Tired of microwaves that are too small for your leftovers or too big for your kitchen counter? You’re not alone! Finding the perfect midsize microwave can feel like a treasure hunt, but with so many brands and features, it’s easy to get lost. Many people struggle to figure out which one will fit their needs and their space without breaking the bank.
This is where we come in. We’ve done the heavy lifting to help you navigate the world of midsize microwaves. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for, understand the key features that matter, and feel confident picking a microwave that will make your kitchen life easier. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave guesswork and hello to perfectly heated meals!
Our Top 5 Midsize Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Midsize Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. Its compact 0.7 cubic feet size makes it ideal for smaller spaces like dorm rooms or apartments. The sleek stainless steel finish looks good on any countertop. This microwave heats food quickly and efficiently with its 700 watts of power.
What We Like:
- It has special buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cook button is super handy for quick reheating.
- The large LED display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The removable glass turntable spins your food for even cooking.
- The push-button door opens easily.
- It comes with a kitchen timer and a clock, so you don’t need a separate one.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might not be the fastest for larger meals compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might feel a bit small if you often heat large dishes or cook for many people.
This microwave offers a good balance of features and convenience for everyday use. It’s a solid choice for simple reheating and cooking tasks.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven, a stylish and functional addition to any apartment kitchen. This 0.9 cu ft microwave boasts a sleek Black Stainless Steel finish and 900 watts of power, making it ideal for quick meals and snacks. Its compact design fits easily on countertops, and the 10.6-inch removable turntable handles most common dishes.
What We Like:
- Safety First: The two-step child lock keeps little hands safe.
- Convenient Presets: Six auto menus for popcorn, pizza, and potatoes simplify cooking.
- Quiet Operation: The mute function lets you silence end-of-cooking beeps.
- Precise Cooking: Eleven power levels offer great control for various foods.
- Easy Defrosting: Defrost by weight or time for perfect results.
- One-Touch Start: Quickly start cooking for 1-6 minutes at full power.
- Bright Interior: LED lighting makes it easy to see your food.
- Stylish Design: The Black Stainless Steel looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Child Lock Steps: Following the steps to open the child lock might be a bit tricky at first.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic choice for small spaces, offering a blend of useful features and a modern look. It makes everyday cooking and reheating a breeze.
3. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts
Rating: 9.0/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 cu ft is a fantastic kitchen helper for anyone needing to heat up food quickly. Its powerful 1000-watt output means your meals will be ready in no time. This microwave is designed for convenience, especially for smaller spaces like apartments or dorm rooms. It’s also built with safety and ease of use in mind, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It boasts a powerful 1000 watts for fast cooking.
- It has ten power levels and six one-touch cooking options for different foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- The 1.1 cu ft capacity is a good size for small spaces but still cooks like a larger microwave.
- You can defrost food by weight or time, making meal prep easier.
- The LED lighting inside helps you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock provides extra security.
- It has quick start controls for 1 to 6 minutes and an “Add 30 Seconds” button.
- The stainless steel exterior is easy to clean.
- It includes a kitchen timer and clock on a clear LED display.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for small spaces, the 1.1 cu ft size might be too small for very large dishes.
This Farberware microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a compact microwave that delivers powerful performance and convenient features.
4. Emerson MW7601SL Compact Countertop Microwave Oven with Sleek Mirrored Finish Door 10 Power Levels
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Emerson MW7601SL Compact Countertop Microwave Oven. This microwave is not only functional but also stylish with its sleek mirrored finish door and silver exterior. It’s designed for everyday use, making meal prep and reheating a breeze.
What We Like:
- It offers 10 power levels, giving you lots of choices for cooking.
- Six pre-programmed settings make cooking easy. Just pick a setting, and the microwave handles the rest.
- The mirrored glass door looks modern and is simple to clean.
- Defrosting is quick and easy with time or weight options.
- The LED display and digital clock let you easily see what’s happening and keep track of time.
- A child safe lock adds extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or big meals.
- While sleek, the mirrored door could show fingerprints easily.
The Emerson MW7601SL is a solid choice for anyone seeking a compact, stylish, and user-friendly microwave. It balances convenience with a touch of elegance for any kitchen countertop.
5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and smart kitchen helper. It boasts a large 1.2 cubic feet capacity, easily fitting a 12-inch pizza. With its 1000-watt power, it heats food quickly and evenly. The smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking. Plus, its sleek black design and quiet operation make it a stylish and convenient addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Spacious Interior: It fits a 12-inch pizza, which is great for family meals.
- Smart Cooking: The humidity sensor and auto menus make cooking easy. You just select your food, and the microwave does the rest.
- Quiet Operation: The mute function lets you turn off the buzzer, so it won’t disturb anyone.
- Energy Saving: ECO Mode helps save power when the microwave is not in use.
- Easy to Clean: The interior is designed for simple cleaning.
- User-Friendly Controls: The large digital display and clear buttons make it easy to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Protective Film: The keypad comes with a protective film that needs to be removed before the first use, which might be an extra step for some users.
- Warranty Information: You need to keep the packaging for warranty claims and returns.
This Toshiba microwave offers a blend of convenience, smart features, and powerful performance. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable countertop microwave.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Midsize Microwave Masterpiece
Choosing the right midsize microwave can make your kitchen life so much easier. These appliances are perfect for families or anyone who needs a little more space than a compact model but doesn’t require a massive, full-sized unit. Let’s dive into what makes a midsize microwave a great buy.
Key Features to Look For
- Capacity: Midsize microwaves typically range from 0.9 to 1.5 cubic feet. Think about how much food you usually heat up. If you often cook or reheat larger dishes, a bigger capacity is better.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most midsize microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. More power cooks your food quicker and more evenly.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures your food cooks evenly. Most models have one, but check if it’s removable for easy cleaning.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with buttons for popcorn, baked potatoes, or defrosting. These can be super handy for quick meals.
- Smart Sensor Cooking: Some advanced models have sensors that detect humidity and adjust cooking time automatically. This takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- Convection Cooking: A few midsize microwaves offer convection features, which use a fan to circulate hot air. This allows you to bake and roast, not just reheat.
- Child Lock: If you have little ones, a child lock feature is a great safety addition.
Important Materials
Most microwave interiors are made of stainless steel or coated metal. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Coated interiors are also common and can be very resistant to stains and odors. The exterior is usually made of plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern but can show fingerprints.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great:
- Even Cooking: A good microwave heats food consistently without cold spots.
- Easy Controls: Simple buttons and a clear display make it easy to use.
- Durability: A well-built microwave will last for many years.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are much noisier than others.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Ideal:
- Uneven Heating: This is the most frustrating problem.
- Complicated Controls: Too many buttons or a confusing menu can be annoying.
- Cheaply Made Parts: A flimsy door or control panel can break easily.
- Excessive Noise: A loud microwave can be disruptive.
User Experience and Use Cases
A midsize microwave is perfect for a variety of tasks. You can reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, or even make popcorn. Families often use them for quick snacks or to help with meal preparation. They are great for small kitchens where space is limited but you still need more than a compact model. If you enjoy trying new recipes that require precise timing or different cooking methods, look for models with more advanced features. A good midsize microwave becomes a reliable kitchen helper, saving you time and effort every day.
Midsize Microwave FAQs
Q: What is the average capacity of a midsize microwave?
A: Midsize microwaves generally have a capacity between 0.9 and 1.5 cubic feet. This is a good amount of space for most everyday cooking and reheating needs.
Q: How important is wattage for a microwave?
A: Wattage is very important because it determines how fast and how evenly your food cooks. Higher wattage microwaves cook food more quickly and thoroughly.
Q: Should I look for a microwave with a turntable?
A: Yes, a turntable is highly recommended. It spins your food as it heats, which helps to cook it evenly on all sides.
Q: What are “preset cooking options” and are they useful?
A: Preset cooking options are buttons that are programmed for specific foods, like popcorn or potatoes. They are useful because they take the guesswork out of cooking times and power levels.
Q: What does “smart sensor cooking” do?
A: Smart sensor cooking uses sensors to detect the amount of moisture released from food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power to cook your food perfectly.
Q: Is convection cooking a common feature in midsize microwaves?
A: Convection cooking is available in some midsize microwaves, but it’s not a standard feature on all of them. It adds baking and roasting capabilities.
Q: What’s the difference between a stainless steel and a coated interior?
A: Stainless steel interiors are very durable and easy to wipe clean. Coated interiors can also be easy to clean and are often resistant to stains and odors.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave cooks evenly?
A: You can check reviews from other users. During use, you can also test by heating a plate of food and checking for hot and cold spots.
Q: Are midsize microwaves noisy?
A: The noise level can vary greatly between models. Reading user reviews can help you find a quieter option.
Q: What are some common use cases for a midsize microwave?
A: Common uses include reheating leftovers, cooking frozen meals, making popcorn, warming beverages, and even simple baking or roasting if it has convection features.
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!