Microwave oven is a kitchen appliance which saves your cooking time and makes food tastier. Microwave oven consumes very less electricity and is easy to use. The important benefit of a microwave oven is the ‘time efficiency’. As compared to the traditional methods of cooking, microwave ovens take very little time to cook. A microwave oven has a timer which enables us to set the time for cooking food. When timer runs out, the oven turns off automatically. Different times are set to cook different types of food items. For instance water can get boiled in one minute; cookies will take longer time to bake. Microwave ovens are easy to maintain and clean. What you need is a damp cotton cloth or a sponge. Wipe the oven from inside and you are done. To get rid of the smell of food, boil the bowl of water in the oven with a few drops of lemon juice in it and your oven is ready to use again. Microwave cooking does not need supervision. Remember, how crazy you go while stirring curry, keeping an eye on the pressure cooker and waiting to hear the whistle, and making salad all at the same time. You will be relaxed while cooking with a microwave oven. Place the food, set the time, stir in between if necessary and remove the food once it is done. You can take that phone call while your food is being prepared in the microwave oven.
Different types and prices of microwaves can vary greatly; the most popular commercial models have capacities of around 32 litres, and this can vary from 25-35 litres depending on factors such as price and complexity.
Every microwave oven will provide different options for cooking food, with more expensive models generally having more (and better) features. These can include settings for cooking specific foods, defrosting or reheating, slow cooking or delayed start and variable times. If you use your microwave for a variety of different foods, consider buying one with several programs that can make your life easy.
Higher wattages cook foods faster, and most recipes specify that the microwave should produce at least 800 watts to ensure that the food is cooked or baked thoroughly and evenly. Microwaves can have variable wattages ranging from 600 – 1200 watts, so check to ensure that your model has adequate power.
Now let’s have a look at the 10 of the best microwave oven we have picked:
List of the Best Small Microwave Ovens of 2024:
10. Panasonic NN-SD945S Countertop/Built-In Microwave
Save some time to spend on other important activities by using this high-quality that comes with 1250 watts letting you enjoy a faster cooking. The automatic sensor helps to adjust the heat level and times depending on the type of food. The Panasonic countertop/built-in microwave comes with its own patented inverter technology. This technology ensures that all your food gets cooked evenly throughout, without leaving any uncooked or overcooked portions, even when functioning at the lowest temperature setting. With 9 menu buttons, you can cook all your dishes with ease, even if you are trying a new recipe! Your Panasonic countertop/built-in microwave has predetermined all the settings, giving you an easier time in the kitchen helping you to show off your cooking skills. Besides, defrosting is now faster as the advanced inverter turbo defrost works to speed up the process. Coming with a black color, this outstanding Panasonic microwave easily pairs with any kitchen décor. For those who prefer mounting the microwave to the cabinet or wall unit, then this should be your ideal microwave.
Key features
- Faster Cooking Times
- Inverter Technology
- Faster Defrost
- Automatic Power Sensor
9. Sharp Microwaves ZSMC1132CS Microwave Oven
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The 1,000-watt Sharp Carousel 1.1 (SMC1132CS) boasts reliable performance and intuitive function that managed to outperform microwaves twice its price. It’s also standard in visual design too and will blend into any kitchen more seamlessly than the futuristic Breville. This mid-sized 1.1 cu. ft. stainless steel Sharp Carousel microwave is more than a great choice for reheating and everyday cooking, it’s also specifically tuned to achieve optimal popping results from the leader in microwave popcorn, Orville Redenbacher’s. Simply touch the “Popcorn” button on the SMC1132CS to choose the Classic Size (3.3 oz) or Single Serve Mini Bag (1.16 oz) of Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn. Then sit back and enjoy the light and fluffy popcorn with the delicious, buttery flavor of Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn. The SMC1132CS is not just for popcorn. 1000 watts of power gives you rapid reheating and fast cooking. Easy-to-clean stainless steel finish with scratch-resistant glass door complement your style. One-Touch controls, Auto Defrost, and the Carousel turntable system make cooking and reheating faster and easier. It’s easy to see why home cooks throughout the world trust Sharp Carousel. If you’re just looking for a traditional microwave that won’t disappoint, this Sharp is our recommendation.
Key features
- Orville Redenbacher’s Certified Popcorn
- Premium blue LED
- Convenient “+30 Sec” key for instant start
- 11.2″ carousel turntable for even cooking using a full-size dinner plate
- Express cook for one touch cooking up to 6 minutes
8. Panasonic NN-SD372S Countertop Microwave
The Panasonic NN-SD372S 0.8-Cubic-Feet Microwave is an 800 watt unit and has a stainless steel construction. It measures 19 X 11 inches in dimensions and is slightly larger for a compact microwave oven. However, it is still quite small to fit into tight corners. The display panel of the device consists of a few buttons and also a dial. At first glance, you will feel like the only preset is the popcorn feature. However, there are actually 9 presets in total and apart from popcorn, the rest can be accessed easily by multiple presses on the auto cook button. Furthermore, the Inverter power unit is smaller and lighter than conventional microwave circuitry which allows for more interior space to fit that favorite casserole dish, without increasing the oven’s overall exterior dimensions. Weighing just 21 pounds, the oven’s roomy interior measures 13-7/8 inches long by 12-3/8 inches wide by 8-1/8 high, while its compact exterior measures 15-9/16 inches long by 19-3/16 inches wide by 11 inches high. The microwave can be easily programmed making it ideal for the elderly people or the starters. The small indentation at the upper-left corner of the door makes door to open smoothly.
Key features
- 950 Watts of High Power
- One-Touch Auto Cook and Reheat for automatic cooking settings
- Upper left-corner of the door has a small indentation to allow the door to open smoothly and is completed at the factory
7. Westinghouse, WM009, Countertop Microwave Oven
This oven makes every cooking process simple and worry-free. It’s a mid-size oven rated at 900 watts with 0.9 cubic feet of cooking space. That makes it a reliable option for cooking entire meals for the family. The design really pops, but it’s not too complicated to use. In fact, in terms of functionality, the touch controls are simple and push to touch. Nearly no learning curve involved and easy to operate right from the get-go. In addition, the green LED display has a dual functionality. First, it works as a digital clock, and second, it is a handy timer for whenever you don’t want to burn those cookies in the oven. In addition, the Westinghouse WM009 900 Watt has 6 “speed-dial” buttons are on the touch controls for the most popular dishes: Pizza, Popcorn, Potatoes, Beverage, Reheat, and Frozen Food. Perhaps maybe not as light as a feather, but the appliance is light for sure. When you can’t wait out frozen vegetables, or you forgot to take that package of chicken out of the freezer early, a microwave can be a lifesaver. Defrost by weight according to the food you need, or use the Speed Defrost feature. This setting works by alternating between defrost and stand times to quickly and effectively defrost foods. Light, but functions well and efficiently. It’s the best of both worlds.
Key features
- Durable strong construction with a stainless steel front display
- Black cabinet for compact durability
- 10 cooking power levels
- Six one-touch quick cook menu buttons
- Stainless steel front panel
- Convenient auto weight and speed defrost
- Push button style door
6. Panasonic NN-SN936B Countertop Microwave
This microwave comes with a great patented inverter technology that allows you to enjoy evenly cooked food without having to become overcooked. With 1250 watts of cooking power, you can now cook your food using the minimum cooking period. It also offers 14 Preset Auto Cook Menu Items. One-Touch Genius Sensor Cook and Reheat functions takes the guesswork out of microwaving by automatically setting power levels and adjusting cooking or reheating time. Other highlights include a Membrane keypad, Inverter Turbo Defrost technology, 10 Power Levels, Popcorn Key, Keep Warm mode, Delay Start, Timer, Quick Minute, 16.5″ Turntable and More/Less Control. The countertop microwave oven measures 23 7/8″ L x 19 7/16″ W x 14″ H. Upper-left corner of the door has a small indentation to allow the door to open smoothly. Besides, this microwave retains the food nutrients, texture, and color allowing the user to more nutritious food. The keep warm feature works to keep the food warm after cooking when waiting to be served.
Key features
- 1250 watts high power
- Seamless stream of cooking power
- Advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost
- Cavity dimensions (H x W x D): 10 15/16 x 18 7/16 x 18 1/2 inches
- Unit dimensions (H x W x D): 14 x 23 7/8 x 19 7/16 inches
- Automatic sensor
- 9 preset menu items
5. Farberware Classic FMO11AHTBKB
The Farberware Classic 1.1 Cubic Feet Microwave delivers 1000 watts of cooking power and custom control to handle the needs of your busy kitchen. It provides the convenience of custom settings comprising of 10 power levels and 6 preset menus. With 10 power levels, 6 preset menus, express cooking, defrost by weight or time, multi-stage cooking, and a kitchen timer, the Farberware Classic Microwave Oven is ready to perform any task with ease and comfort. The Farberware Classic 1.1 Cubic Feet microwave offers a sleek design that and a roomy interior that accommodates oversized dinner plates, most baking dishes, and large food savers with a 12.4-inch turntable and a 13.9 x 14.5 x 9.1 inches cavity. Just as the title suggests, this feature allows you to save and store your preferred settings for cooking a certain meal. If you are cooking a certain meal, once you key in the settings and they work perfectly you can get the microwave to remember the settings for use the next time you will be cooking the same meal. This is the same for heating and baking. Enjoy quick, custom cooking in a generously sized microwave that fits your counter. Following the Farberware tradition of over 100 years of value, quality and durability this classic compact microwave is ready to simplify food prep in your kitchen.
Key features
- 6 One Touch Cooking Programs
- 10 Power Levels
- Defrost by Weight or Time
- Express Cooking Functions
- +30 Second Control Button
- LED Display with Kitchen Timer and Clock
- Child Safety Functionality
4. Panasonic NN-SU696S Countertop Microwave Oven
Ready to have your day of good food with Panasonic NN-SU696S Countertop Microwave Oven. A sleek, touch-button control panel and four-digit display provide a high-end look, with one-touch sensor cook and reheat. With the touch of Panasonic’s Sensor Cooking button, the microwave takes the guesswork out of creating a great meal, by automatically setting power levels and adjusting cooking or defrosting time. Equipped with one-touch Panasonic sensor cooking button, the microwave takes the guesswork out of your cooking and cooks delicious meals by automatically setting power level and adjusting its own cooking or defrosting time. Not only this, the 7 pre-programmed menu options cook potatoes, fresh vegetables, frozen pizza, frozen entrée, casserole, and meat at your convenience. With dimensions of 16.6 x 20.4 x 12.4 inches, the device offers 1.3 cu feet of spacious cooking cavity and easily accommodates a 12-inch casserole in it. The device can be easily placed on the kitchen platform for convenient usage. The ultra seek touch-button control panel and four digit-display give the microwave an ultramodern sleek look that blends easily with any type of contemporary kitchen or house settings. Panasonic NN-SU696S Countertop Microwave Oven is really a high-end cooking device when it comes to convenience cooking. The features that I really like about this microwave oven are its high cooking power of 1100 watts, its incomparable defrosting capability, and its quick 30 button for quick reheating.
Key features
- 1100 watts high power
- One touch Genius Sensor
- 7 pre-programmed settings
- One-touch popcorn button with 3 power levels
- Quick :30 button
3. Samsung MS11K3000AS 1.1 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
This countertop microwave features a ceramic enamel interior. Ceramic enamel features a porcelain-like coating and is resistant to scratching. It’s also easy to clean. The microwave’s dial controls allow you to quickly adjust cooking time without pausing or stopping the unit. The timer can be set up to 99 minutes and 99 seconds, and the blue LED display is easy to read from afar. For safety, the microwave can be locked using the Child Lock feature. Whether it’s the soup you just bought, last night’s leftover pasta, or a frozen dinner, Sensor Cook does the thinking for you so that you get optimally heated results every time. Three microwave distribution points to cook food evenly and thoroughly. A variety of preset cooking options puts convenient meals with fresh ingredients at your fingertips. You can choose from various pre-set cook modes on this Samsung countertop microwave for optimally cooked homemade dishes – from green beans to brown rice, boneless chicken to salmon fillets – that are healthy and full of flavor. The 1.1 cu. ft. capacity of this microwave accommodates a variety of snacks and meal items and lets you prepare foods quickly and easily. Enjoy the delicious results that sensor cooking guarantees with this outstanding selection from Samsung.
Key features
- 1.1 cu. ft. Capacity
- 1,000 Watts
- 10 Power Levels
- Sensor Cook
- Eco Mode
- Cooking Presets
- Ceramic Enamel Interior
- Timer
- Clock
- Dial Control
2. Westinghouse, WCM660W, Countertop Microwave Oven
With the Westinghouse microwave you get 600 Watts of cooking power. This microwave has easy to use turn dials for cooking your food. It has a 0.6 cubic foot volume. This microwave is great for anyone living within a small area like a dorm or apartment. It won’t take up a lot of counter space and still gives you the convenience of quickly cooking your food. Six power levels make this microwave oven suitable for a variety of different cooking tasks. Soften butter or chocolate on the lower settings, reheat food or defrost veggies on the middle power levels, and use the high settings for more heavy-duty cooking tasks like preparing a frozen dinner. The mechanical dial controls are remarkably easy to use, and especially good for senior citizens, people with vision impairments, or anyone who wants to keep it simple and is looking for an alternative to the electronic controls found on many of today’s small appliances. A 30-minute timer helps keep things safe; the user can’t accidentally enter a longer cook time. Besides its compact size, the unit is easy to clean and requires minimal upkeep. The removable glass turntable can go in the dishwasher, and there are no electronic controls to malfunction. This also means that the unit is not consuming electricity when not in use, and there is no glow from an electronic display to disrupt sleep if used in a studio or dorm room.
Key features
- 6 Microwave power levels
- A 30 minute timer with end of cooking signal
- Grip handle
- Mechanical dial controls
- 600 Watt power with 6 Cu. Ft. volume
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1. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
With the total dimension of 20.44 x 16.78 x 12.4 inches, this microwave cooker which is called hOmeLabs has the maximum capacity of 6 quart. Adding to that, with its powerful 1050 watt power, cooking various foods can be done without using much effort. More than this, this Viking microwave is well produced from the top grade materials which are BPA free. Countertop microwave oven has convenient settings for pizza, popcorn, steamed vegetables and more with a quick touch button, as well as defrost options by weight or time, and speed cook for quick reheating. Modern microwave for counter includes a turntable for evenly cooked food and meals with a BPA free rotary glass cooking plate and also features a safety lock function for children and an easy-to-read LED display screen. Black microwave oven cooker has a slick matte exterior and a stainless steel handle for a color combo that fits with every modern kitchen and home decor. Your day is flying by and sometimes you need some good food, quick. That’s where the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven comes in. With 10 cooking power levels, 7 pre-programmed settings and a speedy cook function, you’ll never wait too long for a great meal or snack at the perfect temperature. And with its slick matte black exterior and stainless steel handle, it looks great on your kitchen countertop, too.
Key features
- Speedy Cook
- Weight Defrost
- Time Defrost
Final Thoughts
There we are, our top ten beasts of the best microwave ovens. They provide a cooking performance you can rely on, especially when you’ve got a busy kitchen to run. It’s time that you make up your mind and choose the model that best matches your need and budget. Regardless of which is your decision, be assured that you’ll always get top-notch results in your cooking. Just remember you are only one click away from owning one of the best small microwave oven.
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