Imagine this: you’re craving a late-night snack, but your kitchen counter is already overflowing. Where does that sleek, new microwave fit in? Choosing a microwave that sits on your counter can feel like a puzzle. You want something that cooks your popcorn perfectly, fits your toaster and coffee maker, and doesn’t make your kitchen look cluttered. It’s a common problem many of us face when trying to make our kitchens both functional and stylish.
Finding the right counter microwave isn’t just about cooking food; it’s about creating a space that works for you. Too big, and it eats up precious counter space. Too small, and it might not handle your family’s needs. You want a good balance of power, size, and features, all while fitting your budget. This can be frustrating when you’re faced with so many brands and models.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’ll break down what really matters when picking a counter microwave. You’ll learn how to compare sizes, understand wattage, and discover helpful features that make cooking a breeze. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a microwave that’s perfect for your kitchen and your lifestyle.
Our Top 5 Counter Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Counter Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the Farberware Countertop Microwave, a 700-watt powerhouse designed for convenience and efficiency. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave is a fantastic addition to any apartment, dorm room, or small kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish not only looks great but also makes cleaning a breeze. With thoughtful features like LED lighting and a child lock, it’s built for modern living.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful at 700 watts, cooking food quickly.
- It has ten power levels and six one-touch cooking options like popcorn and potato.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces.
- It includes a clear LED display with a timer and clock.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock adds extra security.
- The stainless steel interior and exterior are easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a bit slow for very large meals.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity could feel small for bigger families or more complex dishes.
This Farberware microwave offers a great balance of features and a compact design. It’s a reliable choice for anyone needing a simple, effective way to heat or cook food.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS), a compact microwave designed for modern living. Its sleek black stainless steel finish and 0.9 cubic feet capacity make it a stylish and practical addition to any apartment kitchen. This microwave packs a punch with 900 watts of power and a host of user-friendly features.
What We Like:
- 6 Preset Menus: Easily cook popular foods like popcorn and potatoes with just a touch.
- Two-Step Child Lock: A great safety feature that keeps little hands from turning it on by accident.
- Mute Mode: Enjoy a quieter kitchen by turning off the end-of-cooking beeps.
- 11 Power Levels: You have lots of control over how you cook, from gentle warming to quick boiling.
- Easy Defrost & One-Touch Start: Defrost food quickly by weight or time, and start cooking for up to 6 minutes instantly.
- LED Lighting: See your food clearly as it cooks inside.
- Spacious Turntable: The 10.6-inch removable glass turntable fits most standard plates.
What Could Be Improved:
- Input Power: While it outputs 900W, it uses 1400W of input power, which is something to consider for energy use.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich compact appliance. It offers convenience and safety in a stylish package.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and stylish addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on the counter. This microwave is designed for ease of use with pre-programmed buttons and a simple control panel. It’s perfect for quick meals and snacks.
What We Like:
- It has six handy pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second Express Cooking button lets you heat food quickly with one touch.
- A large LED digital display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- The child safety lock provides peace of mind if you have little ones.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- Its compact size (0.7 Cu.ft) is ideal for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms.
- The push-button door release makes opening the microwave simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook or heat larger portions compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is suitable for most basic needs but might feel small if you often heat large dishes.
Overall, this BLACK+DECKER microwave offers good value and essential features for everyday use. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly countertop microwave.
4. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, a powerful 1000W countertop microwave that makes heating up your food a breeze. Its sleek black design fits well in any kitchen, and the spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior can even fit a 12-inch pizza! This microwave is packed with smart features to make cooking easier and more efficient.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor automatically adjusts cooking times for perfect results with popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- It boasts 12 convenient auto menus for quick cooking of different dishes.
- You can silence annoying beeps by holding down the “8” button, which is great for late-night snacks.
- An ECO mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
- The interior is designed for easy cleaning, saving you time and effort.
- The large digital display and clear control panel make it simple to operate.
- A generous 12.4-inch removable turntable ensures even heating for larger items.
What Could Be Improved:
- A protective film covers the keypad, which needs to be peeled off before the first use – a small step, but worth noting.
- The warranty requires keeping the packaging for after-service contact or returns.
With its advanced features and user-friendly design, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, making meal prep quick and convenient.
5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed to simplify your kitchen routine. This 0.7 cu. ft. microwave boasts 700 watts of cooking power and offers 10 different power levels, giving you precise control for everything from melting butter to quickly reheating meals. Its sleek black design fits seamlessly into any kitchen décor, and it’s packed with user-friendly features that make cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- Extra-quick cooking with six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and beverages.
- 10 power levels provide flexibility for various cooking needs.
- One-touch express cook and a +30 seconds button for convenience.
- Memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings.
- Child safety lock and mute option enhance usability and peace of mind.
- Eco Mode helps save power and disables the display when not in use.
- Easy to clean exterior and a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.
- cETL approved with advanced safety technology and a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or bulk cooking.
- The 700-watt power might be slower for some cooking tasks compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic option for dorm rooms, small apartments, or anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use microwave for everyday tasks. Its thoughtful features and compact size make it a smart addition to any kitchen.
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Counter Microwave
Counter Microwaves: Your Kitchen’s Best Friend
Counter microwaves are super handy kitchen helpers. They heat up food fast and make cooking easier. Picking the right one makes a big difference. This guide will help you find the best microwave for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
Power (Wattage):
Microwaves have different power levels, measured in watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For quick meals and reheating, 900 watts or more is great. If you cook a lot, aim for higher power.
Capacity (Cubic Feet):
This tells you how much food can fit inside. Smaller microwaves are good for one or two people. Larger ones are better for families or cooking bigger dishes. Think about what you usually heat up. A 1.0 to 1.5 cubic foot microwave is a good middle ground for most homes.
Presets and Cooking Modes:
Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. Sensor cooking is a cool feature that adjusts cooking time automatically based on the food’s steam. Look for modes that match how you cook.
Turntable:
A turntable spins your food around. This helps heat it evenly. Most microwaves have one, but some larger or flatter models might not. Make sure it’s big enough for your plates.
Ease of Use:
Simple controls are best. You want buttons that are easy to read and understand. A clear digital display helps a lot. Some microwaves have touch controls, which look sleek and are easy to clean.
Safety Features:
Child lock is a great safety feature, especially if you have kids. Make sure the door closes securely.
2. Important Materials
Exterior:
Most microwaves have stainless steel or plastic exteriors. Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper. Both are easy to wipe clean.
Interior:
The inside is usually made of ceramic enamel or stainless steel. Ceramic enamel is non-stick and easy to clean. Stainless steel is tough but can sometimes be harder to scrub.
Door:
The door has a glass window so you can see your food. The glass is usually tempered for safety. The 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 feel responsive. Cheaply made microwaves might feel flimsy.
Brand Reputation:
Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Reading reviews from other customers helps you see how well a microwave performs over time.
Noise Level:
Some microwaves are louder than others when running. If noise bothers you, look for models that are advertised as quiet.
Energy Efficiency:
Look for an Energy Star label. These microwaves use less electricity, saving you money on your bills.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Everyday Reheating:
Most people use microwaves to reheat leftovers. A microwave with good power and a turntable makes this quick and easy.
Quick Meal Prep:
Microwaves are great for cooking simple meals like frozen dinners or steaming vegetables. Preset buttons can make this even faster.
Defrosting:
Many microwaves have a defrost setting that thaws frozen food without cooking it. This is a huge time-saver.
Family Use:
If you have a family, you’ll want a larger capacity microwave with easy-to-use controls that everyone can operate.
Single Person or Dorm Room:
A smaller, more compact microwave is perfect for one person or a small space like a dorm room.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a counter microwave?
A: For most people, 900 watts or higher is best. It cooks food faster.
Q: How much capacity do I need?
A: If you live alone, 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet is fine. For families, 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet or more is better.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves better than plastic?
A: Stainless steel looks nicer and is more durable. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper. Both are easy to clean.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking automatically adjusts the cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture, so your food cooks perfectly.
Q: Do I need a turntable?
A: Yes, a turntable helps cook your food more evenly by spinning it around.
Q: How do I clean a microwave?
A: You can wipe the inside with a damp cloth. For tough spots, microwave a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: Are counter microwaves safe?
A: Yes, when used correctly, they are very safe. Always make sure the door is closed properly.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave?
A: No, never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: What are some good brands for counter microwaves?
A: Popular and reliable brands include Panasonic, Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool.
Q: How long do counter microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, a counter microwave can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or even longer.
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!