Reheating and defrosting quality
Best Countertop Microwaves for Leftovers
Countertop microwaves for reheating leftovers with inverter steady power and Genius Sensor reheat that warms plates evenly without dried, rubbery edges.
Our top picks at a glance
Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology NN-SN686S
Most households that want even reheating and defrosting without babysitting.
Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 BMO870
Small kitchens that want one appliance to microwave, bake, and air fry.
Toshiba Microwave Oven EM131A5C-BS
Buyers who want sensor cooking and family capacity at a value tier.
The short answer
For leftovers, the Panasonic NN-SN686S is the clear pick, with the Toshiba EM131A5C as the value alternative.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Power | Capacity | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology NN-SN686SBest Reheat Overall | 1200 watts | 1.2 cu ft | 1 year limited, 5 year magnetron | Check price |
| 2Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 BMO870Best Reheat Premium | 1100 watts microwave | 1.2 cu ft, 32 L | 1 year limited | Check price |
| 3Toshiba Microwave Oven EM131A5C-BSBest Reheat Value | 1100 watts | 1.2 cu ft | 1 year limited | Check price |
| 4Samsung Countertop Microwave MS14K6000ASBest for Large Portions | 1000 watts | 1.4 cu ft | 1 year limited, 10 year magnetron | Check price |
Best Reheat Overall
Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology NN-SN686S
1.2 cubic foot inverter microwave with Genius Sensor and 14 presets.
Inverter steady power plus Genius Sensor is the strongest leftover combination here.
Strengths
- Inverter delivers steady low power for even defrost and gentle reheats
- Genius Sensor adjusts time and power by steam
- 1200 watts cooks fast for its size class
- Keep warm and quick minute features suit daily use
Limitations
- No convection or air fry modes
- Door and trim are fingerprint prone
- Button pad requires firm presses
| Capacity | 1.2 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Power | 1200 watts |
| Dimensions | 20.7 x 15.8 x 12.2 inches |
| Weight | 25.3 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year limited, 5 year magnetron |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Leftovers reheat without cold spots
- Defrosting meat is noticeably more even
- Sensor popcorn and reheat are reliable
- Compact for its capacity
Common complaints
- Interior light could be brighter
- Beeps are louder than some prefer
- Door latch feel divides owners
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Panasonic official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Most households that want even reheating and defrosting without babysitting.
Skip if: Skip if you need air fry or convection modes in the same appliance.
Best Reheat Premium
Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 BMO870
Microwave, convection oven, and air fryer in one premium unit.
Smart reheat programs and gentle power protect texture on rice, pasta, and proteins.
Strengths
- Element IQ and Fast Combi mode blend microwave and convection for faster roasts
- Air fry mode crisps in the same cavity
- Soft close door and quieter operation than most rivals
- Smart cook, reheat, and defrost programs use sensor logic
Limitations
- Premium tier cost
- Air fry capacity is smaller than a dedicated fryer oven
- Learning the dial and menu system takes time
| Capacity | 1.2 cu ft, 32 L |
|---|---|
| Power | 1100 watts microwave |
| Dimensions | 20.4 x 18.5 x 12.5 inches |
| Weight | 32 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Roast chicken and fries from one appliance
- Door closes softly and quietly
- Reheat quality is excellent
- Feels premium in daily use
Common complaints
- Menus have a learning curve
- Large and deep on the counter
- Accessories need storage
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Breville official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Small kitchens that want one appliance to microwave, bake, and air fry.
Skip if: Skip if you only reheat and defrost and do not need the extra modes.
Best Reheat Value
Toshiba Microwave Oven EM131A5C-BS
1.2 cubic foot sensor microwave with smart menus and a mute option.
Sensor reheat gets most plates right first time at a budget tier.
Strengths
- Smart sensor menus for pizza, potato, and vegetables
- 1100 watts and a 12.4 inch turntable fit family dishes
- Mute function silences beeps
- ECO mode reduces standby draw
Limitations
- Cycles power on low settings instead of true inverter output
- Stainless front shows smudges
- Interior finish is basic
| Capacity | 1.2 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Power | 1100 watts |
| Dimensions | 20.5 x 17.1 x 12.8 inches |
| Weight | 30.3 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Strong value for the size and power
- Mute button is a household favorite
- Sensor reheat works well
- Large turntable fits dinner plates and bowls
Common complaints
- Low power levels pulse rather than run steady
- Keypad layout takes learning
- Door opens with a firmer pull than expected
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Toshiba official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Buyers who want sensor cooking and family capacity at a value tier.
Skip if: Skip if you want true inverter power delivery for delicate defrosting.
Best for Large Portions
Samsung Countertop Microwave MS14K6000AS
1.4 cubic foot microwave with ceramic enamel interior and sensor cook.
Sensor cook in a 1.4 cubic foot cavity suits big shared leftovers.
Strengths
- Ceramic enamel interior wipes clean and resists scratches
- Sensor cook and reheat for common foods
- 1.4 cubic feet fits large bowls and casseroles
- Power defrost and softening modes for butter and ice cream
Limitations
- No inverter, low power cycles on and off
- Large footprint for apartments
- Touch pad marks easily
| Capacity | 1.4 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Power | 1000 watts |
| Dimensions | 21.9 x 18.4 x 12.1 inches |
| Weight | 33.9 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year limited, 10 year magnetron |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Interior really is easy to clean
- Roomy for family leftovers
- Sensor settings are accurate
- Looks modern on the counter
Common complaints
- Beeps cannot be fully muted on this model for some owners
- Door tint makes food hard to see
- Heavier than expected
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Samsung official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Families that want a larger cavity and an easy clean interior.
Skip if: Skip if you want inverter power or the smallest footprint.
FAQ
Questions, answered straight
How do I reheat leftovers more evenly in any microwave?
Spread food in an even layer, add a splash of water to rice and pasta, cover loosely, and stir or rotate halfway. Let food stand a minute before serving.
What power level is best for reheating?
Medium power for longer often beats full power for less time on dense foods. Inverter models make low power especially effective.
Why do edges dry out?
Full power cycling overheats thin edges while centers catch up. Sensor and inverter models reduce that gap.