Imagine this: You’re hungry, you’ve got leftovers, and you just want a quick, hot meal. But then you look at your kitchen counter. Is your microwave old and bulky, taking up too much space? Or maybe you’re building a new kitchen and need a sleek appliance that fits right in. Choosing a new over-the-counter microwave can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands and features, it’s tough to know where to start.
This is where we come in! We know the frustration of wading through endless product descriptions and confusing jargon. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes a great over-the-counter microwave and feel confident picking the perfect one for your kitchen and your needs. Get ready to say goodbye to kitchen clutter and hello to easy, delicious meals!
Our Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a stylish and powerful addition to any kitchen. This 1.7 cubic feet stainless steel microwave, model EM044K6CE-SS, boasts 1000 watts of cooking power, making it a versatile tool for all your culinary needs. Its over-the-range design saves valuable counter space, and the built-in vent fan keeps your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- The large 1.7 cubic feet capacity fits big dishes and can handle family meals. The 12.4-inch turntable ensures even cooking for everything inside.
- It offers 10 cooking levels and 6 quick menus, including popcorn, beverage, melt/soften, reheat, and defrost. This makes cooking your favorite foods simple and fast.
- Speedy cooking options let you set 1, 2, or 3 minutes of full power with just one touch. This is great for reheating leftovers or making a quick snack.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels for different times in one go. You can cook at 90% power then switch to 50% power without stopping the microwave.
- The 300 CFM vent fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your cooking. The fan has two speeds, and a bright light shines down on your stovetop for better visibility.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the stainless steel looks good, it can show fingerprints easily and might require frequent wiping to keep it looking its best.
- The one-touch auto cooking menus, while convenient, might not always provide perfect results for every type of food. Some users may prefer to manually set the time and power.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy households. Its combination of capacity, power, and convenient features makes meal preparation more efficient.
2. 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 cubic foot microwave packs a punch with 1000 watts of cooking power, making it a reliable workhorse for all your reheating and cooking needs. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your stovetop, adding both style and functionality to your cooking space.
What We Like:
- Effortless cooking with pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, potatoes, vegetables, pizza, snacks, bacon, frozen dinners, rice, and frozen breakfast.
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking performance with ten adjustable power levels for precise control.
- Convenient 30-second express cooking for quick reheating.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your cooking surface below.
- Strong 400 CFM venting system efficiently removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Generous 1.9 cu.ft capacity handles large dishes with ease, and the turntable On/Off function makes it even more versatile.
- Safety features like a child lock keep little hands out.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are great, some users might prefer more customizable cooking options for advanced recipes.
- The installation instructions are available online, but a physical copy included in the box would be a nice addition.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a smart choice for busy households. It simplifies meal preparation and keeps your kitchen fresh and well-lit.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.3/10
The BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave Oven is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. This black microwave, model EM044K6CF-BK, boasts 1000 watts of power and a powerful vent fan, making it a workhorse for all your cooking needs.
What We Like:
- Spacious Interior: The 1.7 cubic feet capacity and 12.4-inch turntable easily fit large dishes, perfect for family meals or cooking adventures.
- Convenient Auto Cooking: With 6 quick menus like Popcorn, Beverage, and Reheat, you can cook your favorite foods with just one touch.
- Speedy Cooking Options: Quickly cook or defrost for 1, 2, or 3 minutes at full power with simple number presses.
- Flexible Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by setting up to two cooking stages, like 90% power for 10 minutes followed by 50% power for 5 minutes.
- Effective Venting and Lighting: The 300 CFM, 2-speed vent fan tackles fumes and odors, while the built-in light illuminates your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While basic functions are simple, mastering multi-stage cooking might take a little practice.
- Limited Color Options: Currently available only in black, it might not match every kitchen’s color scheme.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven combines ample space with smart cooking features, making it a practical choice for busy households. Its strong ventilation and ease of use make it a valuable kitchen appliance.
4. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.3/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack makes cooking and reheating meals a breeze. This microwave is designed to fit right over your stove, saving valuable counter space in your kitchen. It comes with a special protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- This bundle includes a GE USA AUTHORIZED 1.6 cu. ft. over-the-range microwave.
- You get a 2-Year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, which is great!
- It also comes with a charcoal filter replacement for your microwave.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity holds a good amount of food.
- Convenience cooking controls make using it simple.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and clean.
- It’s easy to install over your range.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit small for very large dishes.
- While convenience controls are great, some users might prefer more advanced features.
This GE microwave bundle offers a solid combination of functionality and protection for your kitchen. It’s a practical choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking setup.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.1/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven in Stainless Steel brings convenience and power to your kitchen. Its sleek design fits perfectly above your stove, offering a smart cooking experience with its touch panel and auto cooking features.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature with 18 Auto Menus makes cooking simple. You can easily prepare popcorn, pizza, and even defrost or soften ingredients like cream cheese.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity, and the 12.5-inch turntable fits big items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000W of power and 10 different power levels, you can cook or reheat food just the way you like it.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system powerfully removes cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh. It also has adjustable fan speeds.
- A bright light under the microwave illuminates your stovetop, making it easier to see while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might prefer more detailed control over cooking times and temperatures for specific recipes.
- The user interface, though smart, might take a little getting used to for those new to advanced microwave features.
This Midea microwave oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a blend of smart technology and practical features to make cooking and meal prep easier.
Your Guide to Choosing a Great Over-the-Counter Microwave Oven
Looking for a new microwave oven to sit on your kitchen counter? It’s a big decision! Microwaves are super handy for quick meals and snacks. This guide will help you find the perfect one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
Power Levels
Most microwaves have different power levels. This lets you cook food gently or heat things up fast. A good microwave offers a range of power settings.
Turntable
A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Make sure the turntable is easy to remove for cleaning.
Capacity
How much food can you fit inside? Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are good for one person. Larger ones can heat bigger dishes or cook for a family.
Preset Cooking Options
Some microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These settings take the guesswork out of cooking.
Timer and Clock
A clear timer and clock are important. Some microwaves have helpful add-a-minute buttons.
Child Lock
If you have little ones, a child lock feature keeps them safe.
2. Important Materials
Exterior
Most microwave exteriors are made of metal. Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. Plastic exteriors are often cheaper but might not last as long.
Interior
The inside of the microwave is usually coated. A non-stick coating makes cleaning easier. Some interiors are made with ceramic or enamel, which are also easy to wipe down.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should be responsive.
Even Cooking
The best microwaves cook food evenly. This means no cold spots in your food. Look for reviews that mention good cooking performance.
Noise Level
Some microwaves can be loud. If you prefer a quieter kitchen, check reviews for noise levels.
Ease of Cleaning
A microwave that’s easy to clean saves you time and effort. Non-stick interiors and removable turntables help a lot.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
For Busy Individuals
If you’re always on the go, a microwave is a lifesaver. Heat up leftovers in minutes. Make a quick mug cake for a treat.
For Families
Families can use microwaves for heating up snacks for kids or cooking frozen meals. Larger capacity models are great for family-sized portions.
For Small Kitchens
Compact microwaves are perfect for small kitchens. They don’t take up much counter space.
Think about how you will use your microwave most often. This will help you choose the right size and features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in a microwave?
A: The most important feature is usually how well it cooks food evenly. You want your food heated all the way through.
Q: How much power do I need in a microwave?
A: Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
Q: What is the best material for a microwave interior?
A: Ceramic or enamel interiors are good because they are easy to clean and durable.
Q: How do I know if a microwave cooks evenly?
A: Read reviews from other buyers. They often mention if the microwave has hot or cold spots.
Q: Are expensive microwaves always better?
A: Not always. You can find great microwaves at different price points. Focus on the features you need.
Q: How do I clean a microwave?
A: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. You can also heat a bowl of water with lemon juice inside for a few minutes to loosen stuck-on food.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave?
A: No, never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the oven.
Q: What does “capacity” mean for a microwave?
A: Capacity is the size of the inside of the microwave, measured in cubic feet. It tells you how much food can fit.
Q: Should I buy a microwave with a convection feature?
A: Convection microwaves can bake and roast as well as microwave. They are more versatile but cost more.
Q: How long should a microwave oven last?
A: A good quality microwave oven can last for 7 to 10 years with proper care.
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.