Given paint’s power, if you’re faced with outdated kitchen countertops and a new surface isn’t in the budget, it’s tempting to head to the hardware store and pull out the paintbrushes.

While it has fewer frills, the GE 1.0 Cu. Ft. Capacity Countertop Convection Microwave Oven with Air Fry is a more compact microwave and also has multiple cooking modes. Higher price point for ...