Imagine this: you’ve just bought a brand new kitchen appliance, all shiny and new. You unbox it, excited to try it out, only to find it’s too big for your counter space. Frustrating, right? That’s a common problem when picking out a counter microwave, and it can really throw a wrench in your kitchen plans.
Choosing the perfect counter microwave feels like a big decision because it has to fit your space, your cooking needs, and your budget. There are so many brands, sizes, and features to think about! It’s easy to get lost in all the choices and end up with something that doesn’t quite work for you. We want to help you avoid that headache.
In this post, we’ll break down what to look for in a counter microwave. You’ll learn about different sizes, helpful features, and how to find a great microwave without breaking the bank. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a microwave that’s just right for your kitchen. Let’s get started!
Our Top 5 Counter Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Counter Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven, a compact and powerful kitchen helper. This 0.7 cubic foot stainless steel microwave is designed for convenience and ease of use, making it a great addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or office. With its user-friendly controls and handy features, heating up leftovers, making popcorn, or cooking a quick meal becomes a breeze.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and frozen vegetables.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for quick reheating.
- You can easily see what’s happening inside thanks to the large LED digital display and interior light.
- The push-button door release makes opening the microwave simple.
- A child safety lock provides peace of mind for families.
- It comes with a removable 10-inch glass turntable for even cooking and easy cleaning.
- The clock and kitchen timer are useful features.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a bit longer to cook some items compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is good for small portions but might be tight for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a good balance of features and affordability for everyday cooking needs. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and straightforward microwave.
2. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.7/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, 0.7 Cu. Ft. is a fantastic appliance for anyone needing a compact yet powerful microwave. It’s designed for convenience, offering quick meal preparation with its 700 watts of cooking power. This microwave is a great fit for small kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms where space is limited. Its easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior and interior make maintenance a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to use with one-touch cooking options for popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- You can customize your cooking with ten different power levels and multi-stage cooking.
- The defrost function works by weight or time, making it super fast to thaw food.
- Its compact 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces but still cooks like a bigger microwave.
- The clear LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer, which is really handy.
- Interior LED lighting lets you see your food cooking easily.
- A child safety lock provides extra peace of mind.
- The stainless steel finish looks good and is simple to wipe clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful for its size, 700 watts might be a bit slower for larger food items compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for very large dishes or multiple servings at once.
This Farberware microwave is a smart choice for its size and useful features. It makes cooking and reheating quick and simple for your daily needs.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave. This microwave makes cooking easy with its smart features. It has a large interior and a 12.4-inch turntable, so it fits a 12-inch pizza. The black, stylish design looks great in any kitchen. It’s a powerful 1000W microwave that heats food quickly.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of heating food. It knows the best way to cook things like veggies and potatoes.
- It has 12 auto menus for popular foods, making meal prep simple.
- The mute function lets you turn off the annoying beeps. Just press and hold the “8” button.
- The ECO mode helps save energy.
- The interior is easy to clean, which is a big plus.
- It has a spacious 1.2 cubic feet capacity and a large 12.4-inch turntable.
- The control panel is easy to read with a big digital display.
What Could Be Improved:
- The keypad comes with a protective film that needs to be removed before use.
- A physical user manual is not included; it’s provided as a PDF.
- The warranty requires keeping the packaging for support.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for busy households. It offers smart features and a user-friendly design.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.9/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse for any kitchen. This 0.7 cu. ft. microwave boasts 700 watts of power and offers 10 different power levels to suit all your cooking needs. It comes with 6 convenient cooking presets for popular items like popcorn and pizza, and a one-touch express cook feature for quick meal prep. Plus, with its Eco Mode, child safety lock, and mute button, this microwave is designed for both efficiency and peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Extra-quick cooking with 6 handy presets for common foods.
- 10 power levels provide flexibility for various cooking tasks.
- Digital controls and a +30 seconds button make operation simple.
- Memory function lets you save and recall your favorite settings.
- Child safety lock and mute option add convenience and security.
- Sleek, modern black design complements any kitchen décor.
- Easy to clean exterior and a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.
- cETL approved with a 1-year assurance from Chefman for quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or bulk cooking.
This Chefman microwave is a great addition to any home, offering a blend of functionality and user-friendly features. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller kitchens, while its robust capabilities handle everyday cooking tasks with ease.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen, especially for apartments or smaller spaces. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great, and it packs a lot of helpful features into its compact 0.9 cubic foot size. This microwave is designed for ease of use and safety, making it a solid choice for everyday cooking and reheating.
What We Like:
- It has a powerful 900-watt output for quick cooking.
- The 6 auto menus make it super easy to cook popular foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- You can adjust the cooking power with 11 different levels for better control.
- The “One Touch Start” feature lets you quickly cook for up to 6 minutes at full power.
- The mute function is a lifesaver if you don’t want the microwave to beep loudly.
- A two-step child lock provides important safety for homes with kids.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food while it’s cooking.
- It comes with a 10.6-inch removable glass turntable that fits many dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, some users might find the initial setup for the mute function a little tricky.
- The external dimensions might still be a bit large for extremely tiny kitchens.
Overall, the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. Its smart features and safety options make it a valuable kitchen helper.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Countertop Microwave
Finding the perfect countertop microwave can make your kitchen life easier.
Microwaves are super handy for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, or even making popcorn. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find a microwave that fits your needs and your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
Think about what you’ll use your microwave for most.
- Wattage: This is how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For everyday use, 900-1000 watts is usually good.
- Capacity: This is how much food you can fit inside. It’s measured in cubic feet. Small apartments might only need a 0.7 cu. ft. model, while families might want 1.6 cu. ft. or larger.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These can make cooking simpler.
- Turntable: A rotating glass tray helps food cook evenly. Most microwaves have this.
- Child Lock: This safety feature prevents kids from accidentally turning the microwave on.
- Sensor Cooking: This smart feature detects the humidity from your food and adjusts the cooking time and power automatically.
Important Materials
What your microwave is made of matters for durability and cleaning.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice because it looks nice and is easy to clean. It’s also strong.
- Plastic: The inside of most microwaves is made of durable plastic. Good quality plastic won’t warp or melt easily.
- Glass: The door window and the turntable are usually made of glass. Tempered glass is strong and safe for microwave use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Little things can make a big difference in how well your microwave works.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. Doors should open and close smoothly. Buttons should be responsive.
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks food evenly without hot or cold spots. This often comes from higher wattage and a good turntable.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud when running. Look for reviews that mention how noisy a model is if this is important to you.
- Ease of Cleaning: A smooth interior and exterior makes cleaning much easier. Some microwaves have special non-stick coatings.
- Durability: A quality microwave will last for many years. Cheaper models might break down sooner.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll actually use your microwave every day.
- Reheating Meals: For quick lunches or dinners, a microwave is a lifesaver.
- Cooking Snacks: Popcorn, frozen snacks, and quick desserts are easy to make.
- Defrosting Food: Need to thaw meat or veggies quickly? Your microwave can do it.
- Small Kitchens: Compact microwaves are great for dorm rooms, small apartments, or offices.
- Busy Families: Microwaves help busy parents get meals ready faster.
When you choose a countertop microwave, consider its power, size, and special features. Reading reviews from other users can also give you good ideas about what to expect. A good microwave will be a reliable helper in your kitchen for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature to look for in a countertop microwave?
A: The most important feature depends on your needs, but wattage and capacity are usually key. Higher wattage cooks faster, and capacity determines how much food fits.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves better than plastic ones?
A: Stainless steel microwaves often look more modern and are easier to wipe clean. However, good quality plastic interiors are also durable and functional.
Q: How do I know if a microwave cooks food evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even cooking. Higher wattage and a properly working turntable usually help with even heating.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” mean?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect steam from food and automatically adjusts cooking time and power for the best results.
Q: Is a child lock feature really necessary?
A: A child lock is a great safety feature if you have young children in the house to prevent them from accidentally starting the microwave.
Q: How much capacity do I need?
A: For one or two people, 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet is usually enough. For families, 1.1 to 1.6 cubic feet or more is better.
Q: Can I put metal in a microwave?
A: Generally, no. Metal can cause sparks and damage the microwave. Always check the user manual for specific guidelines.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can clean the inside by heating a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes. Then, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth.
Q: What is a good wattage for a countertop microwave?
A: A wattage between 900 and 1000 watts is considered good for most everyday cooking and reheating tasks.
Q: Should I buy a microwave with many preset buttons?
A: Preset buttons can be convenient if you often cook those specific foods. If you prefer to set your own times and power levels, they might not be as important.
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.