Imagine this: you’ve just finished a long day, and the thought of cooking a full meal feels impossible. You reach for a quick snack, a frozen dinner, or maybe even leftovers. But wait, where’s the microwave? If your kitchen counter is already packed with appliances, or if you’re dreaming of a sleeker setup, then an Over The Counter (OTC) microwave oven might be your new best friend.
Choosing the right OTC microwave can feel like a puzzle. There are so many brands, sizes, and features to consider! Do you need a powerful one for popcorn? Or one that looks good with your kitchen cabinets? It’s easy to get lost in the details and feel overwhelmed. You want a microwave that works well, fits your space, and doesn’t break the bank, but finding that perfect balance can be tricky.
Don’t worry, though! This guide is here to make your life easier. We’ll break down what makes a great OTC microwave oven. You’ll learn what to look for, understand the different types available, and discover tips to find one that perfectly suits your needs and your kitchen. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident and ready to choose an OTC microwave that will make your kitchen life a whole lot simpler.
Our Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cubic feet microwave is a powerful and convenient addition, perfect for busy households. Its sleek stainless steel design fits right over your stove, saving valuable counter space and helping to keep your cooking area clean.
What We Like:
- The large 1.7 cubic feet capacity easily fits big dishes and meals, thanks to its 12.4-inch turntable.
- 1000 watts of power and 10 cooking levels, including quick menus for popcorn, reheating, and defrosting, make cooking faster and simpler.
- Speedy cooking options let you microwave at full power for 1 to 3 minutes with just one button press.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for a single cooking cycle, saving you time.
- The 300 CFM vent fan effectively removes smoke and odors, while the built-in light shines on your stovetop.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a good range of features, some users might prefer even more pre-set cooking options.
- The vent fan, while effective, could be quieter for some kitchens.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich appliance. It makes cooking and kitchen cleanup a breeze.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This powerful 1000-watt microwave offers a spacious 1.9 cu.ft capacity, perfect for cooking or reheating family-sized meals. Its sleek design fits conveniently over your stovetop, saving valuable counter space. With easy-to-use one-touch controls and smart auto-cooking features, preparing your favorite foods is a breeze.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt heating cooks food quickly.
- Generous 1.9 cu.ft capacity holds large dishes.
- Pre-programmed auto menus simplify cooking for common items like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables.
- A bright LED cooktop light illuminates your cooking surface below.
- The 400-CFM venting fan efficiently removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Turntable On/Off function lets you cook larger rectangular dishes.
- 10 power settings give you precise control over cooking.
- 30-second express cooking is great for quick reheating.
- Child lock feature adds safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation instructions are only available online.
- The 13.5-inch turntable might not fit extremely large or oddly shaped items.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience. Its thoughtful features make everyday cooking simpler and more enjoyable.
3. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.8/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s designed for easy everyday use and comes with a great protection plan. This bundle makes it simple to get started right away.
What We Like:
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for peace of mind.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- Has a good 1.6 cu. ft. capacity for most cooking needs.
- Convenience cooking controls make it simple to use.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and sleek.
- It’s an authorized GE product, so you know you’re getting quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions provided (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) seem to represent the internal cavity or a specific part of the unit, not the full external dimensions needed for installation. This could be clearer.
- While the convenience controls are good, more specific details about what those controls can do would be helpful.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value with its extended protection and included filter. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen.
4. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CF-BK is a powerful and spacious over-the-range microwave that can handle all your cooking needs. This black microwave offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space, easily fitting larger dishes and bowls thanks to its 12.4-inch turntable. It’s designed to be your go-to kitchen helper, making meal prep and cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 1.7 cu. ft. interior and 12.4-inch turntable easily accommodate large plates and cooking dishes, making it perfect for family meals.
- Versatile Cooking Options: With 10 power levels and 6 one-touch auto cook menus (Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, Defrost), you can cook a variety of foods quickly and easily.
- Speedy Cooking Features: The 100% power level for 1-3 minutes and multi-stage cooking options allow for efficient and customized cooking.
- Effective Venting: The 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen, and the built-in light illuminates your stovetop.
- Powerful Performance: The 1000-watt cooking power ensures food is heated thoroughly and quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Color Options: Currently only available in black, which might not suit all kitchen decors.
- Vent Fan Noise: While powerful, some users may find the vent fan to be a bit loud on its highest setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and performance. It simplifies cooking and keeps your kitchen air fresh.
5. Sharp R1214TY 1.5 Cu. Ft. 1100W Over-the-Counter Microwave in Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Sharp R1214TY 1.5 Cu. Ft. 1100W Over-the-Counter Microwave in Stainless Steel. This microwave is designed to make cooking and reheating meals a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to any kitchen decor. You’ll love how much space it offers for your favorite dishes.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.5 cu. ft. cooking space fits large dishes.
- The 14-1/8″ Carousel turntable easily holds 9″ x 13″ pans.
- 1100 watts of power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Smart & Easy sensor technology takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- Minute Plus key provides instant 1-minute cooking cycles.
- The hidden Auto-Touch Control Panel keeps the microwave looking clean.
- Over-the-counter design saves valuable counter space.
- Built-in task lighting illuminates your cooktop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2-color display might be less intuitive for some users.
- Some users might prefer more advanced smart features beyond sensor cooking.
This Sharp microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both style and powerful performance. It’s a smart choice for busy households.
Choosing the Best Over-the-Counter Microwave Oven
Why an Over-the-Counter Microwave?
Over-the-counter microwave ovens are a popular choice for kitchens. They sit on your countertop, making them easy to access and install. You don’t need special cabinets or mounting. This makes them a great option for renters or anyone who wants flexibility.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. Small microwaves are good for one or two people. They fit easily on busy countertops. Larger microwaves can cook more food at once. They are better for families or if you often reheat leftovers.
- Compact (0.5-0.9 cu. ft.): Great for small spaces and simple tasks.
- Mid-size (1.0-1.6 cu. ft.): A good balance for most households.
- Large (1.7+ cu. ft.): Ideal for families and cooking bigger meals.
2. Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. A good starting point is 1000 watts. It will heat food quickly and evenly.
3. Cooking Presets and Functions
Many microwaves have special buttons. These buttons help you cook common foods. You can find presets for popcorn, pizza, or vegetables. Some also have defrost settings. These are very handy for quickly thawing frozen items. Other advanced features include convection cooking or sensor cooking. Sensor cooking adjusts the time and power for you.
4. Turntable vs. No Turntable
Most microwaves have a rotating glass plate called a turntable. This moves your food around. It helps cook food evenly. Some newer microwaves don’t have turntables. They use a flat bottom. These are sometimes easier to clean. They can also fit larger rectangular dishes.
Important Materials
The inside of a microwave is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Painted metal is common and affordable. Stainless steel is more durable and easier to clean. It also looks more modern. The outside can be plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel exteriors are more resistant to fingerprints and smudges.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great
- Even Cooking: The microwave heats food all the way through.
- Easy Cleaning: Smooth surfaces inside and out make cleanup simple.
- Intuitive Controls: Buttons and settings are easy to understand and use.
- Durability: The microwave lasts a long time without problems.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Ideal
- Uneven Heating: Some spots get too hot while others stay cold.
- Difficult Cleaning: Food splatters are hard to remove.
- Confusing Controls: Too many buttons or unclear labels.
- Short Lifespan: The microwave breaks down quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
An over-the-counter microwave is a workhorse in the kitchen. People use them for quick meals, reheating leftovers, and making snacks. Students often use them in dorm rooms. Busy parents rely on them for fast weeknight dinners. They are also great for defrosting ingredients before cooking. A good microwave makes these tasks simple and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a microwave?
A: Most people find 1000 watts to be a good balance. It heats food fast and evenly. Higher wattage cooks faster.
Q: Do I need a turntable in my microwave?
A: A turntable helps cook food evenly. Microwaves without turntables are easier to clean and can fit larger dishes.
Q: How do I clean my microwave?
A: You can clean most microwaves by wiping them with a damp cloth. For tough spots, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice inside for a few minutes. Then wipe clean.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect steam. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power. This helps prevent overcooking.
Q: Can I put metal in my microwave?
A: Generally, no. Metal can cause sparks and damage the microwave. Check your manual for specific exceptions.
Q: What’s the difference between a countertop and over-the-range microwave?
A: Over-the-counter microwaves sit on your countertop. Over-the-range microwaves are mounted above your stove.
Q: How long do microwaves usually last?
A: Most microwaves last between 7 to 10 years with proper care.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves worth the extra cost?
A: Stainless steel is more durable and easier to clean. It also looks more high-end. It can be worth it if you want a microwave that lasts and stays looking good.
Q: What are some common microwave problems?
A: Common problems include uneven heating, the turntable not spinning, or the microwave not starting.
Q: Where is the best place to buy an over-the-counter microwave?
A: You can buy them at appliance stores, big box retailers, and online. Compare prices and read reviews before buying.
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.