The Best Countertop Microwaves for Every Kitchen Size

Choosing the right microwave can enhance your kitchen activities. It’s useful for reheating food or making quick meals.

Countertop microwaves are versatile and easy to use. They don’t require special cabinets or wall space.

The microwave market has many options to explore. You can find different sizes and designs. There are features available for every preference.

A good microwave can save you time in the kitchen. It can make cooking and reheating more convenient.

The best one for you will make your cooking experience much better. From compact 0.5 cu. ft. countertop microwaves to larger 2.0 cu. ft. ones, all are just right for any kitchen setting.

Here is a comprehensive guide that will delve deeper into the world of countertop microwaves and the popular sizes, models, and features that should be considered.

Understanding countertop microwave sizes

Choosing the right microwave starts with understanding your space and cooking needs. Countertop microwaves come in a variety of sizes, generally categorized by their cubic foot capacity. Here’s a breakdown of the most common sizes and what each is best suited for:

0.5 cu. ft. countertop microwave—compact and convenient

Designed for cramped kitchen conditions, this 0.5 cu. ft. countertop microwave fits perfectly into doing quick tasks such as reheating a cup of coffee or preparing small portions of food.

Its compact nature makes it possible to fit on already busy countertops yet offers enough power to handle everyday needs.

For college dorm rooms, studio apartments, or RVs, this size is an excellent choice. You won’t have to worry about it taking up too much space, and it’s typically one of the most affordable microwave options available.

However, its limited interior space means it won’t accommodate large dishes, so if you often cook for more than two people, you may need something larger.

1.0 cu. ft. countertop microwave—balancing size and functionality

A step up in size, the 1.0 cu. ft. countertop microwave provides a good balance between size and functionality.

It’s perfect for small to medium-sized households that need to heat up family meals or cook frozen dinners more frequently. This size offers a larger turntable, allowing for larger plates and even small casserole dishes.

Its moderate size fits well in kitchens with slightly more counter space and offers more versatility in the types of foods you can prepare.

If you often find yourself warming up soups, defrosting meats, or cooking frozen meals, a 1.0 cu. ft. microwave could be a great fit for your kitchen.

1.6 Countertop Microwave—Ideal for Families

The 1.6 countertop microwave is ideal for families needing extra power and space. It offers a roomy interior, suitable for larger meals and bigger dishes.

This microwave is great for batch cooking or feeding several people. It serves as a perfect option for medium- to large households. Choose this microwave for efficient meal preparation and convenience.

This size is also great for handling more substantial cooking tasks, such as making large popcorn bags or reheating leftovers for multiple people.

If you have a family of four or more, this size offers an excellent blend of convenience and capacity without taking up excessive counter space.

2.0 Countertop Microwave: Large Capacity for Busy Kitchens

For large families or individuals who love to cook, the 2.0 countertop microwave is a top-tier choice. It has a large internal space for big casserole dishes and large plates.

You can fit multiple servings inside at the same time. Ideal for cooking full meals in the microwave. Great for defrosting big pieces of meat. Perfect for reheating large quantities of food.

Although 2.0 countertop microwaves are vastly bigger when it comes to cooking power, they are a bit bulkier and do take up more counter space.

They’re probably a better fit for kitchens with lots of elbow room, but in those that don’t, one needs to measure the countertop before finalizing this as the great fit.

Unique Features to Consider When Choosing a Countertop Microwave

Apart from size, there are several key features to look out for when buying a countertop microwave.

Although all microwaves are built around the same fundamental purpose, the additional features do make cooking more efficient and even exciting to do. For more details, visit our microwave size and dimensions guide.

22-Inch Wide Countertop Microwave—Narrow and Efficient

The 22-inch wide microwave has a modern design that saves space. It delivers strong cooking performance despite its compact size.

Ideal for kitchens with limited space, it fits easily into tight areas. Users can enjoy full functionality without sacrificing size. This microwave is perfect for those seeking efficiency in small kitchens.

The narrow profile of a 22-inch microwave makes it ideal for small kitchens, especially those in apartments or condos.

While thinner, it does not sacrifice cooking performance in larger models and can accommodate standard dinner plates.

24 Inch Microwave with Drop-Down Door—Stylish and Functional

A 24-inch microwave with a drop-down door adds both style and function to your kitchen. This design is perfect for individuals who prioritize aesthetics in their kitchen appliances.

The drop-down door is sleek and practical. When placing large dishes into or removing them from the microwave oven, this would allow better access to its interior.

This microwave is commonly seen in upscale kitchens because of its sleek look and modern functions.

It is especially beneficial for those who cook with their microwave often, not just for reheating. The drop-down door design allows users to monitor their food without interrupting the cooking.

Microwave Power: How Much Wattage Do You Need?

One of the most important considerations when buying a countertop microwave is its wattage. Wattage directly impacts how quickly and evenly your food cooks.

Microwaves with lower wattage, typically between 600 and 700 watts, are ideal for reheating food and performing light cooking tasks.

In contrast, models with higher wattage, over 1000 watts, provide quicker and more efficient cooking options.

• 600–800 Watts: Ideal for basic tasks like reheating coffee or popcorn. These microwaves are usually more affordable but may take longer to cook larger or denser items.
• 900–1000 Watts: Offers a great balance for everyday use. Suitable for defrosting, reheating, and even cooking frozen dinners.
• 1100+ Watts: Perfect for power users who want faster cooking times and more even heating. These models can handle almost any microwave cooking task with ease.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Countertop Microwave

When selecting the right countertop microwave, several factors come into play. While size and wattage are critical, it’s also essential to consider the following:

Kitchen Space and Layout

Before purchasing, ensure the available countertop space to accommodate the microwave comfortably.

A 2.0 countertop microwave may sound appealing, but if it takes up too much space, it can be a hindrance.

Pay attention to both the height and depth of the microwave, as some models may be bulkier than they seem.

Intended Use

Consider how you plan to use your microwave. Are you mostly reheating leftovers, or do you plan to cook full meals?

A small microwave is quite well when you very occasionally need to cook a snack, but frequent cooking will require a larger version with many features.

Price and Budget

Countertop microwaves vary widely in price based on their size, wattage, and features. Smaller microwaves, like a 0.5 cu. ft. countertop microwave, can cost as little as $50, while larger, more advanced models like the 2.0 countertop microwave can range up to $300 or more. Define your budget before shopping and prioritize the features most important to you.

Additional Features

Many microwaves, in addition to cooking, often come with features such as sensor cooking, preset options, and even inverter technology.

Sensor cooking will automatically adjust your cooking time and power levels based on how moist your food is; you can therefore be assured of having your food well cooked.

Pre-programmed settings will allow you to simply press a button for specific foods. Inverter technology helps maintain consistent power for even cooking.

These features make using a microwave more convenient and efficient. Inverter technology provides more consistent power levels for even cooking and defrosting.

Popular countertop microwave brands

Several brands offer high-quality countertop microwaves across various price ranges. Some of the top names to look for include:

• Panasonic: Known for their inverter technology, Panasonic microwaves are excellent for those seeking precision cooking.
• Toshiba offers a variety of models with great features at an affordable price.
• LG provides sleek designs and user-friendly interfaces, perfect for modern kitchens.
• GE: Known for durability and performance, GE microwaves are a solid choice for long-term use.

FAQs

What is the smallest size of a countertop microwave?

The smallest size commonly available is a 0.5 cu. ft. countertop microwave, which is ideal for small spaces like dorms or offices.

Can I cook a full meal in a 1.0 cu. ft. countertop microwave?

Yes, a 1.0-cu. ft. microwave can handle full meals, although larger dishes might be difficult to fit.

Do 2.0 countertop microwaves use more electricity?

Bigger microwaves usually use more energy, but the difference is small compared to smaller ones. The power consumption difference is not significant if the microwaves are used wisely. Efficiency can make the power use of larger models similar to that of smaller ones.

What is the benefit of a drop-down door on a microwave?

A drop-down door offers easier access to the interior, especially when dealing with large or heavy dishes. It also adds a modern, stylish look to your kitchen.

How do I know if a 24-inch microwave will fit my space?

Measure both the width and depth of your countertop area before purchasing, and check the product dimensions carefully to ensure a good fit.

Is higher wattage always better in a microwave?

Higher wattage means faster cooking times, but it’s not always necessary. For basic reheating and light cooking, a 700-900 watt microwave is sufficient.

Conclusion

Consider your cooking habits when choosing a countertop microwave. Measure your kitchen space to ensure a good fit.

Set a budget to guide your selection process. From a space-saving 0.5 cu. ft. model to a robust 2.0 cu. ft. powerhouse, there’s a microwave suited for every household.

Grasping the essential features and various sizes will empower you to make an informed choice.

A well-chosen microwave can significantly enhance your kitchen’s functionality and overall enjoyment.

Consider how often you cook and the types of meals you prepare to find the best fit for your lifestyle.

Assess your kitchen layout to ensure that the microwave would fit seamlessly into your space. Make sure you budget wisely so you can explore options without breaking the bank. It also might be a good idea to check out features such as sensor cooking and pre-programmed settings according to your cooking style.

You know now that maybe a more extensive microwave will be more diversified, while a small one might only serve just enough to get you saving some valuable counter space.

Now, knowing what to know could well put you in a position where you would be able to choose the right one that’ll elevate your cooking experience.