Have you ever stood in front of a microwave, staring blankly at the buttons, wondering if your food will actually get hot? It’s a common kitchen dilemma! Choosing the right countertop microwave shouldn’t feel like rocket science, but with so many models available, it can be confusing.
Finding the perfect microwave is important for easy cooking. You want one that heats food quickly and evenly. The wrong choice can lead to burnt popcorn, unevenly heated leftovers, and a lot of wasted time and food. The pain points of selecting a microwave can be the size, power, features, and price. They all seem important, right?
This blog post is here to help! We’ll break down everything you need to know to pick the best rated countertop microwave for your needs. You’ll learn about important features, understand different power levels, and discover how to compare models. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a microwave that makes cooking easier.
So, let’s get started and find the perfect microwave for you!
Our Top 5 Rated Countertop Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Countertop Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS countertop microwave is a black, stylish appliance for your kitchen. It has a 1.2 cubic feet capacity, perfect for cooking meals. It also includes a 12.4-inch removable turntable. The microwave has a smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus. You can even mute the beeping sound! It has an easy-to-clean interior and an ECO mode for saving energy. With 1000W of power, this microwave can handle many cooking tasks. The microwave comes with a 1-year warranty.
What We Like:
- Pre-programmed sensor menus make cooking easy.
- The large interior fits a 12-inch pizza.
- The mute function is great for quiet cooking.
- The control panel is easy to read and use.
- The black color looks stylish in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The protective film on the keypad needs to be removed before first use.
- You need to keep the packaging for the warranty.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a good choice for anyone who needs a reliable and easy-to-use microwave. It has many helpful features for everyday cooking needs.
2. GE Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
The GE Countertop Microwave Oven is a great kitchen helper. It has a 1,200-watt capacity and is 2.0 cubic feet. This microwave is perfect for countertops, dorm rooms, or apartments. It has eight auto-cooking settings and child-lock technology. It is made of stainless steel.
What We Like:
- The child lock keeps kids safe.
- It is powerful, but still fits in small spaces.
- A glass turntable rotates food for even cooking.
- Sensor cooking controls make cooking easy.
- You can defrost food by weight or time.
- The controls are easy to use with one-touch options.
- There is a kitchen timer and cooking complete alarms.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might find the controls a little confusing.
- The stainless steel can show fingerprints.
This GE microwave is a good choice for anyone who needs a reliable appliance. It offers many features to make cooking easier and safer.
3. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 9.1/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave. It is made for families. This microwave has a 2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity. It has 1200W of power. It can easily fit a 16-inch pizza. It can also fit a whole chicken. It also has lots of features to make cooking easy.
What We Like:
- The large capacity is great for big meals.
- The smart sensor helps cook food evenly.
- It has 6 auto menus for common foods.
- The auto-defrost function works well.
- It is easy to use with helpful features like ECO mode and a mute option.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the control panel buttons a little confusing.
- The stainless steel finish may show fingerprints easily.
Overall, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a good microwave. It has many useful features and a large capacity. This makes it a great choice for families who cook often.
4. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts
Rating: 9.4/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave is a great kitchen helper. It has 1000 watts of power. It is 1.1 cu ft, perfect for small spaces like apartments and dorms. This microwave has LED lighting and a child lock. It is made with easy-clean stainless steel.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly with 10 power levels.
- You can cook with six one-touch options.
- It has a timer and a clock.
- It has a child safety lock.
- It has easy-to-use express cooking features.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a larger size.
This Farberware microwave is a good choice for anyone who wants a simple and effective microwave. It is especially good for people in small spaces.
5. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 8.8/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven is a great kitchen appliance. It’s a medium-sized microwave with a 1.1 cubic feet capacity. This black microwave delivers 1000 watts of power. It has a stylish design with a gray interior and white LED display. The microwave also includes a 12.4″ carousel turntable. It makes sure food cooks evenly. It is packed with features to make cooking easier.
What We Like:
- The new gray interior looks nice.
- The LED display is easy to read.
- The 12.4″ turntable ensures food cooks well.
- You can choose from 10 power levels.
- The “+30 seconds” key is helpful for quick cooking.
- The “Express Cook” feature is fast.
- Auto Cook settings are included for common foods.
- Weight and Time Defrost options are available.
What Could Be Improved:
- The black exterior might show fingerprints easily.
- Some users may prefer a larger capacity.
This SHARP microwave is a solid choice for most kitchens. It offers many helpful features for easy cooking. You can easily heat up your food with this microwave.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Rated Countertop Microwaves
Choosing a new microwave can be tricky. This guide will help you pick the best rated countertop microwave for your kitchen. We’ll cover important things to look for before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
You want a microwave that does what you need. Here are some key features to consider:
- Power: Microwaves have different power levels, measured in watts. More watts mean faster cooking. Look for at least 700 watts for basic needs. More watts are better for speed.
- Size: Think about your counter space. Measure where the microwave will go. Microwaves come in different sizes. A small one is great for apartments. A larger one fits bigger dishes.
- Pre-set Programs: Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, reheating, and other common foods. These programs make cooking easier.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a rotating turntable. It helps food cook evenly. Make sure the turntable is removable for cleaning.
- Control Panel: Look for easy-to-use buttons or a dial. Touchpad controls are common. Make sure the numbers are easy to see.
- Defrost Function: This setting thaws frozen food gently. It prevents the food from cooking unevenly.
- Sensor Cooking: Some microwaves have sensors. They adjust cooking time automatically. This is useful for foods like vegetables.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and safety:
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or painted metal exterior. Stainless steel is usually more expensive. It can look stylish. Painted metal is more common and affordable.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel is easier to clean. Painted metal is less expensive.
- Door: The door has a glass window. You can see your food cooking. Make sure the glass is strong and durable.
- Turntable: Turntables are usually made of glass. They need to be strong enough to hold heavy dishes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave good, and some can make it not so good:
- Build Quality: Check the overall construction. A well-built microwave will last longer. Look for sturdy doors and solid construction.
- Brand Reputation: Read reviews of different brands. Some brands are known for quality. Others may have more issues.
- Warranty: A longer warranty means the manufacturer trusts their product. Look for a warranty of at least one year.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave is easy to clean if it has smooth surfaces. Removable turntables are important.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. Read reviews to find out how noisy a microwave is.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your microwave? Think about it!
- Reheating Leftovers: Microwaves are great for reheating food. They are quick and easy.
- Cooking Frozen Meals: Many people use microwaves to cook frozen dinners. Check the instructions on the packaging.
- Making Popcorn: Microwaves are perfect for making popcorn. Use the popcorn button for the best results.
- Defrosting Food: The defrost function is very helpful. It thaws food safely and quickly.
- Simple Cooking: You can cook vegetables, steam fish, and more. Microwaves are good for simple meals.
Rated Countertop Microwave FAQs
Q: What size microwave do I need?
A: Measure your counter space. Consider the size of dishes you will use.
Q: How many watts should my microwave have?
A: At least 700 watts are good. More watts mean faster cooking.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking adjusts cooking time automatically. It is helpful for certain foods.
Q: Is stainless steel better than painted metal?
A: Stainless steel is often more durable and easier to clean. It can be more expensive.
Q: Are pre-set programs important?
A: Yes, they make cooking easier. They have settings for popcorn and other foods.
Q: How do I clean a microwave?
A: Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Remove the turntable for cleaning.
Q: What is a turntable for?
A: It rotates the food. This helps food cook evenly.
Q: What is the defrost function?
A: It thaws frozen food. It does this gently.
Q: What kind of warranty should I look for?
A: Look for a warranty of at least one year.
Q: Where can I find reviews of microwaves?
A: You can find reviews online. Check websites like Amazon or Best Buy.
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!