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The 11 Best Buy Countertop Microwaves - Top Picks For You

Jimmy Smith
  Dec 22, 2024 7:52 AM

It's that time of year again. The weather is warming up and it's finally time to start cooking outside! If you're looking for a new countertop microwave oven, we've got the 11 best picks for you. We will walk through each one, highlighting its features and pros/cons, so you can find the perfect match for your kitchen needs. 

Here was written with our readers in mind: those who want to buy a new countertop microwave oven but don't know where to start. Hopefully, this article will help!


Our top picks

Best for small kitchens or dorm rooms: Nostalgia RMO4AQ

The Nostalgia RMO4AQ Retro Large 0.9 cu ft, 800-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and powerful appliance that is perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms. This microwave has 800 watts of cooking power and 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, making it easy to cook or reheat popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and veggies.

The digital clock and LED display make it easy to keep track of cooking times, and the rotating glass carousel ensures evenly cooked food every time. With its retro-inspired design, the Nostalgia RMO4AQ Retro Microwave will make a great addition to any kitchen.

Best for any kitchen: BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14

The BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Digital Microwave Oven is the perfect addition to any kitchen. This unit comes with a number of features that make it a must-have appliance. With pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate, the 1000 Watts of power with 10 power settings make it easy to cook anything you desire.

The large LED digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to use, while the child safety lock and interior light add an extra level of safety and convenience. The removable 12.4” glass turntable makes cleanup a breeze, and the push-button door release provides easy access to your food. With dimensions of 20.4” x 16.9” x 12.4”, this microwave oven is the perfect size for any kitchen countertop.

Best for families: Toshiba ML-EM62P

The Toshiba ML-EM62P ML2-EM62P(SS) is perfect for families or anyone who regularly cooks for large groups. With a 2.2 cu. ft. capacity and 1200W of power, this appliance can easily accommodate a 14-inch pizza or a whole chicken. Plus, the built-in humidity sensor with 6 Automatic Preset Menus ensures even heating and seals in moisture for optimal results.

Whether you're making bacon, reheating frozen rolls/muffins, or preparing chicken pieces or oatmeal, the 6 Auto Menus make it easy to get delicious results every time. And for even greater convenience, the Auto-Defrost Function defrosts meat, poultry and fish with different programs, so you can prep meals quickly and easily.

Best for smaller spaces: Panasonic NN-SN686S

Looking for a high-power, yet compact microwave? The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In is perfect for smaller spaces. This 1200 watt, 1.2 cubic foot capacity microwave delivers even cooking and delicious flavor with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor.

The compact design takes up less counter space, while the 13.4 inch turntable ensures even cooking. Plus, the Advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost speeds up defrosting time.

Amazon Basics Microwave, Small, 0.7 Cu. Ft, 700W, Works with Alexa

Best powerful: Farberware Classic FM09SSE

The Farberware Classic Microwave Oven is a powerful and compact cooking solution that is perfect for any home or office. This 0.9 cu. ft. oven features 900 watts of output power, making it quick and easy to prepare meals and snacks.

The 1-6 min. express cooking and plus 30 sec. button offer simple press-and-go speed, while the memory function lets you store your most used customized settings. The convenient defrost by weight or by time settings help make quick work of any cooking task.

Best choice: Amazon Basics Microwave

The Amazon Basics Microwave is a small, compact microwave that packs a lot of features into a small package. This powerful 700 watt microwave has 10 power levels and a turntable to help cook food evenly.

The child lock ensures safety while the kitchen timer keeps things on track. This microwave also works with Alexa for quick-cook voice presets. Whether you're defrosting vegetables, making popcorn or reheating rice, the Amazon Basics Microwave makes it easy.


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Things to consider

Things To Consider When Shopping For The Best Buy Countertop Microwaves

When you're shopping for best buy countertop microwaves, there are a lot of things to consider. For example, do you want a convection oven that can roast and bake as well as cook? Do you need the best microwave that is also an oven? What about the best built-in microwave with an exhaust fan and filter? 

Here, we will give you some information on what to consider before purchasing your favorite best buy countertop microwaves!

1. Size

You'll want to make sure you pick the right size for your needs. If you have a small kitchen, you may not want a large microwave taking up space on your counter. Conversely, if you need to cook for a large family, you'll want to pick a microwave that has a larger capacity.

2. Features 

Countertop microwaves come with all sorts of features, from convection cooking to sensor cooking. Make sure you pick the features that are important to you. If you like to cook with your microwave, make sure it has pre-set cooking modes. If you want a microwave that can do more than just cook, make sure it has a convection oven.

3. Price 

Microwaves come in a variety of price points. You'll want to find one that fits into your budget without sacrificing quality. Be sure to compare prices between different models and brands to get the best deal.

4. Appearance

The microwaves come in a variety of colors and finishes. Make sure you pick one that fits into your kitchen decor. If possible, try to see the best buy microwave before buying it so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not it will look good in your home!

5. Warranty 

Microwaves come with a variety of warranties. Make sure you pick one that has the best warranty for your needs. If it's an expensive microwave, make sure it comes with at least a year's worth of coverage to ensure that any defects are fixed in case they arise!

BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, Stainless Steel, 1.4 Cu.ft

Frequently Asked Questions for countertop microwaves

If you're like most people, you probably have a lot of questions about microwaves. How do they work? What are the best features to look for? Which one is right for you? Luckily, we've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about microwaves to help you make the best decision for your needs.

1. What are some of the different types of microwaves?

There are several different types of microwaves, each with its own set of features and benefits. The most common type of microwave is the countertop model, which can be placed on any flat surface in your kitchen. These models are typically less expensive than built-in models and offer a variety of features, including different power levels, timer functions, and automatic defrost settings.

If you're looking for a more permanent solution, built-in microwaves can be installed under your kitchen cabinets. These models tend to be more expensive than countertop models but offer a sleek, integrated look that many homeowners prefer. Another option is the over-the-range microwave, which mounts directly above your stove. These models offer powerful ventilation systems that can remove smoke and odors from your cooking area, making them a good choice for serious cooks.

2. What are some of the key features to look for in a microwave?

When shopping for a microwave, there are several key features to consider. First, think about the size of your kitchen and choose a model that will fit comfortably in the space you have available. Next, decide what type of controls you prefer. Some microwaves have simple push-button controls while others have more complex touchpad controls. Consider how easy it will be to use the controls before making your final decision.

Another important consideration is cooking performance. Microwaves vary in their ability to evenly cook food, so it's important to read reviews from other consumers before making your purchase. Finally, think about any special features that might be important to you such as child safety locks or sensor cooking functions. When you know what you need and want from your microwave, it's easier to narrow down your choices and find the perfect model for your kitchen.

3. What are the pros and cons of microwaves?

Like any appliance, microwaves have both pros and cons. Some of the advantages of owning a microwave include the ability to quickly cook or reheat food, defrost frozen items, and sterilize kitchen utensils. Microwaves also tend to be more energy-efficient than other methods of cooking, such as stovetops and ovens.

However, there are some disadvantages to microwaves as well. For example, microwaves can cause food to lose some of its nutritional value. Additionally, microwaves can produce harmful electromagnetic radiation. Some people also find that microwaves don't always cook food evenly, resulting in hot and cold spots.

4. How much do microwaves cost?

The price of a microwave varies depending on the type, size, and features you choose. Countertop models start around $50 while built-in models can cost upwards of $500. Over-the-range microwaves usually fall somewhere in the middle, with prices starting around $200.

When choosing a microwave, be sure to consider the features you need and compare prices from different brands to find the best deal.


Closing Points

There are many microwaves to choose from, but we’ve narrowed down our top picks. If you want a countertop microwave that can handle anything and is still easy on the eyes, these 11 models should give you plenty of options. We hope this list has made your decision easier!

But if not, don’t worry - contact us for more information or help narrow it down further based on what matters most to you. We have experts standing by ready to answer any questions about which model will best suit your needs.