Ever stared into your kitchen and wondered if your microwave is just a little too small, or maybe a bit too big for your needs? You’re not alone! Many of us find ourselves in that “just right” zone when it comes to kitchen appliances, and the microwave is no exception. It’s that sweet spot between a tiny countertop model that barely fits a plate and a massive one that takes up half your counter. Finding that perfect medium-sized microwave can feel like a puzzle.
The truth is, choosing a microwave that’s just the right size can be surprisingly tricky. Too small, and you’re struggling to reheat leftovers or fit a standard dinner plate. Too large, and it might feel clunky and eat up valuable counter space. You want something that works for your family, your cooking habits, and your kitchen layout. That’s where this guide comes in handy!
By reading on, you’ll discover what makes a medium-sized microwave a great choice. We’ll explore the benefits, the features to look for, and how to pick the one that will make your kitchen life so much easier. Get ready to find your perfect kitchen helper!
Our Top 5 Medium Sized Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Medium Sized Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.1/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse that fits perfectly on your kitchen counter. It’s designed for convenience and ease of use, making it ideal for busy households. This black microwave offers a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, making it suitable for reheating leftovers, cooking popcorn, or quickly preparing small meals. Its smart features, like the sound on/off option and energy-saving ECO mode, add to its appeal. The intuitive controls and one-touch buttons simplify cooking, so you can get your food ready in no time.
What We Like:
- The mute function is a game-changer for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- ECO Mode significantly cuts down on standby power, saving energy.
- Easy one-touch buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, and more make cooking simple.
- Express cooking functions let you heat food for 1-6 minutes with just one touch.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) offer flexibility.
- The bright digital display and clear control panel are easy to read.
- It includes a child safety lock for peace of mind.
- The 10-inch glass turntable is removable for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger families or bigger dishes.
- While it has many features, a more detailed user manual could be helpful for some.
This COMFEE microwave offers a blend of useful features and user-friendly design. It’s a solid option for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient countertop microwave.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a small microwave oven that’s just right for apartment living. It boasts a sleek black stainless steel finish and a compact 0.9 cu ft capacity. This microwave comes packed with helpful features to make cooking and reheating a breeze.
What We Like:
- It has 6 auto menus for popular foods like popcorn and pizza, making cooking simple.
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sound, which is great for quiet kitchens.
- A child lock feature keeps little hands from accidentally starting the microwave.
- It offers 11 different power levels, giving you control over how your food cooks.
- The one-touch start and easy defrost options save you time.
- The LED lighting inside helps you see your food clearly.
- It includes a 10.6-inch removable turntable that’s easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might still feel a bit large for very tiny countertops.
- While it has many features, some users might prefer more advanced cooking presets.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for their kitchen. It offers convenience and safety in a stylish package.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven is a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen. Its sleek black and stainless steel design looks great on your countertop. This microwave makes cooking quick and easy with its 1000 watts of power and 10 different power settings. You can reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, or cook frozen meals in no time. The 1.1 cubic foot capacity is spacious enough for most dishes.
What We Like:
- It has handy pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen veggies, drinks, and dinner plates.
- The microwave offers 1000 watts of cooking power with 10 adjustable power levels.
- A 30-second express cooking button lets you quickly add cooking time.
- The large LED display is easy to read.
- A child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
- The push-button door release makes opening the microwave simple.
- It includes a removable 12.4-inch glass turntable for even cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the exterior a bit prone to fingerprints.
- The sound of the beeping alert could be a little softer for some preferences.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It simplifies meal prep and heating with its smart features.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.5/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed for your busy life. This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its smart features and user-friendly design. Its sleek black finish looks great in any kitchen, and its small size is perfect for dorm rooms, apartments, or as an extra microwave.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six handy presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies take the guesswork out of cooking. You can also just punch in the time you need.
- Low to High Power: With 10 power levels, you can do everything from gently melting butter to quickly heating up your meals.
- Digital Controls: Setting your time and power is simple. The +30 seconds button is great for adding a little extra cooking time.
- Memory Function: Save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starting – perfect for your go-to meals.
- Safety First: The child safety lock keeps the door secure, and you can lock the control panel to prevent accidental use.
- Mute Option: No more annoying beeps! The mute button lets you operate the microwave quietly.
- Modern Design: This microwave’s compact size and black finish fit in anywhere. Eco Mode helps save energy and dims the display.
- Easy to Clean: The exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Trusted Quality: Chefman offers a 1-year assurance and cETL approval, meaning it meets strict safety standards.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for cooking large meals or multiple dishes at once.
- While 700 watts is sufficient for basic tasks, it’s not the highest wattage available, meaning some cooking or reheating might take slightly longer than with more powerful models.
This Chefman microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and convenient cooking appliance. It balances essential features with user-friendly operation for everyday use.
5. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts
Rating: 8.5/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 Cu. Ft. is a great addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or apartment. It’s designed to make cooking quick and easy with its powerful 1000-watt output. This microwave offers a good amount of space at 1.1 cubic feet, fitting nicely on your countertop without taking up too much room. Its sleek stainless steel finish is not only stylish but also easy to clean, which is a big plus for busy households.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking for fast results.
- Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking give you control.
- Six one-touch options for popular foods like popcorn and pizza.
- Defrost by weight or time for convenience.
- Compact 1.1 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces.
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel interior and exterior.
- Clear LED display shows time and timer.
- Interior LED lighting lets you see your food cooking.
- Child safety lock provides extra security.
- Farberware brand is known for quality family meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, some users might prefer more advanced cooking presets.
- The exterior might show fingerprints easily, requiring frequent wiping.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and efficient way to heat and cook food. Its blend of power, convenience, and user-friendly features makes it a great value.
Your Guide to the Perfect Medium-Sized Microwave
Why a Medium-Sized Microwave is a Great Choice
A medium-sized microwave is like the Goldilocks of kitchen appliances – not too big, not too small, it’s just right for many households. These microwaves are perfect for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, and defrosting food. They fit easily on most countertops without taking up too much space. If you’re living in a smaller apartment, a dorm room, or just don’t need a giant appliance, a medium-sized microwave is your best bet.
Key Features to Look For
1. Wattage: The Power Behind the Heat
Wattage tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For a medium-sized microwave, aim for something between 700 and 1000 watts. This is enough power for most everyday tasks. Lower wattage microwaves might take longer to heat your food.
2. Capacity: How Much Can It Hold?
Capacity is measured in cubic feet. Medium-sized microwaves usually range from 0.7 to 1.2 cubic feet. Think about what you’ll be heating. If you plan to cook a whole chicken or a large casserole dish, you’ll need a larger capacity. For reheating plates of food or making popcorn, a smaller capacity will work fine.
3. Preset Cooking Options: Your Kitchen Helper
Many microwaves come with helpful preset buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking. Some also have defrost settings that let you choose by weight or food type. These features make cooking much simpler.
4. Turntable: For Even Cooking
A turntable is a rotating glass plate inside the microwave. It spins your food around so it heats evenly. Most medium-sized microwaves have one. Make sure it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
5. Control Panel: Easy to Use?
Look for a control panel that’s clear and easy to understand. Buttons should be well-labeled. Digital displays are helpful for setting cooking times. Some microwaves have touch controls, while others have physical buttons. Choose what feels most comfortable for you.
Important Materials
1. Stainless Steel: Durable and Stylish
Many medium-sized microwaves have stainless steel exteriors. This material is strong and looks nice in any kitchen. It’s also easy to wipe clean. Inside, the cooking cavity is usually made of painted metal or enamel. These surfaces are designed to withstand high heat.
2. Glass Turntable: For Food Safety
The turntable is almost always made of tempered glass. This is a strong type of glass that can handle heat and won’t easily break. It’s also easy to wash.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
1. Build Quality: Does It Feel Sturdy?
A well-built microwave will feel solid. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive. Cheaper microwaves might feel flimsy and break more easily.
2. Even Heating: Does It Cook Food Properly?
The most important job of a microwave is to heat food evenly. A good microwave will heat your food all the way through without leaving cold spots. Poorly designed microwaves might not distribute the heat well.
3. Noise Level: A Quiet Kitchen is Nice
Some microwaves can be quite noisy when they run. If you prefer a quieter kitchen, look for reviews that mention noise levels. Newer models are often designed to be quieter.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a medium-sized microwave should be a breeze. You’ll use it for reheating your lunch, making a quick snack, or defrosting ingredients for dinner. Families might use it for heating up kids’ meals. Busy professionals can rely on it for fast meal preparation. Students in dorms find it essential for simple cooking and heating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the typical capacity of a medium-sized microwave?
A: A medium-sized microwave usually has a capacity between 0.7 and 1.2 cubic feet.
Q: How much wattage should I look for in a medium-sized microwave?
A: Aim for a wattage between 700 and 1000 watts for good performance.
Q: Do I really need a turntable?
A: Yes, a turntable helps ensure your food heats evenly all the way around.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves better than plastic ones?
A: Stainless steel is generally more durable and easier to clean than plastic, and it looks sleeker.
Q: What are preset cooking options?
A: Preset options are buttons that automatically set the cooking time and power for specific foods like popcorn or pizza.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave cooks evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even heating. You can also test it yourself by heating a plate of food and checking for cold spots.
Q: Is a louder microwave less effective?
A: Noise level doesn’t directly affect cooking effectiveness, but a quieter microwave offers a more pleasant user experience.
Q: Can a medium-sized microwave fit a dinner plate?
A: Most medium-sized microwaves can easily fit a standard dinner plate.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can usually clean the inside by wiping it with a damp cloth and mild soap. The glass turntable can often be washed in the dishwasher.
Q: What are the benefits of a digital display versus analog knobs?
A: Digital displays offer more precise time settings and often have more features, while analog knobs can be simpler for quick adjustments.
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!