Ever feel like your kitchen is just a little too cramped for that giant microwave, but a tiny one just won’t cut it? You’re not alone! Finding the perfect midsize microwave oven can feel like a treasure hunt. There are so many to choose from, and it’s tough to know which one will actually fit your needs and your counter space.
That’s where we come in. This guide is designed to take the guesswork out of buying a midsize microwave. We’ll help you understand what makes a good one, what features really matter, and how to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking a microwave that’s just right – not too big, not too small, but perfectly you.
So, get ready to discover your next kitchen best friend. Let’s dive into the world of midsize microwaves and find the one that makes your cooking and reheating life a whole lot easier.
Our Top 5 Midsize Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Midsize Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.8/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is a powerful and smart kitchen helper. It boasts 1000 watts of cooking power, perfect for zapping leftovers or cooking meals quickly. Its 1.2 cubic foot capacity is generous, and the 12.4-inch turntable fits most dinner plates. This microwave takes the guesswork out of cooking with its smart humidity sensor, ensuring your food is heated just right. Plus, it has helpful presets and multiple power levels for all your culinary needs.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor automatically cooks food perfectly. No more dry chicken or cold centers!
- It has 12 Auto Menus for quick and easy cooking of popular foods.
- The Mute Function lets you silence the annoying buzzer.
- ECO Mode helps save energy.
- The 1.2 Cu Ft size is good for most kitchens.
- It has 10 power levels for lots of cooking options.
- Easy Defrost and One-touch start make quick meals simple.
- The Easy Clean Interior means less scrubbing.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want more than 6 preset menus.
- The external dimensions might be a bit large for very small countertops.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart and capable appliance that makes everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable countertop microwave.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven, a powerful and smart kitchen helper. This 1200-watt microwave is designed to make cooking and reheating a breeze. Its generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity means you can easily fit large dishes, even a 13-inch pizza. Plus, the sleek black stainless steel finish will look great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- Sensor menus take the guesswork out of cooking; just select your food, and the microwave does the rest for perfect results.
- The large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and 13.6-inch turntable easily handle family-sized meals and large items like pizza.
- The innovative Position Memory Turntable brings your food back to the starting point after cooking, making it safer and easier to grab.
- Packed with convenient features like auto defrost, fast cooking, memory function, and a child safety lock for peace of mind.
- You can silence the microwave’s beep with the Sound On/Off function, perfect for quiet mornings or late-night snacks.
- The stylish black stainless steel design adds a modern touch to your kitchen decor.
- It’s easy to use, with a clear keypad and intuitive controls.
What Could Be Improved:
- The protective film on the keypad needs to be removed before the first use; this is a minor step but worth noting.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both smart cooking technology and user-friendly features. It makes preparing meals quicker and simpler for everyone.
3. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 8.6/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven offers a generous 1.4 cubic feet of space, making it ideal for families. Its powerful 1100 watts cook food quickly and evenly. The sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen. Plus, this model features a new gray interior, a bright white LED display, and improved LED interior lighting for better visibility.
What We Like:
- The 1.4 cu. ft. capacity easily fits large dishes.
- 1100 watts provide fast and efficient cooking.
- Inverter Cooking Technology ensures consistent results.
- The 12.4″ carousel turntable rotates food for even heating.
- Sensor Cook and Reheat take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Auto Cook and Express Cook buttons offer quick meal preparation.
- Weight and Time Defrost makes thawing simple.
- The “+30 seconds” key is super convenient for instant reheating.
- Melt/Soften function is great for butter or chocolate.
- 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking give you control.
- The new gray interior and white LED display look modern.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the exterior a bit prone to fingerprints, requiring frequent wiping.
- The sheer number of pre-programmed settings might feel a little overwhelming at first.
This SHARP microwave is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen, offering both power and convenience. It makes meal prep and reheating a breeze for everyone in the family.
4. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.5/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen powerhouse. It’s a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, and more, all in one sleek black stainless steel appliance. This versatile machine is designed to handle all your cooking needs, from quick reheating to baking a whole chicken.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake with convection, broil, and even has special modes like low temp and odor removal.
- The healthy air fryer function lets you enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output, making cooking quick.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- A two-step child lock keeps little hands safe.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn and a mute function are included.
- The black stainless steel finish looks stylish and is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock could be clearer.
- While compact, the external dimensions might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a lot of cooking options in a single, good-looking unit.
5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of guessing how long to microwave your food? The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave is here to make your kitchen life easier. This sleek silver microwave boasts a 1.2 cubic foot capacity, perfect for most families. Its smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your meals are just right every time. Plus, with 12 auto menus, a mute function, and an ECO mode, it’s designed for convenience and efficiency.
What We Like:
- Smart Sensor Technology automatically adjusts cooking time and power for perfect results, preventing over or undercooking.
- 1000 watts of microwave output power heats food quickly and evenly.
- A spacious 12.4-inch removable glass turntable fits larger dishes and makes cleaning a breeze.
- 12 auto menus offer quick and easy cooking for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- 10 power levels give you great control for various cooking needs, from defrosting to boiling.
- Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start features make quick meals and thawing simple.
- The Mute Function lets you operate the microwave without disruptive beeps, and ECO Mode saves energy.
- The Easy Clean Interior makes wiping up spills fast and effortless.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, only 6 are specifically called out as “Preset Menus” in the detailed features, which could be clearer.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves, meaning it draws more electricity when in use.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering advanced features that simplify cooking. It’s a reliable appliance that delivers consistent results and user-friendly operation.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Midsize Microwave Oven
When you need more than a tiny microwave but don’t have space for a giant one, a midsize microwave is your perfect solution. These ovens offer a great balance of cooking power and size. They fit well on most countertops and can handle a variety of tasks, from reheating leftovers to cooking full meals. Let’s find the right one for your kitchen!
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a midsize microwave, several features make a big difference in how you use it. Think about what you cook most often.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most midsize microwaves are between 800 and 1200 watts. For everyday use, 1000 watts is usually a good choice.
- Capacity: This is the inside space of the microwave. Midsize microwaves typically range from 0.9 to 1.5 cubic feet. A larger capacity lets you fit bigger dishes or cook more food at once.
- Turntable Size: The turntable is the glass plate that spins your food. A larger turntable can fit larger plates. Make sure your favorite dinner plates fit comfortably.
- Preset Cooking Programs: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Sensor Cooking: This smart feature uses sensors to detect moisture and humidity. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power for perfect results.
- Defrost Options: You’ll want options to defrost food by weight or time. This helps thaw frozen items safely and evenly.
- Child Lock: This safety feature prevents little hands from accidentally starting the microwave.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is a popular choice. It’s strong, easy to wipe clean, and looks good. It also helps reflect microwave energy for more even cooking.
- Ceramic Enamel Interior: This material is also very durable and scratch-resistant. It’s super easy to clean and resists stains and odors.
- Plastic Interior: Some less expensive models might have plastic interiors. These can be prone to scratching and staining over time.
- Exterior Finish: Stainless steel, black, and white are common finishes. Stainless steel looks modern but can show fingerprints.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a microwave perform better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should be responsive.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. If your food has hot spots or cold spots, the microwave might not be distributing the energy well.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud when they run. Check reviews to see if a model is known for being quiet.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and removable turntable is much easier to keep clean.
- User Interface: A simple and easy-to-understand control panel makes using the microwave a breeze.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave will guide your choice.
- Quick Meals: For busy individuals or families, a midsize microwave is great for quickly reheating meals, making instant noodles, or cooking frozen dinners.
- Snack Prep: Making popcorn, melting butter, or warming up a slice of pizza becomes effortless.
- Basic Cooking: You can steam vegetables, cook rice, or even bake simple cakes in some midsize models.
- Defrosting: Safely and quickly thaw meats, poultry, or other frozen ingredients before cooking.
- Countertop Placement: Midsize microwaves fit nicely on most kitchen counters without taking up too much space. They are also a good option for apartments or smaller kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the average size of a midsize microwave?
A: Midsize microwaves typically have an interior capacity between 0.9 and 1.5 cubic feet. This means they are larger than compact models but smaller than full-size ones.
Q: How much wattage do I need for a midsize microwave?
A: For good performance, aim for a midsize microwave with at least 900 watts. 1000 watts or higher will cook food faster and more evenly.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than ceramic?
A: Both stainless steel and ceramic enamel interiors are good choices. Stainless steel is durable and reflects heat well. Ceramic enamel is very easy to clean and resists scratches and stains.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses built-in sensors to detect the steam and humidity released by food as it cooks. The microwave then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for optimal results without over- or under-cooking.
Q: Can I fit a large dinner plate in a midsize microwave?
A: Most midsize microwaves have a turntable large enough for standard dinner plates. It’s a good idea to check the turntable diameter or try fitting your largest plate before buying.
Q: Are midsize microwaves good for families?
A: Yes, midsize microwaves are excellent for families. They offer enough space to reheat multiple servings or cook larger portions of food quickly.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most interiors can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tougher messes, place a bowl of water with lemon slices or vinegar inside and microwave it for a few minutes. The steam will loosen grime, making it easier to wipe away.
Q: What is the benefit of preset cooking programs?
A: Preset cooking programs simplify cooking. You just select the food type (like popcorn or pizza), and the microwave sets the correct cooking time and power level for you.
Q: Should I worry about the noise level?
A: If a loud microwave bothers you, check product reviews. Some models are known for being quieter than others during operation.
Q: Are midsize microwaves energy efficient?
A: Many modern midsize microwaves are designed to be energy efficient. Look for ENERGY STAR certified models, which use less electricity.
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!