Imagine this: You crave a quick snack, but your current microwave is too small or just not powerful enough. Does your kitchen counter feel crowded, or are you tired of guessing which model will actually fit your needs?
Choosing the perfect countertop microwave is tougher than it looks. You juggle size, wattage, features, and price. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices on the market today. Finding a reliable workhorse that cooks evenly and doesn’t take up your entire workspace is key to a happy kitchen.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly what you need to know about the best countertop microwaves available. You will learn about key features, how to match power to your lifestyle, and which models offer the best value for your money.
Get ready to discover the ideal microwave oven that simplifies your daily cooking routine. Let’s dive into finding the perfect fit for your countertop!
Top Microwave Ovens Countertop Recommendations
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 12.1 x 10.9 x 7.6 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
- 6 Preset Menus: This compact microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : 110 Volts.Rated Input Power(Microwave):1050W
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”
- Medium-sized 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, 1000 watts, Black/White
- New! Cooking platform and stylish design; New! Gray Interior; New! White LED Display; New! LED Interior Lighting
- 12.4" Carousel turntable for even cooking; 10 Power Levels with 2-stage cooking
- Convenient "+30 seconds" key for instant start; Auto Cook for popular menu items
- Weight and Time Defrost for quick and accurate thawing; Convenient “Express Cook” with single press up to 6 mins cooking
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 700 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 0.7 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Countertop Microwave Ovens
Choosing the right countertop microwave oven makes cooking and reheating quick and easy. This guide helps you find the perfect one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
Several features make a microwave oven great. Think about what you cook most often. These features help you decide.
Power and Size
- Wattage (Power): Microwaves use watts to measure power. Higher wattage (like 1000-1200W) cooks food faster. Lower wattage (700-900W) is good for simple tasks like warming drinks.
- Capacity (Size): Ovens are measured in cubic feet (cu. ft.). Small kitchens need compact models (0.5 to 0.9 cu. ft.). Families need mid-size (1.0 to 1.5 cu. ft.) or large models (over 1.6 cu. ft.).
Cooking Functions
- Sensor Cooking: This is very helpful. Sensors detect steam and adjust cooking time automatically. This stops food from overcooking.
- Inverter Technology: This technology provides steady, continuous power. Food thaws more evenly, and sauces do not boil over easily.
- Pre-set Programs: Look for one-touch buttons for popcorn, pizza, or reheating. These save time.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long the microwave lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Interior Materials
- Stainless Steel Interior: This looks modern and cleans up nicely. It handles high heat well.
- Ceramic Enamel/Painted Steel: These are common and usually cheaper. They resist scratches better than standard painted interiors.
Exterior and Door
The outside should be sturdy. Look for a strong metal casing. The door handle or button should feel solid. Cheap plastic hinges often break first, so check those carefully.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one microwave better than another? It often comes down to control and durability.
Quality Boosters
- Intuitive Controls: Dials and touchpads that clearly label functions improve the experience. You should not need the manual every time you use it.
- Quiet Operation: Some models are very loud when running or when the turntable spins. Check reviews for noise complaints.
- Turntable Size: A larger turntable lets you fit bigger plates inside.
Quality Reducers (Watch Outs)
- Cheap Buttons: If the buttons feel mushy or stick, the microwave might break sooner.
- Poor Insulation: If the outside gets extremely hot during use, the quality of the insulation is low. This can be a safety concern.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the microwave every day.
Common Use Cases
- Quick Reheating: If you only reheat coffee or leftovers, a smaller, lower-wattage model works fine. Sensor reheat settings are a bonus here.
- Defrosting: If you frequently thaw frozen meat, an inverter model provides much better results than standard microwaves.
- Cooking Small Meals: For dorm rooms or small apartments, a compact size saves counter space. Make sure it still fits a standard dinner plate.
A good user experience means the microwave fits your space and does the jobs you need it to do without frustration. Always measure your available space before buying!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Countertop Microwaves
Q: How much space do I need for a countertop microwave?
A: You need space not just for the microwave’s width and depth, but also for ventilation. Allow at least 3-4 inches of clear space on the sides and back. Check the manual for exact requirements.
Q: Is a higher wattage always better?
A: Not necessarily. Higher wattage (like 1200W) cooks faster. However, if you only heat soup, a very high wattage might cause edges to burn before the center heats up. Mid-range power (1000W) is often the best balance.
Q: What is the difference between a standard microwave and an inverter microwave?
A: Standard microwaves cycle the full power on and off to achieve lower power settings. Inverter microwaves deliver continuous, lower power smoothly. This results in more even cooking and better thawing.
Q: Should I get a microwave with convection cooking?
A: Convection microwaves act like small ovens; they circulate hot air. This lets you bake and roast, not just microwave. If you want versatility, choose one with convection. If you only reheat, it is an extra cost you might not need.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my new microwave?
A: The easiest way is to place a bowl of water with a slice of lemon inside. Microwave it on high for a few minutes until the window fogs up. Let it sit for five minutes. The steam loosens grime, and you can wipe the interior easily.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors harder to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel looks great, but it can sometimes show fingerprints or splatter marks more easily than a white or grey enamel interior. However, it is generally very durable.
Q: Do I need to replace the glass turntable?
A: Usually, no. The glass turntable is designed to be sturdy. If it cracks or breaks, you can order a specific replacement part for your microwave model online.
Q: What does “child lock” mean?
A: The child lock is a safety feature. You press a button combination to lock the keypad. This stops small children from accidentally starting the microwave.
Q: Can I put aluminum foil in my microwave?
A: Never put large pieces of aluminum foil in a standard microwave. It causes sparking (arcing). Some modern microwaves have very specific settings that allow small, specially shaped pieces of foil for shielding, but follow the manual strictly if this feature exists.
Q: How long should a countertop microwave last?
A: With regular use, a good quality countertop microwave should last between 8 to 12 years. Proper cleaning and not running it empty helps extend its life.
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!