Top 10 Countertop Microwaves for Fast and Efficient Cooking

Get ready to transform your kitchen with our comprehensive review of the best countertop microwaves! From their sleek designs to their advanced features, we’ve rounded up the top models that will make reheating leftovers or cooking easy snacks a breeze. Dive in and discover the perfect addition to your kitchen!

As an Amazon Affiliate™ we receive compensation through qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Reviews

Countertop Microwave Oven by GE - Sleek Silver Design with 1.1 cu. ft. Capacity

This GE microwave offers a sleek design and exceptional performance that makes it a standout choice for your kitchen. Featuring a silent operation mode, this appliance ensures you can reheat or cook your favorite meals without disrupting the peace in your home. With a variety of pre-programmed settings for common items and a user-friendly control panel, this GE microwave provides unparalleled ease of use.

Additionally, its stainless steel finish is both stylish and easy to clean, while its compact size saves countertop space without compromising on cooking capacity. Overall, this GE countertop microwave offers a reliable and practical solution for your kitchen needs.

KitchenAid 1.6 Cu. ft. Countertop Microwave with Auto Functions

Upgrade your kitchen with the sleek KitchenAid 1.6 Cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, boasting a range of auto functions for effortless popcorn, defrost, cook, melt, and warm. This compact, high-powered device accommodates a 2 1/4 quart casserole dish and comes equipped with quick start functions for one-touch cooking up to 6 minutes, making it a breeze to use.

The dishwasher-safe turntable ensures a convenient and easy-to-maintain cleaning experience. The stainless steel handle infuses a touch of elegance, while the electronic touch pad control enhances user-friendliness. This mighty microwave features a 1700-watt power output that swiftly and evenly heats food items. Additionally, the simple, user-friendly presets eliminate the need for guesswork when cooking, making it an ideal choice for various popular cooking techniques.

Furthermore, it offers standard interior lighting for optimal visibility during cooking. Known for its high-quality performance, this KitchenAid microwave boasts both ADA compliance and suitability for residential settings.

[Stainless Steel Microwave Oven:

1.1 Cu. Ft, 950W, LED Display, Turntable](https://serp.ly/@serp/amazon/Countertop+Microwave?utm\_term=stainless-steel-microwave-oven-1-1-cu-ft-950w-led-display-turntable)

The GE 1.1 Cu. ft. Mid-Size Microwave is a sleek and stylish countertop microwave oven, boasting a stainless steel finish in white and a total capacity of 1.1 cu. ft. This well-rounded microwave comes equipped with a plethora of valuable features, making it a versatile choice for all your cooking and heating needs.

Starting with its exceptional performance, users can count on this microwave to deliver even heating and consistent results, regardless of the task. The sensor cooking technique is an impressive addition, automatically adjusting cooking time and power depending on the food’s moisture levels for the perfect finish every time.

As for its user-friendly design, the countertop microwave sports a compact and sleek form factor, ensuring it fits into any kitchen with ease. Its stainless steel exterior not only adds an element of style but is also an advantage when it comes to cleanliness and durability, providing a hassle-free experience for the users.

While the product excels in performance and design, it also addresses the convenience factor with one-touch express cooking buttons, allowing users to begin the microwaving process quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the microwave’s child security feature provides a layer of protection for kids in the household.

However, the GE microwave is not without its shortcomings. One key issue lies in its noise level, with several users reporting a problematic turntable drive that produces a notably loud noise during operation. These issues have led to unsatisfactory experiences, casting doubt on the microwave’s overall quality.

In conclusion, the GE 1.1 Cu. ft. Mid-Size Microwave presents an appealing combination of performance, convenience, and style, making it a top contender for those seeking a reliable and capable countertop microwave. However, its noisy turntable drive and potential build quality concerns must be taken into account when considering this product.

Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Blue

I’ve been using the Nostalgia Retro 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave Oven for almost a week now, and I must say, it’s quite an interesting appliance. The first thing that struck me was its sleek retro design that stands out in my kitchen. It looks classy and adds a touch of nostalgia, reminding me of the vintage microwave ovens we used to have in the ’90s.

One of the standout features of this microwave is its 700-watt power, which allows me to quickly cook and reheat my meals. I appreciate the 12 pre-programmed cooking settings that make it easy to use, even for someone like me who’s not that familiar with microwave ovens. The bright LED display with easy-to-read settings makes cooking even more convenient.

The rotating glass carousel is another impressive feature, ensuring that my food is cooked evenly. It’s a practical addition, especially for someone like me who often has to warm up leftovers or heat up frozen meals.

However, there are a couple of drawbacks I’ve noticed. While the microwave is smaller than most, it can be a bit challenging to use without the screen, making the dials and buttons less intuitive. Additionally, I’ve observed that it doesn’t heat everything uniformly, which can be frustrating at times.

Despite these minor issues, I’m overall quite pleased with the Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven. Its appealing design, easy-to-use features, and powerful cooking capabilities are worth considering, even though it comes with a few drawbacks.

Whirlpool Large Capacity Black Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave

The Whirlpool countertop microwave is quite spacious, with a 2.2 cubic foot capacity, making it perfect for larger dishes. One of its standout features is the sensor cooking technology, which takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures perfect results every time. With a power output of 1,200 watts and ten power levels to choose from, this microwave is capable of providing quick and evenly heated dishes. Its glass turntable is also a highlight, as it’s removable for easy cleaning and can accommodate larger items.

While the recessed glass turntable and built-in trim kit add a custom touch to your kitchen, the black stainless steel finish may not be to everyone’s taste. Additionally, the product is quite heavy, weighing in at 21.3 kg, so it may not be the best choice for those with limited space or mobility issues. Overall, this microwave offers a mix of convenience, spaciousness, and customization options, but keep in mind the hefty weight and the requirement for an integrated form factor.

Small Digital Microwave by BLACK+DECKER

I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Black & Decker 0.7 Cu. ft. Digital Microwave in my small kitchen. Its sleek white exterior and compact size made it the perfect addition to my space. One of the standout features that caught my attention was its bright green digital display, which made it easy to see and operate even in dim lighting.

While its 700 watts of cooking strength may not be the highest on the market, the microwave did an excellent job in heating up my meals quickly and evenly. The inclusion of 10 power levels also allowed me to customize the cooking process according to my needs.

However, one minor issue I encountered was with the size of the unit. Although advertised as “ideal for smaller kitchens, ” it turned out to be a bit bigger than I expected, causing some space constraints. Additionally, the noise level of the microwave was a bit higher than I would have preferred, but it’s a small price to pay for the convenience and functionality it offered.

Overall, my experience with the Black & Decker 0.7 Cu. ft. Digital Microwave has been positive, with its ease of use, powerful performance, and stylish appearance. I would definitely recommend it for those looking for a small, efficient microwave to add to their kitchen.

GE JEM3072SHSS Countertop Microwave Stainless Steel Oven

This sleek, stainless steel countertop microwave from GE boasts a compact 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and 700-watt power output.

With quick defrosting capabilities, it’s the perfect choice for busy households, while a convenient one-touch operation ensures easy use. The Flexible installation feature allows the microwave to be installed underneath the cabinet, freeing up counter space.

The solid stainless steel exterior and black glass construction elevates the overall design. Although this microwave is limited to a 1-year warranty, its performance and space-saving design make it a reliable addition to any kitchen.

Stylish Retro Compact Microwave for Countertops

Elevate your kitchen’s aesthetics with the Insignia Retro Compact Microwave, featuring a captivating retro design that exudes a sense of nostalgia. This compact kitchen appliance boasts a 7 cu. ft. interior and a petite size, which makes it ideal for small countertops or kitchen racks. Despite its small footprint, it offers significant power that caters to rapid meal reheating and snack preparation.

Equipped with nine versatile preset cooking functions, ten power settings, and a defrost function, the Insignia Retro Compact Microwave is designed to accommodate a wide range of cooking needs. Its user-friendly digital LED display and control knob simplify operation, while the removable 10-inch glass turntable ensures even heating and hassle-free cleaning. This vintage-inspired microwave seamlessly blends functionality and style, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven - Stylish & Powerful Cooking Option

This sleek and stylish Farberware Professional microwave oven boasts a stainless steel front with a black body, providing a chic and sophisticated appearance. With a child safety lock feature, it ensures added security for your home.

Speed cooking is effortless with this microwave, offering 1-6 minute express cooking and a +30 second button for simple, one-touch use. Its memory function allows you to save your most frequently utilized cooking settings.

Smart Sensor Cooking Technology is a fantastic feature that monitors the temperature and steam output from your food to determine the perfect cooking time. Customize your cooking experience with 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking capabilities.

The LED display on this microwave makes keeping track of time a breeze, with an easy-view interior LED lighting that lets you monitor your food while it cooks. Defrosting is made convenient with options to defrost by weight or time settings.

The interior dimensions of the microwave are 13.1 x 15.0 x 9.5 inches, while the exterior dimensions are 20.5 x 17.3 x 12.8 inches. This microwave is perfect for countertop use, making it a convenient addition to any kitchen.

Magic Chef Stainless Countertop Microwave

Prepare a snack or meal effortlessly with the Magic Chef Countertop Microwave Oven. This efficient microwave offers an easy-to-use electronic control with a digital display, allowing you to effortlessly monitor heating time and adjust the settings. With plenty of power levels and pre-programmed cooking modes - perfect for your everyday favorites - you’re sure to appreciate its ability to cater to your cooking needs.

A convenient auto defrost function, along with a rotating glass turntable, ensures your frozen goods defrost efficiently while providing even heat distribution. Plus, the child control lock ensures accidental operation is averted. Compact in size, this Magic Chef microwave fits perfectly into any space and offers great power and versatility in the kitchen.

Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the right countertop microwave for your kitchen can be a challenging task, given the plethora of options available in the market. To help you make an informed decision, this buyer’s guide section will outline the key features, considerations, and advice to look for when selecting the perfect microwave for your needs.

Size and Capacity

Countertop microwaves come in various sizes and capacities, so it’s essential to consider the space available in your kitchen and your cooking needs. A common size range for countertop microwaves is 20-30 inches in width and 15-18 inches in depth. The capacity of the microwave typically ranges from 0.6 to 2.2 cubic feet, with most models offering approximately 1 cubic foot of cooking space. When choosing a microwave, make sure to consider the size and capacity that best fits your kitchen and meal requirements.

Power and Cooking Functions

Power and cooking functions are crucial factors to consider when purchasing a countertop microwave. Higher-wattage models generally provide faster cooking times and more even heating. Look for a microwave with at least 1000 watts of power, as this is considered the standard for most households. Additionally, some models offer special cooking functions such as defrosting, reheating, and cooking specific foods. It’s essential to determine which functions are most important for your needs and choose a microwave with these features.

Design and Aesthetics

While the performance and functionality of a countertop microwave are essential, you’ll also want to consider the design and aesthetics of the appliance. Many microwaves come in various colors and finishes to complement your kitchen, and some even feature sleek and modern designs. Consider the design of the microwave and how it will fit with the overall look of your kitchen when making your selection.

Brand Reputation and Customer Service

Lastly, it’s essential to research the brand reputation and customer service offered by the manufacturer of the countertop microwave you are considering. Look for customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the reliability and performance of the microwave, as well as the quality of customer support provided by the brand. A reputable brand with good customer service can offer peace of mind and provide support if issues arise with your new appliance.

FAQ

What is a countertop microwave?

A countertop microwave is a small cooking appliance designed for heating and reheating food items in a fraction of the time it would take using a traditional oven or stovetop. It operates using microwaves, which are electromagnetic waves that excite the water molecules in food, causing them to heat up.

Countertop microwaves are typically compact and can fit on a countertop, making them convenient for preparing quick meals or heating up leftovers in a dorm room, office kitchen, or small apartment. They are available in various sizes, styles, and wattages to accommodate different user needs and preferences.

How does a countertop microwave work?

A countertop microwave operates using microwave technology. Microwaves are a type of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate food and excite water molecules within it, causing them to vibrate and generate heat. This heat is what cooks and reheats food in a microwave oven. The microwaves are generated by a magnetic field within the oven, and the energy is absorbed by the water molecules in the food.

Countertop microwaves usually have a built-in turntable that rotates the food item as it cooks to ensure even heating. The temperature and cooking time are controlled using a digital display and programmable buttons. Some models also have additional features like multiple power levels, preset cooking options, and even defrosting options. Overall, countertop microwaves provide a quick and convenient way to prepare meals or reheat leftovers.

What are the benefits of using a countertop microwave?

A countertop microwave offers several benefits, including time-saving, energy efficiency, and convenience. Microwaves can quickly reheat or cook food items, making them perfect for busy households or individuals who want to prepare meals quickly without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. This can be particularly helpful for college students, office workers, or anyone with a busy lifestyle.

Countertop microwaves are also energy-efficient, as they use less electricity than a traditional oven or stovetop. They can also help reduce the overall energy consumption in your home, as they do not require preheating and can cook food items in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, countertop microwaves are compact and lightweight, making them easy to store and move around as needed.

What are the most important features to look for in a countertop microwave?

When shopping for a countertop microwave, it’s essential to consider several key features to ensure that you’re getting the best appliance for your needs. Some of the most important features to look for include wattage, size, cooking functions, and ease of use. Wattage is a measure of the microwave’s cooking power, with higher wattages generally providing faster and more efficient cooking.

Size is another important factor to consider, as countertop microwaves come in various sizes to accommodate different kitchen spaces. Cooking functions, such as preset options or the ability to program your own cooking settings, can also make a microwave more versatile and convenient to use. Finally, ease of use features like a user-friendly digital display and simple buttons can make the appliance more enjoyable to use on a daily basis.

How much should I expect to pay for a high-quality countertop microwave?

The price of a countertop microwave can vary depending on its features, size, brand, and wattage. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a high-quality countertop microwave. More affordable models may be basic and lack some of the advanced features, while higher-end models may offer more cooking functions, a larger size, and a more robust build quality.

When shopping for a countertop microwave, it’s essential to consider your budget and the features you need most. It’s also important to read reviews and check the warranty information to ensure that you’re getting a reliable and durable appliance that will serve you well for years to come. With the right countertop microwave, you can enjoy quick and convenient meal preparation in the comfort of your own home.

What safety precautions should I take when using a countertop microwave?

When using a countertop microwave, safety should always be your top priority. First and foremost, make sure to read the user manual carefully to familiarize yourself with the safety features and operating instructions. Some common safety precautions to follow include avoiding overfilling the cooking container and ensuring that the microwave is placed on a level surface.

Additionally, never use metal utensils or containers in the microwave, as they can cause sparks and damage the appliance. Always use microwave-safe containers or dishes and never heat foods with metal foil or metallic wrapping. Finally, never touch the inside of the microwave or the cooking container while it’s still hot, as it can cause burns or injury. By following these safety precautions, you can enjoy the convenience of a countertop microwave without compromising your safety.

As an Amazon Affiliate™ we receive compensation through qualifying purchases at no cost to you.