Imagine this: you’re craving a warm snack, but your old microwave is too small. Or maybe you’re upgrading your kitchen and need a microwave that fits perfectly. Finding the right 1.6 cubic foot microwave can feel like a puzzle. So many brands, so many features – it’s easy to get overwhelmed!
This size is popular because it’s a good balance. It’s big enough for most meals and dishes, but not so huge that it takes over your counter. However, deciding which one has the best power, the easiest controls, and the coolest functions can be tricky. You want a microwave that makes cooking fast and simple, not one that adds more stress.
That’s why we’re here! By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a 1.6 cubic foot microwave. We’ll break down the important features and help you discover the perfect appliance for your kitchen. Get ready to find a microwave that makes your life a little easier and your snacks a lot tastier.
Our Top 5 1.6 Cu Ft Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 1.6 Cu Ft Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Farberware Countertop Microwave, a powerful and convenient kitchen helper designed for your busy life. This 1100-watt microwave boasts a spacious 1.6 cu ft capacity, making it perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, or any smaller kitchen space. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any counter, and it’s built to make meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cooking: With 1100 watts of power, this microwave cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Smart Sensor Technology: Six one-touch cooking options, like popcorn and potato, take the guesswork out of meal preparation.
- Customizable Cooking: Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking let you control how your food is prepared.
- Defrost Options: Easily defrost food by weight or time to save you valuable minutes.
- User-Friendly Features: A clear LED display, kitchen timer, clock, and interior lighting make it simple to use.
- Safety First: The child safety lock provides peace of mind for families.
- Easy to Clean: Both the interior and exterior are designed for simple cleanup.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size for Small Spaces: While perfect for apartments, its 1.6 cu ft capacity might be small for larger families or extensive meal prep.
- Limited Advanced Features: It offers essential functions but lacks some of the more complex programming found in high-end models.
Overall, the Farberware Countertop Microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable, user-friendly appliance that delivers great results. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen looking for convenience and performance.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven, a powerful and smart addition to any kitchen. This Black Stainless Steel microwave boasts a spacious 1.6 cu.ft. capacity and a 1250W motor for quick cooking. Its Inverter Technology ensures even heating and defrosting, making meal prep a breeze. Plus, with smart sensor menus and a convenient one-touch quick start, you’ll be cooking like a pro in no time.
What We Like:
- Inverter Technology provides even heating and faster cooking.
- Smart Sensor Auto Menus make cooking popular foods simple.
- The Sound On/Off function lets you mute annoying beeping.
- A Two-Step Child Lock adds an important safety feature.
- The Quick Start button is perfect for fast reheating.
- It includes a large 13.6-inch removable glass turntable.
What Could Be Improved:
- The protective film on the keypad needs to be removed before first use, which could be a minor inconvenience.
- The instructions for the child lock require referring to a figure, which isn’t always ideal.
This Toshiba microwave offers a blend of performance and smart features. It’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable and user-friendly countertop appliance.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven. This microwave boasts a sleek stainless steel design that fits well in any kitchen. It’s also packed with features to make cooking easier and faster.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.6 cu.ft. capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit large items like a 12-inch pizza.
- Even Heating: Inverter Technology cooks food evenly and defrosts it perfectly.
- Smart Cooking: Six sensor menus automatically adjust cooking time and power for popular foods.
- Quick Start: Easily start cooking for 1-3 minutes with just one touch.
- Quiet Operation: You can turn off the buzzer sound for a quieter kitchen.
- Eco-Friendly: An Eco mode helps save energy.
- Safety First: A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Control Panel Lighting: The control panel does not have a backlight, which might make it harder to see in dim light.
This Toshiba microwave offers great features and a stylish look for your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly microwave.
4. GE GCST16S1WTS Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The GE GCST16S1WTS Microwave Oven is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or apartment. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave offers a generous 1.6 cubic feet of space and 1150 watts of power, making it ideal for heating up meals or cooking snacks quickly and efficiently. Plus, its user-friendly design makes it easy for anyone to use.
What We Like:
- The Two-Step Child Lock is a great safety feature for families with young children.
- It has Sensor Cooking Controls that automatically adjust cooking time and power for perfect results.
- The Weight and Time Defrost options make thawing food simple and stress-free.
- Convenient Controls include Instant On express cooking and helpful cooking complete alarms.
- The Glass Turntable ensures your food cooks evenly every time.
- It’s a Compact yet Powerful microwave, fitting easily on countertops without taking up too much space.
- Easy Setup means you can start using it right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 8 auto cooking settings, some users might prefer more specialized cooking options.
- The black stainless steel, while attractive, may show fingerprints more readily than other finishes.
Overall, the GE GCST16S1WTS Microwave Oven is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use microwave. It combines powerful performance with smart features for a great cooking experience.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and stylish addition to any kitchen. Its 1200-watt motor heats food quickly. The black stainless steel finish looks great. This microwave is large enough for family meals and has smart features to make cooking easier.
What We Like:
- The 1200-watt power cooks food fast.
- Sensor menus help cook different foods perfectly.
- The large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity fits big dishes, like a 13-inch pizza.
- The position memory turntable puts your dishes back in the starting spot.
- You can turn off the sound if you want peace and quiet.
- It has helpful features like auto defrost and a child lock.
- The black stainless steel looks modern and stylish.
What Could Be Improved:
- The protective film on the keypad needs to be removed before the first use.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic choice for busy households. It offers great cooking power and user-friendly features in a sleek package.
Finding Your Perfect 1.6 Cu Ft Microwave
A 1.6 cubic foot microwave is a great size for many kitchens. It offers enough space for most common dishes, like a whole chicken or a large casserole. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a 1.6 cu ft microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most 1.6 cu ft microwaves range from 900 to 1200 watts. For quick reheating and cooking, aim for 1000 watts or more.
- Turntable: A turntable ensures even cooking by rotating your food. Most microwaves have one, but check to see if it’s removable for easy cleaning.
- Pre-set Cooking Programs: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These can make cooking easier.
- Sensor Cooking: This smart feature adjusts cooking time and power based on the steam released by your food. It helps prevent over or undercooking.
- Child Lock: If you have young children, a child lock feature is a great safety addition. It stops the microwave from being used accidentally.
- Interior Light: A good interior light lets you see your food as it cooks, so you can monitor progress.
- Easy-to-Clean Interior: Look for smooth surfaces that wipe down easily. Non-stick coatings are a bonus.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave’s construction affect its durability and how it performs:
- Exterior: Most microwave exteriors are made of durable plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks sleeker and is often more resistant to scratches and fingerprints.
- Interior: The inside of the microwave is typically coated with enamel or a ceramic material. These surfaces are designed to withstand high heat and are generally easy to clean. Some higher-end models might use stainless steel interiors, which are very durable.
- Door: The door usually has a glass window so you can see inside. The glass is often tinted or mirrored. Ensure the door seals tightly to keep heat in.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave’s quality better or worse:
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should be responsive. A wobbly or flimsy microwave might not last as long.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. If your food has hot and cold spots, the microwave might not be distributing energy well. This can be due to the magnetron (the part that creates microwaves) or the turntable design.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite noisy when operating. If you prefer a quieter kitchen, check reviews for information on noise levels.
- Ease of Use: A confusing control panel can be frustrating. Simple, intuitive buttons and clear displays make using the microwave a much better experience.
- Durability: A quality microwave should last for many years. Look for brands known for reliability and read user reviews to see how long others’ microwaves have lasted.
User Experience and Use Cases
A 1.6 cu ft microwave is versatile and fits well into many lifestyles:
- Busy Families: Reheating leftovers, making quick snacks, or cooking simple meals for kids is a breeze. Sensor cooking can be a lifesaver for parents who are often multitasking.
- Small Kitchens: This size is perfect for apartments or smaller homes where counter space is limited. It offers good capacity without taking up too much room.
- Office Breakrooms: It’s ideal for heating lunches and drinks for a small group of people.
- Dorm Rooms: Students can use it for quick meals, popcorn, and reheating.
The user experience is key. A microwave that’s easy to operate, cleans up quickly, and cooks food well will become a favorite kitchen appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 1.6 Cu Ft Microwaves
Q: What is the typical wattage for a 1.6 cu ft microwave?
A: Most 1.6 cu ft microwaves have a wattage between 900 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
Q: Does a 1.6 cu ft microwave have enough space for a whole chicken?
A: Yes, a 1.6 cu ft microwave generally has enough space to fit a whole chicken or other large dishes.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level based on the steam your food releases, helping to prevent overcooking.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most microwave interiors can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tougher stains, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes, then wipe down the interior.
Q: Is stainless steel a better material for a microwave exterior?
A: Stainless steel looks good and is often more resistant to scratches and fingerprints compared to plastic. However, plastic exteriors are also durable and can be more affordable.
Q: What is a turntable, and why is it important?
A: A turntable rotates your food while it cooks, ensuring that it heats up evenly on all sides.
Q: Are pre-set cooking programs useful?
A: Yes, pre-set programs can be very useful. They take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes.
Q: What should I do if my microwave is cooking food unevenly?
A: First, make sure the turntable is clean and spinning freely. If the problem persists, it might be an issue with the microwave’s internal components.
Q: How can I ensure my microwave is safe for children?
A: Look for a microwave with a child lock feature. This prevents the microwave from being turned on accidentally.
Q: Where is the best place to buy a 1.6 cu ft microwave?
A: You can find 1.6 cu ft microwaves at major appliance stores, electronics retailers, and online marketplaces like Amazon or Best Buy.
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 Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!