Tired of having a boring old microwave hogging your precious island real estate? I hear you. As a fellow kitchen space maximizer, I know how important it is to have appliances that are as functional as they are gorgeous. Your microwave should add to your island aesthetic, not detract from it!
That’s why I took it upon myself to hunt down the dreamiest microwaves worthy of your island oasis. I tested a ton of models to find the ones with the perfect blend of beauty, performance, and fit. Get ready to meet your new microwave soulmate! Below I spill the tea on my top four island microwave crushes – from budget cuties to flashy hotties. Let’s get you cooking in style!
Best for Budget: Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts is a great option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly microwave that doesn’t compromise on quality and performance. This microwave has a sleek black design that looks modern and elegant on any island. It has a digital control panel with an LED display that shows the clock and the kitchen timer.
The microwave has 10 power levels and six one-touch cooking functions for the most popular food items. It also has an express cook feature that lets you start cooking with one press of a button for up to six minutes. You can also add 30 seconds to any cooking cycle with another button.
The microwave has a removable glass turntable that rotates for even cooking results. It also has a weight/time defrost function that allows you to thaw frozen food by entering the weight or the time needed. The microwave has a child lock feature that prevents accidental operation by children.
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Pros:
- Affordable price
- Stylish design
- Easy to use
Con:
- Some users reported that the door was hard to open
Best for Versatility: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is another excellent choice for a compact and powerful microwave oven that can do more than just heating and reheating food. This microwave has a stainless steel design that looks modern and elegant on any island. It has a digital control panel with an LED display that shows the clock and the kitchen timer.
The microwave has 10 power levels and six one-touch cooking functions for the most popular food items. It also has an express cook feature that lets you start cooking with one press of a button for up to six minutes. You can also add 30 seconds to any cooking cycle with another button.
The microwave has a removable glass turntable that rotates for even cooking results. It also has a weight/time defrost function that allows you to thaw frozen food by entering the weight or the time needed. The microwave has a child lock feature that prevents accidental operation by children.
But what makes this microwave stand out is its grill function that lets you brown and crisp food on top using high heat from the upper heating element. You can use this function to make cheese toast, pizza, nachos, and more.
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Pros:
- Stainless steel design
- Easy to use
- Grill function
Con:
- More expensive than other models
Best for Design: GE Countertop Microwave Oven | 0.7 Cubic Feet Capacity
The GE Countertop Microwave Oven | 0.7 Cubic Feet Capacity is a stylish and functional microwave oven that can complement any kitchen decor. This microwave has a white exterior and a black interior that create a contrast and a modern look. It has a curved handle that makes it easy to open and close the door.
The microwave has a digital control panel with an LED display that shows the clock and the kitchen timer. It has 10 power levels and four one-touch cooking functions for the most common food items. It also has an express cook feature that lets you start cooking with one press of a button for up to six minutes.
The microwave has a removable glass turntable that rotates for even cooking results. It also has a weight/time defrost function that allows you to thaw frozen food by entering the weight or the time needed.
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Pros:
- Attractive design
- Curved handle
- Simple to use
Con:
- Fewer presets than other models
Best for Performance: Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S
The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is another great option for a compact and powerful microwave oven that can deliver fast and even cooking results. This microwave has a stainless steel design that looks modern and elegant on any island. It has a digital control panel with an LED display that shows the clock and the kitchen timer.
The microwave has 14 power levels and 14 auto cook menus that adjust the cooking time and power level for different foods. It also has an express cook feature that lets you start cooking with one press of a button for up to three minutes.
The microwave has a removable glass turntable that rotates for even cooking results. It also has an inverter technology that delivers consistent power output without overcooking or undercooking the food. The microwave also has a sensor reheat function that automatically adjusts the time and power level based on the food’s moisture level.
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Pros:
- Stainless steel design
- 14 power levels and 14 auto cook menus
- Inverter technology and sensor reheat function
Con:
- More expensive than other models
Comparison Chart
| Model | Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts | BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 | GE Countertop Microwave Oven | 0.7 Cubic Feet Capacity | Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S | | — | — | — | — | — | | Size | 0.7 cu. ft. | 0.7 cu. ft. | 0.7 cu. ft. | 1.2 cu. ft. | | Dimensions (WxHxD) | 17.75″ x 10.1″ x 12.8″ | 17.3″ x 10.2″ x 13″ | 17.25″ x 10.12″ x 13″ | 15.8″ x 12.25″ x 20.69″ | | Turntable Diameter | 9.6″ | 10″ | 10.75″ | 13.4″ | | Presets | Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, dinner plate | Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, dinner plate | Popcorn, potato, beverage, reheat | Popcorn, potato, fresh vegetable, frozen vegetable, frozen entree, rice, pasta, pizza, oatmeal, soup, stew, fish fillet, chicken pieces, ground meat | | Other Features | Express cook, add 30 seconds, weight/time defrost, kitchen timer, child lock | Express cook, add 30 seconds, weight/time defrost, kitchen timer, child lock, grill function | Express cook, add time, weight/time defrost, kitchen timer | Express cook, add time, weight/time defrost, kitchen timer, inverter technology, sensor reheat function |
Conclusion
I hope this guide helped you meet the microwave of your island dreams! Whether you’re swooning over the affordable chic Black+Decker or the haute couture GE, your perfect match is here.
With space at a premium, you need an appliance that can keep up with your cooking needs without cluttering your countertop. Consider me your microwave matchmaker – I’ll help you find your ideal island companion!
Visit PressToCook for more of my kitchen appliance dating tips. Until next time, happy microwaving from your favorite kitchen cupid! Mwah!
