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10 Best Countertop Microwaves 2025 in the United States

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#1

Winner

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1100W, Silver

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable microwave with a good mix of features. With a capacity of 1.2 cubic feet, it accommodates larger plates and can even fit a 12-inch pizza, making it ideal for families or individuals who cook for multiple people. The microwave operates at 1100 watts, ensuring that your food heats up quickly and evenly, which is a significant advantage for busy kitchens.

One of the standout features is its pre-programmed sensor menu that optimizes heating for various foods, including pizza and veggies, which simplifies cooking. Additionally, the microwave includes a humidity sensor, helping to prevent overcooking. The control panel is user-friendly, with a large digital display, making it easy to select settings even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the microwave has a mute function, some users may find the buzzer sound to be persistent if not muted, which could be a nuisance in quieter households. The design, while attractive in stainless steel, may show fingerprints more easily, requiring regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. Furthermore, the weight of 34.6 pounds means it may not be as portable or easy to move around as lighter models.

In terms of safety features, the child lock is a welcome addition for families with young children. The easy clean interior is another practical aspect, ensuring maintenance is less of a chore. With a one-year warranty, you also get some peace of mind regarding any potential issues.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is well-suited for family use or for those who frequently cook larger meals. It offers practical features and a stylish design, but keep in mind its weight and maintenance needs when considering your kitchen setup.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Size and Capacity
The microwave's interior is spacious and easy to clean.
Wattage
With 1100 watts of power, it handles tasks like reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen meals, and cooking popcorn consistently well.
Pre-programmed Settings
The one-touch presets, such as 'Popcorn' and 'Reheat' buttons, are convenient and save time.
Turntable
The turntable is the perfect size for most standard plates and ensures even heating.
Control Panel
User-friendly controls and a clear digital display make it easy to navigate.
Inverter Technology
Inverter technology ensures more consistent cooking by delivering steady, even power output, preventing hotspots.
#2

Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor, 6 Menus, Auto Defrost, ECO Mode, Mute Option & 16.5" Position Memory Turntable, 2.2 Cu Ft, 1200W, Stainless Steel

The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a well-rounded countertop microwave, boasting a large 2.2 cubic feet capacity and 1200 watts of power, making it ideal for larger families or those who cook substantial meals. Its ample size can easily fit a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken, making it versatile for various cooking needs. The microwave features an intuitive humidity sensor that helps to evenly heat food and maintain moisture, which is beneficial for achieving optimal results.

The six pre-programmed menus add convenience for common food items like bacon, chicken pieces, and beverages, simplifying the cooking process. Another practical feature is the auto-defrost function, which offers specific settings for different types of meat, simulating natural defrosting conditions for better results. Its ECO Mode and mute option are thoughtful additions for energy saving and minimizing noise. The position memory turntable ensures the turntable returns to its starting position after use, which is handy for consistent placement of dishes. Additionally, the child safety lock enhances kitchen safety for families with young children.

However, the microwave’s larger size might be cumbersome for kitchens with limited counter space. While the stainless steel design is sleek, it may show fingerprints and require regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. Users looking for advanced features like inverter technology might be disappointed, as this model does not include it. Yet, for most household needs, this microwave offers a great balance of power, capacity, and useful features.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Size and Capacity
The large capacity provides plenty of room inside for large dishes, fitting large plates and bowls with ease.
Wattage
The microwave heats food quickly, often requiring reduced cooking times for commonly used items.
Turntable
The rotating tray's ability to return to its default position saves you from reaching awkwardly across hot items to grab handles.
Control Panel
The controls are not particularly user-friendly and sometimes require more than one push to activate a function.
#3

COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7 Cu Ft, Black

The Comfee EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and lightweight option with a 0.7 cubic feet capacity, suitable for small households or limited kitchen space. Its 700 watts of power is on the lower end, making it best for reheating and simple cooking tasks rather than heavy-duty cooking.

This microwave includes several pre-programmed settings like popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, and reheat, which add convenience for common tasks. The 10-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking by rotating the food. The control panel is user-friendly with easy one-touch buttons and a bright digital display. The child safety lock feature provides an extra layer of safety for households with children.

Additionally, the Eco Mode helps save energy by reducing standby power consumption by up to 50%. While it lacks inverter technology, which could result in less precise cooking, the microwave compensates with other practical features like the mute function, express cooking options, and dual defrost settings. The compact size and reasonable price make it a great choice for those needing a basic, reliable microwave without advanced cooking technologies.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Size and Capacity
Compact and lightweight, perfect for small spaces and easy to fit into a cabinet.
Wattage
Requires a bit more cooking time due to its 700W power, but still delivers good results.
Pre-programmed Settings
Convenient pre-programmed settings add to the ease of use, especially for common tasks like reheating and cooking simple dishes.
Turntable
The included glass turntable ensures even cooking, enhancing food quality.
Control Panel
User-friendly design with straightforward controls, making it simple for anyone to operate.

Buying Guide for the Best Countertop Microwaves

Choosing the right countertop microwave can make a big difference in your kitchen experience. A microwave is a versatile appliance that can help you quickly heat up leftovers, cook meals, and even bake. When selecting a countertop microwave, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and fits well in your kitchen space. Here are the key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Size and CapacitySize and capacity refer to the physical dimensions of the microwave and the amount of space inside it. This is important because you need to ensure the microwave fits on your countertop and can accommodate the dishes you plan to use. Microwaves typically range from compact (0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet) to mid-size (1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet) to large (1.6 cubic feet and above). If you have limited counter space or only need to heat small items, a compact microwave may be sufficient. For larger families or if you plan to cook larger meals, a mid-size or large microwave would be more appropriate.
WattageWattage indicates the power of the microwave, which affects how quickly and evenly it can cook food. Higher wattage means faster cooking times and more even heating. Microwaves typically range from 600 to 1200 watts. If you mostly use the microwave for simple tasks like reheating and defrosting, a lower wattage (600-800 watts) may be adequate. For more complex cooking tasks or if you want faster results, look for a microwave with higher wattage (900-1200 watts).
Pre-programmed SettingsPre-programmed settings are preset cooking times and power levels for specific types of food, such as popcorn, pizza, or vegetables. These settings can make cooking more convenient and ensure better results. If you frequently cook a variety of foods in the microwave, look for a model with a wide range of pre-programmed settings. If you only use the microwave for basic tasks, fewer settings may be sufficient.
TurntableA turntable is a rotating glass plate inside the microwave that helps to evenly distribute heat by moving the food around. This is important for ensuring that food cooks evenly. Most microwaves come with a turntable, but some higher-end models offer a flatbed design without a turntable, which can provide more usable space. If you often cook large or irregularly shaped dishes, a flatbed microwave might be a better choice. Otherwise, a turntable is usually sufficient for most needs.
Control PanelThe control panel is the interface you use to operate the microwave. It can be digital or mechanical. Digital control panels offer more precise control and additional features like timers and pre-programmed settings, while mechanical dials are simpler and more straightforward to use. If you prefer a modern look and more functionality, a digital control panel is a good choice. If you want something easy to use and reliable, a mechanical control panel might be better.
Child LockA child lock is a safety feature that prevents the microwave from being operated by children. This is important for households with young children to prevent accidental use and potential injuries. If you have young children at home, look for a microwave with a child lock feature. If this is not a concern for you, this feature may not be necessary.
Inverter TechnologyInverter technology allows the microwave to deliver a consistent level of power, which can result in more even cooking and better texture for certain foods. Traditional microwaves cycle the power on and off, which can lead to uneven cooking. If you often cook delicate foods or want the best possible cooking results, consider a microwave with inverter technology. If you primarily use the microwave for basic tasks, this feature may not be essential.

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