Best countertop microwave oven

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Every product is independently selected by obsessive editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission. And then, of course, there are the many other perks of the appliance available to those with the counter space to accommodate one: quickly defrosting frozen foods, softening butter and ice cream to just the right consistency, melting chocolate for baking , and, of course, making popcorn. Chef David Chang and New York Times reporter Priya Krishna published a cookbook a couple of years ago that has an entire section on the appliance, and Chang even came out with his own line of microwavable dishes. Food writer, editor, and cookbook author Matt Rodbard loves microwaves, too and has a section of his own book dedicated to them. That really changed my life. Microwaves, though, do run the gamut of just how exacting they are and, accordingly, how expensive.

Best countertop microwave oven

We've been independently researching and testing products for over years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. A countertop microwave is designed to fit nicely on your kitchen counter, in your dorm room or next to your desk at work. This versatile appliance is easy to use and provides fast results — whether you need to defrost chicken in a pinch, soften brown sugar that has gone hard or whip up a quick and delicious microwave mug cake. Countertop microwaves do not require any special installation, can be moved around easily without sliding around on your countertop and are generally affordable. In our recent side-by-side Lab test, we tested 12 new countertop microwave models conducting over 10 tests on each model over the span of two months. When we test microwaves we assess everything from ease of opening the door to how intuitive the control panel is to navigate. To assess whether each microwave offers even heat distribution, speed and efficiency we pop popcorn, reheat a large casserole, melt cheese on bread, defrost ground beef and so much more. If they offer air fry , toast or convection settings, we test those as well. You can read more about how we test countertop microwaves in our Lab at the end of this guide — plus we offer expert advice on how to master your microwave.

This pick has a smart sensor and is loaded with features like a "quick 30" button, "more" and "less" buttons that adjust cook times by second increments, a quick-minute timer, a delay-start feature and a child safety lock, best countertop microwave oven.

Most of them are just variations of the same cheap-but-decent machine, built by the same manufacturer Midea in the same factory with the same core components. This midsize microwave looks better and has a few more useful features—including a mute option, automatic reheating, and a door handle instead of a button—than similar ovens. If your countertops are a little tight on space or you want to save some money, this slightly smaller version of our favorite Toshiba works well and has most of the same great features. Otherwise, the features and controls are pretty similar. A handle is easier to clean and less likely to break than a push-button design, but harder for some people to use.

These countertop and over-the-range models top CR's tests. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. Learn more. Our tests found that most microwave ovens have less space than marketed. Many of our tested models, both over-the-range OTR and countertop microwaves , have a usable capacity of about 50 percent of what manufacturers claim.

Best countertop microwave oven

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Microwaves are essential appliances used daily in most household kitchens, and today's models are built to do much more than just reheat last night's leftovers. Many microwaves feature cooking presets that can perform a variety of tasks with the touch of a button, like steam fresh vegetables, defrost chicken breasts, melt chocolate , soften butter, and bake potatoes. Some microwaves even have grilling and convection heating capabilities. Microwaves designed for countertop use are ready to go right out of the box, and since they don't need any installation, they're easy to move around if needed. They're also typically compact enough that you can find a spot for them in the smallest of kitchens, even if it means keeping one stashed on a table or storage cart.

Miche pocketbooks

Remove some to bookmark this image. It was one of four machines that brought water to boil in just 2 minutes, and it managed to thaw and then cook frozen mac and cheese amazingly evenly. To test that, we cooked a single bag of popcorn using each machine's popcorn setting, then separated and weighed the unpopped kernels, and examined the popped ones for scorching. In our recent side-by-side Lab test, we tested 12 new countertop microwave models conducting over 10 tests on each model over the span of two months. LG and Samsung each make their own microwaves. We tested the extra-large NN-SNS and found a few modest performance differences, which is not a surprise since the geometry is different. Imagine starting the reheating process for your dinner while still at the office, so it's ready as soon as you walk through the door. Your individual results may vary for a few different reasons, though most people will just learn to adjust their cook times to suit their particular oven. We appreciate that it has the same easy-to-read and clean control panel and that this newer model boasts a handle. We recommend that you measure your dinner plates or commonly microwaved tableware to make sure that they fit inside. Ease of Use: Ensure the microwave has user-friendly controls and a clear display.

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In terms of the actual cooking device, nothing. Because of this we recommend not using the preset and listening for when popcorn has stopped popping. Catherine McCord, creator of the blog Weelicious , has had a bunch of different microwaves over the years — but she really loves her current Panasonic. Tell us why! With 51 preprogrammed menus covering everything from popcorn to pizza reheating, this solo microwave makes cooking easy and precise. Sign in. We did another heating test to get a sense of the hot spots you might find with a taller food container, or a big pile of food. The Best Coffee Makers. You get a combination of convenience, versatility, and efficiency, making them essential for quick and efficient cooking in the contemporary kitchen. With options like grill, defrost and power levels, you'll be whipping up meals in no time. Take note: The food menu presets are coded, but the key is hidden inside the microwave like other models tested. The popular 1.