Does your kitchen feel a little cramped, but you still need a microwave that can handle more than just reheating coffee? You’re not alone! Many people find themselves caught in the middle ground when shopping for a new microwave. You want something bigger than those tiny dorm-room models, but a huge, bulky oven just won’t fit on your counter. Finding that perfect “just right” size can feel like a real puzzle.
The mid-size microwave category, usually between 1.2 and 1.6 cubic feet, offers the best balance of power and space-saving design. However, choosing the right one means navigating confusing wattage numbers and features you may not need. If you’ve ever bought a microwave only to realize it’s too shallow for your favorite dinner plates or takes up too much precious counter space, this article is for you.
We are diving deep into what makes a mid-size microwave great. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what features matter, how to compare power levels, and which models offer the best value for your home. Get ready to stop guessing and start heating like a pro!
Top Mid Size Microwave Oven Recommendations
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : 110 Volts.Rated Input Power(Microwave):1050W
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 12.1 x 10.9 x 7.6 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
- 6 Preset Menus: This compact microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Mute function, settings, clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock, easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- One touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and plus30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time)
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizing 50% standby power by turning on ECO mode
- Bright digital display, easy-to-read control panel, interior light and 10 inch glass turntable
- One year limited warranty. Express cooking options & silent mode
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 12.1 x 10.9 x 7.6 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
- 6 Preset Menus: This compact microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Medium-sized 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, 1000 watts, Black/White
- New! Cooking platform and stylish design; New! Gray Interior; New! White LED Display; New! LED Interior Lighting
- 12.4" Carousel turntable for even cooking; 10 Power Levels with 2-stage cooking
- Convenient "+30 seconds" key for instant start; Auto Cook for popular menu items
- Weight and Time Defrost for quick and accurate thawing; Convenient “Express Cook” with single press up to 6 mins cooking
- Medium-sized 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, 1000 watts, Stainless
- Orville Redenbacher's Certified Popcorn Presets
- 12.4" Carousel turntable for even cooking; 10 Power Levels with 2-stage cooking
- Convenient "+30 seconds" key for instant start; Auto Cook for popular menu items; Weight and Time Defrost for quick and accurate thawing; Convenient "Express Cook" with single press up to 6 mins cooking
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Mid-Size Microwave Oven
A mid-size microwave oven is a great choice for many homes. It fits well on countertops without taking up too much space. It also offers enough power and room for everyday cooking tasks. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important features. They make using your microwave easier and better.
- Wattage (Power): Look for microwaves between 900 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. A 1000-watt model is usually a good balance for reheating and defrosting.
- Capacity (Size Inside): Mid-size usually means 0.9 to 1.2 cubic feet. This size easily fits a standard dinner plate or a small casserole dish. Measure your space before you buy!
- Inverter Technology: Some newer models use inverter technology. This cooks food more evenly than older microwaves. It keeps food from getting hot spots.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature senses the steam coming off your food. It automatically adjusts the cooking time. This prevents overcooking your meals.
- Turntable Size: Check the diameter of the glass tray inside. A larger turntable spins food better, ensuring even heating.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your microwave lasts and how easy it is to clean.
- Exterior Casing: Most microwaves use painted metal for the outside. Stainless steel looks nice and resists fingerprints better than painted white or black.
- Interior Cavity: The inside should be easy to wipe down. Ceramic enamel interiors are very popular. They resist scratches and stains well. Some budget models use simple painted metal, which can scratch over time.
- Door Latch: Test the door latch mechanism. A strong, smooth-closing door shows better overall build quality.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the price tag. Certain design choices make a big difference in performance.
What Improves Quality:
- Digital controls that respond quickly.
- A bright, clear interior light.
- Quiet operation when running.
- Pre-set programs for common foods (like popcorn or pizza).
What Reduces Quality:
- Flimsy plastic buttons that feel weak.
- A very loud humming sound during operation.
- A door that requires a hard push to close completely.
- A small, hard-to-read display screen.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the microwave every day. This helps you prioritize features.
For Busy Professionals or Small Families:
You need speed and reliability. Focus on high wattage (1100W+) and sensor cooking. These features save time when you are rushing to make lunch or dinner.
For Basic Reheating and Defrosting:
If you mostly just reheat coffee or defrost frozen meat, a simpler 900-watt model with easy-to-use number pads will work perfectly. You do not need every fancy button.
Cleaning Up:
A good user experience includes easy cleaning. Models with flat bottoms (instead of a deep well for the turntable) are easier to wipe clean. Always choose a smooth, non-porous interior surface.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Mid-Size Microwaves
Q: What is the best wattage for a mid-size microwave?
A: Most experts suggest 1000 watts. This gives you fast reheating without drying out your food.
Q: Are mid-size microwaves too small for family meals?
A: A mid-size unit (around 1.0 cu. ft.) usually fits a 10-inch dinner plate. It works well for reheating leftovers or cooking small family portions, but might struggle with a very large turkey dish.
Q: Does the color of the exterior matter for performance?
A: No, the exterior color (like black or stainless steel) does not change how well the microwave heats food. It only affects the look in your kitchen.
Q: What is the main benefit of an inverter microwave?
A: Inverter microwaves deliver continuous, steady power. This cooks food more gently and evenly, which is great for delicate items like fish or sauces.
Q: How important is the turntable? Can I remove it?
A: The turntable is very important for even cooking. You can usually remove it for cleaning, but you should keep it in place during operation.
Q: Should I buy one with a convection feature?
A: Convection adds baking and roasting ability, turning it into a small oven. If you plan to bake often, yes. If you only plan to reheat, a standard mid-size microwave is cheaper and simpler.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a new microwave effectively?
A: Place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside. Heat it on high for three minutes. The steam loosens grime, making wiping easy.
Q: What should I check when setting up a countertop model?
A: Make sure there is space around the sides and back for ventilation. Hot air needs to escape so the machine does not overheat.
Q: Are digital controls more durable than dial controls?
A: Generally, yes. Digital pads offer more precise time settings. However, very cheap digital pads can fail faster than simple, sturdy mechanical dials.
Q: How long should a good mid-size microwave last?
A: With regular use, a quality mid-size microwave oven should last between 8 and 12 years.
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!