Ever feel like your kitchen is a puzzle with a missing piece? Maybe it’s that perfect appliance that fits just right, not too big, not too small. For many of us, that missing piece is the midsize microwave oven. It’s the sweet spot, offering enough power for family meals but also fitting neatly onto your countertop.
But finding that ideal midsize microwave can feel like navigating a maze. You want something that heats evenly, has useful features, and doesn’t take over your entire kitchen. The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming, leaving you wondering if you’re making the best pick for your needs and your budget. It’s a common kitchen dilemma, and you’re definitely not alone in this search.
In this post, we’re going to break down what makes a midsize microwave truly great. We’ll explore the key features to look for, help you understand the differences between models, and offer practical tips to make your decision a breeze. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clearer picture of which midsize microwave oven will be the perfect, problem-solving addition to your kitchen.
Our Top 5 Midsize Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Midsize Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, a 1.2 cu ft countertop microwave that makes cooking a breeze. This sleek black microwave packs a punch with 1000 watts of power, perfect for quickly heating up meals or defrosting frozen foods. Its smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your food is heated just right every time. Plus, with 12 auto menus, you can easily prepare popular dishes with the touch of a button.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor is a game-changer. It automatically figures out the best cooking time and power, so your food never gets overcooked or undercooked.
- It offers 12 auto menus, making it super easy to cook things like pizza, vegetables, and reheat leftovers.
- You get 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control over how you cook.
- The “Easy Defrost” feature lets you thaw food by weight or time, saving you time.
- The “One Touch Start” function lets you quickly start cooking for 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
- The Mute Mode is a thoughtful addition. You can turn off the annoying buzzer by holding down the “8” button for a few seconds.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- The interior is easy to clean, which is always a plus.
- The 12.4-inch glass turntable is spacious enough for most dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, the description only specifically mentions 6 preset menus. Clarifying the exact number and types of auto menus would be helpful.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves. This might be something to consider if you have concerns about your home’s electrical capacity.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart and convenient addition to any kitchen. Its advanced features and user-friendly design make it a reliable choice for everyday cooking needs.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact and stylish microwave oven designed for modern living. Its sleek black stainless steel finish and 0.9 cubic feet capacity make it a perfect fit for apartments, dorm rooms, or any small kitchen space. This microwave offers a powerful 900-watt output, ensuring your food is heated quickly and evenly.
What We Like:
- The 6 auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular items like popcorn and potatoes.
- The mute function is a lifesaver for early mornings or late-night snacks, so you won’t disturb anyone.
- The two-step child lock provides peace of mind for families with young children.
- With 11 power levels, you have great control over how you cook your food.
- The easy defrost feature by weight or time is super convenient.
- The one-touch start for quick cooking is very handy.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
- The 10.6-inch removable turntable is large enough for most plates and is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, the external dimensions might still be a bit large for extremely tight spaces.
- The input power of 1400 watts is higher than the output power, which is typical but worth noting for power consumption.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance without taking up too much space. Its user-friendly design and safety features make it a smart choice for busy households.
3. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper that does more than just heat up leftovers. It’s a powerful appliance that can air fry, bake, broil, and even remove odors, making it a true all-in-one solution for your cooking needs. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop, and it’s designed with safety and convenience in mind.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake with convection, broil, and more. This means you can cook a variety of meals in one appliance.
- The healthy air fryer function lets you enjoy crispy fried foods with less fat.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output, which cooks food quickly.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is big enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The position memory turntable remembers where your food started, so it’s placed back correctly after cooking.
- The two-step child lock feature keeps little hands safe.
- It has a stylish black stainless steel exterior and an easy-to-clean interior.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn and a mute function make cooking easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a compact footprint, some users might find the 1.0 cu.ft. capacity a bit small for very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
- The instructions for the two-step child lock are shown in a figure, which might require a bit of attention to follow.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in a compact and stylish package.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed to make your kitchen life easier. This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave is packed with features for quick meals and smart energy use. Its sleek black design fits beautifully in any kitchen, offering convenience without taking up too much space.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six handy presets for things like popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
- You have lots of control with 10 power levels, from melting butter to fast cooking.
- Digital controls make it simple to set time and power.
- The +30 seconds button is great for adding extra cooking time easily.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings with the memory function for one-touch starts.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out, and you can lock the control panel.
- The mute button lets you turn off beeps, so you won’t disturb anyone.
- Eco Mode helps save energy by disabling the display when not in use.
- Cleaning is a breeze; the exterior wipes clean, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved, meaning it meets high safety standards, and comes with a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for very large dishes or family-sized meals.
- While powerful for its size, 700 watts might cook slightly slower than higher wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic option for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich countertop appliance. It offers smart convenience and safety in a stylish package.
5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a sleek silver countertop microwave that makes cooking a breeze. With 1.2 cubic feet of space, it easily fits a 12.4-inch glass turntable, perfect for reheating leftovers or cooking meals. This microwave is designed for convenience with smart technology that takes the guesswork out of cooking.
What We Like:
- Smart Sensor Technology: It automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on how much moisture is in your food. This means no more dry or undercooked meals.
- Generous Capacity: The 1.2 cu ft interior and 12.4-inch turntable can handle most of your everyday cooking needs.
- Versatile Power Levels: With 10 different power levels, you have great control over how your food cooks, from gentle warming to fast reheating.
- Easy Defrost: Defrosting is simple, whether you choose to do it by weight or by time.
- One-Touch Start: Quickly start cooking for 1 to 6 minutes at full power with a single touch.
- User-Friendly Features: The Mute Function and ECO Mode add extra convenience, and the easy-clean interior makes cleanup a snap.
- 12 Auto Menus: This microwave offers 12 pre-programmed cooking options for common foods, simplifying meal preparation.
What Could Be Improved:
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than the output power of 1000 watts.
- The description mentions 12 Auto Menus but then lists only 6 Preset Menus.
Overall, this Toshiba microwave is a smart and efficient addition to any kitchen. Its advanced features ensure delicious results with minimal effort.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Midsize Microwave Oven
Choosing a midsize microwave oven can feel a little overwhelming. You want something that fits your space and your cooking needs. This guide will help you find the best one.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you shop, keep these important features in mind.
1. Capacity: How Much Space Do You Need?
Midsize microwaves usually range from 1.0 to 1.6 cubic feet. This is a good size for most families. You can fit a whole chicken or a large casserole dish in these. A smaller capacity might be too tight for bigger meals. A much larger one might take up too much counter space.
2. Wattage: How Powerful Is It?
Wattage tells you how fast the microwave heats food. Most midsize microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. If you cook a lot or reheat big meals often, aim for higher wattage.
3. Cooking Presets: Easy Buttons for Common Foods
Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, pizza, or reheating leftovers. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking. They set the time and power level for you. Some have more advanced presets for vegetables or potatoes.
4. Turntable: For Even Heating
A turntable rotates your food as it cooks. This helps heat everything evenly. Most midsize microwaves have them. Some models offer a larger turntable for bigger plates.
5. Controls: Simple or Fancy?
You’ll find microwaves with simple buttons and dials. Others have touch panels with digital displays. Think about what you find easiest to use. Some people prefer the simplicity of knobs. Others like the modern look and extra features of touch controls.
6. Child Lock: Safety First
If you have kids, a child lock is a great safety feature. It stops the microwave from being turned on by accident.
Important Materials
The inside of a microwave is usually made of stainless steel or painted metal.
- Stainless Steel: This material is durable and easy to clean. It can look very sleek and modern. It’s also more resistant to scratches.
- Painted Metal: This is a common material. It’s usually less expensive than stainless steel. Make sure the paint is tough so it doesn’t chip easily.
The outside can be stainless steel, plastic, or a mix. Stainless steel exteriors look good and are easy to wipe down. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
What Makes a Microwave Great (or Not So Great)?
Several things affect how good a microwave is.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive. A flimsy microwave might not last as long.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for a microwave with a smooth interior. Removable turntables make cleaning much easier. Some have special “easy clean” interiors.
- Noise Level: Microwaves can be loud. Check reviews to see if a model is known for being noisy. A quieter microwave is nicer to have in your kitchen.
- Durability: Higher quality materials and good construction lead to a microwave that lasts longer.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your microwave? This matters a lot.
- Busy Families: You might need a larger capacity and quick cooking times. Presets for common foods are a big help.
- Single People or Couples: A slightly smaller midsize option might work. You might not need all the fancy features.
- Apartment Dwellers: Counter space is often limited. A sleek, midsize microwave that fits well on your counter is ideal.
- Snack Lovers: If you just reheat snacks, a basic model with good presets will do the trick.
- Meal Preppers: If you cook large batches of food, you need a microwave that can heat them evenly and quickly.
Think about what you do most often. Do you reheat coffee? Cook frozen meals? Defrost meat? Your daily routine will guide your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Midsize Microwave Ovens
Q: What is the average capacity of a midsize microwave?
A: Midsize microwaves typically have a capacity between 1.0 and 1.6 cubic feet. This is enough space for most family-sized dishes.
Q: What does wattage mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage tells you how fast the microwave heats food. Higher wattage, like 1000 watts or more, means quicker cooking.
Q: Are cooking presets useful?
A: Yes, cooking presets are very useful. They automatically set the cooking time and power level for common foods like popcorn or pizza, making cooking easier.
Q: Should I worry about the turntable?
A: A turntable is important because it rotates food for even heating. Most midsize microwaves have one.
Q: What’s the difference between stainless steel and painted metal interiors?
A: Stainless steel interiors are more durable and easier to clean. Painted metal is often less expensive but may chip over time.
Q: How do I know if a microwave is well-built?
A: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door opens and closes smoothly, and the buttons work well. Check reviews for comments on build quality.
Q: Is a child lock feature important?
A: A child lock is a great safety feature, especially if you have young children. It prevents the microwave from being turned on accidentally.
Q: How much counter space do midsize microwaves take up?
A: They take up a moderate amount of counter space, usually fitting well on standard countertops. Always check the dimensions before buying.
Q: Can a midsize microwave fit a large dinner plate?
A: Yes, most midsize microwaves can fit a standard large dinner plate. Some have larger turntables for even bigger dishes.
Q: What is the best way to clean a microwave?
A: You can clean most microwaves by heating a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes. The steam loosens food, making it easy to wipe away. Always unplug the microwave before cleaning the interior.
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!