Do you dream of a kitchen that’s both stylish and super functional? Imagine whipping up quick snacks or reheating leftovers without sacrificing precious counter space. That’s where the magic of a microwave over the counter comes in!
But let’s be honest, picking the perfect one can feel like a puzzle. So many brands, sizes, and features! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder if you’re making the right choice for your kitchen and your budget. You want something that looks good, works well, and fits just right.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident about what to look for. We’ll break down the important things to consider, so you can find a microwave over the counter that makes your kitchen life easier and happier. Get ready to discover your perfect kitchen companion!
Our Top 5 Microwave Over The Counter Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Over The Counter Detailed Reviews
1. GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave
Rating: 8.9/10
The GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave JVM3160RFSS is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a good amount of space for your cooking needs and powerful performance. This microwave also helps keep your kitchen air fresh with its built-in vent. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks nice in modern kitchens.
What We Like:
- The 1.6 cubic feet of space is enough for most meals.
- 1000 watts of power cooks food quickly.
- Convenience cooking controls make using it simple.
- Auto and time defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing food.
- The two-speed, 300-CFM venting system really works to clear smoke and smells.
- LED lighting makes it easy to see inside.
- The turntable can be turned on or off, which is helpful for different dishes.
- Easy mount installation saves you time and hassle.
What Could Be Improved:
- Charcoal filter replacement is an ongoing cost.
This GE microwave is a solid choice for busy households. It combines helpful features with strong performance to make meal prep easier.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is a sleek silver appliance that brings convenience and smart cooking to your kitchen. With 1.2 cubic feet of space, it’s big enough for most meals and features a generous 12.4-inch turntable. This microwave makes cooking easier with its smart humidity sensor, which adjusts power and time automatically. You can also choose from 12 auto menus for quick and simple meal preparation. Plus, it has a mute function so you can cook without annoying beeps, and an ECO mode to save energy. The easy-clean interior means less scrubbing after cooking.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your food is cooked perfectly every time.
- It offers 12 auto menus and 10 power levels, giving you lots of control and options for different foods.
- The Mute Function is a great feature for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough to fit most standard dishes.
- One-touch start and easy defrost by weight or time make quick meals even faster.
- The ECO Mode helps save electricity when the microwave isn’t in use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, only 6 are preset for popular foods.
- The external dimensions are a bit large, so measure your counter space carefully.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart and user-friendly addition to any kitchen. It offers advanced features that simplify cooking and make meal prep a breeze.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet your new kitchen helper! The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven is a sleek, stainless steel appliance designed to make your cooking easier and faster. It’s not just a microwave; it also has a powerful vent fan to clear your kitchen air and a bright light to illuminate your stovetop. Its large capacity and smart features make it a great addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It has a large interior space, measuring 15.4″D x 29.9″W x 16.4″H, perfect for big meals.
- The 1.7 cubic feet capacity and 12.4-inch turntable fit plenty of food.
- It offers 10 different cooking power levels, with 1000 watts for fast heating.
- Quick menus for popcorn, drinks, melting, reheating, and defrosting are super convenient.
- You can cook with 100% power for 1 to 3 minutes by just pressing 1, 2, or 3.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels for one cooking cycle, saving you time.
- The 300 CFM vent fan has two speeds and does a good job removing smoke and smells.
- The built-in light helps you see what you’re cooking on the stove below.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the vent fan is strong, some users might want even more power for very smoky cooking.
- The “one-touch” features are great, but learning all the cooking levels might take a little practice for some.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic choice for busy kitchens. It combines convenience, power, and smart features to simplify your meal prep.
4. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven, a sleek stainless steel appliance designed to make your kitchen tasks quick and easy. This powerful microwave boasts 1000 watts of cooking power, perfect for reheating leftovers, cooking snacks, or even preparing full meals in a snap. Its user-friendly design and smart features make it a great addition to any home or office kitchen.
What We Like:
- The 1000-watt power heats food quickly and evenly.
- Ten power levels and six one-touch auto cook settings (like popcorn and potato) offer great cooking flexibility.
- Defrosting by weight or time makes meal prep a breeze.
- The 1.1 cu. ft. size is compact yet offers plenty of space for most dishes.
- The easy-clean interior and exterior save you time and effort.
- Quick start controls (1-6 minutes) and the Add 30 Seconds button are super convenient.
- The LED display, kitchen timer, and clock are helpful for keeping track of time.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The child safety lock provides extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The auto cook settings might require some trial and error to find the perfect timing for specific foods.
- While compact, it might feel a bit large for extremely tiny kitchens.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a powerful, feature-rich, and convenient cooking appliance. It balances performance with ease of use, making it a valuable kitchen companion.
5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.5/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse for your kitchen. It’s designed for everyday use, making quick meals and snacks a breeze. This little microwave packs a lot of features into its small size.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six helpful presets like popcorn and pizza.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels, from low for melting butter to high for fast cooking.
- Digital controls make it simple to set the time and power.
- The +30 seconds button is handy for adding a little extra cooking time.
- A child safety lock on the handle keeps the door secure.
- You can mute the annoying beeps with the Audio Button, which is great for quiet mornings or late nights.
- Its modern black design looks good in any kitchen.
- Cleaning is easy; the exterior wipes clean, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size might be a bit small for larger dishes or family meals.
- While it has 10 power levels, some might wish for even more precise control.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for their kitchen. It offers great convenience for daily cooking tasks.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Microwave Over the Counter
Why Choose a Microwave Over the Counter?
Microwaves over the counter offer a fantastic way to save valuable kitchen space. They sit right on your countertop, giving you easy access without taking up precious cabinet or wall real estate. This makes them a great choice for smaller kitchens or for anyone who likes a clean, uncluttered look.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a microwave over the counter, keep these important features in mind:
1. Size and Capacity
- Internal Space: Think about what you’ll cook. Do you need to fit a whole chicken or just reheat leftovers? Microwaves come in different sizes, measured in cubic feet. A small one might be 0.7 cu ft, while a large one can be 2.0 cu ft or more.
- External Dimensions: Measure your counter space! Make sure the microwave will fit comfortably without blocking walkways or other appliances.
2. Wattage and Cooking Power
- Power Levels: Wattage tells you how strong the microwave is. Higher wattage (around 1000 watts or more) cooks food faster and more evenly. Lower wattage might take longer.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
3. Ease of Use and Controls
- Digital Displays: Clear, easy-to-read displays make it simple to set cooking times and power levels.
- Touch Controls: Touchpads are modern and easy to clean. Some models have dial controls, which some people prefer.
- Child Lock: This is a great safety feature if you have little ones in the house.
4. Special Features
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a glass turntable that rotates food for even cooking. Some have an off option if you need to fit a large rectangular dish.
- Sensor Cooking: This smart feature senses the steam from your food and adjusts cooking time automatically. It helps prevent over or undercooking.
- Convection Cooking: Some microwaves can also bake and roast like a regular oven. This is a great option for added versatility.
- Grill Function: This feature can give food a nice crispy finish.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and appearance.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice because it looks sleek and is easy to clean. It’s also strong and lasts a long time.
- Plastic: Many microwave interiors are made of plastic. Look for BPA-free plastic for safety. The exterior can also be plastic, which is often lighter and more affordable.
- Glass: The door window is usually glass, and the turntable is almost always glass.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave better or worse.
Quality Boosters:
- Even Cooking: A good microwave distributes heat evenly. You won’t find cold spots in your food.
- Durable Build: A sturdy design means it will last longer.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are very noisy. Quieter models are more pleasant to use.
- Easy Cleaning: Non-stick interiors and smooth surfaces make cleanup a breeze.
Quality Reducers:
- Uneven Heating: This is frustrating. Food cooks poorly when heat isn’t spread well.
- Flimsy Construction: Parts that feel cheap or loose might break easily.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or unclear displays make it hard to operate.
- Short Lifespan: A microwave that breaks down after a year or two is a waste of money.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your microwave. This will help you choose the right one.
- Quick Reheating: For busy individuals or families, a simple, user-friendly microwave is perfect for reheating meals in minutes.
- Snack Maker: If you often make popcorn, heat up frozen snacks, or melt cheese, a microwave with dedicated presets is ideal.
- Baking and Roasting (Convection Models): For those who want more than just reheating, a convection microwave can bake cookies, roast chicken, or crisp up vegetables, acting as a secondary oven.
- Small Apartment Living: Compact models are essential for kitchens with limited counter space.
- Student Dorm Rooms: A basic, reliable microwave is a must-have for students needing to prepare simple meals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much space do I need for a microwave over the counter?
A: You need enough space for the microwave itself, plus a little extra room around it for ventilation. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for clearance. Measure your counter carefully before buying.
Q: Are microwaves over the counter as powerful as built-in ones?
A: Yes, many countertop microwaves offer the same cooking power (wattage) as built-in models. Power is usually measured in watts, and higher watts mean faster cooking.
Q: How do I clean a microwave over the counter?
A: Most microwaves can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar inside for a few minutes, then wipe it down. Always unplug the microwave before cleaning.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses humidity sensors to detect how much moisture is coming from your food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power to cook your food perfectly without you having to guess.
Q: Can I put metal in a microwave over the counter?
A: Generally, no. Metal can cause sparks and damage the microwave. However, some microwaves have specific settings or racks that allow for limited use of metal, like browning trays. Always check your manual.
Q: What is the difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave uses microwaves to heat food. A convection microwave has a fan and heating element, allowing it to bake, roast, and brown food like a traditional oven.
Q: How long do microwaves over the counter usually last?
A: With good care, most microwaves can last between 7 to 10 years. Regular cleaning and avoiding misuse will help extend its life.
Q: Should I choose a digital or analog control panel?
A: This is mostly a matter of personal preference. Digital panels offer more precise control and often have more features. Analog knobs can be simpler and quicker for basic tasks.
Q: What does “cu ft” mean for microwave size?
A: “Cu ft” stands for cubic feet. It’s a measurement of the internal volume of the microwave, telling you how much space there is inside to cook your food.
Q: Is it okay to leave my microwave plugged in when not in use?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to leave your microwave plugged in. They use very little electricity when on standby.
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.