The Best Amazon Compact Countertop Microwaves
Compact microwaves are becoming more and more popular, find out how you can save space and electricity on your next model
Editors Choice
Most Extras
Retro Model
Best Buy
September 20th, 2022
6 Minute Read
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Compact, small and lightweight microwaves are becoming more popular in 2022. The rising costs of living, energy and water are causing many people to look for cheaper alternatives to reheat their meals. According to CNET smaller appliances use 25%-50% less electric than large more powerful options.
Although it takes a lot more than just turning off your lights around the house to save energy. It is important to look at what our “energy eaters” are. Usually anything that heats something up uses alot of electricity. Such as; toasters, water heaters, kettles and of course ovens and microwave ovens.
We classify “mini” or “compact” microwaves if they are smaller than around 20L.
How do microwaves actually work?
Microwave cookers are direct descendants of radar technology used in communication and now in cooking, primarily after 1945. Microwaves produce waves inside the oven by an electron rod called a magnetron. The microwaves are reflected within the metal inside of the oven where they are absorbed by food and that is how the food is cooked. The first public use of a microwave oven was in January 1947. A Speedy Weeny vending machine was placed in Grand Central Terminal and it sold freshly prepared hot dogs, basically a microwave.
Another random fact, when cooked in microwave oven, spinach retains nearly all its folate (B9). It loses about 77% when cooked on a traditional stove.
How much does a microwave save?
These are the potential savings to be made by switching to a microwave instead of a conventional fan/electric heated oven:
*Calculated using the UK: Price Guarantee (October 2022) electricity rate of 34.00 pence per kWh. (1 hour per day)
How to generate my energy costs?
| Savings | Microwave | Gas Oven | Electric Oven |
|---|---|---|---|
Average energy draw per hour | 1,200 Watts | Ca. 3,000 Watts | Ca. 3,500 Watts |
Cost per hour | £0.408 | £1.02 | £1.19 |
Cost per month | £12.24 | £30.60 | £35.70 |
Cost per year | £146.88 | £367.20 | £428.40 |
A good website to check UK energy costs and to track how much energy your appliances use is the Electricity cost calculator.
With microwaves wattage = power. Meaning 1000W has more cooking power than a 700W microwave. 1000W microwaves have extremely efficient cooking power and cook food through. In General the higher the W or Wattage, the quicker the food can be cooked.
What is a compact microwave?
Compact microwaves are a rather new concept. Although they lack in power, being able to use it pretty much anywhere makes up for that fact. Whether your traveling in your camper van or moving house. Small/ Compact microwaves offer a great advantage for heating foods whilst keeping a small footprint. They are specially popular with students and smaller families who may not have large kitchens.
What are the main types of microwaves? There are 3 main types of microwaves you can buy: Counter top microwaves, built in or over the range. Each type has it’s own positives and negatives. Studies have shown that 90% of American and UK households still use microwave ovens reinforcing the need for such a critical tool in our kitchens.
Built in and over the range type microwaves are typically more expensive and require professional installation. That’s why in this article we will just inform you with the most popular type of microwave. The on counter top option. Built in options will however save more space in your kitchen. Typical domestic counter top microwave ovens with modern control panels are still more popular now in the kitchen than before.
What doesn't my microwave cook food evenly?
Your microwave probably does not cook food evenly because you are using a lower wattage model. Typically models 700W and above cook food more consistently. More expensive models come with more features like Alexa voice control and apps. Newer microwaves often have more settings and dials to specifically cater for your microwave kitchen needs.
Can I cook a pizza or bake in a microwave?
The short answer is yes! You can cook a pizza and bake in a microwave oven. Most modern microwaves often come with grill options. Grills are perfect for cooking crusty pizzas and baking double layer cakes.
Pizzas are often quicker to cook in the microwave from frozen than heating up a conventional convection oven. Small pizzas can take up to 6 minutes whilst larger pizzas in the microwave can take up to 12 minutes to cook through.
What can't I put into the microwave?
There are also some materials and certain foods you should not put in the microwave because they may cause your microwave to fail or cause injury. Here are just 3 of the top things you should not put to your microwave.
- Metal – The inside of a microwave is actually made from metal creating a mirror effect. Instead of casting a reflection of your face, the metal reflects radio waves or microwaves. The radio waves emit electromagnetic energy, warming up the contents. When metal is placed inside a microwave, the waves are reflected off of the metal and into the sides of the microwave potentially causing the microwave to melt.
- Plastic – Plastic contains many chemicals and oils. When placed in a microwave they can melt causing the release of Bisphenol A or BPA. According to a Harvard study plastic and microwaved plastic can increases the chances of cancer.
- Eggs – Because microwaves cook at such high temperatures, trying to cook an egg would create steam within the eggs shell. The steam rises in the egg, causing it to explode.
Russell Hobbs RHM2076B - Editor's Choice
The information in this section is according to Amazon.co.uk (14.10.22)
The Russell Hobbs RHM2076B has featured on Ovenreview.co.uk a couple of times now for a number of reasons. Russell Hobbs is a beloved brand on Amazon especially microwaves. Whether you type in “20L microwaves” or just “microwaves” in general you will be bombarded by Russell Hobbs. Power ratings from 700W to 900W and all sizes.
As you know from before, this 800W model comes with pre-programmed auto cook menus such as pizza, fish and popcorn. Auto defrosting features and Russell Hobbs’s “easy clean”. The Microwave also comes in the standard glossy finish.
Definitely one of the most popular microwaves on Amazon, mainly for its overwhelmingly positive reviews and cheaper price.
Toshiba MV-AM20T - Most Extras
The information in this section is according to Amazon.co.uk (14.10.22)
The Toshiba MV-AM20T is definitely a premium alternative for small compact microwaves. This Toshiba features a Easy-Clean enamel inside surface, and 12 different cooking presets. Including 5 power levels. Optimum heating of 12 popular foods such as pasta, soup, potatoes, and more.
The Toshiba also features a position memory turntable Innovative position-memory tech resets the turntable to the initial position after cooking – keep mug handles within reach and avoid burnt fingers!
We chose this model because with Toshiba you can expect a little better quality and feel. Other handy features include: Defrost by weight, express cooking, child safety lock, and kitchen timer.
Russell Hobbs RHR - Retro Model
The information in this section is according to Amazon.co.uk (14.10.22)
If you are in to more retro designs, but still want a small 17 liter microwave. Then look no further than the Russell Hobbbs Retro. Although this model only supports a 700W power setting, it comes with all the other features a modern microwave has packed into a retro case. 5 power levels, timers, defrosting settings and easy clean.
This microwave is small and will fit a 10.5 inch round plate. However much lighter at just around 10kg.
Russell Hobbs say “Compact and stylish, the RHRETMM705R is the perfect everyday microwave”
Comfee CM-M202GSF - Best Buy
The information in this section is according to Amazon.co.uk (14.10.22)
The Comfee CM-M202GSF is a great microwave (we have already featured the Comfee on Ovenreview.co.uk) at 20 liters and 700w it is the perfect compact counter top microwave. The main reason this microwave is our “best buy” is because of the fantastic price. At just £60.49 the Comfee is one of the chepest microwaves on Amazon that still maintain the main features.
Fashionable Style: The neutral white colour on this solo microwave will fit in seamlessly with the décor of any kitchen. The Comfee also comes in other colours and the market standard of 5 power levels.
Mark Hoffman
Mark Hoffman has worked as a freelancer and writer for several years. Reviewing ovens, washing machines and any other household items he can get his hands on. When he’s not sitting in-front of a computer he enjoys cycling, climbing and volunteering at charitable health organisations.
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