Choosing the best countertop microwaves for your home can feel like weaving through a maze. I totally get it, given the sea of brands and models out there, it’s hard to discern which option truly deserves your attention.
But don’t stress, I’ve rolled up my sleeves and spent countless hours researching and testing different models to present you with a painstakingly hand-picked list of the top 10 countertop microwaves ready to take center stage in 2023.
Keen on elevating your culinary game? Let’s dive deep into these kitchen trailblazers and find that flawless mate for your cooking adventures today!
Key Takeaways
- The top 10 best countertop microwaves for 2023 have been carefully selected based on factors like brand reputation, size, smart features, and durability.
- These microwaves offer efficient cooking capabilities, adjustable power levels, and even heating for delicious meals every time.
- Some notable models include the Farberware Classic Microwave Oven with its high power output and spacious capacity, the TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS Countertop Microwave Oven with its silent mode and energy-saving feature, and the Insignia NS-MW07BK0 with its compact size and superior heating consistency.
- Other options like the Galanz ExpressWave provide larger capacity and faster cooking times at an affordable price.
How We Selected the Best Countertop Microwaves
To select the best countertop microwaves of 2023, we considered factors such as brand reputation, size and space requirements, smart features and program modes, ventilation and placement options, as well as lifespan and durability.
We conducted thorough testing to ensure that the microwaves we recommend are reliable, compact, user-friendly, energy-efficient, high-performing, stylish, and affordable for our audience’s needs.
Factors considered
I took a good look at many things to pick the top microwaves for 2023. Here are the things I noticed:
- Cooking Efficiency: It’s key for a microwave to cook food well and fast.
- User-Friendly Design: The buttons and screens should be easy to use.
- Even Heating: Food needs to heat up all over, not just in some spots.
- Rapid Heating: Because who likes waiting around for food?
- Size Options: You need something that fits your kitchen just right.
- Extra Features: Little bonuses like air frying can make a big difference.
- Heating Effectiveness: Some microwaves heat better than others!
Testing process
I put each microwave through a careful testing process to choose the best. I compared them based on how well they heat and defrost food. I also used frozen burritos in my test, just like CNN did.
Heat time, even cooking, and ease of use were big factors for me. My goal was to find a microwave that can do its job fast and do it right every time. Affordability also played a role in my test since not everyone has tons of money to spend on kitchen devices.
Lastly, I made sure all facts about models were up-to-date before picking the overall best choice for 2023.
Top 10 Best Countertop Microwave Ovens
In this section, we will be discussing the top 10 best countertop microwaves of 2023.
Panasonic Microwave Oven
The Panasonic Microwave Oven is a top-rated microwave for 2023. This kitchen appliance wins with its size and good name. It offers a lot of space to cook food fast and easy. Many people have said good things about it on Amazon.
You can trust this microwave to do its job well and last a long time in your home, no matter where you live.
Farberware Classic Microwave Oven
The Farberware Classic Microwave Oven is one of the top 10 best countertop microwaves for 2023. With its high power output of 1000 watts, it ensures quick and efficient cooking capabilities.
It has a spacious capacity of 1.1 cu ft, allowing you to cook large meals or heat up multiple dishes at once. The microwave offers ten adjustable power levels, giving you control over the intensity of your cooking.
It also features multi-stage cooking options, so you can easily set different power levels and times for each stage of your recipe. The press-and-go speed settings make it convenient to quickly start heating food with just a touch of a button.
TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS Countertop Microwave Oven
The TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is one of the top 10 best countertop microwaves of 2023. It has a cooking capacity of 0.9 cubic feet, which means you can easily fit in your favorite dishes and snacks.
The microwave comes with a removable turntable that is 10.6 inches in size, allowing for even heating and easy cleaning.
With a power output of 900 watts, this microwave oven can quickly heat up your food and beverages. It also features six preprogrammed settings that make it easy to cook popular items like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes with just the touch of a button.
One great feature of this Toshiba microwave is its silent mode, which allows you to mute all beeping sounds if you prefer a quieter operation. There’s also an energy-saving mode that helps reduce power consumption when the oven is not in use.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is one of the top 10 best countertop microwaves of 2023. It has a sleek stainless steel design that gives it a professional-style look.
With a compact size and a capacity of 0.7 cubic feet, it is perfect for any kitchen. This microwave oven has adjustable cooking settings with 10 power levels, allowing you to customize your cooking experience.
It also comes with a removable glass turntable for easy cleaning and even cooking. The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and convenient countertop appliance.
Sharp R-21LCFS Medium-Duty Commercial Microwave Oven
The Sharp R-21LCFS Medium-Duty Commercial Microwave Oven is perfect for commercial use. It’s made of strong stainless steel, ensuring durability and a sleek appearance. With its 1000-watt power and 120-volt operation, this microwave heats up food quickly and efficiently.
The super-rugged grab handle makes it easy to open and close, even with heavy usage. It’s considered one of the best commercial microwave ovens for 2023. Plus, it’s easy to clean and offers versatile functionality.
Whether you’re a business owner or a home cook who wants a reliable microwave, the Sharp R-21LCFS is an excellent choice that delivers consistent performance.
Commercial Chef CHM770B
The Commercial Chef CHM770B is a countertop microwave oven that delivers 700 watts of power. It’s perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms. Consumer Reports has tested and reviewed this microwave oven, so you can trust its quality.
With the Commercial Chef CHM770B, you have a variety of cooking options at your fingertips. It’s featured in our comprehensive buying guide for countertop microwaves in 2023, making it an excellent choice for upper and middle-class consumers as well as those who are just starting out in their consumer journey.
Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07
The Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 is one of the top 10 best countertop microwaves of 2023. It is praised for its simplicity, quickness, and convenience in cooking and reheating meals or beverages.
This microwave features a user-friendly interface with a 1-touch menu and adjustable power levels, making it easy to operate. Its versatile menu options allow for convenient meal preparation with efficient cooking results.
The Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 offers high-quality performance and reliable functionality while also having a sleek design that will complement any kitchen decor. Comparisons have been made to other top models like the GE JES1109RRSS and Panasonic NN-SD975S, highlighting its competitive nature in the market.
Insignia NS-MW07BK0
The Insignia NS-MW07BK0 is a compact and powerful countertop microwave that delivers efficient performance. It stands out among other small-sized models, performing exceptionally well in tests.
One notable feature of the Insignia NS-MW07BK0 is its superior heating consistency, ensuring your food is heated evenly every time. It also excels in defrosting capabilities, making it a reliable choice for quick and effective thawing.
Whether you’re an upper or middle-class consumer, an aspiring buyer, or someone entering the consumer market from rural areas, the Insignia NS-MW07BK0 offers excellent value with its compact size and impressive performance.
Galanz ExpressWave
The Galanz ExpressWave microwave is a top choice for those looking for a countertop microwave with a larger capacity. With 1.6 cu ft of interior space, you can easily fit larger dishes or multiple items at once.
It also boasts a high wattage of 1100W, allowing for faster and more efficient cooking. The sleek and modern design, featuring stainless steel accents and a black front panel, adds elegance to any kitchen.
And the best part? The Galanz ExpressWave is available at an affordable price, making it a budget-friendly option. With six microwave programs to choose from, it’s easy to prepare different types of dishes.
Breville Smooth Wave Microwave
The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave is one of the top countertop microwaves recommended by Consumer Reports tests. It has advanced Sensor iQ technology and 15 built-in smart presets for precise and convenient cooking.
This microwave is perfect for busy individuals who want to save time in the kitchen. The midsize design fits well on countertops, and it includes features like a mute option, automatic reheating function, and an easy-to-use door handle.
What sets Breville apart from others is that their countertop microwave ovens also offer air frying and convection options, giving you more versatility in your cooking. With its brushed finish, this microwave has a sleek appearance that will complement any kitchen decor.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Countertop Microwave
Before making a purchase, there are several factors to consider for buying the best countertop microwave. From brand reputation and size to smart features and ventilation, find out what you need to know before choosing the perfect appliance for your kitchen.
Read on to make an informed decision!
Brand reputation
When it comes to buying a countertop microwave, brand reputation is an important factor to consider. You want to choose a well-known and trusted brand that has a good track record for making reliable kitchen appliances.
In our research for the best countertop microwaves of 2023, we found that Breville and Cuisinart are considered the top brands in terms of brand reputation. These brands are known for their high-quality products, excellent performance, and durability.
Panasonic and Toshiba are also reputable brands that were tested during our selection process. It’s important to remember that choosing a reputable brand can give you peace of mind knowing that you’re investing in a reliable microwave that will serve your cooking needs for years to come.
Size and space
When choosing a countertop microwave, size and space are important factors to consider. Most midsized microwaves with a capacity of 1 to 1.3 cubic feet offer better value for money.
The most common capacity for countertop microwaves is around 1.2 cubic feet. However, it’s essential to check the available countertop space before making a purchase. Microwaves can vary in size, ranging from compact options at 0.8 cubic feet to larger capacities.
Take into account the dimensions of the microwave, including height, width, and depth measurements, to ensure it fits well in your kitchen setup.
Smart features and program modes
In today’s market, countertop microwaves are packed with smart features and program modes that make cooking easier than ever. With advanced technology features and programmable settings, you can customize your microwave to fit your specific needs.
Convenient smart functions allow you to control your microwave from your smartphone or tablet, while energy-efficient options like power-saving modes help reduce your electricity bills.
User-friendly controls and intuitive operation ensure that anyone can use these microwaves with ease. Some models even come with popcorn cooking capability and voice control compatibility for added convenience.
Ventilation and placement
While choosing a countertop microwave, it’s important to consider ventilation and placement options. If you’re looking to install an over-the-range microwave, make sure to compare different venting choices.
This will help ensure proper air flow and circulation in your kitchen. Additionally, think about the size and space available in your kitchen before purchasing a microwave. You want to make sure it fits comfortably on your countertop or in the designated area.
Ventilation methods and features should also be taken into account, as they can vary between models. By considering these factors, you can find a countertop microwave that not only meets your cooking needs but also fits seamlessly into your kitchen layout.
Lifespan and durability
While buying a countertop microwave, it’s important to consider the lifespan and durability of the appliance. You want a microwave that will last for a long time and withstand daily use without breaking down.
Some brands have better reliability than others, so it’s wise to look at consumer reports to find out which ones are most reliable. Safety is also a concern, as microwaves can pose hazards if not used properly.
Additionally, many old microwaves end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste. By choosing a durable and long-lasting microwave, you can help reduce waste and save money in the long run.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this comprehensive buying guide has provided you with the top 10 best countertop microwaves for 2023. We considered factors such as brand reputation, size and space, smart features, ventilation and placement, lifespan and durability to bring you a list of reliable, user-friendly, energy-efficient, high-performance, stylish, and affordable options.
Whether you’re looking for a retro countertop microwave or a compact one for your small kitchen, this guide has got you covered. So go ahead and choose the perfect countertop microwave that suits your needs!
FAQs
1. How do I choose the best countertop microwave?
Consider factors such as size, power, features, and budget when choosing a countertop microwave that meets your needs and preferences.
2. What are the top 10 best countertop microwaves for 2023?
The top 10 best countertop microwaves for 2023 can be found in our comprehensive buying guide, which provides detailed information on each model’s specifications, features, and customer reviews.
3. Are these microwaves energy-efficient?
Yes, many of the featured microwaves in our buying guide are designed to be energy-efficient, helping to reduce electricity consumption while still delivering powerful performance.
4. Do these microwaves have child safety locks?
Yes, several of the recommended countertop microwaves come equipped with built-in child safety locks to prevent accidental use or access by children.
5. Can I find these microwaves at local stores?
These highly-rated countertop microwaves can often be found at local appliance stores or purchased online through various retailers mentioned in our buying guide.
