Imagine this: you’re hungry, you want to heat up leftovers fast, but your old microwave is taking up too much counter space. Or maybe you’re looking for a sleek new appliance that fits perfectly above your stove. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Finding the right over-the-counter microwave can feel like a treasure hunt with too many confusing choices!
Many people face the same challenge. They want more space in their kitchen, a cleaner look, or just a more powerful and feature-rich microwave. But with so many brands, sizes, and functions, how do you know which one is best for your needs and your kitchen? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the jargon and options.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re going to break down what makes a great over-the-counter microwave. We’ll explore the key features to look for, explain the different types available, and help you understand what will truly make your kitchen life easier. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to pick an over-the-counter microwave that you’ll love for years to come.
Our Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance, the EM044K6CE-SS model, offers 1.7 cubic feet of cooking space and 1000 watts of power to tackle all your meal prep needs. It also includes a powerful vent fan to keep your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The large 1.7 cubic feet interior easily fits big dishes, and the 12.4-inch turntable spins your food evenly. It’s like having a helpful assistant in the kitchen!
- Easy Cooking Options: With 10 power levels and quick menus for popcorn, beverages, melting, reheating, and defrosting, cooking is a breeze. Just press a button for perfect results.
- Speedy Cooking: Need food fast? The 1-3 minute power cooking at 100% power gets meals ready in no time.
- Smart Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by setting the microwave to cook at different power levels for different amounts of time all at once. It does the work for you.
- Effective Venting: The 300 CFM vent fan has two speeds to powerfully clear smoke and smells from your cooking. Plus, its built-in light shines brightly on your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer about some of the advanced cooking functions.
- The beeping sound when cooking is finished can be a bit loud.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, combining convenience and performance. It makes cooking and meal preparation simpler and more enjoyable.
2. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, an over-the-range microwave that brings convenience and power to your kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove. This microwave helps you cook meals quickly and easily. It’s a helpful addition for busy kitchens.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature with 18 Auto Menus makes cooking simple. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even just soften cream cheese with a single touch.
- Its generous 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable fit large items like a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000W of cooking power and 10 power levels, you can heat food exactly how you want it.
- The strong 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds effectively clears smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- A bright cooktop light shines down, giving you a clear view of what you’re cooking on the stovetop below.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the auto-menu options a bit limited if they cook many unique dishes.
- While powerful, the 300 CFM ventilation might not be enough for extremely heavy cooking or very small kitchens needing maximum air exchange.
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a versatile and user-friendly microwave. It offers great features that simplify cooking and improve kitchen air quality.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It brings a lot of power and convenience to your cooking. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly. Its large 1.9 cubic foot capacity means you can cook big meals or multiple dishes at once. This microwave makes meal prep simpler with its smart features.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food fast.
- 1.9 cu.ft. capacity fits large dishes.
- One-touch auto cooking for popcorn, potatoes, and more makes cooking easy.
- A bright LED light illuminates your stovetop for better visibility.
- The 400-CFM venting fan effectively removes smoke and odors.
- You can turn the turntable off to fit bigger items.
- It has ten power settings for precise cooking.
- The 30-second express cook button is handy for quick heating.
- A child lock feature keeps little ones safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation instructions are only available online.
This microwave oven offers a great blend of power, capacity, and user-friendly features. It will make cooking and preparing meals a breeze.
4. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s a large, powerful microwave that makes cooking and meal prep a breeze. This microwave measures 15.4″D x 29.9″W x 16.4″H, giving you plenty of space inside. Its 1.7 cubic feet capacity and a 12.4-inch turntable can handle almost any dish you want to cook. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently. This microwave is designed to make your life easier in the kitchen.
What We Like:
- Spacious Interior: The 1.7 cu. ft. capacity and 12.4-inch turntable easily fit large dishes.
- 10 Cooking Levels & Quick Menus: It offers 1000 watts of power and includes convenient presets for popcorn, beverages, melting, reheating, and defrosting.
- Speedy Cooking: You can quickly cook for 1, 2, or 3 minutes at full power with just a few button presses.
- Multi-stage Cooking: This feature lets you set up cooking in different stages, like 90% power for 10 minutes followed by 50% power for 5 minutes, all in one go.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 300 CFM, 2-speed vent fan effectively removes cooking smells and smoke.
- Built-in Light: An integrated light shines down on your stovetop, making it easier to see while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan might be a bit loud for some users.
- The control panel could be more intuitive for less tech-savvy individuals.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a solid choice for anyone seeking a feature-rich and powerful appliance. It truly simplifies daily cooking tasks.
5. GE JVM3160DFWW 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven White Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.0/10
The GE JVM3160DFWW 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in white is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It sits right above your stove, saving valuable counter space. This microwave helps you heat up meals and cook snacks quickly. The bundle also includes a Premium 2-Year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- It offers a good amount of cooking space with its 1.6 cubic feet capacity.
- The over-the-range design is a real space-saver.
- The included 2-year protection plan is a nice bonus for added security.
- This microwave is designed to be easy to operate for everyday use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific advanced cooking features are not highlighted, suggesting it might be best for basic tasks.
- The “N/A” for features means we don’t have details on things like sensor cooking or specific presets.
- More information about the installation process would be helpful.
Overall, this GE microwave offers practical features for everyday cooking and the added protection plan makes it a secure purchase.
Your Guide to Picking the Best Countertop Microwave Oven
Finding the right microwave for your kitchen can make meal prep a breeze. Countertop microwaves are super popular because they’re easy to use and don’t need complicated installation. This guide will help you pick one that fits your needs perfectly.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Wattage: This is how much power your microwave has. Higher wattage means it cooks food faster. Most microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts. For quick reheating and cooking, aim for 900 watts or more.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food can fit inside. Small microwaves are good for one or two people. Larger ones can handle bigger plates or multiple items. Think about what you usually cook or reheat.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have buttons for specific foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Turntable: A rotating plate inside ensures your food cooks evenly. Most microwaves have this.
- Defrost Options: This feature lets you thaw frozen foods safely and quickly. Some let you defrost by weight, others by time.
- Child Lock: This is a safety feature that prevents kids from accidentally turning the microwave on.
- Interior Light: A light inside helps you see your food as it cooks.
- Digital Display and Controls: Easy-to-read displays and simple buttons make using the microwave straightforward.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how well it works.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable, but it can show fingerprints. Plastic is lighter and often more affordable.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is easier to clean and more resistant to scratches. Painted interiors can chip over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave better or not so good.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly without hot or cold spots. This often comes down to good wattage and a functional turntable.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how quiet the appliance is.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a non-stick interior or a removable turntable is much easier to clean. Spills happen, so make cleaning simple.
- Durability: A good quality microwave should last for many years. Read reviews to see if other customers report problems after a short time.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave will guide your choice.
- Quick Meals: If you just need to reheat leftovers or make a quick snack, a smaller, basic model might be perfect.
- Busy Households: Families with multiple people might need a larger capacity microwave with more cooking presets to handle different needs.
- Apartment Living: Smaller kitchens benefit from compact microwaves that don’t take up too much counter space.
- Cooking Enthusiasts: If you use your microwave for more than just reheating, like steaming vegetables or cooking specific dishes, you’ll want one with more advanced features and higher wattage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Countertop Microwave Ovens
Q: What is the best wattage for a countertop microwave?
A: For faster cooking, aim for 900 watts or higher. Microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts.
Q: How much capacity do I need?
A: Capacity is measured in cubic feet. Small is good for one person, large is for families or bigger meals.
Q: Are cooking presets really useful?
A: Yes, presets help you cook specific foods perfectly without guessing the time and power.
Q: Does the turntable matter?
A: A turntable rotates food to ensure it cooks evenly. Most microwaves have one.
Q: What’s the difference between defrost by weight and defrost by time?
A: Defrost by weight lets you enter the weight of the food, and the microwave figures out the time. Defrost by time means you set the thawing time yourself.
Q: Is stainless steel better than plastic for the exterior?
A: Stainless steel is more durable and looks modern, but it can show fingerprints. Plastic is lighter and usually cheaper.
Q: How do I know if a microwave cooks evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even cooking. Higher wattage and a good turntable help with this.
Q: Are microwaves easy to clean?
A: Some are easier than others. Look for non-stick interiors or removable turntables to simplify cleaning.
Q: Can I fit a dinner plate in a small microwave?
A: Smaller microwaves might not fit larger dinner plates. Check the interior dimensions before buying.
Q: How long should a countertop microwave last?
A: A good quality microwave should last 5 to 10 years with proper care and use.
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.