Imagine this: you’re hungry, and you need a quick meal. What’s your go-to kitchen superhero? For many of us, it’s the trusty countertop microwave! These handy boxes can heat up leftovers, pop popcorn in a flash, and even cook simple meals. But when it’s time to buy a new one, the choices can feel overwhelming. Do you need a small one for a tiny kitchen, or a big one to fit a family-sized dinner? What about all those buttons and fancy features?
Choosing the perfect countertop microwave can be tricky. You want something that fits your space, your budget, and your cooking needs. It’s easy to get lost in all the different sizes, wattages, and functions. This can lead to frustration and maybe even buying a microwave that doesn’t quite work for you. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
In this blog post, we’ll break down what makes a great countertop microwave. We’ll look at the different types available and what to consider before you buy. By the end, you’ll feel confident in picking a microwave that will make your kitchen life easier and tastier. Let’s dive in and find the perfect microwave for your countertop!
Our Top 5 Microwaves Countertop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwaves Countertop Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is a smart and powerful kitchen helper. It offers 1000 watts of cooking power and a spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior. This microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its smart sensor and easy-to-use features. Its sleek black design will look great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically figures out the best cooking time and power. No more overcooked or undercooked food!
- It has 6 preset menus for popular items like pizza and vegetables. This saves you time and effort.
- You get 10 different power levels. This lets you control your cooking precisely.
- The Mute Function is a nice touch. You can turn off the annoying buzzer by pressing and holding the “8” button.
- It has an Easy Defrost feature. You can defrost food by weight or time.
- The One-Touch Start gets your microwave going quickly for 1 to 6 minutes.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy.
- The interior is easy to clean.
- The 12.4-inch glass turntable is removable for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might wish for more options.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves, potentially using more electricity.
Overall, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a fantastic microwave that brings convenience and smart cooking to your kitchen.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.8/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse designed for your kitchen. It offers a quick and easy way to heat up meals, snacks, and drinks. With its sleek black finish, it looks great on any countertop. This microwave is perfect for small kitchens or for anyone who needs a reliable way to cook food fast.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six handy presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels, from low for melting butter to high for speedy cooking.
- Digital controls make it simple to set the time and power.
- The +30 seconds button is great for adding a little extra cooking time.
- You can even save your favorite cooking settings with the memory function.
- A child safety lock keeps the door secure.
- The mute button lets you turn off beeping sounds, which is nice when you want peace and quiet.
- Eco Mode helps save power by turning off the display.
- It’s easy to clean; the exterior wipes down easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman provides trusted quality and a 1-year assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be small for cooking very large items.
- While it has a modern design, some users might prefer a larger microwave.
This Chefman microwave is a smart choice for easy cooking and convenience. It’s a reliable appliance that makes everyday kitchen tasks a breeze.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact and stylish microwave oven designed for modern living. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, and its small footprint makes it ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or even as a secondary microwave. This 0.9 cu ft oven packs a powerful 900W punch, ready to heat up your meals quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- The 6 preset menus take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn and potatoes.
- The mute function is a lifesaver for those early mornings or late nights when you don’t want to wake anyone up.
- The two-step child lock offers peace of mind for families with little ones.
- It boasts 11 power levels, giving you great control for different cooking tasks.
- The one-touch start and easy defrost features make quick meals even simpler.
- The 10.6-inch removable turntable fits most standard dishes and is easy to clean.
- The bright LED lighting inside helps you see your food clearly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some other compact microwaves, so measure your space carefully.
- While it has many features, the child lock requires a specific sequence to open, which might take a moment to learn.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance that doesn’t take up too much space. It makes everyday cooking tasks a breeze.
4. Farberware Countertop 700 Watts
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven in sleek black – your new best friend for quick and easy meals. This microwave is designed to make your life simpler, whether you’re heating up leftovers or cooking a full meal. Its compact size makes it a great fit for any kitchen, dorm room, or office space.
What We Like:
- It’s super powerful with 700 watts, heating food fast.
- You get ten different power levels, so you can cook just right.
- Six one-touch buttons make cooking popcorn, potatoes, or pizza a breeze.
- Defrosting is easy, either by weight or by time.
- It’s the perfect size for small spaces, offering big cooking power.
- The inside and outside are simple to clean.
- A bright LED display shows the time and works as a kitchen timer.
- Interior light lets you see your food cooking.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- Farberware is a trusted brand that helps families make memories.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu ft size might be too small for very large dishes.
- While powerful, some might want even more wattage for faster cooking.
This Farberware microwave is a great addition to any home or office. It offers convenient features and a compact design that makes meal prep easy.
5. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 9.0/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen appliance designed for quick and easy meal preparation. It offers 700 watts of power, making it efficient for reheating leftovers or cooking simple dishes. Its compact 0.7 cubic foot size makes it ideal for small kitchens, apartments, dorm rooms, or offices. The stainless steel finish adds a touch of style and is easy to clean.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful enough for most everyday tasks with 700 watts.
- You can customize your cooking with ten power levels and multi-stage cooking.
- Six one-touch options, like popcorn and pizza, make cooking super simple.
- Defrosting by weight or time is a great feature for saving time.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces.
- The LED display, kitchen timer, and clock are very useful.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock offers extra peace of mind.
- The stainless steel interior and exterior are easy to wipe clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for small spaces, it might be too small for cooking larger meals or multiple dishes at once.
- The 700-watt power is good, but some users might prefer a microwave with higher wattage for faster cooking.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a compact and user-friendly appliance. It offers great convenience for daily cooking needs.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Countertop Microwave
Countertop microwaves are kitchen workhorses. They heat up leftovers, pop popcorn, and cook quick meals. Finding the right one makes meal prep a breeze. This guide helps you pick the perfect countertop microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Wattage: The Powerhouse
Microwaves use wattage to heat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for microwaves with 700 to 1200 watts. Most everyday tasks work well with 900 watts. If you cook a lot or want super-fast heating, aim for 1000 watts or more.
2. Capacity: How Much Fits Inside?
Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet. Smaller ones (around 0.7 cu ft) are good for one or two people. Medium sizes (1.0-1.5 cu ft) work for families. Larger ones (over 1.6 cu ft) fit bigger dishes and multiple items. Think about what you usually heat up.
3. Preset Cooking Functions: Easy Buttons
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These presets set the right time and power level automatically. Some have sensor cooking, which adjusts cooking time based on steam from the food. These make cooking simple.
4. Turntable: Even Heating
A turntable rotates food as it cooks. This ensures even heating all around. Most microwaves have one. Some larger models might not, but they often have special wave patterns for even cooking. A working turntable is usually a good sign of quality.
5. Controls: Simple or Sophisticated?
Controls can be simple push buttons or fancy touchpads. Digital displays show cooking time and settings. Some models offer voice control or smart features. For most people, easy-to-read buttons and a clear display are best.
Important Materials
1. Interior Coating: Easy Cleaning
The inside of a microwave is often coated. Common coatings include enamel or ceramic. These are durable and easy to wipe clean. Stainless steel interiors look sleek but can be harder to clean. Non-stick coatings make cleaning much simpler.
2. Exterior Finish: Looks and Durability
Most microwaves have a painted metal exterior. Stainless steel is popular for its modern look. Some models offer colored finishes to match kitchen decor. A good exterior resists scratches and fingerprints.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
1. Build Quality: Sturdy Construction
A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should have a good feel. Cheaper models might feel flimsy. Look for reviews that mention good build quality.
2. Even Cooking Performance: The Real Test
The best microwaves cook food evenly. This means no cold spots. You can test this by heating a plate of cookies or a mug of water. If everything heats up consistently, the microwave does its job well. Poor performance means food might be undercooked in some areas.
3. Noise Level: Quiet Operation
Some microwaves can be quite loud. A quieter model is more pleasant to use, especially in open-plan kitchens. Check reviews for mentions of noise levels. Fans and the cooking process itself create some sound.
User Experience and Use Cases
1. Everyday Heating: Quick Meals
For reheating leftovers or making instant noodles, a simple, reliable microwave is key. Fast heating and easy operation are important here. Preset buttons for common items are very useful.
2. Cooking and Defrosting: More Than Just Reheating
If you plan to cook small meals or defrost frozen items, look for higher wattage and good defrost settings. Sensor cooking can be a big help. Capacity matters if you’re cooking larger portions.
3. Small Kitchens: Space Savers
In small kitchens, a compact countertop microwave saves valuable counter space. Look for models with a smaller footprint but still offer decent capacity and power.
4. Families: Busy Households
Families need microwaves that can handle larger portions and cook quickly. Higher wattage and larger capacity are beneficial. Easy-to-use controls are also a plus for busy parents and older children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a countertop microwave?
A: A good range is 700 to 1200 watts. 900 watts is fine for most tasks. 1000 watts or more heats food faster.
Q: How do I know what capacity I need?
A: Consider how many people you cook for and what size dishes you use. Small for one, medium for a few, large for families.
Q: Are preset cooking buttons really helpful?
A: Yes, they make cooking common foods like popcorn or potatoes very easy. They set the right time and power for you.
Q: Does a turntable always mean better cooking?
A: Usually, yes. A turntable rotates food for even heating. Some large microwaves don’t have them but use other tech for even cooking.
Q: What’s the difference between enamel and ceramic interiors?
A: Both are good for cleaning. Enamel is common and durable. Ceramic is also easy to clean and can be very scratch-resistant.
Q: How important is the exterior finish?
A: It affects looks and how easy it is to keep clean. Stainless steel looks modern but can show fingerprints. Painted finishes are also common.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave is well-built?
A: It will feel sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should feel good to press. Check reviews for comments on build quality.
Q: What does “even cooking performance” mean?
A: It means the microwave heats food all the way through without cold spots. This is important for good results.
Q: Are smart microwaves worth the extra cost?
A: It depends on your needs. Smart features can be convenient, but for basic heating, a standard microwave is often enough.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
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.
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