Imagine this: you’re craving a quick, perfectly heated meal, but your microwave struggles to get the job done. Does your food sometimes come out cold in the middle, even after a long time? This is a common frustration, and it often points to a microwave that just doesn’t have enough power. That’s where a 1200-watt microwave comes in, offering a significant boost in cooking speed and efficiency.
Choosing the right 1200-watt microwave can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands, features, and price points to consider. You want a microwave that cooks your food evenly and quickly, saving you precious time in your busy day. But how do you know which one is the best fit for your kitchen and your needs? We understand these challenges, and we’re here to help.
By reading on, you’ll discover what makes a 1200-watt microwave a game-changer. We’ll break down the key features to look for, compare popular models, and offer practical tips to ensure you find a microwave that cooks your food just right, every single time. Let’s dive in and find the perfect powerful companion for your kitchen!
Our Top 5 1200 Watt Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 1200 Watt Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable
Rating: 8.6/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is a powerful 1200-watt countertop microwave oven designed to make your kitchen tasks easier and more efficient. Its large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and 13.6-inch turntable can handle family-sized meals and even fit a 13-inch pizza. This microwave boasts smart sensor menus that automatically adjust cooking time and power for optimal results with common foods like potatoes and vegetables. Plus, its stylish black stainless-steel finish will look great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Smart sensor menus take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The large capacity is great for families and bigger meals.
- The position memory turntable is a handy feature for safety and convenience.
- It has a useful sound on/off function to mute the buzzer.
- The black stainless-steel design looks very modern and sleek.
- It offers many convenient features like auto defrost and multi-stage cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup or learning curve for all features a bit steep.
- While it has many settings, some might prefer simpler, more straightforward controls for basic tasks.
This Toshiba microwave offers a great blend of smart technology and practical features for everyday cooking needs. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliance.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven is a smart addition to any kitchen. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on your counter. This microwave offers powerful cooking with 1250 watts and a spacious 1.6 cubic feet interior. It’s designed for convenience and safety, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- Even Cooking: Inverter Technology ensures your food heats evenly. This means no more cold spots in your leftovers.
- Smart Cooking: Six sensor menus automatically cook popular foods like pizza and potatoes perfectly. The sensor adjusts power and keeps food texture just right.
- Quick and Easy: A quick start button lets you cook for 1 to 3 minutes with just one touch.
- Quiet Operation: You can turn off the buzzer sound by pressing and holding the “8” button.
- Child Safety: The two-step child lock feature prevents accidental use by kids.
- Generous Size: The 1.6 cu.ft. capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit large dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial Setup: Remember to peel off the protective film from the keypad before using it for the first time.
- Warranty Information: Keep the packaging handy for any after-sales service or returns, as a 1-year limited warranty is provided.
This Toshiba microwave oven offers a great combination of power, smart features, and safety. It’s a reliable appliance that simplifies your cooking tasks.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.8/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a fantastic countertop microwave that makes cooking a breeze. It’s a 1.2 cubic foot microwave with a 1000-watt output, meaning it heats food quickly and evenly. The black color and sleek design look great in any kitchen. This microwave has a smart humidity sensor that automatically adjusts cooking times, so your food is always cooked just right. It also comes with 6 preset menus for popular items like pizza and vegetables, plus 10 different power levels for all your cooking needs. You can even defrost food by weight or time with its easy defrost feature. Plus, there’s a mute function to turn off the annoying buzzer.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor ensures food is perfectly cooked without being overcooked or undercooked.
- It has 10 power levels, giving you lots of control over how you cook your food.
- The Mute Mode is a thoughtful feature that lets you silence the microwave’s buzzer.
- The 12.4-inch removable turntable is easy to clean and fits larger dishes.
- It offers quick start options for 1-6 minutes of cooking at full power.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might want more variety.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and great cooking results.
4. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 9.4/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave that can handle big meals. Its stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This microwave makes cooking and reheating easy with its smart features.
What We Like:
- Big Capacity: It’s very spacious, fitting a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken. This is great for families.
- Smart Sensor Cooking: The humidity sensor cooks your food evenly and keeps it moist.
- Helpful Auto Menus: It has 6 pre-programmed menus for common foods like bacon, frozen rolls, and oatmeal.
- Easy Defrosting: The Auto-Defrost function handles meat, poultry, and fish perfectly. It mimics natural defrosting.
- User-Friendly: It has simple controls, an ECO mode to save energy, and a mute option so it’s not noisy. You can also set it to remember your cooking preferences.
- Safety Features: A child lock keeps little hands safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size: Its large size might not fit in smaller kitchens.
- Learning Curve: Some of the advanced features might take a little time to learn.
This Toshiba microwave is a powerful and convenient kitchen appliance. It simplifies meal prep for busy households.
5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a sleek silver countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. With its 1.2 cubic feet of space, it’s large enough for most family meals, and its 1000 watts of power means your food heats up quickly and evenly. The smart humidity sensor is a game-changer, ensuring your food is never overcooked or undercooked. Plus, the easy-to-clean interior and quiet operation make it a joy to use.
What We Like:
- Smart Sensor Technology takes the guesswork out of cooking, delivering perfectly cooked food every time.
- 12 Auto Menus offer convenient cooking options for popular foods, saving you time and effort.
- The Mute Function lets you enjoy a quieter kitchen experience.
- ECO Mode helps save energy when not in use.
- The 12.4-inch removable turntable is easy to clean and fits large dishes.
- 10 power levels and one-touch start provide great flexibility and quick cooking.
- Easy Defrost by weight or time simplifies preparing frozen items.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, only 6 are specifically listed as “Preset Menus” in the provided features, which might be slightly confusing.
- The input power of 1600 watts is higher than some competitors, which could be a consideration for some electrical setups.
This Toshiba microwave offers a fantastic combination of smart features and user-friendly design, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Your Guide to a Mighty 1200 Watt Microwave
A 1200-watt microwave is a kitchen powerhouse. It heats food fast. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Why Choose a 1200 Watt Microwave?
A 1200-watt microwave cooks food much quicker than lower-wattage models. This is great for busy people. You can reheat leftovers in a flash. You can also cook meals faster. It saves you time in the kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
1. Power Levels
Most 1200-watt microwaves have different power settings. These let you control how much power the microwave uses. Lower power is good for gentle heating, like melting butter. Higher power is for quick cooking. Look for a microwave with several power levels.
2. Size and Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually heat. A small microwave might fit on a crowded counter. A larger one can hold bigger dishes. Measure your counter space before you buy.
3. Cooking Presets and Auto-Cook Options
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These buttons set the cooking time and power for you. Auto-defrost options are also handy. They help you thaw frozen food safely and quickly.
4. Turntable or Convection Feature
A turntable helps food cook evenly. It spins the food as it heats. Some microwaves have a convection feature. This means they can also bake and roast like a small oven. This adds more cooking options.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Look for a microwave with a smooth interior. This makes it easy to wipe clean. Some models have special coatings that resist stains and splatters. A removable turntable is also easier to wash.
Important Materials
Most microwaves use stainless steel or plastic for their outer casing. Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper. The inside is usually made of metal with a ceramic or enamel coating. These materials are safe for cooking.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Things That Make it Better:
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats food all the way through. No cold spots!
- Durable Build: Sturdy materials mean it will last longer.
- Simple Controls: Easy-to-use buttons make cooking a breeze.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter one is more pleasant.
Things That Make it Worse:
- Uneven Cooking: Food that is hot in some places and cold in others is frustrating.
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels cheap might break easily.
- Confusing Buttons: If you can’t figure out how to use it, it’s not good.
- Short Power Cord: A short cord limits where you can place the microwave.
User Experience and Use Cases
A 1200-watt microwave is perfect for many tasks. You can quickly heat up last night’s dinner. It’s great for making a mug cake or steaming vegetables. Busy parents can reheat baby food in seconds. Students can make instant noodles or heat up frozen meals with ease. If you enjoy cooking from scratch, the high wattage can speed up certain steps, like par-cooking vegetables before stir-frying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does 1200 watts mean for my microwave?
A: It means your microwave cooks food very fast. It’s more powerful than many other microwaves.
Q: Is a 1200-watt microwave too powerful?
A: No, it’s a great power level for most homes. You can adjust the power settings for different foods.
Q: How long will a 1200-watt microwave last?
A: With good care, a 1200-watt microwave can last for many years, often 5 to 10 years.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a 1200-watt microwave?
A: Some larger 1200-watt microwaves can cook smaller chickens. Always check the microwave’s manual for cooking guidelines.
Q: Do I need a special type of container for a 1200-watt microwave?
A: You should always use microwave-safe dishes. Glass, ceramic, and some plastics are usually safe. Never use metal.
Q: How do I clean my 1200-watt microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. You can also heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes to loosen stuck-on food.
Q: Are 1200-watt microwaves energy efficient?
A: They use more energy when they are on high power. However, because they cook faster, they might use less energy overall than a lower-wattage microwave for the same task.
Q: Can I use my microwave for more than just reheating?
A: Yes! Many 1200-watt microwaves can bake, roast, and steam food, especially if they have convection features.
Q: What is the difference between watts and cooking time?
A: Watts measure the microwave’s power. More watts mean it heats faster. Cooking time is how long you set the microwave to run.
Q: Where is the best place to put a 1200-watt microwave?
A: Place it on a stable surface with good ventilation. Make sure there’s space around it so it doesn’t overheat.
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!