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We all know that a top-quality countertop microwave oven can turn a lackluster day around. Whether you’re making popcorn for a movie night with your roommates or reheating those delicious leftovers from last night’s dinner at the restaurant, a microwave helps to make things better.
However, before you rush into buying a new countertop microwave oven, there are some essential factors to consider. You should think about its material, size and weight, preset settings, and overall power output capacity.
Here are our top picks for countertop oven microwaves. The best countertop microwave oven on this list is where you should start, followed by great runner-ups that may just be the perfect fit for your kitchen.
Read Also: Best Rotisserie Oven.
In A Rush? Check Out Our Top Choice!
- Wide range of power outputs for all uses
- Spacious internal dimensions
- Stylish and easy to read digital display
- Effective at both defrosting meat and softening chocolate
This stainless steel countertop microwave stands HEAD AND SHOULDERS above the rest. Its 1.2 cubic foot capacity and 10 to 1100-watt power range makes it ideal for heating a diverse range of foods and drinks.
We think that this product is perfectly-sized and looks fantastic. The sleek stainless steel finish can elevate your kitchen’s overall aesthetics to new heights. If you’re looking for a new microwave, make this Toshiba model your number one choice.
Top 11 Best Countertop Microwave Oven Reviews
We love EVERYTHING about this microwave, especially its power output range. It can heat and reheat any food, from vegetables and leftover roast meat to chocolate and popcorn.
This fantastic Toshiba model has 2 defrosting settings, allowing you to adjust the oven’s power for each frozen item.
We also appreciate the built-in smart sensor function, which changes the oven’s power depending on how much humidity it detects.
This microwave has 10 separate power settings and presets for pizza, vegetables, and popcorn. You can also click a select preset button to melt certain foods at a lower temperature, meaning you won’t burn those chunks of chocolate.
Who Should Get This?
Affordable, stylish, and practical, this product is for anyone who wants a new, high-quality counterpoint microwave oven. Its wide range of applications makes this Toshiba model the top choice on this list.
Pros
- Practical size, at 20.5” x 17.1” x 12.8”
- Option to mute beeper
- Smart sensor feature for easy reheating
- Preset button with useful soften function
- Wide internal glass turntable
Cons
- No beeping function for sitting food
The Commercial Chef team has created an ergonomic microwave that is ideal for those living with limited space. At a compact 0.7 cubic feet, it can slot neatly into a corner of your countertop.
This microwave also has a power output of 700 watts, which is great for its size. This output allows it to cook and reheat vegetables, meat, and popcorn effectively. The maximum power output may be lower than that of other microwave options, but that means you’ll be paying less overall on those electricity bills.
This model also comes with 10 individual power levels, providing multiple options for heating different types of food and drinks.
The rapid defrosting option makes this microwave fantastic for busy people on-the-go. Reduce your wait time for dinner by reheating frozen leftovers quickly.
Who Should Get This?
If you live in a small house or apartment, you’ll love this model. Its upfront cost is affordable, as are its running electricity costs.
Pros
- 10 different power options
- Maximum power of 700 watts
- Rapid defrosting option
- Easy-to-read LED screen
- Great value for money
Cons
- Doesn’t have the widest power range
This Panasonic model is one of the pricier options on this list, and with its extensive list of features, it’s easy to see why. The most notable feature is the patented Inverter Technology, which uses a continuous, steady power level to cook your food evenly and thoroughly.
We especially love the Turbo Defrost function, which accelerates the defrosting process and lets you get on with the rest of your cooking faster.
This model also contains a built-in Genius Sensor function, which controls power output levels for you, ensuring your food is evenly cooked.
At 1.2 cubic feet, this microwave oven is better suited to large kitchens, while its 1,480-watt power consumption is higher than most other market options.
Who Should Get This?
You’ll love this Panasonic microwave if you have enough space and money. It evenly distributes heat and cooks your food to perfection.
Pros
- Maximum power output of 1,200 watts
- Contains in-built patented Inverter Technology
- Glass turntable with 13.4” diameter
- Includes built-in Smart Cooking Sensor
- Keeps sitting food warm
Cons
- Less energy-efficient than smaller microwaves
This Frigidaire Stainless Steel microwave has a built-in over-the-range ventilation system. This system is particularly useful if you use your microwave oven a lot because the venting flow replaces unwanted odors from the food with fresh air. This process leaves your whole kitchen smelling clean and crisp.
The oven also comes with several useful preset buttons, including separate ones for softening chocolate, heating drinks, and popping corn kernels. Never burn your popcorn again with these excellent preset buttons.
This microwave measures 1.8 cubic feet and weighs 35 lbs., making it too large and heavy for some studio apartment-style kitchens.
This microwave comes with a child-lock, making it fantastic for parents with curious toddlers.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re looking for an effective and powerful over the range microwave that can leave your room smelling fresh and odor-free, opt for this innovative model.
Pros
- Built-in fan system for removing smells
- 300 CFM ventilation capacity
- Power output of up to 1,000 watts
- Preset button for softening foods
- Dimensions of 29.87" x 15.62" x 15.75"
Cons
- Too large for smaller kitchens
There’s a lot to love with this AmazonBasics microwave bundle, but the main draw is the Alexa function. When you buy this microwave, you’ll also receive a voice-automated Amazon Echo Dot speaker.
Connect your new Echo Dot to your microwave over your network. Whenever you want to pop some popcorn or heat up leftover food, just say, “Hey Alexa.”
Students will ADORE this deal. Not only do they get an oven for popping kernels and reheating leftover dining hall food, but they also receive an Echo Dot speaker and entertainment system for playing music and podcasts.
There are a few issues with this microwave, namely that it contains very few advanced cooking features. Without the Echo Dot feature, it’s a simplistic appliance.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re a tech-savvy student who loves popcorn and hot chocolate, you should get this product now. The included Amazon Echo Dot is included at a great price.
Pros
- Comes with Alexa-enabled Echo Dot
- Great bundle deal for college students
- Easy-to-use keypad
- Has a child safety-lock and ten power level presets
Cons
- Not particularly powerful
We love the compact design of this 20-pound countertop microwave oven. You can fit this 0.7 cubic-foot model anywhere in your kitchen with relative ease.
The built-in Eco Mode is another excellent feature, allowing you to save up to 50% on power when you’re not using the microwave.
There are 2 defrost settings, meaning you can choose between heating food by weight or time. This COMFEE model also has 6 built-in Auto-Cook options, allowing you to heat leftovers for dinner or popcorn for a movie night with ease.
This oven isn’t as powerful as many other options on this list because its maximum output capacity is 700 watts. You’ll also find it tricky to check up on your food while it’s cooking because the screen is covered with an opaque hexagonal grid.
Who Should Get This?
This product is for those who want a microwave that doesn’t cost too much and doesn’t take up too much space. If you live in a small studio apartment downtown, this COMFEE design is perfect.
Pros
- Elegant stainless steel finish
- Contains 6 Auto-Cook options
- Measures 0.7 cubic feet
- Simple, easy-to-read display
- Great value for money
Cons
- Not as powerful as other models
If you’re looking for a microwave that fits in with the rustic, retro aesthetic of your apartment’s kitchen, then look no further than this Winiadaewoo model. It is stylish and classic-looking, with rounded, curvy edges and an old-fashioned metallic door handle.
Concave reflectors spread the heat waves evenly across the food or drinks inside the microwave, ensuring that your food cooks correctly.
We love the control panel’s minimalist design, with its smooth silver buttons and small, easy-to-read LCD screen.
Some may find this model’s power range too limited because it only has 5 different power levels. The model also goes into sleep mode by default, so you have to turn it on before using it again.
Who Should Get This?
This microwave is ideal for those who love vintage aesthetics. It’s a nostalgic model that is both affordable and compact, taking up little space in your kitchen.
Pros
- Retro, curvy, and fashionable finish
- In-built concave reflectors distribute heat efficiently
- Two separate time and weight defrost functions
- 5 Auto-Cook preset buttons
- Model comes in cream, mint, and glossy red colors
Cons
- Only has 5 power levels
This Mainstays microwave model is ideal for those who are near-sighted or who require help with technology. The large auto-cook buttons are easy to read and understand.
There are 6 of these one-touch preset options, allowing you to heat anything from a plate of cold leftovers to a baked potato or frozen pizza quickly and efficiently.
We also love this microwave’s compact size: at 0.7 cubic feet, it can fit in kitchens with limited counter space.
While we like this microwave’s sharp red and black color combination, some people might find it a bit much. This model also doesn’t have the power output of other options on this list, with a maximum power capacity of 700 watts.
Who Should Get This?
This product is perfect for someone who is near-sighted or struggles with certain types of technology. Its interface is ergonomic and simple, with easy-to-read buttons and a clear LED display.
Pros
- Compressed size for small kitchens
- 10 separate power levels
- 6 auto-cook preset buttons
- Control panel is easy to read and use
- Comes in striking red-and-black color combo
Cons
- Doesn’t have the power of other options
This Emerson microwave model doubles as a grill, which is fantastic if you don’t already have a grill in your kitchen. It has a specific built-in power level for grilling, meaning that you can pop those raw sausages or burgers on a plate in your microwave to get delicious, seared results.
As well as this unique grill function, the Emerson microwave has 9 auto-cook buttons and 2 different options for time and weight defrost. Emerson’s stainless steel material ensures its durability and gives the whole model a sleek sheen.
This countertop oven may be too large and cumbersome for some because, at 36 lbs., it’s one of the heavier options on this list. If you’ve got a small kitchen, this model might not be that suitable.
Who Should Get This?
People who want a microwave oven with a high power output, grilling function, and durable construction will love having this model in their kitchen.
Pros
- 9 auto-cook functions
- Maximum power output of 1,100 watts
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Timer goes up to 99 minutes and 99 seconds
- Has a preset mode for grilling
Cons
- Is broad and cumbersome, weighing 36 lbs.
This Samsung model looks the part, with a clear-cut LED display and a neat black-and-silver exterior design.
Our FAVORITE feature of this oven is the enamel interior, whose coating makes it scratch and mark-resistant. Perhaps most importantly, it’s also incredibly easy to clean. You’ll no longer have to worry when you spill some gravy or soup up the microwave’s walls. Simply wash out a cloth and wipe off the mess.
The 14.2” turntable has upturned edges to ensure plates and bowls don’t slip off, while the patented Triple Distribution System helps to distribute heat equally across all the food.
Some people may find this microwave oven too expensive, especially considering there are cheaper options with a higher power capacity.
Who Should Get This?
If you want a microwave that is easy to clean and fits well with your kitchen’s modern interior design, you’ll love this Samsung oven.
Pros
- Sleek and elegant design
- 9 auto-cook functions
- Interior has ceramic enamel finish
- Wide, 14.2” turntable
- Triple Distribution System helps with heat distribution
Cons
- Takes up a lot of space
- Expensive option for 1,000 watts of power
This Farberware model contains an innovative memory button, which allows you to save those cooking settings you’re using the most. This function is handy if you often find yourself strapped for time and don’t want to worry about calculating or remembering the best settings for your favorite frozen meal.
We LOVE how compact this design is. At 0.7 cubic feet, it takes up very little space in your kitchen. The striking, easy-to-read LED display is another bonus.
The interior is too small for some uses: at 12.05” width by 11.95” depth, you won’t be able to fit larger dinner plates on the glass turntable.
Who Should Get This?
This Farberware model is an excellent product if you live in a small studio apartment with a tiny kitchen and like the idea of customizing your microwave’s cooking settings.
Pros
- Has a built-in memory function to save settings
- Compact 0.7 cubic foot design
- Large, clear LED time display
- Separate time and weight defrost functions
- 6 auto-cook options
Cons
- Lower power capacity than other options
- Turntable is too small for larger dinner plates
Final Verdict: Best Countertop Microwave Oven For Your Money
There are many top-quality models to choose from when it comes to countertop microwave ovens. However, we think that the Toshiba Microwave Oven leads the pack in terms of look, ergonomics, power capacity, and ease of use.
This product has a maximum power output of 1,100 watts and 10 different preset power settings to help you cook the broadest range of foods possible. At 20.5” x 17.1” x 12.8”, it’s a functional size and perfect for your kitchen countertop.
