Best Over Counter Microwave - Top Picks & Guide

Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, but your old microwave is sputtering and unevenly heating your popcorn. Or maybe you’re setting up a new kitchen and need a reliable workhorse that won’t break the bank. Finding the perfect over-the-counter microwave can feel like a treasure hunt. There are so many brands, sizes, and features, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.

This is where we come in. We know the frustration of buying a new appliance only to discover it doesn’t quite fit your needs. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll help you understand what truly matters when picking an over-the-counter microwave. You’ll learn about essential features, how to measure your space, and what to look for to get the best value for your money.

By the end of this post, you’ll have the confidence to choose an over-the-counter microwave that will make your kitchen life easier and your meals more delicious. Let’s dive in and find the perfect fit for your kitchen!

Top Over Counter Microwave Recommendations

SaleNo. 1

GE 30" Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS

1.6 cu ft capacity - 1000 Watts. Convenience cooking controls, operating made quick and easy
Charcoal filter replacement for microwaves with behind the door grille - easily install your new charcoal odor filter
Auto and time defrost - defrosting times and power levels are programmed automatically or manually for optimal results
Turntable On/Off - controls turntable operation
Two-speed, 300-CFM venting system - removes smoke, steam and odors

SaleNo. 2

BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Black, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-BK

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 a 1000-watt output, this over-the-range microwave oven has 6 quick menus for your daily meals, including settings for Popcorn,Potato, 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 20 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.

SaleNo. 3

BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft

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.

No. 4

BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, White, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-WH

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 a 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.

No. 5

BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS

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 a 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 20 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.

SaleNo. 6

BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, Convection, and Bake Modes, 1.5 cu.ft., Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, EC942K6CE-SS

Large Capacity: 1.5 cubic feet over the range microwave features a spacious interior and 13.6-inch turntable; measures 15.43"D x 29.88"W x 16.42"H.
6-in-1 Microwave Oven: Features six functions: microwave, air fryer, convection, combi (grill), bake, and roast for all of your culinary needs. This appliance will be your top sous chef for any meal or cooking adventure.
Air Fry Mode: This mighty microwave cooks healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods with less oil. An easy-to-use operation will make your meal planning and cooking time seamless.
Sensor Reheat Mode: This advanced function maintains the fresh flavor of your food--even on leftovers.
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.

SaleNo. 7

GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1150 Watt, 1.6 Cu. Ft., Stainless Steel

Sensor Cooking Controls: Monitors moisture as food cooks and automatically adjusts cooking time to deliver delicious results every time
Balanced capacity. Powerful performance: With a versatile 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and 1,150 Watts of cooking power, this microwave delivers fast, even results for family favorites and everyday meals. Measures: 16.63" W x 10.25" H x 16.75" D
Trusted GE Performance: From quick breakfasts to late-night snacks, this GE countertop microwave delivers the reliable performance, user-friendly controls, and everyday convenience that have made GE a trusted name in kitchens for generations
Simple One-Touch Controls: One-touch express cooking settings and 8 convenience cook settings provide easy operation for busy lifestyles, while the digital display and electronic keypad provide precise control of cook time and power settings
Defrost Function: Manual and auto defrost modes adjust time and power levels to thaw frozen foods evenly while helping prevent overcooked edges

SaleNo. 8

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 1000W

Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 14.6 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.

Finding Your Perfect Countertop Microwave: A Smart Shopper’s Guide

So, you need a new microwave to sit on your counter? Great! Microwaves make cooking and reheating super fast. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.

1. Key Features to Look For

When you shop for a countertop microwave, keep these important things in mind.

Size and Capacity

How much space do you have? Measure the spot where the microwave will go. Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are good for small kitchens or just reheating snacks. Bigger ones can handle larger dishes.
How much food do you cook? A small microwave might be 0.7 cubic feet. A large one can be 2.0 cubic feet or more. Think about how many people you cook for.

Wattage (Power)

How fast do you want food cooked? Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For quick reheating and cooking, aim for 1000 watts or higher.

Cooking Presets and Functions

What do you cook most often? Many microwaves have special buttons for things like popcorn, pizza, or defrosting.
Some have sensor cooking. This means the microwave figures out how long to cook your food by itself. That’s super handy!

Turntable Size and Type

Does your plate fit? The turntable is the glass plate that spins your food. Make sure it’s big enough for your regular dinner plates.
Most turntables are removable. This makes cleaning much easier.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Is it easy to control? Look for clear buttons and a simple display. You don’t want to fight with your microwave to heat up your lunch.
How easy is it to wipe down? A smooth interior and exterior make cleaning a breeze. Some microwaves have special coatings that resist grease.

2. Important Materials

The materials used in a microwave can affect how it works and how long it lasts.

Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. Plastic is usually lighter and less expensive.
Interior: The inside is often made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are more durable and easier to clean.
Door: The door has a glass window so you can see your food. The handle is usually made of plastic.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it less great.

Quality Boosters

Stronger Wattage: A higher wattage means your food cooks faster and more evenly.
Even Cooking Technology: Some microwaves have special ways to make sure heat spreads out evenly. This stops hot spots.
Durable Build: A microwave built with good materials will last longer.

Quality Reducers

Low Wattage: If the wattage is too low, cooking will take a long time.
Uneven Heating: Some cheaper microwaves don’t cook food evenly. You might get cold spots.
Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels wobbly or uses cheap plastic might not last long.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you will actually use your microwave.

Everyday Reheating

This is what most people use microwaves for. Leftovers from dinner, coffee, or tea – a microwave makes it quick.
A microwave with simple buttons and quick start options is perfect for this.

Quick Meal Preparation

Microwaves are great for cooking frozen meals or steaming vegetables.
Cooking presets can be very helpful here. They take the guesswork out of cooking.

Snack Time Savior

Popcorn, baked potatoes, or melting cheese for nachos – microwaves are snack superheroes.
Dedicated popcorn buttons are a big plus for snack lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best wattage for a countertop microwave?

A: For good performance, aim for 1000 watts or higher. This cooks food faster and more evenly.

Q: How big should my microwave be?

A: Measure your counter space first. Then, think about how much food you usually heat up. Small kitchens might need a compact microwave, while larger families might need a bigger one.

Q: What does “sensor cooking” mean?

A: Sensor cooking uses humidity to figure out how long your food needs to cook. It’s like the microwave knows when your food is ready!

Q: Is stainless steel better than plastic for a microwave?

A: Stainless steel is generally more durable and easier to clean. Plastic is usually lighter and less expensive.

Q: How do I clean my microwave?

A: Most microwaves can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Make sure to remove the turntable and wash it separately.

Q: Can I put metal in the microwave?

A: No, you should never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.

Q: What is a convection microwave?

A: A convection microwave has a fan that circulates hot air. This means it can bake and roast food, not just heat it.

Q: How long do countertop microwaves usually last?

A: With good care, a countertop microwave can last for 7-10 years or even longer.

Q: Are expensive microwaves worth the extra money?

A: Sometimes. More expensive models often have better features, more power, and more durable construction. Consider what features are most important to you.

Q: What is the difference between a countertop and an over-the-range microwave?

A: A countertop microwave sits on your counter. An over-the-range microwave hangs above your stove and often has a vent fan.