Imagine this: you’re hungry, and you want a warm meal fast. You reach for your microwave, but it’s old, bulky, and doesn’t fit your kitchen’s style. Choosing a new over-the-counter microwave can feel like a chore, right? There are so many models, each with different features and sizes. It’s easy to get confused and feel overwhelmed when trying to find the perfect one that fits your space and your needs.
But what if picking the right over-the-counter microwave was actually easy? This post is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a great over-the-counter microwave and what you should look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a microwave that not only heats your food but also looks great in your kitchen.
Let’s dive in and discover how to find the over-the-counter microwave that’s just right for you!
Our Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s a 1.7 cubic feet microwave that fits right over your stove. It has a sleek stainless steel finish and 1000 watts of power. This microwave makes cooking and cleaning easier.
What We Like:
- **Spacious Interior:** The 1.7 cu. ft. capacity is large enough for big meals. Its 12.4-inch turntable spins your food evenly.
- **Easy Cooking Options:** It has 10 different cooking levels and 6 quick menus for things like popcorn and reheating.
- **Speedy Cooking:** You can cook food at full power for 1 to 3 minutes by just pressing a number.
- **Smart Cooking:** Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times at once.
- **Powerful Vent Fan:** The 300 CFM vent fan clears smoke and smells from your kitchen. It also has a light to help you see while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan has only two speeds, which might not be enough for very strong cooking smells.
- While it has auto-cook options, some users might want more advanced features for complex recipes.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It offers convenience and power in one stylish package.
2. Sharp R1214TY 1.5 Cu. Ft. 1100W Over-the-Counter Microwave in Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.1/10
The Sharp R1214TY 1.5 Cu. Ft. 1100W Over-the-Counter Microwave in Stainless Steel is a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous cooking space and powerful performance, making meal prep a breeze. Its over-the-counter design is a smart way to save counter space and add helpful lighting.
What We Like:
- Spacious Interior: The 1.5 cu. ft. capacity and the 14-1/8″ Carousel turntable easily fit large dishes, like a 9″ x 13″ baking pan. This makes it super versatile for cooking and reheating.
- Fast Cooking: With 1100 watts of power, this microwave cooks food quickly and efficiently. You’ll spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your meals.
- Smart Cooking: The Smart & Easy sensor technology takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power for perfect results. The Minute Plus key is also handy for instant starts.
- Sleek Design: The stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. The hidden Auto-Touch Control Panel keeps the front clean and uncluttered.
- Space-Saving Installation: The over-the-counter design frees up valuable counter space. Plus, it includes built-in task lighting, which is a great bonus for food prep.
What Could Be Improved:
- Control Panel Placement: While the hidden control panel looks nice, it might be a little less convenient to access for some users compared to a front-facing panel.
- Learning Curve: Some of the advanced sensor features might require a bit of practice to master fully.
Overall, the Sharp R1214TY is a powerful and smart microwave that excels at saving space and delivering great cooking results. It’s a solid choice for families and anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliances.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This powerful 1000-watt microwave offers a spacious 1.9 cubic feet of cooking space, making it ideal for families and busy households. Its sleek design fits conveniently over your stovetop, saving valuable counter space. Enjoy effortless cooking with its intuitive one-touch controls and a variety of pre-programmed auto menus.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking gets food ready fast.
- Generous 1.9 cu.ft. capacity fits large dishes and family meals.
- Pre-programmed auto menus simplify cooking for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- A bright LED cooktop light illuminates your stovetop for safe and easy meal preparation.
- The 400 CFM venting fan effectively removes cooking odors and steam.
- The turntable can be turned off, letting you cook larger rectangular dishes.
- Ten power settings and a 30-second express cook button give you precise control.
- A child lock feature keeps little ones safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation instructions are only available online, which may be inconvenient for some.
This microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and performance. It makes preparing meals quick and easy.
4. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle. This bundle includes the sleek stainless steel microwave and a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Plan. It’s an authorized GE USA product, so you know you’re getting quality. Plus, it comes with a charcoal filter replacement, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh. This microwave is designed for convenience and makes cooking a breeze. It also has easy-to-use controls and fits nicely above your stove.
What We Like:
- The bundle includes a 2-year extended protection plan for peace of mind.
- It comes with a charcoal filter replacement, which is great for air quality.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is a good size for most kitchens.
- Convenience cooking features make meal prep faster.
- The stainless steel design looks modern and stylish.
- It’s an authorized GE USA product, ensuring authenticity.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit small for very large dishes.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking presets.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great combination of style, functionality, and extra protection. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen’s cooking capabilities.
5. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s a powerful 1000-watt microwave that sits conveniently above your stove, saving you counter space. This black microwave boasts a large 1.7 cubic feet capacity, so you can heat up family-sized meals with ease. It also comes with a built-in vent fan and light, making your cooking experience more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior fits even large dishes, and the 12.4-inch turntable rotates food evenly. It’s perfect for cooking or reheating all sorts of meals.
- 1000 Watts of Power: This microwave cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- One-Touch Auto Cooking: Six handy presets for common foods like popcorn, beverages, and defrosting make cooking simple. Just press a button and go!
- Speedy Cooking Options: You can instantly cook at 100% power for 1, 2, or 3 minutes with a single button press.
- Multi-stage Cooking: This feature lets you set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle. You can microwave at 90% power for 10 minutes and then switch to 50% power for 5 minutes without having to restart the microwave.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan: The strong, two-speed fan quickly removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen.
- Integrated Light: The light under the microwave shines brightly on your stovetop, so you can see what you’re doing while cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan’s noise level might be noticeable to some users.
- While it has many features, the control panel could be a bit more intuitive for first-time users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid performer that offers great value and convenience for busy kitchens.
Your Guide to Picking the Best Countertop Microwave
Microwaves are super helpful in the kitchen. They heat up food fast. Buying a new one can be a little confusing. This guide will help you choose the right microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size Matters
Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space where you want to put it. Small microwaves are good for small kitchens. Big microwaves can cook more food at once.
2. Wattage Power
Wattage tells you how fast the microwave cooks. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For quick meals, aim for 1000 watts or more.
3. Cooking Presets
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn or pizza. These settings take the guesswork out of cooking. Some also have defrost settings.
4. Turntable or Not?
Most microwaves have a spinning plate called a turntable. This helps food cook evenly. Some newer models don’t have turntables but use special technology to cook evenly.
5. Easy Controls
Look for buttons that are easy to understand and use. Digital displays are helpful. Some microwaves have touch screens.
Important Materials
Microwaves are made of different parts. The outside is usually metal or plastic. The inside is often coated with a special material that is easy to clean. The door has a glass window so you can see your food.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great:
- Even Cooking: The microwave heats food all the way through.
- Durability: It lasts a long time without breaking.
- Quiet Operation: It doesn’t make too much noise when it’s running.
- Easy Cleaning: The inside is simple to wipe down.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Good:
- Uneven Heating: Some parts of the food are hot, and others are cold.
- Short Lifespan: It stops working after a short time.
- Loud Noises: It is very noisy when in use.
- Hard to Clean: Food splatters are difficult to remove.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good microwave makes your life easier. You can quickly reheat leftovers for lunch. You can cook frozen meals in minutes. Some people use them to make popcorn for movie nights. Families use them to warm up drinks for kids.
If you have a small apartment, a compact microwave is a good choice. If you have a big family, a larger microwave with more power might be better. Think about what you will use the microwave for most often.
Choosing the right microwave means looking at its size, power, and special features. A good microwave should be easy to use, cook food well, and last for years. Happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between a countertop microwave and a built-in microwave?
A1: A countertop microwave sits on your kitchen counter. A built-in microwave is installed into your cabinets, looking more permanent.
Q2: How do I know what size microwave I need?
A2: Measure the space where you plan to put the microwave. Also, think about how much food you usually heat at once.
Q3: Is a higher wattage always better?
A3: Higher wattage usually means faster cooking. For most everyday tasks, 1000 watts or more is great. But very high wattage isn’t always needed.
Q4: What are some common microwave cleaning tips?
A4: You can clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q5: Can I put metal in the microwave?
A5: Generally, no. Metal can cause sparks and damage the microwave. Always check the user manual.
Q6: What are “sensor cooking” features?
A6: Sensor cooking uses humidity sensors to automatically adjust cooking time and power for different foods. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
Q7: How long do microwaves usually last?
A7: Most microwaves last between 5 to 10 years with good care. Some might last longer, while others may stop working sooner.
Q8: Are there microwaves that are quieter than others?
A8: Yes, some models are designed to operate more quietly. Reading reviews can help you find quieter options.
Q9: What is a “convection microwave”?
A9: A convection microwave has a fan that circulates hot air. This allows it to bake and roast food, not just heat it.
Q10: Where is the best place to put a countertop microwave?
A10: It should be on a stable surface with enough space around it for ventilation. Avoid placing it too close to heat sources like a stove.
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.