Imagine this: You crave a quick snack, but your microwave is too small, or maybe it takes forever to heat your leftovers. Does your kitchen feel cramped with a bulky appliance? Many people face these exact problems when trying to find the perfect countertop microwave. The sheer number of sizes, power levels, and features can make your head spin!
Choosing the right countertop microwave is important. It needs to fit your space and handle your cooking needs without causing frustration. A bad choice means wasted counter space or food that isn’t heated evenly. We understand this struggle, and that’s why we created this guide.
Inside, you will learn exactly what features matter most. We break down confusing terms and show you how to match a microwave to your lifestyle. Get ready to stop guessing and start choosing with confidence. Let’s dive into finding the ideal countertop microwave for your kitchen!
Top Countertop Microwave Recommendations
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1000 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.1 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Mute function, settings, clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock, easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- One touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and plus30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time)
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizing 50% standby power by turning on ECO mode
- Bright digital display, easy-to-read control panel, interior light and 10 inch glass turntable
- One year limited warranty. Express cooking options & silent mode
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 12.1 x 10.9 x 7.6 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
- 6 Preset Menus: This compact microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: This 1,050-watt & 1.0 CU FT. compact microwave offers the perfect balance of size and convenience, designed to fit perfectly in dorm rooms, offices and kitchens alike
- AIR FRY MODE: Enjoy healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods with the built-in air fryer that delivers fast, perfectly browned results
- CONVECTION MODE: Enjoy perfectly even browning using convection technology and an elevated rack that lets hot air flow around your food for consistent results
- BROIL MODE: Built-in broiler radiates high heat to sear, caramelize, and finish foods just like a traditional grill rack
- PRESET CONTROLS: Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: 1200watts of power and 2.0 CU. FT. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking
- SENSOR COOKING CONTROLS: Automatically adjusts time and power for delicious cooking results
- WEIGHT AND TIME DEFROST: Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with Instant On express cooking controls and multiple cooking modes; kitchen timer, and cooking complete alarms add convenience
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your New Countertop Microwave
A countertop microwave is a handy kitchen helper. It heats food fast. Buying the right one means looking at a few important things. This guide helps you choose the best fit for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
Good microwaves offer more than just basic heating. Think about what you cook most often. These features make a big difference:
- Wattage (Power): This measures how fast your microwave cooks. Higher wattage (like 1000W or more) heats food quicker. Lower wattage (around 700W) is fine for simple reheating.
- Capacity (Size): Microwaves come in small, medium, and large sizes. Small ones fit well in tight spaces. Large ones handle big dinner plates or batches of popcorn easily. Measure your counter space first!
- Inverter Technology: This is a fancy term for smoother cooking. Inverter technology keeps the power level steady. This stops food, especially delicate items like fish or sauces, from getting tough edges while the middle stays cold.
- Sensor Cooking: This is super helpful. Sensors check how much steam is coming from your food. The microwave then adjusts the cooking time automatically. You press a button for “Potato” or “Frozen Dinner,” and it does the rest.
- Turntable Type: Most microwaves have a glass plate that spins. Some newer models use a flat bottom design (no turntable). Flat bottoms are easier to clean, but the spinning plate usually ensures more even heating.
Important Materials and Durability
The materials inside and outside affect how long your microwave lasts and how easy it is to keep clean.
Exterior Casing
Most microwave bodies are made of painted steel or sometimes stainless steel. Stainless steel looks nicer and resists fingerprints better than painted metal. Make sure the casing feels sturdy, not flimsy.
Interior Cavity
The inside surface matters most for cleaning:
- Ceramic Enamel: This is a great choice. It is very durable, scratch-resistant, and wipes clean with just a damp cloth.
- Painted Metal: This is common in cheaper models. Spills can sometimes stain or chip the paint over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about price; it’s about how well the microwave performs its job.
What Improves Quality?
- Even Heating: Look for models with good internal distribution systems. Better heating means no more cold spots in your leftovers.
- Quiet Operation: A quiet microwave is a blessing, especially in open-concept homes. Read reviews to see if users complain about loud buzzing or humming.
- Easy-to-Read Display: Bright, clear digital displays help you track cooking time accurately.
What Reduces Quality?
- Flimsy Door Latches: If the door feels loose or hard to open/close, it might break sooner.
- Too Many Buttons: Overly complicated control panels frustrate users. Simple, clear settings are usually better for everyday tasks.
- Low Wattage in Large Models: A very large microwave with low power will take forever to heat food. Match the power to the size.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the microwave every day.
For Busy Families: You need speed and capacity. Look for high wattage (1100W+) and large capacity (1.5 cubic feet or more). Sensor reheat settings save time when preparing multiple items quickly.
For Dorm Rooms or Small Apartments: Space is the main concern. Choose a compact model (0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet). Basic functions and easy cleaning are key here.
For Advanced Cooks: If you want to defrost precisely or melt chocolate without burning it, look for inverter technology and precise low-power settings.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Countertop Microwaves
Q: What is the ideal wattage for everyday use?
A: For most homes, 900 to 1000 watts provides a good balance of speed and power for reheating and simple cooking.
Q: Do I need a turntable?
A: A turntable helps food cook evenly by rotating it. However, flatbed microwaves offer more usable space inside and are easier to wipe down.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Place a bowl of water with a slice of lemon inside. Microwave it on high for three to five minutes until the window steams up. Let it sit for a minute, then easily wipe the softened grime away.
Q: What does “convection microwave” mean?
A: A convection microwave is a hybrid appliance. It can heat with microwaves OR use a heating element and fan (like a small oven) to brown and bake food.
Q: Can I put aluminum foil in the microwave?
A: Generally, no. Metal reflects microwaves, which can cause sparking (arcing) and damage the appliance. Check the user manual for specific exceptions, but it is safest to avoid it.
Q: How can I reduce the buzzing noise?
A: Buzzing often comes from the turntable motor or the magnetron working hard. Ensure the turntable is seated correctly. If the noise is excessive, it may indicate an older or lower-quality unit.
Q: What is the difference between “defrost by time” and “defrost by weight”?
A: Defrost by time requires you to guess how long the food needs. Defrost by weight uses a sensor or preset calculation to determine the exact time needed based on the food’s weight you enter.
Q: Are smaller microwaves always cheaper?
A: Yes, generally smaller capacity models cost less. However, a very small microwave with high-end features (like inverter technology) might cost more than a large, basic model.
Q: How much counter space should I leave around the microwave?
A: Most manufacturers recommend leaving at least four inches of clear space on the sides and back. This allows hot air to escape and prevents overheating.
Q: How long should a countertop microwave last?
A: With regular use and proper cleaning, a good quality countertop microwave should last between 7 and 12 years.