Ever feel like your kitchen is just a little too cramped, or maybe your current microwave is too small for your family’s needs? It’s a common kitchen dilemma! Many of us juggle the desire for a functional appliance with the reality of limited counter space. Finding that sweet spot – a microwave that’s not too big and not too small, but just right – can feel like a quest.
That’s where the mid-size microwave oven shines. It’s the perfect compromise, offering more cooking power and capacity than a compact model, but without overwhelming your kitchen like a full-size unit. Yet, navigating the world of mid-size options can still be tricky. You might wonder about features, power levels, and whether it will actually fit that dinner plate you love.
This post is here to help! We’ll explore what makes a mid-size microwave a great choice for many homes. You’ll learn about key features to look for and discover how to pick one that perfectly suits your cooking habits and kitchen layout. Get ready to find your ideal kitchen helper!
Our Top 5 Mid Size Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mid Size Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.6/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a 1.2 cubic foot appliance that brings smart cooking to your kitchen. Its sleek black design and 1000 watts of power make it a capable choice for reheating, defrosting, and cooking a variety of foods. The large 12.4-inch turntable easily fits most dishes, and the smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology is a standout feature. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s humidity, ensuring your meals are perfectly cooked every time. No more dry chicken or mushy vegetables!
- It offers 6 preset menus for common foods like pizza and vegetables, plus a sensor reheat option. This makes quick meals even easier.
- You have 10 different power levels to choose from, giving you lots of control for different cooking tasks. It also has a clock and a kitchen timer.
- Defrosting is simple, whether you choose to defrost by weight or by time. The one-touch start feature lets you quickly cook for 1-6 minutes at full power.
- The Mute Mode is a thoughtful addition. You can turn off the buzzer by pressing and holding the “8” button for 3-5 seconds. This is great for late-night snacks or early morning cooking.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy, which is good for your wallet and the environment.
- The easy-clean interior means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your food.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might prefer a wider variety of specific auto-cook options.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves. This might be a consideration for kitchens with limited electrical capacity.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart and convenient addition to any kitchen. Its advanced sensor technology and user-friendly features make cooking effortless.
2. Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking and reheating food fast and easy. This microwave has a sleek stainless steel design that looks good on any countertop.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful, with 1000 watts of cooking power. This means your food will cook quickly and evenly.
- It has many helpful settings. You can choose from ten power levels and six one-touch options, like popcorn, potato, and pizza.
- The defrost feature works by weight or time, making it simple to thaw frozen food.
- It’s a good size at 1.1 cubic feet. It fits well in small spaces but still cooks like a larger microwave.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean. This saves you time and effort.
- It has a bright LED display that shows the time and a kitchen timer.
- The interior light lets you see your food while it’s cooking.
- A child safety lock adds extra peace of mind for families.
- Quick start buttons for 1-6 minute cooking and an “Add 30 Seconds” button are very convenient.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 1.1 cubic feet size to be a bit small if they regularly cook very large dishes.
This Farberware microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers a good balance of power, features, and size for everyday use.
3. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.5/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper. Its compact 0.7 cubic foot size fits well on most countertops. This microwave makes cooking and reheating food simple with its easy-to-use features and quick one-touch buttons. Plus, you can choose to have it run quietly with its sound-off option.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you cook or heat food without annoying beeps.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power.
- Easy one-touch buttons make cooking popcorn, potatoes, or pizza a breeze.
- Express cooking options let you heat food for 1-6 minutes with just one touch.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- It has two defrost settings, by weight or by time, for convenience.
- The bright digital display and interior light make it easy to see and use.
- A 10-inch glass turntable fits most standard dishes.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has many presets, some might find the selection limited for very specific cooking needs.
This COMFEE microwave is a good choice for anyone needing a simple, efficient, and quiet appliance for everyday kitchen tasks. It offers a nice balance of features for its compact size.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.5/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact and handy digital microwave oven. It’s perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms. This microwave makes heating up snacks and meals super easy. Its stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes.
- The 700-watt power with 10 settings lets you cook or reheat just right.
- The 30-second express cook button is great for quick heating.
- The large LED display and easy-to-read buttons make it simple to use.
- It has a handy child safety lock to keep little ones safe.
- The removable glass turntable is 10 inches wide and cleans up easily.
- The push-button door is easy to open.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be small for larger dishes or families.
- While it has 10 power settings, some users might want even finer control.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers convenience and essential features for everyday cooking needs.
5. Magic Chef Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Magic Chef Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s small enough to fit on your counter but big enough to heat up your favorite meals. This microwave has a powerful 1,000-watt heating element, so your food cooks quickly and evenly. Plus, it comes with lots of helpful features to make cooking easier.
What We Like:
- It has 10 different power levels, so you can cook or reheat food just right.
- The auto-defrost feature makes it simple to thaw frozen foods.
- The LED display and electronic controls are easy to understand and use.
- A 30-second express cook button is perfect for quick reheating.
- The glass turntable spins your food for even cooking every time.
- It includes helpful auto-cook settings for things like popcorn, pizza, and baked potatoes.
- The child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
- Magic Chef has been making reliable appliances for over 90 years.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “compact” size might feel a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- While it has auto-cook settings, sometimes manual control is needed for specific recipes.
This Magic Chef microwave is a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. It’s a smart choice for busy households looking for a dependable microwave.
Your Mid-Size Microwave Oven Buying Guide
Finding the right mid-size microwave oven can make your kitchen life much easier. These ovens are perfect for families or individuals who need a bit more space than a small microwave but don’t need a huge one. They fit well on countertops and can handle a good amount of food.
Why Choose a Mid-Size Microwave?
Mid-size microwaves offer a great balance. They are big enough to heat up leftovers, pop popcorn, and even cook small meals. They are not too large to take up too much counter space. This makes them ideal for many kitchens.
Key Features to Look For
Power (Wattage)
Microwaves use wattage to heat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For a mid-size microwave, aim for at least 900 watts. This will cook your food evenly and quickly. Lower wattage might leave cold spots or take longer.
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Capacity tells you how much food can fit inside. Mid-size microwaves usually range from 1.0 to 1.6 cubic feet. A 1.2 cubic foot oven is a good size for most families. It can fit a standard 9×13 inch baking dish. Measure your favorite dishes before you buy!
Turntable Size
The turntable is the glass plate that spins your food. A larger turntable helps food cook more evenly. Make sure it’s big enough for the plates you use most often. Most mid-size microwaves have turntables around 12-14 inches.
Cooking Presets
Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, or pizza. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking. They set the time and power level for you. This makes cooking simple and fast.
Sensor Cooking
Sensor cooking is a smart feature. It detects the moisture released from food as it heats. The microwave then adjusts the cooking time and power automatically. This prevents overcooking or undercooking. It’s a great feature for busy cooks.
Child Lock
If you have little ones, a child lock is important. It stops the microwave from being turned on accidentally. This keeps your children safe. Safety is always a priority.
Important Materials
Most microwave ovens have an exterior made of painted steel or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks modern and is easy to clean. The interior is usually made of painted metal or ceramic enamel. Ceramic enamel interiors are very durable and resist scratches. They also clean up easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Better?
- Build Quality: A microwave that feels solid and well-built will last longer.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly without hot or cold spots.
- Easy Controls: Simple buttons and clear displays make the microwave easy to use.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are louder than others. A quieter one is more pleasant.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Good?
- Cheap Materials: Thin plastic parts or flimsy doors can break easily.
- Uneven Heating: If food is cooked unevenly, it’s frustrating.
- Confusing Controls: Too many buttons or a hard-to-read screen can be annoying.
- Short Lifespan: A microwave that stops working after a year or two is a waste of money.
User Experience and Use Cases
A mid-size microwave is super versatile. It’s perfect for:
- Reheating leftovers: Quickly warm up last night’s dinner.
- Making snacks: Pop popcorn or heat up frozen snacks.
- Cooking simple meals: Bake a potato or heat up soup.
- Defrosting: Thaw frozen meats or vegetables.
- Busy families: Get meals ready fast during hectic evenings.
- Small apartments: It’s a space-saving option that still offers good capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the best wattage for a mid-size microwave?
A: Aim for at least 900 watts for quick and even cooking.
Q: How big is a typical mid-size microwave in cubic feet?
A: They usually range from 1.0 to 1.6 cubic feet.
Q: Should I worry about the turntable size?
A: Yes, a larger turntable helps food cook more evenly. Make sure it fits your plates.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: It automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food moisture.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves better than painted ones?
A: Stainless steel looks good and is easy to clean, but both can be good quality.
Q: How do I know if a microwave cooks evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even heating. Some models are better than others.
Q: Are microwaves with lots of presets useful?
A: Yes, presets make cooking common foods simple and take the guesswork out.
Q: Is a child lock important for everyone?
A: It’s especially important if you have young children to ensure their safety.
Q: How long should a good mid-size microwave last?
A: With good care, a quality microwave can last for many years, often 5-10 years or more.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a mid-size microwave?
A: You can cook many simple meals and reheat larger dishes, but very complex meals might be better suited for a full-size oven.
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!