16 Best Countertop Microwave Ovens for 2018

If you’re looking to make popcorn and reheat leftovers, then you might want to look at the best countertop microwave ovens.

A countertop microwave is currently one of the most popular and useful appliances you can have in your kitchen, it can cook entire dinners for your family in a matter of minutes or even seconds.

Such an appliance is different from other types of microwaves like over-the-range ones because it is designed to be placed on your kitchen countertops. It comes with four small legs which make it stable and includes a short power cord which can be plugged into a power outlet.

As a general rule of thumb, you might want to place your countertop microwave close to a power source, but you can always use a power strip if the cord is not sufficiently long.

Today’s microwaves come in various sizes and shapes and they can be used for years, prepping delicious meals for individuals or whole families.

I will continue this article with a short buying guide, explaining what to look for when picking a countertop microwave, then I’ll show you a couple of attractive product reviews for 2018 that you might be interested in.

Keep reading and find out how to choose the top countertop microwave for your kitchen.

---

How to Choose a Countertop Microwave

Power

One of the most important aspects is, of course, its power. They say that countertop microwaves are a little bit cheaper in comparison with other types of microwaves (which is true), but they are usually equally powerful.

For example, most models can have a power output between 750 and 1200 watts which is really impressive. The power output is usually directly correlated with the interior space of the microwave.

Interior space

Speaking of interior space, this is another great aspect you should keep in mind. If you have a large family, there are countertop microwaves with space up to 2.9 cubic feet.

This means that you will be able to prepare large amounts of foods quickly, defrost meat, reheat dishes or keeping them warm. On the other hand, if you live alone in a small apartment or just with your partner, you might want to go for a smaller model which might have up to 1.5 cubic feet of interior space.

Remember that the larger the interior space, the more real estate it will occupy on your countertops, so plan accordingly.

Size and weight

A great advantage of a countertop microwave in comparison with over the range microwaves is that they are much smaller in size, usually less than 24 inches wide. Some compact models can measure around 15-20 inches in height and depth which means that you can place them almost anywhere in your kitchen. You can check sizes here.

They are also much more lightweight, weighing around 30 pounds per model. As a result, you will be able to maneuver them easier and move them from one place to another with great ease.

Some homeowners regularly carry the microwave from the indoor kitchen to the outdoor one without too much difficulty and that is because these appliances are not extremely heavy.

Features

Although they have a reduced size, countertop microwaves are equally sophisticated and modern. For example, they come with multiple pre-programmed settings which allow you to cook popular foods at the press of a button.

You can also select the cooking time and if the microwave features a keypad, you can lock the door to prevent kids from accidentally opening it. You also have other features at your disposal such as heat water, defrost, keep warm and others.

These appliances usually come with a 10-inch turntable and an interior lamp which allow you to take a quick peek at your foods as they are cooking inside the countertop microwave.

Price and warranty

The price of a countertop microwave depends on various factors such as the size of the appliance, its power output, features, materials, interior space, even finish options.

Popular brands such as Panasonic, LG, GE, and Whirlpool can set their own prices, but in most cases, you will eventually pay something between $90-$100 and $250 for a great countertop microwave which can last for years.

Bear in mind that this appliance also comes with a warranty period which can stretch from 1 up to 5 years or more and it can cover repairs and replacements for the major components.

If you would like to have more information about how to choose a microwave then you can read my detailed buying guide here.

Here’s also a video that explains things:

---

My Pick and Reviews for the Top Countertop Microwaves

Size – less than 1cu. ft

Whirlpool WMC20005YD

Company: Whirlpool

Price: $$$

My Rating: 4.9/5

Whirlpool is known for making high-quality washing machines, but they also make practical and eye-catching countertop microwaves such as the WMC20005YD model.

This particular product is ideal for dorm rooms or small apartments.

Here are its features:

1. 0.5 cubic feet – this is a compact model with 0.5 cubic feet of interior space. Although that doesn’t sound much at first, it is perfect for individuals who don’t need to cook a lot of food at once and probably require a countertop microwave for popcorn, heating pizzas, and other simple tasks.
2. 750 watts – when it comes to power, this model features up to 750 watts and it is available through 10 power levels you can select via the main dashboard. You will be able to reheat leftovers, defrost meat, warm up soups and much more.
3. Compact designs – this countertop microwave from Whirlpool has been specially designed to fit tight corners. It comes with a 33-inch power cord which is long enough for most homeowners. You will be able to enjoy delicious foods without sacrificing a lot of countertop space.
4. Stainless steel construction – you probably already know that stainless steel is one of the toughest and most durable materials out there. This microwave features a lot of stainless steel components and a stainless steel look which will enhance the interior design of your kitchen while remaining easy to clean.
5. Intuitive controls – operating this device is a breeze as it comes with several buttons mounted on the front of the unit which controls its main functions such as power level, cooking option and more.

When it comes to disadvantages, a couple of past homeowners report minor reliability problems, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Remember that your product comes with a warranty policy you can use in the case you receive a defective unit.

---

Amana RMS10DS

Company: Amana

Price: $$$

My Rating: 4.8/5

Amana is a brand that specializes in household appliances such as fridges, microwaves, and others.

The RMS10DS model is a countertop microwave suitable for small families or individuals who live on their own.

It comes with multiple features which will be outlined below:

1. 1,000 watts – this is a powerful model which can use up to 1,000 watts of power to heat up your foods, cook dishes, defrost meat or warm up water. You have access to a couple of power levels which allow you to control the cooking process. In any case, your dishes will be ready in a matter of minutes or even seconds.
2. 0.8 cubic feet – the interior space is not extremely large but sufficient for most people who don’t use the microwave oven very often. You can quickly prepare popular foods such as pizza, tortilla and popcorn and the appliance will not occupy a lot of space on your kitchen countertop.
3. Interior light – this model comes with an interior light which allows you to take a look at your foods as they cook. You will know exactly when your foods are ready and you will be able to make adjustments to the power level accordingly, if necessary.
4. Stainless steel construction – stainless steel isn’t only durable, but it also looks amazing and it is hygienic and very easy to clean. This appliance features a plethora of stainless steel components, so it can last a long period of time.
5. Can fit 12-inch plates – this model comes with a tempered glass turntable which is capable of accommodating plates of food up to 12 inches in diameter.

If you are wondering about disadvantages, some customers complained that the interior light can get damaged after a couple months of use and it will stop working.

If this happens to you, know that you can quickly replace the interior light bulb by following the instructions provided in the manual.

---

Hamilton Beach EM720CGA-PMB

Company: Hamilton Beach

Price: $

My Rating: 4.8/5

You definitely have heard of Hamilton Beach before as it is a renowned manufacturer of kitchen appliances, including microwaves, tortilla presses, juicers, coffee machines and more.

Let’s take a look at the EM720CGA-PMB model which comes in a bright red color and features an affordable price.

1. 0.7 cubic feet – the interior space might not sound like much, but it is sufficient for people who want to cook single servings of food, small bowls of soup or a couple of slices of pizza. This product is compact in size, so it will not occupy a lot of space on your kitchen countertops.
2. 700 watts – although it is not the most powerful countertop microwave out there, it comes with sufficient power to heat up foods or cook dishes in a matter of minutes. You can select from up to 10 different power levels via the main control panel mounted in front of the unit.
3. Child-safe lock-out feature – this type of feature will prevent kids from accidentally open the door of the microwave while it is running. To open the door, you will have to insert a password using the incorporated keypad. This is a nice safety feature which can prevent unwanted accidents and injuries.
4. LED display – you will be able to see the remaining cooking time and other important information on the LED display which is mounted on top of the keypad. You also have access to 6 buttons which can quickly cook, heat up, defrost or warm your foods.
5. 10 inches turntable – inside the microwave, you will also find a tempered glass turntable which has a diameter of 10 inches and will rotate your foods as they cook.

When it comes to disadvantages, some homeowners don’t really fancy the color scheme as it makes it look like a toy.

However, this is a minor drawback when considering the compact dimensions of this model as well as its multiple features and cooking options.

---

Sharp ZSMC0912BS

Company: Sharp

Price: $$

My Rating: 4.8/5

Sharp makes a plethora of useful countertop microwaves such as the ZSMC0912BS which has reduced dimensions and it is perfect for individuals who live alone or just with their partner.

Let’s take a look at this particular microwave and explore its advantages.

1. 0.9 cubic feet – the interior space is sufficient for warming up or cooking medium-sized bowls or plates of food. It can accommodate single servings as well as pizza, tortillas and other types of dishes. Having a reduced interior space means that it will also occupy less space on your countertop as well.
2. 900 watts – this model features a high power output which means that it will cook your foods in a matter of minutes or even seconds. It comes with several power levels which can be accessed via the main control panel by pressing just a couple of buttons.
3. 10.6-inch turntable – the turntable inside this countertop microwave is made from a high-quality, highly resistant glass and has a diameter of almost 11 inches. It can hold bowls of food of different sizes and it is dishwasher safe.
4. Stainless steel construction – this model features a casing and multiple components made of stainless steel which means that it can last for a long period of time and it is very easy to clean. Stainless steel also makes your kitchen look more elegant and eye-catching as well.
5. 1 year warranty period – the manufacturer also offers a warranty period of 1 year for parts and labor and up to 5 years for the magnetron tube. Feel free to contact Sharp if you encounter problems with your machine during this timeframe.

During my research for this product, I read that some customers consider this unit to be a little bit loud.

However, even if it is true, the “loudness” will last only for a couple of minutes a day, so I guess this is not a very big issue after all.

---

Panasonic NE-1054F

Company: Panasonic

Price: $$$

My Rating: 4.9/5

Panasonic is another prestigious manufacturer which specializes in household electronics, particular kitchen appliances.

They make countertop microwave ovens which can be used in residential or commercial properties.

Let’s take a look at the NE-1054F model which comes with multiple features and boasts an elegant, minimalistic design.

1. 1,000 watts of power – this product has reduced dimensions and a power output of up to 1,000 watts which is available through a couple of levels you can select from the main control panel. It is ideal for defrosting meat quickly as well as preparing other types of dishes in just a few minutes.
2. 0.8 cubic feet – the interior space is under 1 cubic feet, but sufficient for people who don’t have high cooking needs and only want to reheat leftovers, make pizza, popcorn and warm up potatoes from time to time. This model has multiple cooking settings which you will find very interesting to explore.
3. See-through door – the door of this countertop microwave allows you to take a sneak peek inside and see how well your food is cooking. It is equipped with an interior lamp which gives you the chance to see the delicious brown French fries getting ready inside.
4. Stainless steel – most of the components in this product are made from stainless steel which is a great thing. Although this material makes the microwave a little bit heavy, it will be easy to clean and very durable, not to mention eye-catching.
5. Intuitive controls – this model comes with 20 programmable menus you can take advantage of to quickly prepare your favorite and most popular foods. It also features several power levels and other functions such as 3 cooking stages.

As a downside, this product doesn’t come with a turntable, but actually, you don’t need one as its internal mechanism will automatically rotate the plate you put inside.

In other words, don’t panic if you don’t find the turntable in the package as this is not actually a flaw of the product.

---

Size between 1 and 1.9 cu. ft

Breville BMO734XL

Company: Breville

Price: $$$

My Rating: 4.9/5

You definitely have heard of Breville before as this is a big manufacturer from the United States.

It makes a plethora of kitchen appliances including countertop microwaves such as the BMO734XL model which is one of the most sophisticated money can buy today.

Here are its main features:

1. 1.2 cubic feet – the interior space is sufficient for single individuals or small families as it can accommodate plenty of food for serving one dinner. It doesn’t occupy a lot of space on the countertop and it also has a long power cord.
2. 1,100 watts – the power of this model is truly impressive as it can quickly heat up your foods, cook entire dishes, warm up beverages or defrost pieces of meat. It comes with 10 power levels you can access by rotating a dial on the control panel.
3. Large LCD screen – you will be impressed by the size of the LCD screen this product comes with. It gives you the opportunity to see the remaining cooking time, power level selected and other vital information, not to mention that it is also bright and clearly visible from all angles.
4. Steel door handle – no more broken handles with this device! It features an interior and door handle made of stainless steel, so they will be easy to clean and can last a lifetime if properly maintained. This type of material also makes your microwave look amazing on your countertops as well.
5. 1-year warranty – the manufacturer offers a warranty period of 1 year on parts and it has a friendly customer service, so don’t hesitate to contact them if you have problems with your product.

No product is perfect and some customers complained that this model is a little bit too expensive for the interior space provided.

However, remember that it has a great power output, made from reliable materials and comes with multiple cooking features, so the price is justified in my opinion.

---

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS

Company: Toshiba

Price: $$

My Rating: 4.8/5

Toshiba is known for making batteries and laptops, but they also make countertop microwaves and some very attractive ones I might say.

The EM131A5C-BS model is available in two color options and comes with multiple built-in features.

Let’s explore some of them:

1. 1.2 cubic feet – the interior space in this appliance is sufficient for most people and it can help you cook your beloved dishes very quickly. This also means that it will not occupy too much space on your countertops, so feel free to place it wherever you want in your kitchen.
2. 1,100 watts – when it comes to power, this product is one of the best out there as it can offer up to 1,100 watts through multiple power levels. Feel free to cook, heat up, warm, defrost and reheat your foods and ingredients quickly and easily using this device.
3. 12.4-inch turntable – the glass turntable will rotate the foods to ensure an even cooking process. It has a diameter of almost 13 inches and it is made from a high-quality glass, so it will not break that easily and can be safely put in the dishwasher.
4. Intuitive controls – this product features a large LCD screen where you can see important information such as cooking time, power level and others. It also comes with multiple programmable menus and quick-buttons which help you prepare popular foods such as pizza and potatoes with little to no effort.
5. Stainless steel construction – this model is made of stainless steel which is hygienic and easy to clean, not to mention durable. You can proudly display this product on your kitchen countertop as this material makes it very eye-catching and suitable for any interior setting.

When it comes to drawbacks, they are virtually nonexistent. Some homeowners complained that they received defective units, but these were quickly replaced by the manufacturer, so that’s not really a big issue.

---

Frigidaire FFCM1134LS

Company: Frigidaire

Price: $$

My Rating: 4.7/5

If you are looking for an equally powerful model, I recommend taking a look at the FFCM1134LS microwave from Frigidaire.

As you probably already know, this manufacturer is one of the most prestigious and popular in the US and it specializes in microwaves and fridges.

Here are the main benefits of this model:

1. 1.1 cubic feet – the interior space is sufficient for small families or for individuals who don’t have high cooking needs and don’t use the device that often. You can make pizza, potatoes, popcorn and other single serving dishes within minutes using this countertop microwave which will not occupy a lot of space on your countertops.
2. 1,100 watts of power – despite its compact dimensions, this appliance is actually very powerful and it will help you prepare your dishes in a matter of minutes or even seconds. It has multiple power levels which can be accessed via the main control panel.
3. 3 color options – you can choose from white, black or stainless steel finishes, depending on your preferences. This appliance also comes with a tempered glass turntable which will rotate your foods to ensure an even cooking process.
4. Intuitive controls – the control panel features a large LCD screen where you can see useful information as well as a keypad and a series of buttons which allow you to prepare popular foods quickly. It even comes with advanced defrost settings which make the defrosting process easier.
5. Made of stainless steel – this product incorporates a lot of components made from stainless steel as well as aluminum which means that it is both eye-catching and durable. You will also find it very easy to clean your countertop microwave when necessary.

When it comes to drawbacks, some customers complained of minor reliability problems encountered after a couple of years of usage, but make sure you use the warranty policy provided by the manufacturer if that happens to you.

---

hOmeLabs HME010002N

Company: hOmeLabs

Price: $$

My Rating: 4.8/5

HOmeLabs is another great manufacturer of kitchen appliances such as coffee machines, countertop microwaves and more.

Their 1,050-watt model features an attractive design and can be used by anyone to prepare dishes quickly and effortlessly.

Here are its main benefits:

1. 1.3 cubic feet – you have plenty of space to put foods inside this product because it offers up to 1.3 cubic feet of interior space. It can accommodate large bowls and plates of food and it can definitely prepare dinner for a small to medium-size family.
2. 1,050 watts – when it comes to power, this compact model is not to be underestimated. It features more than 1,000 watts which makes it a great little cooking device which can prepare foods in minutes as well as defrost meat quickly, reheat leftovers in a few seconds or even keep your food warm for long periods of time.
3. Intuitive controls – the control panel features a keypad, a multitude of buttons which allow you to access the quick cooking options for pizza, popcorn, and other popular foods as well as an LCD screen with green digits and letters.
4. Stainless steel handle – the handle of this device can last for a long period of time as it is made from stainless steel which as you probably already know, it cannot be damaged that easily. Feel free to open and close the door of this device as long as you wish as it might never break down.
5. 2 years warranty – the manufacturer also offers a warranty period of 2 years for this product which is a great thing to have, just in case.

If you are wondering about disadvantages, some homeowners reported that the device doesn’t cook evenly.

If you read the instructions manual carefully and use the glass turntable correctly, such issues might be eliminated altogether.

---

Panasonic NN-SN651B

Company: Panasonic

Price: $$

My Rating: 4.8/5

I want to include yet another model from Panasonic as this brand has a broad range of useful countertop microwaves which cannot be ignored.

The NN-SN651B model comes with plenty of accessories and features a beautiful black design which looks great in any kitchen.

Here are its main selling points:

1. 1.2 cubic feet – the interior space is plenty for most small families and individuals who live with their partners. You can place medium-sized plates inside as well as single servings of food in plastic containers. The device is also compact and lightweight which makes it portable and you can place it almost anywhere on your kitchen countertops.
2. 1,200 watts – although it has reduced dimensions, this model packs a powerful punch as it can deliver up to 1,200 watts through several power levels you can select from the control panel. It is currently one of the most powerful countertop microwaves out there, so if you want your foods to be prepared quickly, totally go for it.
3. 13.5-inch turntable – the glass turntable inside this device is almost 14 inches in size which means that it can accommodate large bowls of soups and it will rotate them evenly to cook your dishes properly. It is also dishwasher safe and resistant to wear and tear.
4. Made of stainless steel – this model features a casing and multiple components made of stainless steel which as you probably already know, it is one of the most durable and easy to maintain materials on the planet. It will also make your kitchen look more elegant too.
5. Intuitive controls – you have a keypad at your disposal as well as multiple one-touch cooking buttons which help you select the right power levels and cooking options for popular foods in an instant.

Keep in mind that this appliance might be a little bit heavier at 40 pounds, but this happens because it is made from durable materials.

If you are not moving it from place to place every day, this is a minor drawback.

---

Farberware Professional FMO13AHTPLE

Company: Farberware

Price: $$

My Rating: 4.9/5

Farberware is not as popular as other renowned appliance makers such as GE, Frigidaire or Whirlpool, but it is slowly building up a great reputation.

This company specializes in household items, particularly kitchen appliances, and it makes great countertop microwaves.

Let’s take a look at the FMO13AHTPLE model and see what it is capable of.

1. 1.3 cubic feet – you have plenty of interior space at your disposal for cooking different types of foods such as pizza, heating up tortillas or making popcorns. This microwave is suitable for single individuals or small to medium-sized families and it will not occupy a lot of space on your countertop.
2. 1,100 watt – when it comes to power, you have nothing to worry about as the 1,100 watts delivered by this machine are sufficient to heat up your foods or cook them evenly in a matter of minutes or even seconds. You can select the desired power level by pressing a button on the control panel.
3. Keypad lock – this model is suitable for families with small children who might accidentally open the door as the microwave runs. The keypad lock feature blocks the door and doesn’t allow opening unless you enter a password via the keypad. This prevents accidents and gives you more peace of mind.
4. One touch cooking options – the control panel also features 6 buttons which help you cook your favorite and popular foods in an instant. The LCD screen will tell you exactly how much time there is left until your foods are ready and these controls are easy to use by anyone.
5. 1-year warranty – the manufacturer offers a warranty period of 1 year on parts and labor, so feel free to contact them should you encounter problems with your product.

As a downside, some customers report that this product is a bit loud when operating, but this is hardly a deal-breaker.

Thanks to the fact that it can cook foods very quickly, even if it is too loud, it will operate for just a few minutes a day, so it is not really a big issue.

---

Emerson MW1338SB

Company: Emerson

Price: $

My Rating: 4.7/5

Emerson is a company which makes an entire range of countertop microwaves and for this review, I selected the MW1338SB model which comes with multiple interesting features and has an affordable price.

Take a look at this product and see what it is capable of.

1. 1.3 cubic feet – the interior space in this model is sufficient for most people who don’t have very sophisticated cooking needs. You can use it in dorm rooms, small apartments or even in a house where a small family resides as it will be ideal for cooking, warming up and defrosting different types of meals.
2. 1,000 watts – the wattage of this device is impressive, given its reduced dimensions. You will be able to control the 1,000 watts via the operating panel which displays 10 power levels. Your foods will be ready quickly, so you will never have to wait too long for your foods to be warmed up.
3. Multiple color options – the manufacturer makes this particular product in a wide range of colors and designs you can choose from. This is a convenient feature because some homeowners want to opt for a particular color scheme in their kitchen and now they can do it successfully using this Emerson product.
4. Glass turntable – the turntable inside this microwave is made from a special type of glass which is resistant to wear and tear and cannot be broken that easily. The turntable will rotate smoothly inside the microwave and it is dishwasher safe.
5. Keypad lock – if you have kids and you are afraid they might accidentally open the door of the microwave, you can relax now. This product comes with keypad lock feature which doesn’t allow the opening of the door unless you input a password.

During my research for this product, I discovered that some customers had minor reliability problems with the microwave, but remember that it comes with a warranty policy you can take advantage of in such instances.

---

Magic Chef MCM1611ST

Company: Magic Chef

Price: $$

My Rating: 4.9/5

Just as the name implies, Magic Chef specializes in kitchen accessories and makes a plethora of them.

The MCM1611ST model is a countertop microwave which comes with multiple interesting and useful features.

Let’s take a look at them:

1. 1.6 cubic feet – this product has a large amount of interior space and it can definitely be suitable for almost every homeowner, regardless of the size of his family. You can put large bowls and plates of food inside and cook delicious meals for the entire family in one go.
2. 1,100 watts – the manufacturer has also equipped this product with a powerful heat device which basically delivers up to 1,100 watts through 11 power levels you can access via the control panel mounted in front of the unit.
3. Available in multiple colors – don’t like stainless steel finishes? Don’t worry, you can have this product in a wide range of colors such as white, red, silver, black and others. Feel free to pick your favorite design and integrate it seamlessly into the layout of your kitchen.
4. Intuitive controls – the control panel can be used by people of all ages. It comes with a keypad, an LCD screen and several buttons which allow you to quickly heat up your favorite foods in a matter of seconds.
5. Made of stainless steel – this product features a stainless steel construction which means that it cannot be damaged or deteriorated that easily. This type of material is also easy to clean and doesn’t allow the development of mold and mildew on its surfaces.

Because it is made from steel, this appliance might be quite heavy, so make sure you move it carefully from one place to the other.

If you don’t transport the microwave somewhere else often, this minor drawback will not affect you.

---

Size between 2 and 2.9 cu. ft.

Panasonic NN-SD975S

Company: Panasonic

Price: $$$

My Rating: 4.8/5

If you are interested in really spacious microwaves which can accommodate a lot of foods inside, take a look at the NN-SD975S model which is suitable for large families or even in a commercial setting.

It comes with a plethora of automatic functions, not to mention that it has a beautiful and eye-catching design.

Here are its advantages:

1. 2.2 cubic feet – you can place large bowls and plates of foods inside and rest assured that they will be prepared quickly. The interior space of this appliance actually enables you to prepare dinner in one go as well as warming up large amounts of beverages if necessary.
2. 1,250 watts – when it comes to power, Panasonic was very serious with this model. It offered it a heating element which has a power output of up to 1,250 watts. This is currently one of the most powerful devices out there and you will never have to wait too long before your foods are ready.
3. Intuitive controls – you will be able to easily understand this appliance and how to use it because it comes with several physical buttons, a dial for selecting the power level and a large LCD screen. You have one-touch cooking options for popular foods as well.
4. Cyclonic Wave – this type of technology ensures that your foods will be cooked properly at all temperature levels and that the cooking process is an even one. This machine features sensors which will automatically adjust various cooking options depending on the foods inside.
5. Made of aluminum – you will love to put this appliance on your countertops as it features a beautiful design made of aluminum. This type of material is elegant and durable, not to mention easy to clean.

When it comes to disadvantages, this microwave might be a little bit on the pricey side, but it comes with so many useful features and technologies that basically justify the higher price.

---

LG LCRT2010ST

Company: LG Electronics

Price: $$

My Rating: 4.8/5

LG doesn’t only make nice smartphones, they also make useful countertop microwaves at affordable prices.

The LCRT2010ST model is ideal for large families and it comes with a multitude of practical features.

Let’s explore them together below:

1. 2.0 cubic feet – the interior space is more than enough for most homeowners as it gives you the opportunity to cook large meals in one go. It is ideal for pizza, potatoes, popcorn, defrosting meat or heating up beverages.
2. 1,200 watts – the power wattage is directly correlated with the interior dimensions and it is normal to be so. You will be able to control the power level via the main control panel and have more peace of mind knowing that your foods will be ready in just a few minutes.
3. Glass turntable – the provided turntable is made from tempered glass, it has large dimensions and it is dishwasher safe. It will keep your bowls or plastic containers stable and rotate them to ensure an even cooking process.
4. Keypad lock – this feature is also called child lockout and it basically means that it prevents small kids from accidentally opening the door of the microwave while it is running. To open the door, you will have to insert a passcode and this simple feature can prevent unwanted injuries and accidents.
5. Made of stainless steel – this product features a stainless steel casing and other components which is very convenient for you because it makes the microwave durable, easy to clean as well as eye-catching. Another plus of this device is that it doesn’t feature a handle, so there is one less thing to break down in the future. Opening the door can be done by pressing a button.

Some customers reported that although the microwave looks elegant and eye-catching, it has a rather boring, even outdated design.

They probably would have hoped to see a curvier form factor, but even so, this is a small disadvantage in my opinion.

---

Panasonic NN-SN966S

Company: Panasonic

Price: $$

My Rating: 4.9/5

The last product in my list comes from Panasonic and it is a large microwave oven suitable for almost any residential and commercial property.

The NN-SN966S model incorporates modern technology and a lot of cooking options that will make preparing foods a breeze.

Here are its strong points:

1. 2.2 cubic feet – this is one of the most spacious countertop microwaves out there. Although it might occupy some space in your kitchen, it allows you to prepare large servings of foods in one go, so you can serve delicious dishes to your family in just a couple of minutes.
2. 1.250 watts – when it comes to power, Panasonic put up to 1,250 watts inside this device, so it will cook your foods as quickly as possible. You can choose the desired power level via the control panel and ensure that you will never have to wait for too long for your favorite meal to be ready.
3. Made of aluminum – this product is made mostly using aluminum because this type of material is durable, light and eye-catching at the same time. It will blend perfectly with the interior design of your kitchen and it will look absolutely fabulous!
4. Sensor cooking – your Panasonic microwave also features a plethora of sensors which are capable of detecting the foods you put inside. It will then adjust the cooking settings and timers accordingly, so you basically don’t have to do much to get a meal ready in minutes!
5. Turbo defrost – this type of technology allows you to thaw different types of foods much quicker in comparison with what other microwaves can do. As a result, you can defrost large chunks of meat or other foods with little to no effort and have your dinner ready much faster.

No product is perfect and some customers reported that the turntable gets hot during the cooking process.

This is normal to be so and in most cases, the heat is not that high, so it might not bother you too much in the long run.

---

Pick the Top!

These are currently some of the best countertop microwave ovens available on the market today!

Pick your favorite one according to the interior space provided and of course, your budget. I’m sure that if you do your homework correctly, you will be able to make a fine choice. Good luck!