Ever stood in front of a wall of microwaves, feeling completely lost? It’s like trying to pick a favorite flavor of ice cream when there are dozens of choices! Finding the perfect medium-sized microwave can feel just as overwhelming. You need something that fits your kitchen space, cooks your food just right, and doesn’t break the bank. But sifting through all the different brands and features can be a real headache.
That’s where we come in. This post is your secret weapon for navigating the world of medium-sized microwaves. We’ll break down what really matters, helping you avoid common mistakes and choose a microwave that will make your kitchen life so much easier. Get ready to discover the best options that balance size, power, and price.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear picture of what makes a great medium-sized microwave. We’ll help you understand the key features and give you tips to find the one that’s just right for you. So, let’s dive in and find the microwave that will become your new kitchen best friend!
Our Top 5 Medium Sized Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Medium Sized Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s a 1.1 cubic foot microwave with 1000 watts of power, perfect for heating up meals or snacks. The sleek black and stainless steel design looks modern, and the push-button door makes it easy to open. Plus, a child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
What We Like:
- It has handy pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 10 power settings let you cook or reheat food just right.
- The express cooking feature lets you start cooking at full power with just one touch.
- The large LED display is easy to read, and the control panel is simple to use.
- A removable 12.4-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- The interior light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- The push-button door release is convenient.
What Could Be Improved:
- The input power is 1600W, which is a bit higher than some microwaves, meaning it might use more electricity.
- While the child safety lock is a good feature, some users might prefer a more robust locking mechanism.
This microwave offers a good balance of features and convenience for everyday use. It’s a solid choice for busy households.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.1/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a compact and powerful solution for your kitchen needs. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power make it ideal for quick meals and snacks. With ten power levels and six convenient cooking presets, you can easily prepare everything from popcorn to potatoes.
What We Like:
- It cooks food very fast. You can choose from six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, or vegetables. You can also just press a number to set the time.
- It has ten different power levels. This means you can melt butter gently or cook food quickly.
- The digital controls are easy to use. Setting the time and power level is simple. The +30 seconds button is handy for extra cooking time.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access. This saves you time when you’re in a hurry.
- A child safety lock keeps the door from opening by accident. You can also lock the control panel to prevent little hands from changing settings.
- You can turn off the beeping sounds with the Mute Button. This is great if you need to be quiet.
- It looks nice in any kitchen with its sleek black design. The Eco Mode saves power and turns off the display when not in use.
- Cleaning is easy. The exterior wipes clean with a damp cloth. The glass turntable can go in the dishwasher.
- It is approved for safety and comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for larger families or cooking very big items.
- While powerful for its size, it might take longer to cook very large portions compared to bigger microwaves.
This microwave is a great option for small spaces or anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for everyday cooking. Its user-friendly features and safety options make it a smart choice for any household.
3. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.9/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, fitting easily on your countertop. This microwave makes cooking and reheating food simple with its user-friendly design and handy features.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sounds, which is perfect for late-night snacks or when the baby is sleeping.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power by 50%, which is good for your wallet and the environment.
- Easy one-touch buttons, including express cooking for 1-6 minutes and a +30 seconds option, make heating food super quick.
- It has helpful auto-cook functions for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen veggies, beverages, and reheating.
- The defrost settings (by weight or time) take the guesswork out of thawing food.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The bright digital display and clear control panel are easy to read.
- An interior light lets you see your food as it cooks, and the 10-inch glass turntable ensures even heating.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 0.7 cubic feet size is great for small spaces, it might be too small for larger families or for heating very big dishes.
- The express cooking options are limited to 6 minutes; you can’t set longer express times directly.
This COMFEE microwave offers a good balance of convenience and energy efficiency for everyday use. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a simple and functional countertop microwave.
4. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.1/10
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 cu ft capacity make it a great fit for apartments or smaller kitchens. This microwave offers a user-friendly experience with its smart features and safety functions.
What We Like:
- The Two-Step Child Lock provides peace of mind, preventing accidental starts.
- It boasts a powerful 900-watt output for efficient cooking.
- The 6 Preset Menus simplify cooking common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- Eleven different power levels, plus a clock and kitchen timer, offer great cooking flexibility.
- The Easy Defrost function and One-Touch Start make meal prep quick and simple.
- A handy Mute Mode lets you silence the end-of-cooking alerts.
- The bright LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
- The 10.6-inch removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit wide, so measure your counter space carefully.
- While it has many features, some users might prefer more advanced cooking programs.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a reliable and feature-rich appliance for their kitchen. Its thoughtful design and convenient functions make daily cooking tasks a breeze.
5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.7/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a 1.1 cubic foot capacity and a powerful 1000 watts for fast cooking. It features 10 power levels, making it versatile for everything from melting butter to quickly heating leftovers. Six convenient cooking presets like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables simplify meal prep. You can also easily set custom cook times with the number keys or the handy +30 seconds button. The digital controls are user-friendly, and the memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access.
What We Like:
- Extra-quick cooking with six one-touch presets for popular foods.
- 1000 watts and 10 power levels provide great control for all your cooking needs.
- Digital controls and a +30 seconds button make operation simple.
- Memory function saves frequently used settings for easy access.
- Child safety lock and mute button add safety and convenience.
- Eco Mode saves energy and the display can be turned off.
- Durable exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- cETL approved with advanced safety technology and a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, the 1.1 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for very large dishes or families.
- The “mini microwave” description could be misleading for some, as it’s a standard countertop size.
This Chefman microwave is a reliable and user-friendly addition to any kitchen. It balances power, convenience, and safety for everyday use.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Medium-Sized Microwave
Microwaves are super handy kitchen helpers. They warm up leftovers fast and can cook simple meals in a flash. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find a medium-sized microwave that fits your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
What makes a microwave great?
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 800 watts for good performance.
- Capacity: Medium-sized microwaves usually range from 0.9 to 1.2 cubic feet. This is a good size for most families and fits standard dinner plates.
- Turntable: A rotating glass plate helps food cook evenly. Make sure it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, pizza, or reheating. These make cooking specific foods simple.
- Defrost Settings: This feature is great for thawing frozen food. You can often choose by weight or time.
- Child Lock: A safety feature that prevents little hands from accidentally turning on the microwave.
2. Important Materials
What is your microwave made of?
Most microwaves have an exterior made of painted steel. This is durable and easy to wipe clean. The interior is usually a ceramic enamel or stainless steel. Ceramic enamel is a popular choice because it’s scratch-resistant and simple to clean. Stainless steel interiors look sleek and are also easy to maintain.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a microwave last and work well?
- Build Quality: A microwave that feels solid and well-built will likely last longer. Check if the door closes securely and the buttons feel responsive.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly without hot or cold spots. This often comes down to good internal design and sufficient wattage.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud when running. Reading reviews can help you find a quieter model.
- Ease of Cleaning: Removable turntables and smooth interior surfaces make cleaning much easier. Stubborn stains can be a real pain to deal with!
- Durability of Controls: Buttons or a touch panel should be responsive and easy to use. Flimsy controls can break over time.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your microwave?
A medium-sized microwave is perfect for many everyday tasks. It’s great for reheating last night’s dinner for one or two people. It can also cook quick meals like instant noodles or baked potatoes. Families can use it to heat up snacks for kids or warm up bowls of soup. If you have a busy schedule, a microwave can save you a lot of time. It’s also a good option for dorm rooms or small apartments where space is limited.
Think about what you’ll use it for most often. If you only reheat drinks, a simpler model will do. If you plan to cook more often, look for higher wattage and more cooking functions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medium-Sized Microwaves
Q1: What is the best wattage for a medium-sized microwave?
A1: For good performance, aim for at least 800 watts. Higher wattage means faster and more even cooking.
Q2: How big is a medium-sized microwave?
A2: Medium-sized microwaves typically have a capacity between 0.9 and 1.2 cubic feet. This is usually enough space for a standard dinner plate.
Q3: Do I need a turntable?
A3: Yes, a turntable is important. It rotates your food as it cooks, helping it heat up evenly.
Q4: Are preset cooking options useful?
A4: Yes, preset buttons for things like popcorn or pizza can make cooking these items very easy and quick.
Q5: What is the difference between ceramic enamel and stainless steel interiors?
A5: Ceramic enamel is usually scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Stainless steel looks nice and is also simple to wipe down.
Q6: How can I tell if a microwave is good quality?
A6: Look for a sturdy build, a door that closes well, and responsive buttons. Reading customer reviews can also give you an idea of a microwave’s quality.
Q7: Will a medium-sized microwave fit a large dinner plate?
A7: Most medium-sized microwaves are designed to fit standard dinner plates. However, it’s always a good idea to check the interior dimensions if you have extra-large plates.
Q8: Are microwaves noisy?
A8: Some microwaves can be noisy. If a quiet operation is important to you, look for models that are specifically advertised as quiet or check reviews for noise complaints.
Q9: Is a child lock feature important?
A9: A child lock is a great safety feature if you have young children in your home. It prevents them from accidentally turning the microwave on.
Q10: What are common use cases for a medium-sized microwave?
A10: They are great for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, warming snacks, and defrosting food. They are a convenient appliance for busy individuals and families.
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!