Do you ever stare at your kitchen counter, wondering if there’s a better way to heat up leftovers or pop some popcorn? You’re not alone! Choosing a countertop microwave can feel like a mission, with so many brands, sizes, and features to consider. It’s easy to get lost in all the choices and end up with a microwave that’s too big, too small, or just doesn’t do what you need it to.
But what if finding the perfect microwave for your kitchen could be simple? In this post, we’re going to cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a great countertop microwave and help you understand the key things to look for. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have the knowledge to pick a microwave that fits your space, your cooking needs, and your budget. Let’s get started on finding your kitchen’s new best friend!
Our Top 5 Microwave Ovens Countertop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Ovens Countertop Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens, a powerful and smart kitchen helper. This microwave boasts a spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior, easily fitting a 12-inch pizza thanks to its 12.4-inch removable turntable. It features a smart humidity sensor that automatically adjusts cooking times for perfect results with popular foods like potatoes and vegetables. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently. Plus, its sleek black design and easy-to-use control panel make it a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- It has a large interior that fits big items like pizzas.
- The mute function is great for quiet kitchens.
- The ECO mode helps save energy.
- It has 12 auto menus for easy cooking of different foods.
- The turntable is removable for easy cleaning.
- It has a clean, modern black look.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel comes with a protective film that needs to be removed before use.
- The warranty requires keeping the original packaging for returns or service.
This Toshiba microwave offers excellent features and a user-friendly experience. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and smart countertop microwave.
2. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 9.1/10
Looking for a microwave that fits your busy life and your cozy space? The Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, 0.7 Cu. Ft. is here to help! This little powerhouse is designed for quick meals and easy cooking. Its compact size makes it ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or even your office kitchen. Plus, the sleek stainless steel finish looks great anywhere and is super easy to clean.
What We Like:
- It’s really convenient for making snacks and meals fast.
- The 700 watts of power heats food quickly.
- It has ten different power levels, so you can cook just right.
- You get six one-touch cooking options for things like popcorn and potatoes.
- Defrosting food by weight or time is a breeze.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces but still cooks like a bigger microwave.
- The LED lighting inside lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
- The LED display shows the time and a kitchen timer.
- Farberware is a trusted name in kitchen appliances.
What Could Be Improved:
- For larger families or bigger meals, a slightly larger capacity might be preferred.
- While it has many features, some advanced cooking functions might be missing for serious home chefs.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It makes everyday cooking simple and efficient.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet your new kitchen helper, the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven. This compact black microwave is packed with features to make cooking and reheating a breeze. It’s small enough to fit on any counter but powerful enough to handle all your daily needs.
What We Like:
- It cooks food super fast with six handy cooking presets like popcorn and pizza.
- You can pick from 10 different power levels, from melting butter to cooking meals quickly.
- The digital controls are simple to use.
- You can save your favorite cooking times for one-touch cooking.
- It has a child safety lock to keep little hands out.
- A mute button lets you turn off annoying beeps.
- The modern black design looks great in any kitchen.
- Eco Mode helps save energy and turns off the display.
- It’s easy to wipe clean, and the glass tray can go in the dishwasher.
- Chefman offers trusted quality and a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for very large dishes.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking features.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers great value and convenient features for everyday cooking.
4. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.2/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven in sleek black offers a perfect blend of style and functionality for your kitchen. Its medium 1.1 cubic feet size is ideal for most households, and the powerful 1000 watts ensure quick and efficient cooking. This microwave boasts a modern look with a new gray interior, a bright white LED display, and new LED interior lighting, making it easy to see your food as it cooks. Plus, the removable 12.4-inch carousel turntable guarantees evenly cooked meals every time.
What We Like:
- The 1000-watt power cooks food quickly.
- The 1.1 cubic feet capacity is a good size for families.
- The 12.4-inch carousel turntable provides even heating.
- It has 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking for more control.
- The “+30 seconds” key is super handy for extra cooking time.
- Auto Cook features make preparing popular foods simple.
- Weight and Time Defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing.
- The “Express Cook” button lets you start cooking with one touch.
- The new gray interior and LED lighting look really modern.
- The white LED display is clear and easy to read.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior color options are limited to black and white.
This SHARP microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It’s a great addition to any kitchen for everyday meal preparation.
5. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.8/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy appliance for any kitchen. It’s a compact 0.7 cubic feet, making it great for smaller spaces. This black microwave has a sleek design and is easy to use.
What We Like:
- You can turn off the annoying beeping sounds with the mute function.
- The ECO Mode saves energy by cutting standby power in half.
- It has easy one-touch buttons for cooking popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more.
- Express cooking lets you heat food from 1 to 6 minutes with a quick plus-30-seconds button.
- Defrosting is simple with options for weight or time.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read panel make it user-friendly.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, the 0.7 cu ft capacity might be too small for larger meals or dishes.
- The express cooking buttons go up to 6 minutes, so very long cooking times might require multiple presses.
This COMFEE microwave offers convenience and energy savings. It’s a solid choice for quick meals and reheating.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Countertop Microwave Oven
Countertop microwave ovens are a kitchen essential. They heat food quickly and are easy to use. Finding the right one makes your life easier. This guide will help you pick the perfect microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Wattage: Power Matters
Microwave ovens come with different power levels, measured in watts. More watts mean faster cooking. Most microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts. For everyday reheating and cooking, 900-1000 watts is a good choice. If you often cook frozen meals or need to heat things up fast, look for 1100 watts or more.
2. Capacity: Size It Up
Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet. This tells you how much food can fit inside. Small microwaves (around 0.7-1.0 cubic feet) are good for small kitchens or single people. Medium microwaves (1.0-1.5 cubic feet) are great for families. Large microwaves (1.5 cubic feet and up) can fit bigger dishes and multiple items.
3. Cooking Presets: Smart Cooking Options
Many microwaves have preset cooking buttons. These are for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. They automatically set the cooking time and power level. Some microwaves also have sensor cooking. This feature detects moisture and adjusts cooking time for you. This helps prevent over or undercooking.
4. Turntable: Even Heating
A turntable rotates your food as it cooks. This helps heat food evenly. Most microwaves have a glass turntable. Some larger models might have a larger or more durable turntable. Check if the turntable is removable for easy cleaning.
5. Controls: Easy to Use
Microwave controls can be simple buttons or digital touchpads. Buttons are often easier for older people or those who prefer tactile feedback. Digital touchpads offer more precise control and can be easier to wipe clean. Look for a microwave with clear labels and an easy-to-read display.
Important Materials
1. Interior: The Cooking Space
Most microwave interiors are made of painted metal or stainless steel. Painted interiors are common and affordable. Stainless steel interiors are more durable and easier to clean. They also look more modern. Some microwaves have a ceramic enamel interior. This is very durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to wipe clean.
2. Exterior: The Look and Feel
The outside of a microwave is usually made of stainless steel, plastic, or a combination. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Plastic exteriors are lighter and often less expensive. The finish can affect how easy it is to clean and how resistant it is to fingerprints.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Better?
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often use better materials and have better quality control.
- Build Quality: A sturdy door that closes firmly and a microwave that feels solid indicate good construction.
- Even Cooking: A microwave that heats food consistently is a sign of good performance.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisier than others. A quieter model is more pleasant to use.
What Can Make a Microwave Lower Quality?
- Cheap Materials: Thin plastic or a flimsy door can indicate lower quality.
- Uneven Heating: If food is always cold in the middle and hot on the edges, the microwave isn’t heating evenly.
- Short Lifespan: Microwaves that break down quickly after purchase are a waste of money.
User Experience and Use Cases
Making Your Life Easier
A good countertop microwave saves you time. You can reheat leftovers in minutes. You can defrost frozen meats quickly. You can even cook simple meals without a stove. For busy families, a microwave is a lifesaver for quick snacks and meals. For students, it’s essential for dorm room cooking.
Different Ways to Use Your Microwave
- Reheating: The most common use. Perfect for leftovers.
- Defrosting: Thaw frozen food safely and quickly.
- Cooking: Many recipes can be made entirely in a microwave.
- Snacks: Popcorn, baked potatoes, and mug cakes are microwave favorites.
- Beverages: Heat up water for tea or coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much wattage do I really need?
A: For most basic tasks like reheating, 700-900 watts is fine. If you want faster cooking and to handle more complex meals, aim for 1000 watts or more.
Q: Is a turntable really important?
A: Yes, a turntable is very important. It helps your food cook evenly by rotating it. Without it, you might get hot spots and cold spots.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect the moisture released by food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for the best results. This helps prevent overcooking.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can clean the inside by placing a bowl of water with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice inside. Microwave it for 3-5 minutes until it steams. Then, carefully wipe down the inside with a soft cloth.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave?
A: Generally, no. Small amounts of smooth metal, like a spoon, might be okay in some microwaves, but it’s best to avoid it. Metal can cause sparks and damage your microwave.
Q: What is the best capacity for a family of four?
A: For a family of four, a microwave with a capacity of 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet is usually a good size. This allows you to fit larger dishes.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors worth the extra cost?
A: Many people find them worth it. Stainless steel is more durable, resists scratches better, and is easier to clean than painted interiors.
Q: How long should a microwave oven last?
A: With proper care, a good quality microwave oven can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
Q: What are the benefits of a convection microwave?
A: Convection microwaves have a fan that circulates hot air. This allows them to bake, roast, and broil food, in addition to microwaving. They offer more cooking versatility.
Q: Where is the best place to put a countertop microwave?
A: Place it on a stable, flat surface like your countertop. Make sure there’s enough space around it for ventilation, usually a few inches on the sides and back.
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!