Tired of reheating leftovers that end up soggy or unevenly heated? You’re not alone! Choosing the perfect countertop microwave can feel like a puzzle. So many brands, features, and sizes can make your head spin. You want a microwave that cooks your food just right, fits your kitchen space, and doesn’t break the bank.
But what if there was a way to cut through the confusion? In this post, we’ll explore what makes a great countertop microwave. We’ll talk about the important things to look for, like power levels and capacity. You’ll learn how to pick a microwave that makes your cooking and reheating tasks easy and delicious. Get ready to find a microwave that becomes your kitchen’s best friend!
Our Top 5 Countertop Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Countertop Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a powerful 1000W countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating meals a breeze. Its spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior easily fits a 12-inch pizza, and the 12.4-inch removable turntable ensures even cooking. This microwave is designed for convenience with smart features and a user-friendly interface.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor perfectly heats popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- It offers 12 auto menus for quick and easy cooking of various dishes.
- The mute function lets you silence the annoying beeps, which is great for quiet kitchens.
- The ECO mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- Its sleek black design and large digital display look good in any kitchen.
- The interior is easy to clean, making cleanup after cooking simple.
- It has a generous 1.2 cubic feet capacity, fitting larger dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel has a protective film that needs to be removed before first use, which could be confusing for some.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable and feature-rich appliance. It delivers excellent performance and user-friendly operation for everyday kitchen tasks.
2. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 9.0/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave is a handy kitchen helper for anyone needing a quick and efficient way to heat up meals. With 700 watts of power, it gets the job done fast. Its compact size makes it a great fit for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or even your office desk. Plus, the sleek stainless steel finish looks good anywhere and is easy to wipe clean.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful with 700 watts for quick cooking.
- It has ten power levels and six one-touch cooking options like popcorn and potatoes.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces.
- The LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- Interior lighting helps you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock provides extra peace of mind.
- The stainless steel exterior is easy to clean.
- It’s designed by Farberware, a trusted name in kitchenware.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might not be the fastest for very large meals compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for families or those who cook large dishes frequently.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for convenience and simplicity in a compact package. It offers great features for its size and price point.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.9/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for any kitchen. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power make it ideal for quick meals and snacks. With ten power levels and six cooking presets, you can easily prepare popcorn, heat beverages, or cook vegetables. The digital display and one-touch express cook buttons simplify operation, while features like Eco Mode and a mute button add convenience and smart energy use. This black microwave boasts a modern design that complements any decor and is built with safety and ease of cleaning in mind.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- You can choose from ten different power levels.
- Six one-touch cooking presets make meal prep easy.
- The Eco Mode helps save energy.
- The mute button is great for quiet kitchens.
- It has a child safety lock for extra security.
- The exterior is easy to wipe clean.
- The glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman provides a 1-year assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for some families.
- While it has presets, some users might prefer more advanced cooking functions.
This Chefman microwave offers a great balance of performance and user-friendly features for everyday cooking needs. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and convenient countertop appliance.
4. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact microwave oven that’s perfect for small kitchens and apartments. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave packs a punch with 900 watts of power, making it great for heating up leftovers, popping popcorn, or cooking meals quickly.
What We Like:
- It has 6 auto menus for popular foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sounds.
- A child lock feature keeps little hands safe.
- It has 11 power levels for flexible cooking.
- The one-touch start lets you cook for up to 6 minutes instantly.
- It includes an easy-to-clean glass turntable.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might be a bit large for very tiny spaces.
- The child lock requires specific steps to open, which could be a slight inconvenience.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance. It makes everyday cooking simple and convenient.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.5/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance, perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms. Its sleek stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to any countertop. This microwave offers 700 watts of cooking power across 10 different settings, making it versatile for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, or even defrosting. The intuitive digital display and pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn and pizza simplify operation, while the 30-second express cook feature is great for when you’re in a hurry. A safety lock keeps little hands out, and the interior light lets you keep an eye on your food.
What We Like:
- It has easy-to-use pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super convenient.
- The child safety lock adds an extra layer of security.
- It comes with a removable glass turntable for easy cleaning.
- The large LED display makes the controls easy to read.
- The push-button door release is simple to operate.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger dishes or families.
- While 700W is decent, more powerful options are available for faster cooking.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for basic cooking needs. It’s a reliable appliance that gets the job done efficiently.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Countertop Microwave Oven
Choosing the right countertop microwave can make your kitchen life much easier. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, defrosting ingredients, or making a quick snack, a good microwave is a kitchen workhorse. This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a countertop microwave, several features stand out.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts. For everyday use, 900-1000 watts is usually a good choice.
- Capacity: This is the inside space of the microwave. It’s measured in cubic feet. A small microwave might be around 0.7 cubic feet, while larger ones can be 2.0 cubic feet or more. Think about what you’ll be heating. If you often heat large plates or cook for a family, you’ll need a bigger capacity.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a turntable that rotates food. This helps food cook evenly. Some microwaves also have a turntable on/off option, which is useful if you need to fit a rectangular dish.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These buttons automatically set the time and power level for best results.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. The microwave uses sensors to detect the moisture in food and adjust the cooking time and power. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Child Lock: This safety feature keeps little hands from accidentally turning on the microwave.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave can affect its durability and how it cooks.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable, but it can show fingerprints. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper, but it might not be as sturdy.
- Interior: The inside of the microwave is usually coated with enamel or stainless steel. Enamel is easy to clean. Stainless steel interiors can sometimes help food cook more evenly and are very durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave will feel solid. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should be responsive. Cheaply made microwaves might feel flimsy and break down faster.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. This means no cold spots or overcooked edges. Good weight distribution of the turntable and proper power distribution contribute to this.
- Ease of Use: A good microwave has a simple control panel that’s easy to understand. If the buttons are confusing or the display is hard to read, it will be frustrating to use.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite noisy when they run. If you prefer a quieter kitchen, look for models that are known to be quieter.
- Cleaning: A microwave that’s easy to clean is a big plus. Non-stick interiors and removable turntables make cleaning much simpler.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave will shape your choice.
- Quick Reheating: If you just need to warm up soup or leftovers, a basic microwave with simple controls will do the job.
- Cooking and Defrosting: For more involved tasks like defrosting meat or cooking frozen meals, a microwave with sensor cooking or pre-set options can be very helpful.
- Small Kitchens: If you have limited counter space, a compact microwave might be the best fit.
- Family Use: For families, a larger capacity microwave with multiple power levels and user-friendly controls will be more practical.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature to consider?
A: Wattage is very important because it determines how fast your food cooks. Higher wattage means quicker cooking.
Q: Should I get a microwave with a turntable?
A: Yes, a turntable helps food cook more evenly. Some have an on/off option which is nice for larger dishes.
Q: How do I know what capacity I need?
A: Think about the size of the dishes you usually use and how many people you cook for. Bigger capacity is better for larger families and bigger meals.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than enamel?
A: Stainless steel interiors are very durable and can help with even cooking. Enamel interiors are usually easier to clean.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture in food and automatically adjusts the cooking time and power to prevent over or undercooking.
Q: How much power (wattage) do I really need?
A: For most people, 900-1000 watts is a good balance of power and speed for everyday tasks.
Q: Are pre-set cooking buttons worth it?
A: Yes, they can be very helpful for cooking common foods like popcorn or pizza perfectly without guessing the time and power.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave is good quality?
A: Look for a solid build, smooth door operation, and responsive buttons. Reading reviews can also give you an idea of build quality.
Q: Is a child lock feature important?
A: If you have young children, a child lock is a great safety feature to prevent accidental operation.
Q: What’s the best way to clean a microwave?
A: Most microwaves have easy-to-clean interiors. Removing the turntable and wiping down the inside with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
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!