Do you dream of reheating leftovers in a flash or cooking meals faster than ever before? A powerful microwave can make that happen! But with so many choices out there, picking the perfect 1200W microwave can feel like a challenge. You want a microwave that cooks evenly, is easy to use, and fits your kitchen, but figuring out which one does all that can be tricky.
This guide is here to help! We’ll explore what makes a 1200W microwave a great choice and what to look for when you’re shopping. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which model will be your kitchen’s new best friend, saving you time and making cooking a breeze.
Our Top 5 1200W Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 1200W Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. This sleek black appliance packs a punch with 1000 watts of power, ensuring your food heats up quickly and evenly. Its spacious interior easily fits a 12-inch pizza, and the 12.4-inch removable turntable keeps things rotating smoothly for consistent results. Plus, smart features like the humidity sensor and 12 auto menus take the guesswork out of preparing your favorite meals.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000W heating for fast cooking.
- Generous 1.2 cu ft capacity and a large 12.4-inch turntable fit big meals.
- Smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus simplify cooking.
- Mute function lets you silence the beeps for quiet operation.
- ECO mode helps save energy when not in use.
- The easy-clean interior makes wiping up spills simple.
- Stylish black design complements any kitchen.
- Easy-to-read control panel with a large digital display.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel has a protective film that needs to be removed before use.
- Warranty information requires keeping packaging for support.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance for their kitchen.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is a powerful 1200-watt countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating food a breeze. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. With a large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, it can easily handle family-sized meals and even a 13-inch pizza.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor menus take the guesswork out of cooking, offering optimal heating for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and 13.6-inch turntable are perfect for larger dishes and family meals.
- The innovative Position Memory Turntable automatically returns to its starting position, making loading and unloading safer and more convenient.
- It has helpful features like auto defrost, fast cooking, and a child safety lock for added convenience and peace of mind.
- The ability to turn off the sound is a great feature for quiet kitchens.
- The stylish black stainless steel design adds a touch of modern elegance to your countertop.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the sound can be turned off, the initial setup for this feature requires a specific button press combination.
- The protective film on the keypad needs to be removed before the first use, which is a minor extra step.
Overall, the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is a feature-rich microwave that combines powerful performance with user-friendly design. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliance.
3. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 8.9/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave that packs a punch with its 1200W power and spacious 2.2 cu. ft. capacity. It’s built to handle family-sized meals, easily fitting a whole chicken or a large pizza. This microwave aims to make cooking and reheating simple with its smart sensor technology and pre-programmed menus.
What We Like:
- The large 2.2 cu. ft. capacity is great for families and big meals.
- The 1200W power heats food quickly and evenly.
- The Smart Sensor and 6 Auto Menus take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Auto Defrost makes preparing frozen foods much easier.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy, and the mute option is a nice touch for quiet kitchens.
- The Position Memory Turntable ensures your food is perfectly placed for even cooking.
- It has a handy child safety lock for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might not fit in every kitchen counter space.
- While the menus are helpful, some users might prefer more customization options.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for busy households needing a powerful and versatile appliance. It simplifies many common cooking tasks, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
4. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor
Rating: 8.7/10
The Panasonic NN-SN686S is a powerful and smart microwave that makes cooking a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel design fits perfectly on your countertop or can be built into your kitchen. With 1200 watts of power and a 1.2 cubic foot capacity, it cooks food evenly and quickly. The inverter technology ensures your meals are cooked just right, without overcooking.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1200W cooking for fast, even results.
- Inverter Technology delivers consistent cooking and Turbo Defrost speeds up thawing.
- Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power for different foods.
- Keep Warm feature keeps food hot until you’re ready to eat.
- Spacious 1.2 cubic foot interior with a 13.4-inch turntable fits larger dishes.
- Sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- Child lock provides safety for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- The operating frequency is a standard 2,450 MHz, which is typical but not a standout feature.
This Panasonic microwave offers excellent performance and smart features for everyday cooking needs. It’s a reliable appliance that simplifies meal preparation.
5. TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and versatile kitchen appliance designed for busy households. With its spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity and 1200 watts of cooking power, it handles large meals and family-sized portions with ease. The sleek stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Generous 2.2 Cu Ft capacity is great for large families and big meals.
- Origin Inverter technology ensures even cooking and reheating, eliminating cold spots.
- Smart Sensor Cook automatically adjusts cooking time and power for perfect results.
- Six Auto Menus offer convenient options for common foods.
- Ten power levels provide flexibility for various cooking tasks.
- The 16.5-inch removable turntable fits large dishes.
- The Two-Step Child Lock provides essential safety for homes with kids.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space carefully.
- The instruction for the child lock requires following a specific figure.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven offers impressive performance and user-friendly features, making it a reliable addition to any kitchen. It simplifies meal preparation for families of all sizes.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide: Choosing Your 1200W Microwave
A 1200-watt microwave is a powerful kitchen helper. It cooks food fast. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Wattage
All these microwaves have 1200 watts. This means they cook food quickly. It’s great for busy people.
2. Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you cook at once. A bigger family might need a larger microwave.
- Small (under 1 cubic foot): Good for one or two people.
- Medium (1-1.5 cubic feet): Great for families.
- Large (over 1.5 cubic feet): Best for big meals or entertaining.
3. Cooking Presets
Many microwaves have special buttons. These buttons cook common foods perfectly. Look for presets for popcorn, pizza, and vegetables.
4. Turntable
A turntable spins your food. This helps food cook evenly. Most microwaves have one. Some have larger turntables for bigger dishes.
5. Interior Light
An interior light lets you see your food while it cooks. This is helpful. You can check on your meal without opening the door.
6. Digital Display and Controls
A clear digital display is easy to read. Simple buttons make it easy to use. Some microwaves have touch controls.
Important Materials
1. Stainless Steel Interior
Stainless steel is durable. It’s easy to clean. It also looks nice in your kitchen.
2. Glass Turntable
The turntable is usually made of glass. Glass is safe for food. It’s also easy to wipe clean.
3. Exterior Finish
Microwaves come in different finishes. Stainless steel is popular. Black and white are also common. Choose one that matches your kitchen style.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Better?
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks food evenly. No more cold spots!
- Easy Cleaning: A non-stick interior makes cleaning simple.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. Look for one that runs quietly.
- Durability: Well-built microwaves last longer.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Good?
- Uneven Cooking: This is a common problem. Food might be cooked on the edges but cold in the middle.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons can be frustrating.
- Poor Build Quality: A microwave that feels flimsy might not last.
User Experience and Use Cases
Everyday Use
A 1200W microwave is perfect for reheating leftovers. It can also defrost frozen foods quickly. Making popcorn is a breeze.
Cooking and Baking
You can cook simple meals in a microwave. Some recipes use microwaves for part of the cooking process. It’s great for baking potatoes or steaming vegetables.
Quick Snacks
Need a quick snack? A microwave can heat up a mug cake or melt cheese for nachos in minutes.
Busy Lifestyles
If you’re always on the go, a fast microwave saves you time. It helps you get meals on the table faster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a 1200W microwave?
A: Key features include the microwave’s capacity, cooking presets, turntable, interior light, and the clarity of its digital display and controls.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for a microwave interior?
A: Yes, stainless steel interiors are good because they are strong, easy to clean, and look nice.
Q: How does the wattage of a microwave affect its quality?
A: Higher wattage, like 1200W, means faster cooking, which is a quality that improves user experience by saving time.
Q: What are some common use cases for a 1200W microwave?
A: Common use cases include reheating food, defrosting, cooking simple meals, making popcorn, and preparing quick snacks.
Q: Does the size of the microwave matter?
A: Yes, the size, or capacity, matters. You should choose a size that fits your kitchen space and how much food you usually cook.
Q: Why is a turntable important in a microwave?
A: A turntable is important because it spins your food, helping it cook more evenly.
Q: Are touch controls better than button controls?
A: Touch controls can look sleek and are easy to wipe clean. Button controls are sometimes easier to use for some people. It depends on your preference.
Q: What should I do if my microwave cooks food unevenly?
A: Try rearranging the food halfway through cooking, or ensure the turntable is spinning correctly. If the problem continues, the microwave might have quality issues.
Q: Can I cook a whole meal in a 1200W microwave?
A: You can cook many simple meals or parts of meals in a microwave. It’s great for things like baked potatoes or steaming vegetables, but complex dishes are usually better cooked in a traditional oven.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: For most microwaves, you can wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. For stubborn spots, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
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!