Does your kitchen feel a little incomplete without that trusty appliance that heats up leftovers in a flash or pops your popcorn perfectly? You’re not alone! The countertop microwave is a kitchen workhorse, but navigating the sea of models can feel overwhelming. So many buttons, so many sizes, and what does “wattage” even mean for your morning bagel?
Choosing the right countertop microwave can be a real headache. You want something that fits your space, cooks your food well, and doesn’t break the bank. But with so many features and brands, it’s easy to get lost. You might end up with a microwave that’s too big, too small, or just doesn’t do what you need it to.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what really matters when you’re shopping for a countertop microwave. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll feel confident picking out the perfect one for your kitchen. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave confusion and hello to delicious, easy meals!
Our Top 5 Countertop Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Countertop Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet your new kitchen essential: the Farberware Countertop Microwave. This 700-watt, 0.7 cubic foot microwave is designed for speed and convenience. Its compact size makes it a perfect fit for apartments, dorm rooms, or any space where every inch counts. Plus, the easy-clean stainless steel finish means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your food.
What We Like:
- It’s super fast for making meals.
- It has ten different power levels.
- You can choose from six one-touch cooking options.
- It’s just the right size for small spaces.
- The LED lights make it easy to see inside.
- The child lock feature keeps little ones safe.
- The LED display shows the time and has a timer.
- Farberware is a trusted name for kitchen appliances.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only has 700 watts of power, which might be slow for some bigger meals.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might feel a bit small if you often cook large dishes.
This Farberware microwave is a solid option for anyone needing a simple, reliable appliance. It gets the job done efficiently, making it a great addition to any small kitchen.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.5/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, a countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. With its spacious 1.2 cubic feet of interior space and a 12.4-inch turntable, it easily fits large items like a 12-inch pizza. This microwave offers smart features like a humidity sensor and 12 auto menus, taking the guesswork out of heating your favorite foods. Plus, its sleek black design looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.2 cu. ft. capacity and a large 12.4-inch turntable fit plenty of food, even a 12-inch pizza.
- Smart humidity sensor and 12 pre-programmed auto menus make cooking popular foods simple and accurate.
- Powerful 1000W output heats food quickly and evenly.
- The mute function lets you silence the annoying beeps for a quieter kitchen.
- ECO mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
- The easy-clean interior makes wiping up spills a snap.
- A clear, large digital display and easy-to-use control panel are user-friendly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The protective film on the keypad needs to be removed before first use, which might be overlooked by some.
- A 1-year warranty is standard, but longer coverage would offer more peace of mind.
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a solid choice for anyone seeking a user-friendly and capable countertop microwave. Its combination of smart features and ample space makes it a practical addition to any kitchen.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.3/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse for your kitchen. It boasts 700 watts of cooking power and a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for small spaces. With 10 power levels and 6 one-touch cooking presets, it handles everything from popcorn to potatoes with ease. Plus, features like Eco Mode and a Mute Button add convenience and smart energy use.
What We Like:
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and beverages simplify meal prep. You can also quickly set cook times by pressing number keys.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: Ten power levels let you melt butter gently or cook food rapidly.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: Easily set time and power, or add extra cooking time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program your favorite functions for one-touch cooking.
- SAFETY FIRST: A child safety lock on the handle prevents accidental openings, and a Lock Mode secures the control panel.
- MUTE OPTION: Silence annoying beeps with the Audio Button, perfect for quiet kitchens.
- MODERN DESIGN: The sleek black finish and compact size fit any kitchen decor. Eco Mode saves power and turns off the display when not in use.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The durable exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with advanced safety technology and a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger families or cooking big meals.
- While the presets are convenient, some users might prefer more advanced cooking functions.
This Chefman microwave offers a user-friendly experience with helpful features for everyday cooking. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and compact microwave.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance that makes heating up your favorite foods a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, and its 0.7 cubic foot capacity is just right for smaller spaces or for single servings. With 700 watts of power and 10 different settings, you have plenty of control over your cooking.
What We Like:
- The pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates are super handy. You just press a button, and the microwave does the rest.
- The 30-second express cooking feature is perfect for quick reheating. Just press it once for 30 seconds, or multiple times for more time.
- The large LED digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to see what you’re doing.
- The child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The interior light lets you check on your food without opening the door.
- The push-button door release is easy to use.
- The removable glass turntable is dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While 700 watts is good for basic tasks, it might take a little longer to heat up larger or denser food items compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for families or those who frequently cook large meals.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-operate microwave for everyday use. Its convenient features and compact size make it a great addition to any kitchen.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a compact, 0.9 cubic foot microwave that’s a fantastic addition to any small kitchen, apartment, or dorm room. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great, and it packs a punch with 900 watts of cooking power. You’ll love the convenience of its 6 auto menus for common foods like popcorn and potatoes, and the 11 power levels give you plenty of control for all your heating and cooking needs. Plus, it features a handy mute function so you won’t be disturbed by loud beeps.
What We Like:
- The 6 preset menus make cooking simple for popular items.
- You can adjust the cooking power with 11 different levels.
- The mute function lets you silence the end-of-cooking alerts.
- A two-step child lock adds an important safety feature.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food.
- It comes with a 10.6-inch glass turntable that’s removable for cleaning.
- The one-touch start feature quickly cooks food for up to 6 minutes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit wide, so measure your counter space carefully.
- While it has auto menus, it doesn’t have a sensor reheat function.
Overall, this TOSHIBA microwave is a great choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for their small living space.
Your Guide to Picking the Perfect Countertop Microwave
Choosing a microwave for your kitchen can be exciting! A countertop microwave is a handy appliance that heats up food quickly. This guide will help you find the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a microwave, check out these important features:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts.
- Capacity: This is how much food can fit inside. Microwaves are measured in cubic feet. A family might need a larger one than a single person.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Most microwaves have one.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn or baked potatoes. This makes cooking super easy.
- Sensor Cooking: Some microwaves can sense how much moisture is in your food. They then adjust the cooking time. This helps prevent overcooking.
- Child Lock: This is a safety feature that stops kids from accidentally turning the microwave on.
Important Materials
Microwave ovens are made from a few key materials:
- Stainless Steel: This is a strong and good-looking material. It’s often used for the outside of the microwave. It resists rust and is easy to clean.
- Plastic: Plastic is used for the inside parts and some outer panels. Look for BPA-free plastic, which is safer.
- Glass: The turntable inside is usually made of glass. It’s easy to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave great, while others make it less good.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive. A cheap microwave might feel flimsy.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior is easier to wipe down. Some have special coatings that resist splatters. A microwave with many nooks and crannies can be hard to clean.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you are sensitive to noise, look for models that are advertised as quiet.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make reliable microwaves. Reading reviews from other customers helps you know if a brand is good.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave affects your choice.
- Quick Meals: If you just need to reheat leftovers or warm up a drink, a smaller, simpler microwave might be perfect.
- Family Cooking: For families, a larger microwave with more features is better. You can cook more food at once. Sensor cooking is a big help for busy parents.
- Specific Needs: Some people like to bake or defrost food often. Look for microwaves with good defrost settings and maybe even convection cooking if you want to do more than just heat.
- Kitchen Style: Microwaves come in many colors and finishes. Stainless steel is popular. Black and white are also common. Choose one that matches your kitchen’s look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best wattage for a microwave?
A: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most people find 1000 to 1200 watts to be ideal for quick and even heating.
Q: How much capacity do I need?
A: For one or two people, 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet is usually enough. Families might need 1.5 cubic feet or more.
Q: Is a turntable really important?
A: Yes, a turntable helps food cook more evenly by rotating it as it heats.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to figure out how long to cook your food. It helps prevent your food from getting too dry or too mushy.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves worth the extra cost?
A: Stainless steel looks nice and is durable, but it can be more expensive. It’s a matter of personal preference and budget.
Q: How do I clean my microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some microwaves have self-cleaning features.
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 is the difference between a countertop and an over-the-range microwave?
A: A countertop microwave sits on your counter. An over-the-range microwave is mounted above your stove and often includes a vent fan.
Q: How long do microwaves typically last?
A: With good care, most microwaves can last 7 to 10 years.
Q: Should I buy a microwave with a lot of pre-set buttons?
A: Pre-set buttons can be convenient for common foods. If you cook those items often, they are useful. Otherwise, you can often achieve the same results by manually setting the time and power level.
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!