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9 Best Corner Microwaves

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Corner microwaves are a fantastic option for people looking for an efficient heating solution while also saving counter space. 

What are the best corner microwaves? The best corner microwaves range around 0.5 to 2.2 cubic feet and have a power rating of 700W to 1500W. The best brands for corner microwaves are Cuisinart, Whirlpool, Panasonic, Breville, Sharp, and more.

Read below to learn about these compact heating machines, how they work, how they can save space, and some of the things that you need to keep in mind before purchasing one! 

Corner Microwaves – Compact But Powerful

Corner microwaves have been around for a long time but took center stage in the late 1990s when people started to demand lighter, compacter, and more efficient microwaves. 

Manufacturers started to develop smaller microwaves with better internals that could provide more or less the same convenience of a larger oven, but in a small package. 

These smaller microwaves ranged around 700W which is considered to be the baseline output wattage required to heat food efficiently. 

Perhaps the most striking thing about these smaller microwaves was their peculiar design: They had a curved back which made it easier to fit them in tight corners.

This shape also allowed them to be encased within the cupboard or cabinets in the kitchen.

Although the rounded design went in and out of fashion in the years since the introduction of corner microwaves, the design ideology of having a compact heating machine still stuck with customers.

It just so happens that it was also relatively easier and cheaper for manufacturers to produce these rectangular, smaller and compact appliances. 

See, microwaves are simple machines. They work by powering a magnetron, a device that creates focused microwaves. 

The microwaves travel from the magnetron to the chamber where the food is and gets reflected off of the chamber walls. 

For smaller microwaves, you don’t necessarily need to have a high-output magnetron because of the smaller size of the heating chamber, but some varieties can still go up to 1500W for quicker heating operations. 

Why Are Rounded Microwaves Less Common?

Building a rectangular and smaller machine makes more economical sense for producers and the growing demand and affinity for the iconic rectangular design makes it the dominating shape in the market. 

This is why, for our recommendations, we have focused on not just rounded microwaves but also classical compact ovens! 

You can still put a compact regular microwave in a corner. These are easier to find and therefore give you more options.

But before you jump into the recommendations, please go through our buyer’s guide to know exactly what to look for when investing in corner microwaves!

Buyer’s Guide For The Best Corner Microwaves 

This buyer’s guide is divided into four sections. Each section discusses an important feature or aspect that your microwave must have to be worthy of a corner in your kitchen. 

Here is what to keep in mind when shopping for a corner microwave:

  • Shape and size
  • Wattage
  • Additional features
  • Pricing

Shape and Size

People who purchase corner microwaves tend to look for two things: value and dimensions. 

Let’s face it, most people have limited counter space and you need to use it very wisely so that you can make room for other kitchen appliances and general tasks.

Compact microwaves help by being smaller but if you want them to have an even smaller footprint then we recommend going with a rounded-back microwave.

This shape isn’t as classical as the rectangular box design but it can save you a lot of counter space! It’s designed to be taller and deeper instead of being wider. So, you can still fit a large plate with ease. 

You can make popcorn, cook dinner, and carry out all the typical microwave tasks without compromising on anything! 

However, the rounded-back design may seem a bit outdated and could also stick out in the kitchen. If you want something classic and elegant then a compact countertop microwave will do just fine as well! 

Wattage

More power means quicker cooking times, but it can also come at the expense of taking up more space.

Remember, high-output microwaves are usually larger due to their relatively bigger cooking chamber and larger magnetron. 

But luckily, you can also find some no-frill microwaves that take away all the gimmicky features and focus solely on the wattage and size of the microwave. Smaller microwaves can hover around 700W but can also go up to 1500W of power. 

These microwaves are designed to cut down the heating time by half when compared to low-powered microwaves. 

But of course, 1500W microwaves can also cost more. We recommend sticking with either a base 700W microwave or something around the 1000W range for the best results while still getting a more compact machine.

Additional Features 

Having additional features is a very nice value-add for corner microwaves. 

Additional features can be a soft-close door, thicker chassis, intuitive user interface, smart sensors, or multiple cooking modes

Some of these features are only reserved for the more expensive models but, fortunately, some manufacturers focus on bringing not just efficiency but also convenience for their customers. 

For example, consumer data shows that having a soft-close door that doesn’t make a loud thud when closing the microwave is preferred over other gimmicky features. 

Similarly, other people might appreciate a mute function on the microwave that can instantly turn off all the annoying beeps and dings on the microwave. This particular feature can be especially attractive to people who live in shared spaces. 

While you shouldn’t hope to get all of these features in one relatively cheaper machine, you should ideally aim to get at least one or two additional features with your purchase.

You’ll probably want to avoid gimmicky features like advanced presets or AI controls that have very limited utility. Instead, try to focus on convenience features that can be useful to you over the lifetime of the machine.

Pricing 

Pricing is the biggest determinant here. Even if your microwave ticks all the boxes in our buyer’s guide, it still needs to be priced correctly to be worthy.

Most small (and efficient) microwaves start at around $200 but can go up to $500. Anything above $150 is usually considered to be a mid-range microwave. 

You need to make sure that you purchase a machine that fits your needs! Never go for added gimmicky features and unnecessarily expensive models. Always choose value over pricing when it comes to microwaves.

We recommend staying between the $200 and $500 range for the best value. Filter your purchase decision through the above points and then match the features to your needs. 

Pro Tip: If you do end up choosing a more expensive microwave model, please double-check the brand warranty, coverage, and reviews of the product before investing in it!

9 Best Corner Microwaves 

Here are some of the best corner and countertop microwaves on the market:

RankProductDescription
1.Cuisinart 3-in-1 Microwave Airfryer OvenAir fryer, convection oven, and microwave all in one
2.Whirlpool Silver Countertop Microwave OvenClassic rounded design perfect for corners
3.Frigidaire Countertop Microwave Space-saving microwave for all-purpose use
4.GE 3-in-1 Countertop Microwave OvenAir fries, bakes, and heats food in small space
5.FRIGIDAIRE Over The Range MicrowaveSaves space and quickly heats food
6.Panasonic Corner Microwave Oven Built-in inverter and sleek chassis save space without sacrificing power
7.Breville - The Compact WaveCompact microwave with soft-close door
8.Sharp Over-the-Range MicrowaveMinimalist but powerful microwave
9.Panasonic Countertop Microwave OvenFuturistic, space-efficient, handy microwave

These models have been handpicked using our buyer’s guide above and are also well-reviewed. We recommend checking out each option to make a more informed purchase decision.

1. Cuisinart 3-in-1 Microwave Airfryer Oven

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Cuisinart has truly outdone itself with this amazing 3-in-1 combo countertop microwave. 

While it doesn’t have a rounded back, it does sport a new design that adds function and style.

It can be fitted to any existing microwave rack on your countertop and it is perhaps one of the most advanced microwaves on this list.

It features a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven – all in one machine! This microwave can output 1500W of energy, which means that you can easily cook your food with speed and accuracy.

It also has a range of smart features and an all-digital control with a tactile knob that you can use to quickly set the timer on the microwave. 

With its current pricing, it is truly one of the best and most modern microwave options on the market! 

2. Whirlpool Silver Countertop Microwave Oven

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This machine is the definition of a classic corner microwave. 

It has a unique rounded design that allows it to easily and snuggly fit in any corner space. This microwave comes equipped with a 750W magnetron that can efficiently heat food within minutes. 

It has a very neat and minimalist user interface which makes it perfect for people who are looking for a simple and efficient heating solution.

The controls are located at the bottom and this appliance is particularly taller than other corner microwaves. 

Heat popcorn or defrost/reheat meals within a minute, all using this sleek and convenient oven!  

3. Frigidaire Countertop Microwave

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Here is a similarly advanced microwave that is built with “sensing” technology.

This microwave can put out 1200W of power which makes it easier to not just quickly heat food, but to cook it from scratch, too! 

This model also has built-in sensors that relay live information about the type of food that you are heating to the machine’s CPU. 

The microwave then quickly adjusts the power setting and cooking time to match the settings required to perfectly cook that particular type of food. 

The interface is easy to use and the door design also features a convenient push-to-release button! 

We think that with a 2.2 cubic foot space, this is an excellent choice for all types of home chefs and casual foodies.

4. GE 3-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven

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This combination microwave is cheap, efficient, and very easy to use!

Similar to the Cuisinart microwave on our list, this oven is also designed with the same ideology. Its 1-cubic-foot design makes it the ideal choice for people who want to save counter space without sacrificing function and design. 

The GE microwave has a built-in convection oven and an air fryer. The microwave can pull off 1050W of power, which is more than enough to quickly heat all your favorite foods. 

The interface is also simple! You get a combination of touch buttons and a tactile push-door button which makes it easier to open the door without effort. 

5. FRIGIDAIRE Over The Range Microwave

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This has got to be one of the most discreet and well-designed microwaves! 

The Frigidaire microwave is designed to be an over-the-range oven that can easily cook and heat food without coming in the way.

It has a very slick design and you barely notice its presence when it is not in use. These features can be very attractive for people who love a simple and clear kitchen counter. 

The interface of this machine is super simple and you don’t have to reach up or squint your eyes to read the controls. It’s very elegant and we think it would sit well with people that like minimalism. 

6. Panasonic Corner Microwave Oven 

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Panasonic has designed a powerhouse of a microwave! 

This corner microwave is just the right size for a medium-sized family and is perfect for all types of cooking and reheating functions. 

It has a built-in inverter that makes it extremely power efficient, even with a whopping 1250W magnetron. 

The machine also uses “Genius Sensing” technology – which is just sensor-based presets that detect the type of food and then adjust the microwave settings to efficiently heat it. 

Although the microwave has a 2.2-cubic-foot footprint, it can still fit into any corner due to its sleek and non-protruding design. 

7. Breville – The Compact Wave

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This is a cute and very compact microwave that can fit in any corner with ease. 

If you are looking for a balance between style, function, and power then this is the microwave to purchase! It has an impressive 900W output, and with a footprint of just 0.9 cubit foot, this compact oven will easily cook or heat your favorite food within seconds! 

The interface consists of an array of simple input buttons, presets, and a tactile knob. You also get a pull door with an elegantly designed vertical handle that also has a silver finish. 

8. Sharp Over-the-Range Microwave

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Here’s another fantastic over-the-range microwave that is designed to be a statement piece. 

This microwave is specially built to conserve counter space while providing function and efficiency. It has a very attractive silver color on the front that can help it blend in with the rest of the kitchen. 

The microwave uses a 1000W magnetron to heat food along with 11 smart presets that work in the same way as some of the other “sensor-based” ovens mentioned above. 

9. Panasonic Countertop Microwave Oven

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Say hello to the future of microwaves. 

The Panasonic Stainless Steel Microwave is made with futuristic design elements. It has a very attractive front interface that uses pressure-sensitive controls. 

With a 1200W output rating, you can easily heat food without adding to your electricity bill, thanks to the addition of its inverter technology!

This microwave has a small footprint of just 1.2 cubic feet. And given its affordable pricing, we think that this is an excellent corner microwave for everyone! 

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