Microwaves are a favorite because of their versatility, price, and affordability. The countertop microwave can do much more than just warming leftovers or heating frozen meals. You can steam vegetables like potatoes and spaghetti squash, or crisp bacon and make poached eggs. This will produce delicious results faster than a stovetop or oven. It’s not surprising that 96% of American households have a microwave, and more than two-thirds prefer countertop microwaves.
Countertop microwaves are more portable than built-in microwaves or over-the-range microwaves. There are many compact options available for small kitchens with limited counter space. They are also generally less expensive – the majority of countertop microwaves that we have evaluated in the last decade were under $300, and many of our top-rated microwaves for 2020 are below $100.
The Good House Institute’s Kitchen Appliances and Technology Lab has tested hundreds of microwaves over the years to identify the best models and brands. We test countertop microwaves to see how they can melt cheese, bake potatoes, make a meal of mac and cheese and meatloaf, defrost frozen ground beef, and pop popcorn. The control panel, position of the turntable, opening/closing the door, cleaning, and ease of use are all important. These are our top choices for countertop microwaves that you can purchase in 2021. They include a mix of models we tested at home and those that have received high reviews.
A countertop microwave with good features
There are many countertop microwaves available that will fit your style and space, but here are the most important features to consider:
- Turntables turn your food so it heats evenly. You would have to stop the cooking process midway to flip your plate. Some models can be used side-by-side. It is easier to clean removable ones.
- Although it may seem insignificant, the additional 30 seconds button makes a big difference. It allows you to quickly add or subtract time without pressing a series of buttons.
- These days, preset functions are common for popcorn, defrosting (based either on weight or quantity), and reheating. They are not always more expensive and tend to be less useful. So make sure you only buy the ones that meet your needs.
- Smart sensors automatically adjust the power and time for you by measuring the heat in the food. This eliminates the guesswork of determining how long to heat your food.
- The microwave’s power is measured in wattage. A 700-900 watt microwave is sufficient for small amounts of food preparation, such as making popcorn or defrosting small portions of vegetables. You’d need at least 1,000 watts to make it work. The majority of frozen meals heating instructions use a 1,100-watt microwave. Heating anything lower will simply make it take longer.
- Dimensions (also known as cubic feet) are important. You can’t fit an 11.5” dinner plate in the compact countertop microwave pick, and if you have a small kitchen, our top choice for large families might not work.
Is it safe to use microwaves?
Radiation leaking is a reason why you might have been warned not to look into your microwave while it cooks. There is no need to be concerned. The microwave emits a form of electromagnetic radiation called microwaves. This shakes the food molecules, which causes them to heat up. These microwaves can burn you, just like other harmful radiations such as X-rays. The FDA regulates microwaves to ensure that no radiation escapes. The door is sealed completely and the mesh inside blocks any radiation from getting out. Follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer and you will be fine!
Microwave Oven
Microwave Oven
We have recommended this countertop microwave in a smaller size and we still recommend it. The perfect combination of size, price, and power is this Toshiba 1.2-cubic feet model. You will find all the features you need, including presets for pizza, popcorn, and vegetables, as well as a child safety lock and one-touch express buttons that can be used for up to six minutes and an additional 30 seconds. The power level can be adjusted from one to ten to a maximum of 1,100 watts. This is the best power output for most uses. The cooking time will be faster if the wattage is higher. To prevent chocolate, butter, or cheese from getting too hot, the soften/melt setting for them is set to a lower power setting.
The handlebar is much more ergonomic than the push button to open the door. The mute button can be held down for five seconds to disable the alerts and beeps that sound when the cooking is complete. Smart sensor technology takes the guesswork out when it comes to reheating food. It measures humidity and automatically adjusts time and power levels. Some people miss the sound that alerts you when food has been left in the microwave. You can choose from a stylish black or stainless steel finish.
Dimensions 20.5 x 17.1x 12.8 inches
Wattage 1,100 watts
Size 1.2 cubic feet
It is why we love it
- The perfect combination of price, size, and useful features.
Take note
- There were no alerts about heating food left in the microwave.
Digital Microwave Oven
HAMILTON BEACH
Digital Microwave Oven
Although the Hamilton Beach microwave is affordable, it does not compromise on performance. The microwave has a power output rating of 1,000 watts. This is a feature that is usually only found on models with a higher price. It has all the essential features, including an additional 30 seconds button, a child safety lock, and six cooking presets for potatoes (popcorn, pizza, and beverage) (one push for every 4 ounces, which is great for reheating coffee). One-touch express buttons that can be used in one to six minutes, frozen dinner, and reheat. The kitchen timer can be used simultaneously with the cook cycle, which we love. You can mount it on the wall but it does not have venting like many microwaves. It makes a loud, whooshing sound that some reviewers report does not affect the heat of the food.
Dimensions 21.2 x 16.1x 11.8 inches
Wattage 1,000 watts
Size 1.1 cubic feet
It is why we love it
Take note
- Heating food can make the motor very loud.
Microwave amazon basics
Microwave amazon basics
There has been little innovation in microwave technology for years. Then Amazon launched its AmazonBasics microwave, which allows you to speak to it and tell it to heat your food. Although the microwave is only $60, it can be used with an Alexa-enabled device such as an Echo or Echo Dot, which range from $40 to $80. The microwave can be operated by voice or manually using a child lock. It is a great feature that the microwave remains locked even after being unplugged and plugged in again.
Although the manual microwave functions can be used without Alexa, the controls on the control panel have limited features. There is a timer and a power button. The add 30 seconds button has three presets: popcorn, weight defrost, and timed defrost. Amazon keeps adding new presets and voice commands to allow you to access smarter features such as “defrost eight ounces ground beef” or “reheat one mug of coffee”. This compact microwave has 700-watt power output. It will take longer to heat food. You can fit a 10-inch dinner plate, but nothing bigger. __S.98__
Dimensions 14.1 x 17.3×10.1 inches
Wattage 700 watts
Size 0.7 cubic feet
It is why we love it
- Voice activation is possible for certain functions.
Take note
- Plates over 10 inches will not fit.
- The features of a standalone microwave (without connecting it to an Alexa-enabled device) are very limited.
Digital Microwave Oven
BLACK + DECKER
Digital Microwave Oven
This compact Black + Decker microwave is great for those with limited counter space, or who only need a microwave to reheat or cook small quantities of food. The 10-inch turntable is small enough to hold a small dinner plate or mug. It cannot accommodate anything larger. The interior dimensions of the turntable are approximately 12 x 13x 8 inches.
You can program up to three functions that you use most. The control panel’s key functions include black letters on a grey background. This can make it difficult for dim lighting to read.
Dimensions 19.1 x 14.8x 11.5 inches
Wattage 900 watts
Size 0.9 cubic feet
It is why we love it
- It’s sleek and fashionable.
Take note
- It may be difficult for some to see the control panel.
- Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave
Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave Breville
Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave Breville
Breville appliances are built with care, such as this microwave which is an air-fryer and convection oven. We love their thoughtful design. The soft-close door is claimed to be up to 80 percent quieter than most microwaves on the market. No longer do we have to remind our children to close the microwave door gently. Even if the door is slammed it will catch and close quietly. The controls panel is large with the buttons slightly raised. An ergonomic dial replaces the numeric keypad and toggles between minutes and seconds very quickly.
The device has pre-programmed buttons to defrost and reheat, popcorn and beverage. It also features a food menu with presets for “baked”, “baked”, and “reheating pizza” – these codes are coded so it might take some time to remember which code corresponds with which function. The food heats evenly and consistently, according to reviewers.
Dimensions 19.1 x 16.4x 11.5 inches
Wattage 900 watts
Size 0.9 cubic feet
It is why we love it
- Heat food evenly and consistently.
- The control panel is simple to use.
Take note
Microwave Oven PANASONIC
This Panasonic microwave is fast due to two factors: It has 1,250 watts (one of the most powerful we tested) and an inverter that heats food faster and more evenly. Microwaves are known to mimic low heat, turning the power off and on repeatedly. This can lead to uneven cooking. It can also take longer. Inverters allow for continuous power delivery without the need to stop and go. Our tests showed that microwaves equipped with inverters were able to heat food evenly and bake potatoes well, but they couldn’t freeze ground beef like regular microwaves. Smart sensors detect the steam in the food and adjust power and cooking time accordingly to ensure the best results.
You’ll find a quick 30, a more or a less button to adjust cook time in 10-second increments, a quick-minute timer, a delay feature, and a child safety lock. The keep-warm function, which can run for up to 30 mins after a cook cycle has ended, is a great feature. It can also be added at the beginning of the cook cycle. There are 14 presets available for the sensor cook button, including fish fillets and oatmeal. But keep your owner’s manual handy as there are many codes to remember.
It comes in white, stainless steel, or black.
Dimensions 21.8 x 19.1×12 inches
Wattage 1,250 watts
Size 1.6Cubic feet
It is why we love it
- Heat food evenly.
- You can increase or decrease the cooking time by ten seconds increments.
Take note
- It is not the best way to defrost ground beef.
Panasonic Microwave Oven GE
Panasonic Microwave Oven GE
Since its introduction more than a decade ago, the Panasonic microwave has been a favorite of ours. This microwave has a capacity of 1.6 cubic feet and is great for large families.
It cooked food evenly and did not leave any cold spots. We also tested it by steaming broccoli perfectly using its sensors. Smart sensors measure the steam that is released from the food and adjusts the cooking time. The inverter on this model heats food faster and more evenly.
Dimensions 12 x 19.1x 21.8 inches
Wattage 1,250 watts
Size 1.6 cubic feet
It is why we love it
- Large enough to hold a large casserole that can feed a group.
- Heat food evenly and consistently.
Take note
- It takes up a lot of space.