Best Countertop Microwave Ovens in 2022

Last update: November 12, 2022

Can a countertop microwave go in a cabinet?

A countertop microwave can go in a cabinet if it is the right size and if it is properly ventilated. Make sure to measure the inside of the cabinet to make sure the microwave will fit and that there is enough space for ventilation.

Can you pop popcorn in a 700 watt microwave?

Do countertop microwaves need a vent?

No, countertop microwaves do not need a vent. They are designed to be used without one. However, if you are using your countertop microwave to cook food, it is recommended that you use a vent to help release the steam and smoke.

How long does a microwave last?

The average lifespan of a microwave is about 9 years. However, this can vary greatly depending on the brand, model, and how often it is used. Some microwaves may last up to 15 years, while others may only last a few years.


Nostalgia RMO4AQ Retro Large 0.9 cu ft, 800-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven, 12 Pre-Programmed Cookin Digital Clock, Easy Clean Interior, Aqua Review:


This microwave is little and adorable, functions well, and is simple to operate. For a brief one-minute session, press the button once. To adjust the time, turn the dial. No issues to date, simple to clean. The door/facade is plastic, while the body is enamel. Although I don't like microwaves, they are useful, and this one is attractive, so we are both content. A lovely Robin's egg blue, 5he blue. strong cord that is easy to lift



Panasonic Compact Microwave Oven with 1200 Watts of Cooking Power, Sensor Cooking, Popcorn Button, Quick 30sec and Turbo Defrost - NN-SN65KB - 1.2 cu. ft (Black) Review:


PROS 1: Heats quickly and uniformly.2) It defrosts more evenly and quickly than my previous Panasonic microwaves.3) A manufactured home's wiring, which appears to be 12AWG wiring, has not yet tripped the 20A breaker.4) Reheating beverages and coffee is a breeze, especially with the up/down add/minus setting that is included.5. The glass tray has not yet derail! Awesome! The glass plate still sticks to the track even after cleaning!CONS1) The grill function can brown and cook food, but it needs greater heat to do so more quickly. Making toast can take up to three minutes per side of the bread, and the high duty fan's use can help reduce the amount of energy used. However, this might be sufficient to dispose of the old toaster in the trash. The grill option will probably be a suitable replacement for dorm occupants and a long-desired feature!2) Compared to a 10-key digit pad, a keypad looks to be more simpler to use. But it would be good if the keypad names were backlit!3) I detest pressing Start after every entry. I want the microwave would start once I enter the settings and close the door. (The Start key should be the next to disappear. I detest having to remind someone to do anything twice!)4) The pre-programmed sensor cook appears to be just as buggy as my Panasonic microwave units from ten to twenty years ago, but it does work for some foods. Even with the limited feature minus/down key selected, sensor reheat appears to slightly overcook (190F). Instead than continuously consulting the paper handbook, I usually just utilize the manual grill, grill/microwave combination, and basic microwave functions.5) The lighting appears adequate but could be a little brighter. The microwave glass is screened, making it difficult to view. (In my opinion, the only task for which I regularly peek inside the microwave window is to make sure the butter isn't boiling.)REMARKS ON PREVIOUS REVIEWSA lighthearted aside: Since the product's initial release on Amazon.com on March 14, 2019, all reviews have been Vine Amazon.com reviews. Most likely, this is the first review where the product has really been purchased. (What's amusing further is that most evaluations simply restate what is stated in the product's name.)DECORATIVE LIGHTINGThe tiny LED light illuminates the interior sufficiently for cleaning while illuminating only the shadowy sections. However, I hardly ever glance into the microwave to watch food as it cooks because the transparent Plexiglas is covered, blocking my view of any burning or smoldering activity. However, one normally notices the burning or smoke much sooner. I'm not sure if the light is strong enough, so I'm at a loss.I just tried melting butter or margarine on the defrost setting (at 1-2 oz. ), and with the light levels now, I can plainly see the item melting through the microwave's window, including the back or dark regions. Whereas earlier reviewers complained that it was too dark while using, shrugs. The LED lighting is a very cold or blue spectrum light, which encourages strong contrasts/details with a lot less light than warmer spectrum LED light, which may be one reason why I can probably see the butter/margarine melt with the dim LED lighting.VENTINGBuyers should be aware that the unit has a vent at the top rear, possibly for infrared cooking, as well as the standard fan area on the back side. (See image.) It is unknown whether this infrared heating feature venting will, when placed directly beneath a cabinet for an extended period of time, harm the underside of the cabinet with smoke, odor, or accumulation.BUTTONSThe buttons on the front of this microwave are easy for me to use because I've been using microwaves for more than 35 years, if I can remember. To put it another way, it is not necessary to press extra buttons to include certain numerical integers for time values (such as multiple zeros), just to add time. I don't understand why folks claim that a full 10-digit keypad is required for entering a time value in their reviews. And I've only used the microwave a short while for preliminary testing! Instead of using push buttons, which I have always preferred over flat-faced number pads, today's buttons typically have plastic-engineered components and eventually stop working after prolonged use. For people who have poor vision, buttons are very convenient. I'll probably have to update my assessment with regards to cleaning them or dirt issues.REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL POWERFor measuring voltage, watts, and amps, I just so happen to have a watt meter. The watt meter shows occasional 12–13 amps with an average of 10–11 amps while utilizing the infrared/microwave capability for one minute. The NEC's 80% requirement for circuit amperage ratings is extremely close to being met here. (For instance, a 15 amp circuit that is only using 12 amps at any one time.) Depending on the condition of the electrical wiring, receptacles, and breakers in your home, your 15 amp circuit/receptacle may be able to power this microwave without any issues. (I don't have an electrician's license, but in my free time, I study a lot of technical documents.) Fortunately, the refrigerator and the wall outlets (for the microwave) were 20 amps wired in this constructed home. However, the current NEC rule mandates a 20 amp dedicated circuit for the microwave and a separate dedicated circuit for the refrigerator. The house wire may overheat and/or the microwave internals may release more heat than typical if your wiring is insufficient, which is likely for the grill/microwave combination function. The outcome is probably an early electrical failure for your microwave and/or house breaker, etc. (I just hope someone didn't just remove the 15 amp breaker from a 15 amp circuit and swap it out for a 20 amp breaker.) I'll need to remove the breaker or receptacle and make sure the house's wiring is 12 gauge rather than 14 gauge by measuring it.)GRILLING/INFRAREDSo far, the grilling and infrared features are fantastic! See the accompanying photo for proof of some well browned buns!Heating a frozen Whole Foods French Light Hamburger Bun with infrared and grilling:Thawed in one minute2 minutes = warmed/toasted in accordance with cancer-free standards.Toasted after 3 minutes; well-toasted after 4 minutes.After that, toasted cheeseA second image of toasted Whole Foods sourdough bread that had been turned halfway through grilling was added.Another image of a slice of Whole Foods Fire (Wheat) bread that had been lightly toasted utilizing the 10 minute grill mode had been added. Using a medium-low grill and giving each side 10 minutes is my best guess. And a different toasting time will probably be needed for each type of bread. Shrugs.)The benefit of using the microwave for toasting is that it is simpler to clean.TIPS



Black + Decker 0.7 Cubic Foot 700 Watt Stainless Steel Microwave with Turntable Review:


I'm amazed by how much the reviews seem to despise this; I have no idea why. This has been used by my 4-person household for nearly a year, and we all like it. In terms of size, I rather prefer a tiny kitchen appliance to a huge one. My kitchen is not even a small kitchen. What more could you want for if it fits a dinner plate as well? Despite the fact that large dinner plates cannot fit. For usage in the microwave, I purchased a 10.5" glass plate from Ace Hardware because it fits well and glass heats more effectively than ceramic. Regarding the timer being challenging to use, it contains buttons for 30 seconds, 1 minute, every minute, and so on. The only thing you can't get precisely is something that cooks in less than 30 seconds, but I don't mind waiting a few seconds for something to happen. You're actually just standing there for a short while! I suppose if you only needed 45 seconds, you would press 30 and wait 15 seconds for the bell to ring. I believe that some people are too harsh. However, I only reheat food in there; I don't cook. Because of its low wattage, you may need to increase time, as when cooking a frozen burrito. But I truly enjoy it! And there is scarcely any counter space required. Thanks -



Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN936B Black Countertop with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 2.2 Cu. Ft, 1250W Review:


2018-06-13-122924I spent $350 on my first microwave in 1987. It was a KENMORE 7218783580 MICROWAVE, and it worked without a hitch from 1987 until last week. Nothing broken or burned out till last week. The door's plastic component failed, causing the locking mechanism to malfunction. It was decided to look for a new microwave because the part needed to fix the lock was unavailable and patching up the present lock did not seem wise.As a replacement for my tried-and-true KENMORE, I chose the PANASONIC NN-SN966S after researching microwaves and reviews on AMAZON.COM (and other websites). The Panasonic microwave I ordered came on Tuesday, June 5, and was put into use on Tuesday evening.PROS:** This unit looks fantastic.It conveniently fits in the microwave-allocated space in my kitchen.It effectively cooks food.CONS:I find it annoying to have to unlock the microwave's door with a button and then open the door separately.** Fingerprints and palm prints are plainly visible on the stainless steel areas of the face, which include the door handle and button.The keypad is a pad of buttons that appears to be similar to those used on some cell phones, where contacts are hidden under layers of plastic, and pressing the contacts together activates the switch. It is not a touch pad or a set of mechanical switches. I haven't had much success with switches like this in the past.** It was extremely inefficient to access the POWER LEVEL FUNCTION. In my last microwave, you had to press a button to cook something for two minutes at half power.POWER 5 START TIME 2 0 0If you want to perform the same action on this new PANASONIC microwave, you must pushTIME 2 0 0 START POWER (100%) POWER (90%) POWER (80%) POWER (70%) POWER (60%) POWER (50%)Old has 7 buttons, whereas the new has 11. Old prevails. Old = 7 buttons, New = 12 buttons if you want power 2.This seemed to indicate that the POWER BUTTON would see a lot of use and would likely have problems before the control panel's less-used buttons.** The door and the time display both developed steam or condensation inside (please see the attached photographs; the red underlined areas indicate condensation behind plastic panel).** The internal light was a tiny LED that either didn't illuminate the interior well enough for the cooking process to be seen through the door, or the door tint was too dark.The cabinet does not have any handles or hand holes for raising this unit.** Since there doesn't appear to be a way to switch off the turntable, if something can't freely rotate inside the oven, it will either hit the walls or slide about on the platter. The volume of the interior (2.2 cu ft) and the usable space must differ by this amount (1.4 cu ft).SUMMARY:Although the Panasonic NN-SN966S is a really great microwave, I have replaced it with a Kenmore Elite 79399 2.2 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter - Black after doing some additional research (last picture below). Although the KENMORE is a bit more expensive and has less favorable reviews than the PANASONIC, I think it better meets my needs. I'll soon be doing a review on the KENMORE 79399.



Farberware Classic FMO11AHTBKD 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1000-Watt Microwave Oven with LED Lighting, Copper Review:


This is a small, high-power microwave oven. A full dinner plate can be heated in under a minute with 1000 watts of power, two potatoes can be baked in ten minutes, and a quart of ice cream can be made to be more readily spoon-served in ten seconds. The unit is an acceptable option for a kitchen countertop because to its small size. It is 14.5 "That's a few inches shallower than a conventional full-sized microwave oven, not including the front handle. Of course, this has the drawback of leaving less room in the oven. A serving plate won't fit, but a full dinner plate would. The oven is approximately 14" x 13" x 7.5" ". Although the interior is dark gray, that contributes to the impression that it is fairly darkly lit. (My full-size Sears Kenmore oven measures 16 "x 16" x 9.5", as an example). This Farberware appliance has a 12.5-inch rotating glass platter "to the diameter.The settings are simple. On the front panel, there is the customary green LED clock and a touchpad for quickly entering power and duration settings. Without touching any other buttons, pushing buttons 1 through 6 activates an instant-on feature that lasts for one to six minutes at full power. Other than that, you can choose your preferred power level and time, as well as particular options for drinks, popcorn, pizza, potatoes, frozen vegetables, and a dinner plate. As the oven operates, it makes its regular amount of noise, and five beeps signal its completion. When the microwave has finished heating your meal, it won't beep again to remind you like other ovens do if you completely forget about it (I happen to find the reminder beeps annoying, but opinions may vary for those who have discovered day old cooked food in their own ovens).The door can be opened by pulling on the handle alone, eliminating the need to look for the "open" button that other ovens can make tricky to find. The overall construction quality is good, and the design, which combines black and steel, is appealing. This is ideal for a person with a small kitchen or for use in an office. Large families who are less concerned with the amount of room a necessary kitchen appliance takes up will probably prefer a larger oven.



Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, Easy Clean Interior, ECO Mode and Sound On/Off, 1.2 Cu.ft, 1100W, Black Stainless Steel Review:


I was looking for a countertop because we had moved into a new home without a range microwave. After using it for a month, we are satisfied that it met our needs. I was searching for a rapid minute button with a bonus for 2-6 quick minute buttons and a quick 30 button that didn't require pressing any other buttons to start.Bonus points are awarded for the tiny footprint because to the limited counter area. Handle to open the door. >=1000w power.The footprint was the only thing that really fell short, but after making numerous comparisons, I discovered that it is very typical for a microwave of this size.We didn't require a high-end device with numerous bells and whistles. We don't utilize the settings or other features of this microwave because we really only need it to reheat leftovers. The butter boiled over when I attempted to use the butter melt/soften feature, thus I don't believe they worked all that well.We are quite pleased with this microwave overall! The options are significantly reduced when using a countertop microwave with a handle rather than a door-operating button, and I'm so glad we went with this one!



Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off ECO Mode and LED Lighting, 0.9 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Review:


[AMENDMENT AT END] I have owned numerous microwaves, and in 1974 I was the first person I know to purchase one. A modern marvel, people used to come over to test it. And wonder of wonders, this is the first microwave since the first one (a Gaffers and Sattler) to include instructions in the handbook on how to use aluminum foil in inventive ways when using the microwave! I had no idea you still had that option. For that knowledge alone, the purchase was worthwhile (I was an old hand at using foil- on the wings of chickens, with rolls, bread, things that cook too quickly compared to other parts of the meal). There was no skimping on the packaging; it came in a sturdy box inside another box, wrapped in styrofoam, and was simple to unload.I adore the aesthetics of this. I imagine it to have a bulky, vintage, mid-century aesthetic similar to the original Enterprise's food replicator. Even though I don't have the best vision, I can still read the buttons without my glasses because they are large and properly labeled. Similarly, the digital display's vivid green color and the interior light are both very bright. Every time I use it, I am pleased with the handle's thickness and solidity in my hands (I haven't used a microwave with an actual handle in years; it is SO much better; it feels decided, purposeful, and kinesthetically gratifying). The operation is simple, enjoyable, and intuitive (for the most part). I was in love with a fancy Panasonic microwave that used inverter technology, but it died after a few months, as is reportedly frequent with Panasonic microwaves. It's a trade-off because I much prefer the way this looks and functions (the Panasonic, for instance, lacked a number pad), but the cooking process does take a little bit longer.It is a blessing to be able to turn off the sound. I currently reside in my antique travel trailer and have two small finches that don't require constant vigilance (they answer the beeps with chirps). In relation to this, the door generally closes with a loud but not unpleasant thunk, but it may alternatively be closed gently and quietly if desired; after a week, I've already gotten used to it. When operating, the microwave is quieter than most. I also wanted to mention that the power level button wasn't functional, and I almost sent this back. What a moron, read the handbook if all else fails. After entering the cooking time, you can modify the power level.As with the many other Toshiba items I've bought over the years, I so far adore this one and hope it lasts a very long time. (After my experience with the inferior Panasonic, I decided to get the three-year warranty, which cost only $6.) But I'll update this review if it breaks or has other issues. I appreciate Toshiba.UPDATE: Due to a senior moment, I neglected to microwave the frozen lasagna. I manually scheduled it to start in seven minutes. The microwave went dead after around five minutes while I was occupied with other kitchen tasks. Nothing at all: no electricity, no display. Inside, it was VERY HOT. I was afraid I had blown a fuse or worse. The owner's manual was nowhere to be found. Nothing happened when I tried unplugging and replugging it. There is no backward reset button. I'm very ashamed of myself. I believed I would need to get it serviced or replaced. After cooling off for about 15 minutes, it came back to life and worked perfectly. I appreciate Toshiba.



AmazonBasics Microwave, Small, 0.7 Cu. Ft, 700W, Works with Alexa Review:


You need Adobe Flash Player to view this video.Download Flash Player.If you live in an apartment, this tiny microwave is a smart choice.



Kenmore Black 70919 Countertop Microwave, 0.9 cu. ft Review:


It has been around for a while, so a review is overdue. Although quite small, it is really nicely built. especially if your kitchen isn't particularly spacious. I decided to stick with Kenmore because I previously owned one and it lasted me years. Just to be clear, it did not let me down. I didn't have to deal with salesmen from Best Buy or Sears pushing extras; I received a reasonable offer here on Amazon. I believe I got it the day after I bought it. If you want a microwave that is a respectable size, I highly recommend this brand in general and this particular model in particular.



Panasonic Compact Microwave Oven with 900 Watts of Cooking Power, Popcorn Button, Quick 30sec and Auto Defrost - NN-SB458S - 0.9 cu. ft (Black) Review:


This microwave caught my eye because it features a sensor that performs as intended. Place a plate of cold food inside, select Sensor Reheat, and regardless of the amount of food, it will heat it for the appropriate period of time to reach the desired temperature. Some other microwaves offer a Reheat button that just provides a predetermined period of time without a sensor, which is useless. Reheat used to signify it had a sensor, however it appears that this has changed and you now need to look for the phrase Sensor.A sensor cook button is also present, but I don't think it's helpful. After pressing the Sensor Cook button, you must press one of the numbers 1 through 12 for each type of food as specified in the instructions. It is useless if you don't have the manual. You can neither read the codes on the screen nor find them printed on the oven. What exactly is being detected is unclear to me because you must account for the amount of food even if you know the number.When you open the door, the light doesn't turn on, as other people have mentioned (it goes on only while it is cooking). I don't mind because I can see inside the oven when I open the door quite clearly, and I enjoy that I can keep the door open to let the oven air out without worrying about a light burning. While it is cooking, you must use the light to make sure nothing is overflowing.I would choose a handle over a 2 inch by 1 inch rectangle for the door opening mechanism since it offers your hand a bigger target area to aim for when opening. It is not, however, a deal-breaker. The device itself works perfectly. In contrast to several other reviewers here who complained about it, I find that it opens and closes smoothly and without much effort.The Keep Warm feature is something I'm looking forward to using. That sounds practical.I prefer using just a few integers to establish the time. Over the years, I've become accustomed to pressing the 11, 22, 33, and so forth, fine-tuning the duration while reducing the number of button hits. In other modern microwaves, you cannot do that because the numbers refer to minutes rather than seconds, but not in this microwave. A one-minute rapid start button is there. It would be convenient to have a 10-second rapid start button and to begin without pressing Start.I'm satisfied with this microwave overall. The Sensor Heat performs as I had anticipated. I deducted a rating because there was what I believed to be an unnecessary Sensor Cook button and no handle.


How many watts is a normal microwave?

Most microwaves on the market today are between 600 and 1,200 watts. The wattage will be listed on the appliance and is usually between 100 and 1,000. The higher the wattage, the faster the food will cook.

Is 1200 watt microwave too much?

Is 900 watts a good microwave?

900 watts is a good microwave. It is powerful and can heat up food quickly. It is also energy efficient and will save you money on your electric bill.

Is a 1200 watt microwave good?

A 1200 watt microwave should be powerful enough to cook most food items. It is important to check the wattage of your microwave before purchasing to ensure it will meet your needs.

What are common problems with microwave?

There are a number of common problems that can occur with microwaves. These include: the microwave not heating food properly, the door not sealing properly, the turntable not rotating, and the unit making strange noises. In most cases, these problems can be easily fixed by the consumer. However, if the problem persists, it is best to contact a qualified technician for assistance.

What are the signs that a microwave is going bad?

If your microwave is starting to show signs of wear and tear, it may be time to start shopping for a replacement. Here are some signs that a microwave is going bad: 1. The door doesn't close properly. 2. The interior light is burned out. 3. The buttons are worn out or hard to press. 4. The microwave doesn't heat food evenly. 5. The turntable doesn't rotate properly. If your microwave is exhibiting any of these signs, it's probably time for a new one.