Ever feel like your kitchen is a little too small for a giant microwave, but a tiny one just won’t cut it? You’re not alone! Finding that “just right” mid-sized microwave can feel like a treasure hunt. It’s the perfect size for reheating leftovers, popping popcorn for movie night, or even cooking a quick weeknight meal, yet so many choices can be confusing. You want something that fits your space, your budget, and your cooking needs without being a hassle.
Choosing the right mid-sized microwave can be tricky. Do you need a turntable? How much power should it have? What about all those fancy buttons? It’s easy to get lost in the details and feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate this kitchen essential. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident about picking a mid-sized microwave that will be a perfect fit for your kitchen and your life.
Our Top 5 Mid Sized Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mid Sized Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed to make your kitchen tasks a breeze. This stylish stainless steel microwave boasts a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or for individuals. Its user-friendly design and helpful features simplify cooking and reheating, ensuring you get delicious results every time.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and frozen veggies. This makes cooking simple.
- The 700-watt power with 10 different settings lets you control how your food cooks.
- You can quickly add 30 seconds of cooking time with the Express Cooking button.
- The large LED display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to use.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- The interior light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- A removable 10-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- The push-button door release makes opening the microwave quick and easy.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 0.7 cubic foot capacity a bit small for larger meals or multiple items.
- While it has useful presets, a wider variety of specialized cooking programs could be a nice addition.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a solid choice for anyone seeking a dependable and easy-to-use appliance. Its thoughtful features and compact size make it a great addition to any kitchen.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.5/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for small kitchens or anyone needing a reliable appliance for quick meals. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power make it efficient for everyday tasks. With 10 power levels and 6 handy cooking presets, it simplifies reheating, cooking, and preparing snacks.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
- You can choose from 10 power levels for just the right heat, from melting butter to fast cooking.
- Digital controls make it easy to set time and power, and the +30 seconds button adds extra time fast.
- The memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts.
- A child safety lock keeps the door secure, and you can lock the control panel for peace of mind.
- The mute option silences annoying beeps, which is great when kids are sleeping.
- Its modern black design looks good in any kitchen, and Eco Mode saves energy.
- Cleaning is simple; the exterior wipes clean, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman offers trusted quality with cETL approval and a 1-year assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet size might be too small for larger dishes or families.
- While powerful for its size, it may not cook as quickly as higher wattage microwaves.
This microwave is a smart choice for anyone seeking convenience and versatility in their kitchen. It offers user-friendly features and a sleek design at a great value.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, making it perfect for heating up leftovers, cooking quick meals, or defrosting frozen food. This microwave boasts 1000 watts of power, ensuring your food heats up quickly and evenly. Its sleek black design and compact size make it a stylish and practical choice for any countertop.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor is a standout feature. It automatically detects how much moisture is in your food and adjusts the cooking time and power. This means your meals are cooked perfectly every time, without being too dry or too mushy.
- It comes with 6 preset menu options. These make cooking popular foods like pizza or vegetables super easy. Just select the menu, and the microwave does the rest.
- You have 10 different power levels to choose from. This gives you a lot of control over how your food cooks. It’s great for anything from gently warming up soup to boiling water fast.
- The Easy Defrost function is very helpful. You can defrost food by weight or by time, saving you from waiting for food to thaw naturally.
- The One-Touch Start button lets you quickly start the microwave for 1 to 6 minutes at full power. It’s perfect for when you need something heated up in a hurry.
- A Mute Mode is available. You can turn off the loud buzzer sound by holding down the “8” button for a few seconds. This is a thoughtful feature for quiet kitchens.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
- The interior is designed for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might prefer more variety for different types of dishes.
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some compact microwaves. Make sure you have enough counter space before purchasing.
Overall, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a powerful and smart microwave that offers great convenience for busy households. Its advanced features make cooking easier and more efficient.
4. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Farberware Countertop Microwave, a powerful and compact kitchen helper designed for modern living. With 1000 watts of cooking power and a generous 1.1 cubic feet of space, this microwave makes meal prep a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel finish not only looks good but is also super easy to clean.
What We Like:
- Powerful Performance: The 1000-watt output heats food quickly and evenly.
- Versatile Cooking: Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking let you customize your meals.
- One-Touch Convenience: Six pre-programmed settings for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more make cooking simple.
- Smart Defrosting: Defrost by weight or time to thaw frozen foods efficiently.
- Space-Saving Design: The 1.1 cu. ft. capacity fits perfectly in apartments, dorms, or small kitchens without sacrificing cooking ability.
- User-Friendly Features: A clear LED display, kitchen timer, clock, and interior lighting make it easy to use and monitor your food.
- Safety First: The child lock feature provides extra peace of mind for families.
- Easy to Clean: Both the interior and exterior are designed for simple wipe-downs.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Color Options: The stainless steel finish is stylish but may not match all kitchen decors.
- No Sensor Cooking: While it has pre-programmed options, it doesn’t feature advanced sensor cooking that automatically adjusts time and power.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for quick meals. It offers great value and performance for its size and price point.
5. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.5/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and feature-rich appliance designed for your kitchen. It offers a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for smaller spaces. This black microwave boasts a user-friendly design with easy one-touch buttons and a bright digital display. You can cook popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more with its convenient auto-cook functions. Plus, it has a mute function to silence annoying beeps and an ECO mode to save energy.
What We Like:
- The mute function is a game-changer for quiet kitchens.
- ECO Mode significantly reduces standby power, saving you money.
- One-touch express cooking and auto-cook buttons make meal prep super fast.
- The child safety lock provides peace of mind for families.
- It includes a kitchen timer and clock for added convenience.
- The 10-inch glass turntable is easy to clean.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity might be too small for larger meals or families.
- The defrost settings, while present, may require some practice to get perfect.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a simple, efficient, and quiet cooking experience. It delivers on its promise of ease of use and energy savings.
Finding Your Perfect Mid-Sized Microwave: A Buyer’s Guide
A mid-sized microwave is a kitchen workhorse. It’s big enough for family meals but not so huge it takes over your counter. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Why Choose a Mid-Sized Microwave?
Mid-sized microwaves offer a great balance. They fit most kitchens. They cook and reheat food well. They are also easy to use.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity (Cubic Feet)
This is how much food fits inside. Mid-sized microwaves usually range from 0.9 to 1.5 cubic feet. Think about what you usually cook.
- 0.9 – 1.0 cubic feet: Good for singles or couples. Heats up snacks and single meals.
- 1.1 – 1.3 cubic feet: Best for small families. Fits larger plates and dishes.
- 1.4 – 1.5 cubic feet: Can handle bigger meals. Good for families who use their microwave a lot.
2. Wattage
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most mid-sized microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. More watts cook food more evenly and quickly.
3. Turntable Size
The turntable spins your food. Make sure it’s big enough for your dinner plates. A larger turntable helps food cook evenly.
4. Preset Cooking Functions
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These make cooking simple.
5. Sensor Cooking
This feature detects how much moisture is in your food. It then adjusts cooking time and power. This prevents over or undercooking.
6. Child Lock
A safety feature that stops the microwave from turning on accidentally. This is great for homes with young children.
Important Materials
Most microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Plastic is often cheaper but can scratch more easily. The inside is usually a ceramic enamel or stainless steel. Ceramic enamel is easy to clean. Stainless steel is very strong.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great?
- Powerful Wattage: Cooks food faster and more evenly.
- Even Heating: Food gets hot all the way through.
- Easy-to-Clean Interior: Saves you time and effort.
- Durable Build: The microwave lasts for years.
- Intuitive Controls: Simple buttons and clear displays make it easy to use.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Ideal?
- Low Wattage: Food takes longer to cook and may not be heated evenly.
- Uneven Cooking: Some spots are hot, others are cold.
- Difficult Cleaning: Stains and grease are hard to remove.
- Flimsy Construction: The microwave might feel cheap or break easily.
- Confusing Controls: Too many buttons or unclear labels make it frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good mid-sized microwave makes everyday tasks easy. You can quickly reheat leftovers for lunch. You can pop popcorn for movie night. Families use them to cook frozen meals or steam vegetables.
Think about how you will use it most. If you often cook for a crowd, look for a larger capacity and higher wattage. If you just need to reheat drinks and snacks, a smaller mid-sized option with simple controls will work well.
The control panel should be easy to understand. Buttons should be responsive. The door should open and close smoothly. A quiet operation is also a plus, especially in open-plan living spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best capacity for a mid-sized microwave?
A: For most small families, 1.1 to 1.3 cubic feet is a good choice. It fits most dinner plates and larger dishes.
Q: How much wattage do I need?
A: Aim for at least 900 watts. Higher wattage (up to 1200 watts) cooks food faster and more evenly.
Q: Is stainless steel better than plastic for a microwave?
A: Stainless steel is more durable and looks more high-end. Plastic is usually less expensive but can scratch more easily.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture in food. It then automatically adjusts cooking time and power for perfect results.
Q: Are preset buttons useful?
A: Yes, preset buttons can be very useful. They simplify cooking common items like popcorn or pizza.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most manufacturers recommend wiping the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some interiors, like ceramic enamel, are very easy to clean.
Q: Can I put metal in a microwave?
A: Generally, no. Metal can cause sparks and damage the microwave. Always check the user manual.
Q: How long do mid-sized microwaves usually last?
A: With proper care, a mid-sized microwave can last 5 to 10 years.
Q: What if my microwave doesn’t heat food evenly?
A: Ensure the turntable is clean and spinning correctly. Higher wattage and sensor cooking features can also help with even heating.
Q: Where is the best place to put a mid-sized microwave?
A: On a stable countertop or in a dedicated microwave shelf. Ensure there is enough space around it for ventilation.
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!