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Do you want a convenient way to cook but lacking kitchen space? A countertop microwave is an excellent way to upgrade your cooking appliances and add ease to your daily life. Countertop microwaves are small, easy to install, and create a contemporary aesthetic. Countertop microwaves are great for small kitchens, dorm rooms, and even offices. In our office, we use a countertop microwave to heat up leftovers for lunch or reheat morning coffee gone cold.
In this post, we’ll review some of the best countertop microwaves of 2023 so you can make an informed choice when it comes to buying a new one. We’ll cover all the different types of countertop microwaves, from basic models to high-tech models with additional features such as sensors and convection cooking. We’ll also discuss the benefits of owning a countertop microwave compared to a full-sized one so you can decide which type is best for you.
Finding Your Next Countertop Microwave: A Buyer’s Guide
In today’s busy culture, convenience is a necessary luxury. A countertop microwave won’t crowd your kitchen but will give you the option to reheat your favorite foods in a flash. Just remember to take it out and stir halfway through, or it may not cook evenly. When buying one, you’ll want to consider the features, size, wattage, and more. We’ve done our research on what you should look out for so you don’t have to. We’ve also included some great hacks beyond reheating food (the one about potato chips is a lifesaver).
What Does a Countertop Microwave Do?
A countertop microwave is a kitchen appliance that allows you to defrost frozen ingredients, reheat food, and cook meals. However, if you use it to only reheat food and water, you are underutilizing it.
It allows you to do additional tasks that no one will tell you.
- For instance, if your makeup product has become hard and no longer sticks on the brush, then you can microwave it for a few seconds. It will get softer and ready to apply.
- Additionally, you can use it for roasting garlic, potatoes, and other items. It’s excellent for roasted food lovers.
- Sometimes honey gets crystallized. A quick microwaving process will thin down its consistency.
- Undoubtedly, poached eggs are yummy, but not all of us know how to cook perfect poached eggs. But your microwave can do it in half a minute.
- We all are forgetful when it comes to soaking beans overnight. Simply add the beans to the water and add one pinch of bicarbonate soda. Then, put it in the microwave for 10 mins at full power. Take it out and leave it outside for 45 mins. It will be ready to cook.
- If you throw the cleaning sponges after use, hold on. You can save them for another couple of uses by disinfecting them in a microwave. Similarly, you can clean a vegetable cutting board if it can fit inside.
- Potato chips are the most loved snacks, but not those that have lost their crunch. There is no need to throw them in the trash because microwaving them for a few seconds can bring back the crunch.
What Are the Essential Factors In Deciding the Best Countertop Microwave?
Here are some factors that help you select the best microwave.
Capacity
The best recommendation is to opt for ovens with a 1.2 cubic feet capacity. It is enough to heat your daily meals. Those who want to save more space can go for 0.2 cubic feet capacity.
Price
You can have a countertop oven in the price range of $89.99 to $154.96. It will depend on the brand, its efficiency, and its durability. If you are tight on budget, you can get the one with an $89.99 price which goes well for optimum use.
Functions
Almost all of them have features like start, stop, and customized buttons for food types. But look for additional features like a child safety lock so that your child cannot open or use it. If you get confused with lots of buttons and functions, go with the simple ones that allow you to operate it with one or two pushes.
Panel
The panel should have extensive and clear fonts to make them easy to read. If it has LED mode, it is an added benefit that keeps them visible in low light.
Power
The more wattage it offers, the more energy it consumes, and so is your electric bill. However, the good thing is that ovens with higher wattage are high-speed. So, if you want them to be extra fast, opt for 1200 watts. If you have no rush and want to save energy, opt for 900 watts. You can also select those with adjustable energy levels.
How Is a Countertop Microwave Different From a Built-in Microwave?
Here are the main differences.
Space
You cannot move forward without considering this point because this is the most significant selling point of countertop microwaves. They allow you to keep them anywhere you want, like on your kitchen counter, at the work table, or in some corner of your room. You can move it from one place to another without breaking walls. All you do is unplug and take it along. However, built-in models demand a fixed place. To move or remove them, You have to damage the place where they are fixed.
Installation
Get a countertop microwave if you are a do-it-all-yourself type who wants to install an appliance quickly without relying on someone else. Place it near a socket, plug it in, and you’re done! This is not the case with conventional microwaves because their installation process is complicated, and you will need professional help for this.
Cost
For those who always look in their wallet before buying something, a countertop microwave will make them happy because most of them fit the bill. This is because they are small in size and simple in installation. However, The price rises when you look for something with advanced features or higher wattage.
How to Clean the Countertop Microwave?
Cleaning your countertop microwave from time to time is essential if you want to keep it long-lasting. Make sure to clean it well from the inside. Take a non-metallic bowl which should be microwave safe. Fill it with water and dishwashing solution, put it in the microwave for a minute, and set it at a high temperature. When it starts steaming, switch it off. It will break down the toughest stains and grease. Take a soft sponge to wipe the inside of the appliance. And don’t forget to wipe off the door.
Comparing the Quality Countertop Microwaves
Toshiba Countertop Microwave
– Best Overall
This microwave is great for those who want an efficient appliance in their kitchen that can do the job in a stroke. It consumes 1,100 watts of electricity, which ensures high efficiency and quickness. Additionally, it allows you to control ten power settings, including the clock and kitchen timer. Its child lock safety feature is one of the big bonuses you get. Hence, you don’t have to keep checking if your toddler is around the oven. Its large digital display and clear panel make it easy to read and control.
If you find it confusing, you can still use it for heating your pizza, veggies, rice, and potato, owing to its pre-programmed sensor. You can see popping popcorn or defrosting a frozen chicken with just one touch. Besides, it is equipped with a turntable of 12.4 inches in diameter, so it allows you to keep large-sized food like pizza without thinking twice. On top of everything, it has a smooth cavity with a hard-wearing material that makes it easy to clean.
Pros
- Can mute the buzzer sound by pressing button 8
- Featured with ten power settings offers versatile use
- 1.2 cubic feet capacity that fits in food in large quantity
- Can adjust the energy by 50% by turning on ECO mode
Cons
- Doesn’t have an LED display
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave
– Best For Small Spaces
If you are short on space, this microwave is just the right fit for you because it is compact with a 0.9 cubic feet capacity. It comes with pre-programmed buttons to make popcorn, heat potatoes and pizzas, defrost vegetables, and heat beverages.
Additionally, it has ten power settings to give you complete control over the duration and speed of the cooking process. With 900 watts of power, it ensures that it is never slow. All you need is to wait 30 seconds for the meal to be prepared. It is equipped with a turntable of 10.6 inches in diameter that provides evenly cooked food. It is also removable for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Small dimension takes less place in the counter
- 10.6 inches turntable provides even heat to the food
- The silver and black color makes it look modern
- Has an LED digital display for easy reading in dim light
Cons
- Does not have a large capacity
Farberware Countertop Microwave
– Most Durable
Those who prefer multi-stage cooking for specific meals and snacks should opt for this microwave because it allows you to adjust the power level between 10% to 100%. Additionally, there are six buttons that automatically prepare the food with one push. Be it popcorn or vegetables, it is never overcooked. To add more, you can defrost a portion of food at a specific time or weight.
This helps you to cook food at your own convenience. Moreover, It has a glass turntable that exposes the food to uniform heat. Above all, the product comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty so that your purchase is always risk-free.
Pros
- Adjustable power settings allow you to cook food at different stages
- Removable rotating glass for uniformly heated meal
- Offers flexibility to defrost foodstuff by time and weight
Cons
- 34.6 pounds weight makes it high in weight
Panasonic Countertop Microwave
– Fastest Cook Time
This countertop device can fit in most modern kitchens due to its compact and sleek design. It has a thin turntable of 13.4-inch diameter that keeps the oven overall lightweight. The most significant selling point is its advanced sensor, which automatically adjusts the power and time based on the food you insert. There are 14-digit menu items to choose from.
Additionally, it is equipped with patented inverter technology that uniformly prepares your food, so there is nothing to worry about the food being overcooked. If all those features don’t feel good, you can still operate it efficiently with the five menu buttons. Despite its compact and sleek shape, it provides a 1.2 cubic ft capacity to microwave all kinds of food, including oatmeal, pasta, and more, in enough quantity.
Pros
- Can cook meals in a shorter time
- Genius sensor auto-adjusts the time and duration depending on the food type
- Patented Inverter technology heats food evenly
- 1.2 cubic feet capacity offers enough space for heating a one-time meal
Cons
- Consumes high power
People Also Asked
Q: Can I remove the old and hard grease from my microwave?
A: It will be time-consuming but possible. The simple rule is that the thicker and more rigid the stain is, the more should be the quantity of the baking soda or vinegar. Take the solution in a spray bottle and spray it on the desired spot. Let it be there for a few minutes, then wipe it off.
Q: How to know that my freestanding microwave is getting old?
A: A microwave may not look old from the outside, but it will have reduced performance over time. If your countertop microwave creates a burning smell, smoke, or sparks, makes bizarre sounds, the keypad function works inappropriately, or the door feels stuck, then it’s time to replace it with a newer one.
Q: How long can my microwave last?
A: The life span of a microwave depends on its brand, the frequency of use, how frequently you clean it, and more such kinds of stuff. Still, you can expect them to do well for ten years. When a microwave is passed over this period, you can start looking for an upgrade.
Q: How much power does a countertop microwave consume?
A: The amount of power consumed by a countertop microwave will vary depending on its wattage and other components. Generally speaking, most typical microwaves consume around 1,200 watts of power when running at full power.
Q: What types of food can be safely cooked in a countertop microwave?
A: Countertop microwaves can cook many different types of food, including casseroles, vegetables, pasta dishes, pizzas, desserts, and more! Be sure to follow the instructions included with your specific model regarding cooking times and temperatures in order to achieve optimal results without burning or undercooking your food items while using them in the appliance itself.
