Microwave Oven Best Rated: Top Countertop Picks for Every Kitchen

Finding the best microwave oven can be challenging. With so many options, choosing the right one is crucial.

This blog post reviews some of the best-rated microwave ovens available today. We cover models from well-known brands like TOSHIBA, Panasonic, BLACK+DECKER, Nostalgia, and Chefman. Each microwave has unique features such as smart humidity sensors, child safety locks, and eco modes.

Whether you need a compact model for a small kitchen or a powerful one for heavy use, we provide insights to help you make an informed decision. Read on to discover the best microwave ovens that combine functionality, convenience, and style, making your cooking experience easier and more efficient.

Toshiba Em131a5c-bs Countertop Microwave Oven

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile and powerful kitchen appliance designed to meet your cooking needs. With a capacity of 1.2 Cu Ft and a 12.4″ removable turntable, it provides ample space for your dishes. Its smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus make cooking more convenient, while the mute function and ECO mode add to its user-friendly features. The easy clean interior and sleek black stainless steel finish offer both functionality and style.

Pros:

• Smart humidity sensor for precise cooking
• 12 auto menus for easy meal preparation
• Mute function to avoid noise
• ECO mode for energy saving
• Easy clean interior for hassle-free maintenance
• Sleek black stainless steel design

Cons:

• Weight of 34.6 pounds may be cumbersome for some users
• Large dimensions might not be suitable for smaller kitchens

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven stands out with its smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus, which simplify the cooking process and ensure your food is cooked to perfection. The mute function is a thoughtful addition, allowing you to operate the microwave without disturbing others in your home. Additionally, the ECO mode helps you save on energy consumption, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Despite its many advantages, the microwave’s weight of 34.6 pounds might be a drawback for those who need to move it frequently. Moreover, its large dimensions could pose a challenge in smaller kitchen spaces. However, the easy clean interior and stylish black stainless steel finish make it a valuable addition to any modern kitchen. Overall, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS combines functionality, convenience, and style, making it a great choice for anyone in need of a reliable countertop microwave oven.

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Panasonic Microwave Oven Nn-sn686s

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a versatile appliance with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor. It offers a spacious 1.2 Cubic Foot capacity and operates at 1200W, making it suitable for both countertop and built-in use. Its Stainless Steel finish adds a modern touch to any kitchen decor.

Pros:

• Inverter Technology for even cooking and defrosting
• Genius Sensor adjusts power and time for various foods
• Spacious 1.2 Cubic Foot capacity
• High 1200W power
• Modern Stainless Steel finish

Cons:

• Relatively large dimensions may not fit smaller kitchens
• Heavier weight at 25.5 pounds

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S stands out due to its Inverter Technology which ensures that your food is cooked evenly and thoroughly. This is particularly useful for defrosting, as it prevents the common problem of partially cooked edges with frozen centers. Additionally, the Genius Sensor automatically adjusts the power and cooking time, making it user-friendly and efficient.

With a 1.2 Cubic Foot capacity and 1200W of power, this microwave can handle a variety of cooking tasks, from reheating leftovers to preparing full meals. The Stainless Steel finish not only looks sleek but is also easy to clean, adding to its convenience. However, its larger dimensions and heavier weight may require some consideration for those with smaller kitchen spaces. Overall, the combination of advanced technology and practical features makes this microwave a great addition to any modern kitchen.

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Toshiba Em925a5a-bs Countertop Microwave Oven

Introducing the TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact yet powerful kitchen appliance that offers a range of convenient features. With a capacity of 0.9 Cu Ft and a 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, this 900W microwave is designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen while providing efficient cooking performance. It comes equipped with 6 Auto Menus, a Mute Function, ECO Mode, Child Lock, and LED Lighting, all encased in a sleek Black Stainless Steel finish.

Pros:

• Compact size is suitable for small kitchens or limited counter space.
• 900W power ensures quick and efficient cooking.
• 6 Auto Menus offer versatile cooking options.
• Mute Function allows for silent operation.
• ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
• Child Lock feature enhances safety.
• Sleek Black Stainless Steel design adds a modern touch to the kitchen.

Cons:

• 0.9 Cu Ft capacity may be insufficient for larger families or big meals.
• LED Lighting may not be as bright as other models.
• 27.3 Pounds weight might be heavy for some users to move or reposition.

The TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and stylish microwave. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, and the 900W power ensures that your food is cooked quickly and evenly. The 6 Auto Menus provide a variety of cooking options, making it easy to prepare a range of dishes with just the touch of a button.

One of the standout features of this microwave is its Mute Function, which allows you to operate the microwave without the usual beeping sounds, making it perfect for late-night snacks without disturbing others. The ECO Mode is another great addition, as it helps conserve energy when the microwave is not in use. Safety is also a priority with the Child Lock feature, ensuring that young children cannot accidentally start the microwave. Overall, the TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS combines functionality, efficiency, and style, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

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Black+decker Em036ab14 Digital Microwave Oven

The BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Digital Microwave Oven is a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance designed to make cooking and reheating food convenient and quick. With its sleek stainless steel design and 1.4 Cu.ft. capacity, it fits perfectly in any modern kitchen. This microwave oven features a turntable and a push-button door for easy access, along with a child safety lock for added security.

Pros:

• Sleek stainless steel design
• 1.4 Cu.ft. capacity
• Convenient turntable for even heating
• Push-button door for easy access
• Child safety lock for added security

Cons:

• Relatively lightweight which may affect stability
• Dimensions may be large for compact kitchens

The BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Digital Microwave Oven is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and stylish microwave. Its stainless steel finish ensures durability and a modern look that complements any kitchen decor. The turntable feature ensures that food is heated evenly, eliminating cold spots that can occur with other microwaves. Additionally, the push-button door offers quick and easy access to your food, making the cooking process even more convenient.

One of the standout features of this microwave is the child safety lock, which provides peace of mind for families with young children. Despite its many advantages, the microwave’s lightweight nature may pose some stability issues, and its dimensions might not be suitable for smaller kitchens. However, for those with the space, the BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 offers a blend of functionality and style that is hard to beat.

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Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven

Introducing the Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven – a perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality. This 0.7 Cu. Ft. microwave offers 700 watts of cooking power and comes in a sleek white color. It’s designed with an LED digital display and a child lock feature for added safety. Measuring at 10 inches in height, 17.5 inches in width, and 12.5 inches in length, it fits seamlessly on your countertop.

Pros:

• Stylish retro design that adds a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen.
• Compact size makes it suitable for small spaces and countertops.
• 700-watt power ensures quick and efficient cooking.
• LED digital display for easy operation and time management.
• Child lock feature provides added safety for families with children.
• Easy clean interior reduces maintenance time.

Cons:

• Limited capacity of 0.7 Cu. Ft. may not be suitable for larger dishes.
• Lower wattage compared to larger models might result in longer cooking times for some recipes.
• Retro design may not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.

The Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven combines functionality and style with its unique retro design. While its compact size is perfect for small spaces, it still offers enough power with 700 watts to handle everyday cooking tasks efficiently. The LED digital display simplifies the cooking process, making it easy to set and monitor cooking times.

However, the limited capacity of 0.7 Cu. Ft. might not be ideal for those who frequently cook larger meals. Additionally, its lower wattage compared to larger models could mean slightly longer cooking times for certain dishes. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Nostalgia Retro Microwave is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of vintage charm to their kitchen while still enjoying modern conveniences like a child lock and an easy clean interior.

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Black+decker Countertop Microwave Oven

The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact yet powerful kitchen appliance designed to meet your daily cooking needs. With its 0.9 Cu Ft capacity and 900W of cooking power, this microwave ensures even and efficient heating. It comes equipped with 6 Auto Menus, a Child Lock for safety, a Memory Function for your convenience, and 10 Power Levels to handle various cooking tasks.

Pros:

• Compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens.
• 900W power ensures efficient cooking.
• Includes 6 Auto Menus for quick and easy meal preparation.
• Child Lock feature ensures safety.
• Memory Function for easy programming of frequently used settings.
• 10 Power Levels to cater to different cooking needs.
• Digital Panel for easy operation.
• Easy One-Touch Start for quick use.

Cons:

• The 0.9 Cu Ft capacity may be small for larger families.
• The stainless steel finish can show fingerprints easily.
• May take up considerable counter space in very small kitchens.

The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven stands out for its compact size and impressive 900W power, making it a suitable option for small kitchens and quick meal preparations. The inclusion of 6 Auto Menus simplifies cooking, allowing users to prepare common dishes with ease and efficiency. Additionally, the Child Lock feature adds an extra layer of safety, making it a reliable choice for families with children.

One of the key highlights of this microwave is its Memory Function, which allows users to save their preferred settings for quick future use. The 10 Power Levels provide versatility in cooking, enabling users to choose the appropriate power setting for different dishes. However, it is important to note that the 0.9 Cu Ft capacity might be limiting for larger families, and the stainless steel finish, while sleek, can be prone to showing fingerprints. Overall, the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven offers a balance of convenience and performance for everyday use.

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Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts is a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance. With its sleek stainless steel design and compact dimensions, it fits perfectly in any kitchen while offering powerful performance. This microwave comes with 6 auto menus, 10 power levels, and a variety of features like Eco Mode, Memory Function, Mute Function, and a Child Safety Lock to make cooking convenient and safe.

Pros:

• Sleek stainless steel design that complements any kitchen decor
• 1000 watts of power for efficient cooking
• 6 auto menus for easy cooking
• 10 power levels to customize cooking
• Eco Mode to save energy
• Memory Function to store your favorite settings
• Mute Function for quiet operation
• Child Safety Lock for added safety
• Easy clean interior

Cons:

• Limited capacity of 1.1 cu. ft. may not be suitable for large families
• Heavier weight at 32.0 pounds might make it less portable

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven stands out for its stainless steel finish and compact size, making it a stylish yet practical addition to any kitchen. The 1000 watts of power ensures that your food cooks quickly and evenly, while the 6 auto menus and 10 power levels provide versatility for various cooking needs. The Eco Mode is particularly beneficial for those looking to save on energy costs, and the Memory Function allows for quick access to your most-used settings.

The Child Safety Lock is a crucial feature for families, ensuring that little ones remain safe around the appliance. However, the 1.1 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit restrictive for larger cooking tasks, making it more suitable for smaller households or as a supplementary microwave. Additionally, the weight of 32.0 pounds could be a drawback for those who need a more portable option. Despite these minor limitations, the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a blend of style, functionality, and safety that makes it a strong contender in the market.

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Toshiba Ml4-em09pa(bs) Small Countertop Microwave Oven

The TOSHIBA ML4-EM09PA(BS) Small Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile and essential appliance for any kitchen, particularly suited for dorm rooms. With its sleek black stainless steel design, it brings a modern look to your cooking space while offering a range of convenient features.

Pros:

• 6 Auto Menus for quick and easy cooking options
• Mute Function to prevent annoying beeps
• Child Lock for added safety
• Compact size perfect for small spaces like dorm rooms
• 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable for even cooking
• 900W power for efficient heating

Cons:

• 0.9 Cu Ft capacity may be too small for larger families
• 24.9 pounds weight might be heavy for some users to move
• Limited color options

The TOSHIBA ML4-EM09PA(BS) Small Countertop Microwave Oven stands out with its 6 Auto Menus that simplify the cooking process, making it easier to prepare a variety of dishes with the touch of a button. The mute function is a thoughtful addition, especially for those who prefer a quieter kitchen environment. Safety is also a priority with the child lock feature, which prevents accidental use by children.

Despite its compact size, this microwave offers a 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable that ensures even cooking and is easy to clean. With 900W of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently. However, its 0.9 Cu Ft capacity might not be sufficient for larger families or those who cook in large quantities. Additionally, the microwave’s 24.9 pounds weight could be a concern for some users when moving it. The limited color options might also be a drawback for those looking for a specific aesthetic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Reliable Is The Toshiba Em131a5c-bs Microwave Oven?

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is highly reliable. It features a smart humidity sensor, 12 auto menus, and an easy-clean interior. Its 1100W power ensures efficient cooking.

What Makes The Panasonic Nn-sn686s Special?

The Panasonic NN-SN686S stands out for its Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor. It provides even cooking and precise temperature control. Its stainless steel finish adds a premium look.

Is The Toshiba Em925a5a-bs Suitable For Small Kitchens?

Yes, the TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS is compact and perfect for small kitchens. It features a 0. 9 Cu Ft capacity and a 10. 6-inch turntable.

What Are The Safety Features Of Black+decker Em036ab14?

The BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 includes a child safety lock. It also has a push-button door and LED lighting for added safety and convenience.

How Energy-efficient Is The Chefman Microwave Oven?

The Chefman Microwave Oven is energy-efficient. It features an ECO mode that reduces power consumption. This helps in saving energy and lowering electricity bills.

Does The Nostalgia Retro Microwave Have Modern Features?

Yes, despite its retro look, the Nostalgia Retro Microwave includes modern features. It has an LED digital display, child lock, and an easy-clean interior.

Conclusion

Choosing the best microwave oven can make cooking easier and faster. The toshiba em131a5c-bs offers a smart humidity sensor and easy-to-clean interior. Panasonic’s nn-sn686s provides advanced inverter technology for even cooking. For smaller spaces, the toshiba em925a5a-bs is a compact option with useful features like a child lock.

Black+decker’s em036ab14 combines safety and functionality with a push-button door and child safety lock. The nostalgia retro microwave offers a unique design and practicality. For those who need memory functions, the black+decker countertop microwave is a great pick. The chefman countertop microwave balances power and convenience with multiple auto menus and a child lock.

Lastly, the toshiba ml4-em09pa(bs) is perfect for dorms with its compact size and essential features. Each microwave has unique strengths to suit different needs. Choose the one that fits your lifestyle best. Happy cooking!