Imagine this: you’re hungry, and you want your food hot and ready fast. A microwave is a kitchen superhero for that! But when you look to buy a new one, you see lots of numbers, like “1200W.” What does that even mean, and why should you care? Choosing a microwave can feel like a puzzle, especially when you want one that cooks your meals just right without taking forever.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to break down what a 1200W microwave really is and why it might be the perfect fit for your kitchen. We know it can be tricky to figure out which one is the best for your needs. You might wonder if it cooks faster, or if it’s worth the extra money. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what that 1200W power means for your cooking. We’ll help you understand the benefits, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to make sure you pick a microwave that makes mealtime easier and tastier. Get ready to become a microwave expert!
Our Top 5 1200W Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 1200W Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and versatile kitchen appliance. Its large capacity and smart features make it a great addition for busy households. The sleek black stainless steel design looks good in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The 1200-watt power and sensor menus cook food perfectly. You get better texture on popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- It has a big 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, which is great for families. A 13.6-inch turntable fits a 13-inch pizza.
- The position memory turntable is a smart feature. It always returns to the starting spot, making it safer and easier to use.
- Lots of handy features are included. There’s auto defrost, fast cooking, and a child safety lock.
- You can turn off the annoying buzzer sound. Just press and hold the “8” button for a few seconds.
- The black stainless steel finish looks very stylish. It adds a modern touch to your kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The keypad has a protective film that needs to be removed before the first use.
This Toshiba microwave offers excellent performance and thoughtful features for everyday cooking. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish countertop microwave.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that makes cooking easy and efficient. Its sleek black design fits well in any kitchen. With 1000 watts of power, it heats and cooks food quickly. This microwave is packed with smart features to simplify your meal prep.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor is a game-changer. It automatically cooks food perfectly, so you don’t have to guess.
- It has 6 useful preset menus for common foods, saving you time.
- You get 10 power levels for total cooking control, from gentle warming to fast heating.
- The Easy Defrost function lets you thaw food by weight or time.
- One-touch start buttons make quick cooking simple.
- The Mute Function is a lifesaver for quiet kitchens. Just hold the “8” button to turn off the annoying beeps.
- The large 12.4-inch removable turntable fits big plates and is easy to clean.
- ECO Mode helps save energy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might wish for more variety in the auto-cook options.
- The external dimensions are a bit on the larger side, so measure your counter space carefully.
This Toshiba microwave offers smart cooking technology and user-friendly features. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliance.
3. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 9.5/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a big countertop microwave that makes cooking easier. It has a large capacity, so you can fit lots of food inside. It also has smart features that help your food cook perfectly.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: This microwave holds a lot! It has 2.2 cubic feet of space and 1200 watts of power, which is great for families. You can even fit a whole chicken or a 16-inch pizza inside.
- Smart Sensor Cooking: The humidity sensor cooks your food evenly and keeps it moist. It has 6 automatic menus for things like bacon, frozen snacks, drinks, chicken, and oatmeal.
- Easy Defrosting: The Auto-Defrost function is a lifesaver. It defrosts meat, poultry, and fish gently, like thawing them naturally.
- User-Friendly Features: This microwave is simple to use. It has one-pound defrost, an ECO mode to save energy, and a mute option so it’s not noisy. It also has speedy cooking, a memory function, multi-stage cooking, a child lock, an interior light, and a clock.
- Spacious Turntable: The 16.5-inch turntable can be stopped in a specific position, making it easy to remove your dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size: While the large capacity is a pro, it also means this microwave takes up a good amount of counter space. Make sure you have enough room before buying.
- Learning Curve: With so many features, it might take a little time to learn how to use all of them to their full potential.
Overall, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a powerful and feature-rich microwave that simplifies meal preparation for busy households. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a large, capable appliance.
4. Panasonic 1.3 cu. ft. Inverter Microwave
Rating: 8.9/10
The Panasonic 1.3 cu. ft. Inverter Microwave, 1200W – NN-SC67NS (Renewed) offers a great combination of power, convenience, and style for your kitchen. Its generous 1.3 cubic feet of space can handle everything from quick snacks to family-sized meals. The sleek, modern design will look fantastic on your countertop. This microwave makes cooking a breeze with its user-friendly controls and smart sensor technology.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 1.3 cu. ft. interior holds plenty of food for cooking and reheating.
- Powerful Performance: With 1200W of power, it cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Smart Cooking: Sensor cooking technology adjusts time and power for perfect results every time.
- Consistent Power: Inverter technology ensures delicate foods like melted butter or defrosting meat are cooked perfectly without overdoing it.
- Easy to Use: The simple controls and preset options make operation straightforward.
- Stylish Look: The modern design adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
- Space-Saving: Its compact countertop design is ideal for smaller kitchens.
What Could Be Improved:
- Renewed Product: As a renewed item, cosmetic imperfections might be present, though functionality is assured.
- Learning Curve: While user-friendly, mastering all the advanced sensor cooking features might take a little practice.
This Panasonic microwave is an excellent, budget-friendly option for anyone needing a reliable and capable cooking appliance. It delivers on both performance and style.
5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave designed to make your kitchen life easier. This sleek, silver appliance boasts a 1000-watt power output, perfect for quick meals and reheating. Its smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your food comes out just right, every time. Plus, with a generous 12.4-inch turntable, you can fit larger dishes with ease. It’s a great addition to any kitchen looking for convenience and performance.
What We Like:
- Smart Humidity Sensor: This feature automatically adjusts cooking time and power. It stops your food from being overcooked or undercooked.
- Generous Capacity: The 1.2 cubic foot interior and 12.4-inch turntable fit most common dishes.
- Preset Menus: Six handy preset menus simplify cooking for popular items like pizza and vegetables.
- Versatile Power Levels: Ten power levels offer great control for different cooking tasks.
- One-Touch Start: Easily start the microwave for 1 to 6 minutes at full power with a simple touch.
- Mute Function: You can turn off the annoying beeping sounds.
- ECO Mode: This setting helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
- Easy to Clean: The interior is designed for simple cleanup.
What Could Be Improved:
- Preset Menu Variety: While 6 presets are useful, more options could cater to a wider range of foods.
- Limited Auto Menus Mentioned: The description lists “12 Auto Menus” in the title but only details “6 Preset Menus” in the features. Clarity on the full 12 would be beneficial.
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a strong contender for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich microwave. Its smart sensor technology and user-friendly design make it a valuable kitchen helper.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your 1200W Microwave Adventure
So, you’re in the market for a new microwave, and you’ve spotted the “1200W” label. That number tells you a lot about how fast and powerful your new kitchen helper will be! A 1200-watt microwave is a real workhorse. It cooks food quickly and efficiently, saving you precious time in the kitchen. Let’s dive into what makes a great 1200W microwave and what you should consider before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re choosing a 1200W microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: You already know it’s 1200W, which is fantastic for speed.
- Capacity: This is how much food can fit inside. Microwaves come in different sizes, from small to extra-large. Think about how many people you usually cook for or what size dishes you’ll be heating. A larger capacity is great for families or cooking bigger meals.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a glass plate that spins. This helps your food cook evenly. Make sure it’s easy to remove and clean.
- Preset Cooking Programs: Many microwaves have buttons for specific foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Defrost Options: This feature lets you thaw frozen food quickly and evenly. Some have specific settings for meat, poultry, or bread.
- Interior Light: A light inside helps you see your food as it cooks.
- Child Lock: This is a safety feature that prevents little hands from accidentally turning on the microwave.
- Easy-to-Clean Interior: Look for a smooth interior surface that wipes clean easily.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave can affect its durability and how it performs.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is a premium option. It’s durable, easy to clean, and can look very stylish. It also heats food more evenly.
- Enamel Interior: This is a common and affordable choice. It’s generally easy to wipe down but can scratch or chip over time.
- Glass Turntable: The spinning plate is usually made of tempered glass. It should be sturdy and dishwasher safe.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a painted metal exterior. Stainless steel exteriors are also popular for their modern look.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a 1200W microwave a joy to use or a bit of a headache.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly, and the buttons should be responsive. Cheaper models might feel flimsy.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook your food evenly. This means no cold spots or overcooked edges. A good turntable and proper wattage distribution help with this.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud when running or cooling down. Check reviews to see if a particular model is known for being quiet.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive controls and clear displays make a big difference. If you find yourself constantly looking at the manual, it’s not ideal.
User Experience and Use Cases
A 1200W microwave is perfect for busy people.
- Quick Meals: Heat leftovers in a flash.
- Cooking Frozen Meals: Frozen dinners cook much faster with 1200 watts.
- Reheating Beverages: Your coffee or tea will be hot in no time.
- Simple Cooking Tasks: Make popcorn, steam vegetables, or bake a potato.
- Families: A larger capacity 1200W microwave can handle family-sized portions.
A 1200W microwave makes your kitchen life easier and faster. Happy shopping!
10 Frequently Asked Questions About 1200W Microwaves
Q: What does 1200W mean for a microwave?
A: 1200W means the microwave uses 1200 watts of power. This is a high wattage, meaning it cooks food very quickly and efficiently.
Q: Is 1200W too much power for a microwave?
A: No, 1200W is a great power level. It’s powerful enough to cook and reheat food fast without being too much for everyday use.
Q: How much faster does a 1200W microwave cook compared to a lower wattage one?
A: A 1200W microwave cooks food noticeably faster, often saving you 10-20% of the cooking time compared to a 700-800W model.
Q: What size capacity should I look for in a 1200W microwave?
A: Capacity depends on your needs. For 1-2 people, 0.7 to 1.2 cubic feet is usually good. For families, look for 1.5 cubic feet or larger.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than enamel?
A: Stainless steel interiors are generally more durable, easier to clean, and can help with more even cooking. Enamel is more affordable but can scratch.
Q: Do I need a turntable in my microwave?
A: Yes, a turntable is important. It spins your food to ensure it heats evenly on all sides.
Q: What are “preset cooking programs”?
A: These are buttons that automatically set the cooking time and power level for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes.
Q: Is a child lock feature important?
A: Yes, a child lock is a great safety feature. It prevents children from accidentally turning on the microwave.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can usually wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: Can I cook complex meals in a 1200W microwave?
A: While a 1200W microwave is great for reheating and simple cooking, it’s best for quick meals and tasks, not complex baking or roasting.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!