustration is space. The larger interior helps reduce the need to reheat food in multiple batches, and the sensor feature can make everyday reheating more convenient.
Best For
- Families that need a larger microwave cavity
- Reheating bigger dinner plates or family-style leftovers
- Buyers who want sensor cooking and a mute option
- Kitchens with enough counter space for a larger appliance
Consider Before Buying
This is a large countertop unit, so measure your available space before ordering. If voice control is your top priority, choose the Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS) instead.
Key Benefits
- Large 2.2 cu. ft. capacity for family meals
- 1200 watts for faster heating
- Smart humidity sensor for more convenient reheating
- Mute option for quieter kitchen use
- ECO mode for reduced standby display use
Check Current Amazon Availability
SHARP SMC1161KW Countertop Microwave Oven
The SHARP SMC1161KW is a straightforward countertop microwave with 1.1 cu. ft. of capacity and 1000 watts of cooking power. It is not a voice-controlled model, but it is a practical option if you want a clean-looking microwave with a removable carousel turntable, auto defrost, touch controls, and enough room for everyday plates and bowls.
Why You’ll Like It
This Sharp model keeps the feature set simple. It is a good fit for buyers who do not need app control or voice commands and would rather have familiar controls, dependable reheating, and a moderate footprint.
Best For
- Everyday reheating and simple cooking tasks
- Buyers who want 1000 watts without moving to an oversized microwave
- Kitchens where a white appliance blends better than stainless steel
- Users who prefer simple touch controls
Consider Before Buying
This is a conventional countertop microwave, not a smart microwave. If you want Alexa voice control, this is not the best fit.
Key Benefits
- 1.1 cu. ft. capacity for everyday cooking
- 1000 watts for quick reheating
- Removable carousel turntable for more even heating
- Auto defrost for frozen foods
- Simple controls for daily use
Check Product Details on Amazon
TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave
The TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) is the best fit in this guide if you specifically want a smart countertop microwave with Alexa support. It offers 1.3 cu. ft. of capacity, 1100 watts of power, a 12.4-inch turntable, sensor reheating, preset menus, a mute function, ECO mode, and app or voice-control convenience when paired with a compatible Alexa device.
Why You’ll Like It
This microwave is useful when your hands are full, when you are multitasking, or when you prefer smart-home control over pressing buttons. It still includes traditional controls, so you are not forced to use voice commands for every task.
Best For
- Smart-home users who already use Alexa
- Hands-free cooking commands and remote control convenience
- Busy kitchens where sensor reheating and presets save time
- Buyers who want a balance of smart features and practical capacity
Consider Before Buying
Voice-control features usually require setup through a compatible smart-home device and app. If you do not use Alexa or prefer simple buttons, a standard countertop model may be easier.
Key Benefits
- Works with Alexa for hands-free operation
- 1100 watts for efficient cooking and reheating
- Built-in humidity sensor for more convenient heating
- Mute function for quieter use
- Stainless steel design for a modern kitchen look
Check Current Amazon Availability
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM is a compact countertop microwave designed for smaller spaces. With 0.7 cu. ft. of capacity and 700 watts of power, it is best for reheating small meals, drinks, snacks, and simple frozen foods. It does not offer voice control, but it does include easy one-touch buttons, sound on/off, ECO mode, and a compact footprint that works well in tight kitchens, dorms, offices, and apartments.
Why You’ll Like It
This model solves the space problem. If a large microwave would crowd your counter, the COMFEE’ gives you basic reheating convenience without taking over the kitchen.
Best For
- Dorm rooms, offices, studio apartments, and small kitchens
- Simple reheating rather than large meal prep
- Buyers who want a quieter microwave with sound on/off
- Anyone who values compact size over high wattage
Consider Before Buying
The 700-watt output may require longer cook times than larger 1000-watt or 1200-watt models. It is best for smaller portions, not big family dishes.
Key Benefits
- Compact size for small counters
- Easy one-touch cooking functions
- Sound on/off option for quieter use
- ECO mode for lower standby display use
- Simple button controls
Check Product Details on Amazon
BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Digital Microwave Oven
The BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 is a family-friendly countertop microwave with 1.4 cu. ft. of capacity, 1000 watts of power, a push-button door, turntable, pre-programmed buttons, and a child safety lock. It is not a voice-controlled microwave, but it is a practical choice if you want a larger interior than compact models and a simple control layout for everyday reheating.
Why You’ll Like It
This model works well for households that want a roomy microwave without moving to an extra-large 2.2 cu. ft. unit. The child safety lock is also helpful for homes where younger family members may be near the kitchen appliances.
Best For
- Households that want a mid-to-large countertop microwave
- Reheating leftovers, drinks, snacks, and family portions
- Buyers who want a child safety lock
- Kitchens where stainless steel styling fits the decor
Consider Before Buying
This model uses standard button controls. If smart-home control is important, choose the Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS) instead.
Key Benefits
- 1.4 cu. ft. capacity for larger dishes
- 1000 watts with multiple power settings
- Pre-programmed buttons for common foods
- Child safety lock for added peace of mind
- Stainless steel finish for a modern look
Check Product Details on Amazon
Comparison Table
| Product | Image | Best For | Capacity & Power | Highlights | Limitations | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave |
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Large families and bigger dishes | 2.2 cu. ft., 1200 watts | Smart humidity sensor, auto defrost, ECO mode, mute option, large turntable | Large footprint; not the voice-control pick | Check on Amazon |
| SHARP SMC1161KW Countertop Microwave Oven |
 |
Simple everyday reheating | 1.1 cu. ft., 1000 watts | Auto defrost, removable carousel turntable, touch controls | No smart-home or voice-control feature listed | Check on Amazon |
| TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave |
 |
Alexa users and smart kitchens | 1.3 cu. ft., 1100 watts | Works with Alexa, sensor reheat, mute function, ECO mode, preset menus | Voice control may require compatible smart-home setup | Check on Amazon |
| COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven |
|
Small spaces, dorms, offices, apartments | 0.7 cu. ft., 700 watts | Sound on/off, ECO mode, one-touch buttons, compact footprint | Lower power may require longer cook times | Check on Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Digital Microwave Oven |
 |
Households wanting more room and simple controls | 1.4 cu. ft., 1000 watts | Push-button door, child safety lock, pre-programmed buttons, stainless steel finish | Standard controls; no voice-control feature listed | Check on Amazon |
FAQ
Are All of These Microwaves Voice-Controlled?
No. The Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS) is the smart-home pick in this guide because it lists Alexa support. The other microwaves are standard countertop models included for useful convenience features such as larger capacity, compact size, sensor cooking, mute mode, ECO mode, simple controls, or child safety locks.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Smart or Convenient Countertop Microwave?
Start with the way you cook. If you want hands-free control, look for Alexa or app compatibility. If you mostly reheat family meals, capacity and wattage matter more. For apartments, dorms, and shared spaces, compact size and a sound on/off feature can be more useful than smart-home control.
How Do I Use a Voice-Controlled Microwave Effectively?
For a voice-control model, make sure the microwave is compatible with your smart-home system and follow the setup instructions in the product manual or app. Use clear commands, keep your Wi-Fi connection stable, and confirm whether the voice feature requires a separate Alexa device or app pairing.
Is a Higher-Wattage Microwave Always Better?
Higher wattage usually means faster cooking and reheating, but it is not the only factor. A compact 700-watt microwave may be perfect for snacks and small spaces, while a 1000-watt or 1200-watt model is usually better for larger portions, frozen meals, and family use.
What Size Microwave Should I Choose?
Choose around 0.7 cu. ft. if you need a compact microwave for small plates, drinks, and snacks. Choose 1.1 to 1.4 cu. ft. for most daily kitchen use. Choose 2.2 cu. ft. if you often reheat larger dishes or cook for several people.
Are Mute Mode and ECO Mode Worth It?
Yes, for many homes. Mute mode is helpful if you cook early, late, or near sleeping areas. ECO mode can reduce display standby use when the microwave is not active. These features are not as flashy as voice control, but they can make a microwave easier to live with every day.
Wrapping Up
If you want true voice-control convenience, the TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave is the most relevant option in this guide because it is built around Alexa support. If voice control is not essential, the best choice depends on your kitchen: the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) gives you the most capacity, the Sharp SMC1161KW keeps things simple, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM saves space, and the BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 offers a roomy family-friendly design with standard controls.
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