Microwaves
Best Countertop Microwave Under $150 (2026): Top 4 by the Specs
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For a small kitchen, the Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven leads this list: it pairs a 0.7 cu ft cavity with 700 watts, 8 auto-cook programs and 10 power levels. If you want more cooking power, the TOSHIBA offers 1000 watts with 13 preset menus and sensor cooking.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Countertop Microwave
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallNostalgia Retro Microwave Oven9.8 View on Amazon -
9.6 View on Amazon -
Also GreatEmerson MW7601SL Microwave Oven9.5 View on Amazon -
9.2 View on Amazon
Compare the specs
Ranked on capacity, wattage, sensor cooking, auto-cook presets from each listing, plus how many buyers have rated it. A dash (—) means we could not confirm that figure from the listing.
| Pick | Capacity | Wattage | Sensor cooking | Auto-cook presets | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven | 0.7 cu ft | 700 W | — | 8 functions | 21.3 lb | 1-year |
| 2. Frigidaire 0.7 Cu. Ft. Retro Countertop Microwave | 0.7 cu ft | 700 W | — | 8 functions | — | 1-year |
| 3. Emerson MW7601SL Microwave Oven | 0.7 cu ft | 700 W | — | 6 functions | 22.4 lb | 1-year |
| 4. TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor | — | 1,000 W | Yes | 13 functions | — | 1-year |
Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven
A 0.7 cu ft, 700-watt oven with 8 auto-cook programs, 10 power levels and a glass turntable for everyday cooking.
- Capacity: 0.7 cu ft
- Wattage: 700 W
- Auto-cook presets: 8 functions
- 1-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want 8 auto-cook programs and a glass turntable
- People who need a compact 0.7 cu ft oven for a small kitchen
Skip it if
- You need more than 0.7 cu ft of capacity
- You want more than 8 auto-cook programs
It has 10 power levels, auto defrost, express cooking and reheat, plus a digital clock and button controls. The glass turntable rotates for even heating. It measures 12.01 by 11.7 by 7.53 inches, weighs 21.3 lb, and carries a 1-year limited warranty.
Frigidaire 0.7 Cu. Ft. Retro Countertop Microwave
A 0.7 cu ft, 700-watt retro oven with 8 auto cook menus, 5 power levels and a glass turntable.
- Capacity: 0.7 cu ft
- Wattage: 700 W
- Auto-cook presets: 8 functions
- 1-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want a retro look with an LED display
- People who want auto defrost and express cooking
Skip it if
- You need more than 5 power levels
- You need more than 0.7 cu ft of capacity
It has 8 auto cook menus for popcorn, pizza, beverages and frozen dinners, plus auto defrost and express cooking. The glass turntable rotates during cooking, and a timer function is included. It measures 13.27 by 18.9 by 11.52 inches and carries a 1-year warranty.
Emerson MW7601SL Microwave Oven
A 0.7 cu ft, 700-watt oven with 6 presets, 10 power levels, time and weight defrost and a mirror finish.
- Capacity: 0.7 cu ft
- Wattage: 700 W
- Auto-cook presets: 6 functions
- 1-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want time and weight defrost options
- People who want a mirror-finish door and LED display
Skip it if
- You need more than 6 presets
- You need more than 0.7 cu ft of capacity
It has 10 power levels and 6 presets for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage and reheat. Time defrost and weight defrost are included, with a 99-minute, 99-second timer and an end-of-cooking signal. It weighs 22.4 lb and carries a 1-year warranty.
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
A 1000-watt oven with sensor cooking, 13 preset menus, 10 power levels and a 12.4-inch turntable.
- Wattage: 1,000 W, the most here
- Sensor cooking
- Auto-cook presets: 13 functions, the most here
- 1-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want sensor cooking and 13 preset menus
- People who want a mute function and a memory function
Skip it if
- You need more than 13 preset menus
- You need a turntable wider than 12.4 inches
It has 10 power levels, sensor cooking and 13 preset menus, plus defrost by weight or time, a mute mode and a memory function. The 12.4-inch glass turntable sits inside a black stainless steel body, and a microwave rack is included. It measures 20.6 by 14.8 by 11.8 inches and carries a 1-year limited warranty.
How to choose
Wattage and capacity
Wattage is the microwave's output power, and capacity is the interior space. The Nostalgia, Frigidaire and Emerson models each offer 0.7 cu ft at 700 watts, while the TOSHIBA offers 1000 watts. A larger cavity fits bigger dishes, so compare the interior figure with the dishes you reheat every day.
Presets and power levels
A preset automates time and power for a common food, while a power level sets the output strength. The Nostalgia has 8 auto-cook programs and 10 power levels, the Frigidaire has 8 auto cook menus and 5 power levels, the Emerson has 6 presets and 10 power levels, and the TOSHIBA has 13 preset menus and 10 power levels. Defrost by time or weight appears on the Emerson and the TOSHIBA, while the Nostalgia and Frigidaire offer auto defrost.
Measure before ordering
Countertop microwaves differ in footprint, so measure width, depth and height before ordering. The Nostalgia measures 12.01 by 11.7 by 7.53 inches, the Frigidaire 13.27 by 18.9 by 11.52 inches, the Emerson 13.2 by 17.8 by 10.2 inches, and the TOSHIBA 20.6 by 14.8 by 11.8 inches. Leave room for the door to open and for the turntable to rotate freely.
FAQ
What size microwave fits a small kitchen?
The Nostalgia, Frigidaire and Emerson models each offer 0.7 cu ft, with depths from 12.01 to 13.27 inches. Measure your counter against those figures before ordering.
Do these microwaves have a control lock?
All four have a control lock, and the TOSHIBA uses a two-step control lock. The lock helps prevent unintended operation.
How many auto-cook presets do these microwaves have?
The Nostalgia has 8 auto-cook programs, the Frigidaire has 8 auto cook menus, the Emerson has 6 presets, and the TOSHIBA has 13 preset menus.
What wattage are these countertop microwaves?
The Nostalgia, Frigidaire and Emerson models each run at 700 watts, while the TOSHIBA runs at 1000 watts.
