The Whirlpool countertop microwave has a very different form factor compared to how most of us imagine a microwave to be. It’s got a rounded back, and this serves as an advantage because you’ll then be able to fit it in corners and other tight spaces without it being obstructionist. Inside, you’ll find a rounded turntable that’s able to fit an 11 inch dinner plate without any major problem, and on the base of the microwave, there’s a set of touch controls that are well labelled, as well as a blue lit display. Could this be the best microwave for your small kitchen? Let’s find out.
Why We Like It – Whirlpool Countertop Microwave
The Whirlpool Countertop Microwave is a small sized microwave that is the ideal pick for anyone that has very limited counter space. The 0.5 cu ft capacity microwave has a rounded back that lets you place it in a corner if you need to, and is also very well lit so that you’ll always be able to see how well your food is getting cooked.
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- Rounded back that fits corners & tight spaces
- Quick start options
- 1 Year Warranty (3 Year or 5 Year Extended)
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- Small 0.5 cubic feet interior capacity
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Power & Performance
With up to 750 Watts of power, the Whirlpool Countertop Microwave has just enough juice to prepare a nice warm meal for a single person, but it might struggle with preparing meals for a larger family. Its wattage means it’ll probably take longer to cook larger meals compared to a 900 watt cooking power microwave for example. The microwave’s interior has a 0.5 cu ft capacity, and while this might be smaller than that of the Toshiba EM925A5A, it’ll still be able to fit a full size dinner plate of up to 11 inches.
Durability
The reduced interior size of the Whirlpool 0.5 cu ft countertop microwave may feel limiting to a person who has never used a microwave of this size before, but it’s actually a lot easier to clean than a lot of other countertop microwaves, and the glass turntable is actually larger than what you’ll find on other microwaves of the same size. There is a 1 year warranty that comes with this microwave, but if that feels too short for you, there’s also the option to purchase an extended 3 year or even 5 year warranty just to be on the safe side.
Ease of Use
Using a microwave such as this one is pretty easy to do because the control options are not as many as what you’d find on the MG14H3020CM Samsung Microwave Oven. You’ll be able to alternate between 10 power levels, and whenever you’re short of time, you can quickly get the microwave to work by pressing the add 30 seconds button. There’s also the option to make instant popcorn, reheat your food, or defrost frozen foods based on either time or weight. If you want a microwave with sensor cook technology, try the Panasonic NN-SN736B.
Additional Features & Versatility
The fingerprint resistant stainless steel body of the Whirlpool Countertop microwave makes it very easy to clean, and since it also features a control lock, you’ll be able to prevent any unauthorized use of the microwave especially by young children disabling the touch keys.
Value
The lack of sensor cooking on the Whirlpool microwave is one of the things that gives the Panasonic NN-SD372S a slight edge over it. Sensor cooking would have allowed for a more seamless method of operation, as you wouldn’t need to worry about the amount of cook time and power required to whip up your meal.
Whirlpool Countertop Microwave Wrap Up
Whirlpool manufactures a wide variety of kitchen appliances, and microwaves are only a part of their large catalogue of products. The company is also headquartered in the United States, so if you buy their products, you’ll be supporting an American company.
