Ever burned popcorn in the microwave? We’ve all been there! That burnt smell and the disappointment of a ruined snack is a familiar experience. But did you know that the right microwave can help you avoid those kitchen mishaps?
Choosing a new microwave oven countertop can feel overwhelming. There are so many sizes, features, and brands! You might be worried about picking one that’s too small, too big, or doesn’t even cook your food properly. Plus, you want something that looks good in your kitchen and is easy to use. It’s a real headache!
Don’t worry, though! This blog post is here to help. We’ll break down everything you need to know to find the perfect microwave for your needs. You’ll learn about important features, how to measure your space, and how to compare different models. By the end, you’ll be ready to choose a microwave that will make your life easier and your food tastier. So, let’s dive in and find your perfect countertop companion!
Our Top 5 Microwave Ovens Countertop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Ovens Countertop Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is a black, countertop microwave oven. It has a 1.2 cubic feet capacity. This microwave features a 12.4-inch removable turntable. It also has a smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus for easy cooking. You can mute the beeping sound. It even has an ECO mode to save energy. The interior is easy to clean. This microwave is a powerful 1000W.
What We Like:
- Pre-programmed sensor menus make cooking easy. You can cook pizza, potatoes, and veggies with a touch.
- It has a stylish black look. It fits a 12-inch pizza!
- The control panel is easy to read.
- You can turn off the beeping sound with the mute function.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description does not mention the materials the microwave is made of.
- Some users may find the size too big for their needs.
This microwave is a good option for people who want a convenient and easy-to-use appliance. It is a good choice for busy people.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS countertop microwave is a versatile appliance. It offers convenient features for quick and easy cooking. This microwave is perfect for reheating leftovers or cooking meals. It has a sleek silver design and a large interior. It includes pre-programmed settings for common foods, making cooking simple. The microwave also has a mute function and an easy-to-clean interior.
What We Like:
- Pre-programmed sensor menus help cook food perfectly.
- The large interior fits a 12-inch pizza.
- The mute function is a great feature.
- Easy to use control panel.
- It has a removable turntable for easy cleaning.
- Offers defrost by time and weight.
What Could Be Improved:
- The power wattage is 1100W.
- The digital display shows the time.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a good option for any kitchen. It provides convenience and functionality with its various features. You can cook your food quickly and easily with this product.
3. SHARP SMC1162KS Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 8.8/10
The SHARP SMC1162KS Countertop Microwave Oven is a mid-sized microwave. It is made of stainless steel and has a 1.1 cubic foot capacity. This microwave features an updated design, including a new gray interior and a white LED display. It has Orville Redenbacher’s Certified popcorn presets. It also offers a 12.4″ carousel turntable for even cooking. This microwave is packed with features to make cooking easier.
What We Like:
- The microwave has a 1.1 cubic foot capacity.
- It has 1000 watts of power.
- The microwave features Orville Redenbacher’s Certified popcorn presets.
- It has a 12.4″ carousel turntable.
- The microwave has a “+30 seconds” key for quick starts.
- It offers Auto Cook settings for popular foods.
- The microwave has Weight and Time Defrost options.
- It has an Express Cook feature for quick cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may prefer a larger capacity.
- The stainless steel finish may show fingerprints.
This SHARP microwave is a good choice for most kitchens. It is easy to use and has many helpful features. You will enjoy this microwave for years to come.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and convenient appliance for your kitchen. This stainless steel microwave offers a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, making it perfect for small spaces. It has pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn and pizza. The microwave is easy to use and offers several features to make cooking simple.
What We Like:
- Pre-programmed buttons make cooking fast.
- You can cook popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more with ease.
- The push-button door release is easy to use.
- The child safety lock keeps kids safe.
- The 10 power settings give you control.
- It has a timer and a clock.
- The LED display is easy to read.
- The turntable is removable for easy cleaning.
- It is UL approved.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700 watts of power might be less than some larger microwaves.
- The size is small.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great option for those who need a smaller, easy-to-use appliance. The features and pre-programmed settings make it a convenient addition to any kitchen.
5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.0/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and convenient appliance for any kitchen. It offers quick and easy cooking with pre-set options and a simple design. This microwave is packed with features, from its multiple power levels to its child safety lock. It’s perfect for reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, and more.
What We Like:
- Extra-quick cooking with six pre-set options like popcorn and pizza.
- Offers 10 power levels for melting butter to cooking fast.
- Digital controls are easy to use. You can add time with the +30 seconds button.
- The memory function saves your favorite settings for one-touch cooking.
- A child safety lock stops the door from opening by accident. You can also lock the control panel.
- The mute option turns off beeping.
- The modern design fits in well with any kitchen. Eco Mode saves power.
- It is easy to clean. The glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It is cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not suitable for large families or big meals due to its size.
- Some users may find the 700 watts a bit low for some cooking tasks.
The Chefman Countertop Microwave is a great choice for anyone who wants a simple and efficient microwave. It is a good option for small spaces or people who want quick and easy cooking.
Microwave Oven Countertop: Your Guide to Speedy Cooking
Choosing a new microwave can feel like a big decision. This guide will help you find the best countertop microwave for your kitchen. We will look at what to look for, what it’s made of, and how to use it.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a microwave, you need to think about what you need. Here are some important things to consider:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves have between 700 and 1200 watts.
- Size: Measure your counter space. Microwaves come in different sizes. Make sure it fits!
- Capacity: This is how much food you can cook at once. It’s measured in cubic feet. A small microwave is good for one person. A larger one is better for families.
- Pre-set Buttons: Look for buttons for popcorn, potatoes, and other common foods. They make cooking easier.
- Turntable: This spins your food so it cooks evenly. It’s a very important feature.
- Control Panel: You’ll want a control panel that is easy to read and use. Consider buttons or a dial.
- Special Features: Some microwaves have features like defrost settings, sensor cooking (which adjusts cooking time automatically), and convection cooking (like an oven).
Important Materials
Microwaves use different materials. Knowing these materials can help you choose a good one.
- Exterior: The outside is often made of stainless steel, plastic, or a combination. Stainless steel looks nice and is easy to clean. Plastic is lighter and cheaper.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel is more durable. Painted metal is less expensive.
- Door: The door is usually made of glass. You need to see your food while it cooks.
- Turntable: The turntable is usually made of glass. It’s designed to be heat resistant.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can affect how well a microwave works and how long it lasts.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making quality products. Do your research. Read reviews.
- Warranty: A longer warranty shows the manufacturer trusts their product.
- Build Quality: Check how sturdy the microwave feels. A well-made microwave will last longer.
- Heating Performance: Does it heat food evenly? Does it cook food quickly? Read reviews to find out.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for microwaves with easy-to-clean interiors.
User Experience and Use Cases
A microwave is a very useful appliance. You can use it for many things.
Use Cases:
- Reheating Leftovers: Microwaves are great for heating up leftovers from dinner.
- Cooking Frozen Meals: Many frozen meals are designed to be cooked in the microwave.
- Making Popcorn: Popcorn is a microwave staple.
- Defrosting Food: You can thaw frozen food quickly.
- Cooking Vegetables: Quickly steam your veggies.
User Experience:
A good microwave should be easy to use. The controls should be clear. The door should open and close smoothly. It should cook food quickly and evenly. Using a microwave should be simple and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What wattage do I need?
A: For general use, 1000 watts is a good choice. If you cook a lot, consider a higher wattage.
Q: What size microwave should I get?
A: Measure your counter space. Choose a size that fits your needs. A small microwave is good for one person. A larger one is better for families.
Q: How do I clean my microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth or sponge. You can also heat a bowl of water with lemon juice to loosen food particles.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave?
A: No! Never put metal objects in the microwave. They can cause sparks and damage the microwave.
Q: What are the different cooking modes?
A: Most microwaves have settings for reheating, defrosting, and cooking popcorn. Some have sensor cooking, which adjusts cooking time automatically.
Q: What is a turntable?
A: A turntable is a rotating plate that sits inside the microwave. It helps food cook evenly.
Q: How long should I cook food?
A: Follow the cooking instructions on the food packaging. You can also experiment to find the right cooking time for your microwave.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect the moisture level in food. It automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level.
Q: Where can I find microwave reviews?
A: You can find reviews on product review websites and on the websites of retailers.
Q: How long should a microwave last?
A: A good microwave should last for 5-10 years, but some can last longer with proper care.
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.