Do you ever stare at your old, clunky microwave and wish for something new and better? You’re not alone! Choosing a new microwave can feel like a giant puzzle. There are so many brands, sizes, and features, it’s easy to get lost. You want a microwave that cooks your food just right, fits your kitchen, and doesn’t break the bank. But with all the choices, how do you pick the perfect one?
This blog post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a good “over the counter” microwave, which just means a microwave that sits on your counter. We’ll look at the things that really matter, like how powerful it is, how much food it can hold, and what special buttons it has. We’ll also talk about how to make sure it looks good in your kitchen and doesn’t take up too much space.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident about finding the best microwave for your needs. We’ll give you the tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes and make a smart choice. So, get ready to say goodbye to microwave stress and hello to perfectly heated snacks and meals!
Our Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This 1.9 cu.ft. microwave packs a punch with 1000 watts of cooking power, making it a workhorse for all your reheating and cooking needs. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your stove, saving valuable counter space. Plus, it comes loaded with features to make meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food quickly and evenly.
- One-touch auto-cooking menus simplify preparing popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- A strong 400 CFM venting fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop for better visibility.
- The spacious 1.9 cu.ft. interior and 13.5-inch turntable handle large dishes with ease, and you can even turn the turntable off for oddly shaped items.
- Convenient features like 30-second express cooking and a kitchen timer add to its user-friendliness.
- A child lock provides peace of mind for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto-menus are handy, some users might prefer more manual control options for precise cooking.
- Installation instructions are available online, but a printed manual would be a nice addition.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a fantastic combination of power, convenience, and thoughtful features. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen’s functionality and cooking experience.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cubic feet microwave is a powerful helper, fitting right over your stove. It makes cooking and reheating meals a breeze. Its sleek black design looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior easily fits large dishes, and the 12.4-inch turntable spins them for even cooking. It’s like having an extra hand in the kitchen!
- 10 Cooking Levels: With 1000 watts of power, you can choose from 6 quick menus for common tasks like popping popcorn, reheating leftovers, or defrosting.
- Speedy Cooking: Need to cook something fast? Press 1, 2, or 3 for instant 100% power cooking for up to 3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by setting the microwave to cook at different power levels for different amounts of time. For example, it can cook at 90% power for 10 minutes, then switch to 50% power for 5 minutes all on its own.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: This microwave has a strong fan that pulls smoke and smells away from your stovetop. It has two speeds to handle any cooking mess. Plus, a built-in light shines down on your cooking area.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while strong, might be a bit loud for some users.
- The control panel, with its many options, could take a little time to get used to.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great addition to any busy kitchen. It offers a lot of features to make your cooking easier and faster.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and smart addition to any kitchen. With 1000 watts of cooking power, it heats food quickly and evenly. Its 1.2 cubic foot capacity is generous enough for most meals, and the 12.4-inch removable glass turntable handles larger dishes with ease. This microwave simplifies cooking with its smart humidity sensor, which automatically adjusts settings for perfect results every time. It also offers convenient auto menus and adjustable power levels for all your culinary needs.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your food is always just right.
- It comes with 12 auto menus, making it super easy to prepare popular dishes like pizza and vegetables.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control over how you cook.
- The Mute Function is a lifesaver for quiet kitchens, letting you turn off the annoying buzzer.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- Its Easy Clean Interior means wiping up spills is a breeze.
- The Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start features make preparing frozen foods and quick heating super simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, only 6 are specifically highlighted as preset menus in the description provided.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than the output power; this is typical but worth noting for energy consumption.
This Toshiba microwave oven is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a user-friendly and efficient cooking experience. Its smart features and versatile options make it a valuable asset in 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 versatile kitchen appliance that does more than just heat food. It’s a compact powerhouse designed to fit easily on your countertop, making it ideal for smaller spaces like dorm rooms or offices. This stainless steel microwave packs a lot of cooking options into its 1.0 cubic foot capacity, including air frying, convection baking, and broiling.
What We Like:
- It’s compact but still offers a good amount of space inside at 1.0 cubic feet.
- The 1050-watt power makes it a strong performer for quick heating.
- The air fry mode lets you make healthier, crispy snacks and meals.
- Convection mode cooks food evenly with its circulating hot air.
- The broil function adds a nice sear and caramelization to foods.
- Preset buttons make cooking common items like fries super easy and accurate.
- The child lock feature offers peace of mind for families with young children.
- The glass turntable ensures your food cooks evenly all the way around.
- It looks sleek and modern in stainless steel.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, it might be a bit too small for very large dishes or family-sized meals.
- Some users might prefer a digital display for more precise time settings over simple presets.
This GE microwave oven is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a multi-functional appliance that saves space. It brings convenience and a variety of cooking styles right to your countertop.
5. Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven is a sleek and smart addition to any kitchen. Its slim design makes it a great space-saver, and it comes packed with features to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Plus, its stainless steel finish looks great above your stove.
What We Like:
- Slim Design: This microwave is slim, so it doesn’t take up too much room over your stove. You get more space for your cabinets.
- Smart Features: You can control it with your voice or through a SmartHome app. This makes cooking and ventilation super easy.
- Remote Control: The app lets you control cooking and the vent fan from anywhere. It even tells you when your food is ready.
- Sensor Cook/Reheat: This is a really cool feature. The microwave senses how much moisture is in your food and cooks it perfectly without you having to guess the time or power level.
- Auto Cook Menu: Want to make a specific dish? Just press a button. The auto cook menu has options for lots of different foods.
- Powerful Performance: It has 1000 watts of heating power, so it cooks food quickly. The 400 CMF vent fan is strong and helps keep your kitchen air clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial Setup: Connecting to the SmartHome app might take a little time for some users.
- Learning Curve: While the auto cook options are great, learning to use all the smart features might require a bit of practice at first.
Overall, the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ is a fantastic microwave that blends style, smart technology, and powerful performance. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen experience.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Over-the-Counter Microwave
Microwaves are super handy kitchen helpers. They cook food fast and make reheating leftovers a breeze. But with so many options, picking the right one can feel tricky. This guide will help you find the perfect over-the-counter microwave for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage (like 1000 watts or more) cooks food faster. Lower wattage (around 700-800 watts) is fine for simple tasks like warming up drinks.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This is how much food can fit inside. Small microwaves (around 0.7 cu. ft.) are good for apartments or small kitchens. Larger ones (1.0 cu. ft. and up) can fit bigger dishes and more food.
- Turntable Size: The turntable spins your food to cook it evenly. Make sure it’s big enough for your common dishes, like a dinner plate.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for things like popcorn, potatoes, or reheating. These make cooking certain foods easier.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear digital display helps you see cooking times and settings. Easy-to-use buttons make operating the microwave simple.
- Child Lock: This safety feature prevents little ones from accidentally turning on the microwave.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it looks.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or painted metal exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to clean, but it can show fingerprints. Painted metal is usually more affordable.
- Interior: The inside is often made of painted metal or ceramic enamel. Ceramic enamel is very durable and easy to wipe clean. It resists scratches and stains.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it less ideal.
Quality Boosters:
- Even Cooking: Good microwaves cook food thoroughly without hot or cold spots. This often comes from good design and higher wattage.
- Quiet Operation: A quieter microwave is more pleasant to use, especially if your kitchen is near living areas.
- Durable Build: Sturdy construction means the microwave will last longer.
Quality Reducers:
- Uneven Cooking: If food is cooked unevenly, it’s a sign of a lower-quality microwave.
- Flimsy Controls: Buttons that feel cheap or don’t work well can be frustrating.
- Short Lifespan: Microwaves that break down quickly are a waste of money.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave will guide your choice. Think about your daily routine.
- Busy Professionals: You might want a microwave with quick cooking times and pre-set options for fast meals.
- Families: A larger capacity microwave is useful for reheating family-sized portions or cooking multiple items.
- Students: A compact and easy-to-use microwave is perfect for dorm rooms or small apartments.
- Anyone reheating leftovers: A reliable turntable and good power ensure your food is heated evenly.
- Snack Lovers: Features like a popcorn button make enjoying snacks quick and simple.
Choosing the right over-the-counter microwave means looking at its power, size, and handy features. Consider what you’ll use it for most often. With this guide, you’re ready to find a microwave that makes your kitchen life easier!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Over-the-Counter Microwaves
Q: What is the most important feature to consider?
A: Wattage is very important. Higher wattage cooks food faster and more evenly.
Q: How do I know what size microwave I need?
A: Think about how much food you usually cook or reheat. Measure your common dishes to see what fits on the turntable.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves worth the extra cost?
A: Stainless steel looks nice and is durable, but it can show fingerprints. Painted metal is a good alternative if you want to save money.
Q: What does “pre-set cooking options” mean?
A: These are buttons that automatically set the cooking time and power for specific foods, like popcorn or baked potatoes.
Q: Is a turntable really necessary?
A: Yes, a turntable helps cook food evenly by rotating it. Most microwaves have one.
Q: How long should a microwave typically last?
A: A good quality microwave should last for about 7-10 years with normal use.
Q: Can I cook raw meat in a microwave?
A: While some microwaves can cook raw meat, it’s often better to use an oven or stovetop for safer and more even cooking.
Q: What’s the difference between an over-the-counter and a countertop microwave?
A: They are the same! “Over-the-counter” is just another way to say it sits on your counter.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar inside for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: Should I worry about radiation from my microwave?
A: Microwaves sold today are very safe. They are designed to contain radiation. Make sure the door seals properly and isn’t damaged.
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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