Imagine this: you’re hungry, you’ve got leftovers, and you just want a quick, warm meal. But then you stare at the dizzying array of microwaves in the store, each with its own buttons and features. It feels overwhelming, right? Choosing the perfect “over the counter” microwave, the kind you just grab and plug in, can be a real headache.
So many choices! Do you need a super powerful one? Or maybe one that’s just right for a small kitchen? It’s tough to know where to start, and you don’t want to end up with a microwave that’s too big, too small, or doesn’t do what you need it to. That’s why we’re here to help.
In this post, we’ll cut through the confusion. We’ll talk about what really matters when you’re picking out a microwave you can buy right off the shelf. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel much more confident about finding the best microwave for your home and your wallet. Let’s dive in and make this decision a breeze!
Our Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft microwave boasts 1000 watts of power, making quick work of your cooking needs. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your stove, offering convenience and style.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cooking: 1000 watts and ten power settings give you control for perfect results every time.
- Effortless Cooking: Pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, potato, vegetables, pizza, and more take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Bright Cooktop Lighting: The LED light illuminates your stovetop, providing a clear view for cooking.
- Efficient Venting: A two-speed, 400-CFM fan system effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Spacious Interior: The 1.9 cu.ft capacity and a turntable that can be turned on or off are great for larger dishes.
- Convenient Features: Includes a clock, kitchen timer, 30-second express cooking, and a child lock for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Complexity: While installation instructions are available, over-the-range installations can sometimes be tricky for DIYers.
- Noise Level: Some users may find the venting fan to be a bit noisy on its higher setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and smart cooking features.
2. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave offers a generous 1.9 cubic feet of space, perfect for cooking family meals or reheating leftovers. It comes with a special bundle that includes a premium 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind. Plus, it’s from an authorized GE USA dealer, so you know you’re getting a quality product.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 1.9 cu. ft. size fits large dishes easily.
- Worry-Free Melting: The special melt feature makes melting butter, chocolate, and more a breeze.
- Easy Cleaning: The interior is designed for simple cleaning with a steam clean option.
- Extended Protection: You get a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack in addition to the full manufacturer warranty.
- Complete Kit: The bundle includes a recirculating charcoal filter kit, so it’s ready to install.
- Sensor Cooking: Sensor cooking helps cook food perfectly by detecting moisture and adjusting time.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation: Over-the-range microwaves can sometimes be tricky to install, so you might need help.
- Ventilation Options: While it comes with a charcoal filter, check if external venting is an option if that’s what you prefer.
This GE microwave bundle is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and great protection. You’ll enjoy its user-friendly features and spacious interior for years to come.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.5/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and smart kitchen companion. It boasts 1000 watts of cooking power, making it quick and efficient for all your reheating and cooking needs. Its generous 1.2 cubic feet capacity and 12.4-inch removable turntable can handle most of your dishes. Plus, its sleek black design will look great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically adjusts time and power for perfectly cooked food every time. No more undercooked or burnt meals!
- It comes with 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza and vegetables. This makes quick meals super easy.
- You get 10 different power levels. This gives you lots of control for different cooking tasks, from defrosting to boiling water.
- The Easy Defrost feature lets you defrost food by weight or time. The One-Touch Start gets you cooking at full power for 1 to 6 minutes with a single press.
- The Mute Mode is a lifesaver! You can turn off the annoying buzzer sound by holding down the “8” button for a few seconds.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
- The interior is easy to clean, which is always a big plus.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might want more variety or the ability to customize them.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves. This might be something to consider if you have limited electrical capacity.
This Toshiba microwave offers smart features and user-friendly controls that make everyday cooking a breeze. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient countertop microwave.
4. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.9/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack is a fantastic choice for your kitchen. This microwave offers a good amount of space for your cooking needs. It’s designed to make your meal prep quick and easy. Plus, this bundle comes with extra peace of mind thanks to an extended protection plan.
What We Like:
- It’s a GE USA Authorized product, meaning you get quality you can trust.
- The bundle includes a 2-Year Extended Protection Plan, which is a great bonus for long-term use.
- You also get a charcoal filter replacement, which helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is roomy enough for most meals and dishes.
- It features convenient cooking controls that are easy to understand and use.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens, so measure carefully.
- While it has convenience cooking, some very specific or advanced cooking features might be missing.
This GE microwave bundle offers solid performance and excellent value with its added protection plan. It’s a reliable appliance that will serve your kitchen well for years to come.
5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.7/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and powerful kitchen helper. It’s perfect for quickly heating up snacks, cooking meals, or warming beverages. Its sleek black design fits nicely on any countertop.
What We Like:
- It cooks food super fast. You can use six easy cooking presets like popcorn or pizza. Or, you can just punch in the minutes you need.
- You have lots of control with 10 power levels. This lets you melt butter gently or cook food quickly.
- The digital controls are simple to use. You can pick your time and power level. The +30 seconds button is handy for extra heating.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings. This makes starting your most-used meals a one-touch job.
- Safety is built-in. The child safety lock keeps the door shut tight. You can also lock the control panel.
- You can turn off the beeping sounds. The Mute Button is great for quiet kitchens or early mornings.
- It looks modern and neat. The black finish goes with any kitchen. Eco Mode saves energy and dims the display.
- Cleaning is a breeze. The outside wipes clean easily. The glass plate can even go in the dishwasher.
- Chefman stands behind its quality. It has safety approvals and a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet size might be small for very large dishes or multiple servings.
- While powerful at 700 watts, it may take slightly longer to cook than higher wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave offers a great balance of features and convenience for its size. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use countertop microwave.
Your Essential Guide to Picking the Best Over-the-Counter Microwave
Choosing the right microwave can make meal prep a breeze. You want one that’s easy to use, cooks food evenly, and fits your kitchen. This guide will help you find the perfect over-the-counter microwave.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind.
1. Size and Capacity
- Countertop Space: Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space where you plan to put it. Small microwaves are good for small kitchens or single servings. Larger ones are better for families or cooking bigger meals.
- Interior Space: This is measured in cubic feet. A larger capacity means you can fit bigger dishes. Think about what you usually cook. Do you reheat leftovers in large containers? Do you want to fit a whole chicken?
2. Wattage and Cooking Power
- Higher Wattage = Faster Cooking: Most microwaves have between 700 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage means your food cooks faster and more evenly. For general use, 900-1000 watts is a good sweet spot.
- Even Cooking: Some microwaves have special features to help cook food evenly. Look for models that mention “even cooking technology” or “sensor cooking.”
3. Cooking Presets and Smart Features
- Convenience Buttons: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking times.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. The microwave senses the steam coming from your food and adjusts the cooking time and power automatically. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Defrost Options: A good defrost setting is important. It lets you thaw frozen foods without cooking them. Some have weight-based defrost, others time-based.
4. Ease of Use and Cleaning
- Control Panel: A simple and easy-to-understand control panel makes using the microwave much easier. Buttons should be clearly labeled.
- Turntable: A turntable rotates your food for even heating. Make sure it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
- Interior Material: Non-stick interiors make cleaning much simpler. Just wipe it down!
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how well it works.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. They also reflect microwaves well, which can help with cooking. Some have enamel coatings, which are also easy to clean but can chip over time.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
What Makes a Microwave Great (or Not So Great)?
Several things can make a microwave perform better or worse.
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats food all the way through. This happens when the microwave energy is distributed well inside.
- Durability: A well-built microwave will last a long time. Look for sturdy construction and good quality components.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews for comments on how loud the unit is when it’s running.
- Build Quality: How well the microwave is put together matters. A solid build means it will likely last longer.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave will guide your choice.
- Quick Snacks: If you just need to reheat a drink or make popcorn, a smaller, simpler model might be perfect.
- Family Meals: For a family, a larger capacity microwave with sensor cooking and multiple presets is very helpful. You can cook more food at once.
- Busy Professionals: Someone who works long hours might appreciate a microwave with quick-start options and sensor cooking to save time on meal prep.
- Small Kitchens: Compact models are ideal for small apartments or kitchens where space is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Over-the-Counter Microwaves
Here are answers to common questions people have when buying a microwave.
Q: What is the difference between wattage and cooking power?
A: Wattage is the amount of power the microwave uses. Higher wattage generally means it cooks food faster and more evenly.
Q: Do I really need sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking is a great feature. It helps prevent your food from getting overcooked or undercooked by automatically adjusting the cooking time. It makes things easier.
Q: How do I know what size microwave I need?
A: Measure the space on your counter where the microwave will go. Also, think about the size of the dishes you usually use. This helps you choose the right capacity.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than enamel interiors?
A: Stainless steel is very durable and easy to clean. Enamel is also easy to clean but can chip over time. Both are good options.
Q: What does “even cooking” mean in a microwave?
A: Even cooking means the microwave heats your food all the way through, without cold spots. Some microwaves have special designs or features to help with this.
Q: How important is the turntable?
A: The turntable is important because it rotates your food while it cooks. This helps your food heat up evenly on all sides.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave?
A: Generally, no. Metal can cause sparks and damage your microwave. Always check the manual for specific instructions.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most microwaves can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe it clean.
Q: What are “quick-touch” buttons?
A: Quick-touch buttons are pre-programmed settings for common foods like popcorn or pizza. You just press the button, and the microwave sets the right time and power.
Q: How long do microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, most over-the-counter microwaves can last between 7 and 10 years.
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!