The 10 Best Rated Countertop Microwave Ovens in 2024 - Features, Reviews and FAQs
Richard Brown Dec 19, 2024 5:55 AM
Countertop microwaves are one of the most popular kitchen appliances on the market. With so many different models to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That's why we've put together a list of the 10 best-rated countertop microwave ovens.
From sleek and modern designs to spacious and family-friendly options, we've got you covered. So whether you're in the market for your first microwave oven or are just looking to upgrade, read on for our top picks!
Top picks
Best powerful: Farberware Professional FMO12AHTBKE
The Farberware Professional FMO12AHTBKE 1.2 Cu. Ft. 1100-Watt Microwave Oven With Smart Sensor Cooking and LED Lighting is the perfect kitchen helper. This powerful oven has 1100 watts of cooking power and 10 power levels to let you customize your cooking experience.
The innovative smart sensor cooking technology monitors the temperature and amount of steam coming from the food to judge how much water remains and how long it should continue heating.
The countertop microwave has 7 one-touch cooking programs including 3 Auto defrost pre-programmed settings, 4 Melt pre-programmed cooking options, and 3 Soften pre-programmed cooking options to make quick work of any cooking task.
With its LED display with kitchen timer and clock, this microwave oven is not only functional but also stylish. The sleek brushed stainless steel exterior is easy to clean and will complement any kitchen décor.
Best stylish: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is a sleek and powerful countertop microwave. This stylish appliance has a large 1.2 cubic feet capacity, making it perfect for cooking family meals or entertaining guests.
The black exterior and large digital display will complement any kitchen décor, and the 12.4" removable turntable ensures even cooking. The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS also features smart humidity sensor technology for optimum heating, 12 pre-programmed sensor menus, and a mute function.
Plus, the ECO mode saves energy while the easy-clean interior makes this countertop microwave a breeze to maintain. 1100 watts of power make this unit a powerhouse, while 10 power settings provide flexibility for any cooking need.
Best for busy families: Panasonic NN-SN686S
The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a powerful and reliable microwave oven. This 1200 watt microwave is perfect for busy families or anyone who wants to have a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
With inverter technology and a genius sensor, this microwave provides even cooking and delicious flavor. Plus, the compact design takes up less counter space, making it a great choice for small kitchens.
Best convenient: Sharp ZSMC2242DS
The SHARP ZSMC2242DS has a 16" removable glass turntable and a full-sized 2. 2 cu. ft. capacity, making it ideal for cooking and reheating larger serving trays. It also has up to 1200 watts of cooking power with 10 power levels, so you can cook your food exactly how you want it.
Plus, the blue LED display creates a modern look and improves visibility. And with the Sensor Cook feature, you can Precisely cook and reheat your food with 6 presets.
Best easy to use: BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9
The BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable comes with 10 power settings and pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates. The large LED digital display is easy to read, and the control panel includes a child safety lock.
The interior light makes it easy to see what's cooking, and the removable glass turntable ensures even cooking. The push-button door release makes it easy to access your food, and the stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
Read more
Farberware Professional FMO12AHTBKE 1.2 Cu. Ft. 1100-Watt Microwave Oven With Smart Sensor Cooking and LED Lighting, Brushed Stainless Steel
View on Amazon- SCORE9.2AR Score
AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandFarberware
- Prime
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1100W
View on Amazon- SCORE9.0AR Score
AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandToshiba
- Prime
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W
View on Amazon- SCORE9.0AR Score
AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandPanasonic
- Prime
Sharp ZSMC2242DS, Stainless Steel Countertop 1200 Watt Microwave Oven, 2.2 cu. ft, Cubic Feet
View on Amazon- SCORE9.0AR Score
AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandSHARP
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN766S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.6 Cubic Foot, 1250W
View on Amazon- SCORE9.0AR Score
AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandPanasonic
- Prime
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, Stainless Steel, 0.9 Cu Ft
View on Amazon- SCORE9.0AR Score
AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandBLACK+DECKER
- Prime
Panasonic NN-GN68KS Countertop Microwave Oven 2-in-1 FlashXpress Broiler, Inverter Technology for Even Cooking and Smart Genius Sensor, 1000W, 1.2 cu.ft Microwave-NN-GN68KS (Stainless Steel/Silver)
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8AR Score
AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandPanasonic
- Prime
Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 2.2 Cu. Ft. 1100 Watt, with Smart Sensor Cooking, ECO Mode and LED Lighting, Child Lock, Easy Clean Black Interior, Stainless Steel
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8AR Score
AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandFarberware
- Prime
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 2.2 Cubic Foot, 1250W
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8AR Score
AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandPanasonic
- Prime
Sharp SMC1842CS 24" Countertop Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1100 Watts, 15" Turntable, Softening Function Blue LED Display, in Stainless Steel
View on Amazon- SCORE8.6AR Score
AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandSHARP
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Things to consider before purchasing the countertop microwave ovens
Before you buy a new microwave oven, be sure to read the countertop microwave oven FAQs. This will help you understand the different features available and decide which one is right for your needs. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
1. Size:
How big do you need your microwave to be? Countertop models come in a range of sizes, from compact to full-size. Consider how much space you have in your kitchen and how often you’ll use your microwave when making your decision.
2. Power:
Microwave ovens are rated by wattage, with higher wattage models providing more power. If you’ll be using your microwave to cook large meals or reheat leftovers, you’ll need a model with at least 1,000 watts of power. For smaller tasks, such as reheating a cup of coffee, a lower-wattage model will suffice.
3. Features:
Today’s microwaves offer a variety of features, such as sensor cooking, weight defrosting, and clock functions. Decide which features are most important to you and look for a model that offers them.
4. Price:
Countertop microwaves range in price from around $50 to $200 or more. Be sure to set a budget before shopping so you can narrow down your options and find the best value for your money.
FAQs
At Appliances Radar, we test countertop microwave ovens. Here are some answers to common questions about these appliances.
1. What size countertop microwave oven do I need?
It depends on how you plan to use it. If you only need to reheat coffee or defrost frozen food, a small model will suffice. But if you regularly cook for a family or entertain guests, you'll want a larger model with more wattage.
2. What are the different types of countertop microwave ovens?
There are three main types: solo, grill, and convection. Solo microwaves are the most basic and affordable type. They're good for reheating and defrosting food.
Grill microwaves have a heating element that browns and crisps food. Convection microwaves have a fan that circulates hot air around the food, so they can be used for baking and roasting as well as reheating and defrosting.
3. What is the difference between a solo microwave and a convection microwave?
A solo microwave has one heating element that heats food from the outside in. A convection microwave has a fan that circulates hot air around the food, so it heats food evenly from all sides. Convection microwaves can also be used for baking and roasting, while solo microwaves cannot.
4. Do I need a computerized touchpad?
It depends on your preferences. Some people find computerized touchpads easier to use than manual controls, while others prefer the simplicity of manual controls. Either way, you'll be able to find a model that suits your needs.