Whether it is used to heat coffee or leftovers, to thaw frozen food for cooking preparation, or to heat a fast microwave dinner, microwave ovens have become one of the most important kitchen appliances for home cooks today.
Not only that, but now the microwave also has the functions of convection cooking, grilling, and steaming oven.
Microwaves also come in many forms and sizes: from small countertop models to large built-in models.
Maybe you’re ready to buy your first microwave oven, or maybe it’s an old microwave oven-with all these options, it’s hard to know where to start. Here, we put forward our top choices to help you find the microwave oven that best suits your needs.
10 Best Countertop Microwave Ovens Reviews
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS handles all basic tasks and balances the counter space with ample space. This countertop microwave is available in black or silver stainless steel, with an internal capacity of 1.2 cubic feet, and the size is just over 20 inches wide and 17 inches long.
Its 1,100-watt power can be adjusted through 10 power settings, and customers agree that it can cook food evenly and quickly.
The device is also equipped with a sensor cooking function and two defrost settings, although some people find that not all preset cooking modes work as expected, and the microwave defrosting effect on certain meats is too strong.
Our reviewers found that “The softening/melting preset is incorrect, I must remove the butter as soon as possible.” Nevertheless, this Toshiba countertop microwave has a high reputation for being easy to use and reliable.
What we like
- Good strength
- The buzzer can be muted
- User-friendly controls
What we don’t like
- Some presets are not very accurate
Toshiba EC042A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven with Convection
Microwave ovens with convection function, such as Toshiba EC042A5C, provide a variety of methods for cooking food with one device.
This 1,000-watt microwave has enough power to heat or cook, bake and bake food in microwave mode under the convection function between 170 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
It has 1.5 cubic feet of space, big enough to microwave full-size dinner plates or hold chicken or pizza. The grill (for convection mode cooking) is easy to get a crispy appearance.
People liked the versatility of this unit, but others mentioned that it was bigger and heavier than expected. When using convection mode, it may also add a few minutes of cooking time.
What we like
- Super universal
- Stainless steel interior
- Easy to use
What we don’t like
- Convection oven heats slowly
- bulky
AmazonBasics Microwave
This reasonably priced microwave oven can provide 700 watts of power in a small footprint, making it ideal for small families or apartments.
The black appearance and control panel give this microwave a standard appearance, and it does not indicate whether its price is reasonable.
The microwave oven has a typical preset cooking function, can be used for foods such as pizza and drinks, and has an LED display with a clock and timer. It even has a child lock to prevent curious children from getting out of trouble.
Perhaps the best part of this microwave oven is its Alexa integration. Use your Echo device to let Alexa heat your tea, and the microwave will select the appropriate time and power settings.
What we like
- compact
- Alexa integration
- cheap
What we don’t like
- The standard dinner plate is not suitable
Samsung MS14K6000AS 1.4 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
If you want a smaller microwave and still provide enough power, then the 1.1 cubic feet, 1000 watt option provided by Samsung is a good choice. Customers like the modern black color scheme and brushed stainless steel handles.
The design of the control panel is also unique because it combines digital controls and a metal dial.
The ceramic enamel interior is designed to wipe easily and resist grease, grease, and scratches.
Online reviewers appreciated the unique LED display and said that a highlight of the microwave oven is the Eco mode, which allows you to turn off the digital display to save energy. According to the current owner, one of the disadvantages is that the sound of the microwave oven can be loud.
What we like
- Easy to clean
- Energy-saving mode
- Modern design
What we don’t like
- Loudly
Daewoo KOR-7LREM Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
With its compact shape, retro appearance, and efficient functions, Daewoo Retro Microwave is our first choice for heating food in the dorm room. The microwave oven is available in turquoise, red, and white colors.
The microwave oven has a digital control panel that allows you to select functions and set the power level, while the retro-style knob sets the cooking time.
Its 10-inch turntable is enough to hold most single servings, and its 700 watts of power should be enough to heat the remaining pizza and ramen. It can also save electricity between uses, thereby saving electricity bills.
However, there is no timer or clock display. A few customers pointed out the problems with the button function over time, but most people found that this kind of microwave oven is not only suitable for daily needs.
What we like
- Stylish design
- Energy efficient
- Solid basic functions
What we don’t like
- No clock or timer
Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven
Toshiba EM925A5A-BS compact microwave oven is a fully functional product that will make you feel satisfied and satisfied.
The product has a stainless steel structure and is available in two colors. The elegant design and color of the microwave can match any kitchen decoration. Your kitchen will become organized and modern.
There are six preset menus for you to make delicious popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, drinks, and plates. The machine can be started by one button, and it only takes 1 to 6 minutes to reach full power.
With 10 cooking power levels, you can have more choices in cooking. You can keep warm food or warm drinks. One thing that makes me completely satisfied with this product is that the producer is so thoughtful.
The control panel is easy to use and easy to read. Anti-shock bars and child safety locks are also provided, so you can rest assured of its safety. In addition, the “silent” option means that your family will not be annoying when the machine is working.
There is no buzzer or end of cooking prompt. With the help of LED cavity lights, you can easily monitor the cooking process as needed. There are many special functions to remember.
Main feature
- One-button operation
- Six preset menus
- Equipped with power saving mode, safety lock and mute option
Pros:
- Proof of quick access
- Elegant and stylish design
- Small size but large capacity
- Turning on/off the sound can reduce the annoyance in use
- The energy-saving mode can save 50% standby power consumption
- Easy to defrost (by time or weight)
Cons:
- Hardly found any drawbacks
Whirlpool WMC20005YW Countertop Microwave
Whirlpool countertop microwaves are perfect for anyone with a small kitchen. It is compact enough to fit your corner. You can save more space for other kitchen accessories.
This compact microwave oven uses touch control, which is very convenient to use and clean. The machine has a volume of 0.5 cubic feet, and despite its compact size, it is sufficient to meet your needs.
You may worry that using touch controls may lead to accidental use or settings. Unfortunately, there is a control lock that can help you solve this problem. With just one click on the control panel, accidental setting changes can be avoided.
Main feature
- Almost the smallest microwave
- Space-saving design with many important functions
- Easy to use with one tap
Pros:
- One-key automatic defrost
- Easy to clean
- Defrost food quickly
- 700-watt low power setting
- Power saving
Cons:
- The product is not very long-lasting
LG LMC0975AST NeoChef 0.9 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
Are you worried that cleaning the microwave oven is so difficult? With LG NeoChef microwave, cleaning is no longer a tedious task. The product has an antibacterial and antifouling coating, so you only need to clean it with a damp cloth.
The intuitive SmoothTouch glass controls allow you to operate the product with just one touch. Moreover, this glass control also gives the product a gorgeous appearance.
Unlike other products, the LG NeoChef microwave oven has 6 wheels, which can be stably placed on the turntable.
I’m sure you will be impressed with this product because it is very smart and has excellent performance. When the temperature is optimal, the machine will automatically shut down.
With a capacity of 0.9 cubic meters, you can heat a variety of foods freely. There is a bright LED lightning inside the microwave, so you can control the cooking process. With a 10-year warranty, you can finally trust this product.
Main feature
- Hexagon ring ensures that the turntable stands firmly
- Smooth touch glass, beautiful appearance, easy to clean
- Shiny and practical design
Pros:
- Smart inverter
- Easy to clean
- Automatically shut down when the microwave temperature reaches the peak
- Able to handle heavy items with hexagonal stabilizing ring
- Provide indoor LED lighting
- Impressive performance and power
Cons:
- If it has a sound on/off option, I would prefer it
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SD372S
You tend to store food in the refrigerator and need a microwave that can effectively defrost. Panasonic microwave oven is designed for you. With the advanced turbo defrost function, you can quickly defrost food.
In addition to its excellent speed, this product also surprised me with its genius sensor. Panasonic’s microwave oven can automatically adjust the correct time and temperature of different foods.
There are 9 automatic menus for you to cook frozen main dishes and vegetables, soup, oatmeal, pizza, pasta, etc. Despite the compact design, the internal space is large.
Main feature
- Smart and genius sensors
- Advanced turbo defrost function can speed up defrost
- Provide child safety lock
Pros:
- Able to defrost food quickly
- Many automatic cooking options
- Large internal space
- Provides quick minute timer, delayed start, and child safety lock
Cons:
- Only suitable for light use
Bella BMO07BPDICB Microwave Oven
The Bella microwave oven has an interesting and stylish appearance. Although the product size is small, it can meet the needs of ordinary users. There are 12 preset cooking settings, allowing you to cook all your favorite foods.
5 power levels allow you to adjust and control the dish perfectly. The product also provides you with some other functions, such as “instant/start” button, two-way defrost, LED display with kitchen timer and clock,…
You will have an excellent experience with this microwave oven.
Main feature
- Modern and stylish design
- Many options of the preset menu
Pros:
- Can cook a variety of dishes through 12 preset menus
- Provides many additional functions
- Ability to defrost by weight and time
- Modern LED display
Cons:
- No child safety lock
- Sometimes microwave travel
FAQs
What does more wattage mean?
The wattage of a microwave oven tells you how much power it has, and a larger wattage means your food will cook faster and more evenly. Usually, you will see microwaves between 500 and 1200 watts.
Please note that microwaves with a power of fewer than 700 watts usually have insufficient power, which increases the cooking time. These models are good choices for people who have a limited budget, want to save space, or are willing to wait a few minutes.
If you want to use a fully functional microwave oven to cook meat and vegetables, look for a model with a power of 1000 watts or more.
Why consider convective microwaves?
Convection microwaves circulate hot air to cook food more uniformly (usually faster) than traditional microwaves. You can also use this special convection function to brown or crisp food in ways that ordinary microwave ovens cannot.
How do you clean the microwave oven?
It is a good idea to clean the microwave on a regular basis, even if you clean up sporadic garbage or spatter. To clean the inside, heat a microwave-safe bowl with water and a tablespoon of vinegar (white cider or cider can be used) for a few minutes.
You want the inside to become steamy without a bowl of water boiling. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before opening the door. Then, wipe the inside with a paper towel, or use a sponge to wipe the pasted food.
Remove the turntable and wash it by hand or in the dishwasher. Use a multifunctional cleaner to clean the exterior, but spray it on paper towels or sponges first, not directly on the microwave, so as not to enter the ventilation system. You should also avoid using bleach in the microwave.
The ultimate microwave buying guide
For most people, the microwave oven is an essential kitchen utensil for preparing meals. Whether you want to make popcorn or warm a bowl of soup, the microwave can be done in a few minutes. They are convenient, easy to use, and unlike standard ovens, they do not require pre-heating the microwave, which can help you save energy.
Ever wondered how a microwave oven can heat food quickly and efficiently? These appliances contain a component called a magnetron, which uses electricity to generate high-power radio waves. These waves are pushed into the inside of the microwave oven.
Under the action of the microwave, they are reflected from the metal wall and splashed on the food you are cooking, causing the molecules in the food to vibrate, which makes them hot.
The microwave turntable rotates or slides back and forth to help waves hit the food evenly from all angles. Although microwave cooking is suitable for many foods, larger items do not always cook evenly because radio waves can only penetrate a few centimeters of food.
Nowadays, there are many microwave ovens with various additional functions available, such as pre-programmed settings for cooking common food and various cooking methods, such as steam ovens and grills.
Depending on the size and features you want, the price of a new microwave oven ranges from $20 to $2,000. This is the knowledge you need to choose the best food for your kitchen.
Key considerations
Style
There are four main types of microwaves. The difference between them lies in the installation location and installation method. There are some microwave ovens that can be placed on a workbench or installed on an over-range (OTR). Built-in embedded devices can be embedded in a cabinet or wall, or a drawer microwave can be placed in a cabinet under the countertop.
Size
If you are looking for an OTR or built-in model, then it is very important to choose the right size for space, especially when replacing an existing microwave. Also, make sure to check whether the door is open for gaps. If you are buying a countertop model, there is more leeway, but it is still important to measure the area in the kitchen.
Capacity
Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet. Generally, the larger the cubic foot, the larger the microwave. You will find that the size of the microwave is only 0.5 cubic feet, while the largest microwave model is only 2 cubic feet or more. Most microwaves have a range of 1 to 2 cubic feet.
It may be difficult to determine whether a microwave oven can meet your needs based on cubic feet alone. A better metric to note might be the size of the interior and the turntable. Make sure that the opening of the door is high enough and wide enough to fit the items you need the microwave oven most, and the shape and size of the turntable can hold your plate. This will help you choose the right size microwave oven.
Power
The power of the microwave is measured in watts-the higher the wattage, the greater the power of the microwave, and the higher the speed and uniformity of the cooking equipment. Today, most available microwaves are equipped with 500 to 1,000 watts of power. The best choice depends on how you plan to use the device.
Most people prefer 700 watts (or higher) microwave ovens because these models are still good and inexpensive, and work well on microwave meals, popcorn, and other small items. If you plan to use a microwave oven for heavy-duty cooking, you need a model with a power of about 1,000 watts. A more powerful microwave can cook almost anything, from meat staples such as patties to vegetable side dishes, and even desserts.
Preset cooking mode
In addition to the standard keys for manually entering the time and starting and stopping the microwave oven, most models are also equipped with controls for preset cooking time. These pre-programmed cooking options automatically select the power level and cooking time based on the food you want to cook.
You will find settings that allow you to cook popcorn, potatoes, frozen vegetables, and more with the touch of a button. You can even find settings for melting butter and chocolate, defrosting frozen food, and reheating pizza.
Consider whether you actually use these features, or whether you tend to polish your time manually-there is no need to pay for features that you don’t use.
Cooking function
Some microwave ovens have grilling, steaming, and convection cooking functions. Microwaves with these additional cooking functions are generally more expensive than microwaves without these functions.
Although the grilling function of a microwave oven is not as powerful as a standard propane grill, it is designed to bake the outside of the food to replicate the grilling result.
Convection microwave uses the same technology as an oven: a fan blows hot air in and circulates it into the microwave to help cook food faster and more evenly. Similar to traditional ovens, convection microwave ovens can also brown or crisp food.
Sensor
Some microwave ovens are equipped with sensors that automatically set the cooking time and power level based on the moisture content they detect in the food you are cooking. The design of the sensor helps prevent overcooking and uneven cooking, so you won’t encounter overcooked or undercooked meat or dishes with cold spots.
Exhaust
Ultra-range microwaves usually have a ventilation function, which can replace traditional oven hoods. This is useful when you are cooking on the stove and want to remove odors or fumes from the kitchen.
There are two types of microwave ventilation systems: recirculation and external. The circulation vent only needs to suck air into the equipment, remove impurities through the filter, and then push it back to the kitchen. This type of ventilation system is ductless and easy to install, but it is not as efficient as external ventilation.
The external vents are connected to a duct system that sucks in air from your kitchen and redirects it to the outside. These systems can better eliminate heat and odors in the kitchen, but if your house does not have a plumbing system, it can be very expensive to install.
Turntable
Except for drawer models, almost all microwave ovens are equipped with turntables. The turntable can be round, can be rotated into a circle, or rectangular, and can move left and right. They are designed to keep food in motion, even cooking.
Most turntables are removable and easy to clean, and many can be placed in the dishwasher to remove food stains and dry. When shopping, please consider whether the turntable is large enough to fit the microwave oven, dinner plate, and favorite microwave food you need. Large plates like casseroles may be more suitable on a rectangular turntable.
Shelf
Some microwave ovens have movable shelves that can be stored in the microwave oven, so you can cook multiple things at the same time. Depending on how much microwave cooking you do or how many people heat leftovers at the same time, you may benefit from models with racks.
The rack is usually made of wire, similar to the rack in an oven. Just remember that putting a shelf in the microwave will reduce the clearance of taller items into the microwave.
Price
The prices of microwave ovens vary greatly. The cost of the new microwave oven depends on the size, style and function. Although you can find small basic microwave ovens for less than US$50, most models are priced between US$100-500. Special microwave ovens, such as built-in and drawer type microwave ovens and microwave ovens with convection cooking function, may be more expensive. Generally, the more power (ie, wattage) a microwave oven has, the more expensive the function.
Guarantee
Most microwave ovens have a one-year limited warranty, and some of the microwave ovens’ magnetron parts have an extended warranty. Although the service life of solid-state microwave ovens should far exceed the 1-year warranty period, it is best to check the details before buying to know exactly the scope and duration of the warranty. Most retailers offer extended warranty plans for electrical appliances.
Microwave type
Countertop
Desktop microwave ovens are some of the most popular models, and there are many options. They are easy and fast to install, just plug in, and you can move them as needed, which makes them the first choice for renters. If your kitchen is not designed to accommodate wall-mounted or built-in microwaves, a desktop microwave is also a good choice.
The main disadvantage of countertop microwaves is that they take up valuable counter space, which can be frustrating if you have a small kitchen. Desktop microwave ovens come in various sizes, ranging in price from the cheap US$20 to the large high-tech version of US$600 or more.
Over-the-range
Over-the-range(OTR) microwave ovens are popular in many households. As the name suggests, this type of microwave oven can be installed on the oven.
OTR microwave oven does not take up any space on your counter, can create a seamless appearance in the kitchen, and can be used as a range hood or exhaust fan to help you remove odors from the kitchen while cooking.
Usually, the price of the OTR microwave is between 150 dollars and several hundred dollars.
You may be subject to some restrictions when choosing an OTR microwave oven because you need a model that can fit snugly above the stove.
Most people also want to use equipment that matches their range. And, unfortunately, the installation of OTR microwaves is more complicated, especially if you don’t have a microwave before. In these cases, you may need to hire an electrician, which may increase the overall cost of the new microwave oven.
Built-in
If you are a fan of wall-hung stoves, you may also like the appearance of built-in microwave ovens, which are designed to be flush-mounted in recessed wall cavities or cabinets. They help save counter space, but are more complicated to install, especially if you haven’t done this before.
The built-in microwave is much more expensive than other options, and the price is usually around $300. Some countertop microwave ovens have optional kits that allow them to be installed as built-in components, which can save some money.
Drawer
The drawer-type microwave oven is designed to be installed under the counter. They do not have revolving doors but pull them out of the cabinet like standard drawers. This style also saves valuable counter space.
Many people like that these models do not have a turntable, so they are easy to clean. People with limited mobility will often find the drawer microwave oven is easier to get than the OTR option. Most drawer models have child locks, so they can be used safely in families with children.
The drawer-type microwave oven is the most complicated to install and is much more expensive than other styles. Low-end models cost 800 or 900 US dollars, and more advanced models can cost thousands of dollars.
Maintenance
Use only microwave-safe containers for microwave cooking. Always check the label to make sure your plastic or glass container can be used in a microwave oven. Do not put metal in a microwave oven, as it will generate sparks, which can cause a fire and damage the microwave oven.
Microwave ovens need to be cleaned regularly because food can easily spill and accumulate on the walls and trays of the microwave oven. Keeping the microwave clean can prevent odors in the kitchen.
The outside of the microwave oven (including the door, handle, and control panel) should also be wiped regularly to remove fingerprints, daily dirt, and cooking residue.
If your microwave oven has a built-in air circulation system, you also need to replace the filter regularly. These filters accumulate dust and edible oils, and when they become too dirty, they will not ventilate properly. It is recommended to replace the filter approximately twice a year.
Accessories
You need to check tableware, food storage containers, and cooking utensils to make sure you have some reliable microwave safety parts. Not all plastics can be microwaved safely, because toxins can leach out of the plastic and penetrate into the food.
You may also need to purchase some type of microwave splash hood to save some cleaning time. These cheap covers can prevent flying food particles from being baked into the microwave oven.
If your microwave oven has a circulating ventilation system, it is best to buy some extra filters. Most manufacturers recommend replacing these filters every six months, which is easier if you have extra items on hand.
Conclusion
The most important factor in choosing a new microwave oven is which one is best for your kitchen. If you already have an OTR or built-in microwave, it should be easy to replace it with the same pattern as long as you make accurate measurements.
If your kitchen does not have a dedicated space for wall-mounted or built-in microwave ovens, then unless you are willing to change the space, the countertop selection may be your best choice.
You also need to consider your budget, the most commonly used cooking functions and presets, and the overall capacity of the microwave.
If you live alone, a smaller microwave is sufficient, but larger families may benefit from larger models that can hold multiple dishes or larger items (such as casseroles) at the same time.