Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, or need to reheat leftovers in a flash. But then you look up at your kitchen counter, and the space is already packed. Where will a new microwave even fit? This is where the magic of a Microwave Over The Counter (MOC) comes in, offering a brilliant solution to save precious counter space while still giving you all the cooking power you need.
Choosing the right MOC can feel like a puzzle. You want something that cooks well, looks good, and fits perfectly above your stove. But with so many brands, sizes, and features, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You might worry about installation, or if it will be too loud, or if it will even be powerful enough for your needs. It’s a big decision that affects your kitchen’s flow and your daily cooking routine.
But don’t worry! By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the important features, explain what makes one MOC better than another for your kitchen, and help you find the perfect model that will make your life easier and your kitchen look fantastic. Get ready to discover how a Microwave Over The Counter can become your kitchen’s new best friend.
Our Top 5 Microwave Over The Counter Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Over The Counter Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cubic feet microwave is a powerful cooking companion, fitting perfectly over your stove. Its sleek stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The large 1.7 cubic feet capacity easily fits big dishes and the 12.4-inch turntable spins them for even cooking.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 1000 watts of power for fast and efficient heating.
- Quick menus make cooking simple with just one touch for popcorn, beverages, and defrosting.
- Speedy cooking lets you heat food for 1 to 3 minutes at full power with a simple button press.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for more complex meals.
- The 300 CFM vent fan powerfully removes cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- An included light shines brightly on your stovetop, making cooking easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while powerful, might be a bit loud for some users.
- Some users may prefer more advanced smart features not found on this model.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers great value and convenience. It’s a solid choice for busy kitchens needing a reliable and multi-functional appliance.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a sleek silver countertop microwave that makes cooking easy. It’s big enough for most meals with 1.2 cubic feet of space and a large 12.4-inch turntable. This microwave has cool features like a smart sensor that knows when your food is perfectly cooked, so no more guessing! It also comes with helpful pre-set menus for common foods like pizza and vegetables, and you can even mute the beeping sounds. Plus, it has an ECO mode to save energy.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically adjusts time and power for perfect results.
- It has 12 auto menus, including specific options for pizza, vegetables, and sensor reheat, making meal prep super simple.
- The 1000W power output heats food quickly and evenly.
- A Mute Function is a great addition for quiet kitchens.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- The Easy Clean Interior makes wiping up spills a breeze.
- It offers 10 power levels for precise cooking control.
- The One-Touch Start feature lets you quickly cook for 1-6 minutes at full power.
- Defrosting is easy with options for weight or time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, only 6 are explicitly listed in the features, which could be clearer.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart and convenient addition to any kitchen. Its advanced features and user-friendly design make cooking and reheating a joy.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a powerful and smart countertop microwave that makes cooking easy. Its 1000-watt output heats food quickly. The 1.2 cubic foot capacity fits most dishes. A large 12.4-inch turntable ensures even cooking. This microwave has cool features like a smart humidity sensor that cooks food perfectly every time. It also has 12 auto menus for quick cooking of popular foods. The mute function is great for quiet kitchens. Plus, the ECO mode saves energy.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically adjusts time and power for perfectly cooked food.
- It has 12 auto menus, making it simple to cook common items like pizza and vegetables.
- The Mute Function is a thoughtful addition. You can turn off the annoying buzzer by holding down the “8” button.
- The 10 power levels and one-touch start offer great cooking flexibility.
- The ECO mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
- Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the easy-clean interior.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, only 6 are preset for specific foods. The others might require more manual input.
- The external dimensions are a bit large, so measure your counter space carefully.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for convenience and smart cooking. Its advanced features make it a great addition to any kitchen.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven is a super handy kitchen gadget. It’s a countertop microwave that can also air fry, convection bake, and broil. Its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces like dorm rooms or office kitchens, but it’s still powerful with 1050 watts of cooking power. The stainless steel design looks really sleek too.
What We Like:
- It’s compact but still offers a good amount of space inside (1.0 cubic feet).
- The air fry mode makes food crispy and delicious without all the oil.
- Convection cooking ensures your food is browned evenly.
- The broiler is great for searing and finishing off dishes.
- Preset buttons like “Fries” take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The child lock feature offers peace of mind for families.
- The glass turntable cooks food all the way through.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, some users might find the learning curve for all the modes a little steep at first.
- The crisper pan, while useful, is an additional piece to keep track of.
This GE microwave is a versatile and powerful addition to any kitchen. It offers a lot of cooking options in one compact appliance.
5. 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 cu.ft. microwave packs a punch with 1000 watts of power, making meal prep a breeze. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your stove, and the one-touch cooking features simplify your busy life. Get ready for faster, easier cooking!
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000 Watts: Heats and cooks food quickly.
- One-Touch Auto Cooking: Pre-programmed settings for popcorn, pizza, vegetables, and more make cooking simple.
- Generous 1.9 Cu.ft. Capacity: Fits large dishes and family-sized meals.
- Bright LED Cooktop Lighting: Illuminates your stovetop for safe cooking.
- Strong 400 CFM Venting: Effectively removes cooking odors and smoke from your kitchen.
- Turntable On/Off: Gives you flexibility to cook irregularly shaped dishes.
- Convenient Features: Includes a clock, kitchen timer, 30-second express cooking, and a child lock for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Instructions: While available online, physical instructions in the box would be helpful for some.
- Venting Fan Noise: The two-speed fan, while effective, might be noticeable to some users.
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its combination of power, convenience, and thoughtful features makes it a top choice for everyday cooking needs.
Choosing Your Perfect Microwave Over the Counter
So, you’re looking for a new microwave to sit on your counter? Great! Microwaves are super helpful for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, and cooking quick meals. A microwave over the counter is a fantastic option because it saves space in your cabinets and is easy to reach. Let’s dive into what makes a good one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind. They will help you pick a microwave that works best for you.
- **Size and Capacity:** Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. A small microwave is good for one person. A larger one is better for families or when you cook bigger dishes. Measure the space on your counter where you want to put it. You don’t want it to be too big or too small.
- **Wattage:** This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means it cooks food faster. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For most everyday tasks, 900 to 1000 watts is a good choice.
- **Cooking Presets:** Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These make cooking easy. You just press the button, and the microwave figures out the time and power.
- **Turntable:** A turntable is a spinning plate inside the microwave. It helps food cook evenly by moving it around. Most microwaves have this, but some larger ones might not.
- **Door Style:** Some microwaves have a handle, and others have a push-button to open. Think about which one is easier for you to use.
- **Child Lock:** If you have little kids, a child lock is a great safety feature. It stops them from turning the microwave on by accident.
Important Materials
The inside and outside of your microwave are made from different materials. These can affect how it works and how long it lasts.
- **Interior:** The inside is usually made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel is strong and easy to clean. Some have ceramic enamel interiors, which are also very easy to wipe down and resist scratches.
- **Exterior:** The outside is often made of plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. Plastic is lighter and can come in different colors.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a microwave better or not as good.
- **Build Quality:** A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The buttons should press smoothly, and the door should close securely. A flimsy microwave might not last as long.
- **Ease of Cleaning:** Nobody likes cleaning a messy microwave. Look for models with smooth interiors that wipe clean easily. Non-stick coatings can also help.
- **Noise Level:** Some microwaves can be quite loud when they run. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how quiet the microwave is.
- **Even Cooking:** The best microwaves cook food evenly. This means no hot spots or cold spots. Good microwaves distribute the heat well.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your microwave most often. This helps you choose the right features.
- **Quick Reheating:** If you just need to reheat leftovers, a simple microwave with a few presets will work perfectly.
- **Snack Making:** For things like popcorn or heating up a mug cake, a microwave with a popcorn button or specific snack presets is very handy.
- **Busy Cooks:** If you’re often in a hurry, a more powerful microwave with many cooking presets can save you a lot of time.
- **Small Kitchens:** Countertop microwaves are great for saving space. They fit on your counter and don’t take up cabinet space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best size microwave for a single person?
A: For one person, a microwave with a capacity of 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet is usually enough. This size fits well on most counters.
Q: How important is wattage for a microwave?
A: Wattage is important because it tells you how fast your food will cook. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
Q: Do I really need cooking presets?
A: Cooking presets are not required, but they make using the microwave much easier. They take the guesswork out of cooking common foods.
Q: What’s the difference between a stainless steel and a plastic exterior?
A: Stainless steel exteriors look more modern and are very durable. Plastic exteriors are lighter and can come in more color options.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave cooks food evenly?
A: Look for reviews from other users. They often mention if the microwave has hot spots or cooks evenly.
Q: Is a turntable always necessary?
A: A turntable helps food cook more evenly. While some larger microwaves might not have one, most countertop models do, and it’s a good feature to have.
Q: What is a “defrost” setting?
A: The defrost setting uses lower power to thaw frozen food without cooking it. It’s very useful for preparing ingredients.
Q: Can I put metal in my microwave?
A: Generally, no. You should avoid putting metal in the microwave because it can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can usually clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, microwave a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes to loosen the grime.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a countertop microwave?
A: A well-maintained countertop microwave typically lasts between 7 to 10 years.
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.