10 Best Countertop Microwaves

The Toshiba Air Fry Auto Menu Combo 5-IN-1 Countertop Microwave stands out as a versatile kitchen appliance, offering microwave, air fry, broil, bake, and combination functions. This makes it a great space-saver for those who need a multifunctional device. With a 26-liter capacity, it can handle larger dishes like a 4lb chicken or a 10-inch pizza, making it suitable for family use.

The microwave operates at 900 watts, which is sufficient for most microwave tasks, though slightly less powerful than some other options on the market. However, the addition of convection and grill functions, with outputs up to 2100W and 1000W respectively, ensures faster and more even cooking, especially with the combination modes that can crisp and brown foods while keeping them tender inside. The 10 auto cooking presets and 9 air fry menus add convenience, taking the guesswork out of cooking various dishes. The black stainless steel design is sleek and modern, fitting well into most kitchen aesthetics.

On the downside, its larger size requires ample counter space, and at nearly 19 kg, it is quite heavy, making it less portable. Additionally, while the control panel offers numerous features, it might be a bit overwhelming for users who prefer simpler interfaces. It also includes a child safety lock, which is a valuable feature for families with young children. This microwave is ideal for those who want a countertop appliance with a wide range of cooking options and are willing to trade some counter space for versatility.

The Russell Hobbs RHM2076B is a stylish countertop microwave with a modern black finish and mirror door, fitting comfortably in most kitchens. It offers a 20-litre capacity, which is sufficient for most household needs, easily accommodating a standard dinner plate. With an 800-watt power output, it provides quick cooking times, though it's not the most powerful option available. This model comes equipped with a variety of functional features, including 5 power levels and 8 auto-cook menus, making it convenient for tasks like defrosting and cooking popular items such as pizza and popcorn at the press of a button.

The microwave's interior is designed for ease of cleaning, featuring a wipeable surface and a removable glass turntable that can be placed in the dishwasher. Its control panel is digital, allowing for programmable settings and one-touch buttons, simplifying operation for the user. Safety is also considered, with a child safety lock to prevent unintended use.

While the RHM2076B excels in features and ease of use, its 800-watt power might fall short for those seeking faster cooking times found in higher wattage models. Additionally, the mirrored finish, while visually appealing, can be prone to fingerprint marks, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its sleek appearance. This microwave is a sound choice for residential use, particularly for users who value convenience and ease of maintenance over power. Its affordable price point and positive customer reviews make it a competitive option in the solo microwave category.

The Daewoo Actuate 26L 5-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines microwave, air fryer, convection oven, grill, and defrost functions in one device. With a roomy 26-litre capacity, it’s well-suited for families or anyone who likes to cook larger meals or plates. Its powerful 2400W output means food cooks quickly and evenly, supported by advanced airflow technology to achieve crispy results when using the air fryer function, all while reducing the need for oil.

This model features 28 pre-programmed settings including options for pizza, popcorn, and vegetables, simplifying cooking for those who prefer one-touch convenience. The control panel is designed to be user-friendly, with safety features like a child lock to prevent accidental use. The inclusion of a turntable and grill rack expands cooking flexibility, although it uses a turntable rather than a flatbed design, which might slightly limit space for some cookware shapes.

Its compact yet modern design fits nicely on most kitchen countertops, saving space by combining multiple cooking methods in one unit. The oven also offers useful extras such as silent mode, eco function, and a stay-warm option, helping save energy and maintain food temperature after cooking. While it is quite heavy at 17.7 kg and nearly half a metre wide, requiring a sturdy surface and some room, it is an excellent option for anyone wanting to replace multiple appliances with a single space-saving solution that handles a wide range of cooking tasks.