The Commercial Chef Counter Top Rotary Microwave Oven is a super compact and simple appliance. The mechanical rotary dials make it great for those seeking a basic operation. The dials allow you to set a timer ranging from 1 to 30 minutes and to choose from among the six cooking power levels.
This is a great option for someone with minimal space, looking for a simple microwave to prepare small items.
This COMFEE’ microwave oven features convenient one-touch cooking buttons, 11 power levels, and a removable turntable. The large LED digital display has a clock function and can also display a kitchen timer. This model includes an energy-saving eco mode where the LED display can be turned off to save energy.
The Black + Decker model comes with a 10-inch removable glass plate that rotates when the microwave is on to prevent hotspots and allows food to cook more easily. The plate is easily removed and cleaned with warm soapy water.
This model comes with a large LED digital display that serves as a clock, countdown timer and displays remaining cooking time. The microwave can be turned on for one to six minutes at 100 percent power by simply touching the number. The door is easily opened with the push of a button. Stop the microwave at any time by pressing the stop button.
With 900 watts the Toshiba EM925A5A-SS Microwave oven is one of the most powerful in our review. In general the higher the wattage of the appliance, the faster the cooking time. This model is also slightly larger than other models in our review.
It is equipped with an LED light, glass turntable, energy-saving eco mode, a mute button, and clock and kitchen timer functionality. We love that the door handle is super easy to grip.
An Echo device (not included) is required to use the voice control features and quick-cook voice presets on the AmazonBasics Microwave. To start cooking, use your voice or just press the Ask Alexa button and say your cook time. The button will instantly wake up your paired Echo, just like saying “Alexa” does. You can say commands like “cook for 3 minutes” or “cook frozen vegetables,” and the microwave will start cooking.
We love how simple this appliance makes heating something up. This would be a great option who is familiar with how Alexa works and is looking for a simple appliance to heat up small items.
The COSTWAY model is one of the largest microwave ovens in our review, and at 0.9 cu. ft. capacity, it is considered a mid-sized microwave.
We love that this model is super user-friendly and simple to use with just two knobs, two buttons and an LED display time screen. The microwave comes with a rotating glass turntable and offers multiple functions and default cooking presets.
When it comes to purchasing a new microwave oven, it is important to research the different features each one offers. Make sure you understand what each can do, how you will use it, and if it will suit your needs. Before you go shopping, consider the following:
Microwaves ovens will have variable wattages ranging from 600 to 1200 watts. Higher wattage microwaves will cook food faster but often come with a higher price tag. If you are planning to use this primarily for cooking, do note that most recipes specify at least 800 watts to ensure that food is cooked thoroughly and evenly.
If you are a light user and plan to use your microwave primarily for reheating items or making popcorn, you likely won’t need a higher wattage or a lot of fancy features.
The internal capacity of microwaves ranges greatly from 0.5 cubic feet (big enough to fit 10-inch dinner plate) to over 2 cubic feet (accommodates larger cookware). Most simple microwaves will fall into the compact of mid-sized range, coming in at 0.5 to 1.3 cubic feet.
Consider what you will be using your microwave for, the type of cookware you will be using and if the capacity will be adequate.
If you have young children in your home, or those that visit often, consider the child lock feature to keep them safe.
Consider if you plan on using your microwave for common items such as; pizza, popcorn or frozen vegetable. If so, having a model with cooking preset buttons may be a convenient option.