Today, we will give you the fact based reviews about the Best Countertop Microwave Oven. Countertop Microwaves are kitchen’s essential for those who need easy and quick cooking solutions. Concord has a great countertop microwave oven whether you are reheating your leftovers, defrosting frozen food or cooking an entire meal.
These are versatile appliances that these days have made themselves necessary and indispensable, so they are present in homes, offices and even in dorm rooms.
This guide will review the important details for Countertop Microwave Ovens, and the five best currently available. The pros, cons and vital factors regarding the right microwave for you will be covered.
Why to Choose a Countertop Microwave Oven?
1. Ease of Use
+Countertop microwave ovens are easier to set up than the built-in or over the range models. It works with a power outlet and nothing more! These models offer no complicated installation or renovation, which makes them ideal for both renters, students or anyone in need of a quick fix.
2. Versatility
+While a good countertop microwave oven can simply reheat food, it can do so much more. Today, quite a number of models are equipped with advanced features like that of grilling, convection cooking and even some air frying.
The functions you are adding, make your microwave an all in one cooking appliance.
3. Affordability
+Built in versus countertop models are typically much more costly than they are. Most built-in microwaves tend to cost more than high end models with advanced features, and so are a budget friendly choice for consumers who just want basic functionality.
4. Portability
+Counter top microwaves are moved since they aren’t permanently installed. But this portability is especially handy for folks who move around a lot, such as college students or renters.
5. Energy-Efficient
+A conventional oven consumes a lot more energy than a countertop microwave oven. The food is heated by microwaves in the cooking process, and because the energy doesn’t have to travel through conductors or other heat dissipating material, that means less energy is being wasted.
Microwave is the much more efficient tool for rehating food and defrosting frozen items of course. That is why it is an environmentally friendly option for everyday cooking.
6. Wide Variety of Cooking Functions
+Most modern countertop microwave ovens comes with a selection of basic heating features, but also many more advanced features.
These models and come with grill, convection and air fryer options that let you bake, roast, or grill the food as you would with a plain oven, or to reheat it. These multi functional microwaves are a good option to cover most of the dishes related to cooking, thereby eliminating the need to have multiple appliances in the kitchen.
- Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet
- Power: 1,250 watts
- Technology: Inverter for even cooking
- Genius Sensor: for automatic cooking adjustments
- 14 preset auto-cook options
If the microwave you are searching for has to power to heat large amounts of food efficiently, this is one of the most powerful countertop microwaves found. It packs a huge 2.2 cubic foot capacity and 1,250 watts of power, will handle almost any task.
Inverter Technology is featured which provides steady power for better cooking and texture of your food. The Genius Sensor also automatically adjusts the cooking time depending on the level of moisture of the food so you can obtain perfect results each and every time.
PROS
- Large capacity ideal for families
- Powerful for quick cooking
- Inverter Technology
- Smart Sensors
CONS
- May not fit small kitchens
- Higher price
- Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
- Power:1,100 watts
- Sensor Reheat for optimal heating
- 10 power levels
- Eco-mode for energy efficiency
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is a very good mix of affordability and performance. Having a 1.2 cubic foot capacity and 1,100 watts of power, it works for the bulk of homes.
Sensor Reheat function allows even and efficient heating by automatically adjusting cooking time and temperature on the basis of the food type inserted.
With its large easy to read control panel and sleek finishes, this model also includes a black stainless steel finish that adds a touch of modern design to your kitchen.
PROS
- Affordable price
- Stylish design with a black stainless steel finish
- Sensor Reheat ensures even cooking
- Eco-mode helps save energy
CONS
- No grill or convection options
- Slightly smaller capacity than larger models
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Power:1,000 watts
- Technology:Element iQ for precision cooking
- Soft close door for quiet operation
- Shortcuts panel for quick access to key functions
If you’re after a premium countertop microwave then the Breville BMO850BSS1BUC1 is an excellent choice, with Element iQ Technology assessing the cooking power and time for different foods and either adjusting it literally right on the fly or switching to a default setting to guarantee optimal results out of the box.
There’s also the shortcuts panel on the front of this smart microwave that lets you get to commonly used features like melting, defrost, and reheat easily.
The one thing that stands out is the soft close door, this is hands down one of the quietest models on the market. It is sleek stainless steel design, which makes it fit perfectly in any modern kitchen.
PROS
- Smart technology for precise cooking
- Sleek and modern design
- Quiet operation with soft close door
- Convenient shortcuts for easy use
CONS
- Expensive compared to other models
- Lacks convection or grilling features
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Power:700 watts
- Pre-programmed buttons for convenience
- Child safety lock for added security
If counter space is limited, then a pocket sized, budget friendly option such as the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a good choice.
Having a 0.7 cubic foot capacity and 700 watts of power, it is ideal for use in smaller households, dorm rooms, offices or even in small apartments.
It’s small in size, but comes with pre-programmed buttons that dispense popcorn, pizza and beverages. This is also a great microwave if you have young children at home and also offers a child safety lock.
PROS
- Affordable and compact
- Pre-programmed buttons make cooking easy
- Child safety lock
- Great for small kitchens or dorm rooms
CONS
- Low wattage (slower cooking time)
- Limited capacity
- No advanced features like grilling or convection
- Capacity:1.5 cubic feet
- Power:900 watts
- Convection cooking for baking and roasting
- Modern stainless steel design
- 10 power levels
Sharp SMC1585BS is a tricky microwave which both offers a microwave cooking and a convection cooking.
To a tune of 900 watts of power and 1.5 cubic feet of capacity, it can pull off baking, roasting, crisping and more. Because of this convection feature, you can cook food the same as you would in a regular oven, making this a good all in one solution for your kitchen.
With sleek and modern stainless steel look, it is a design feature. One thing this microwave does well is free up a bit of cooking versatility from the convection option.
PROS
- Convection feature allows for versatile cooking
- Large capacity
- Stainless steel design adds a modern touch
- Great for baking, roasting, and crisping
CONS
- Slower cooking due to lower wattage
- More expensive than basic models
Conclusion
1. Panasonic NN-SN686S: Large family needs Powerful microwave with large capacity with Inverter Technology.
2. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS: Ideal for people who want a low cost but high featured counterpart that complements price with function.
3. Breville BMO850BSS1BUC1: It’s perfect for the tech savvy cooks who want their smart features, precision cooking and high end design combined with quiet operation.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7: Perfect for people with little or no space available or who need something straightforward and compact to use for everyday reheating and defrosting.
5. Sharp SMC1585BS: A great choice for all sorts of cookings: microwaving, baking, roasting etc.
At quite affordable prices, these countertop microwave ovens have something unique to offer, so you have to consider your own individual needs. Regardless of if you could be a busy professional searching for rapid meals, a home chef who really loves to check out new cooking strategies, there’s a wonderful microwave oven for you.
One Comment on “Top 5 Best Countertop Microwave Oven Reviews”