Imagine this: you’re hungry, and you need a quick meal. You reach for your microwave, but it’s either too small for your leftovers or too big for your cozy kitchen counter. Does that sound familiar? Finding the perfect microwave can feel like a treasure hunt, especially when you’re not sure if you need a tiny one or a giant one.
That’s where the “just right” medium-sized microwave comes in. These models are the sweet spot for many kitchens, offering enough space for most meals without taking over your entire counter. But with so many brands and features out there, picking the right one can still be tricky. You want something that heats your food well, is easy to use, and fits your budget, right?
In this post, we’ll cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a medium-sized microwave a great choice and guide you through the important things to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a microwave that perfectly suits your needs and your kitchen space. Let’s dive in and find your ideal kitchen helper!
Our Top 5 Medium Size Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Medium Size Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that makes cooking easy. It has a sleek black design and a large 12.4-inch turntable. This microwave is packed with smart features to help you cook perfectly every time.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor automatically cooks your food just right. No more guessing if it’s done!
- It has 6 preset menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables. Just press a button and go.
- You get 10 different power levels. This gives you lots of control for different kinds of cooking.
- Defrosting is simple. You can defrost by weight or by time.
- The “One Touch Start” lets you quickly start cooking for 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
- You can mute the annoying buzzer! Just press and hold the “8” button for a few seconds.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy.
- The interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might want even more options for specific dishes.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves. This might be a consideration for some kitchens.
This Toshiba microwave offers smart cooking technology and user-friendly features. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and convenient kitchen appliance.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.3/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a compact and powerful solution for your kitchen needs. This 0.7 cu. ft. microwave brings 700 watts of cooking power and 10 adjustable power levels to your countertop. It’s designed for both speed and convenience, making everyday meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- It cooks food very fast. You can choose from six handy presets for things like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables.
- You have lots of control with 10 different power levels. This lets you melt butter gently or cook food quickly.
- The digital controls are simple to use. You can easily set the time and power, or add 30 seconds with a quick press.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts. This makes preparing your usual meals super easy.
- Safety is important. It has a child safety lock to prevent accidental openings and a lock mode for the control panel.
- The mute button lets you turn off beeps. This is great if you need to be quiet or don’t want to wake anyone.
- It looks good in any kitchen with its sleek, black design. The compact size saves counter space.
- Cleaning is easy. The outside wipes clean, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s a trusted brand with advanced safety features and a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The capacity is 0.7 cu. ft., which might be small for larger dishes or families.
- While powerful for its size, it may not be as fast as larger, higher-wattage microwaves for very large quantities.
This Chefman microwave is a great choice for those seeking a user-friendly and efficient appliance. Its thoughtful features make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven, a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen, especially apartments. This 0.9 cu ft microwave boasts a sleek Black Stainless Steel finish and a 900W cooking power to heat your food quickly. Its compact size makes it ideal for small spaces, while its smart features simplify meal prep.
What We Like:
- The Two-Step Child Lock keeps little hands safe and prevents accidental starts.
- It offers 6 Preset Menus for popular foods like popcorn and potatoes, making cooking easy.
- You get 11 Unique Power Levels and a kitchen timer for precise cooking.
- The Easy Defrost function lets you thaw food by weight or time.
- A One-Touch Start button quickly cooks for up to 6 minutes at full power.
- The Mute Mode is a lifesaver for quiet kitchens; just long-press the “8” button to silence beeps.
- A bright LED Lighting illuminates the interior for better visibility.
- The 10.6-inch Removable Turntable is easy to clean and fits most standard dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions, while compact, might still be a tight fit for some very small countertops.
- The input power of 1400 watts means it uses more electricity than some lower-wattage microwaves.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance without taking up too much space. Its user-friendly design and safety features make it a smart and convenient kitchen companion.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great choice for your kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces. This microwave has a sleek stainless steel finish that looks good anywhere. It’s easy to use with its digital display and simple controls. Plus, it has helpful features like pre-programmed buttons to make cooking faster and easier.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. This saves you time and guessing.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for quickly reheating leftovers.
- It has 10 different power settings, so you can control how your food cooks precisely.
- The child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The interior light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door makes it simple to open.
- It has a clear, easy-to-read LED display.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might cook some foods a little slower than more powerful microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is good for small tasks, but might be too small for larger dishes or family meals.
Overall, this BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid, user-friendly appliance that offers great value. It’s a smart pick for anyone needing a reliable microwave for everyday cooking needs.
5. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.1/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and feature-rich appliance designed for modern kitchens. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity is ideal for smaller spaces, while its sleek black finish adds a touch of style. This microwave simplifies cooking with its intuitive one-touch buttons and handy presets. Plus, it helps you save energy with its ECO Mode.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you cook without annoying beeps, perfect for late-night snacks or quiet mornings.
- ECO Mode significantly cuts down on standby power, saving you energy and money.
- Easy one-touch buttons and express cooking options (1-6 minutes and +30 seconds) make heating food super fast and simple.
- Auto-cook functions for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The child safety lock provides peace of mind for families with young children.
- A bright digital display and interior light make it easy to see and operate.
- The 10-inch glass turntable fits most common dishes and rotates food evenly.
- It includes two defrost settings, by weight or time, for convenient thawing.
- A one-year limited warranty offers added assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for larger families or for heating very big items.
- While it has many features, some advanced users might wish for more customizable settings.
This COMFEE microwave offers a great balance of convenience, energy efficiency, and user-friendly features for everyday kitchen tasks. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and quiet countertop microwave.
Choosing the Best Medium Microwave: Your Handy Guide
Finding the right microwave can make a big difference in your kitchen. A medium-sized microwave is perfect for many households. It’s not too big to take up too much space, but it’s big enough to heat up meals and snacks easily. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a medium microwave, check for these important features.
- Capacity: Medium microwaves usually range from 0.7 to 1.2 cubic feet. This is a good size for heating up plates of food, cooking popcorn, or reheating leftovers. Think about how much food you usually heat at once.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most medium microwaves have 700 to 1200 watts. Look for at least 900 watts for good performance.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food as it cooks. This helps heat your food evenly. Most medium microwaves have this. Make sure it’s easy to clean.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These can make cooking simple.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear digital display makes it easy to see the cooking time and settings. Simple buttons are also a plus.
- Child Lock: If you have kids, a child lock feature keeps them from turning the microwave on by accident.
Important Materials
Microwaves are made of different parts.
- Exterior: Most exteriors are made of durable painted metal. Stainless steel is also common and looks nice, but it can show fingerprints.
- Interior: The inside is usually coated with enamel or a non-stick material. These are easy to wipe clean. Some higher-end models might have ceramic interiors, which are very durable and easy to clean.
- Door: The door has a glass window so you can see your food. The handle is usually made of plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a microwave good or not so good?
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive. A wobbly or flimsy microwave might not last as long.
- Even Heating: The best microwaves heat food evenly. This means no cold spots or overcooked edges. Good wattage and a working turntable help with this.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and a removable, dishwasher-safe turntable is much easier to keep clean. Stubborn stains can be hard to remove from some surfaces.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud when they run. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how quiet the appliance is.
- Durability: A good quality microwave should last for many years. Look for brands known for making reliable appliances.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use medium microwaves?
- Quick Meals: They are great for reheating leftovers or making quick meals like instant noodles.
- Snack Time: Perfect for heating up popcorn, warming up a slice of pizza, or toasting a bagel.
- Defrosting: Most medium microwaves have a defrost setting to thaw frozen foods.
- Simple Cooking: You can cook small portions of vegetables or heat up soup.
- Small Kitchens: Medium microwaves fit well on countertops in apartments or smaller homes. They don’t take up too much valuable kitchen space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How big is a “medium size” microwave?
A: Medium microwaves usually have an interior space between 0.7 and 1.2 cubic feet. This is a good size for most everyday tasks.
Q: What is wattage, and why does it matter?
A: Wattage measures how much power the microwave uses. Higher wattage means it cooks food faster and more efficiently.
Q: Do I really need a turntable?
A: A turntable is very helpful because it spins your food. This makes sure your food heats up evenly all the way around.
Q: What are preset cooking options?
A: These are buttons that are already set for cooking specific foods like popcorn or potatoes. They make cooking easier.
Q: Is stainless steel better than painted metal for the exterior?
A: Stainless steel looks sleek, but it shows fingerprints easily. Painted metal is also durable and might hide smudges better.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can usually wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Many turntables can be washed in the dishwasher.
Q: Can a medium microwave cook full meals?
A: It can cook and reheat many types of meals, but very large dishes or whole chickens might not fit.
Q: How long do medium microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, a quality medium microwave can last for 7 to 10 years or even longer.
Q: Should I worry about the noise level?
A: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, read reviews to find a quieter model.
Q: What is a child lock feature?
A: A child lock prevents children from accidentally turning the microwave on. It’s a safety feature.
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!