Ever tried to reheat a tall glass of milk or a big dinner plate in your microwave, only to have it hit the ceiling? It’s a common frustration, right? Traditional microwaves have that spinning turntable, and sometimes, your food is just too tall or too wide to fit. This can be a real pain when you’re trying to heat leftovers or cook a quick meal.
Choosing a new microwave can feel overwhelming. You want something that works well and fits your needs. But with all the different types and features, it’s tough to know where to start. Flatbed microwaves offer a different solution to this common problem. They don’t have that spinning plate, meaning more space for your food.
In this post, we’ll explore what makes flatbed microwaves special. We’ll look at how they work and the advantages they offer. By the end, you’ll understand if a flatbed microwave is the right choice for your kitchen. Let’s dive in and make your microwave experience easier!
Our Top 5 Flatbed Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Flatbed Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Panasonic NE-1054F Stainless Steel with 10 Programmable Memory
Rating: 9.2/10
The Panasonic NE-1054F is a powerful stainless steel microwave built tough. It’s designed for busy places like restaurants and offices, but it’s also great for a busy home or college dorm. This microwave heats food fast thanks to its special bottom energy feed system. It’s easy to use with its touch screen and has plenty of room for your favorite dishes.
What We Like:
- It’s a HEAVY DUTY COMMERCIAL GRADE MICROWAVE, meaning it’s super strong and can handle a lot of use.
- The BOTTOM ENERGY FEED SYSTEM FOR FAST COOKING RESULTS makes your food hot quickly.
- The NO-HASSLE GRAB & GO HANDLE is easy to use and lasts a long time.
- It has a TOUCH-CONTROL KEYPAD WITH BRAILLE, making it simple for anyone to program and use.
- You can save up to 10 different cooking programs, which is super handy.
- It’s a COMPACT, SPACE-SAVING DESIGN, so it won’t take up too much counter space.
- It has a see-through door so you can watch your food cook.
- The interior light helps you see inside.
- It has an anti-theft component, which is good for businesses.
- Tone control lets you adjust the sound.
- Self-diagnostics help you know if something is wrong.
What Could Be Improved:
- The capacity is 0.8 cu. ft., which might be a little small for very large meals.
- While it’s great for businesses, the price might be higher than a basic home microwave.
This Panasonic microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and efficient heating solution. Its sturdy build and smart features make it a great addition to any busy environment.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a super versatile kitchen helper. It doesn’t just microwave your food; it can also air fry, bake, roast, and use convection cooking. This means you can try out lots of different recipes with just one appliance. It’s small enough for your countertop but packs a punch with 900 watts of power.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 machine: microwave, air fryer, combi, bake, and roast. You can cook almost anything with it.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus for easy cooking. Just pick what you want to make, like popcorn or vegetables.
- The air fryer has 11 presets for popular foods like French fries and chicken wings. It makes air frying simple.
- You can start cooking right away with the speedy cook button. It cooks at full power for 30 seconds at a time.
- The child-lock feature is great for families. It keeps kids from accidentally changing settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be small for cooking large meals or for bigger families.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in one compact unit. It simplifies meal preparation and adds convenience for busy households.
3. Winco Commercial-Grade Microwave with Touch Controls
Rating: 9.1/10
The Winco Commercial-Grade Microwave with Touch Controls is a powerful and versatile cooking tool. It boasts 1,000 watts of power and a .9 cubic foot capacity, making it suitable for busy kitchens. Its stainless steel construction means it’s built to last.
What We Like:
- The .9 cubic foot size is great. It can fit a 12-inch platter, which is perfect for restaurants and food stands.
- It’s built for commercial use. Both the inside and outside are stainless steel. This means it can handle being used a lot every day.
- You get great results with 5 power levels. This helps you cook different foods just right.
- It has 10 easy-to-use programs. You can also save up to 100 of your own recipes. This makes cooking your menu items super fast.
- The quantity button is a smart feature. You can easily cook more than one portion at a time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 100 custom program slots, some users might prefer even more for very extensive menus.
- The .9 cubic foot capacity is good for many things, but larger or bulkier items might not fit as easily.
This Winco microwave is a solid choice for any commercial kitchen needing a reliable and efficient way to heat food. Its user-friendly features and durable design make it a valuable addition.
4. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.5/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is a 1.2 cubic foot powerhouse designed to make cooking easier. It boasts a smart humidity sensor that automatically adjusts cooking for perfect results. With 1000 watts of power, a large 12.4-inch turntable, and plenty of helpful features, this black microwave is a solid addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The smart sensor technology takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- It has 12 auto menus, so you can cook popular foods with ease.
- You can adjust the power with 10 different levels for more control.
- The mute function is great for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- The ECO mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- Defrosting is simple, either by weight or time.
- One-touch start lets you quickly cook for 1-6 minutes.
- The easy-clean interior makes wiping up messes a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, the description only details 6 preset menus, which might be a little confusing.
- The external dimensions are a bit larger, so measure your counter space carefully.
This Toshiba microwave offers smart features and powerful performance. It’s a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use countertop microwave.
5. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 8.6/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. With its spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity and powerful 1200 watts, this stainless steel microwave can handle family-sized meals. It’s designed to be user-friendly, offering smart features that simplify your kitchen tasks.
What We Like:
- Its massive 2.2 cu. ft. capacity easily fits big items like a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken.
- The smart humidity sensor ensures food heats evenly and stays moist.
- It comes with 6 helpful auto menus for common foods like bacon, frozen rolls, beverages, chicken pieces, and oatmeal.
- The auto-defrost function intelligently thaws meat, poultry, and fish to perfection.
- It’s packed with easy-to-use features like one-pound defrost, an ECO mode to save energy, and a mute option for quiet operation.
- The position memory turntable is a neat feature that keeps your food in the same spot after cooking.
- Safety features like a child lock and multi-stage cooking add peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are convenient, some users might prefer more customization options for specific cooking needs.
- The large size, while a pro for capacity, might be a con for those with limited counter space.
Overall, this Toshiba microwave is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen, offering both capacity and smart features for effortless meal preparation.
The Flatbed Microwave: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Why Choose a Flatbed Microwave?
Microwaves make cooking and reheating food super fast. But sometimes, the spinning plate in a regular microwave is annoying. It can be hard to fit large dishes, and cleaning up spills can be tricky. That’s where the flatbed microwave comes in! It has a smooth, flat surface instead of a turntable. This means you can fit bigger plates and bowls. It also makes cleaning much easier. Let’s explore what makes a flatbed microwave a great choice for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
Size and Capacity
Think about what you usually heat up. Do you use big casserole dishes or just small bowls? Flatbed microwaves come in different sizes. A larger microwave can fit more food, but it also takes up more counter space. Make sure the inside dimensions are big enough for your favorite dishes.
Power (Wattage)
Microwave power is measured in watts. More watts usually mean faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For everyday use, 900-1000 watts is a good choice. If you often cook from scratch, higher wattage might be better.
Cooking Functions
Some flatbed microwaves just reheat and defrost. Others have special cooking programs. These can include sensor cooking, which adjusts the time and power automatically. Some even have grill or convection oven functions, making them more versatile.
Ease of Cleaning
This is a big win for flatbed models. Look for a smooth interior that’s easy to wipe down. Non-stick coatings can be a bonus.
Controls and Display
Are the buttons easy to understand? Is the display clear? Some microwaves have simple dial controls, while others have touch panels. 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 durable and looks nice. Painted metal is also good, but it can sometimes scratch or chip over time. The outside can be stainless steel, plastic, or a mix. Stainless steel exteriors are strong and easy to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built microwave will feel sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Cheaply made microwaves might feel flimsy and break more easily.
Even Heating
Even heating is important for good results. Some microwaves heat food more evenly than others. Reading reviews can help you find models known for this.
Noise Level
Some microwaves can be quite noisy when they run. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are described as quiet.
Durability
A good quality flatbed microwave should last for many years. Investing in a reliable brand can save you money in the long run.
User Experience and Use Cases
Flatbed microwaves are great for busy people. They are perfect for reheating leftovers quickly. You can easily fit a whole chicken or a large baking dish inside. Parents love them for heating up baby bottles or preparing quick snacks for kids. They are also excellent for small kitchens because you don’t need to worry about a turntable getting in the way. If you enjoy cooking and want more space for your dishes, a flatbed microwave is a fantastic upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a flatbed and a turntable microwave?
A: The main difference is that a flatbed microwave has a smooth, flat bottom inside, while a turntable microwave has a rotating glass plate.
Q: Can I fit larger dishes in a flatbed microwave?
A: Yes, you can usually fit larger and rectangular dishes in a flatbed microwave because there is no turntable taking up space.
Q: Are flatbed microwaves harder to clean?
A: No, flatbed microwaves are generally easier to clean because there are no nooks and crannies around a turntable to catch food spills.
Q: Do flatbed microwaves cook food evenly?
A: Most flatbed microwaves cook food evenly. The way the microwaves are distributed inside helps with this.
Q: What size flatbed microwave do I need?
A: Consider the size of the dishes you usually cook or reheat. Measure your counter space to ensure it fits.
Q: Are flatbed microwaves more expensive?
A: They can sometimes be a bit more expensive than basic turntable models, but the added convenience is often worth it.
Q: Can I use metal cookware in a flatbed microwave?
A: You should never use metal cookware in any microwave, including flatbed models, as it can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: What are the benefits of sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses built-in sensors to detect the humidity released by food and automatically adjusts cooking time and power for perfect results.
Q: How much wattage do I need for a flatbed microwave?
A: For most everyday tasks like reheating and defrosting, 900-1000 watts is usually sufficient.
Q: Are there different types of flatbed microwaves?
A: Yes, there are basic models, and some come with added features like grill, convection, or combination cooking functions.
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.