Our Favorite Countertop Microwave Ovens

If it’s cooking speed you need, here are our picks for microwave ovens for the kitchen

The days of just using a microwave oven to heat up some hot dogs or a batch of nachos have passed us by. Today’s microwave ovens can accomplish so many more kitchen chores with the touch of a single button. If you’re looking for a new countertop microwave oven, here are four we recommend.

Toshiba Microwave Oven

Toshiba Microwave Oven
This 1.2 cubic foot microwave has 10 power levels and six reheating settings for popular food items. Amazon

If speed is what you’re looking for, this microwave oven from Toshiba has a half dozen reheating settings for standard food items like pizza, potatoes and vegetables so you can start cooking with one touch. The black stainless steel exterior should fit in with most modern kitchen sets.

Panasonic Family Size Microwave Oven

Panasonic Family Size Microwave Oven
With 2.2 cubic feet, this microwave is big enough to tackle dinner for the whole family. Amazon

Panasonic’s microwave has the size and power o handle any sized feast. It also features sensor reheat technology to determine the right power level and monitor cooking results. If your food is still in frozen form — no sweat — the oven’s Inverter Turbo Defrost feature will handle the thawing with ease.

AmazonBasics Microwave

AmazonBasics Microwave
Use your Echo device and quick voice presets to let the oven get to work without touching it. Amazon

This compact microwave oven from Amazon packs a punch. Just say, “Alexa, reheat one cup of tea” and let the oven go to work. Despite its size, this oven still has many of the bells and whistles of larger competitors including 10 power levels, a timer, child lock and a turntable.

Daewoo Retro Countertop Microwave Oven

Daewoo Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
If an art-deco look is your priority, this retro microwave oven by Daewoo is an attractive pick. Amazon

The first countertop microwave oven reportedly was created in the late ’60s, so this retro look is definitely more style than an actual reproduction of an early model. (And those babies weighed a ton!) Still this Daewoo model does the job with great looks and five power levels up to 700 watts.