One benefit of countertop microwaves is that they are simple to set up, with no installation required unlike built-in microwaves and over-the-range microwaves. Simply plug your countertop microwave oven into a standard outlet and start using it. They are also generally lightweight, and they don't need outside venting. Therefore, you can put them wherever is convenient—a kitchen, a den, a dorm room.

You also have a great range of size options when choosing among countertop microwaves. In fact, a good way to start your search is by determining how much counter space you have available and what internal capacity you would like. A small countertop microwave might be just the thing if you want to heat up drinks and small platters but won’t be ideal for defrosting large cuts of meat or prepare an entire dinner for the whole family.

A countertop microwave oven can help you prepare hot dishes with ease, and you’ll find many countertop microwaves with easy-to-clean interiors as well. When it comes to choosing the best microwave for your kitchen, the countertop version is certainly a leading option.

Microwaves are offering more settings and features than ever before. Overall, a countertop convection microwave can transform your cuisine for the better if you make a list of feature priorities you’d prefer in your appliance. For instance, do you want a microwave with a defrost setting? Or if you have a smart home, you probably want to consider microwaves with wireless connectivity that are compatible with your smart speaker or smart display. Other benefits that might appeal to you are built-in cooking sensors that prevent overheating and facilitate defrosting or inverter technology that regulates a consistent percentage of power for steady heat at lower ranges.

The wattage amount and your budget are two aspects that often go hand-in-hand. Generally, the higher the wattage, the faster the cooking times and the better the consistency in cooking, reheating and thawing. And as the wattage increases, so does the price of the countertop microwave oven. If you’re concerned about energy usage, you can look for microwaves that are  ENERGY STAR certified.

Finally, consider your kitchen’s aesthetic. The classic white countertop microwave keeps things bright and cheery. There is also the stainless steel countertop microwave with a sleek look. If you want a pop of color, you can also find models in a variety of hues.