Technology
Best countertop microwaves in 2025: Top 10 picks for efficient cooking, smart features, and energy-saving performance
Countertop microwaves are a kitchen essential, making cooking and reheating super easy! Whether you’re warming leftovers, defrosting meat, or making quick meals, a good microwave saves time and effort. Compact yet powerful, they fit perfectly on your kitchen counter without taking up too much space.
Look for features like auto-cook menus, digital controls, and energy-efficient settings. Some even come with grill functions for added versatility. With plenty of budget and premium options available, there’s a perfect microwave for every home. Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Check out the latest deals and grab a countertop microwave that makes cooking effortless and convenient!
Check out the best options in countertop microwaves available on Amazon.
The Panasonic 25L Solo Microwave Oven is a smart and efficient kitchen companion, perfect for quick and hassle-free cooking. Its standout Bluetooth connectivity allows seamless control via a smartphone app, adding modern convenience. With 85 auto-cook menus, you can prepare a variety of dishes effortlessly. The oven’s powerful heating ensures uniform cooking, while its spacious 25L capacity is ideal for families.
What buyers are saying on Amazon?
Users love its smart connectivity and easy-to-use auto-cook features. Many praise its even heating and convenience, but some miss a grill function.
Why choose this product?
Perfect for hassle-free cooking with Bluetooth control, 85 auto menus, and spacious capacity—ideal for modern, smart kitchens.
The IFB 30L Convection Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen essential with smart Bluetooth connectivity for easy remote control. Its convection mode ensures uniform baking, grilling, and cooking, making it perfect for diverse recipes. The 101 auto-cook menus simplify meal prep, while its spacious 30L capacity suits large families. The steam clean function helps remove grease easily, keeping the oven spotless.
What buyers are saying on Amazon?
Users love its convection feature and Bluetooth control. Many find it great for baking, though some mention its large size.
Why choose this product?
Smart Bluetooth control, convection versatility, and a spacious design make it perfect for modern kitchens and hassle-free cooking.
The Panasonic 20L Solo Microwave Oven is a compact yet powerful kitchen essential with smart Bluetooth connectivity for effortless remote control. Its auto-cook recipes simplify meal preparation, making cooking easier and faster. The epoxy grey cavity coating ensures durability and even heat distribution for consistent results. With a 20L capacity, it’s ideal for small families and bachelors.
What buyers are saying on Amazon?
Users appreciate its Bluetooth feature and ease of use. Many praise its compact size, though some wish for a grill function.
Why choose this product?
Smart Bluetooth control, auto-cook convenience, and a durable design make it a perfect fit for small kitchens and hassle-free cooking.
The IFB 25L Solo Microwave Oven is a sleek and efficient kitchen companion with smart Bluetooth connectivity for remote control. Its 25L capacity makes it perfect for medium-sized families, while multiple power levels ensure precise cooking. The express cooking feature speeds up meal prep, and its antibacterial cavity keeps food hygienic.
What buyers are saying on Amazon?
Users love its Bluetooth feature and quick heating. Many appreciate its spacious design, though some wish for a grilling option.
Why choose this product?
Smart Bluetooth control, express cooking, and a hygienic cavity make it ideal for hassle-free, efficient cooking in modern kitchens.
The IFB 24L Solo Microwave Oven is a feature-packed kitchen essential with smart Bluetooth connectivity for remote operation. Its 69 Indian and continental auto-cook menus simplify meal preparation, while multi-stage cooking ensures perfect results. The child-lock protection enhances safety, and the deodorise function keeps the cavity fresh. With a delay start and power-saving mode, it’s both convenient and energy-efficient.
What buyers are saying on Amazon?
Users love its Bluetooth control and multiple auto-cook options. Many find it user-friendly, though some wish for a convection mode.
Why choose this product?
Smart Bluetooth control, multi-stage cooking, and safety features make it perfect for convenient, efficient, and hassle-free meal preparation.
The LG 20L Solo Microwave Oven is a smart and efficient choice with Bluetooth connectivity for remote operation. Its I-Wave technology ensures even heating, making reheating and defrosting hassle-free. The Health Plus Menu offers healthy Indian recipes, while the anti-bacterial cavity and steam clean function keep it hygienic. Compact yet powerful, it’s perfect for small families and bachelors.
What buyers are saying on Amazon?
Users love its Bluetooth feature and even heating. Many appreciate the Health Plus Menu, though some wish for grilling options.
Why choose this product?
Smart Bluetooth control, even heating, and a hygienic design make it ideal for quick, healthy, and hassle-free cooking.
The Panasonic 27L Convection Microwave Oven is a powerful and stylish appliance with Bluetooth connectivity for seamless remote control. Its Magic Grill ensures crispy and evenly cooked food, while the easy-clean stainless steel cavity maintains hygiene effortlessly. The convection mode supports baking, grilling, and roasting, making it a versatile choice for home chefs.
What buyers are saying on Amazon?
Users love its Bluetooth convenience and powerful grilling. Many praise its even cooking, though some mention it takes time to master.
Why choose this product?
Smart Bluetooth control, Magic Grill, and convection versatility make it a perfect choice for effortless and delicious home cooking.
The LG 20L Grill Microwave Oven combines smart Bluetooth control with efficient grilling and heating. Its Quartz Heater ensures faster, safer grilling, while I-Wave Technology guarantees even cooking. The Health Plus Menu and Indian Cuisine presets make meal prep easy. The anti-bacterial cavity and steam clean function maintain hygiene, making it a great kitchen companion.
What buyers are saying on Amazon?
Users love its Bluetooth feature and fast grilling. Many appreciate the even cooking, though some wish for a larger capacity.
Why choose this product?
Smart Bluetooth control, quick grilling, and hygienic cleaning make it an excellent choice for effortless and healthy cooking.
The Voltas Beko 20L Solo Microwave Oven offers smart Bluetooth connectivity for effortless remote control. With 700W power, it ensures quick and even heating. Its user-friendly controls and compact design make it perfect for small kitchens. The energy-efficient operation helps save power, while the sleek white finish adds a modern touch to any space.
What buyers are saying on Amazon?
Users love its Bluetooth convenience and quick heating. Many find it compact and efficient, though some wish for grilling options.
Why choose this product?
Smart Bluetooth control, compact design, and energy efficiency make it ideal for quick, hassle-free everyday cooking.
The Haier 19L Solo Microwave Oven offers smart Bluetooth connectivity for seamless remote control. Its Inverter Technology ensures consistent heating while consuming less power. With five power levels, it allows precise cooking for different foods. The lightweight design makes it easy to place in any kitchen, and the defrost function helps thaw food quickly and evenly.
What buyers are saying on Amazon?
Users love its Bluetooth control and energy efficiency. Many appreciate its lightweight build, though some wish for more advanced features.
Why choose this product?
Smart Bluetooth control, energy efficiency, and compact design make it ideal for quick and hassle-free everyday cooking.
What are countertop microwaves?
Countertop microwaves are compact, freestanding units designed for easy placement on kitchen surfaces. They offer quick heating, defrosting, and cooking, making them ideal for everyday convenience without installation hassles.
What is the best countertop microwave to buy?
The best countertop microwave in India depends on your needs. Top choices include IFB, LG, and Panasonic models, offering smart features, energy efficiency, and reliable performance for quick, hassle-free cooking.
What size microwave is good for a countertop?
A good countertop microwave size ranges from 20L to 30L. Smaller models suit individuals or couples, while larger ones accommodate families, offering more cooking flexibility and convenience for everyday use.
What is the difference between countertop and freestanding microwave?
Countertop microwaves are compact units placed on kitchen surfaces, while freestanding microwaves can be larger, offering more features and placement flexibility, including built-in or standalone installation options.
Top 3 features of best countertop microwaves
| Best Samsung TV | Burner Type | Heating Method | Voltage | Wattage |
| Panasonic 25L Solo Microwave Oven (NN-ST310QBFG, Black, 85 Auto Cook Menus) | Solo | Microwave | 230V | 800W |
| IFB 30 L Convection Microwave Oven (30BRC2, Black) Standard | Convection | Microwave + Grill | 230V | 2200W |
| Panasonic 20 L Solo Microwave Oven (NN-SM25JBFDG, Black, Auto Cook Recipes, Epoxy Gray Cavity Coating) | Solo | Microwave | 230V | 800W |
| IFB 25 L Solo Microwave Oven (25PM2S, IFBJ0, Silver) | Solo | Microwave | 230V | 900W |
| IFB 24L Solo Microwave Oven (24PM2S, Multi Stage Cooking with 69 Indian & Continental Auto Cook Menus, Child-lock Protection, Deodorize function, Delay Start & Power Save, Silver) | Solo | Microwave | 230V | 900W |
| LG 20 L Solo Microwave Oven (MS2043BP, Black, Health plus Menu, I-Wave Technology, Indian Cuisine, Even Reheat & Defrost, Auto Cook Menu, Anti-Bacterial Cavity & Steam Clean) | Solo | Microwave | 230V | 700W |
| Panasonic 27 L Convection Microwave Oven (NN-CT645BFDG, Black Premium, Easy Clean Stainless Steel Cavity, Magic Grill) | Convection | Microwave + Grill | 230V | 1400W |
| LG 20 L Grill Microwave Oven (MH2044DB, Black, Quartz Heater, I-Wave Technology, Indian Cuisine, Auto Cook Menu, Steam Clean, Anti-Bacterial Cavity & Health plus Menu) | Grill | Microwave + Grill | 230V | 970W |
| Voltas Beko, A Tata Product 20L, 700W Smart Solo Microwave Oven (MS20MPW10, White) | Solo | Microwave | 230V | 700W |
| Haier 19 L Inverter Technology, Light Weight, Defrost, 5 Power Levels Solo Microwave Oven (HIL1901MBPB, Black) | Solo | Microwave | 230V | 700W |
Factors to keep in mind while choosing the best countertop microwaves in 2025
Size and capacity: Choose a microwave that fits your kitchen space and suits your cooking needs. A 20-30L capacity is ideal for most homes.
Power and wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for 700W-1200W models for efficient heating.
Cooking features: Check for auto-cook menus, grill, convection, and defrost settings for versatility.
Energy efficiency: Opt for energy-saving models to reduce electricity costs.
Safety and durability: Ensure child-lock features and durable interiors like stainless steel for long-term use.
FAQs on countertop microwaves in 2025
- What size microwave is best for a countertop?
A 20-30L microwave is ideal for most households, balancing space and functionality.
- Are countertop microwaves energy efficient?
Yes, many models come with power-saving modes to reduce electricity consumption.
- Can I cook full meals in a countertop microwave?
Yes, larger models with convection or grill functions allow full meal preparation.
- Do countertop microwaves need ventilation?
Minimal ventilation is needed; ensure a few inches of space around for airflow.
- Are countertop microwaves safe for children?
Yes, most have child-lock features for added safety.
Similar articles for you
Best microwaves: Top 9 options for convenient cooking at your fingertips
Best microwaves in 2025: Top 10 picks to ease your cooking experience with baking, grilling and more
Top 10 convection microwave ovens: Buyer’s guide
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Technology
Amazon deals on 1 ton ACs: Enjoy minimum 40% off on top AC brands like Lloyd, LG, Samsung and more
WhatsApp, in a bid to boost privacy for users, is has launched a new feature called Advanced Chat Privacy. This feature works in both group and personal chats, and allows users to have extra peace of mind, considering how it prevents content from being taken outside of WhatsApp. WhatsApp says the feature can actively block others from exporting chats, and this is where the real benefit lies.
Also Read: Gmail scam: Google says users have 7 days to recover hacked accounts
WhatsApp Advanced Chat Privacy Feature Explained
This feature is designed for times when you want more privacy, such as during a sensitive conversation with someone you’ve just started talking to, or someone who has yet to earn your trust.
“When the setting is on, you can block others from exporting chats, auto-downloading media to their phone, and using messages for AI features,” WhatsApp said in its blog post.
Not being able to take chats outside the chat is certianly going to make many feel secure, especailly more so considering media won’t be auto-downloaded, too.
If you’re wondering about the use cases, WhatsApp says it could be useful in situations such as discussing health challenges in a support group or organising your community around something important to you.
That said, there are a few drawbacks, including the fact that users can still take screenshots of chats, but WhatsApp notes that it is working on adding further protections soon.
Also Read: Instagram Blend explained: How to use this new feature
How To Start Using It
To start using Advanced Chat Privacy in WhatsApp, go to a chat and tap on Advanced Chat Privacy. This will enable the feature for you.
It should be noted that this is part of the latest WhatsApp app update, and WhatsApp has confirmed that it is indeed rolling out for everyone.
Mobile Finder: iPhone 16 LATEST Price, Specs And More
Let us begin our conversation with week with something thought-provoking (and also not as intense as AI, new smartphones and broadband bills; more on that later). Scientists, from the University of California Berkeley, University of Washington School of Medicine, and Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science claim to have discovered a new colour – OLO. A sophisticated technique involving lasers to stimulate specific cells in the human retina led to them seeing something that’s, simply put, a highly saturated blue-green hue. One could of course argue whether this is a new colour or not (that’s a nuanced argument, for anyone willing). Your world will unlikely change much with the discovery of a colour that cannot be seen without laser stimulation, but there’s a bigger question that may be at play here — can this become a step towards understanding colour blindness, and indeed solving unfortunate vision shortcomings, often because of macular degeneration?
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
I always thought politeness was a basic tenet. Thank you. Please. Sorry (this word comes hardest to folks). But in the world of AI, apparently saying these words to an AI model, costs money. In response to someone musing how much politeness in general would have cost OpenAI in terms of electricity bills, CEO Sam Altman’s tongue-in-cheek reply still does enough to put things in perspective. “Tens of millions of dollars well spent–you never know,” he wrote.
But it takes me back to what Kurtis Beavers, a director on the design team for Microsoft Copilot, once said. “Using polite language sets a tone for the response,” he says. LLMs, or large language models (the very basis for generative AI) are trained on human conversations and use the tonality as a cue. Has your messenger or email app ever prompted you with the next word suggestion? That also takes cues from your tone and sentence structure till then. LLMs pick make similar assumptions and picks based on your input. When it notices politeness, it’s more likely to be polite in return.
This is a conflicting time for my daughter and myself, but unlikely we’ll change — we take pride in being polite with AI (and humans, let there be little doubt). We’ll not take a risk. What if one day, the machines do take over?
WASTE VS. WISDOM
For years, we were told by tech companies that the traditional hard disk drive (HDDs) were slow and therefore obsolete. The SSDs, or solid-state drives are the future (and have been, for almost a decade now) because they’re faster, more power efficient and have a much smaller footprint. Turns out, the physical footprint is in stark contrast to the environmental one. Seagate Technologies, one of the storage tech giants, in their latest ‘The Decarbonizing Data Report’ seems to be suggesting that we should return to using HDDs more than SSDs.
- SSDs have the highest embodied carbon (rated at 4,915 Kg CO2), both in total and per TB, making it the most carbon-intensive option, with the HDD registering just 29.7 Kg CO2. “Hard drives exhibit the least carbon footprint, both in total and on a per-TB basis, offering the most carbon-efficient sustainable storage solution,” says the report. That is, less than 1 Embodied Carbon per TB, compared to 160 for an equivalent SSD.
- This takes me to the thought of millions of Windows 10 PCs that will likely become obsolete later this year. Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 operating system in the middle of October, post which, many PCs that are incompatible with a Windows 11 upgrade, will end up in landfills. Most of these would be enterprise systems, and equally, quite a few personal systems too. Many of these will have SSDs. That is a significant volume of e-waste that we are potentially generating within a few months. Are we at all prepared?
WHAT’S ON MY MIND?
At some point in the past few days, Airtel and Blinkit had announced that the former would leverage the latter’s quick-commerce platform to deliver SIM cards to buyers, in that ballpark guarantee of 10-minute deliveries. Why I mention this now is, just yesterday, happened to order a few groceries from Blinkit (delivered within 12 minutes, with some ‘surge’ pricing, of course) — but an interesting thing was part of the package. In the carry bag, an interesting add-on. A SIM ejector pin, with unmissable Airtel and Blinkit branding. Suddenly you start contemplating your postpaid and prepaid subscription costs, a cursory glance at Airtel’s website to see the tariff plans (the Airtel Black plans make a lot of sense for most families), and before you know it, a new connection or a port request is in consideration. That is the power of smart branding, and quick-commerce.
These SIM cards, being delivered using Blinkit’s infrastructure, reduces investments and expenditure for Airtel’s own SIM delivery network. These SIMs can be set up as a new prepaid account, new postpaid account, or as a port-in from another network. With an online portal for KYC, or know-your-customer requirements, this also means you’d not have to visit a nearby Airtel store for the same (lesser traction at an Airtel store doesn’t harm the brand).
If you have used Reliance Jio’s iActivate service (as I have), you’ll realise Airtel’s process here doesn’t yet support eSIMs — the key here is, a physical SIM delivered by Blinkit → set up with KYC and choosing prepaid, postpaid or port-in → once active, use Airtel Thanks app to convert connection to eSIM. In Jio’s case, you can start with an eSIM from the off, and the QR is delivered to the registered email address, within a few minutes (or hours, depending on your luck that day) or hours following the KYC completion.
Should Vi or Jio also join the party?
RECALIBRATION
It has been many, many years since India’s broadband space saw tariff wars. We may be in for one. Or this could simply be a worrying sign, that your broadband bills are about to get a little more expensive. I raise the alarm because I’ve regularly checked broadband tariffs, expecting changes at some point (it has been a long wait, admittedly). Is Airtel is getting rid of 200Mbps Xstream Fiber plans?
- Two parts to this story. The standalone Xstream Fiber plans now list four 100Mbps subscription options — ₹799 for just broadband and ₹999 (that is broadband + OTT streaming bundle including Netflix, Amazon Prime and JioHotstar). The erstwhile offering at ₹999 used to be a standalone 200Mbps Xstream Fiber plan, which seems to no longer be around.
- The Airtel Black plans in many circles (I checked multiple, including Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad), which now pegs a 100Mbps plan at ₹899 (that is broadband + digital TV channels worth ₹350 + OTT streaming bundle) and another at ₹1199 (100Mbps broadband + digital TV channels worth ₹350 + OTT streaming bundle including Netflix and Amazon Prime). From the listed Black plans as well, any 200Mbps option is now missing.
For many homes, 100Mbps may be a tad on the lower side in terms of required speeds, considering we have so many phones, tablets, computing devices and smart TVs all scrambling for the same bandwidth. At the same time, a 300Mbps Xstream Fiber broadband line as part of the Airtel Black plan (there seems to be no standalone listed at this time) for ₹1,599 per month, may be an overkill. In my book, 200Mbps was the perfect balance for most home usage scenarios.
Off late, Reliance Jio Fiber has also eliminated its 150Mbps plans, and have a similar structure of 100Mbps and 300Mbps plans. While Jio Fiber also has 500Mbps as an option, Airtel’s Xstream offerings don’t have that balance between 300Mbps and 1Gbps. If at all that is an option (availability is often a question), Tata Play Broadband and ACT broadband may just provide that flexibility that Airtel Xstream doesn’t anymore.
There could still be some realignment in the coming days, but it seems in an urge to bundle OTT streaming subscriptions and digital TV (it could be a choice between DTH and IPTV), Airtel has taken away a crucial part of their Xstream Fiber subscriptions. Simplicity of plans.
Our detailed analysis of India’s broadband space…
After Pahalgam terror attack, will Seema Haider return to Pakistan? Her love story with Sachin to remain…
THE Asia University Rankings 2025: IISc tops nationally as Shoolini emerges top private university – The Times of India
‘Veera Dheera Sooran 2’ OTT release: Chiyaan Vikram starrer takes the digital platform by storm with power-packed performances and rave reviews | Tamil Movie News – The Times of India
J-Hope Gears Up to Release New Single ‘Sweet Dreams’ With Miguel
Kim Soo Hyun’s agency CONFIRMS past relationship with Kim Sae Ron in official statement; rubbish claims of involvement in actress’ death by suicide | – The Times of India
Purav Jha creates a parody of Samay Raina’s India’s Got Latent, internet reacts: ‘Pakka FIR hoga’ | – The Times of India
-
Entertainment2 months agoJ-Hope Gears Up to Release New Single ‘Sweet Dreams’ With Miguel
-
Lifestyle1 month agoKim Soo Hyun’s agency CONFIRMS past relationship with Kim Sae Ron in official statement; rubbish claims of involvement in actress’ death by suicide | – The Times of India
-
Entertainment2 months agoPurav Jha creates a parody of Samay Raina’s India’s Got Latent, internet reacts: ‘Pakka FIR hoga’ | – The Times of India
-
Lifestyle2 months agoAamir Khan reveals Javed Akhtar and Amitabh Bachchan told him, ‘Lagaan would definitely be a flop’ | Hindi Movie News – The Times of India
-
CITIES2 months agoHampi rape case: 3rd suspect arrested from TN | Bengaluru News – The Times of India
-
Technology2 months agoSunita Williams is returning to Earth on… : Know how and when NASA astronaut will return from space | – The Times of India
-
Lifestyle1 month agoAnupam Kher shares a fun video with Satish Kaushik’s daughter Vanshika on Holi: ‘They are back’ | Hindi Movie News – The Times of India
-
Entertainment2 months agoPritam breaks silence on claims of BLACKPINK’s Jennie copying Alia Bhatt’s Rani intro song from RARKPK: ‘Rather than tearing…’