Ever burned popcorn in the microwave? We’ve all been there! A good microwave is a kitchen essential. But with so many countertop microwave models on the market, how do you choose the best one? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by confusing features and conflicting reviews.
Picking the wrong microwave can lead to uneven cooking, annoying noise, and a lot of frustration. You might end up with a microwave that’s too small, too complicated, or just doesn’t heat your food properly. This is where Consumer Reports can help! They test many products, and a microwave is no exception.
In this post, we’ll dive into the world of countertop microwaves. You’ll discover the most important features to consider and learn how Consumer Reports evaluates them. We’ll also share tips on what to look for to get the best value for your money. Get ready to become a microwave expert and find the perfect one for your needs!
Our Top 5 Countertop Microwave Consumer Reports Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Countertop Microwave Consumer Reports Detailed Reviews
1. GE Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.5/10
The GE Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse. It’s a 1,200-watt microwave with a 2.0 cubic foot capacity. This stainless steel microwave has 8 auto settings. It also includes a child-lock for safety. This microwave is perfect for your kitchen, dorm, or apartment.
What We Like:
- The child lock keeps kids safe.
- It has plenty of power for cooking.
- The glass turntable cooks food evenly.
- Sensor controls automatically adjust cooking time.
- It defrosts food based on weight or time.
- You can quickly cook with the one-touch controls.
- The kitchen timer and cooking alarms are helpful.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the stainless steel finish shows fingerprints.
This GE microwave is a good choice for anyone who needs a reliable appliance. It offers great features and is easy to use.
2. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor
Rating: 8.8/10
The Panasonic NN-SN686S is a stainless steel microwave designed for your kitchen. It can be used on your countertop or built into your cabinets. This microwave has 1200 watts of power and a 1.2 cubic foot capacity. It uses Inverter Technology to cook food evenly. It also has a Genius Sensor that automatically adjusts cooking times. This helps you cook your food perfectly. The microwave has many features for ease of use.
What We Like:
- Inverter Technology provides even cooking.
- The Genius Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- Turbo Defrost quickly thaws frozen food.
- It has a Keep Warm feature to keep food ready to serve.
- There are 14 preset menu items for convenience.
- It has a child safety lock.
- The stainless steel design looks modern and stylish.
What Could Be Improved:
- The controls might take a little time to learn.
In conclusion, the Panasonic NN-SN686S is a great microwave. It has many features that make cooking easy. It is a good choice for any kitchen.
3. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 9.4/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave. It has many features to make cooking easier. This stainless steel microwave is perfect for big families. It has a smart sensor and many pre-set menus. It also has an auto-defrost function and an ECO mode to save energy. You can even turn off the beeping sound!
What We Like:
- The large 2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity is great for big meals. It fits a 16-inch pizza!
- The smart humidity sensor cooks food evenly. Your food will taste great!
- Six auto menus make cooking simple. You can cook bacon or reheat muffins easily.
- The auto-defrost function quickly defrosts food. It works well with meat and fish.
- It is easy to use with features like one-pound defrost and ECO mode.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the controls too basic.
- The stainless steel finish could show fingerprints easily.
This Toshiba microwave is a good choice for most kitchens. It’s perfect for busy families who need a reliable microwave.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse! It’s a 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000-watt microwave with many helpful features. It boasts 10 power levels and six one-touch cooking presets. You can make popcorn, pizza, or reheat leftovers quickly. It also has a child safety lock and a mute button. This black microwave will look good in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Quick Cooking: You can cook food quickly with the presets or the express cook function.
- Lots of Power: It has 10 power levels, so you can cook anything.
- Easy to Use: The digital controls are easy to understand and use.
- Memory Function: Save your favorite settings for later.
- Safety Features: The child safety lock keeps kids safe, and the mute button is great.
- Stylish Design: The sleek black design looks good in any kitchen.
- Easy to Clean: The microwave is easy to wipe clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- None at this time.
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use microwave. It’s packed with features and designed to make cooking simple.
5. SAMSUNG 1.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave with Sensor Cooking
Rating: 9.5/10
The SAMSUNG 1.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, model MS19DG8500MTAA, is a great kitchen appliance. It has a sleek matte black stainless steel design. It offers many features to make cooking easy. This microwave uses sensor cooking. It automatically adjusts the cooking time. It also has a large capacity. This lets you heat up a lot of food at once. The ceramic interior makes cleaning simple. It also comes with preset cooking options. This microwave can be installed in a wall or cabinet with a separate trim kit.
What We Like:
- The sensor cooking feature is very helpful. It takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- The large 1.9 cu. ft. capacity is great for families. You can cook bigger meals.
- The ceramic interior is easy to clean. It is also scratch-resistant.
- There are many preset cooking options. This makes cooking convenient.
- The optional trim kit gives you installation flexibility.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the price to be a bit high.
- The matte black finish may show fingerprints easily.
Overall, the SAMSUNG MS19DG8500MTAA is a good microwave. It is full of useful features. This is a great option for anyone looking for a new microwave.
Countertop Microwave Consumer Reports: Your Guide to Zapping Success!
Finding the best countertop microwave can be tricky. This guide helps you find the perfect one. We’ll cover the key features, materials, quality factors, and how to use your new microwave.
Key Features to Look For
You want a microwave that does the job well! Here are some important features:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 700 watts, but 1000+ watts is better.
- Size: Think about where you’ll put it. Measure your countertop space. Microwaves come in different sizes, from small to extra-large.
- Pre-set Programs: Many microwaves have pre-set buttons for popcorn, pizza, or other foods. This makes cooking easier.
- Turntable: This rotating plate ensures your food cooks evenly. Make sure the turntable is removable for cleaning.
- Control Panel: Choose a control panel that is easy to read and use. You can find microwaves with buttons or touchscreens.
- Defrost Function: This feature helps thaw frozen food gently. This is helpful for meal prep.
Important Materials
Microwaves use different materials. Knowing these will help you choose a good one.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel is more durable and easier to clean. Painted metal is often cheaper.
- Exterior: The outside can be stainless steel, plastic, or a mix. Stainless steel looks sleek. Plastic is lighter and more affordable.
- Door: The door has a glass window. This lets you see your food. The door frame is often made of plastic or metal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality matters! Some things make a microwave good. Others make it not so good.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable microwaves. Check online reviews to see what other people say.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave lasts longer. Look for sturdy construction and a good door seal.
- Ease of Cleaning: Choose a microwave that is easy to clean. A smooth interior and removable turntable are helpful.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be loud. Read reviews to see if the microwave is noisy.
- Power Cord Length: Make sure the power cord is long enough to reach an outlet.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your microwave.
- Heating Leftovers: Microwaves are great for reheating food. They are fast and convenient.
- Cooking Simple Meals: You can cook frozen meals, popcorn, and other quick dishes.
- Defrosting Food: Use the defrost function to thaw meat or vegetables.
- Space Saving: Countertop microwaves are good for small kitchens. They don’t take up much space.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly microwave is important. Look for clear instructions and easy-to-use controls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about countertop microwaves:
Q: What size microwave do I need?
A: Measure your countertop space. Consider how much food you usually cook. Small microwaves are good for singles. Larger ones are better for families.
Q: How do I clean my microwave?
A: Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Remove and wash the turntable. Some microwaves have a steam cleaning function.
Q: Is a higher wattage microwave better?
A: Yes, higher wattage usually means faster cooking. However, it also uses more power.
Q: What is a turntable for?
A: The turntable rotates the food. This helps it cook evenly.
Q: Are there any safety tips for using a microwave?
A: Yes! Never put metal in the microwave. Don’t operate it empty. Always follow the instructions.
Q: What is the best brand of microwave?
A: There is no single “best” brand. Read reviews. Find a brand that is reliable and has good customer service.
Q: How long should a microwave last?
A: A good microwave can last 5-10 years with proper care.
Q: Can I cook everything in a microwave?
A: No, not everything. You can’t fry or bake in a microwave. It’s best for reheating and cooking quick items.
Q: How do I know if my microwave is safe?
A: Check for any damage. Listen for unusual noises. If the microwave is sparking or smoking, unplug it immediately.
Q: What’s the difference between a countertop and an over-the-range microwave?
A: Countertop microwaves sit on your counter. Over-the-range microwaves are installed above your stove. Over-the-range microwaves often have a vent.
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!