Ever feel like your kitchen is missing a trusty sidekick? That’s where the humble countertop microwave steps in, ready to reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, and speed up meal prep. But with so many to choose from, picking the perfect one can feel like a maze. Do you need a small one for a tight space, or a powerful one to handle family-sized meals? It’s easy to get lost in all the features and sizes!
Choosing the right countertop microwave can save you time and frustration. A good microwave makes cooking faster and easier. A bad one might take up too much space, not cook food evenly, or just be plain confusing to use. We’ve all been there, staring at a confusing dial or a microwave that just doesn’t get the job done.
In this post, we’ll help you navigate the world of countertop microwaves. We’ll look at what makes a microwave great, what features really matter, and how to find the best fit for your kitchen and your budget. Get ready to discover how to choose a microwave that will become your new favorite kitchen tool!
Our Top 5 On The Counter Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 On The Counter Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.8/10
Need a quick and easy way to heat up leftovers or whip up a snack? The Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, 0.7 Cu. Ft. is here to help! This microwave is designed for convenience, fitting perfectly into smaller spaces like apartments or dorm rooms. It’s easy to use and makes cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful with 700 watts of cooking power.
- You can customize your cooking with ten power levels and six one-touch options like popcorn and potato.
- It’s the perfect size at 0.7 cu. ft., making it great for small kitchens.
- The LED lighting makes it easy to see your food while it cooks.
- A child safety lock adds an extra layer of security.
- The stainless steel finish is easy to clean.
- It has a clear LED display with a timer and clock.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s compact, some users might prefer a larger capacity for bigger meals.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers great features in a small package.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a fantastic countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its sleek black design looks great in any kitchen, and the large 1.2 cubic feet interior can even fit a 12-inch pizza. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly. Plus, it comes with smart features that simplify meal prep.
What We Like:
- It has a pre-programmed sensor menu that automatically heats popular foods like pizza and vegetables perfectly.
- The 1.2 cubic feet capacity and 12.4-inch turntable easily fit large items.
- You can mute the annoying beeping sounds by holding down the “8” button for a few seconds.
- The ECO mode helps save energy.
- Cleaning the interior is simple.
- The large digital display and easy-to-read control panel are user-friendly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The keypad has a protective film that needs to be removed before use.
- The user manual is only available as a PDF, which might not be convenient for everyone.
This Toshiba microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and power. It’s a solid choice for busy households.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.9/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse designed for your kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave boasts 700 watts of power and offers 10 different power levels. It makes cooking a breeze with 6 handy cooking presets, including options for popcorn, pizza, and vegetables. Plus, you can quickly set cooking times with just a touch. It also features a mute button so you can avoid loud beeps and a child safety lock for peace of mind.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels.
- The 6 cooking presets are very convenient.
- The digital controls are easy to use.
- The memory function lets you save your favorite settings.
- It has a child safety lock to keep little ones safe.
- The mute button is great for quiet kitchens.
- Its modern black design looks good anywhere.
- Cleaning is simple, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman offers a 1-year warranty for quality assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger meals or families.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and reliability for your daily cooking needs.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking for a reliable and user-friendly microwave? The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great option for any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces like dorm rooms or studio apartments. The sleek stainless steel finish looks good on any countertop. This microwave makes reheating leftovers or cooking quick snacks a breeze with its simple controls and helpful pre-programmed settings.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for quick reheating.
- The large LED display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door release is simple to use.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook or reheat some foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is great for small tasks, but might be too small for cooking larger meals or multiple dishes at once.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for its ease of use and helpful features. It’s a good value for everyday reheating and cooking needs.
5. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.2/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces. This microwave makes cooking and reheating food quick and easy.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you cook without annoying beeps.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power.
- Easy one-touch buttons and express cooking (1-6 minutes) simplify meal prep.
- It has helpful auto-cook options for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more.
- The child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- The bright digital display and interior light make it easy to see and use.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for larger families or bigger dishes.
- While the express cooking is good, some users might prefer more advanced customization options.
This COMFEE microwave offers a good balance of features and convenience for daily use. It’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a straightforward and efficient countertop microwave.
Your Guide to Picking the Best Countertop Microwave
Are you looking to heat up leftovers, pop popcorn, or defrost some chicken? A microwave is a kitchen essential. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one for your countertop? This guide will help you find the perfect microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts. For everyday use, 900-1000 watts is a good choice.
- Capacity: This is how much food the microwave can hold. It’s measured in cubic feet. Small microwaves are around 0.7 cubic feet, perfect for a dorm room. Medium ones are about 1.5 cubic feet, good for families. Larger ones can hold bigger dishes.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Turntable: A rotating glass plate ensures food cooks evenly. Most microwaves have this. Make sure it’s easy to clean.
- Child Lock: This safety feature prevents little hands from accidentally turning on the microwave.
- Sensor Cooking: This technology detects the moisture in food and adjusts cooking time and power automatically. It helps prevent overcooking.
Important Materials
Microwaves are made with different materials that affect their look and how they work.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have exteriors made of stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
- Interior: The inside of a microwave is usually coated with enamel or a non-stick material. These are easy to wipe clean. Some higher-end models have stainless steel interiors, which are very durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave great, while others can be a letdown.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should be responsive. A flimsy microwave might not last as long.
- Ease of Use: A good microwave has a simple control panel. You should be able to easily select cooking times and power levels. Confusing buttons can be frustrating.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are known to be quieter.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. If your food is always hotter in some spots and colder in others, the microwave might not be distributing the microwaves well.
- Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and a removable turntable is much easier to clean. Stubborn food splatters can be a pain to remove from rough surfaces.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave will help you decide which features are most important.
- For Students or Singles: A smaller, more basic microwave is often enough. Focus on wattage and a simple interface.
- For Families: You’ll likely need a larger capacity microwave with pre-set options and sensor cooking. A child lock is also a good idea.
- For Busy Cooks: Sensor cooking and quick-cook buttons can save you time. A powerful microwave will also speed up meal preparation.
- For Baking and Roasting: Some microwaves have convection features that allow them to bake and roast like a regular oven. If you want this versatility, look for a combination microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the most important feature to look for in a countertop microwave?
A: The most important features depend on your needs, but wattage (for cooking speed) and capacity (for how much food it holds) are usually top priorities.
Q: How much wattage do I really need?
A: For most people, 900-1000 watts is plenty for fast and even cooking. Lower wattages will take longer.
Q: Is a turntable really necessary?
A: Yes, a turntable is highly recommended. It spins your food around, ensuring it cooks evenly on all sides.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses built-in sensors to detect moisture in your food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power to cook your food perfectly.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves better than plastic ones?
A: Stainless steel microwaves are generally more durable and look nicer. However, plastic ones are often lighter and less expensive.
Q: How do I know if a microwave cooks evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even cooking. A good turntable and proper wattage distribution help a lot.
Q: Is a child lock feature important?
A: If you have young children, a child lock is a very important safety feature to prevent accidental use.
Q: What’s the difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A convection microwave has an extra heating element and fan that allow it to bake, roast, and broil like a regular oven, in addition to microwaving.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most interiors are easy to wipe down with a damp cloth. For tough spots, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes to loosen the grime.
Q: Should I buy a brand-name microwave or a generic one?
A: Brand-name microwaves often come with better warranties and customer support. However, some generic brands offer good quality at a lower price.
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!