Ever stared at a wall of microwaves, feeling completely lost? It happens to the best of us! Choosing a microwave that fits your kitchen and your needs can feel like a puzzle. You want something that heats your popcorn perfectly, defrosts your chicken without cooking the edges, and maybe even looks good on your counter. But with so many brands, sizes, and features, where do you even begin?
This is where our guide comes in. We understand the frustration of wanting a simple solution but facing a confusing market. You’re probably tired of microwaves that are too small, too complicated, or just don’t heat things evenly. We’re here to cut through the noise and make your decision-making process a whole lot easier.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a good countertop microwave. We’ll break down the key features to look for, explain what all those buttons actually do, and help you find a microwave that will be a reliable helper in your kitchen for years to come. Let’s dive in and find your perfect microwave!
Our Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave is a great addition to any home. It offers plenty of space for your cooking needs. Plus, it comes with a special bundle that includes an extended protection plan for extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- It’s an authorized GE USA product, meaning you get genuine quality.
- You get a 2-year extended protection plan, which is great for long-term use.
- It includes a charcoal filter replacement, perfect for keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is generous for most meals.
- Convenience cooking controls make it easy to use.
- The sleek stainless steel finish looks modern and clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for some smaller kitchens, so measure carefully.
This bundle provides excellent value and ensures you’re covered. It’s a smart choice for reliable kitchen performance.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove. This 1.7 cubic feet microwave is quite large, so it can fit a lot of food. It also has 1000 watts of power, which means it cooks food quickly. You can use it for many different cooking tasks.
What We Like:
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity and 12.4-inch turntable let you cook or heat up big meals.
- It has 10 different cooking power levels, perfect for everything from melting butter to reheating leftovers.
- Six one-touch auto cooking menus make preparing common foods like popcorn or beverages super easy.
- The speedy cooking option lets you cook at full power for 1, 2, or 3 minutes with just a press of a button.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set up different cooking times and power levels in one go, saving you time.
- The 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds powerfully clears smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- The built-in light shines directly on your stovetop, making it easier to cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily and may require frequent wiping to maintain its shine.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a great blend of power, capacity, and convenience. It’s a solid choice for busy kitchens that need a reliable and versatile over-the-range appliance.
3. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, with its 1.7 cu. ft. capacity and powerful 1000W output, is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design not only looks great but also helps save precious counter space by mounting conveniently over your stove. This microwave is built for efficiency, making meal prep and reheating a breeze.
What We Like:
- HIGH-POWER COOKING: The 1000W power quickly and evenly cooks your food, perfect for busy families.
- SPACIOUS INTERIOR: The 1.7 cu. ft. size fits large dishes, making it versatile for all your cooking needs.
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL COOKING: With special settings for vegetables, snacks, and potatoes, it offers great cooking options.
- ADVANCED DEFROSTING: Time and weight defrost features make thawing meat simple and effective.
- RAPID COOKING FEATURES: The +30 seconds button and melt/soften options add everyday convenience.
- CHILD SAFETY LOCK: This feature keeps your little ones safe in the kitchen.
- USER-FRIENDLY ADDITIONS: The LED timer, vent fan, and stovetop light are very helpful.
- VOLUME CONTROL: You can adjust the sound alerts to your preference.
- OPTIMIZED DESIGN: Its over-the-range installation saves space and makes your kitchen look neat.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the power is great, some users might find the initial learning curve for advanced features a bit steep.
This Farberware microwave is a smart choice for anyone seeking both power and space-saving design in their kitchen appliances.
4. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.9/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It has a sleek stainless steel finish and a smart touch panel that makes it easy to use. This microwave is designed to make cooking and reheating food simple and efficient.
What We Like:
- It has 18 auto cooking menus, so you can cook things like popcorn, pizza, and even rice with just one touch.
- The 1.7 cu.ft. capacity is large enough to fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- You can adjust the power level from 1 to 10, giving you control over how your food cooks.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is powerful and has adjustable fan speeds to get rid of cooking smells and smoke.
- The bright light under the microwave helps you see what you’re cooking on the stovetop below.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are convenient, some users might prefer more manual control for advanced cooking.
- The smart touch panel, while modern, might take a little getting used to for those who prefer physical buttons.
Overall, the Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a user-friendly and powerful microwave that simplifies meal preparation. It offers excellent features for both cooking and ventilation.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, a compact and user-friendly digital microwave oven designed for your kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish adds a modern touch. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave is perfect for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, or making popcorn. It’s easy to operate with a simple push-button door and a clear LED display.
What We Like:
- It has handy pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button makes heating things up super fast.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The interior light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- It’s a good size for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, its 700-watt power might be slower for some cooking tasks compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
Overall, this BLACK+DECKER microwave is a reliable and convenient appliance for everyday use. It offers a good balance of features and simplicity for most kitchen needs.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Over-the-Counter Microwave
Microwaves are super handy kitchen helpers. They warm up leftovers fast and cook many foods quickly. If you’re looking for a new microwave to sit on your counter, this guide will help you pick the right one. We’ll cover what to look for, what makes a microwave good, and how to use it.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an over-the-counter microwave, some features are more important than others. Think about what you’ll use it for most.
- Wattage: This is how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for microwaves with at least 900 watts for good performance.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food can fit inside. Small microwaves are good for one person. Bigger ones are better for families or cooking larger items.
- Turntable: A rotating plate inside helps food cook evenly. Most microwaves have this, but make sure it’s there.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These make cooking easier.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear screen and easy-to-use buttons make operating the microwave simple.
- Timer and Clock: These are basic but useful features.
Important Materials
The parts of a microwave matter for how well it works and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This material is durable and easy to clean. It also looks nice.
- Glass Turntable: The glass plate should be sturdy and easy to wash.
- Exterior Casing: Most microwaves have a metal casing. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it’s strong and resists fingerprints. Plastic is also used, but it might not be as durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it less ideal.
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks food all the way through without hot or cold spots. This often depends on the wattage and how well the turntable works.
- Ease of Cleaning: Microwaves with smooth interiors and removable turntables are much easier to wipe down.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews to see how loud a model is.
- Durability: A well-built microwave will last longer. Look for sturdy construction and good-quality materials.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use a microwave will shape your experience. Over-the-counter microwaves are great for many things:
- Quick Meal Heating: Reheating leftovers is the most common use.
- Snack Preparation: Making popcorn or heating up frozen snacks is easy.
- Simple Cooking: Some microwaves can bake or broil, making them versatile.
- Defrosting: Quickly thawing frozen foods saves time.
A good user experience means the microwave is simple to operate. The buttons should be clear, and the cooking results should be consistent. If the microwave is hard to clean or makes too much noise, it can be frustrating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in an over-the-counter microwave?
A: The most important features are usually wattage and capacity. Higher wattage means faster cooking, and the right capacity fits your needs.
Q: Is stainless steel a better material for the inside of a microwave?
A: Yes, stainless steel is often considered better because it’s durable and easier to clean than some other materials.
Q: How does wattage affect microwave quality?
A: Higher wattage generally means faster and more even cooking. Microwaves with lower wattage might take longer to heat food.
Q: Should I choose a microwave with a turntable?
A: Yes, a turntable helps your food cook more evenly by rotating it as it heats.
Q: Are preset cooking options really helpful?
A: Preset options can be very helpful. They take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like popcorn or potatoes.
Q: What size microwave is best for a small kitchen?
A: For a small kitchen, a compact microwave with a smaller capacity (around 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet) is usually best. It won’t take up too much counter space.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave will cook food evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even cooking. Microwaves with higher wattage and a good turntable design tend to cook more evenly.
Q: Is it important to check the noise level of a microwave?
A: Yes, if you are sensitive to noise, it’s a good idea to check reviews to find out how loud a particular microwave is.
Q: What are some common use cases for over-the-counter microwaves?
A: Common uses include reheating leftovers, making snacks like popcorn, defrosting frozen foods, and simple cooking tasks.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most microwaves can be cleaned by wiping the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Removable turntables can often be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.
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.