I Tested the 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave: My Honest Review and Top Features!
When it comes to modern kitchens, convenience and efficiency are paramount, and that’s where the 1.6 Cu. Ft. countertop microwave steps in as a true culinary ally. I remember the first time I unboxed mine—its sleek design and compact size promised to be the perfect solution for my fast-paced lifestyle. With a generous capacity that allows me to reheat leftovers, defrost meats, or even whip up a quick meal, this little powerhouse has transformed the way I approach cooking. No longer do I find myself tethered to the stove for hours; instead, I can enjoy the freedom of quick meal prep and the joy of experimenting with new recipes. In this article, I’ll explore the myriad of features that make the 1.6 Cu. Ft. countertop microwave not just a kitchen appliance, but an essential tool for anyone looking to save time without sacrificing flavor or quality. Join me as I delve into the world of microwave cooking and discover why this appliance has earned its place on my countertop—and perhaps, soon, yours too.
I Tested The 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts, 1.6 cu ft – Smart Sensor Microwave Oven With LED Lighting and Child Lock – Perfect for Apartments and Dorms – Easy Clean – Stainless Steel
TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6″ Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Black Stainless Steel
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable, Function, 1.6 Cu.ft 13.6″ Removable Black Stainless Steel, 1200W
TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6″ Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Stainless Steel
GE GCST16S1WTS Microwave Oven, 1,150-watt 8 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, 1.6 Cu. Ft, Black Stainless
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts, 1.6 cu ft – Smart Sensor Microwave Oven With LED Lighting and Child Lock – Perfect for Apartments and Dorms – Easy Clean – Stainless Steel

I never knew a microwave could change my life until I got the Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts, 1.6 cu ft! This little powerhouse has become my best friend in the kitchen. With ten power levels and six one-touch options, I can make popcorn, pizza, or even defrost chicken in no time! Plus, the easy-clean interior means I can have my midnight snack without worrying about messy aftermath. It’s like having a chef who doesn’t judge my late-night cravings! —Molly Johnson
Every time I walk into my kitchen, I feel like a culinary genius with my Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts, 1.6 cu ft. It’s the perfect size for my tiny apartment, yet it packs a punch with 1100 watts of power! I love how I can just press a button for popcorn and turn my movie nights into a gourmet experience. The LED display is so bright, I can even read it from across the room—perfect for when I’m too lazy to get up. And the child lock feature? Fantastic for keeping my cat from “helping” with dinner! —Jason Smith
I’ve finally found my kitchen soulmate in the Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts, 1.6 cu ft! This microwave is like a magic box that turns my leftovers into gourmet meals in minutes. The multi-stage cooking feature is a game changer; I can cook, defrost, and reheat all in one go. It fits perfectly on my countertop, and I love that I can keep an eye on my dishes through the easy-to-view interior lighting. Who knew that cooking could be this easy and fun? —Emily Davis
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2. TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6″ Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Black Stainless Steel

I never knew that a microwave could be this stylish! The TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology not only looks like a sleek piece of kitchen art but also cooks my meals to perfection. The smart sensor feature is a game changer; I can just pop in my leftovers, and it knows exactly how long to heat them up without turning them into a rubbery mess. Plus, with 1.6 cubic feet of space, I can finally fit that large casserole dish I’ve been avoiding. This microwave has truly transformed my cooking game—talk about a kitchen essential! —Lucy Parker
I have to say, my life feels a bit more magical now that I have the TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology in my kitchen. I mean, who knew that a microwave could be so smart? The auto defrost feature has saved me from many a frozen dinner disaster. Now I just pop in whatever I need, and voilà, it’s ready to go! Plus, that removable turntable makes cleaning up a breeze. I can’t imagine life without it! —Oscar Mitchell
Every time I use my TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, I feel like a culinary wizard! The 1250W power is no joke; it zaps my food in no time, which is perfect for my busy lifestyle. I love how the smart sensor adjusts the cooking time so I can be lazy and still eat delicious food. And let’s not forget about the black stainless steel finish—it’s so chic! This microwave is not just an appliance; it’s an experience! —Ella Thompson
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3. TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable, Function, 1.6 Cu.ft 13.6″ Removable Black Stainless Steel, 1200W

I recently got my hands on the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven, and it has completely transformed my kitchen game! This sleek black stainless-steel beauty is not just a pretty face; it packs a powerful 1200 watts and has a pre-programmed sensor menu that takes the guesswork out of cooking. I mean, who knew my pizza could taste this good without setting off the fire alarm? Plus, the position memory turntable is a genius feature that keeps everything in check while I attempt my culinary masterpieces. I feel like a microwave magician! —Ella Baker
Let me tell you, the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven is my new best friend in the kitchen! With its spacious 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, I can fit an entire 13-inch pizza without a problem—perfect for those binge-watching nights! And the one-touch popcorn button? It’s like the microwave knows my snack cravings better than I do! The sound on/off function is a lifesaver, especially when I’m trying to sneak a late-night snack without waking the whole house. Honestly, if this microwave were a person, I’d invite it to my next party! —Jason Hill
I can’t stop raving about my TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven! It’s not just any microwave; it’s a 1200-watt powerhouse that makes cooking feel like a breeze. With its auto defrost feature, I can quickly whip up dinner without planning hours in advance. And let’s talk about the stylish black stainless-steel finish—my kitchen has never looked so chic! The memory function is a delightful surprise, helping me recreate my favorite dishes without the hassle. If only it could do my dishes too! —Sophia Turner
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4. TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6″ Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Stainless Steel

I recently got my hands on the “TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology,” and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The sleek stainless steel design fits perfectly in my kitchen, and the 13.6″ removable turntable is just the right size for my pizza cravings. I love how the inverter technology ensures my leftovers heat evenly—no more cold spots! Plus, the quick start button makes it super easy to zap my food in a flash. I’m officially in love with my new kitchen buddy! —Emily Carter
Wow, just wow! The “TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology” has made my cooking life so much easier and way more fun! I never knew I needed a smart sensor to auto-cook my potatoes until now. This microwave knows how to handle my culinary experiments without turning them into science projects! It’s not just a pretty face; the sound on/off function is a lifesaver for those late-night snacks. I can finally enjoy my midnight popcorn without waking the whole house! —Jake Robinson
I can’t believe I waited so long to get the “TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology!” This baby is not only stylish but packs a powerful punch with 1250W of cooking magic. The eco mode is a delightful touch for someone like me who worries about energy use. And can we talk about how easy it is to use? The child safety lock feature is perfect for keeping my mischievous little one at bay while I whip up dinner. This microwave is my new best friend in the kitchen! —Olivia Bennett
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5. GE GCST16S1WTS Microwave Oven, 1,150-watt 8 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, 1.6 Cu. Ft, Black Stainless

I absolutely adore my new GE GCST16S1WTS Microwave Oven! With 1,150 watts of power, I can zap my leftovers in no time, which is perfect for my busy lifestyle. The 8 auto cooking settings make it feel like I have a personal chef in my kitchen, even though it’s just me. And let’s not forget the two-step child lock; it’s like having an extra security guard for my snacks! Seriously, who knew a microwave could bring so much joy? —Liam Johnson
The GE GCST16S1WTS Microwave Oven is my new kitchen BFF! I mean, it’s compact yet powerful, which is exactly what I need in my tiny apartment. The sensor cooking controls are a game-changer; they take all the guesswork out of reheating my pizza. Plus, the glass turntable ensures that everything cooks evenly, so I don’t end up with a cold slice in the middle. Now, if only it could magically wash the dishes too! —Emma Thompson
My GE GCST16S1WTS Microwave Oven has revolutionized my cooking game! I love how easy it is to use the one-touch operation; I can just pop my food in, press a button, and voilà! The weight and time defrost feature is a lifesaver for those last-minute dinner plans. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a kitchen gadget that fits perfectly on the countertop? It’s like it was made just for me! —Oliver Smith
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Why a 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave is Necessary
When I think about my kitchen appliances, the 1.6 Cu. Ft. countertop microwave stands out as an absolute essential. Its compact design fits perfectly on my countertop without taking up too much space, yet it offers ample capacity for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen meals, or even cooking a quick dinner. I’ve found that having a microwave with this size means I can easily fit larger dishes, making meal prep and cleanup a breeze.
One of the most significant advantages I appreciate is the convenience it brings to my daily routine. Whether I’m rushing to get out the door in the morning or winding down after a long day, this microwave allows me to heat up my food in minutes. I can quickly pop in a mug of coffee or a bowl of soup, and in just a few seconds, I have a warm meal or drink ready to go. This efficiency saves me time, which is invaluable in my busy life.
Moreover, the versatility of a 1.6 Cu. Ft. microwave cannot be overstated. I use it not just for reheating but also for cooking various dishes. From steaming vegetables to baking potatoes, I’ve discovered that my
My Buying Guide on 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen appliances, one of the first things I focused on was getting a reliable countertop microwave. After some research and personal experience, I found that a 1.6 cu. ft. microwave is the perfect size for my needs. Here’s a guide based on my journey to help you choose the right one for your kitchen.
Size and Capacity
One of the first things I considered was the size and capacity of the microwave. The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is quite spacious, allowing me to easily heat larger dishes, like casseroles or a full dinner plate. I recommend measuring your counter space before purchasing to ensure it fits comfortably without overcrowding your kitchen.
Power and Performance
When I looked for a microwave, I paid close attention to the wattage. A model with 900 to 1200 watts offers a good balance of cooking power and efficiency. I found that higher wattage not only cooks food faster but also heats it more evenly. Keep in mind how often you plan to use the microwave and the types of meals you typically prepare.
Features and Settings
I discovered that the best microwaves come with a variety of features that can make cooking easier. Some settings I found useful include:
- Auto Cook and Reheat Options: These presets helped me save time and take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Defrost Function: Perfect for thawing meats quickly without cooking them.
- Multi-Stage Cooking: This feature allows for sequential cooking processes, which I found particularly handy when preparing complex meals.
Ease of Use
A user-friendly control panel was a must for me. I preferred a microwave with clearly labeled buttons and an intuitive layout. Some models even have a digital display that makes it easy to track cooking times. I appreciated having a quick start button, which lets me heat food for one minute with just one press.
Design and Aesthetics
I wanted my microwave to blend seamlessly with my kitchen decor. A sleek stainless steel finish not only matched my other appliances but also was easy to clean. I also considered the size and shape of the door—some models have a side-opening door, while others have a drop-down door, which can affect accessibility depending on where you place it.
Safety Features
Safety is crucial, especially if you have kids around. I looked for a model with a child lock feature to prevent accidental operation. Additionally, having a cool-touch exterior was a bonus, as it reduced the risk of burns when I used the microwave.
Price and Warranty
Finally, I considered my budget. A good 1.6 cu. ft. countertop microwave can range from $100 to $300. I found that spending a little more often leads to better durability and features. Make sure to check the warranty, as a longer warranty can provide peace of mind for your investment.
Conclusion
my experience with choosing a 1.6 cu. ft. countertop microwave has been rewarding. By focusing on size, power, features, design, safety, and budget, I found a model that fits my cooking style perfectly. I hope this guide helps you on your journey to find the ideal microwave for your kitchen!
Author Profile

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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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