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Preparing delicious meals within a relatively short time can be key to keeping your family nourished and happy. And that is why you should think about the best countertop microwaves to buy. These appliances can help you make dishes such as pizza, popcorn, potatoes, and vegetables.
The best countertop microwaves are compact yet offer roomy interiors to hold significant amounts of food. They are easy to operate and hardly ever require tedious cleaning processes.
Some of the most common uses for these appliances include defrosting, warming, and cooking food.
But with the ever-increasing microwave ovens on the market, how can you know for sure which one is the best?
Comparison Table
How to Choose the Best Countertop Microwaves
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Choosing the best countertop microwaves on the market may seem like a challenge. However, with the right information, you can pick the right appliance relatively fast.
How much it can hold
Before settling on any microwave, think about the amount of food you wish to prepare. Microwaves with less than one cubic foot capacity may be ideal for a family of one or two people.
Those with a larger size can accommodate more food and are therefore better suited for families with more than three people.
Consider flexibility
Preset functions allow you to prepare different foods and recipes easily. It is therefore vital to note that the best countertop microwaves offer at least four preset functions.
They also have multiple power levels to ensure you get the right heat output for specific dishes.
Think of wattage
The best countertop microwaves offer relatively high wattage outputs. Low wattage means slow cooking times, while high output significantly shortens the amount of time it takes to cook.
What about the grease and dirt?
The best countertop microwaves are easy to clean. They often feature smooth surfaces and removable parts to make cleaning a breeze. Additionally, they do not require any special care to ensure they remain functional over the years.
It is, therefore, crucial for you to understand the cleaning process and maintenance requirements of specific microwaves before you make your decision.
The how of operation
The best countertop microwaves feature simple, intuitive control panels with bright displays to give you full control over operations. The control panel should have vivid and durable texts to ensure they remain visible for years to come.
And last but not least
The best countertop microwaves have features that ensure the safety of users and children. Some examples of safety features include child lock systems, sound alerts, and stay-cool door handles.
How We Reviewed the Best Countertop Microwaves
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To determine the best countertop microwaves, we considered professional reviews together with Amazon product feedback and ratings.
All the products on this list have a score of at least 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.Easy to use control panels and preset functions also played a role in our determination.
We also picked ovens that have relatively large capacities without necessarily being bulky.
Other considerations that played a role in our determination included safety features, uniform heat distribution, and ease of maintenance.
Our Top 10 Best Countertop Microwaves
The countertop microwaves we will cover are compact and add a touch of elegance to almost any kitchen. They have easy-to-use controls and offer spacious interiors to cook or defrost various foods.This list of the best countertop microwaves is in no particular order.
Toshiba Microwave Oven
- 【Pre-programmed sensor menu】 for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, veggies and more; Power...
- 【Stylish Appearance with Large Interior, fitting a 12inch Pizza】Black exterior, 20.51 x 17.14 x 12.83 inch (w x d x...
- 【Other Functions】1100 watts with 10 power settings, defrost by time&weight, clock, and kitchen timer, One touch...
Take your cooking to the next level with this Toshiba Microwave Oven. It features a beautiful stainless steel exterior that can easily complement most kitchen decors. The oven has a large digital display and easy-to-read control panel for quick operation.
It offers a 1.2 cubic foot interior capacity, which is spacious enough to hold a significant amount of food. The pre-programmed sensor menu ensures optimum heating of some of your favorite dishes, including pizza, potatoes, and veggies.
A nonstick interior and the smooth exterior surface makes it easy for you to wipe off any dirt or grease that may otherwise accumulate.
The quick-touch preset control buttons allow you to cook different recipes, while the 10 power levels up to 1100 watts give you the freedom to cook different dishes under ideal temperatures.
The large digital display has a clock function and can display a countdown timer, so you always know the progress of your cooking. An easy-to-grip door handle makes for effortless opening and closing, while a sound on/off function lets you choose the type of notification you want to use.
This oven has a robust glass turntable that ensures food cooks evenly.
Pros
- Offers the option of sound alerts
- Compact enough to fit even in small kitchens
- Has a large turntable to accommodate different sized plates
- Features easy-to-use controls
Cons
- The interior light may become faulty
- Some users claim it may become noisy when operational
Panasonic Countertop Microwave Oven
- Flash press broiler allows the microwave oven to be used for broiling with grill like results. The specially designed...
- Genius sensor cooking built in automatic genius sensor adjusts power and times based on different foods; other...
- Microwave controls 7 preset auto cook menu items, 13. 4 inches Turntable; delay start and timer; more/less control;...
This particular microwave oven has a sturdy aluminum build with a sleek stainless steel finish. It features a 1.1 cubic foot capacity, which is enough to hold enough food for a few people.
Its 13.4-inch turntable ensures heat is distributed evenly for impressive cooking results. Additionally, the oven utilizes patented Inverter technology to deliver a steady stream of cooking power at all temperature levels for better cooking results.
A sensor cooking button lets you trigger automatic heat adjustments to ensure all foods cook or defrost under the ideal conditions. What's more, this oven has 18 auto cook functions that allow you to prepare different recipes and dishes.
Some of the dishes you can make with this microwave oven include pizza, popcorn, pasta, soup, and oatmeal.
This oven comes with a broiling rack that lifts food close to the infrared grilling element to give a crispy brown finish. It also features a child safety lock to prevent any accidents in case a child tries to operate it.
A clearly labeled control panel and a bright LED display make it easy for you to input or adjust settings and monitor the cooking progress.
This microwave is quite compact, so it won’t take up much space in your kitchen and has an easy to open door for quick access.
Pros
- It's compact enough to fit even in small kitchens
- Has simple controls meaning just about anyone can use it
- Preset functions give you the flexibility to cook a variety of dishes
Cons
- Some reviewers say it is relatively heavy
- Controls are slightly more complicated than most microwave ovens
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave
- 800-watt cooking power - At 0.9 cubic foot, this microwave provides the cooking power needed to quickly cook and reheat...
- Customizable cooking settings - 12 pre-programmed cooking settings and delay timer provide options for the optimal...
- Digital clock - Easy-to-read LED display lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting
It's an 800-watt oven with a stylish retro design that will almost certainly add to the elegance of your kitchen decor. It features an LED display that lights up a digital clock and highlights cooking settings to ensure you always know what is happening.
A straightforward turn-and-push program dial gives you full control of settings and operation. This oven has a rotating glass carousel to facilitate even heat distribution so that all your food will cook properly.
The 0.9 cubic foot capacity comfortably accommodates a standard-sized plate, while the 12 pre-programmed cooking settings and delay timer offer the flexibility to prepare different dishes with relative ease. The microwave has five power levels allowing you to cook fast or slowly.
Pros
- Has 10 power levels for flexibility in cooking
- Features interior LED lighting for visibility
- The window is translucent so you can observe food cooking
Cons
- Some reviewers say it gets noisy
- Amazon reviewers also claim it stops working after a few weeks
Magic Chef Microwave
- 10 POWER LEVELS: This Magic Chef microwave has 10 separate power levels that you can use to cook just about anything....
- AUTO-COOK MENU: This microwave allows you to enjoy one-touch cooking. With auto-cook settings for popcorn, potatoes,...
- GLASS TURNTABLE & STAINLESS-STEEL BODY: The glass turntable in this quiet yet powerful microwave rotates as the machine...
Magic Chef Microwave is another 1100-watt oven with a stylish stainless steel front design. It features a 1.6 cubic foot capacity which is roomy enough to hold a large plate. It has 11 power levels and 6 one-touch cooking programs, making it possible for you to cook different dishes at the ideal temperature.
The oven lets you defrost by time or weight depending on your preference. It also has an express cooking function and memory function to help streamline cooking times. A touchpad control panel with a bright LED display provides you with full control over operations.
The oven has a push-button door with a comfortable handle so you can open and close with relative ease. Its compact design and firm feet allow you to safely position it on the countertop, while a built-in child safety lock helps guard against misuse by children.
This cooking appliance has integrated sound alerts to notify you when the food is ready. It also has a rotating turntable to ensure even heat distribution so that food cooks properly from edge to edge.
Pros
- It features sound alerts
- The push-button door is easy to open and close
- Has a child safety lock for peace of mind
Cons
- The sound alerts cannot mute
- Some buyers say the lamination on the keypad peels off
AmazonBasics Microwave
- Now it’s easier to defrost vegetables, make popcorn, cook potatoes, and reheat rice. With an Echo device (not...
- Compact size saves counter space, plus 10 power levels, a kitchen timer, a child lock, and a turntable.
- Alexa is always getting smarter and adding new presets.
The AmazonBasics Microwave, one of the best countertop microwaves, is a compact oven that can fit in most kitchens. It is compatible with iOS, Fire OS, and Android devices so you can operate it right from the comfort of your seat.
The Alexa voice command function means you can start microwaving or stop the cooking process by giving simple voice commands.
A simplified keypad panel with a bright LED display lets you input settings and monitor cooking progress, while 10 power levels provide the flexibility to cook different dishes accordingly. This cooking appliance has a 10-inch turntable that accommodates a plate, a cup of coffee, or a 3-ounce popcorn bag.
Quick-cook preset functions allow you to cook or defrost a variety of dishes from potatoes to vegetables and popcorn without the hassle of setting heat level and time.
The microwave has an integrated child lock and kitchen timer, so you won't overcook the food.
Interior lighting ensures visibility even during the night, while a robust door with handle provides quick access to contents. This microwave allows you to defrost by weight or time, depending on what you find convenient.
It has four firm feet for easy placement on the kitchen counter. Additionally, it features a nonstick interior and a smooth outer surface so you can easily wipe off any dirt or grease.
Pros
- It comes with a one-year warranty
- Features Alexa voice control
- Alexa continually adds new presets
- Has child lock for safety
Cons
- Some Amazon reviewers say it does not cook food evenly
- May drop Wi-Fi signal
Panasonic Microwave Oven
- Now it’s easier to defrost vegetables, make popcorn, cook potatoes, and reheat rice. With an Echo device (not...
- Compact size saves counter space, plus 10 power levels, a kitchen timer, a child lock, and a turntable.
- Alexa is always getting smarter and adding new presets.
This Panasonic Microwave Oven, one of the best countertop microwaves, has a 2.2 cubic foot capacity, which is relatively larger than most microwaves on this list. It has a stainless steel design that easily blends with most kitchen decors.
Its smooth surface and nonstick interior make cleanup a breeze, while the 1250-watt power output ensures you get enough heat for different dishes.
Its advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost function speeds up the rate at which items defrost, while the Inverter Technology facilitates even distribution of heat for proper cooking results. Moreover, it has a 16.6-inch turntable that easily holds large plates when cooking.
Integrated Genius Sensor technology automatically adjusts heat output and time settings to ensure that each type of food cooks under the ideal conditions.
Plus, it features 14 preset cooking options so you can make things like popcorn, vegetables, potatoes, and pizza. The microwave also has a Keep Warm function that keeps your food warm until you are ready to serve.
Other important features of this microwave include a kitchen timer, delay start function and, child safety lock. The oven has a sleek dial, pre-programmed quick buttons and four-digit display for smooth operation and monitoring.
A bright interior light offers illumination so you can easily observe the progress of your cooking.
Pros
- The Genius Sensor feature lets you cook different dishes easily
- It has a spacious interior
- Has child safety lock
Cons
- Some customers claim it develops complications after a few months
COSTWAY Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
- 【5 Micro Power Levels & 360° Heating Turntable】This mini microwave oven is equipped with a range of 5 micro power...
- 【6 Retro Mechanical Buttons & LED Display】The multifunctional control panel of this top microwave features 6 retro...
- 【8 Auto Cooking Settings & Easy Operation】 This convection microwave comes with 8 pre-programmed cooking sets for...
This microwave oven features stainless steel and glass construction. It has a retro design to add elegance in your kitchen and a sturdy, rotating turntable to hold up significant amounts of food while cooking. Five power levels provide you with the flexibility to prepare different types of food.
This cooking appliance has a 0.7 cubic foot capacity and a power output of 700 watts. Six retro mechanical buttons, a knob, and easy-to-read LED display allows you to easily power-up or adjust settings depending on what you want to cook. When food is ready, three audible beeps set off to notify you of status.
The microwave has a glass door with handle for easy access when loading or unloading the food. Furthermore, this microwave has eight default cooking menus for popular foods such as pizza, potatoes, and popcorn.
Pros
- Features sound alerts
- Has an intuitive control panel
- The microwave has a child lock function for safety
Cons
- Some reviewers say it takes longer than usual to heat
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven
- Stylish (black) stainless steel finish, compact size: 0.7 cubic-foot capacity, 1050 watts and 11 power levels
- Mute function, settings, clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock, easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza,...
- One touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and plus30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or...
Enhance cooking convenience with this COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven. It features a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, which while slightly smaller than most microwaves on this list, is still enough to accommodate enough food for a few people.
It has a 700-watt output with 11 power settings to give you the flexibility to prepare different types of food and recipes.
Six preset functions simplify how you cook different dishes, while an LED digital control panel lets you input desired settings quickly. This microwave oven features sound alerts to let you know when dishes are ready.
You can use the on/off setting to mute the microwave oven if you don’t want to be bothered by the beep sounds it produces.
The oven has a compact design with four solid feet to ensure stability on the countertop. Its glass door has a comfortable handle for effortless opening and closing. A child lock function prevents children from using the microwave, while a bright interior light provides convenient illumination.
Pros
- This microwave comes with a one-year limited warranty
- It features a removable turntable for quick cleaning
- Has a child lock for safety
Cons
- Some reviewers on Amazon say it takes a long time to warm
- May become loud after some time
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate
- 900 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10.6” glass...
This microwave oven has a 900-watt output with 10 power settings to give you the flexibility to cook under different conditions. It features a simple control panel with an LED display for convenient operation.
The appliance has pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plate. You can thaw frozen foods by weight or time, depending on what you find convenient. It has a push-button door release so you can access the cooking compartment easily.
The microwave also features a removable 10.6-inch glass turntable that helps make cleaning easy. A clock and kitchen timer adds to the convenience you enjoy when using this particular microwave.
Pros
- The removable turntable makes for easy cleaning
- Comes with a one-year limited warranty
- Push-button door release gives effortless access when loading or unloading food
Cons
- Some customers say it becomes noisy after some time of use
- It takes a relatively long time to warm
Emerson Countertop Microwave Oven
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate
- 900 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10.6” glass...
The Emerson Countertop Microwave Oven, one of the best countertop microwaves, has a 1,000-watt output with 10 power levels. It features a 1.6-cubic foot capacity to hold significant amounts of food. It comes with a removable turntable that facilitates even cooking and easy cleanup.
The microwave features time and weight defrost options and has a child lock safety feature to prevent unauthorized use.
Six preset functions make it easy to cook various recipes, while the Sensor Cooking technology monitors cooking progress and alerts you when ready.
The microwave takes up little space in your kitchen and has four rubber feet for stability on the countertop. It has an interior light for illumination and a glass door with handle for effortless opening and closing.
Pros
- Has a removable, lightweight glass turntable
- Features child lock for safety
- Has an easy-to-read display and intuitive control panel
Cons
- Some customers say it produces a lot of noise
- Heats up slowly
Choose Your Ideal Microwave and Enjoy Cooking Convenience
All the products on this list of the best countertop microwaves feature spacious interiors and user-friendly control panels. They offer multiple power levels for cooking flexibility and are equipped with various safety mechanisms to keep you and other people safe.
The choice of the best countertop microwave to choose is, therefore, dependent on your preferences, budgetary allocation, and the nature of cooking you wish to perform.
Regardless of the oven you pick, you can be sure to get value for your money.
Is there any other countertop microwave you believe should be on this list? Go ahead and let us know in the comment section below.
Featured Image via Flickr
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