Do you ever feel like your kitchen is a battlefield of competing appliances? Between the toaster, the blender, and the coffee maker, there’s barely any counter space left! And then comes the need for a microwave, which is essential for quick meals and reheating leftovers. But picking the right one? That’s a whole other story. Finding the perfect counter top microwave can feel overwhelming. There are so many sizes, features, and brands to choose from. You might worry about power levels, button choices, and the overall ease of use.
This is where we come in! We know how frustrating it can be to wade through endless options. That’s why we created this guide to help you. We’ll break down everything you need to know about counter top microwaves. We will also explain the different features and help you avoid common mistakes.
By reading this post, you’ll learn how to choose the best microwave for your needs. You’ll also discover how to measure your space, understand important features, and find the perfect microwave to fit your lifestyle. Get ready to upgrade your kitchen and make meal times easier! Let’s dive into the world of counter top microwaves and find the perfect one for you!
Our Top 5 Counter Top Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Counter Top Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a countertop microwave. It has a 1.2 cubic foot capacity and a 12.4-inch turntable. This microwave has a smart humidity sensor. It also has 12 auto menus for cooking common foods. You can even mute the beeping sound! The black exterior looks nice in any kitchen. It’s a powerful microwave with 1000W of power. It can fit a 12-inch pizza inside.
What We Like:
- Pre-programmed sensor menus make cooking easy.
- The large interior fits a 12-inch pizza.
- The mute function is a great feature.
- Easy-to-read control panel.
- Stylish black design.
What Could Be Improved:
- Make sure to peel the protective film off the keypad before using.
Overall, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a good microwave. It is easy to use and has some cool features. It would be a great addition to any kitchen.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and convenient kitchen appliance. It is a stainless steel microwave with a 0.7 cubic foot capacity. It has pre-programmed buttons for popular foods. This microwave offers simple cooking with easy to use features.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons. You can easily cook popcorn, pizza, and more.
- The push-button door is easy to open.
- It has a child safety lock. This helps keep kids safe.
- The microwave has 10 power settings. You can choose the best setting for your food.
- It has a digital display. You can see the time clearly.
- The 30-second express cooking feature is very helpful.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size might be too small for large families.
- The 700 watts may take longer to cook food compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a good microwave. It is great for small kitchens and quick meals. This microwave is a good value for the price.
3. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 9.4/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave is a compact powerhouse. It offers quick and easy cooking with 700 watts of power. This microwave is perfect for small spaces like apartments and dorm rooms. It has a retro black design and a simple grey interior. It also has helpful features like LED lighting and a child lock.
What We Like:
- It has ten power levels.
- You can use multi-stage cooking.
- There are six one-touch cooking options.
- It has a defrost setting.
- The microwave is a perfect size for small spaces.
- The interior is easy to clean.
- It has an LED display with a timer and clock.
- The child safety lock is a great feature.
What Could Be Improved:
- It may be too small for large families.
This Farberware microwave is a great choice for anyone needing a compact and efficient cooking appliance. It’s ideal for quick meals and snacks. It’s a helpful addition to any kitchen.
4. SHARP SMC1162KS Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.0/10
The SHARP SMC1162KS countertop microwave oven is a great choice for your kitchen. It has a medium size of 1.1 cubic feet. This microwave is made of stainless steel. It has 1000 watts of power. This microwave has a stylish design and a gray interior. It also includes a white LED display and LED interior lighting. It features Orville Redenbacher’s Certified Popcorn Presets. This microwave is designed to cook food evenly with its 12.4″ Carousel turntable.
What We Like:
- The microwave has Orville Redenbacher’s Certified Popcorn Presets.
- The 12.4″ Carousel turntable helps cook food evenly.
- It has a convenient “+30 seconds” key for quick starts.
- You can use the “Express Cook” feature for cooking up to 6 minutes.
- The Auto Cook feature is useful for popular menu items.
- It features Weight and Time Defrost for faster thawing.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity.
This microwave is a good option for many people. It has many useful features that make cooking easier. You should consider this microwave for your kitchen.
5. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts
Rating: 9.1/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave is a great choice for small spaces. It has 1000 watts of power and a 1.1 cu ft capacity. This microwave is perfect for apartments, dorms, or offices. It is easy to clean and has a stainless steel finish. It offers a range of settings for quick cooking.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt microwave cooks food fast.
- The microwave has ten power levels.
- You can cook with six one-touch options.
- It has a child safety lock for extra security.
- The LED display is easy to read with a kitchen timer and clock.
- It has quick start controls: 1 through 6-minute Express Cooking and an Add 30-Seconds control.
- It is a perfect size for small spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want more cooking space.
- It’s a basic microwave, without advanced features.
The Farberware Countertop Microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use microwave. It is perfect for anyone needing a simple microwave.
Countertop Microwave Oven Buying Guide: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Are you looking for a quick and easy way to heat up leftovers? A countertop microwave oven is the answer! This guide will help you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a microwave, you need to consider a few important things.
- Wattage: This is how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves have between 700 and 1200 watts. If you cook a lot, choose a higher wattage.
- Size: Think about how much space you have. Measure the area where you want to put the microwave. Microwaves come in different sizes, from small to large. Consider the size of the food you usually cook.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn or potatoes. This makes cooking easy!
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a turntable. This helps food cook evenly. Make sure the turntable is removable for easy cleaning.
- Control Panel: Look for a control panel that is easy to read and use. Some have buttons, while others have a dial.
- Other Features: Some microwaves have features like a defrost setting or a keep-warm function. Consider these features when you shop.
Important Materials
Microwaves are made of different materials. These affect their durability and safety.
- Exterior: The outside of the microwave is usually made of metal or plastic. Stainless steel looks nice, but it can be more expensive.
- Interior: The inside is often made of metal or plastic. The interior needs to be safe for food.
- Turntable: The turntable is usually made of glass. It should be strong and easy to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can affect the quality of a microwave.
- Brand: Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Research different brands before you buy.
- Price: Generally, more expensive microwaves have better features and build quality. But you can find a great microwave at a reasonable price.
- Reviews: Read reviews from other customers. This will help you understand the microwave’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows that the manufacturer trusts their product.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your microwave? Think about your needs.
- Heating Leftovers: Microwaves are great for reheating food.
- Cooking Simple Meals: You can cook frozen meals and other easy dishes in a microwave.
- Defrosting Food: Microwaves can quickly defrost meat and other foods.
- Making Popcorn: Many people use microwaves to make popcorn.
Consider how often you will use the microwave. If you use it a lot, choose a model with more features and a higher wattage. Make sure it is easy to clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What wattage microwave do I need?
A: For everyday use, a microwave with 1000 watts or more is usually best. This means it cooks your food faster.
Q: How do I measure for a microwave?
A: Measure the space on your countertop where you want to put the microwave. Also, measure the largest dish you will use in the microwave.
Q: What is a turntable for?
A: A turntable rotates the food. This helps it cook evenly.
Q: Can I put metal in a microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the microwave.
Q: How do I clean a microwave?
A: You can clean a microwave by wiping it down with a damp cloth. You can also heat a bowl of water and vinegar to loosen food splatters.
Q: What are cooking presets?
A: Cooking presets are buttons that automatically set the cooking time and power for certain foods, like popcorn.
Q: What is the difference between a countertop and an over-the-range microwave?
A: A countertop microwave sits on your counter. An over-the-range microwave is mounted above your stove. Over-the-range models often cost more.
Q: What is a convection microwave?
A: A convection microwave can bake and roast food, like an oven. It is a more versatile appliance.
Q: What is a defrost setting?
A: A defrost setting uses low power to safely thaw frozen food.
Q: How long should a microwave last?
A: A good microwave should last 5-10 years or more, depending on how often you use it and how well you take care of it.
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.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.