Ever stare at your kitchen counter, wondering if your current microwave is just a little too small for that family-sized casserole, or maybe a bit too bulky for your cozy apartment? You’re not alone. Finding that “just right” mid-size microwave oven can feel like a treasure hunt, especially when you’re trying to balance cooking power, features, and space. It’s a common kitchen dilemma that can leave you feeling overwhelmed by choices.
This is where the sweet spot lies! Mid-size microwaves offer a fantastic compromise, fitting into most kitchens without demanding too much space, yet providing enough room for your everyday cooking and reheating needs. But with so many brands and models out there, how do you pick the one that’s perfect for you? We’re here to help you navigate the options and avoid the common pitfalls.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what makes a great mid-size microwave. We’ll break down the important features, explain what all those buttons mean, and help you figure out which oven will become your new kitchen best friend. Get ready to discover how to choose a microwave that makes meal prep a breeze!
Our Top 5 Mid Size Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mid Size Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen appliance that makes cooking fast and simple. It has a sleek stainless steel look and fits nicely on your counter. This microwave is designed to help you prepare meals quickly, whether you’re reheating leftovers or cooking something from scratch.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cooking: It has 1000 watts of power to cook food quickly.
- Easy Presets: Six one-touch buttons for popcorn, potatoes, and pizza make cooking a breeze.
- Flexible Cooking: Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking let you control exactly how your food is prepared.
- Smart Defrost: Defrost food by weight or time, saving you time.
- Perfect Size: Its 1.1 cu. ft. size is great for small kitchens or offices.
- Convenient Features: A clear LED display, kitchen timer, clock, and interior light help you keep track of your cooking.
- Safety First: A child safety lock provides extra peace of mind.
- Quick Start: Express cooking buttons let you start cooking for 1 to 6 minutes instantly.
- Easy to Clean: Both the inside and outside are simple to wipe down.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Customization for Advanced Cooks: While it has many presets, very experienced cooks might want even more detailed control options.
This Farberware microwave is a reliable and user-friendly option for anyone needing a quick and efficient way to cook. Its combination of power, convenience features, and compact size makes it a great addition to any kitchen.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven offers a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space and 1000 watts of power, making it a capable addition to any kitchen. Its sleek black design and user-friendly features like a smart humidity sensor and multiple auto menus aim to simplify your cooking experience.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology is a standout feature. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power, so your food cooks perfectly every time. No more guessing or ending up with overcooked or undercooked meals.
- It comes with 6 helpful preset menus for common foods like pizza and vegetables, plus sensor reheat. This makes cooking quick and easy for busy days.
- You get 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control for different cooking tasks. You can even use it for deodorizing or boiling water.
- Defrosting is a breeze with options for weight or time. The one-touch start lets you quickly add cooking time in 1-minute increments.
- The Mute Mode is a thoughtful addition. You can turn off the buzzer by holding down the “8” button for a few seconds, which is great for late-night snacking or early morning meals.
- The 12.4-inch removable glass turntable is large enough for most dishes and easy to clean.
- ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the microwave has 12 auto menus listed in the title, the description only details 6 preset menus. This could be confusing for some users.
- The external dimensions (20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches) are quite large. Make sure you have enough counter space before purchasing.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for its smart cooking features and convenience. It simplifies meal preparation with its thoughtful design and user-friendly functions.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance that makes reheating and cooking simple. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. With 700 watts of power and 10 different settings, it can handle most of your everyday cooking needs. The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is just right for smaller kitchens or for heating up single servings.
What We Like:
- It has handy pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super convenient for quick reheating.
- The large LED display is easy to read, and the control panel is simple to understand.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door makes opening it a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 0.7 cubic foot capacity a bit small for larger dishes.
- While it has many features, it might not be the most powerful option for very demanding cooking tasks.
This microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. It offers good value for its features and performance.
4. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen powerhouse that does more than just heat up leftovers. This stylish black stainless steel appliance packs a punch with its 1.0 cubic foot capacity and 1000 watts of microwave power. It’s designed to be your go-to for a variety of cooking tasks, from quick snacks to full meals.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 wonder! You can microwave, air fry, bake with convection, broil, use combi mode, low temp cooking, remove odors, and defrost.
- Healthy eating is easy with the air fryer function. Enjoy your favorite fried foods with less fat.
- The 12.4-inch position memory turntable is a smart feature. It remembers where your food started and returns it there after cooking, making it easy to grab.
- It’s compact but spacious inside. It fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, making it perfect for families or small gatherings.
- Safety is a priority with the two-step child lock feature. It helps keep little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- Convenience is built-in with one-touch popcorn, easy knobs, and a mute function.
- The black stainless steel exterior looks sleek and modern in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual for the child lock feature could be clearer.
- While powerful, the input power is 1600 watts, which is something to consider for your kitchen’s electrical setup.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven offers incredible versatility and convenience for modern kitchens. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine without sacrificing flavor or health.
5. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.1/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a black, 0.7 cubic foot appliance designed to make your kitchen tasks easier. It’s compact enough for any countertop and packed with helpful features. This microwave offers both convenience and thoughtful extras, like a sound mute function so you don’t disturb anyone. Plus, its ECO Mode helps save energy, which is good for your wallet and the planet. The simple, one-touch buttons make cooking a breeze, even for beginners.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you silence annoying beeps.
- ECO Mode cuts standby power by half, saving energy.
- Easy one-touch buttons handle common tasks like popcorn and pizza.
- Express cooking options let you heat food quickly with 1-6 minute settings.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) make thawing food simple.
- The bright digital display and clear control panel are easy to read.
- A 10-inch glass turntable fits most plates and rotates food evenly.
- A child safety lock prevents accidental use, keeping little ones safe.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger families or big meals.
- While the one-touch buttons are great, some users might prefer more advanced cooking controls for precise adjustments.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a user-friendly and energy-efficient appliance. Its blend of basic functionality and smart features makes it a great addition to any kitchen.
The Mid-Size Microwave Oven: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Are you tired of juggling too-small microwaves or wrestling with ovens that are too big for your counter? A mid-size microwave oven might be the perfect solution! These versatile appliances offer a great balance of cooking power and space-saving design, making them ideal for many kitchens. Let’s dive into what makes a good mid-size microwave.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a mid-size microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For a mid-size oven, aim for 900 to 1100 watts. This is enough power for most reheating, defrosting, and cooking tasks.
- Capacity: Mid-size microwaves typically range from 0.9 to 1.3 cubic feet. This is plenty of room for a dinner plate, a small casserole dish, or even a whole chicken. Measure your favorite dishes to see what will fit best.
- Turntable Size: A larger turntable helps your food cook more evenly. Look for a turntable that’s at least 12 inches in diameter.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with helpful buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These can make cooking super easy.
- Sensor Cooking: This smart feature senses the moisture in your food and adjusts the cooking time and power automatically. It helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Convection Cooking (Optional): Some mid-size microwaves have a convection feature. This means they can also bake and roast like a regular oven. If you want more cooking options, this is a great bonus.
- Child Lock: This safety feature prevents little hands from accidentally turning on the microwave.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave can affect its durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Interior Cavity: Most microwaves have an interior made of stainless steel or a non-stick coating. Stainless steel is durable and looks nice, but it can be a bit harder to clean. Non-stick coatings are very easy to wipe down.
- Exterior Casing: The outside is usually made of durable plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel often looks sleeker and is more resistant to scratches.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a big difference in how good your microwave is.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. Buttons should press smoothly, and the door should open and close with a satisfying click. Cheaper models might feel flimsy.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave that’s easy to clean saves you time and effort. Look for smooth interior surfaces and removable turntables that can go in the dishwasher.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews for information on how loud the appliance is when it runs.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have a history of making reliable appliances. They might also offer better customer support if you have problems.
User Experience and Use Cases
A mid-size microwave oven is perfect for a variety of people and situations.
- For Busy Individuals: Quickly reheat leftovers, defrost frozen meals, or pop some popcorn for a snack.
- For Small Families: Heat up side dishes, cook frozen vegetables, or warm up soup for lunch.
- For College Students: A mid-size microwave is a dorm room essential. It can handle simple meals and snacks.
- For Apartment Dwellers: These microwaves fit nicely on countertops without taking up too much space.
- For Occasional Bakers: If you choose a model with convection, you can even bake cookies or roast vegetables.
A mid-size microwave oven offers a fantastic blend of functionality and convenience. By considering these key features, materials, and quality factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect addition to your kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mid-Size Microwave Ovens
Q: What is the typical capacity of a mid-size microwave?
A: A mid-size microwave oven usually holds between 0.9 and 1.3 cubic feet of food.
Q: How much wattage should I look for in a mid-size microwave?
A: Aim for a wattage between 900 and 1100 watts for good cooking power.
Q: Is a turntable important in a microwave?
A: Yes, a turntable helps your food cook more evenly by rotating it as it heats.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to figure out how long to cook your food, so it doesn’t get over or undercooked.
Q: Can a mid-size microwave bake or roast?
A: Some mid-size microwaves have a convection feature that allows them to bake and roast like a regular oven.
Q: What is the best material for the inside of a microwave?
A: Stainless steel is durable, and non-stick coatings are easy to clean. Both are good choices.
Q: How do I know if a microwave is well-built?
A: A well-built microwave feels sturdy, and its buttons and door operate smoothly.
Q: Are pre-set cooking options useful?
A: Yes, pre-set options make it easy to cook common foods like popcorn or pizza with just a touch of a button.
Q: What is a good turntable size for a mid-size microwave?
A: A turntable that is at least 12 inches in diameter is recommended for even cooking.
Q: Who would benefit most from a mid-size microwave?
A: Busy people, small families, college students, and those living in apartments can all find a mid-size microwave very useful.
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!