Best Countertop Microwave Oven

A countertop microwave oven is one of the most convenient appliances in any kitchen. Whether you need to reheat leftovers, prepare quick meals, or try advanced cooking techniques like convection or air frying, a good microwave offers versatility and ease of use. In this article, we review the top five countertop microwave ovens that combine functionality, style, and smart technology to elevate your cooking experience.

5. GE JES1109RRSS Countertop Microwave Oven

The GE JES1109RRSS Countertop Microwave Oven stands out as a versatile and compact appliance, bringing together multiple advanced cooking modes within its sleek design. With a robust 1050 watts of power, this microwave excels in functionality, featuring an innovative air fry mode that allows you to cook healthier versions of your favorite dishes with less oil while achieving a crispier texture. Additionally, its convection mode, equipped with a specialized rack, promotes even heat distribution, making it ideal for baking or roasting, ensuring that your meals come out perfectly every time. The built-in broil mode offers restaurant-quality searing and caramelization by using high heat, allowing you to cook food to a delightful finish. For convenience, the GE JES1109RRSS includes preset controls for quick and easy cooking of items such as fries and nuggets, making meal preparation a breeze. Despite its compact 1.0 cubic feet size, this microwave fits seamlessly into various settings like kitchens, offices, and dorm rooms, proving that it can deliver powerful performance without occupying much space. Its glass turntable rotates food throughout the cooking cycle to ensure even heating, enhancing the overall cooking experience. However, it’s important to note that the advanced features come with a higher price point, and the smaller capacity may not accommodate larger meals or dishes, making it a more specialized choice for those seeking both versatility and compactness in their kitchen appliances.

4. Panasonic NN-SN686S Countertop Microwave Oven

The Panasonic NN-SN686S Countertop Microwave Oven stands out in the realm of kitchen appliances by integrating advanced technology to elevate your cooking experience. Boasting a robust 1200 watts of power, this microwave leverages Panasonic’s patented Inverter Technology, which ensures a seamless stream of consistent cooking power, eliminating the problem of uneven heating and overcooking. One of its notable features is the Turbo Defrost, which accelerates the defrosting process, making meal prep faster and more efficient. The Genius Sensor further enhances user convenience by automatically adjusting cooking power and time based on the food being prepared, thereby removing any guesswork and ensuring optimal results every time. Despite its compact external dimensions, the microwave offers a spacious interior with a 13.4-inch turntable and a generous 1.2 cubic feet capacity, providing ample room for various dishes. Additionally, the Keep Warm feature is a valuable addition, keeping soups, gravies, and other dishes warm until you're ready to serve, which is particularly beneficial for family meals. The Smart Cooking Settings, including 14 preset menu items and a delay start function, are designed for efficient and user-friendly operation, making this model both versatile and convenient. However, the Panasonic NN-SN686S does come with a slightly higher price point, which might be a consideration for those on a budget, and its high power output might be more than necessary for smaller households or less frequent use.

3. Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB Countertop Microwave Oven

The Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB Countertop Microwave Oven offers a superb balance of power, size, and convenience, making it an excellent choice for both home and office kitchens. With a robust 1000 watts of output and a spacious 1.1 cubic feet interior, it combines impressive functionality with affordability, ensuring efficient cooking without breaking the bank. This microwave excels with its quick and easy settings, including six one-touch options like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes, which streamline operation and guarantee consistent results with minimal effort. Its multi-stage cooking feature enhances meal preparation precision by allowing users to adjust power levels throughout the cooking cycle, accommodating various recipes and cooking methods. The compact yet spacious design ensures it fits comfortably on countertops without overwhelming space, while the clear LED display, coupled with bright interior lighting and an easy-to-read clock and kitchen timer, enhances user experience by making operation straightforward. Additionally, the defrost options provide flexibility by allowing users to defrost food by weight or time, facilitating meal prep directly from the freezer. Despite these advantages, the Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB does not include some advanced features such as convection or air frying modes, which limits its versatility compared to higher-end models. Nonetheless, its powerful performance, user-friendly features, and space-efficient design make it a practical and reliable choice for everyday use.

2. Black+Decker EM720CB7 Countertop Microwave Oven

If you're in the market for a compact yet dependable microwave that balances both size and functionality, the Black+Decker EM720CB7 Countertop Microwave Oven is an excellent choice. This microwave offers 700 watts of cooking power, making it ideal for everyday use in smaller households, dorms, or offices, where space is at a premium but you still need reliable performance. Its design is specifically crafted to fit neatly into tight spaces, with dimensions of 17.3 x 13.0 x 10.2 inches, ensuring it won't dominate your countertop. The interior is equipped with a 10-inch removable glass turntable that helps to ensure even cooking, while the large LED digital display and intuitive control panel simplify operation. Additionally, the microwave features pre-programmed buttons for common items such as popcorn, potato, and pizza, streamlining your cooking process with the press of a button. For added convenience, it includes a 30-second express cooking feature for quick starts, and a child safety lock provides extra peace of mind. While the 700 watts of power are sufficient for most tasks, they may not be ideal for preparing larger meals, which could be a consideration depending on your cooking needs. Overall, the Black+Decker EM720CB7 offers an affordable, space-saving solution with a range of features designed for ease of use and efficient cooking, making it a standout choice in its category.

1. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven stands out as a high-performing appliance designed to cater to users seeking more than just basic functionality in their kitchen. With an impressive 1100 watts of power and a spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior, this microwave effortlessly accommodates larger dishes, including a 12-inch pizza, making it ideal for families and meal prep enthusiasts alike. The sleek black stainless steel finish not only adds a modern aesthetic to any kitchen but also complements its reliable performance. Among its key features, the pre-programmed sensor menu is particularly noteworthy, as it automatically adjusts cooking times and power levels for popular dishes such as pizza, potatoes, and vegetables, ensuring even and efficient heating every time. The microwave’s dimensions of W23.3 x D18.4 x H15 inches, along with a 12.4-inch turntable, provide ample space for various culinary needs. It offers 10 power levels, which allow for precise cooking and defrosting by time or weight, giving users complete control over their meal preparation. The user-friendly control panel and large digital display simplify operation, and the convenient one-touch start button enhances ease of use. Additionally, the microwave features a mute function, which is a standout element for quiet households, enabling users to silence the buzzer by holding the "8" button for 3-5 seconds. Toshiba supports this model with a 1-year warranty, and they advise keeping the packaging for potential after-sales service needs. However, it’s important to consider that its larger footprint may not be ideal for very small kitchens. Overall, the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS combines powerful performance, a spacious interior, customizable settings, and a modern look, making it a top choice for those seeking a versatile and reliable microwave oven.

These microwaves brings something unique to the table, from Toshiba's powerful and spacious design to GE's multifunctionality with air fry, convection, and broil modes. Whether you're looking for a high-tech option with advanced sensors or a simple, compact model for everyday use, these countertop microwaves offer excellent performance and value for your kitchen. Choose the one that best fits your cooking style and space requirements.