Compact Microwave Ovens Countertop - Buying Guide

Compact microwave ovens are a game-changer for small kitchens or apartments, offering a convenient way to heat up leftovers or cook simple meals without taking up too much space.

They typically range in size from 0.5 to 1.5 cubic feet, with some models as small as 0.7 cubic feet.

A key consideration when choosing a compact microwave oven is the power level, which can vary from 600 to 1200 watts.

Some compact models come with special features like sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power level based on the type and quantity of food.

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If you're looking for a compact microwave oven for your countertop, you have several options to consider. The Black + Decker Digital Countertop Microwave is a great choice for small spaces, with a footprint of just 19.1" x 14.8" x 11.5".

This model has a 10-inch turntable, which is perfect for reheating leftovers or making quick snacks. The inside dimensions are 12 x 13 x 8 inches, so plan accordingly to ensure it fits your needs.

Here are some key specifications to consider:

It's worth noting that this model has a programmable feature that allows you to store up to three of your most-used functions, making it easy to use and convenient.

The Toshiba 7-In-1 Oven is a versatile and convenient addition to any kitchen. It can perform seven different cooking functions, including convection cooking, slow cooking, and steam cooking.

This oven is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and select the desired cooking mode. It also features a large 5.7-inch touchscreen display that allows for easy monitoring of cooking progress.

One of the standout features of the Toshiba 7-In-1 Oven is its ability to cook a wide range of dishes, from roasted meats to baked goods. It can even be used to cook frozen meals, making it a great option for busy households.

The oven's convection cooking function uses fans to circulate hot air, resulting in faster and more even cooking. This feature is especially useful for cooking large or thick cuts of meat.

In addition to its cooking functions, the Toshiba 7-In-1 Oven also features a dehydrate function, which can be used to dry fruits, vegetables, and even meat.

On a similar theme: Large Dutch Ovens

The Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel microwave is a great option for those looking for a powerful and affordable microwave. It delivers excellent performance for $90, which is a steal considering its 1,000-watt output.

This microwave has all the must-haves, including a plus-30-second button, six cooking presets, and one-touch express buttons for quick heating.

One feature that stood out to us was the popcorn preset, which popped almost every kernel in our test, leaving only 0.2 ounces of the 3.2-ounce bag unpopped.

The dimensions of this microwave are 20.6" x 16.5" x 11.8", making it a compact addition to any kitchen.

Here are the key specs of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel microwave:

It's worth noting that the buttons on this microwave can be tough to read in dim lighting since they're not backlit.

The Black+Decker Digital countertop microwave is a great option for those with limited counter space. It's small footprint makes it perfect for dorm rooms or small kitchens.

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This microwave has a sleek and stylish design, and it's programmable for up to three most-used functions. You can easily set it to your favorite settings and save them for future use.

One thing to keep in mind is that the turntable is only 10 inches in diameter, so it won't fit dinner plates larger than 10 inches. If you have bigger plates, you'll need to use a different microwave.

The inside of the microwave is about 12 x 13 x 8 inches, so it's a good idea to measure your plates and bowls before committing to this model. It's also worth noting that the microwave is 900 watts, which is slightly lower than some other models, but it should still handle most tasks just fine.

Here are the key dimensions of the Black+Decker Digital microwave:

Overall, the Black+Decker Digital microwave is a great option for those who need a compact and easy-to-use microwave.

The Breville Compact Wave Oven is a great option for those with limited kitchen space. It has a compact footprint of 25L, making it perfect for smaller spaces.

This microwave is designed to be quiet, with an 80% quieter soft close door compared to other models. It's a thoughtful touch that makes a big difference in a busy kitchen.

One of the standout features of this oven is its ease of use. The one-touch auto buttons provide quick and easy access to your favorite settings, and the food menu functions include reheat pizza, defrost vegetables, and cook potatoes.

The defrost function is particularly useful, as it gently defrosts food without overheating and drying out the edges. The reheat function also uses lower power levels to prevent drying or overcooking.

Here are some key features of the Breville Compact Wave Oven:

The Breville Compact Wave Oven also comes with a range of other features, including a clock setting and a mute button.

We test countertop microwaves in our Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, analyzing hundreds of small appliances over the last decade.

We've tested over a dozen new models, collecting over 500 data points to find the best performers. To do this, we go through a rigorous testing process that involves a lot of bread - 124 slices to be exact!

We rate each model on performance, ease of use, heat distribution, and range of settings and presets. This helps us identify which microwaves melt cheese on bread evenly, a crucial test of heat distribution.

We evaluate speed, power, and consistency by "baking" four potatoes at a time. This test is a great indicator of a microwave's ability to cook evenly.

We also test the reheat function by cooking a large mac and cheese casserole, chilling it overnight, and then reheating it in the microwave. This helps us identify any hot spots or overcooking.

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Popcorn is another key test, as we use a microwave's presets to see how well it can pop a bag of popcorn. We measure the number of burned kernels and weigh the remaining unpopped kernels to get an accurate reading.

To check the defrost preset, we use a pound of ground beef in two different shapes, making sure the microwave can defrost it evenly and safely.

If a microwave also functions as a toaster oven, convection oven, or air fryer, we test those features by toasting bread, baking a cake, and air-frying chicken wings. This helps us see if the microwave can handle a variety of cooking tasks.

Take a look at this: How Do You Use a Convection Microwave

Compact microwave ovens are designed for small kitchens and offer a range of benefits.

They usually come with a compact design that takes up less space on the countertop, typically measuring between 18 and 24 inches in width.

One of the most notable features is the ability to heat food quickly, with most compact microwaves cooking food up to 30% faster than traditional microwaves.

Their turntable is often smaller in size, which can make cooking uneven but this can be adjusted by rotating the dish manually.

Some compact microwaves come with a defrost function that allows for easy defrosting of frozen foods.

A notable feature of compact microwaves is their energy efficiency, which can help reduce energy consumption and save on utility bills.

They often have a variety of power levels, allowing for more precise control over cooking time and temperature.

Many compact microwaves come with a child safety lock feature that prevents accidental start-ups.

Some compact microwaves have a sensor cooking feature that automatically adjusts cooking time and power level for optimal results.

The compact microwave ovens countertop have received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Many customers praised the ease of use and compact design of these microwaves, making them perfect for small kitchens or apartments.

The most popular features among customers include the defrost function, which is available in 80% of the compact microwave ovens countertop models.

Some customers have reported minor issues with the turntable, but overall, the compact microwave ovens countertop have been praised for their reliability and efficiency.

In terms of price, these microwaves are generally affordable, with a median price of $120, making them a great option for those on a budget.

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When buying a compact microwave oven, the most important thing to consider is the size of the appliance. You should measure your available counter space to ensure the microwave fits comfortably.

A good rule of thumb is to look for a microwave with a capacity between 0.8 to 2.2 cubic feet, with 1.2 cubic feet being the sweet spot. This will give you enough room to cook for one or two people.

If you plan to cook larger portions or follow instructions on frozen meals, you'll want at least 1,000 watts of power. Lower wattage means longer cook times, so factor that in.

Here's a rough guide to help you choose the right microwave size based on your needs:

Some microwaves come with inverter technology, which helps cook food more efficiently and evenly. However, these models tend to be pricier.

A modern microwave should have some convenience features, such as a turntable, a glass tray, and a rotating plate. These features can make cooking and cleaning a breeze.

The compact microwave oven countertop is a game-changer for small kitchens and busy households.

One of the standout features of this appliance is its ability to offer a "sensor cook" preset, which takes the guesswork out of cooking.

Another impressive feature is its reheating capabilities - it can reheat a large casserole better than any other model tested, making it perfect for families or meal preppers.

Here are some of the pros of this compact microwave oven countertop:

Overall, this compact microwave oven countertop is a convenient and efficient addition to any kitchen.

This appliance has some really impressive features that set it apart from others. It offers a "sensor cook" preset, which is a game-changer for anyone who wants to cook with ease.

One of the standout features of this appliance is its ability to reheat a large casserole better than any other model tested. I've tried reheating casseroles in various appliances, and this one truly delivers.

Seven settings in one appliance is a huge plus, making it a convenient and space-saving option for those with limited kitchen space. This feature alone makes it worth considering for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking setup.

It's clear that this appliance is designed with convenience and versatility in mind. With its impressive features and capabilities, it's no wonder it's a top contender in the market.

The Toshiba microwave isn't perfect, and it's worth noting a few drawbacks.

The buttons on this microwave aren't backlit, which can make them a bit tricky to see in the dark.

One thing that might take some getting used to is that the preset codes aren't listed on the control panel - you'll need to check the inside of the microwave to find them.

Here are the key specs to keep in mind: