9 Best Corner Microwaves Of 2026
Short on counter space but not on leftovers? That is exactly the problem a corner friendly microwave solves. My top pick for 2026 is the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, a compact stainless unit that tucks neatly into a corner without giving up power. Here are all 9 corner microwaves I recommend.
Corner microwaves are a fantastic option for people looking for an efficient heating solution while also saving counter space.
What are the best corner microwaves? The best corner microwaves range around 0.5 to 2.2 cubic feet and have a power rating of 700W to 1500W. The best brands for corner microwaves are Toshiba, GE, BLACK+DECKER, Panasonic, Breville, and Sharp.
Read below to learn about these compact heating machines, how they work, how they can save space, and some of the things that you need to keep in mind before purchasing one!
Corner Microwaves – Compact But Powerful
Corner microwaves have been around for a long time but took center stage in the late 1990s when people started to demand lighter, compacter, and more efficient microwaves.
Manufacturers started to develop smaller microwaves with better internals that could provide more or less the same convenience of a larger oven, but in a small package.
These smaller microwaves ranged around 700W which is considered to be the baseline output wattage required to heat food efficiently.
Perhaps the most striking thing about these smaller microwaves was their peculiar design: They had a curved back which made it easier to fit them in tight corners.
This shape also allowed them to be encased within the cupboard or cabinets in the kitchen.
Although the rounded design went in and out of fashion in the years since the introduction of corner microwaves, the design ideology of having a compact heating machine still stuck with customers.
It just so happens that it was also relatively easier and cheaper for manufacturers to produce these rectangular, smaller and compact appliances.
See, microwaves are simple machines. They work by powering a magnetron, a device that creates focused microwaves.
The microwaves travel from the magnetron to the chamber where the food is and gets reflected off of the chamber walls.
For smaller microwaves, you don’t necessarily need to have a high-output magnetron because of the smaller size of the heating chamber, but some varieties can still go up to 1500W for quicker heating operations.
Why Are Rounded Microwaves Less Common?
Building a rectangular and smaller machine makes more economical sense for producers and the growing demand and affinity for the iconic rectangular design makes it the dominating shape in the market.
This is why, for our recommendations, we have focused on not just rounded microwaves but also classical compact ovens!
You can still put a compact regular microwave in a corner. These are easier to find and therefore give you more options.
But before you jump into the recommendations, please go through our buyer’s guide to know exactly what to look for when investing in corner microwaves!
Buyer’s Guide For The Best Corner Microwaves
This buyer’s guide is divided into four sections. Each section discusses an important feature or aspect that your microwave must have to be worthy of a corner in your kitchen.
Here is what to keep in mind when shopping for a corner microwave:
- Shape and size
- Wattage
- Additional features
- Pricing
Shape and Size
People who purchase corner microwaves tend to look for two things: value and dimensions.
Let’s face it, most people have limited counter space and you need to use it very wisely so that you can make room for other kitchen appliances and general tasks.
Compact microwaves help by being smaller but if you want them to have an even smaller footprint then we recommend going with a rounded-back microwave.
This shape isn’t as classical as the rectangular box design but it can save you a lot of counter space! It’s designed to be taller and deeper instead of being wider. So, you can still fit a large plate with ease.
You can make popcorn, cook dinner, and carry out all the typical microwave tasks without compromising on anything!
However, the rounded-back design may seem a bit outdated and could also stick out in the kitchen. If you want something classic and elegant then a compact countertop microwave will do just fine as well!
Wattage
More power means quicker cooking times, but it can also come at the expense of taking up more space.
Remember, high-output microwaves are usually larger due to their relatively bigger cooking chamber and larger magnetron.
But luckily, you can also find some no-frill microwaves that take away all the gimmicky features and focus solely on the wattage and size of the microwave. Smaller microwaves can hover around 700W but can also go up to 1500W of power.
These microwaves are designed to cut down the heating time by half when compared to low-powered microwaves.
But of course, 1500W microwaves can also cost more. We recommend sticking with either a base 700W microwave or something around the 1000W range for the best results while still getting a more compact machine.
Additional Features
Having additional features is a very nice value-add for corner microwaves.
Additional features can be a soft-close door, thicker chassis, intuitive user interface, smart sensors, or multiple cooking modes.
Some of these features are only reserved for the more expensive models but, fortunately, some manufacturers focus on bringing not just efficiency but also convenience for their customers.
For example, consumer data shows that having a soft-close door that doesn’t make a loud thud when closing the microwave is preferred over other gimmicky features.
Similarly, other people might appreciate a mute function on the microwave that can instantly turn off all the annoying beeps and dings on the microwave. This particular feature can be especially attractive to people who live in shared spaces.
While you shouldn’t hope to get all of these features in one relatively cheaper machine, you should ideally aim to get at least one or two additional features with your purchase.
You’ll probably want to avoid gimmicky features like advanced presets or AI controls that have very limited utility. Instead, try to focus on convenience features that can be useful to you over the lifetime of the machine.
Pricing
Pricing is the biggest determinant here. Even if your microwave ticks all the boxes in our buyer’s guide, it still needs to be priced correctly to be worthy.
Most small (and efficient) microwaves start at around $200 but can go up to $500. Anything above $150 is usually considered to be a mid-range microwave.
You need to make sure that you purchase a machine that fits your needs! Never go for added gimmicky features and unnecessarily expensive models. Always choose value over pricing when it comes to microwaves.
We recommend staying between the $200 and $500 range for the best value. Filter your purchase decision through the above points and then match the features to your needs.
Pro Tip: If you do end up choosing a more expensive microwave model, please double-check the brand warranty, coverage, and reviews of the product before investing in it!
9 Best Corner Microwaves
Here are some of the best corner and countertop microwaves on the market:
| Rank | Product | Best Feature | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave | 1.2 cu ft with removable turntable | Read review |
| 2 | BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave With Air Fry | Microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and convection | Read review |
| 3 | COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave | Budget price with mute and ECO modes | Read review |
| 4 | GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven | Convection, air fry, and broil in one | Read review |
| 5 | Toshiba ML-EM34P Smart Countertop Microwave | Alexa voice control and sensor reheat | Read review |
| 6 | Toshiba ML-EM45PIT Inverter Microwave | 1.6 cu ft large capacity with inverter power | Read review |
| 7 | Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave | Soft close door in a compact body | Read review |
| 8 | Sharp R1514TY Over-the-Range Microwave | Space-saving over-the-range design | Read review |
| 9 | Panasonic NN-SN686S Countertop Microwave | Inverter heating for even results | Read review |
These models have been handpicked using our buyer’s guide above and are also well-reviewed. We recommend checking out each option to make a more informed purchase decision.
1. Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave (Best Overall)
This Toshiba is the one I reach for first when someone asks me for a corner-friendly microwave. The stainless body tucks neatly against a wall, and the 1.2 cubic foot interior with its 12.4 inch removable turntable takes a full dinner plate without any fuss.
With 1000 watts of output power, it reheats quickly and evenly. In my kitchen it has handled leftovers, frozen vegetables, and popcorn without the hot-and-cold patches I expect from cheaper models.
The turntable lifts out for easy cleaning, which I appreciate after a messy sauce night. For most kitchens, this is the easiest pick on this list to recommend.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven With Air Fry (Best Multi-Function)
If you want one box that does nearly everything, this BLACK+DECKER earns its counter space. It microwaves, air fries, bakes, roasts, and runs convection cooking, all in a 0.9 cubic foot footprint.
After a few weeks on my counter, the air fry mode became the setting I used most. Crispy results without dragging out a separate appliance is a real win in a small kitchen.
It is a smart pick for corner setups where every inch matters and a second oven simply will not fit.
3. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave (Best Budget)
This little COMFEE’ proves a corner microwave does not need to cost much to be useful. Easy one-touch buttons cover the everyday basics, and an ECO mode trims standby power use.
My favorite small touch is the sound on and off option, so a late-night snack run does not wake the whole house.
There is also a two-step child lock, which makes it an easy recommendation for busy family kitchens on a budget.
4. GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven (Best Convection Combo)
GE packs a lot into this 1.0 cubic foot unit. It is a 1050 watt convection microwave that also air fries and broils, so it covers most of what I would normally fire up the big oven for.
The broil setting is the sleeper feature here. It browns the top of a casserole that a normal microwave would leave pale, and the air fry mode crisps without much babysitting.
If you want true oven-style results in a corner footprint, this is the GE I would pick.
5. Toshiba ML-EM34P Smart Countertop Microwave (Best Smart Features)
This 1.3 cubic foot Toshiba works with Alexa and comes with a remote control, which sounds like a gimmick until your hands are full and dinner still needs reheating.
Sensor reheat takes the guesswork out of leftovers, and the 1100 watts of power keep things moving. The 12.4 inch turntable handles larger plates than I expected.
A mute function, ECO mode, and a two-step child lock round it out. It is the one I point tech-loving friends toward.
6. Toshiba ML-EM45PIT Inverter Microwave (Best Large Capacity)
This is the roomy one. With a 1.6 cubic foot interior and a 13.6 inch removable turntable, it takes the big casserole dishes the rest of this list cannot.
The 1250 watt inverter design delivers steady power instead of pulsing on and off, and in my experience the smart sensor and auto defrost have been gentle on delicate leftovers.
The black stainless finish looks sharp in a corner setup, and the capacity makes it my pick for bigger households.
7. Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave (Best Premium Compact)
This is a cute and very compact microwave that can fit in any corner with ease.
If you are looking for a balance between style, function, and power then this is the microwave to purchase! It has an impressive 900W output, and with a footprint of just 0.9 cubit foot, this compact oven will easily cook or heat your favorite food within seconds!
The interface consists of an array of simple input buttons, presets, and a tactile knob. You also get a pull door with an elegantly designed vertical handle that also has a silver finish.
8. Sharp R1514TY Over-the-Range Microwave (Best Over-the-Range)
Here’s another fantastic over-the-range microwave that is designed to be a statement piece.
This microwave is specially built to conserve counter space while providing function and efficiency. It has a very attractive silver color on the front that can help it blend in with the rest of the kitchen.
The microwave uses a 1000W magnetron to heat food along with 11 smart presets that work in the same way as some of the other “sensor-based” ovens mentioned above.
9. Panasonic NN-SN686S Countertop Microwave (Best Inverter)
Say hello to the future of microwaves.
The Panasonic Stainless Steel Microwave is made with futuristic design elements. It has a very attractive front interface that uses pressure-sensitive controls.
With a 1200W output rating, you can easily heat food without adding to your electricity bill, thanks to the addition of its inverter technology!
This microwave has a small footprint of just 1.2 cubic feet. And given its affordable pricing, we think that this is an excellent corner microwave for everyone!
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Corner Microwave FAQ
What size microwave fits best in a corner?
Models between 0.7 and 1.2 cubic feet hit the sweet spot, deep enough for a dinner plate but shallow enough that the door clears cabinets when angled into a corner. Measure the diagonal of your counter corner before buying.
Are corner microwaves lower powered?
Not necessarily. My top Toshiba pick runs 1,100 watts, which reheats as fast as most full size units. If you do want something gentler for a small kitchen or dorm, see my picks for the best low wattage microwaves.
Can I get a corner microwave that air fries too?
Yes, combination units exist and two of my picks here have convection modes. For dedicated dual purpose machines, my roundup of the best air fryer microwave combos covers the strongest options.
