Imagine this: you’re hungry, and you need a quick meal. You reach for your microwave, but it’s too big, too small, or just plain ugly. Choosing the right microwave for your countertop can feel like a treasure hunt, but with so many choices, it’s easy to get lost. Finding one that fits your space, your budget, and your cooking needs is important.
Many people face this exact problem. They want a microwave that works well but also looks good in their kitchen. They worry about countertop space, power, and special features. It can be confusing to know which one is the best fit for their home.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a great on-the-counter microwave. You’ll learn how to pick the perfect one for your kitchen. Get ready to discover the best options and make your microwave choice a breeze.
Our Top 5 On The Counter Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 On The Counter Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a sleek, black countertop microwave that brings convenience and smart cooking to your kitchen. With 1000 watts of power, it heats and cooks food quickly. Its 1.2 cubic feet of space is generous enough for most meals, and the 12.4-inch turntable fits larger plates with ease. This microwave is designed to make your life simpler.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor is a game-changer. It automatically figures out how long to cook your food based on how much steam it gives off, so your meals are never undercooked or burnt.
- It comes with 6 handy preset menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, saving you time and guesswork.
- You have 10 different power levels to choose from, giving you lots of control over how your food cooks.
- Defrosting is easy, whether you know the weight of your food or just want to set a timer.
- The One-Touch Start feature lets you begin cooking for 1 to 6 minutes with just one press.
- You can turn off the annoying buzzer sound by holding down the “8” button for a few seconds, which is great for late-night snacks or quiet mornings.
- It also has an ECO mode to save energy when not in use.
- The interior is designed for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, the description mentions “12 Auto Menus” in the title, which might be confusing. Only 6 are detailed as presets.
- The external dimensions are quite large (20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches), so make sure you have enough counter space.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers smart features and user-friendly controls for a better cooking experience. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed countertop microwave.
2. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.0/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a smart and user-friendly appliance that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its sleek black design fits well in any kitchen, and the 0.7 cubic foot capacity is just right for small spaces and everyday meals. You’ll love its handy features, like the sound on/off option, which means no more loud beeps waking up the house. Plus, the ECO mode helps save energy, making it a greener choice for your home.
What We Like:
- The mute function is fantastic for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- Easy one-touch buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The express cooking function lets you heat food quickly with just a touch.
- ECO Mode significantly reduces standby power, saving you money on your electricity bill.
- The bright digital display and clear control panel are very easy to read and use.
- A child safety lock provides peace of mind for families with young children.
- The 10-inch glass turntable spins food evenly for consistent heating.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) offer flexibility for frozen foods.
- The interior light helps you keep an eye on your food as it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger families or bulk cooking.
- While it has many presets, some users might prefer more advanced customization options.
Overall, this COMFEE microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and energy efficiency without a high price tag.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.7/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse designed for everyday kitchen needs. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power make it ideal for quick meals and snacks. With 10 power levels and 6 convenient cooking presets, this black microwave oven offers versatility for various cooking tasks. Features like the one-touch express cook, eco mode, child safety lock, and mute button add to its user-friendly design.
What We Like:
- Extra-quick cooking with six popular presets and easy number-key time setting.
- Ten power levels offer precise control, from melting butter to rapid cooking.
- Digital controls are intuitive for customizing time and power, with a handy +30 seconds button.
- Memory function lets you program favorite settings for one-touch operation.
- Child safety lock and control panel lock provide peace of mind.
- Mute option lets you silence beeps for quiet operation.
- Sleek, modern black design fits any kitchen décor.
- Eco Mode helps save power and disable the display.
- Easy to clean exterior and a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.
- Trusted quality with cETL approval and a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be small for larger families or batch cooking.
- While powerful, 700 watts may cook slightly slower than higher wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and smart features. It’s a reliable choice for those seeking a compact and efficient microwave.
4. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that makes cooking easy and efficient. It boasts a sleek silver finish and smart features that take the guesswork out of reheating and cooking. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly. The 12.4-inch turntable fits large plates, and the smart humidity sensor ensures your food is cooked perfectly every time. Plus, it has a mute function so you won’t be bothered by beeping.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology cooks food perfectly. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on how much moisture is in your food.
- It has 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, making meal prep simple.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels. This gives you a lot of control over how you cook.
- The Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start features are very convenient. You can quickly defrost food or start cooking for a few minutes with just one button.
- The Mute Function is a nice touch. It lets you turn off the sound so it doesn’t disturb anyone.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy.
- The interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might want more variety for less common dishes.
- The external dimensions are quite standard, but for very small kitchens, it’s always good to double-check measurements.
This Toshiba microwave offers smart technology and user-friendly features that make it a great addition to any kitchen for quick and delicious meals.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.5/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven. This compact, stainless steel microwave is a great helper for busy kitchens. It’s just the right size for small spaces and for heating up quick snacks or meals. It has a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, which is good for reheating leftovers or making popcorn.
What We Like:
- It has special buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. This makes cooking them super easy.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels. This gives you control over how your food cooks.
- The 30-second express cook button is handy for quickly heating things up.
- The large digital display is bright and easy to read.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The glass turntable is removable, making it simple to clean.
- It has a push-button door release, so it’s easy to open.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a bit slow for cooking larger meals compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- Some users might prefer a microwave with more advanced cooking features.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a simple and reliable countertop appliance. It makes reheating and cooking everyday items easy and efficient.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Perfect Countertop Microwave
Choosing a microwave can feel like a big decision. You want one that heats your food well, is easy to use, and fits your kitchen. This guide will help you find the best countertop microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Wattage: The Powerhouse
Microwaves use wattage to heat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most countertop microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts. For general use, 900-1000 watts is a good choice. It heats food quickly and evenly.
2. Capacity: How Much Can It Hold?
Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet. Small microwaves (around 0.7-1.0 cubic feet) are good for singles or small kitchens. Medium microwaves (1.0-1.6 cubic feet) work well for families. Large microwaves (over 1.6 cubic feet) are great for cooking bigger meals or multiple dishes.
3. Presets and Auto-Cook Functions: Easy Meals
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking. Auto-cook functions adjust cooking time and power automatically. They make meal prep super simple.
4. Turntable: Even Heating
A turntable rotates food as it cooks. This ensures your food heats evenly on all sides. Most microwaves have this feature, but some larger models might not. Check if the turntable is removable for easy cleaning.
5. Control Panel: Simple and Clear
Look for a control panel that is easy to understand. Buttons should be clearly labeled. Digital displays are helpful for seeing cooking times. Some microwaves have touch controls, while others use physical buttons. Choose what feels most comfortable for you.
Important Materials
The inside of a microwave is usually made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel is more durable and easier to clean. It also looks sleeker. Painted metal is a more budget-friendly option.
The outside can be stainless steel, plastic, or a combination. Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats food without hot or cold spots.
- Durability: It should last for many years without breaking down.
- Ease of Use: Simple controls and clear instructions make it user-friendly.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves can be quite noisy. Look for models that run quietly.
Quality Reducers
- Uneven Heating: This is a major problem. Food might be cold in the middle and hot on the edges.
- Short Lifespan: A microwave that stops working after a year or two is poor quality.
- Confusing Controls: Hard-to-understand buttons or menus frustrate users.
- Poor Build Quality: Flimsy plastic or parts that easily break reduce quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good countertop microwave makes everyday tasks easy. You can quickly reheat leftovers, make popcorn for movie night, or defrost frozen ingredients. Families use them for quick breakfasts and after-school snacks.
Students appreciate them for simple meal preparation in dorm rooms or apartments. Busy professionals rely on them for fast lunches. Even experienced cooks use them for tasks like melting butter or softening ice cream.
Think about how you will use your microwave most often. This will help you decide on the best size, power, and features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a countertop microwave?
A: For most people, 900 to 1000 watts is ideal. It heats food fast and evenly.
Q: How do I know if a microwave heats evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even heating. A good turntable system helps a lot.
Q: Are microwaves with presets worth it?
A: Yes, presets can make cooking much easier, especially for common foods like popcorn or potatoes.
Q: What is the difference between cubic feet and microwave size?
A: Cubic feet tells you how much food can fit inside. Larger cubic feet means a bigger microwave.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a countertop microwave?
A: Usually not. Countertop microwaves are best for reheating and cooking smaller items. Larger models might fit a small chicken, but it’s not their main purpose.
Q: How important is the turntable?
A: The turntable is very important for even cooking. It rotates food as it heats.
Q: What if I have a small kitchen?
A: Look for a compact microwave with a smaller capacity (around 0.7-1.0 cubic feet).
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most microwave interiors can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some have self-cleaning functions.
Q: Can I use metal containers in the microwave?
A: No, never use metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How long should a countertop microwave last?
A: A good quality countertop microwave should last between 5 to 10 years 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.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!