Imagine this: you’re hungry, and dinner needs to be ready in minutes. You reach for your microwave, but it takes forever to heat your food. Frustrating, right? That’s where a powerful 1200 Watt microwave oven comes in. These cooking machines are designed to get your meals piping hot and ready to eat much faster than their less powerful counterparts.
But with so many different models and features out there, picking the perfect 1200 Watt microwave can feel like a puzzle. You want one that cooks evenly, fits your kitchen space, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s easy to get confused by all the technical terms and promises.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll break down what makes a 1200 Watt microwave oven great and help you understand the key things to look for. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in choosing a microwave that makes meal prep a breeze and saves you precious time.
Our Top 5 1200 Watt Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 1200 Watt Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of overcooked or undercooked meals? The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven is here to help. This 1200-watt microwave offers powerful cooking and smart features to make your kitchen life easier. Its large capacity and special sensor menus mean you can cook a variety of foods perfectly every time. Plus, its stylish black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Sensor Menus for Better Texture: The microwave has pre-programmed sensor menus for popular foods like pizza, potatoes, and vegetables. This helps cook your food just right for the best taste and texture.
- Large Capacity for Families: With a 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and a 13.6-inch turntable, it can fit large items like a 13-inch pizza. It’s perfect for feeding a family.
- Position Memory Turntable: This cool feature remembers where your food started on the turntable. It puts the plate back in the same spot after cooking, making it safer and easier to take your food out.
- Convenient Features Galore: It includes auto defrost, fast cooking, memory settings, multi-stage cooking, a child safety lock, a clock, and a kitchen timer. These make everyday use simple.
- Sound On/Off Function: You can turn off the microwave’s beeping sound by holding down the “8” button. This is great for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- Stylish Black Stainless Steel Design: The modern black stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen counter.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial Setup Film: The keypad comes with a protective film that needs to be removed before the first use. This is a minor step but worth noting.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both advanced cooking technology and user-friendly convenience. It’s a great choice for busy households looking for reliable and stylish performance.
2. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 9.1/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave designed to make your kitchen tasks easier. Its impressive 2.2 cubic feet of space means you can fit big items like a whole chicken or a 16-inch pizza. With 1200 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly. This microwave is packed with smart features to help you cook and reheat food perfectly every time.
What We Like:
- The 2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity is huge, perfect for families and large meals.
- It easily fits a 16-inch pizza and a whole chicken.
- The 1200W power heats food fast.
- The humidity sensor ensures even heating and keeps food moist.
- Six automatic menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like bacon, frozen rolls, and oatmeal.
- Auto-Defrost works well for meat, poultry, and fish.
- It’s very easy to use with simple controls.
- The ECO mode saves energy.
- You can turn off the sound if you want quiet operation.
- The position memory turntable is handy.
- It has a child safety lock for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 6 auto menus are helpful, a few more options might be useful for some users.
- The “large capacity” might be a bit too big for very small kitchens.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic appliance for busy households. Its large size and smart features make cooking and reheating a breeze.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens offers a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, making it ideal for reheating leftovers, cooking snacks, or preparing full meals. Its sleek black design will fit well in any kitchen. This microwave boasts smart features that simplify cooking and a quiet operation option for peace and quiet.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology automatically adjusts cooking time and power. This means your food is less likely to be overcooked or undercooked, leading to perfectly cooked meals every time.
- It comes with 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, plus sensor reheat. This makes cooking common items quick and easy.
- You get 10 different power levels for cooking flexibility. You can also use the clock and kitchen timer.
- Defrosting is simple with options for weight or time. The one-touch start lets you cook at full power for 1-6 minutes instantly.
- The Mute Mode is a fantastic feature. You can turn off the annoying buzzer by pressing and holding the “8” button for 3-5 seconds.
- The 12.4-inch removable glass turntable is large enough for most dishes and easy to clean.
- 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 12 auto menus listed in the title, the description only details 6 preset menus. Clarification on the full 12 auto menus would be helpful.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than many microwaves. This might be a consideration for some kitchen circuits.
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a well-rounded microwave with smart features that make cooking easier. Its quiet operation and easy-to-clean design make it a practical addition to any kitchen.
4. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 8.7/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven is a large, powerful appliance designed to handle all your cooking and reheating needs. Its spacious interior and high wattage make it a great choice for busy families. The sleek stainless steel finish looks good in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It’s big enough for family-sized meals with its 2.2 cubic feet of space.
- The 1200 watts of power cooks food fast.
- The new gray interior is easy to clean.
- The white LED display and LED interior lighting are bright and modern.
- Inverter Cooking Technology cooks food more evenly.
- The large 16.5-inch carousel turntable ensures all food is heated properly.
- You can choose from 10 power levels and even set up 2-stage cooking.
- The easy “+30 seconds” button lets you add cooking time quickly.
- It has special settings to melt or soften foods.
- Sensor Cook and Sensor Reheat take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Auto Cook has presets for popular dishes.
- Weight and Time Defrost makes thawing food simple.
- “Express Cook” lets you start cooking with one touch for up to 6 minutes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size might be too large for very small kitchens.
- With so many features, it might take a little time to learn them all.
This SHARP microwave oven offers a lot of features for its price, making it a powerful and convenient addition to your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a large and capable microwave.
5. Panasonic NN-SN65KW Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
Rating: 8.8/10
The Panasonic NN-SN65KW Microwave Oven in crisp white is a smart kitchen helper. It packs a powerful 1200 watts and a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space. This microwave makes cooking and reheating simple with its many smart features, all while taking up less room on your counter.
What We Like:
- Powerful and Even Cooking: The 1200-watt power and Inverter Technology ensure your food heats evenly, from the edges to the center. No more cold spots in your leftovers!
- Smart Sensor Cooking: The Genius Sensor takes the thinking out of cooking. It automatically adjusts the power and time for 10 different sensor cook settings and reheats food perfectly.
- Easy Snack Making: The 3-level popcorn button makes movie nights a breeze. You get perfectly popped popcorn every time.
- Fast Defrosting: Inverter Turbo Defrost speeds up the thawing process, saving you time when you need it most.
- Space-Saving Design: This microwave fits a 13.4-inch turntable inside but has a small exterior. It maximizes your counter space.
- User-Friendly Controls: With 11 power levels and one-touch cooking options, operating this microwave is straightforward.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Color Options: This model is only available in white, which might not match every kitchen’s decor.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While basic functions are easy, mastering all 15 Auto Cook options might take a little practice.
This Panasonic microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and excellent cooking performance in a compact package.
Your Guide to Choosing a Powerful 1200 Watt Microwave Oven
A 1200-watt microwave oven is a kitchen workhorse. It cooks food faster and more evenly than lower-wattage models. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these important features in mind.
Power and Wattage
The 1200 watts is the main selling point. This high power means faster cooking. It heats up leftovers quickly. It also cooks frozen meals in less time. Some microwaves let you adjust the power level. This is good for delicate foods.
Capacity
Microwave ovens come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. A larger family might need a bigger microwave. A single person might be fine with a smaller one.
Cooking Presets and Functions
Many microwaves have special buttons. These buttons are for popcorn, pizza, or defrosting. Some have sensor cooking. This means the microwave knows when your food is ready. It stops automatically. This prevents overcooking.
Turntable or Convection
A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Some microwaves also have convection cooking. This is like a small oven. It bakes and roasts food. This gives you more cooking options.
Ease of Use
Look for a microwave with a simple control panel. Buttons should be easy to understand. A clear display is helpful. Cleaning should also be easy. A smooth interior helps wipe away spills.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and safety.
Interior Material
Most microwave interiors are made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is more durable and easier to clean. It also looks nice. Painted metal is usually cheaper but can chip over time.
Exterior Material
The outside of the microwave is often made of plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel is stronger and lasts longer. Plastic can scratch more easily. Make sure the door has a good seal. This keeps the heat inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others make it worse.
Brand Reputation
Well-known brands often make reliable microwaves. They have good customer service. Look for brands with good reviews. This helps ensure you get a quality product.
Build Quality
A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should close smoothly. The buttons should have a nice click. Cheaply made microwaves might feel flimsy. They might break down sooner.
Noise Level
Some microwaves are louder than others. If you have an open-plan home, a quiet microwave is a good choice. Check reviews for information on noise.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your microwave.
Quick Meals and Snacks
A 1200-watt microwave is perfect for busy people. You can heat up leftovers in minutes. It’s great for making popcorn or a quick mug cake. It makes preparing snacks very fast.
Defrosting
High wattage helps defrost frozen food quickly. You don’t have to wait long for your ingredients. This saves you time when cooking dinner.
Cooking Small Dishes
You can cook small meals in a 1200-watt microwave. It’s good for vegetables or a single serving of pasta. Some models can even bake cookies or small cakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about 1200-watt microwave ovens.
Q: Is 1200 watts too much power for a microwave?
A: No, 1200 watts is considered a good amount of power. It cooks food quickly and evenly. It is not too much power for most home cooking needs.
Q: How long does food take to cook in a 1200-watt microwave?
A: Food cooks much faster than in lower-wattage microwaves. For example, reheating leftovers might take 1-2 minutes instead of 3-4 minutes. Cooking times will vary depending on the food and quantity.
Q: Are 1200-watt microwaves safe?
A: Yes, 1200-watt microwaves are safe when used properly. They meet safety standards. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: What is the difference between a 1000-watt and a 1200-watt microwave?
A: A 1200-watt microwave cooks food about 20% faster than a 1000-watt microwave. It also heats more evenly.
Q: Can I put metal in a 1200-watt microwave?
A: Generally, you should not put metal in a microwave. Metal can cause sparks and damage the oven. Always check the user manual for specific instructions.
Q: How do I clean a 1200-watt microwave?
A: Most microwaves are easy to clean. You can wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some have self-cleaning features.
Q: What is convection cooking in a microwave?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air. This bakes and roasts food like a regular oven. It gives you more cooking versatility.
Q: Does a larger capacity microwave mean better cooking?
A: Capacity refers to the size of the interior. It affects how much food you can fit. It does not directly impact cooking performance or evenness. Wattage is more important for cooking speed.
Q: Are there any special features I should look for in a 1200-watt microwave?
A: Look for features like sensor cooking, defrost settings, and multiple power levels. These make cooking easier and more precise.
Q: Where is the best place to buy a 1200-watt microwave oven?
A: You can buy them at electronics stores, department stores, and online retailers. Compare prices and read reviews before you 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!