Ever stared at your kitchen counter, wondering if that microwave is really doing its best work? We’ve all been there. Choosing a countertop microwave can feel like a culinary quest, with so many buttons, sizes, and features to sort through. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, and the wrong choice can lead to frustrating cooking experiences or a cluttered kitchen.
But what if you could finally find a microwave that’s not just a box, but a true kitchen helper? This post is here to guide you through the maze of countertop microwaves. We’ll break down what really matters, from heating power to smart settings, so you can pick the perfect one for your needs.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in your decision. We’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and discover the features that will make reheating leftovers and cooking quick meals a breeze. Let’s dive in and find the countertop microwave that will become your new favorite kitchen appliance!
Our Top 5 Countertop Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Countertop Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and stylish appliance that brings convenience to your kitchen. With its sleek stainless steel finish, it looks great on any countertop. This microwave is designed for ease of use, featuring pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn and pizza. It’s a great option for small kitchens or for anyone who needs a reliable microwave for everyday tasks.
What We Like:
- It has helpful pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates.
- The 30-second express cooking feature lets you quickly heat things up.
- A large LED display makes the control panel easy to read.
- The child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The push-button door release is simple to use.
- A removable glass turntable makes cleaning easy.
- It comes with a kitchen timer and a clock.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for larger dishes or families.
- The 700-watt cooking power is standard but may not be as fast as higher-wattage microwaves.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for basic reheating and cooking needs. Its user-friendly features and compact size make it a practical addition to any home.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, a powerful 1000W countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior easily fits a 12-inch pizza, and the smart humidity sensor ensures your food is heated perfectly every time. With 12 auto menus, a handy mute function, and an ECO mode, this black microwave is as smart as it is stylish. Plus, the easy-clean interior means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meals.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000W cooking for quick results.
- Large 1.2 cubic feet capacity fits big items like a 12-inch pizza.
- Smart humidity sensor heats food precisely.
- 12 auto menus offer convenient cooking options for popular foods.
- Mute function lets you silence annoying beeps.
- ECO mode helps save energy.
- Easy-clean interior makes cleanup simple.
- Stylish black design looks great on any countertop.
- Large digital display and easy-to-read control panel.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel has a protective film that needs to be removed before use, which might be missed by some users.
- Warranty information requires keeping the packaging, which can be inconvenient for returns or service.
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and smart features for everyday cooking needs.
3. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.9/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, 0.7 Cu. Ft. is a fantastic little appliance designed for convenience and ease of use. Its compact size makes it a perfect fit for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or even office spaces. With 700 watts of power, it heats up food quickly and efficiently, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s super convenient for making quick meals.
- It has ten power levels and six one-touch options like popcorn and potato.
- The size (0.7 cu ft) is just right for small spaces.
- It has a clear LED display, a kitchen timer, and clock.
- The interior light helps you see your food while it cooks.
- A child safety lock is a nice extra for peace of mind.
- The stainless steel finish looks good and is easy to wipe clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook larger meals compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity means it might not fit extra-large dishes or containers.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It delivers on its promise of making everyday cooking simpler.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.9/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for any kitchen. Its sleek black design fits in with any decor. This 700-watt microwave offers 10 power levels, giving you control over your cooking. Plus, it has six handy cooking presets for popular items like popcorn and pizza. You can even set it to remember your favorite cooking times.
What We Like:
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Six cooking presets make heating food super fast.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: 10 power levels offer great cooking flexibility.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: Easy-to-use buttons and a +30 seconds button for quick adjustments.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access.
- SAFETY FIRST: A child safety lock prevents accidental openings.
- MUTE OPTION: Turn off annoying beeps with the Audio Button.
- MODERN DESIGN: The compact size and black finish look great in any kitchen.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or bulk cooking.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic option for everyday cooking needs. It’s user-friendly and offers great convenience.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any small kitchen, apartment, or dorm room. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great, and its compact size means it won’t take up too much counter space. With 900 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s packed with helpful features that make cooking and reheating a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 6 preset menus are super handy for common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- You can adjust the power from 1 to 11 levels, giving you lots of control.
- The mute function is a lifesaver if you don’t want loud beeps waking up roommates or family.
- The child lock feature is a smart safety addition, keeping little ones from accidentally turning it on.
- Defrosting is easy, whether you use weight or time.
- The interior LED light makes it easy to see your food while it’s cooking.
- The 10.6-inch glass turntable is removable and easy to clean.
- The “one-touch start” heats food for up to 6 minutes at full power instantly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock could be clearer.
Overall, this TOSHIBA microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich compact appliance. It makes everyday kitchen tasks much simpler.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Countertop Microwave
Choosing the right countertop microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze. This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your kitchen.
What to Look For: Key Features
- Size and Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually heat. Small ones are good for snacks. Bigger ones can cook meals. They are measured in cubic feet. A 0.7 to 1.0 cubic foot microwave is good for most people.
- Wattage: This tells you how fast the microwave heats. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For quick reheating, 900 watts or more is great.
- Power Levels: Many microwaves have different power settings. This lets you cook delicate foods like fish or melt butter gently. You can choose low power for defrosting. High power is for fast cooking.
- Preset Cooking Options: Some microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. This makes cooking these items super easy. You just press a button, and the microwave does the rest.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Most microwaves have one. Make sure it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
- Door Style: Doors can swing left or right. Some have pull handles. Others have push buttons. Pick one that works best for your kitchen space.
- Control Panel: Some panels are simple with just a few buttons. Others are digital with touch screens. Simple panels are easy to use. Digital panels often have more features.
Important Materials
Most countertop microwaves have an outer casing made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. Painted metal is usually cheaper. The inside is typically made of enamel-coated steel. This material is easy to clean. The door has a glass window so you can see your food. The turntable is usually made of glass.
What Makes a Microwave Great (or Not So Great)
- Quality Factors that Improve:
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats food all the way through. This means no cold spots.
- Durability: A well-built microwave lasts a long time. It shouldn’t break easily.
- Ease of Use: Controls should be clear and simple. It should be easy to set the time and power.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. The best ones are quiet.
- Quality Factors that Reduce:
- Uneven Cooking: Food that is hot on the edges and cold in the middle is a sign of a poor microwave.
- Cheap Materials: Plastic parts that feel flimsy can break.
- Confusing Controls: If you can’t figure out how to use it, it’s not a good microwave.
- Short Lifespan: Microwaves that stop working after a year or two are not a good value.
User Experience and Use Cases
Countertop microwaves are super versatile. They are perfect for:
- Quick Meals: Heating leftovers or frozen dinners takes just minutes.
- Snacks: Making popcorn or warming up a cup of soup is fast and easy.
- Defrosting: Safely thaw frozen meats or vegetables.
- Reheating Drinks: Warm up coffee or tea without a stove.
- Simple Cooking: Some microwaves can even bake or broil small items.
For a busy student, a microwave is a lifesaver for quick meals between classes. For a family, it’s great for reheating side dishes during dinner. Even for someone living alone, it simplifies everyday cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best size microwave for a small kitchen?
A: For a small kitchen, a compact microwave around 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet is usually best. It takes up less counter space.
Q: How important is wattage?
A: Wattage is important because it affects how quickly your food heats. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Aim for at least 900 watts if you want speed.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a countertop microwave?
A: You can reheat and cook many simple meals. Some advanced microwaves even have convection features that allow for more cooking options, like roasting or baking.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves better than painted ones?
A: Stainless steel microwaves often look more modern and are generally more durable. Painted microwaves can be a more budget-friendly option.
Q: What does it mean if my microwave doesn’t heat evenly?
A: Uneven heating means the microwave might not be distributing the energy properly. This can be a sign of lower quality or a problem with the magnetron, the part that creates the heat.
Q: How do I clean my microwave?
A: Most microwave interiors can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. The glass turntable can usually be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.
Q: Should I get a microwave with preset buttons?
A: Preset buttons are very convenient if you frequently cook items like popcorn or potatoes. They take the guesswork out of cooking times and power levels.
Q: What is a convection microwave?
A: A convection microwave has a fan that circulates hot air. This allows it to bake, roast, and broil food in addition to microwaving, making it more versatile.
Q: How long do countertop microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, a countertop microwave can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Quality and usage play a big role in its lifespan.
Q: Is it okay to run the microwave empty?
A: No, it is not recommended to run a microwave empty. The microwaves need something to absorb the energy. Running it empty can damage the microwave.
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.