Good quality countertop microwave ovens?

2 years ago

I purchased a new Toshiba microwave a few months ago and it works well for heating food, but is poor quality.

It doesn’t sit flush on the counter and it slides when you open or close the door. These are common complaints in Amazon reviews. I put a rubber pads and a folded paper towel under it to “solve” these issues to avoid the hassle of shipping it back.

Then, within several weeks, the most frequently used touch pad spots are wearing down. The plastic touchpad is cracking and making it feel like there is crusted food stuck on it, but it’s just the feel of the worn plastic.

This is considered cosmetic for warranty purposes since it still functions.

I want to just get rid of it now and replace it with something that’s better built.

I still want a 1200 watt inverter microwave, but one with high build quality.

I also want backlit keys so I can see what buttons I’m touching without needing to turn up the kitchen lighting.

Recommendations?

Featured Answer

kculbers

2 years ago

When I had my kitchen renovated, I had a microwave shelf designed under the center part of my upper cabinet, with a big enough shelf to house a large microwave. I love my current Panasonic microwave! It is 22” wide, 12” high, and 18” deep. I use it daily to make my oatmeal in the morning and reheat food as needed.

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Comments (8)

venmar
2 years ago
i haven't been microwave shopping lately but I don't think you will find back lit buttons to be common if available at all. I have heard the Sharp light commercial use models are durable.
jaxo
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I have seen an OTR with backlit buttons. So, I thought maybe a countertop model might also have it.

I thought there was a countertop model by some brand where the touchpad lights up for a little while after you open the door. So, you can see the touchpad light up right after you put something in the microwave, but it doesn’t stay lit up 24/7.

I can do without backlit buttons if the keypad is high contrast and very legible in medium to low lighting. Maybe white buttons with black lettering might work well enough without backlighting.

The Toshiba‘s dark touchpad with grey lettering needs bright kitchen lighting to see what you’re touching. Very annoying.

The dark screen look looks sleek and modern, but it’s not practical. It’s so dim that it looks like it’s supposed to light up, but it doesn’t.
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dadoes
2 years ago
My circa 2003/2004 GE OTR had a backlit LCD touchpanel that blacked-out (other than the separate clock/time display) when not in use. I don't know if there were countertop GE models at the time with such.
aziline
2 years ago
I have a Panasonic w/ Inverter and like it. Amazon.com: Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SD372S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 0.8 Cu. Ft, 950W: Countertop Microwave Ovens: Home & Kitchen

MIne is smaller since it is in my upper cabinets. I use it mainly to reheat and defrost. The defrost setting is better than my previous Kenmore. Only negative, and it isn't really one, is you'll want to keep the manual. Lots of shortcuts and preprograming that I haven't memorized yet.

I found a bigger one on sale and bought it for our basement even though the kids will probably only ever use the popcorn button.
AC M
2 years ago
My Panasonic “Genius Prestige Plus” has a control pad that is backlit when you “wake it up”by opening the door.
dan1888
2 years ago
I don't use a micro anymore.

This air fryer toaster oven does so many things better than the larger range oven. I don't mind losing the reheat capabilities of a micro. Changed habits.
vinmarks
2 years ago
Maybe look at the Breville Smooth Wave. Americas Test Kitchen liked this one the best.