Best Countertop Microwave for your Home
If you don’t have room for a built in microwave in your kitchen, don’t fret. Having room on your counter means that you have more than enough space to add in a microwave to your kitchen area. When you’re in the market for buying a microwave, there are actually many options to consider.
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When you don’t have the capability to add a microwave into the kitchen cabinets, there are still plenty of options available for freestanding microwaves for your countertops. If you’re unsure of where to even start looking, rest easy. I’ve got you covered with some of the best countertop microwaves money can buy.
If you’re curious (or in a hurry)
Now this is one of the coolest things I’ve seen when it comes to microwaves. You can actually coordinate it with an Echo device so you can just ask Alexa to start microwaving.
It’s compact size makes it easy to use on countertops without taking up too much space. It can even be used on a small shelf.
You can easily order from Amazon and have it delivered right to your doorstep in just 2 days. And if you need more time to pay it off, Amazon will actually let you break up the cost over 5 months instead. (interest-free, too)
This budget-friendly microwave is getting great reviews online and it also works with Alexa as well. “Alexa, reorder popcorn, please.” (and yes, you can really do that!)
This appliance is one of the most affordable freestanding microwaves out there.
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What is the best small microwave?
While there are a lot of brands out there that make and produce microwaves, Toshiba has proven time and time again that they deliver quality products for affordable pricing. The Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven is the perfect size for small galley kitchens or dorm rooms.
The Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven is my pick for the best all-around microwave appliance. With over 1,100 positive reviews on Amazon, this countertop microwave really does live up to the hype.
Small but mighty, this .9 cubic feet capacity has 10 different power settings and cooks at a steady 900 watts. Not only is it efficient in how it cooks, but the black stainless steel exterior makes it a true show stopper as well.
If you’re wondering just how long to heat up that leftover pizza, don’t fret. This Toshiba Microwave Oven has 6 preset buttons that will know just how to reheat certain food items like pizza and potatoes with ease.
Reviewers also state how pleasantly surprised they are by how quiet this microwave is which makes it a great choice if you like to sneak in a late-night snack and don’t want to wake up the family.
Weighing only 27 pounds, it’s a lightweight appliance that takes minimal work to get set up and ready to go.
One common complaint about this kitchen appliance was that the Toshiba microwave pulled away from the wall when the handle was pulled to open.
You can read all the reviews here.
Most reviews stated that they liked the size and quiet aspect that this countertop microwave offered. Another great feature is that it does come with a 1-year warranty as well.
All in all, this is a great microwave oven for the price point and features offered. Coming in at a price point of less than $90, this is a solid and affordable choice for a top microwave oven purchase.
What is the best microwave oven for under $100?
Everyone has a budget, and if you’re hoping to stay under $100 for your microwave purchase, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is way under that budget.
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven might be little, but it gets the job done. If you don’t have a ton of space in your kitchen or on your counter, this small microwave is just what you need.
Not only is it listed as “Amazon’s Choice,” but it also gets great reviews from those who have purchased it as well. With 700 watts of power, it’s made to do the job.
The interior is small but perfect for a dinner size plate. Reviews also praised that it has a quiet mode feature as well. Weighing in at 20 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to move around.
It’s a budget-friendly option for small homes and college students moving into a dorm.
Consumers did feel that due to the size and wattage, it took a tad bit longer to heat up food than other options.
You can read the reviews here.
If you’re in the market for a small microwave, this is a great option. The COMFEE Countertop Microwave can be purchased in black or white colors (white is currently cheaper) and delivered quick and easy to your door.
With a 1-year warranty, you can rest easy knowing that if anything goes wrong, you can easily get it fixed or replaced quickly.
Best Retro Countertop Microwave to Add Some Fun and Flair to Your Kitchen
Who says that microwaves have to be just black or white in color? This Nostalgia RMO4AQ Retro Countertop Microwave Oven is anything but plain. Reviews are pouring in about this bright and fresh color that adds such a pop of brightness to kitchens.
One of the best aspects of this freestanding microwave is that it resembles an old-time radio. Talk about a throwback to the good old days.
The bright color of light turquoise paired up with the silver accents make this microwave fun and functional at the same time.
One of the biggest advantages of the Nostalgia microwave is that it has an easy-to-use dial and has a bright LED screen and light.
For people living in smaller spaces, this nostalgia microwave is so much fun to cook in. It’s a little bit heavier than the other listed options (30 pounds) but seems to be made sturdy and quiet.
Out of the few complaints that were on Amazon, there were a couple that stated it died quickly and had to be replaced. Luckily, this appliance comes with a customer service number to contact correct these type of issues.
You can read all the reviews here.
Choosing between the colors of red or turquoise and bring back your childhood with this microwave oven. It’s a fun and simple approach to bring back a little bit of joy while reheating and cooking food in the kitchen.
How do I Choose A Microwave Oven?
Believe it or not, not all microwaves are created the same. But when it comes down to the functionality of a microwave, reheating of food seems to be the #1 reason why people want to have a microwave in their home.
Sometimes though, there are other aspects to buying a microwave that you should consider. If you’re wondering what other points to keep in mind when purchasing your microwave, here are some that might apply to you and your needs.
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Defrost button
If you have lapses in planning ahead, having a defrost button on your microwave can be a true dinner saver. Those moments when you arrive home from work and realize in a panic that you failed to take anything out of the freezer are thwarted with the push of just one button.
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Childproof Lock
Little kids are just curious by nature. And if you’re worried about little fingers pushing around on all types of buttons, make certain to purchase a microwave that gives you the ability to lock it down. That way, nothing can be cooked, warmed up or burnt without you actually knowing what’s going on.
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Convection feature
Did you know that some microwaves actually have a dual purpose option where they can act as a convection oven as well? Not only does this mean that you don’t have to heat up and turn on your oven, but it also usually means that less energy will be consumed as well.
Those are just a few of the added features to think about when you’re looking for a new microwave. Figure out your needs and then choose a freestanding microwave that can complement your cooking lifestyle.
Where to buy countertop microwaves
Wondering where in the world you can buy a countertop microwave? Don’t worry, they’re literally all over the place. Places such as Wal-Mart and Wayfair sell them, as does Amazon.
Amazon tends to have the best selection and usually the lowest prices. Check out Amazon’s full selection of freestanding microwaves here.
While brick and mortar businesses may not have as many options available as Amazon, all should have some to see to help you make your decision.
What is a good wattage for a microwave oven?
This is actually a great question. From all your shopping and research, you might have noticed that microwaves tend to vary in power and wattage.
Most over-the-counter microwaves are usually set at 1,000 watts of power. However, countertop microwaves tend to be smaller in size which also means that they have lower wattage as well.
You’ll find that small microwave ovens usually have 700 or 800 watts of power. And while that’s fine to cook and reheat food, it just might mean that you’ll need to add a few more seconds of time to reach the optimal temperature.
How do microwaves work
To keep it short and simple, radiation is used to reheat food. Microwaves reheat food incredibly fast and make it seem like a super simple process.
While it may seem that way, there is actually a ton of engineering and planning that goes into making this kitchen appliance function. They’re able to channel their heat energy and zap that into the molecules of the food inside the microwave.
That seemingly simple process causes your food to be cooked, hot and ready in a matter of mere moments.
To fully understand how the process works, check out this video from the EngineerGuy.
Final thoughts on best freestanding microwaves
The above options are all great choices for any microwave purchase. Depending on your space, any one of them will fill your needs.
Keep in mind that all microwaves will reheat and cook food, there are just some that will do it more quickly than others. Measure your space then make your purchase.
Once you press that “purchase” button, you’ll have your brand new microwave in literally just a couple of days. Trust me on this…your cooked and/or reheated food will never taste so good!
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Best Freestanding Microwave – 2020 Reviews
