Best Low Wattage Microwave To Maximize Counter Space

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Kitchen appliances are not only costly, but they also consume a lot of electricity. To reduce electrical bills, you should think about getting a low-wattage microwave. The best low-wattage microwave can improve the look of your cooking space while delivering functionality and practicality. We have a record of some of the best microwave units on the market below.

Best Countertop Microwave Oven

1) Black Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with...
  • Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen...
  • 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30...
  • Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child...
  • Push-button door release for easy access
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”

The Black Decker is a brilliant idea. This compact microwave has fully featured functions and is one of the most affordable brands on the market. Its small dimensions makes it ideal for a small kitchen space or small living space. The pre-programmed buttons on the control panel are one-touch settings for a dinner plate or frozen vegetables.

The black decker to deliver functionality is also equipped with a spacious cooking cavity to minimize counter space. The sleek design also comes with a rotating turntable and 10 power levels on an easy-to-use interface. In addition, its 700-watt power level for fast cooking is packaged in a design made for easy storage.

The digital time display is easy to read and features bright and big characters. This is one of the best low wattage microwave to have because it is easy to operate the one key quick-start button from thirty seconds to six minutes. It also fits a standard plate easily without the need for additional space.

Pros:

  • Child safety lock.
  • Push-button door for easy release.
  • East to use.
  • Durable (stainless steel).
  • Removable glass turntable.
  • Low wattage.
  • 30 seconds express cooking.
  • Quiet operation.

Cons:

  • The door hinge is squeaky.

2) Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor...
  • Pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods...
  • Black Stainless Steel exterior, 20.5 x 17.1 x 12.8 inch (w x d x...
  • 1100 watts with 10 power settings, clock, and kitchen timer
  • Large digital display, easy-to-read control panel, glass...
  • 1100 watts with 10 power settings, clock, and kitchen timer

Toshiba microwaves are beautifully designed for innovative cooking technology. It is becoming essential to ensure we always eat healthy meals. With the Toshiba countertop microwave oven, you can show off your cooking skills. The built-in smart sensor function automatically detects the humidity level of the food during cooking, then mechanically regulates time and temperature for best results.

The custom defrost specification allows you to defrost your food by weight function or automatic detection manually. This function also makes performance easier because softening or melting foods like cheese and butter are made simpler. Baking and broiling are also simplified for you by the even heat distribution system.

You can also conserve power by turning on the Eco mode. Features like Eco mode conserves power by limiting standby power to 50%. That being said, we love how it is easy to clean the interior and exterior of this 1200 cubic feet microwave oven. In addition, the 1100 watts of power cut your cooking time in about half and gives you one less thing to worry about.

Pros:

  • Easy maintenance.
  • Removable turntable.
  • Smart sensor.
  • Reduced cooking time.
  • Child safety lock.
  • Environmentally friendly.
  • Convenient control panel features.
  • Good quality stainless steel for durability.
  • Compact design.
  • Fingerprint and smudge-proof.
  • Low wattage.

Cons:

  • The custom defrost feature is too aggressive.

3) Farberware Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven

Sale
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop...
  • Spacious & stylish: with 1.1-Cu. feet Of cooking capacity, a...
  • 6 cooking programs: Auto cooking programs (popcorn, potato,...
  • Express cooking: Cook your leftovers with just a touch of a...
  • Digital clock: Easy-to-read LED display lights up the digital...
  • Child lock: Lock the control panel using the child safety lock...

As far as performance goes, this countertop microwave oven delivers style and power all in one. It has a pre-programmed six in-built cooking programs feature. You can also conveniently defrost frozen food items with the time or weight defrosting controls. The one-touch express cooking button will make it easier to have your favorite snacks like pizza and popcorn.

The power level is set at 1000 watts of power. This wattage is excellent for heating food, cooking, defrosting, and much more. The smart control panel digital interface is purely automated and easy to use. One of the best functions of this microwave is multi-stage cooking. It allows you to set different heat levels to ensure your food is cooked perfectly.

Farberware outdid themselves with the quality of the control functions. This multitasking feature guarantees your own chef. The removable turntable ensures heat is evenly distributed within your food. Moreover, the 10 power levels have express cooking quick start controls and 30 seconds add controls.

The feature which customer reviews were excited about is the memory feature. It can store and recollect all your cooking settings.

Pros:

  • Keypad lock.
  • Child safety lock.
  • Easy maintenance.
  • Adjustable power levels
    1.1 cubic feet of cooking capacity.
  • Easy to read LED display lights.
  • Express cooking.
  • Easy to use.

Cons:

  • Has no reminder beeps when the timing is over.

4) Panasonic NN-SN966S Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven

Sale
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S Stainless Steel...
  • Panasonic Microwave: This 1250 Watt high power, 2.2 cubic foot...
  • Inverter Technology with Turbo Defrost: Patented Inverter...
  • Large Family Size: This countertop microwave with 16.5 inch...
  • Smart Cooking Settings with Genius Sensor: Built in automatic...
  • Keep Warm Feature: This inverter microwave keeps soups, gravies...

Is your microwave rusty and takes the longest time to heat anything? Then, it might be time to buy a new microwave and ditch the noisy one on your countertop. Made with inverter technology, the Panasonic countertop microwave oven functions are the best.

Unlike microwaves that use a pulse-on, pulse-off power flow to prepare foods, Inverter technology evenly heats foods with no cold spots at all 11 power levels from the lowest to the highest. In addition, this compact microwave can easily fit in small spaces.

This microwave prepares delicious and nutrient-rich foods with the perfect heating levels and times with 15 settings for sensor reheat, oatmeal, potatoes, soup, breakfast sausage, omelet, fresh vegetables, and more. In addition, with the 3-level popcorn button, popcorn lovers can choose the optimal popping temperature and time for different microwave bag capacities for hot, sumptuous snacking.

Pros:

  • 11 power levels.
  • Low wattage.
  • Genius smart sensor to adjust heat levels.
  • Saves space.
  • Easy clean interior.
  • Child safety lock.
  • Spacious cavity.
  • Removable turntable.

Cons:

  • Minimal interior LED light.

5) RCA 0.7 Cubic Feet Microwave Oven

RCA 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave Oven (White)
  • RCA 0.7-cu ft Microwave: Auto defrost 10 power levels
  • 6 one-touch cooking menus Digital clock and kitchen timer
  • 700W 0.7-cu ft
  • RCA 0.7-cu ft Microwave dimensions 19.5" x 14" x 11.5"
  • RMW733

This low-wattage microwave does its job even with a low power level of 700 watts. Of all the models, a 0.7 cubic foot microwave is a small capacity microwave compared to other models. However, it keeps up with other microwave ovens and is also the best compact, low-wattage microwave oven on the market.

This oven features 10 power levels, one-touch cooking menus, and an express cooking function. This makes it easier to heat or cook anything. When it comes to the design, the minimalist design ensures the microwave suits your style and space. The control panel is not troublesome and features bold numbers for easier access to users of all ages.

You can have a dinner plate ready in less than a few minutes with the preset functions. For an affordable price, it does what it is supposed to. The 700 watts also produce a decent cooking power for a small-sized microwave oven. It heats up and cooks food well. In addition, it fits a regular-sized dinner plate.

Pros:

  • Easy to clean.
  • Easy to use.
  • Low-wattage.
  • Durable.
  • Quick heating.
  • Compact.
  • 0.7 cubic foot capacity.
  • 30 seconds express cooking.

Cons:

  • The touch sensitivity on the keypad decreases.

What Should You Examine Before Purchasing A New Microwave Oven?

Some features of newer model microwaves offer the appeal of having a second oven in your kitchen. With microwaves, the size directly translates to the power the microwave has. The more the cubic foot, the more high-powered the microwave. Here are a small number of the pointers you should consider when you finally decide to get a new microwave.

a) Watt Power

Buying a low-wattage microwave should be fairly simple. As long as it can cook or heat your food well, then it is worth the price. Usually, a low-wattage microwave needs you to know what brand you are looking for. The best low-wattage microwave oven has functionality on its side. With the right choice, you should be able to choose a good microwave.

b) Your Living Space

If your kitchen is small, or you live in a mobile home, you need a small microwave oven. Overcrowding your living quarters when it is already limited can make your home feel like a storage space instead of a home. When getting kitchen appliances, get a smaller model microwave with all the features of a regular-sized microwave.

c) Safety

When it comes to microwave ovens, the price determines the range of functionality. Most microwaves with a higher price range usually have the best safety features. Newer models also have safety upgrades. Safety features such as child lock safety and keypad lock are essential if you have young ones.

Unsupervised, microwaves can be dangerous because they can catch fire if used in the wrong way.

d) Size

As we have mentioned before, the size completely depends on your living capacity. A low-watt microwave will probably be smaller and take less countertop space. A high-watt microwave oven will take up a lot more space. Depending on your needs and those of your family, you might be better off with a small microwave or a large one.

Making sure it fits on your countertop is one thing, but you should also consider what you will be able to fit into the microwave cavity. A compact microwave is

e) Dependability

The shelf life of a normal microwave is ten to twelve years. Based on customer reviews, you should be able to establish a rough idea of how long your microwave will last. The model and brand you consider will also make a difference to your decision. Most microwave ovens have a lifespan of nine years. Again, dependability should influence your decision.

f) Auto programming

This specification especially targets popcorn lovers. Most new microwave models have settings that are on a one-touch display. Pre-programmed settings range from defrosting to cooking a pizza. All these settings depend on the models and brands that are on the market. If your microwave has all these features, then consider yourself lucky.

g) Noise

Did you know they made quieter microwaves? Forget about the slow humming one in grandmas kitchen. Always go for a quieter microwave. Chances are, if you are looking for this feature. Specifically, the low hum of your microwave at home annoys you. Customer reviews usually give good pointers. They can also point you away from a model which is too noisy.

h) Budget

Some microwaves range from 50$ to models which go for 300$. It all counts on how much you are prepared to spend. Each model has unique features and specifications. The best low-wattage microwave does not have to break the bank to be the best. As long as the microwave works as advertised, then it should suit your needs.

Low Wattage Microwave Vs High Watt Microwave

i) Use Less Energy

A low-watt microwave uses a lot less energy compared to a standard microwave. This, in turn, lowers your monthly electricity usage. In addition, because you control your cooking time, no heat energy is wasted, and nothing unnecessary is heated.

ii) Compact

Small living areas will benefit from a microwave that takes up the least space on the countertop. The smaller the microwave, the more it can fit into tight spaces. A compact oven microwave is perfect for a dorm room, office, or bachelor pad.

iii) Long-Lasting

The smaller the microwave, the fewer the features. It is harder for a few features to stop working than for numerous features to stop working. Larger microwave models are subject to spoilt features in the long term.

iv) Better for Small Families

Apart from being the best for the environment and bachelors, the best low-wattage microwave is a good option for small families. The needs of all these groups are not much in a day, and a small microwave is still suitable.

What We Think

There are features you should focus on when buying a microwave. For example, if your needs revolve around basic day-to-day activities, you might need a large capacity microwave. However, if your needs revolve around a non-conventional lifestyle like living in an RV, you would be covered by a small capacity microwave.

The best low wattage microwave depends on your lifestyle and budget. Remember always to choose what works best for you and your family. Typically, it would be best if you took some time to browse and settle on the one you like best.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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