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32 Best Countertop Microwaves: Top Performing Microwaves of 2024

Denise Lowe
  Mar 28, 2024 9:25 PM

If you are looking for the best countertop microwave for your kitchen, then visiting our website is the right choice. Our team is here to help you with the list of the Best Countertop Microwaves, which enables you to easily pick out a product suitable for your budget and needs.

With the support of customers' reviews, we ranked and reviewed products from some brands: farberware, toshiba, panasonic, amazon, frigidaire, samsung, kenmore, blackdecker, samsung-electronics, sharp, avanti, ge, smc1585bs, comfee, emerson-radio, galanz.


Overview

You need to heat your drinks and food quickly and evenly? You can spend just less than $100 for a small countertop microwave and your problem is solved. Modern countertop microwaves today offer more than just a tool to warm up leftovers and defrost frozen food.

If you can find the best countertop microwave, making crispy bacon and poached eggs quickly for breakfast and even homemade popcorn is possible.

We have evaluated several types of microwaves to find the top models from trustworthy brands. And now we will show you what we come up with after evaluating the best countertop microwaves.


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1
  • SCORE
    9.2
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Farberware
TOP Choice
2
  • SCORE
    9.4
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  • Brand
    Toshiba
TOP Choice
3
  • SCORE
    9.4
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Panasonic
TOP Choice
4
  • SCORE
    9.4
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Amazon
5
  • SCORE
    8.2
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Panasonic
6
  • SCORE
    8.8
    H Score

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  • Brand
    FRIGIDAIRE
7
  • SCORE
    8.6
    H Score

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  • Brand
    SAMSUNG
8
  • SCORE
    8.4
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Kenmore
9
  • SCORE
    9.2
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Toshiba
10
  • SCORE
    8.6
    H Score

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  • Brand
    BLACK+DECKER
11
  • SCORE
    8.4
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Panasonic
12
  • SCORE
    8.4
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Samsung Electronics
13
  • SCORE
    9.0
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Sharp
14
  • SCORE
    8.0
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Avanti
15
  • SCORE
    8.2
    H Score

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  • Brand
    GE
16
  • SCORE
    8.8
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Toshiba
17
  • SCORE
    9.0
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Panasonic
18
  • SCORE
    8.2
    H Score

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  • Brand
    SMC1585BS
19
  • SCORE
    9.0
    H Score

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  • Brand
    COMFEE'
20
  • SCORE
    9.0
    H Score

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  • Brand
    BLACK+DECKER
21
  • SCORE
    8.2
    H Score

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  • Brand
    GE
22
  • SCORE
    9.2
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Toshiba
23
  • SCORE
    8.8
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Panasonic
24
  • SCORE
    8.8
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Toshiba
25
  • SCORE
    8.6
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Toshiba
26
  • SCORE
    8.0
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Panasonic
27
  • SCORE
    8.4
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Emerson Radio
28
  • SCORE
    8.8
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Panasonic
29
  • SCORE
    8.6
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Galanz
30
  • SCORE
    8.2
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Panasonic
31
  • SCORE
    8.2
    H Score

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  • Brand
    GE
32
  • SCORE
    8.6
    H Score

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  • Brand
    Panasonic

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guides

Countertop microwaves are much more convenient and versatile compared to those that are built-in or over-the-range. No special installation is needed and not much effort is required to move them around.

Especially, these microwaves are perfect choices for small kitchens with limited counter space. And we do take into consideration that they usually come at a reasonable price. This means that even when you are on a tight budget, a countertop microwave is within your reach!

Now you understand why we need to buy our own microwave countertop, however, it is not easy to choose the best countertop microwaves when there are so many choices on the market. We think you should pay attention to the following aspects if you want to take a look at Amazon.

1. Your budget

Considering you are living on a tight budget, you may need a reasonably priced microwave, and Amazon offers you the Amazon Basics Microwave. Amazon has integrated voice control into this machine, making working in the kitchen even easier.

Combined with the Echo's alarm system, you will instantly know when the defrost is complete. Another plus to consider is that the machine is also equipped with a child lock so it would not be commanded either by voice or the control panel and you can feel at ease when your children are in the kitchen.

Another option comes from Toshiba with the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven. This machine has a black and stainless-steel outlook that can be an ideal choice for every kitchen style. It also offers a bright LED light and all typical function buttons like the one-touch buttons and especially an auto-start +30 seconds button. And you would not want to miss the energy-saving eco mode equipped in this microwave.

2. Size of Countertop Microwaves

The size of a microwave obviously matters. Everybody would like to have a microwave that fits your space. From a small one for your personal needs or to a larger one that can heat up your entire pizza. You would like to look at some recommendations below:

  • Small:

If you have limited space for your cooking area, built-in or over-the-range microwaves would not be the option to go to. We have considered this and list out some of the best countertop microwaves that can save up even more space for your kitchen.

The Avanti MO7191TW microwave is considered a real space-saver at only 18 inches wide and 10 inches tall. It may be an ideal choice for individual use. The Amazon Basics Microwave is also worth considering when it comes to small microwaves.

  • Middle-sized

In this category, there are several options for you. The Panasonic NN-GN68KS Countertop Microwave Oven with a 13.4 inches turntable and the design devoted to lessening the space for electronics and much more interior capacity is just right for your needs.

There are also some mid-sized microwaves coming from Panasonic that you should have a look at such as the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S with built-in inverter technology, even heating rate and defrosting features are excellent.

  • Large:

Compared to the other microwaves on this list, which range in capacities from 0.7 cubic feet to 1.6 cubic feet, Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN936B is by far the best large countertop microwaves, with an internal space of 2.2 feet. It's big enough to hold a large family steak plate and still swivels and great for making after-work dinners when you need to cook in the short term.

3. The wattage of Countertop Microwaves

Another factor to be taken into account is the wattage that comes with every microwave. A 1,000-watt microwave would provide you with a quickly and nicely cooked dish so this is the baseline.

In other words, the higher the wattage (such as Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S and Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN936B), the less time the microwave spends to heat up your food. It also means that microwaves with a lower power outcome compared to the standard will perform lower on every task from defrosting frozen food to heating up your meals.  

However, keep in mind that you should consider your budget before making the final decision to buy a microwave with high wattage because higher wattage also comes with a higher price.


FAQs

1. Why should I buy a countertop microwave?

The countertop microwave oven is the most common type of microwave oven you will come across. This popularity is probably due to these units being easy to buy, replace, and set up. There's virtually no installation required, all you have to do is plug in the microwave and start cooking.

2. What size of the countertop microwaves do I need?

Once you have established the best countertop microwave for your situation, ask yourself how much kitchen space you would be willing to give up. If your counter space is limited, you may want to save space by choosing a smaller model.

The internal capacity of a countertop microwave oven can range in size from 0.5 cubic feet (large enough to fit most 10-inch dishes) to a little more than 2 cubic feet (should accommodate larger cooking utensils).

The most common sizes are in the 1-2 cubic feet range. The outer dimensions also vary, so always measure the space of the desired location (width, depth, and height) to make sure it can accommodate the dimensions listed on the box. While measuring, double-check if there is an electrical outlet nearby.

Choose a smaller model (under a cubic foot) if you're pressed for tabletop space, like this compact Amazon Basics Microwave that works with Alexa. If you're feeding the whole family, opt for a larger oven that can make large dishes, like casseroles and lasagna.

Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN936B is perfect for families that use it regularly. Even if you live alone, a midsize microwave oven like Panasonic NN-GN68KS Countertop Microwave Oven is worth the money and space if you cook a lot.

3. How often should I replace my countertop microwave?

Microwaves usually last about 10 years. But if your device is working properly after that time, you can continue using it. Even if you think your microwave is working fine, you will want to replace or repair it if it has any defect in the door or in the washer around the door.

4. What should I do before cleaning my countertop microwaves?

  • Before cleaning, you should make sure that the temperature of the microwave is cool and all controls are off. Always follow label directions on cleaning products.

  • To avoid damaging the finish, do not use a scouring pad filled with soap, harsh or corrosive detergents, any cleaning products containing chlorine bleach, steel wool pads, etc. clean towels, or certain paper towels.

  • Spilled food containing acids, such as vinegar and tomatoes, should be cleaned as soon as the entire appliance cools. These spills can affect the finish.

5. What are the tips when using countertop microwaves?

To prevent your food from getting too hot in the microwave, stir once or twice while cooking. You should also use a cover plate (or paper plate) to prevent splashing - if you want the steam to escape, use tissue or wax paper instead.

To keep moisture, use plastic food wrap or a lid designed for microwave cooking. And if your meal is prone to splashing (like cooked cereal or ketchup) use a larger bowl for more boiling space.


Final Thoughts

It is difficult to choose the best countertop microwaves on this list, as they all have different features, tailored to each individual's needs. So, if to choose from, we think the following list should give you some suggestions.


4.9
7 ratings