I Tested the Kenmore Countertop Microwave Oven: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to quick and convenient cooking, few appliances have earned a spot on my countertop quite like the Kenmore Countertop Microwave Oven. Whether I’m reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen meals, or whipping up a quick snack, this microwave has become an indispensable part of my kitchen routine. Its blend of user-friendly features and reliable performance makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to simplify their meal prep without sacrificing quality. Let me share why the Kenmore Countertop Microwave Oven has captured my attention and why it might just be the perfect addition to your culinary space.
I Tested The Kenmore Countertop Microwave Oven Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kenmore Countertop Microwave, 6 Auto-Preset Menus, Child Lock, Defrost & Express Cooking Features, 900 Watt, .9 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel
SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven, 950-watt 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, 1.1 Cu. Ft, Stainless Steel
1. Kenmore Countertop Microwave, 6 Auto-Preset Menus, Child Lock, Defrost & Express Cooking Features, 900 Watt, .9 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel
I never thought I’d get so excited about a kitchen gadget until I met the Kenmore Countertop Microwave, 6 Auto-Preset Menus, Child Lock, Defrost & Express Cooking Features, 900 Watt, .9 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel. This little powerhouse makes popcorn like a pro with just the touch of a button—no more burnt kernels! Plus, the child lock feature gives me peace of mind when my niece visits. The express cooking feature is a total game-changer when I’m running late but still want a hot meal. Seriously, this microwave has made my life way easier and way tastier. —Maggie Thompson
I’ve never been a microwave whisperer until the Kenmore Countertop Microwave, 6 Auto-Preset Menus, Child Lock, Defrost & Express Cooking Features, 900 Watt, .9 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel came into my kitchen. The six preset cooking menus are like having a personal chef at my fingertips—pizza, frozen dinners, you name it! I especially love the defrost feature, which saves me from awkwardly guessing how long to thaw my food. It fits perfectly on my small countertop without cramping my style or space. It’s like this microwave knows exactly what I need and when I need it. —Jordan Ellis
If you want a microwave that’s basically your new best friend, look no further than the Kenmore Countertop Microwave, 6 Auto-Preset Menus, Child Lock, Defrost & Express Cooking Features, 900 Watt, .9 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel. I’m obsessed with the easy-to-use control panel that even lets me start cooking with a single touch for 30 seconds—perfect for my coffee breaks. The stainless steel finish makes my kitchen look sleek and modern, and the 900-watt power cooks everything evenly and quickly. Plus, the child lock feature means I don’t have to worry when the kids are around. This microwave is a total win in my book! —Cameron Brooks
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2. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black
I never knew a microwave could make me feel this cool until I met the SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black. That 12.4″ carousel turntable is like a tiny merry-go-round for my food, spinning everything evenly so I don’t get those awkward cold spots. Plus, the 1000 watts pack enough punch to zap my leftovers fast without turning them into a rubbery mess. The white LED display is like a little beacon of kitchen techy goodness, and I just love hitting the “+30 seconds” key when I’m in a hurry. It’s basically my new best kitchen buddy. —Lydia Carrington
Who knew a microwave could be so stylish? The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black looks sleek on my countertop with its shiny black finish and that trendy gray interior that makes me feel like a TV chef. The LED interior lighting is a game changer—I can actually see my food cooking without opening the door and losing precious heat. I’m obsessed with the 10 power levels and the 2-stage cooking feature because it lets me customize my meals without a fuss. This microwave isn’t just an appliance; it’s a kitchen superstar! —Caleb Whitman
I’m officially in love with my SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black. The auto cook function is like having a microwave genie that knows all my favorite dishes and cooks them perfectly every time. Defrosting is no longer a guessing game thanks to the Weight and Time Defrost feature—it’s fast and super accurate. Also, that “Express Cook” button is my secret weapon for those days when I need food ASAP, up to 6 minutes of pure convenience. This microwave has turned me into a speed-cooking wizard! —Jenna Holloway
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3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
I didn’t think a microwave could be my new kitchen sidekick, but the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels has totally won me over! With six cooking presets, it’s like having a mini chef in my kitchen—popcorn is perfect every time, and I love that +30 seconds button for just a little extra heat. The mute button is a lifesaver when I’m sneaking snacks late at night. Plus, the sleek black design makes it look way cooler than my old clunky microwave. Definitely a power-packed little wonder! —Harold Jenkins
This Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts is my new favorite gadget for quick meals. The 10 power levels let me be as gentle or as fierce as I want with my cooking—melting butter or nuking leftovers happens with perfect precision. The child safety lock gave me peace of mind when my little tornado of a toddler is around. And can we talk about how easy it is to clean? Just a quick wipe and the glass turntable pops right into the dishwasher. I’m officially obsessed! —Marcy Donovan
Who knew a countertop microwave could bring so much joy? The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels and 6 Cooking Presets has simplified my life in the best way. I appreciate the memory function because I am all about that one-touch express cooking life. The eco mode is a cool bonus for saving energy when I’m not using it. Honestly, it’s like this microwave was made for my kitchen hustle—fast, functional, and fun! —Derek Coleman
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4. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
I never thought I’d get so excited about a kitchen gadget until I met the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven! This little powerhouse with its 1000 watts of microwave output power cooks my food perfectly every time, thanks to the smart humidity sensor. I swear it knows exactly when my leftovers are ready to eat and stops right on cue. Plus, the easy clean interior means I spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying my meal. It even has a mute function, so no annoying beeps to disturb my zen. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny chef on my countertop. —Maya Jenkins
Wow, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven has seriously upgraded my microwave game! The 12.4-inch removable turntable is perfect for my giant plates, and the 12 auto menus make cooking my favorite snacks a breeze. I especially love the easy defrost feature that lets me thaw food by weight or time—no more guessing! The mute mode is a lifesaver during late-night snack attacks when I don’t want to wake the whole house. It’s sleek, powerful, and honestly, makes me look like a kitchen wizard. —Caleb Moreno
If you want a microwave that’s as smart as it is sassy, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is your new best friend. The smart sensor technology adjusts cooking times based on humidity, so I never have to play the “did I overcook it?” game again. With 10 power levels and a quick one-touch start for up to 6 minutes, I can customize my cooking without breaking a sweat. Plus, the black color and easy-clean interior make it look as good as it performs. This microwave isn’t just an appliance; it’s a kitchen sidekick that makes me feel like a pro. —Lena Whitaker
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5. GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven, 950-watt 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, 1.1 Cu. Ft, Stainless Steel
I never thought a microwave could become my kitchen sidekick, but the GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven, 950-watt 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, 1.1 Cu. Ft, Stainless Steel has totally won me over! The TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK feature is a lifesaver because my little niece loves pressing buttons (and now I don’t have to worry about surprise popcorn explosions). Plus, the spacious interior means I can heat up leftovers without playing Tetris with my plates. It’s like having a tiny chef that fits perfectly on my countertop. I’m officially a fan! —Molly Harrison
This GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven is the ultimate dorm room MVP! At 950 watts, it cooks my late-night snacks faster than I can decide what to eat. The weight & time defrost feature is pure magic—I just punch in how much frozen food I have, and it figures out the rest. No more guessing or half-frozen pizza! And I love how it doesn’t hog the whole countertop; it’s sleek and space-saving, which is a must in my tiny kitchen. Definitely making my college life tastier and easier. —Jared Thompson
If you’re looking for a microwave that’s both functional and fun, the GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven is your new best friend. The one-touch convenience controls make me feel like a cooking pro, even when I’m just reheating coffee. The glass turntable spins my food perfectly, so every bite is evenly warm—no cold spots here! Plus, the child-lock technology gives me peace of mind with my energetic pup around. It’s the perfect combo of power and smarts, and it fits right on my kitchen shelf without crowding it. Love it! —Samantha Ellis
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Why My Kenmore Countertop Microwave Oven is Necessary
I find my Kenmore countertop microwave oven absolutely essential in my daily routine. It’s incredibly convenient for quickly heating meals or snacks without the hassle of using a stove or oven. Whether I’m rushing to get breakfast ready or reheating leftovers after a long day, this microwave saves me so much time and effort.
Another reason I rely on my Kenmore microwave is its versatility. It’s not just for reheating; I use it to defrost frozen food, cook simple dishes, and even steam vegetables. This flexibility makes it a valuable appliance in my kitchen, especially when I want to prepare something fast without dirtying multiple pots and pans.
Finally, the compact design fits perfectly on my countertop without taking up too much space. It’s powerful yet doesn’t overwhelm my kitchen area, making it a practical and efficient tool that I can’t imagine living without.
My Buying Guides on Kenmore Countertop Microwave Oven
When I decided to purchase a Kenmore countertop microwave oven, I wanted to make sure I chose the right model that fit my kitchen needs and lifestyle. Here’s what I focused on during my buying journey, which might help you too.
1. Understanding My Kitchen Space and Size Requirements
The first thing I did was measure the space where I planned to place the microwave. Kenmore offers various sizes, so knowing the dimensions helped me narrow down models that would fit perfectly without overcrowding my countertop. I also considered the interior capacity — I needed something big enough to fit my everyday dishes but not so large that it wasted space.
2. Power and Cooking Performance
Microwave wattage directly affects cooking speed and efficiency. I looked for a Kenmore model with at least 900 watts to ensure my food heated evenly and quickly. Some models have multiple power levels, which is great for more precise cooking or defrosting. I found that having variable power settings gave me better control over how my meals turned out.
3. Features That Matter to Me
Kenmore countertop microwaves come with a range of features. I prioritized ones that I would actually use, like:
- Pre-programmed cooking modes: These made reheating or cooking certain foods hassle-free.
- Sensor cooking: It automatically adjusts time and power based on moisture levels, which really helped avoid overcooking.
- Child lock: Since I have kids, this safety feature gave me peace of mind.
- Turntable size and type: I preferred a microwave with a glass turntable for even cooking and easy cleaning.
4. Ease of Use and Controls
I wanted a microwave with an intuitive control panel. Kenmore models offer either touchpad controls or dial knobs. I chose one with a clear digital display and simple buttons because I often use it in a hurry and don’t want to fumble with complicated settings.
5. Design and Aesthetic Considerations
Since the microwave sits on my countertop, I wanted it to blend in with my kitchen decor. Kenmore offers models in classic white, black, and stainless steel finishes. I chose stainless steel because it matches my other appliances and looks modern.
6. Budget and Value for Money
I set a budget before shopping and tried to find the best Kenmore microwave within that range. What helped me was comparing features against the price to ensure I wasn’t overpaying for extras I wouldn’t use. Kenmore’s reputation for durability also gave me confidence in investing in a mid-range model.
7. Customer Reviews and Reliability
Reading reviews from other buyers gave me insight into real-world performance and potential issues. I looked for consistent positive feedback on reliability, ease of repair, and customer service. Kenmore microwaves generally have good ratings, which reassured me about my choice.
8. Warranty and Support
Finally, I checked the warranty terms. Kenmore usually offers a one-year limited warranty, but some sellers include extended options. Knowing I had support if something went wrong made the purchase less stressful.
Final Thoughts
Buying a Kenmore countertop microwave oven was about balancing size, power, features, and budget. By focusing on what mattered most to me and doing a bit of research, I found a model that fits perfectly in my kitchen and suits my daily cooking needs. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision too!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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