Do you remember the last time you rushed to heat up leftovers or quickly defrost dinner? Countertop microwave ovens are the unsung heroes of our busy kitchens. They save us time every single day. But walk into an appliance store, and you face a wall of choices. Small, large, digital, dial—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed!
Choosing the perfect countertop microwave is tough. You worry about size fitting your counter, power levels for perfect heating, and features you might never use. Finding the right balance of price and performance can feel like a guessing game. You want speed, reliability, and value, but how do you sort through all the jargon?
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what really matters in a countertop microwave. You will learn the key features to look for, understand wattage, and discover the best styles for your cooking needs. Get ready to stop guessing and start choosing with confidence.
Top Countertop Microwave Ovens 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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
- 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
Choosing Your Perfect Countertop Microwave Oven: A Buying Guide
A countertop microwave oven makes cooking fast and easy. It is a must-have appliance in many kitchens. But buying one can feel tricky. This guide helps you pick the best model for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Good microwaves offer more than just heating leftovers. Think about these important features when you shop.
Power and Cooking Speed (Wattage)
- Wattage Matters: Microwaves use watts (power) to cook food. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
- Small Models (700-900 Watts): These work well for basic tasks like reheating drinks or melting butter.
- Standard Models (1000-1200+ Watts): These are better for cooking full meals or defrosting thick meats quickly.
Capacity (Size)
The size inside the microwave is measured in cubic feet (cu. ft.).
- Compact (0.5 to 0.9 cu. ft.): Good for small apartments or dorm rooms. They fit small plates.
- Mid-Size (1.0 to 1.6 cu. ft.): This is the most common size. It handles standard dinner plates and small casseroles.
- Large (1.7 cu. ft. and up): Ideal for big families or those who cook large dishes often.
Cooking Presets and Inverter Technology
- Sensor Cooking: Some microwaves use sensors to detect steam. They automatically adjust the time needed. This stops food from overcooking.
- Inverter Technology: This technology delivers steady, continuous power. It cooks food more evenly than older models that cycle power on and off.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long the microwave lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Interior Linings
- Painted Metal: This is common in budget models. It is inexpensive but can scratch easily. Scratches reduce quality over time.
- Stainless Steel: This material is durable and looks modern. It resists staining better than painted surfaces.
- Ceramic Enamel: High-end models often feature this. It is very easy to wipe clean and resists scratches well.
Exterior Construction
Look for a sturdy outer casing. Plastic housings are lighter but might feel less solid. Metal casings offer better durability and heat resistance.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A high-quality microwave offers a better user experience. Pay attention to these details.
Noise Level
Microwaves make noise when running and when the turntable spins. Check reviews for noise complaints. Quieter models improve the kitchen environment.
Turntable Design
- Glass Turntable: Most standard microwaves use this. It cleans easily.
- Turntable-Free Design: Some advanced models use flat bottoms and special antennas instead of a spinning plate. This lets you fit larger, square dishes inside.
Control Panel Usability
Simple, clear buttons are best. Touchpads look sleek, but mechanical dials are sometimes easier to use when your hands are messy. Good backlighting helps you see settings in dim light.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave guides your choice.
- Quick Reheating (Dorm/Office): Focus on a compact size and high wattage for fast results. Simple controls are a bonus.
- Family Meal Prep (Home Kitchen): You need a larger capacity (1.4 cu. ft. or more) and features like sensor cooking to handle varied meals.
- Defrosting Heavy Items: Inverter technology is highly recommended here. It thaws meat without cooking the edges first.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Countertop Microwaves
Q: What is the ideal wattage for a standard family microwave?
A: Most experts suggest choosing a microwave with at least 1000 watts. This ensures efficient cooking for most everyday tasks.
Q: Is a turntable always necessary?
A: No. While most microwaves use a rotating glass turntable for even heating, some newer models use flatbed technology that spins the energy instead.
Q: How often should I clean my microwave?
A: You should wipe down the interior after any major splatter. A deep clean, including the turntable, should happen at least once a month.
Q: Can I use metal pans in a microwave?
A: Generally, no. Metal reflects the microwaves, which can cause sparking and damage the oven. Always check the manual, but assume metal is unsafe.
Q: What is the main difference between a standard and an inverter microwave?
A: Standard microwaves cycle power on and off to achieve lower heat settings. Inverter microwaves provide a constant, lower power stream, resulting in more consistent heating and better defrosting.
Q: How do I know if a microwave is too noisy?
A: Since decibel levels are rarely listed, you must read user reviews. Look for comments mentioning the “fan noise” or “humming” level.
Q: Should I worry about the exterior getting hot?
A: The exterior will get warm, especially near the vents, but it should not become extremely hot to the touch. Excessive heat often means poor ventilation or a quality issue.
Q: What is the benefit of sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses humidity levels inside the oven to guess when the food is done. This prevents you from overcooking foods like potatoes or frozen dinners.
Q: Are budget microwaves reliable?
A: Budget models are reliable for light use, like heating water. However, they often use less durable interior materials, meaning they might not last as long under heavy daily use.
Q: Do larger microwaves cook faster than smaller ones?
A: Not necessarily. Speed depends on the wattage (power), not just the physical size. A small 1200-watt microwave cooks faster than a large 700-watt one.