Our staff has researched many sources and tested prominent microwaves on the market to find out the best microwaves in 2020
Microwaves have deeply penetrated our life, becoming one of the indispensable items in most kitchens. Over the years, microwaves have evolved beyond their ability to warm up food or defrost frozen dishes and mutated into innovative appliances featuring highly advanced features. If you take a look at the wide range of microwaves floating on the market, you will be easily lured into thinking that there are hundreds of microwave manufacturers out there. This can’t be further from the truth. In fact, there are only a few manufacturers that can produce and assemble parts of microwaves; hence, the core technology of most microwaves you see is the same. 

That being said, there are still microwaves that significantly outperform other models, and it’s largely thanks to their additional features. Also, among various microwave types, countertop microwaves are the most in vogue. We’ve tested some of the most outstanding countertop microwaves and read thousands of reviews from users and experts to discover the best countertop microwave for you. Our picks include the best compact microwave, the best countertop microwave oven, the best countertop convection microwave oven 2020, etc. for different needs and cooking purposes.

Best Countertop Microwave

GE Profile™ 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven PEM31SFSS

GE Profile Countertop Microwave Oven stands out among countless microwaves thanks to its impressive performance

GE Profile™ 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven PEM31SFSS

Built-in capable microwave Optional hanging kit Sensor cooking controls Weight and time defrost 1.1 cu. Ft. capacity Turntable on/off Control lockout “Add 30 seconds” button Kitchen timer Undercabinet Hanging Kit (Optional):JXA019K Built-In Kit (Optional):JX827SFSS Microwave Watts (IEC-705): 800.0 W Instant On Controls Power Levels: 10 Electrical Input - 120V Amperage Electrical Input - 120V Watts Cavity (W x H x D): 17-3/8 x 9 x 12-1/4 Depth with Door Open 90°: 31.875 in Net Weight: 29.0 lb. Overall Depth: 12.875 in Overall Height: 12.125 in Overall width: 24.0 in

Sensor cooking controls
Automatic defrost timing
Control lock to prevent accidental activation
ADA Compliant certified
Limited capacity
GE Profile™ 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven PEM31SFSS is a product of GE- one of the most prestigious names in the home appliance market. Built upon the hope to modernize the kitchen, the GE Profile Countertop Microwave is bound to make your life easier in many ways.
Apart from some common features found in a standard microwave, the GE Profile PEM31SFSS also contains additional and advanced functions such as automatic defrost, sensor cooking controls, control locks, etc, which will help you handle various cooking tasks. Our GE Countertop Microwave reviews will reveal our thoughts on the pros and cons of this product.

Samsung 1.2 cu. ft. PowerGrill Duo™ Countertop With Power Convection And Built-In Application MC12J8035CT

Crafted with meticulousness and highly advanced technologies, Samsung PowerGrill Duo Microwave proves its superiority in cooking performance

Samsung 1.2 cu. ft. PowerGrill Duo™ Countertop With Power Convection And Built-In Application MC12J8035CT

Power Convection PowerGrill Duo™ Slim Fry™ Ceramic Enamel Interior Eco Mode: Standby Power Reduction Control Material: Glass Touch Turntable Material: Glass Turntable Size: 15" Child Lock Sound On/Off Display Color: Ice Blue Ventilation Grill Design: Exposed Heating: Microwave, Grill, Convection Auto Defrost Cooking Power: 900W(Micro), 1600W(Grill), 1650W(Conv) True Convection: Power Convection Power Levels: 10 Cooking Presets (Auto Cook) Brown / Grill Combination Cook Power/Ratings: 120V / 60Hz Amp Circuit: 14A Power Consumption (Microwave): 1600W Power Cord Length: 39.37" Product Weight: 62.8 lbs. Product Dimensions: 20 13/16" W x 15 14/16" H x 16 1/2" D Capacity: 1.2 cu. ft. Warranty: 1 Year Parts and Labor

Various preset cooking options
Highly visible text display
Premium look and feel with Glass Touch Controls
Power-conserving with Eco Mode
Not-so-intuitive interface
Being one of the tech giants recognized by almost everyone, Samsung never rests on their laurels. They have constantly attempted to create innovations, and during their search for perfection, Samsung PowerGrill Duo Countertop Microwave MC12J8035CT was born.
The Samsung PowerGrill Duo isn’t a simple microwave; it’s an innovative product featuring advanced functions rarely seen in other rivals of the same category. You will be taken aback by how many things you can do with this product. Our following Samsung countertop reviews will guide you through all you need to know about this product.

Whirlpool 1.6 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave with 1,200-Watt Cooking Power WMC30516HZ

Our staff has researched and analyzed various sources of information on Whirlpool 1,200-watt Countertop Microwave to give you an overview of this product

Whirlpool 1.6 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave with 1,200-Watt Cooking Power WMC30516HZ

Capacity: 1-3/5 Depth: 17-1/4 in Height: 13.0 in Width: 21-3/4 in Microwave Type: Countertop Location Of Controls: Right Number Of Keypads: 1 Number Of Quick Touch/One-Touch Selections: 9 Number Of Power Levels: 10 Cavity Finish: Powder Coat Cooking Power: 1200 w Interior Light: Incandescent Sensor Cooking Turntable: Recessed Turntable Diameter Size: 13-1/2 in Number Of Sensor Control Keypads: 6 Blower Type: Forced Air Microwave Configuration: Countertop Features: Conventional

Sensor Cooking equipped
Built-in trim kit available
Large capacity
Superior cooking power
No night light mode
No convection
When it comes to best budget microwaves with considerable efficiency, Whirlpool 1.6 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave is a name you should not ignore. This affordable microwave features what you expect in a standard microwave, helping you prepare deliciously cooked meals for your family. The compact design and the harmonious blend of this microwave make it a perfect match for almost all kitchen spaces. Moreover, the Whirlpool Microwave WMC30516HZ also goes with a large capacity, which helps you accommodate big platters and bowls in the cavity.
Of course, with a very competitive price, the Whirlpool Countertop Microwave can lack some features we find essential. But overall, this microwave is pretty good at what it can do, and our following Whirlpool Countertop Microwave review will delve deeper into both pros and cons of this machine.

LG 2.0 cu. ft. NeoChef™ Countertop Microwave With Smart Inverter And EasyClean®

LG 2.0 cu. ft. NeoChef™ Countertop Microwave offers excellent performance as an advanced microwave at an affordable price

LG 2.0 cu. ft. NeoChef™ Countertop Microwave With Smart Inverter And EasyClean®

EasyClean® NeoChef™ ADA Compliant Shipping Weight (lbs.): 41 lbs. Depth: 18 3/8" Height: 13 9/16" Width: 23 7/8" Cavity (WxHxD): 16 11/16" x 11 1/4" x 18 1/16" Carton Dimensions (in) (W x H x D): 27 3/4" x 15 2/5" x 21 1/4" Exterior (WxHxD): 23 7/8" x 13 9/16" x 19 5/16" Sensor Cook Options: 7 Sensor Reheat Options: 5 Power Levels: 10 Quick Start Sensor Cooking Defrost Options: 4 (Meat, Poultry, Fish, Bread) Completion Beeper Energy Saving Button EasyClean® Interior Watts: 1,200 Output / 1,350 Microwave Turntable Diameter: 16” SmoothTouch™ Glass Touch Control Type: White LED Cavity Size: 2.0 cu. ft. Child Lock Cavity Material: Metal Available Colors: Black Stainless Steel (BD), Stainless Steel (ST), Smooth White (SW), Smooth Black (SB) Cavity Coating EasyClean® Enamel (Gray Interior) Input Volt/Hertz: 120/60 Input Amps/Watts (Microwave): 14A/1600W UPC: 048232337198

Easy-to-clean interior
Sleek and practical design
Enlightened cooking
ADA compliant certified
A bit heavy
If your 5-year-old microwave crashed and you’re looking for a new one with superior efficiency and great durability, we highly recommend the LG Countertop Microwave model LMC2075ST. This microwave serves all of the basic cooking needs perfectly, and it adds so much luxury to your kitchen with its sleek and pleasantly-looking design.
Despite not being packed with multiple features like other products of the same category, the LG NeoChef 2.0 is still one of the best options for your house. Our following LG countertop microwave review will reveal what we love about this practical and highly efficient product.

Best countertop microwave: Why Do We Need It And What Should You Know About It?

Why do you need a countertop microwave?

The world has sped up, and you’ve probably struggled every day to keep up with its ever-increasing fast pace. Thus, it’s understandable that you don’t have much time and energy for a well-prepared breakfast or dinner. In these cases, microwaves are the best option that helps you warm up leftovers and heat frozen foods within minutes. On busy days, you can cook a lot more food beforehand and store it in the fridge, and when you come home late, all you need is to place those prepared dishes into the microwave for a quick and warm meal. Or you can just grab some takeaways on your way back home and let the microwaves take care of the rest. 

As you can see, microwaves first offer a quick solution for those who can find no time for cooking and preparing meals. But even to those who can, microwaves are still of great help. Many microwaves, especially countertop ones, are now equipped with “crazy” features that provide you with many cooking options. You can not only heat and defrost foods but also grill, broil, air fry anything you place in countertop microwaves for deliciously cooked and diversified meals. 

Best Countertop Microwaves Reviews by TopFreeReviews

Which criteria do we base our rating on?

Size

Size is an aspect to which we attach great significance. Under the influence of minimalism and simplification, most kitchen spaces have gravitated towards compact and space-saving designs. Therefore, we tend to appreciate medium-sized countertop microwaves (from 1.1 to 1.4 cu. ft.) that can fit in all types of kitchen space. These best compact microwaves often take up little room in the kitchen, thus saving you a lot of space for other important appliances such as dishwashers, blenders, food processors, etc.

Design

Apart from food processing purposes, the best countertop microwave convection ovens should add aestheticism to the kitchen as well. Hence, we also favor high-performing microwaves with a sleek design and pleasant look. These microwaves elevate the luster of the whole room and turn your kitchen into a classy and modernized space.

Control settings

Door handles

We prefer handles to push buttons since the latter can get stuck in the gaps and obstruct our maneuverability. Moreover, door handles aren’t susceptible to jamming or breaking when time passes, so if we could find two equally good microwaves with these two types of handles, we tend to pick the one with the door handle. That being said, we also include those with push buttons if they meet our expectations in performance and design.

Silence mode

Many countertop microwaves produce loud humming noises that can irritate us when cooking. Moreover, when we want to warm up some snacks in the middle of the night, we risk waking the whole family with the beeping sound and the loud processing noise. Hence, we highly appreciate microwaves featuring this function, but not all our picks have this function.

Sensor Cooking

Sensor Cooking mode can detect the humidity within the microwave and adjust the cooking time for optimal performance. This is a smart feature and can be seen in some advanced microwaves created by the best microwave brands. It would be ideal if a microwave has this additional function, so don’t be surprised if our picks mainly feature microwaves with Sensor Cooking mode.

How did we test a countertop microwave’s cooking performance?

To assess the performance of a countertop microwave and measure how well it does its job, we base our test on certain aspects.

Raw power

To get a good understanding of a microwave’s raw power, we put two cups of water in a microwave and turned on its maximum power. After that, we kept an eye on how much the cups of water were heated. Generally, best rated countertop microwaves with powerful heating generate hotter water temperatures.

Differences in power levels

A standard countertop microwave’s setting is divided into different power levels, starting from 1 and ending at 10 (for most models). In an attempt to test if there exists any distinction between these levels, we heated a bowl of mashed potatoes in a microwave for 1 minute at each level and measured the temperature of the bowl after being heated in each stage. If the temperatures vary in different levels, then the microwave we tested offers a proper set of power levels.