Imagine a kitchen where every inch counts. You love the convenience of a microwave, but it always seems to hog precious counter space, making your kitchen feel cramped. Or maybe you have sleek, low cabinets that a standard microwave just won’t fit under. You’re not alone in this kitchen dilemma!
Choosing a low profile countertop microwave can feel like a treasure hunt with a hidden map. You want something that heats your food quickly and efficiently, but also looks good and, most importantly, *fits*. The struggle is real when you’re trying to balance style, function, and those tricky measurements. Many models look great online, but do they truly solve your space-saving needs?
This guide is here to be your compass. We’ll explore the ins and outs of finding the perfect low profile microwave that will transform your kitchen. You’ll learn what to look for, understand the key features that matter, and discover how to pick a model that’s not just a microwave, but a smart addition to your cooking space. Get ready to reclaim your counter and enjoy effortless reheating!
Our Top 5 Low Profile Countertop Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Low Profile Countertop Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave
Rating: 8.7/10
The GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave is a great choice for your kitchen. It offers a good amount of space and power for most of your microwaving needs. Plus, it looks really nice on your counter or can even be built into your cabinetry with its matching trim kit.
What We Like:
- It has a decent 1.1 cubic feet of space inside, so you can fit most plates and bowls.
- The 800 watts of power heats your food up quickly.
- The turntable makes sure your food cooks evenly.
- It has a sleek stainless steel finish that looks modern.
- You can build it into your cabinets using a special trim kit for a built-in look.
- The inside dimensions are 17-3/8 inches wide, 9 inches high, and 12-1/4 inches deep, giving you a good idea of what fits.
What Could Be Improved:
- 800 watts of power is good, but some might want a bit more for faster cooking.
- While it’s built-in capable, the trim kit is sold separately, which is an extra cost.
This microwave is a solid performer for everyday tasks. It offers a good balance of features and style for most kitchens.
2. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 10.6″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.4/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven is a sleek and powerful addition to any kitchen. It offers a good amount of space for its size and heats food quickly and evenly. The stainless steel finish looks great on any counter.
What We Like:
- It has a full-sized 0.9 cubic feet capacity, which is great for a family or for heating larger meals.
- The 900 watts of power means your food cooks fast.
- The new gray interior and LED lighting make it easy to see your food while it’s cooking.
- The 10.6-inch carousel turntable ensures your food is heated evenly all around.
- You get 10 power levels and a 2-stage cooking option for more control.
- The “+30 seconds” key is super handy for quick reheating.
- Auto Cook and Express Cook features make preparing popular foods simple.
- Weight and Time Defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing frozen items.
- The white LED display is bright and easy to read.
- It comes with a stylish stainless steel design.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a good capacity, some might find 0.9 cubic feet a bit small for very large dishes.
- The user interface, while functional, could be more intuitive for some advanced settings.
This SHARP microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient countertop oven. Its combination of power, features, and style makes it a great value.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a 0.7 cu. ft. powerhouse that brings convenience to your kitchen. This black microwave, boasting 700 watts of power, is designed for quick meals and snacks. It features 10 power levels and 6 handy cooking presets for effortless meal prep. Plus, its sleek design and smart features like Eco Mode and a Mute Button make it a practical addition to any home.
What We Like:
- It cooks food super fast. You can choose from six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, or veggies. Or, just press the numbers for minutes.
- It has 10 different power levels. This lets you melt butter or cook food quickly.
- The digital controls are easy to use. You can set the time and power level. The +30 seconds button is great for extra time.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings with the memory function. This makes starting your usual meals a one-touch job.
- A child safety lock keeps the door shut tight. You can also lock the control panel so no one changes settings by accident.
- You can turn off the beeping sounds with the mute option. This is perfect for quiet mornings or not waking up kids.
- Its modern, compact design looks good in any kitchen. The black finish matches most décor. Eco Mode helps save power.
- Cleaning is simple. The exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is even dishwasher safe.
- Chefman offers trusted quality and a 1-year warranty. It’s cETL approved for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size might be a bit small for very large dishes or multiple items at once.
This microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for everyday cooking. Its user-friendly features and thoughtful design make it a great value.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It’s not just a microwave; it also air fries, broils, and uses convection heat. This means you can cook a lot of different foods with just one appliance. It’s a great size for small kitchens or dorm rooms. The stainless steel finish looks nice on any countertop.
What We Like:
- Air Fry Mode: You can make your favorite foods crispy and healthier without using a lot of oil. It cooks food faster this way too.
- Convection Mode: This mode cooks food evenly and gives it a nice golden-brown color. A special rack helps air move around the food.
- Broil Mode: Get that grilled or seared effect right inside your microwave. It uses radiating heat to cook food perfectly.
- Preset Controls: Simple buttons for common foods like fries and nuggets make cooking easy and accurate.
- Compact Size: It’s small enough for dorm rooms, offices, or busy kitchens but still has 1,050 watts of power and 1.0 cubic feet of space.
- Child-Lock Technology: This feature helps keep little ones safe by preventing the microwave from turning on by accident.
- Glass Turntable: The turntable spins your food as it cooks, ensuring everything heats up evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial learning curve for all the different modes a little steep.
- While compact, the 1.0 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger families or extensive meal prepping.
This GE microwave oven packs a lot of cooking power into a small package. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for multiple cooking functions in one convenient appliance.
5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its sleek black design fits well in any kitchen. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently. The smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your meals are just right every time. Plus, it has an easy-to-clean interior, making post-meal cleanup simple.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor automatically adjusts cooking, so food is never overcooked or undercooked.
- It has 12 auto menus, including options for pizza and vegetables, making meal prep easy.
- The 10 power levels give you control for different cooking needs, from defrosting to boiling.
- The Mute Mode lets you turn off the buzzer, which is great for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- The ECO mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
- The large 12.4-inch removable turntable fits big plates and is easy to wash.
- One-touch start buttons let you quickly start cooking for 1-6 minutes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, only 6 are preset for specific foods.
- The external dimensions are a bit large, so measure your counter space carefully.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart and user-friendly appliance that simplifies your daily cooking tasks. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for convenience and consistent results.
Choosing the Perfect Low Profile Countertop Microwave: Your Guide to a Smarter Kitchen
A low profile countertop microwave is a great choice for kitchens with limited space. These microwaves are shorter than standard models. They fit easily under cabinets. This keeps your countertops clear. Let’s find the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a low profile microwave, keep these important features in mind.
Size and Dimensions
This is the most important feature. Measure the space where you want to put the microwave. Make sure the microwave’s height, width, and depth fit. Low profile models are typically under 15 inches tall.
Capacity
Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet. A smaller capacity (around 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet) is good for reheating. A larger capacity (1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet) can handle bigger meals. Think about what you will cook most often.
Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most low profile microwaves have between 700 and 1200 watts. For everyday use, 900 watts or more is usually good.
Cooking Presets
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking. Some also have sensor cooking. This feature adjusts cooking time and power automatically.
Turntable
A turntable rotates your food. This helps it cook evenly. Most low profile microwaves have a turntable. Some have a removable turntable for easy cleaning.
Control Panel
Look for a control panel that is easy to understand and use. Some have simple buttons. Others have touch screens. Buttons are usually easier for quick use.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Plastic is lighter and often less expensive.
- Interior: The inside is usually coated with enamel or a non-stick material. Enamel is easy to clean and resists scratches.
- Door: The door should have a sturdy handle. The window should be clear so you can see your food.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should close smoothly. The buttons should work without sticking.
- Brand Reputation: Trusted brands often make better quality appliances. They may also offer better warranties.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. Check reviews to see if a model is known for being quiet.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave that is easy to wipe down saves you time and effort. Removable turntables and smooth interior surfaces help.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave affects which features are most important.
- Small Kitchens: Low profile microwaves are ideal for small kitchens. They save valuable counter space.
- Apartments: Renters often need compact appliances. A low profile microwave fits well in apartment kitchens.
- Quick Meals: Reheating leftovers or making a quick snack is easy. Powerful microwaves cook food fast.
- Specific Cooking Needs: If you plan to cook specific items often, look for relevant presets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Low Profile Countertop Microwaves
Q: What makes a microwave “low profile”?
A: A low profile microwave is shorter than a standard microwave. It is designed to fit under kitchen cabinets without touching them.
Q: How do I measure the space for a low profile microwave?
A: Measure the height, width, and depth of the space. Make sure to check the clearance needed for the door to open.
Q: Are low profile microwaves less powerful than regular ones?
A: Not necessarily. Wattage varies by model. You can find powerful low profile microwaves.
Q: Can I still fit large plates in a low profile microwave?
A: It depends on the microwave’s capacity and turntable size. Check the dimensions carefully.
Q: Do low profile microwaves have convection cooking?
A: Some do, but it is less common. Convection cooking allows for baking and roasting. Most low profile models focus on microwave functions.
Q: How do I clean a low profile microwave?
A: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. The turntable is usually removable for easy washing.
Q: Are low profile microwaves good for families?
A: They can be, especially if counter space is limited. However, if you cook large meals often, you might need a larger capacity microwave.
Q: What is the average price of a low profile countertop microwave?
A: Prices can range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on features and brand.
Q: Should I buy a microwave with a digital or analog display?
A: Digital displays are more common and offer more precise time settings. Analog dials are simpler but less exact.
Q: How long do low profile countertop microwaves typically last?
A: With good care, most microwaves last between 7 and 10 years.
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!