9 Best White Countertop Microwaves (October 2026)
The best white countertop microwaves include the Panasonic NN-SN65KW Inverter Microwave for sensor cooking, the Sharp SMC1461KW 1.4 Cu Ft Microwave for family portions, and the Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave for preset cooking.
On this page (7 sections)
- How we chose the best white countertop microwaves
- White countertop microwave features at a glance
- The best white countertop microwaves for different kitchens
- How to choose the best white countertop microwave
- How should you set up and care for a countertop microwave?
- What common microwave buying mistakes should you avoid?
- Which white countertop microwave should you choose?
The best white countertop microwave for most kitchens is the Panasonic NN-SN65KW, with Inverter Technology, 10 sensor cook settings and a 1.2 cu ft interior. For more room, choose the 1.4 cu ft Sharp; for a smaller counter, compare the 0.7 cu ft GE and COMFEE.
These white countertop microwaves range from compact units for snacks to roomier models for larger dishes. Measure your counter width and depth, then consider what you heat most often before choosing a capacity.
If you’re unsure which size suits your meals, start with our guide to choosing a countertop microwave. For a wider look at everyday models, see our roundup of countertop microwave ovens.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for sensor cookingPanasonic NN-SN65KW Inverter Microwave, White
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for family portionsSharp SMC1461KW 1.4 Cu Ft Microwave, White
7.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for preset cookingFarberware 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave, White
7.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itSharp SMC1161KW 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave, White
Best for quick starts - 5
Check itGE Compact 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave, White
Best for compact apartments - 6
Best for narrow countersCheck it - 7
Check itFrigidaire 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave, White
Best for simple controls - 8
Check itCOMFEE 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave, White
Best for small shared spaces - 9
Check itCommercial Chef 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave, White
Best for timed cooking
How we chose the best white countertop microwaves
We compared capacity, power, dimensions and cooking features against common countertop needs. The Panasonic stands out for its combination of inverter cooking and sensor options, while the other picks suit different space and control priorities.
A compact microwave can save counter space, but capacity and the size of the turntable affect which plates and containers fit. A feature is useful when it matches a task you repeat, such as defrosting by weight or reheating without setting a time.
White countertop microwave features at a glance
The Panasonic has the broadest cooking feature set, and the Sharp SMC1461KW offers the largest interior in this group. The GE and COMFEE 0.7 cu ft models suit small spaces, while the mid-size picks balance interior room and countertop footprint.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Power | Dimensions | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic NN-SN65KW Inverter Microwave, White | sensor cooking | 1.2 cu ft | 1200W | 20.7 W x 15.8 D x 12.2 H in | 8.7 |
| Sharp SMC1461KW 1.4 Cu Ft Microwave, White | family portions | 1.4 cu ft | 1100W | 20.4 W x 16.8 D x 12.4 H in | 7.9 |
| Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave, White | preset cooking | 1.1 cu ft | 1000W | 20.2 W x 16.54 D x 12.03 H in | 7.8 |
| Sharp SMC1161KW 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave, White | quick starts | 1.1 cu ft | 1000W | 20.6 W x 14.7 D x 11.8 H in | 7.7 |
| GE Compact 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave, White | compact apartments | 0.9 cu ft | 900W | 15.51 W x 19.21 D x 11.18 H in | 7.5 |
| GE 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave, White | narrow counters | 0.7 cu ft | 700W | 17.31 W x 12.75 D x 10.19 H in | 7.4 |
| Frigidaire 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave, White | simple controls | 1.1 cu ft | 1000W | 20.08 W x 14.47 D x 11.99 H in | 7.3 |
| COMFEE 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave, White | small shared spaces | 0.7 cu ft | 700W | 17.3 W x 12.6 D x 10.2 H in | 7.2 |
| Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave, White | timed cooking | 1.1 cu ft | 1100W | 21 W x 15.44 D x 11.3 H in | 7.1 |
The best white countertop microwaves for different kitchens
The Panasonic NN-SN65KW is the strongest all-around choice for shoppers who value sensor cooking and adjustable heating. Each pick below suits a distinct kitchen need, so compare the stated outer dimensions with your available counter before deciding.
Panasonic NN-SN65KW Inverter Microwave, White: Best for sensor cooking
- 1.2 cu ft capacity
- 1200W
- Inverter Technology
- 10 sensor cook settings
Inverter cooking, sensor reheat and 10 sensor cook settings make this the most feature-rich white pick in the group. Its 1.2 cu ft interior has a 13.4 in turntable.
Pros
- Inverter Technology
- 10 sensor cook settings
- 15 auto cook options
Cons
- Larger than the smallest picks
- Touch controls may be more than you need
The Panasonic NN-SN65KW combines a 1.2 cu ft capacity with 1200W output, Inverter Technology and a 13.4 in turntable. Genius Sensor adjusts cooking time and power, and the microwave has 10 sensor cook settings plus sensor reheat.
You also get 15 auto cook options, Turbo Defrost, a three-level popcorn button and a Keep Warm setting. The exterior measures 20.7 W x 15.8 D x 12.2 H in, so account for the footprint and ventilation space.
Choose it if sensor cooking and multiple automatic options will simplify your routine. Skip it if you want the smallest possible cabinet or only need a basic microwave for occasional snacks.
Sharp SMC1461KW 1.4 Cu Ft Microwave, White: Best for family portions
- 1.4 cu ft capacity
- 1100W
- 12.4 in turntable
- Sensor Cook
The largest capacity in this roundup gives larger portions more room. Sensor Cook, Auto Cook and weight and time defrost add useful options.
Pros
- Largest capacity here
- Sensor Cook
- Express Cook up to 6 minutes
Cons
- Deepest footprint here
- Heavier than the compact picks
The Sharp SMC1461KW is the capacity pick, with a 1.4 cu ft interior and a 12.4 in carousel turntable. Its 1100W output pairs with Sensor Cook, Auto Cook, Melt/Soften, 10 power levels and two-stage cooking.
Weight and time defrost give you two ways to thaw food. The exterior measures 20.4 W x 16.8 D x 12.4 H in, making this the deepest option here.
Choose this Sharp if you often heat larger portions and have a deep counter. Skip it if the available space is shallow or you rarely need more than a small plate or bowl.
Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave, White: Best for preset cooking
- 1.1 cu ft capacity
- 1000W
- 10 power levels
- 6 one-touch options
Six one-touch options cover common foods such as popcorn, potato and pizza. It also has 10 power levels, multi-stage cooking and defrost by weight or time.
Pros
- Six one-touch options
- 10 power levels
- Child safety lock
Cons
- Wider than the compact GE models
- No sensor cooking feature listed
The Farberware offers 1.1 cu ft of capacity and 1000W with six one-touch options. Presets include popcorn, potato and pizza, while weight and time defrost let you choose how to thaw food.
Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking provide more control than a basic one-touch setup. It also has a kitchen timer, clock, interior lighting and a child safety lock.
Its exterior dimensions are 20.2 W x 16.54 D x 12.03 H in. Choose it if common presets and adjustable power suit your cooking habits; skip it if you want sensor cooking or need a shallow footprint.
Sharp SMC1161KW 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave, White: Best for quick starts
- 1.1 cu ft capacity
- 1000W
- 12.4 in turntable
- 10 power levels
This mid-size Sharp pairs a 1.1 cu ft interior with a 12.4 in carousel turntable. Its controls include 10 power levels, two-stage cooking and a +30 seconds key.
Pros
- 12.4 in turntable
- 1000W
- Weight and time defrost
Cons
- No Sensor Cook feature listed
- Check the full width before choosing
The Sharp SMC1161KW pairs 1.1 cu ft of capacity with 1000W and a 12.4 in carousel turntable. It has 10 power levels, two-stage cooking and an express cook option that starts with one press.
A +30 seconds key lets you add time, and weight and time defrost are available. Its exterior measures 20.6 W x 14.7 D x 11.8 H in, with less depth than the 1.4 cu ft Sharp.
Choose it if you want a mid-size microwave with quick-start controls and a roomy turntable. Skip it if sensor cooking is a priority, since the Panasonic and larger Sharp provide that feature.
GE Compact 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave, White: Best for compact apartments
- 0.9 cu ft capacity
- 900W
- 7 convenience cook settings
- Child lock
The 0.9 cu ft size and 900W output make this a middle ground between the smallest units and 1.1 cu ft models. It has seven convenience cook settings and manual and auto defrost.
Pros
- Compact 0.9 cu ft capacity
- Seven cook settings
- Child lock
Cons
- Allow ventilation clearance around it
- Less capacity than the 1.1 cu ft picks
The GE 0.9 cu ft microwave is a compact middle choice with 900W output. It offers more capacity than the smallest picks while taking less interior space than the 1.1 cu ft models.
Its seven convenience cook settings include beverage, defrost, pizza, popcorn and reheat. It has manual and auto defrost modes and a child lock that can be disabled when it isn’t needed.
The dimensions are 19.21 D x 15.51 W x 11.18 H in. GE calls for 3 in of clearance on each side and above, 1 in at the rear, and an unobstructed bottom for airflow.
Choose it if you want a compact size with more room and power than a 0.7 cu ft model. Skip it if you can’t provide the clearance GE specifies or need capacity for larger dishes.
GE 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave, White: Best for narrow counters
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
- 700W
- 4 convenience cook settings
- Child lock
This GE has a compact 0.7 cu ft interior and four convenience cook settings. Its stated width is the narrowest among the picks with published dimensions here.
Pros
- Narrow 17.31 in width
- One-touch express cooking
- Child lock
Cons
- 700W output
- Smallest capacity category
The GE 0.7 cu ft model suits a narrow counter or small room. Its dimensions are 17.31 W x 12.75 D x 10.19 H in, and it uses 700W of power.
Four convenience cook settings cover common tasks, while one-touch express cooking makes it easy to start a short heating cycle. It also has manual and auto defrost modes and a child lock.
GE calls for 3 in of clearance on the sides and above, 1 in behind, and an unobstructed bottom. Include that space when you measure the counter.
Choose it when space is tight and your routine centers on drinks, snacks and small meals. Skip it if you regularly heat large plates or want higher wattage for quicker cooking.
Frigidaire 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave, White: Best for simple controls
- 1.1 cu ft capacity
- 1000W
- 10 power levels
- Interior light
A 1.1 cu ft interior, 1000W output and 10 power levels cover everyday reheating and cooking needs. The interior light lets you see food while it heats.
Pros
- 10 power levels
- Interior light
- Defrost
Cons
- Fewer cooking details than some picks
- No sensor cooking feature listed
The Frigidaire is a straightforward 1.1 cu ft, 1000W option. Ten power levels give you a range of settings, and its interior light helps you see food while it heats.
It has defrost and a timer, with exterior dimensions of 20.08 W x 14.47 D x 11.99 H in. Its depth is less than several of the other 1.1 cu ft models in this group.
Choose it if you want mid-size capacity and simple power-level control. Skip it if you rely on detailed food presets, sensor cooking or a wide range of stated automatic functions.
COMFEE 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave, White: Best for small shared spaces
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
- 700W
- 11 power levels
- 10 in glass turntable
This compact COMFEE has 11 power levels, plus one-touch settings for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage and reheat. Defrost can be set by weight or time.
Pros
- 11 power levels
- Weight and time defrost
- Two-step child lock
Cons
- 700W output
- 0.7 cu ft interior
The COMFEE 0.7 cu ft microwave stands out for 11 power levels in a compact white design. It runs at 700W and includes a 10 in glass turntable.
Its auto-cook options cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage and reheat. You can defrost by weight or time, use one-touch express cooking, and enable the two-step child lock.
Its dimensions are 17.3 W x 12.6 D x 10.2 H in. Choose it for a small room where a range of power levels and defrost choices matter; skip it if you need larger capacity or faster cooking.
Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave, White: Best for timed cooking
- 1.1 cu ft capacity
- 1100W
- 10 power levels
- 6 pre-menu settings
This Commercial Chef offers a 1.1 cu ft interior, digital controls and six pre-menu settings. Express cooking starts at 30 seconds, and its controls allow cook times up to 99 minutes.
Pros
- 1100W output
- Six pre-menu settings
- Weight and speed defrost
Cons
- Widest pick here
- Check the 15.44 in depth against your counter
The Commercial Chef gives you 1.1 cu ft of capacity and 1100W in a white cabinet. Its digital controls include 10 power levels, six pre-menu settings and weight and speed defrost.
Express cook starts at 30 seconds, and the timer can be set for up to 99 minutes. Its dimensions are 21 W x 15.44 D x 11.3 H in, the widest among the picks with published dimensions here.
Choose it if you want quick-start controls and higher output in a mid-size microwave. Skip it if counter width is limited or you prefer sensor cooking.
How to choose the best white countertop microwave
Start with the space available, then choose a capacity that fits your usual dishes and meals. Controls and power matter, but they cannot make an oversized microwave fit a tight counter.
What size white microwave fits your counter?
The models here range from 0.7 to 1.4 cu ft, with 0.9 and 1.1 cu ft options between those extremes. A smaller capacity can work well for drinks, snacks and individual portions, while a roomier interior gives you more flexibility for larger dishes.
Measure the counter width and depth, along with the height below any cabinet. Check the door swing and leave the manufacturer’s required ventilation space; GE specifies 3 in above and on each side, 1 in behind, and an open underside for its models.
For a tighter kitchen, compare more compact microwaves. If your counter can accommodate a larger cabinet, our guide to large countertop microwaves helps you consider bigger-capacity options.
How much microwave power do you need?
The picks in this roundup range from 700W to 1200W. The Panasonic has the highest output, while the 700W GE and COMFEE trade output for a smaller capacity class.
Wattage is only one part of the choice. If you’re replacing a microwave and want to understand how output affects cooking time, see our comparison of 700 watt and 1000 watt microwaves.
Which microwave features are worth choosing?
Pick features that match the food you cook and the controls you prefer. Sensor cook and reheat are available on the Panasonic and the larger Sharp, while express keys and presets make repeated short tasks easier on several other models.
Defrost controls also vary. Farberware and COMFEE offer weight or time defrost, while the GE models have manual and auto modes; choose the control you’ll use without adding features you don’t need.
How should you set up and care for a countertop microwave?
Set the microwave on a stable, flat counter and follow its required ventilation clearances before plugging it in. Keep the door and controls reachable, and leave enough room to lift out the turntable for cleaning.
Use microwave-safe dishes and cover foods loosely to contain splashes while allowing steam to escape. Stir or rotate food when appropriate, then let it stand briefly so heat can spread through the portion.
Wipe spills promptly with a damp cloth, including the turntable and the area beneath it. Avoid running the oven with an empty cavity, and don’t block vents with containers, towels or nearby objects.
What common microwave buying mistakes should you avoid?
The most common mistake is choosing by capacity alone without checking the outside dimensions. A microwave can have enough interior room and still be too deep or wide for the counter.
Another mistake is assuming every white model has the same controls. This roundup includes sensor cooking, express starts, presets and multiple defrost approaches, so choose based on the tasks you repeat.
Finally, don’t treat a compact microwave as a direct substitute for a larger, higher-output model if you regularly cook large portions. Match the capacity and power to your routine, and remember that GE’s models need specified airflow space.
Which white countertop microwave should you choose?
Choose the Panasonic NN-SN65KW if you want inverter cooking, sensor settings and a broad set of automatic options. Pick the Sharp SMC1461KW for the most capacity, the GE 0.7 cu ft for a narrow counter, or COMFEE for a compact model with extra power levels and weight or time defrost.
If you’re still deciding between size and features, use our guide to choosing a countertop microwave to narrow the fit before you buy.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for sensor cooking
Panasonic NN-SN65KW Inverter Microwave, White
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for family portions
Sharp SMC1461KW 1.4 Cu Ft Microwave, White
7.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for preset cooking
Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave, White
7.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best small white microwave?
For a very small counter, compare the GE 0.7 cu ft and COMFEE 0.7 cu ft models. The GE is narrower by its stated width, while COMFEE offers 11 power levels and weight or time defrost.
Check the full dimensions and ventilation needs before choosing.
How much capacity should a white countertop microwave have?
A 0.7 cu ft model suits simple meals and snacks where counter space is limited. Choose 1.1 or 1.2 cu ft for a larger range of dishes, or the 1.4 cu ft Sharp if you want the most capacity in this group.
Measure your usual plate and the available counter space.
Does white color affect microwave features?
Color alone doesn't tell you what cooking features a microwave has. These white models range from compact 700W units to a 1200W Panasonic with Inverter Technology and sensor settings.
Compare capacity, controls, power and dimensions to find the right fit.
