Imagine this: you’re starving, and all you want is a quick, hot meal. But your old microwave is tiny, or maybe it’s just… gone. That’s where the humble tabletop microwave comes in, a kitchen hero ready to heat up leftovers, pop popcorn, and warm your soup in a flash. But with so many different sizes, power levels, and fancy features, how do you pick the perfect one for *your* kitchen?
Choosing a tabletop microwave can feel like a big decision. You don’t want one that’s too big for your counter, or too small to fit your favorite dinner plate. Maybe you’re confused by watts and presets, or you just want something that looks good and works great. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices out there.
That’s why we’re here! This post will break down everything you need to know about tabletop microwaves. We’ll help you understand the important stuff, like how much power you really need and what sizes will work best. By the end, you’ll feel confident about finding a microwave that fits your space, your budget, and your hunger pangs.
Our Top 5 Tabletop Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Tabletop Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven! It’s a compact, 0.7 cubic foot powerhouse that’s perfect for kitchens of all sizes. This sleek stainless steel appliance makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its user-friendly design and helpful features.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates. This makes cooking super easy!
- The 700-watt power with 10 different settings lets you cook exactly how you want.
- You can quickly cook food with the 30-second express cooking button.
- The large LED display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to use.
- A child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable 10-inch glass turntable spins your food for even heating.
- The push-button door release opens the door easily.
- It comes with a clock and kitchen timer.
- The dimensions (17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”) are great for smaller spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a bit less powerful for very tough cooking jobs compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. It offers great convenience for daily cooking tasks.
2. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.6/10
Need a microwave that fits your small space but still gets the job done? The Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, 0.7 Cu. Ft. is here to help. It’s designed to be your go-to for quick meals, whether you’re in a dorm, apartment, or just need a handy addition to your kitchen. With its sleek stainless steel finish, it looks good and is easy to keep clean.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful with 700 watts of cooking power.
- You get lots of cooking options with ten power levels and multi-stage cooking.
- Six one-touch settings like popcorn and potato make cooking super easy.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small kitchens.
- The LED lighting inside helps you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
- The LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- It’s easy to wipe down the inside and outside.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find 700 watts a bit less powerful than larger microwaves for certain dishes.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger families or if you often cook big meals.
This Farberware microwave is a great, practical choice for anyone needing a compact and user-friendly appliance. It offers convenience and essential features without taking up too much space.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of bulky microwaves taking up precious counter space? The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a compact powerhouse designed for modern living. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, and at 0.9 cubic feet, it’s the ideal size for apartments, dorm rooms, or even as a secondary microwave. It heats food quickly with its 900-watt cooking power and features a generous 10.6-inch turntable that easily fits most standard dishes.
What We Like:
- The 6 preset menus make cooking popular items like popcorn and potatoes super easy with just one touch.
- You can adjust the cooking power with 11 different levels, giving you lots of control for different foods.
- The mute function is a lifesaver for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks – no more loud beeping!
- Safety is important, and the two-step child lock provides peace of mind.
- The internal LED lighting makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
- Defrosting is a breeze, whether you choose to do it by weight or by time.
- The “one-touch start” feature lets you quickly start cooking for 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions, while compact, might still be a bit large for extremely tiny spaces.
- While the preset menus are helpful, some users might want even more specialized options.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance without the bulk. It simplifies everyday cooking and adds a touch of convenience to your kitchen.
4. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.3/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a great little appliance for your kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, fitting nicely on your countertop. This microwave makes cooking and reheating food super simple with its one-touch buttons. Plus, it has some cool features like a mute function and an ECO mode to save energy.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you use the microwave without annoying beeping sounds.
- ECO Mode cuts standby power by half, saving energy and money.
- Easy one-touch buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more make cooking quick.
- Express cooking lets you heat food for 1 to 6 minutes with a simple button press.
- It has two defrost settings, by weight or by time, for convenience.
- The bright digital display and clear control panel are easy to read.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The 10-inch glass turntable spins your food for even heating.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has a mute function, the overall operation might still have some subtle sounds.
This COMFEE microwave offers a good mix of convenience and smart features. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a straightforward and efficient countertop microwave.
5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a stylish and powerful countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its sleek silver finish and large capacity make it a great addition to any kitchen. This microwave is packed with smart features that simplify meal prep.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor and 12 pre-programmed auto menus take the guesswork out of heating common foods like pizza and potatoes. Just select the food, and the microwave does the rest for perfect results.
- It boasts a generous 1.2 cubic feet of interior space, easily fitting a 12-inch pizza. The 12.4-inch removable turntable ensures even cooking for larger dishes.
- With 1100 watts of power and 10 different power settings, you have great control over cooking.
- The Mute Function is a lifesaver for quiet kitchens. Simply press and hold the “8” button to turn off the beeping sounds.
- An ECO mode helps save energy, and the easy-clean interior makes wiping up messes simple.
- The large digital display and straightforward control panel are very user-friendly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel comes with a protective film that needs to be peeled off before use, which might be a small inconvenience for some.
This Toshiba microwave offers a great blend of performance, convenience, and modern style, making it a solid choice for busy households.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Tabletop Microwave
Why a Tabletop Microwave?
Tabletop microwaves are super handy for quick meals and snacks. They fit easily on your counter and are perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices. You can reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, or even cook simple meals. They offer convenience without taking up too much space.
1. Key Features to Look For
Power (Wattage)
Microwave power is measured in watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most tabletop microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For everyday reheating and cooking, 900-1000 watts is a good sweet spot. If you plan to cook more often, aim for 1100 watts or higher.
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Capacity tells you how much food can fit inside. It’s measured in cubic feet. Small microwaves are around 0.7 cubic feet, good for single servings. Medium ones are about 1.0-1.5 cubic feet, fitting a dinner plate. Larger ones are 1.6 cubic feet or more, suitable for bigger dishes or small families.
Cooking Presets and Functions
Many microwaves come with special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. Some also have defrost settings that let you thaw frozen food by weight or time. Sensor cooking is another great feature. It automatically adjusts cooking time based on the food’s steam.
Turntable Size
A good turntable makes sure your food cooks evenly. Check if the turntable is big enough for the dishes you usually use. Most standard dinner plates fit on turntables that are 10 to 12 inches across.
Ease of Use and Controls
Look for a microwave with clear buttons and a simple control panel. Digital displays are easy to read. Some microwaves have touch controls, while others have knobs. Think about what you find easiest to use.
2. Important Materials
Exterior Casing
Most tabletop microwaves have a stainless steel or painted metal exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Painted metal is also strong and comes in various colors. Both are easy to clean.
Interior Cavity
The inside of the microwave is usually coated with a material that’s easy to wipe down. Common options are painted steel or ceramic enamel. Ceramic enamel is very durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean.
Door and Window
The door has a glass window so you can see your food cooking. The glass is usually tempered for safety. The door handle should feel sturdy.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should have a good feel. Higher-quality microwaves often use better materials and have more advanced features.
Even Cooking
Good microwaves cook food evenly. This is thanks to a strong turntable and good heat distribution. Cheaper models might have hot spots where food cooks faster.
Noise Level
Some microwaves can be quite noisy when they run. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how loud the microwave is.
Durability
A durable microwave will last for many years. Materials like stainless steel and ceramic enamel interiors tend to be more durable. Read reviews to see how well the microwave holds up over time.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Simple Reheating
For busy students or office workers, a tabletop microwave is perfect for quickly reheating lunch or dinner. Just pop your plate in, press a button, and your meal is ready in minutes.
Snack Making
Craving popcorn? Need to melt some butter? Tabletop microwaves make snack preparation a breeze. Many have dedicated popcorn buttons for that perfect bag.
Small Kitchen Solutions
If you have limited counter space, a compact tabletop microwave is a lifesaver. It provides all the functionality you need without cluttering your kitchen.
Dorm Room Essential
For college students, a tabletop microwave is a must-have. It allows for easy meal prep and late-night snacking in the dorm room.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a tabletop microwave?
A: For most users, 900-1000 watts is ideal for fast and even cooking. If you cook often, consider 1100 watts or more.
Q: How do I choose the right size?
A: Consider how much space you have and what you’ll be cooking. Small (under 1.0 cu ft) is good for one person, while medium (1.0-1.5 cu ft) fits larger dishes.
Q: Are preset buttons really useful?
A: Yes, preset buttons can be very helpful. They take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn or potatoes, ensuring better results.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” mean?
A: Sensor cooking uses humidity sensors to detect how much steam your food is giving off. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for optimal results.
Q: Is stainless steel better than painted metal for the exterior?
A: Stainless steel is generally more durable and looks sleeker. Painted metal is also strong and often more affordable.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most interiors can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For stubborn spots, a baking soda paste can be effective. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Q: Can I put metal containers in the microwave?
A: No, never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance. Always use microwave-safe dishes.
Q: What is a “carousel” or “turntable” system?
A: It’s a rotating glass plate inside the microwave that spins your food. This ensures that your food cooks evenly on all sides.
Q: How much space do I need around the microwave?
A: Always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, you need a few inches of space around the sides, back, and top for proper ventilation.
Q: What are the benefits of a convection microwave?
A: Convection microwaves have a fan that circulates hot air, allowing you to bake, roast, and broil in addition to microwaving. This offers more cooking versatility.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!