TOSHIBA Small Countertop Microwave Oven

The Verdict

The Compact Microwave That Actually Cooks Evenly

Most small microwaves are an exercise in compromise — you trade cooking quality for counter space and regret it every time you bite into a cold-centered burrito. The TOSHIBA Small Countertop Microwave Oven (0.9 cu ft) tries to thread that needle differently. After combing through 200 ratings and digging into what owners actually say, here’s the real story.

What You Actually Get

Out of the box, you’re looking at a 900-watt unit that measures roughly 17.4 x 13.3 x 12.8 inches. It ships with a glass turntable, a removable metal rack for two-level cooking, and a digital control panel with a clock, kitchen timer, and 10 power levels. The stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints reasonably well — the interior is also stainless, which matters more than most people realize.

Performance: Where It Wins and Where It Doesn’t

The standout feature is the sensor cooking. It genuinely adjusts time and power based on steam detection, not a preset guess. Owners report popcorn comes out with fewer unpopped kernels than their old units, and frozen dinners don’t end up volcanic on the edges and frosty in the middle. That’s rare at this price point.

The 900W output is the tradeoff. It’s not weak, but it’s not a 1200W workhorse either. Reheating a plate of lasagna takes about 45 seconds longer than a full-size unit. One reviewer noted, “It heats evenly — better than my old 1100W — but I do wait a bit longer for soup to boil.” That tracks with our analysis.

The defrost function is surprisingly competent. It cycles power rather than blasting continuously, which means ground beef defrosts without cooked edges. If you’ve ever ruined meat with a cheap microwave’s “defrost” setting, this is a meaningful upgrade.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

Across the 200 ratings, a few themes dominate:

• Footprint vs. capacity: “I was skeptical a 0.9 cu ft could fit a dinner plate. It fits my standard 10-inch plates with room to spare.” This comes up repeatedly — the interior is cleverly shaped, not a tiny cube.
• Quiet operation: Several owners mention it’s noticeably quieter than their previous units. No rattling turntable or high-pitched whine.
• Even heating: Multiple reviews use the word “even” — a good sign, since uneven heating is the #1 complaint across budget microwaves.

Where It Falls Short

Be honest about the venting. The rear exhaust means if you tuck this under a cabinet with less than 3 inches of clearance, heat has nowhere to go. One reviewer measured the cabinet above at 140°F after a 10-minute cook. That’s a real concern for apartment dwellers with low upper cabinets.

The control panel is also slightly cramped. If you have larger fingers, the number pad buttons are close together — expect the occasional mis-dial on the timer. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.

And the 4.0 overall rating reflects a handful of units arriving with cosmetic scratches on the stainless steel. TOSHIBA’s customer service handles replacements, but it’s an annoying first impression if you’re unlucky.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You’re outfitting a dorm room, small apartment, office break room, or RV. The 0.9 cu ft size fits where a full-size unit won’t, and the sensor cooking means you’re not sacrificing food quality. Also ideal if you reheat leftovers daily and want even results without upgrading to a $200+ unit.

Skip it if: You cook frozen meals in bulk, need to fit a 12-inch dinner plate, or have less than 3 inches of clearance above your counter. Also skip if you’re replacing a 1200W microwave — you’ll feel the power difference.

FAQ

Q: Can it fit a standard dinner plate? A: Yes, up to about 10 inches in diameter. Larger platters or square baking dishes will be tight.

Q: Does the sensor cooking actually work? A: For popcorn, frozen entrees, and potatoes — yes. It’s not gimmicky. It detects steam and adjusts automatically. For anything else, use manual mode.

Q: How loud is it? A: Quieter than most budget microwaves. The turntable motor is smooth, and there’s no vibration rattle at 900W.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.2/5 — The TOSHIBA Small Countertop Microwave Oven earns its place in tight kitchens. It’s not the fastest or the cheapest, but the sensor cooking, even heat distribution, and genuinely useful 0.9 cu ft capacity make it a smart buy for anyone short on counter space.

Buy it if you want compact size without paying the “tiny microwave” tax on food quality. Skip it if you need max wattage or have poor ventilation clearance. For the right buyer, this is the best small microwave under $100 — and it’ll outlast the cheap alternatives by a wide margin.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.