15 Best Countertop Microwave Ovens (2024 Reviews & FAQs)

Today’s marketplace offers a diverse range of high-quality countertop microwave ovens, suitable for all kinds of kitchens and budgets. These are well-suited for students or homeowners with space constraints. However, for those who have ample space and desire more cooking capacity than a traditional oven, we suggest buying an over-the-range convection microwave oven. This appliance integrates powerful microwave features with the benefits of convection cooking.

Choosing the best microwave is no easy task. There are many things to consider, such as size, power output, and price. If you’re in the market for a new countertop microwave oven then this write is for you! We’ll go over what you need to know when purchasing one of these kitchen appliances – from size considerations to features that will make your life easier.

A countertop microwave oven is a must-have appliance for any kitchen. They are perfect for small spaces and can be used to cook or reheat food in minutes. With so many different models and features available, it can be difficult to decide which one is the best fit for your needs. In this write, we will discuss the top 10 best countertop microwave ovens on the market and provide you with a comprehensive buyer’s guide.

What is a Countertop Microwave Oven?

A countertop microwave oven is a small low-powered household appliance that heats and cooks food quickly. It makes use of the microwave cooking principle, which utilizes the properties of electromagnetic waves to heat up food (or other items). The microwaves penetrate food in parts and cause water molecules contained within it to rotate rapidly. This rapid rotation creates friction with molecules in the food which generates heat.

Benefits of Owning a Countertop Microwave Oven

Countertop microwave ovens are a popular choice for many homeowners because they offer a variety of benefits. Some of the key benefits of owning a countertop microwave oven include:

• Convenience – Countertop microwave ovens are incredibly convenient to use. They are small and easy to store, so you can keep them in any room in your home. They also heat food up quickly, so you don’t have to wait long for your meal to be ready.
• Versatility – Countertop microwave ovens are very versatile. They can be used to cook or reheat food, but they can also be used to bake or defrost items. This means that can use your countertop microwave oven to make a wide variety of foods.
• Safety – A countertop microwave oven is very safe to use. They feature multiple safety mechanisms, such as door latches and interlocks, so you don’t need to worry about your kids getting burned by the appliance. Countertop microwave ovens are also smaller than most standard microwaves, which means they have less power and won’t cause any damage when used incorrectly.
• Effectiveness – If you want to heat up your food without having to wait for it in a standard oven that will heat the room and cause humidity in summer or take hours before reaching high temperature, then countertop microwave ovens are ideal for your kitchen because it provides faster results compared to a traditional oven.
• Low Cost of Ownership – Countertop microwave ovens are very affordable to own. They cost less than most standard microwaves, and they don’t require a lot of maintenance or repairs. This means that you can save money on your kitchen appliances by owning a countertop microwave oven.

If you are looking for an affordable and convenient way to cook your food, then a countertop microwave oven is the perfect choice for you. These appliances offer a variety of benefits, and they are perfect for any home. So, if you are in the market for a new kitchen appliance, be sure to consider a countertop microwave oven. You won’t regret it!

List of 15 Best Countertop Microwave Ovens Reviews

1. Toshiba EC042A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven

Reviews:

• If you’re looking for a countertop microwave oven that gives you the best of both worlds, look no further than the Toshiba EC042A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven with Convection.
• With pre-programmed sensor menus for optimum results when cooking things like frozen pizza, vegetables, and more, the Toshiba EC042A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven with Convection is a great way to get your food ready fast. It also features a sound on/off option so you can mute the buzzer when necessary. And if you need to save a little power, the eco mode helps lower energy costs while not in use.
• And because this appliance has a child lock feature, it’s perfect for households with little ones.

Why Choose this Product:

• Quiet
• It is easy to see and use
• Stainless steel casing
• Convection capability
• Child lock feature

2. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor

Reviews:

• Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, Black Stainless Steel.
• The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS microwave oven is a great addition to any kitchen. With its black stainless steel exterior, large 1.2 cubic feet capacity, and 1100 watts of power, it can handle all of your cooking needs. The pre-programmed sensor menu ensures optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more. The large digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it easy to use. And the glass turntable and two defrost settings make it a versatile addition to your kitchen appliances.
• This model has 10 power settings, a clock, and a kitchen timer to help you time your cooking perfectly. The cavity is 13.07 x 15 x 9.5 inches and the turntable is 12.4 inches in diameter.
• The black stainless steel exterior and large capacity are perfect for families or groups, and the digital display makes it easy to use. With 10 power settings, a clock, and a kitchen timer, this oven has everything you need to cook your food just the way you want it!

Why Choose this Product:

• The exterior is attractive and durable
• It has a large capacity
• It has a kitchen timer, clock, and 10 power settings

3. Walsh WSCMS311BK-10 Countertop Microwave Oven

Reviews:

• With this 1000-watt microwave oven, you’ll be able to quickly cook up your favorite foods without ever having to miss out on flavor or nutrition! This oven features 11 variable power levels and 6 cooking functions—so you can cook whatever you like, however you like. Plus, the black finish on this oven makes it the perfect addition to any style of kitchen.
• It has 6 one-touch cooking programs, so you can cook your favorite foods quickly and easily. The interior light allows you to see what’s going on inside without having to open the door, and the large 12.4-inch glass turntable can accommodate a variety of dishes.
• The Walsh WSCMS311BK-10 Countertop Microwave Oven is perfect for cooking your food. With its pushbutton door and child safety lock, it makes it easy to open the door and keep your children safe while cooking.

Why Choose this Product:

• When cooking foods, it doesn’t take up a lot of counter space like most small microwaves and it can easily hang on the wall.
• Easy to use, the programmable timer that allows the microwave oven to start or stop at a specific time.

4. Nostalgia RMO4AQ 800-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven

Reviews:

• The Nostalgia RMO4AQ Retro Large 0.9 Cu Ft, 800-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven is the perfect appliance for anyone who wants to add a touch of nostalgia to their kitchen. This microwave has 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, as well as a Delay timer and Express cooking setting, so you can heat up your food the way you want it.
• Its rotating glass carousel helps cook food evenly, while the retro accents add fun and flair. The simple program dial makes navigating cooking settings easy, so you can enjoy quick and delicious meals in no time.
• The Nostalgia RMO4AQ 800-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven is perfect for anyone who loves the nostalgic look and feel of yesterday’s appliances.

Why Choose this Product:

• Faux retro styling
• Retro dials and controls
• Fast, even heating
• 12 pre-programmed cooking settings

5. Galanz GLCMKA07BKR-07 Microwave Oven

Reviews:

• With its 0.7 cubic feet of space and 700 watts of cooking power, this best countertop microwave oven can handle any job you throw at it. The easy-to-read LED display clearly shows the remaining cooking time so you can always stay in control, and the Defrost & Led Display feature ensures that your frozen foods come out just the way you want them every time.
• The LED lighting and pull handle design make this oven both stylish and practical. With its defrost function, it’s easy to thaw out food items without losing flavor or nutrients.
• With its rotating glass turntable, evenly heating technology, and child safety lock, the Galanz GLCMKA07BKR-07 microwave oven is a great option for families. Its interior light makes it easy to check on food without having to open the door, and its tone of voice is professional and helpful.

Why Choose this Product:

• A really good microwave for the price
• Simple design and easy to use
• It comes with a nice array of features
• Heats up food really fast. It is great for reheating
• leftovers and cooking small meals for 1 or 2 people.

6. COSTWAY Retro Countertop Microwave Oven

Reviews:

• This is a professional quality microwave oven that will give you the best cooking results. It has five different power levels, so it can handle whatever you need to cook.
• The rotating turntable ensures that your food cooks evenly, and the detachable design makes it easy to clean.
• With this best countertop microwave oven, you can finally enjoy evenly cooked food without having to wait forever. And don’t worry about the cleanup-the detachable design makes it easy for you to scrub every nook and cranny of this appliance.
• The COSTWAY Retro Countertop Microwave Oven is a professional quality appliance that will give you the best cooking results. The 360° rotating turntable ensures that your food cooks evenly, while the detachable design makes it easy to clean when you’re done.

Why Choose this Product:

• Sturdy design.
• Easy to clean.
• 360° rotating turntable.

7. Frigidaire 1.6 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave

Reviews:

• The Frigidaire 1.6 cubic foot countertop microwave oven is a powerful, versatile appliance that’s perfect for any kitchen. The 10 different power cooking levels make it quick and easy to cook everything from frozen pizza to a full-on pot roast.
• With Sensor Cooking, you don’t have to worry about undercooking or overcooking your food, because the microwave automatically adjusts the power level and cooking time to ensure great results that can’t be beaten! And with Easy-Set Start you can start cooking faster than ever with one of six convenient start options—from one minute to six minutes!
• Effortless Defrost makes it easy to thaw all kinds of food, quickly and evenly, so you don’t have to worry about tough spots in your meats or unevenly-defrosted bread and fruits. And when you’re ready to go, just use the Ready-Select Controls! This handy feature lets you start cooking a variety of popular foods with just the touch of a button, from popcorn to baked potato!

Why Choose this Product:

• Quickly takes frozen food from freezer to plate
• Easy to find the perfect power level
• Ideal for frozen pizza and other snacks
• Perfect for preparing your favorite foods in minutes

8. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In

Reviews:

• The Panasonic Microwave is 1200 Watts with a 1.2 cubic foot capacity stainless steel countertop/built-in microwave that has the Inverter Technology with Turbo Defrost. This allows for even cooking and delicious flavor while having a Compact Design to devote less space to electronics.
• This countertop/built-in microwave is perfect for any kitchen, with its advanced inverter turbo defrost and compact design. It features inverter technology with turbo defrost which speeds up defrosting time. The compact design is thinner, lighter, and more efficient, allowing you to devote less space to electronics and more to interior capacity than any other brand in the category.
• This stainless steel microwave gives you 14 preset menu items, a quick minute timer, a delayed start, and a child safety lock. The Keep Warm Feature will keep soups, gravies, or desserts warm and fresh until ready to serve.

Why Choose this Product:

• Unique interior design with a stainless steel interior
• Powerful 1200 watts of power
• 1.2 cubic foot capacity stainless steel

9. Black+Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven

Reviews:

• Get the cooking power you need with the Black+Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven. A high-powered microwave that makes it easy to cook all of your favorite meals fast, this oven has 10 different power settings for surefire results every time.
• The large LED display is easy to see and the control panel is simple to use, allowing you to cook any food up to 700 watts. Pre-programmed buttons make it even easier—you can choose from popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate settings with the push of a button! It’s never been so easy to make all of your favorite foods.
• The interior light and removable 10” glass turntable make it easy to see and use the oven, and the push-button door release makes access a breeze. UL approved for your safety, this best countertop microwave oven comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Why Choose this Product:

• Large, easy to read display
• Push button controls with pre-set buttons for easy operation
• 10 different power settings
• Pre-programmed settings make it easier to cook your favorite foods

10. Panasonic NN-SN766S Countertop Microwave Oven

Reviews:

• If you’re looking for high-quality performance in a countertop microwave oven, look no further than the Panasonic NN-SN766S Countertop Microwave Oven.
• With its sleek, compact design and Inverter Technology, this oven brings performance to your countertop without taking up too much space. It’s perfect for anyone looking for professional microwave cooking in their home kitchen.
• The built-in automatic genius sensor adjusts power and times based on different foods, so your food will come out perfectly cooked every time. With 14 preset menu items and a quick-minute timer, this oven also features a delay start option and a child safety lock so that your little ones don’t accidentally turn it on.
• This is the microwave oven you’ve been looking for.

Why Choose this Product:

• Very easy to operate with a great feature set
• Inverter technology takes care of tough food items
• Slim, compact design takes up minimal counter space

11. GE JEM3072DHWW Microwave Oven

Reviews:

• Need a microwave oven that can keep up with your busy schedule? The GE JEM3072DHWW is the perfect companion for your kitchen.
• The GE JEM3072DHWW microwave oven offers 0.7 cubic feet of capacity, convenience cooking controls, auto and time defrost, and a turntable for even cooking. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or preparing a quick snack, this best countertop microwave oven has you covered.
• The convenience cooking controls make it simple to cook your food just the way you like it, while the auto and time defrost functions help you thaw your food quickly and easily. Plus, the turntable ensures that your food cooks evenly every time.
• With its professional-grade design, the GE JEM3072DHWW microwave oven is sure to be an excellent addition to any kitchen!

Why Choose this Product:

• 0.7 cubic feet capacity
• Automatic and time defrost features
• Turntable for even cooking
• Convenient convenience cooking controls

12. Smad Countertop Microwave Oven

Reviews:

• Look no further than the Smad countertop microwave for all of your cooking needs.
• This 1000-watt oven features 10 variable power levels so you can cook whatever you need, however you need. It also has 6 automatic cooking programs, including potato, popcorn, pizza, beverage, frozen food, and reheat. Plus, its compact design makes it perfect for countertop installation.
• The stainless steel finish gives it a touch of elegance and the easy-to-read LED display makes it easy to see the remaining cooking time. The child safety lock keeps your children safe from accidentally starting the microwave while they get a snack!

Why Choose this Product:

• Great size, easy to use, and has a lot of presets for different foods
• Easy to clean
• Looks very elegant and comes in white, stainless steel, black, or silver finish
• Has a child safety lock

13. Sharp ZSMC2242DS Countertop 1200 Watt Microwave Oven

Reviews:

• The Sharp ZSMC2242DS microwave oven is perfect for the modern kitchen. With its premium stainless steel construction, this microwave oven will look great on your countertop and offer superior performance.
• The large 2.2 cu. ft. capacity means you can cook or reheat larger servings with ease, and the 10 power levels give you plenty of cooking options.
• The up to 1200 watts of cooking power and 10 power levels ensure that your food will be cooked perfectly every time, while the blue LED display creates a modern look and improves visibility. The Sensor Cook feature uses 6 presets to cook food perfectly every time, and the removable glass turntable makes cleaning easy.

Why Choose this Product:

• Cordless and easy to use
• Great performance
• Good value for money
• Auto shut-off feature

14. Breville BMO850BSS the Smooth Wave countertop microwave oven

Reviews:

• Stop putting up with overcooked, dried-out food! The Breville BMO850BSS the Smooth Wave countertop microwave oven uses Sensor IQ technology to automatically adjust power for precise cooking and reheating every time. Plus, with an 80% quieter soft close door and 50% quieter operation, you can enjoy your food in peace.
• With 15 smart presets, it’s never been easier to cook or reheat exactly what you want. The shortcuts panel on the inside door makes cooking a breeze, while the soft-close door lets you open and close it gently and quietly.
• The Breville BMO850BSS the Smooth Wave countertop microwave oven is designed to make cooking easy, so you can focus on what matters—eating your tasty food!

Why Choose this Product:

• The Sensor IQ is up to 4 times faster than regular microwaves at determining the correct power level for the food
• The menu on the touch screen is intuitive, responsive, and easy to use. The microwave has a lot of smart presets so you can cook your favorite meals with just a push of a button or by using a smart preset
• It has an inside light which really helps to see all the food from different angles inside the microwave, not just from the top.

15. COSORI CS130-AO Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo

Reviews:

• You’re going to see a lot of holiday wishlists this year, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that’s more impressive than the COSORI CS130-AO Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo. This smart oven has 12 functions, allowing it to air fry, toast, dehydrate, roast, broil, bake, proof, bagel, reheat, and more. Plus, its smart control allows you to connect your oven to your phone and adjust temperature and time settings as well as monitor cooking progress—all from the comfort of your couch.
• And if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to traditional fried foods this holiday season, the COSORI CS130-AO Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo has you covered with its air fry setting. With this function, you can make all of your favorite fried meals with up to 85% less fat than traditional methods.
• The COSORI CS130-AO Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is perfect for large family gatherings and is able to fit 6 slices of toast or a 13-inch pizza or an entire rotisserie chicken.

Why Choose this Product:

• 12 different functions allow you to cook a variety of dishes
• Features an air fry setting that uses hot air to make foods like fried chicken, french fries, and donuts with up to 85% less fat than traditional methods
• Can fit a 13-inch pizza or an entire rotisserie chicken

Things to Consider Before Buying a Countertop Microwave Oven

In the rapidly growing microwave oven market, there are many countertop models to choose from when thinking about a new microwave. Here are some things to consider before you rush out and buy your next countertop model.

Wattage

Consider what wattage you need if you have a household full of teenagers who use microwaves for everything from warming up coffee, to nuking food in a matter of seconds. If this sounds like your household, then perhaps a higher wattage machine is what you’ll want to look for in your purchase. In addition to the overall wattage of the model, also take into consideration how powerful each individual control area is i.e high/low, etc. because if one part has more power than another it can result in uneven cooking.

Size

Another key consideration is size. If you don’t have a lot of counter space, be sure to select a model that doesn’t take up too much room. Additionally, if you’re looking for a microwave with convection cooking capabilities, know that they tend to be larger in size than those without it.

External and Internal Dimensions

Be sure to consider the external and internal dimensions of each model you’re looking at, as it is important that they will fit where you intend to use them. For instance, if it’s an over-the-range microwave that you’re after, be sure that the unit won’t block venting or any other appliances on your countertop below. Our site features a quick reference tool for this specific kind of information.

Features

What extra features are you looking for in a microwave oven? Do you want one that has a turntable or not? What about convection cooking capabilities? If so, is it important to you that the oven also doubles as a conventional oven? These are all important questions to ask yourself before making your purchase.

Settings

Nowadays, microwaves come with settings for just about everything including popcorn, pizza, beverages, and even some that can safely defrost your meat without cooking it. If you want a microwave capable of doing all of these things, check to see how many pre-programmed functions are offered by each model you’re considering purchasing. Also, be sure to look at whether or not the oven has sensor cook programming. This innovative feature allows you to program the oven based on what type of food is being cooked rather than using predetermined settings which may not always result in the best outcome.

Ventilation

If you’re someone who likes to cook with the microwave, then you know that it can sometimes produce a lot of smoke and heat. This is why it’s important that any potential microwave you buy have good ventilation. Some models come with an external exhaust fan which helps to get rid of smoke and moisture from the oven cavity, while others have a filter that needs to be replaced every few months. Still, others have a charcoal filter that needs to be replaced yearly. Be sure to check on the type of ventilation each model has before making your purchase.

Weight

Consider the weight of each model you’re looking at purchasing. This will be helpful to you if you ever need to manually move the oven from one place to another. For example, an over-the-range microwave can weigh anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds and may require two people for safe operation. Many countertop microwaves on our site have a built-in handle which makes carrying them easier. Also, look for models with casters that allow for easy moving inside your home or commercial kitchen where they’ll be used. With this information in hand, we hope that finding the right microwave oven just got a little easier!

Style

Finally, think about the style of microwave you want. Do you want a sleek and modern design or something a little more traditional? There are many different styles to choose from so be sure to find one that will fit in with the look of your kitchen.

Price

Price is another thing to take into consideration. Although you get what you pay for, sometimes the cheapest is not always the best choice. For example, a cheap machine may have a lot of bells and whistles that just aren’t necessary to your household’s cooking needs. In this case, it might be wise to spend a bit more on a higher quality model that will last longer without having all of those features that go unused from day today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most reliable microwave brand?

Bosch is the most trusted brand in America, as judged by consumers. They have been awarded a total of 10 out of 12 possible points for their appliances’ performance and customer satisfaction rates from Lifestory Research 2020’s study on “America’s Most Trusted Microwave Appliance Brands”.

2. Can we make pizza in a microwave oven?

After you oven has heated to 400° F, close the door and turn it on for 20 minutes. After that time is up switch off your microwave so it can cool down before removing pizza from inside; remember always keep safety gloves handy while handling hot items!

3. Are stainless steel interior microwaves better?

Stainless steel is the most durable and practical material for kitchens. It not only saves you time but also cleans easily with a quick wipe down of some cleaning wipes or sponges!

Michele Microwave Stainless Steel Interior Ovens are built tough enough to last through any number of recipes without showing signs of wear-and-tear like other products on the market today may do over their lifetime in use – they won’t absorb smells from food while cooking so there are no worries about having an offensive aroma when opening it back up again later either!

4. What are the benefits of a microwave oven?

Microwave ovens use less energy than cookstoves to reheat small amounts of food. Although the space taken up by a microwave is smaller, these appliances aren’t suitable for those with limited living quarters because they require an open floor plan or if you’re short on cabinet storage spots in your kitchen! The ease at which these are cleaned makes them perfect for people who don’t have much time on hand – just wipe down after every meal and everything will look as good inside when it’s done cooking as fresh from scratch without all that hassle associated with traditional oven-based cooking methods such as baking bread doughs etc…

5. Can we bake a cake in a microwave?

Yes, you read that right. You can make any cake you like in a microwave! Even cakes made of different substances and flavors will come out just fine when cooked on an ordinary heating mode for 10 minutes at 600W or less with convection microwaves (those who have them). For those not so lucky- somehow the idea never crossed my mind until now – non convection microwaves are also able to bake even butter cookies nicely–though they do take about 15% longer due to their lower wattage output than conventional units.

Conclusion

Countertop microwave ovens are great for anyone who doesn’t have a lot of space in their home or for students. If you need more cooking power than what a traditional oven offers, we recommend getting an over-the-range convection microwave oven which will give you both great microwaving power and convection cooking capability.

It depends on what’s most important to you. If cooking power and space are high priorities for you, we recommend an over-the-range convection microwave oven. These models can offer both great microwaving power and a convection cooking capability that will help prepare your meals faster than ever before! For those who don’t need as much room or want something more budget-friendly, a standard countertop model may be right for you.

Choosing the right countertop microwave oven can be difficult given all of the different features and models available, but we hope that our comprehensive buyer’s guide has helped you narrow down your options.