Is your old microwave on its last legs? Do you stare blankly at the wall of shiny boxes in the store, wondering which one is best for your kitchen? Choosing a new Over The Counter Microwave can feel like a huge task. You need something that fits your space, cooks food perfectly, and doesn’t empty your wallet. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the features and sizes!
But don’t worry! Finding the perfect countertop microwave doesn’t have to be a headache. We have put together this guide to cut through the confusion. You will learn exactly what to look for, from wattage power to size requirements.
By the end of this post, you will feel confident picking the ideal microwave. Ready to stop guessing and start heating? Let’s dive into how to choose the best Over The Counter Microwave for you.
Top Over The Counter Microwave Recommendations
- Pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, potato, vegetable, pizza, snack, bacon, frozen dinner, rice, and frozen breakfast..Rated Voltage : 120V - 60Hz
- 1000 Watts with ten power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking and child lock.
- Cooktop LED lighting that offers a clear and bright vision for your meals on cooktop.
- Two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan system.
- Turntable On/Off function allows you to cook large dishes.
- Large Capacity: 15.4"D x 29.9"W x 16.4"H. Featuring a spacious interior, this 1.7 cubic feet microwave oven includes a 12.4-inch turntable and will serve as your top sous chef for any meal or cooking adventure.
- 10 Cooking Levels: With aa 1000-watt output, this over-the-range microwave oven has 6 quick menus for your daily meals, including settings for Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, and Defrost.
- Speedy Cooking: For quick action, press numbers 1, 2, or 3 for using the 100% power level at 1-3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by cooking with 90% microwave power for 10 minutes and then cooking with 50% power for 5 minutes in one time setting.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: With a 2-speed strong suction, the powerful vent on this stainless steel microwave helps to remove fumes and odors while an integrated light offers focused lighting while cooking.
- Pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, potato, veggies, pizza, hot dog, bacon, frozen dinner, rice, and soup.
- 1.7 cu.ft. interior, two-speed, 300-CFM venting fan system.
- 1000 watts with 10 power level settings, clock and kitchen timer.
- Turntable function ensures even heating without manual intervention.
- LED lighting offers a clear and bright vision for your meals on cooktops.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: 1200watts of power and 2.0 CU. FT. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking
- SENSOR COOKING CONTROLS: Automatically adjusts time and power for delicious cooking results
- WEIGHT AND TIME DEFROST: Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with Instant On express cooking controls and multiple cooking modes; kitchen timer, and cooking complete alarms add convenience
- 【Slim for more space】The slim body frees up your overhead space for your cabinet.
- 【Voice control & Smarthome compatible】Provide more conveniences in cooking with the SmartHome APP.
- 【Notifying and remotely control】You can easily control cooking and ventilation, and lets you know when it finishes.
- 【Sensor Cook & Sensor Reheat: For the best taste】The smart steam sensing technology helps to find the optimal cooking time and power without any guesswork.
- 【Auto cook menu】Feel free to create delicious dishes with the touch of a button.
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
- Large Capacity: 15.4"D x 29.9"W x 16.4"H. Featuring a spacious interior, this 1.7 cubic feet microwave oven includes a 12.4-inch turntable and will serve as your top sous chef for any meal or cooking adventure.
- 10 Cooking Levels: With aa 1000-watt output, this over-the-range microwave oven has 6 quick menus for your daily meals, including settings for Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, and Defrost.
- Speedy Cooking: For quick action, press numbers 1, 2, or 3 for using the 100% power level at 1-3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by cooking with 90% microwave power for 10 minutes and then cooking with 50% power for 5 minutes in one time setting.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: With a 2-speed strong suction, the powerful vent on this stainless steel microwave helps to remove fumes and odors while an integrated light offers focused lighting while cooking.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your New Over-the-Counter Microwave
Choosing a new microwave for your kitchen can feel like a big task. You want something that heats food fast and fits perfectly on your counter. This guide helps you pick the best “Over The Counter” microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Microwaves offer many options. Knowing what matters most helps you decide.
Power (Wattage)
- Higher Wattage Means Faster Cooking: Look for microwaves between 900 and 1200 watts. More watts cook food quicker and more evenly.
- Lower Wattage Use: If you only reheat small items, a 700-watt model might save energy.
Capacity (Size)
- Counter Space Matters: Measure the space where the microwave will sit.
- Internal Space: Small microwaves (0.7 to 1.1 cubic feet) are good for singles or small kitchens. Medium (1.2 to 1.6 cubic feet) fit dinner plates easily. Large ones (over 1.7 cubic feet) handle big meals.
Cooking Presets and Sensor Cooking
- One-Touch Buttons: Find buttons for popcorn, pizza, or defrosting. These simplify cooking.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature uses a sensor to detect steam. It automatically adjusts cooking time. This stops food from drying out.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials inside and outside affect how long your microwave lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Interior Lining
- Easy-Clean Enamel or Painted Steel: These are common and wipe down easily. Spills do not stick hard.
- Stainless Steel Interiors: These look nice and handle high heat well. However, they sometimes show grease splatters more easily.
Turntable
- Glass Turntable: Most microwaves use a glass plate. Make sure it is removable for washing.
- Durable Ring: The plastic ring that supports the glass should feel sturdy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some features make your microwave experience better; others can cause frustration.
Improving Quality:
- Inverter Technology: This technology provides a steady stream of power. It heats food more evenly than standard microwaves, especially when defrosting.
- Quiet Operation: Check reviews for noise levels. A quiet fan is a big plus when you are watching TV nearby.
Reducing Quality:
- Flimsy Door Latches: If the door feels loose or requires a hard push, it might break sooner. Good microwaves have a satisfying, solid click when closing.
- Poorly Lit Display: If you cannot read the time or settings easily in a dim kitchen, the design is lacking.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the microwave every day.
Daily Reheating
If you only reheat coffee or leftovers, a simple, small microwave with quick start buttons works perfectly. You do not need the most powerful model.
Cooking Full Meals
If you plan to cook frozen dinners or bake potatoes, focus on higher wattage (1100W+) and a larger capacity (1.4 cubic feet or more). Sensor cooking becomes very useful here.
Ease of Cleaning
A smooth interior surface saves you scrubbing time. Consider a model where the turntable tray sits securely. A wobbly tray spills food easily.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Over-The-Counter Microwaves
Q: What is the standard size for an over-the-counter microwave?
A: Most standard countertop models measure about 20 to 24 inches wide. Always measure your specific spot before buying.
Q: Should I choose a microwave with a turntable?
A: Yes, most experts suggest using the turntable. It moves the food around so the microwaves hit every part, leading to more even heating.
Q: What is the difference between “Defrost by Weight” and “Defrost by Time”?
A: “Defrost by Weight” lets you enter the weight of the food, and the microwave calculates the time needed. “Defrost by Time” requires you to guess how long it needs.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves harder to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel looks sleek, but it often shows fingerprints and smudges more easily than white or black plastic interiors.
Q: How much wattage do I really need?
A: For general use, 1000 watts is a great sweet spot. It heats fast without being too powerful for most dishes.
Q: Can I put aluminum foil in the microwave?
A: Generally, no. Metal reflects the microwaves, which can cause sparks and damage the appliance. Check your specific model manual, but assume foil is dangerous.
Q: What does “Inverter Technology” mean for my food?
A: Inverter technology keeps the power level steady. This means your food thaws gently instead of cooking on the edges while staying frozen in the middle.
Q: How do I reduce loud beeping noises?
A: Many newer models allow you to turn the end-of-cycle beep off or lower the volume in the settings menu.
Q: Is a flatbed microwave better than one with a turntable?
A: Flatbed microwaves do not have a spinning plate. They usually offer more usable space inside and are easier to clean because there are no tracks or rotating parts.
Q: What is the warranty usually like for these appliances?
A: Most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty covering parts and labor. Some high-end models offer longer warranties on the magnetron (the part that makes the microwaves).