Countertop Microwave Ovens

Countertop microwave ovens are far and away the most popular microwaves sold today. Convenient, diverse, and versatile, modern countertop microwaves are the fulfillment of all the "home of the future" talk that surrounded the introduction of microwave ovens nearly 40 years ago. An increasing emphasis on color and style has also made countertop microwave ovens a trendy addition to kitchen decor.

Kitchen function, computer design

One of the classic examples of alternative designs creeping into the microwave industry is the Sharp R-120D mini microwave, known as the iMacrowave for its resemblance to an Apple iMac. Like the laptop, the Sharp countertop microwave features a translucent polycarbonate shell, and is available in a broad range of decorative colors, including pink, green, orange, purple, and blueberry.

The small capacity and sharp design of this Sharp countertop microwave is clearly targeted at the college student/young adult demographic, but it could also add a unique decorative element to any modern kitchen.

Kitchen in a (small) box

An interesting example of a smaller, more functional countertop design is the Avanti TFL15 microwave oven. The visible difference between this countertop microwave and others is the two oven burners on its top. The Avanti TFL15 countertop microwave will bake with convection, rotisserie, broil, or bake without convection. The oven burners maximize your kitchen counter space while providing an extra spot for preparing side dishes or keeping plates warm. This kitchen in a box is also ideal for camping trips or studio apartments.

Kitchen in a (large) box

Of course there are some people who want their countertop microwave oven large and powerful enough to cook an elephant. For them there is the Panasonic NN-T965SF. The interior of this countertop microwave measures 2.2 cubic feet and uses 1,250 watts of cooking power. It's also high tech, with features including a built-in cooking guide, multilingual instructions in English, French, and Spanish, a one-touch humidity sensor that adjusts cooking and reheating times, and the use of inverter technology that provides more evenly cooked meals.