Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, a steaming cup of tea, or a speedy reheat after a long day. You reach for your microwave, but it feels… just a little too small for that dinner plate, or maybe it takes up way too much counter space. Sound familiar? For many of us, finding that perfect middle ground in a microwave oven can be a surprisingly tricky quest.
The truth is, the world of microwaves offers a huge range of sizes. Too small, and you’re playing Tetris with your food. Too big, and it eats up precious kitchen real estate. Navigating the “midsize” category, where convenience meets practicality, can leave you scratching your head. You want features, but you don’t want to feel overwhelmed. You want power, but you also want it to fit seamlessly into your kitchen.
That’s exactly why we’re diving deep into the wonderful world of midsize microwave ovens. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer picture of what makes a midsize microwave a great choice. We’ll break down what to look for, explore popular features, and help you find the perfect appliance that fits your needs and your kitchen. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave indecision!
Our Top 5 Midsize Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Midsize Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave. This 1.2 cubic foot microwave is a powerful kitchen helper. It cooks food quickly with its 1000-watt output. Its sleek black design looks great on any counter. This microwave makes reheating leftovers and cooking meals a breeze.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor cooks food perfectly. It won’t overcook or undercook your meals.
- It has 6 preset cooking menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- You get 10 different power levels for flexible cooking.
- Defrosting is easy by weight or time.
- The One-Touch Start gets you cooking fast.
- A Mute Mode lets you turn off the annoying buzzer.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy.
- Cleaning is simple thanks to the Easy Clean Interior.
- The 12.4-inch glass turntable fits large dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer more preset menus for less common foods.
- The external dimensions are a bit large, so measure your counter space.
This Toshiba microwave offers smart features and convenience for busy kitchens. It’s a reliable appliance that makes cooking easier.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact microwave oven that packs a punch for its size. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, especially in smaller apartments. This microwave is designed for convenience with features like auto menus and a mute function, making your cooking experience smoother and quieter.
What We Like:
- The 900-watt cooking power heats food quickly and efficiently.
- Six handy preset menus take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn and potatoes.
- The mute function is a lifesaver for those who prefer a quiet kitchen.
- The child lock feature provides peace of mind for families with young children.
- It has 11 different power levels, giving you lots of control over how you cook.
- The LED interior light lets you easily see your food while it’s cooking.
- The 10.6-inch removable turntable is large enough for most standard dishes and easy to clean.
- Defrosting is simple, whether you use weight or time.
- The one-touch start button makes quick heating a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions, while compact, might still feel a bit large for extremely tiny kitchens.
- The child lock requires a specific sequence to open, which might be a little tricky to remember at first.
Overall, this TOSHIBA microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance in a smaller space. Its thoughtful design and user-friendly options make it a winner.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen helper. This compact 0.7 cubic foot microwave packs 700 watts of power, making it great for quick meals and snacks. Its sleek black design fits right into any kitchen décor.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six handy presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies get your food ready fast. Just press a button!
- Flexible Power: Ten power levels let you melt butter gently or cook food quickly.
- Simple Digital Controls: Easy to set time and power. The +30 seconds button adds extra cooking time with one touch.
- Memory Function: Save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts.
- Safety First: A child safety lock keeps the door shut. You can also lock the control panel.
- Mute Option: Turn off annoying beeps with the mute button. Perfect for quiet mornings or late nights.
- Modern Design: The compact size and black finish look good in any kitchen. Eco Mode saves energy and dims the display.
- Easy to Clean: The exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Trusted Quality: cETL approved with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot size might be too small for larger families or big dishes.
- While powerful for its size, it may not heat as quickly as larger, higher-wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for small spaces and everyday needs. It’s simple to use and offers helpful features for busy cooks.
4. BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven offers a convenient and efficient way to prepare your favorite meals. With its 0.9 cubic feet capacity and 900 watts of power, it’s a great addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or office.
What We Like:
- It has 6 pre-programmed auto menus for easy cooking of common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- You can choose from 10 adjustable power settings for precise cooking.
- The one-touch start feature makes it super simple to begin cooking or reheating.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The memory function lets you save your favorite settings for quick access.
- It’s a good size, fitting a 10-inch pizza, but doesn’t take up too much counter space.
- The digital panel is easy to read and use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The child lock requires a two-step process to activate and deactivate, which might be a little cumbersome for some users.
- While it fits a 10-inch pizza, some larger dinner plates might be a tight squeeze on the turntable.
This microwave is a user-friendly appliance that simplifies your cooking routine. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use countertop microwave.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 is a spacious 1.4 cubic foot microwave oven that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. With 1000 watts of power, it cooks food quickly and evenly.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes. This makes cooking simple.
- The 1000 watts of power and 10 different power settings give you a lot of control over your cooking.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for quick reheating.
- The large LED display and easy-to-read control panel are very user-friendly.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable 12.4-inch glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door opens easily.
- It has a good amount of interior space for larger dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior enclosure is black, which might show fingerprints more easily than a full stainless steel design.
- While the dimensions are large, it’s good to double-check if it fits your specific counter space.
This microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and power for all your cooking needs.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Midsize Microwave Oven
Picking the right midsize microwave oven makes cooking easier. This guide will help you choose one that fits your needs. We’ll cover important features, materials, quality factors, and how you’ll use it.
1. Key Features to Look For
Size and Capacity
Midsize microwaves are great for families or people who cook a lot. They usually hold between 1.0 and 1.6 cubic feet. This is enough space for a medium-sized dinner plate or a small casserole dish. Make sure the microwave’s outside dimensions will fit in your kitchen space. Also, check the inside dimensions. You want to fit your favorite dishes easily.
Power (Wattage)
Microwave ovens use wattage to heat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most midsize microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. For everyday tasks like reheating leftovers or making popcorn, 900 watts is good. If you plan to cook more often or need to defrost quickly, aim for 1000 watts or higher. This saves you time.
Cooking Presets and Functions
Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods. These include popcorn, baked potato, pizza, and beverage. They set the time and power level for you. Some also have defrost options. You can choose defrost by weight or by time. Sensor cooking is another great feature. It senses the moisture in your food and adjusts cooking time automatically. This prevents overcooking.
Turntable Size
A good turntable makes sure food heats evenly. Midsize microwaves usually have turntables that are 12 to 14 inches wide. A larger turntable means you can fit bigger dishes. Make sure it spins smoothly. Some turntables are removable for easy cleaning.
Ease of Use
Look for a microwave with simple controls. Buttons should be easy to understand. A clear digital display helps you see the time and settings. A door that opens easily is also important. Child lock features add safety, especially if you have little ones. A quiet operation is a bonus.
2. Important Materials
Exterior and Interior Casing
Most microwaves have a stainless steel or painted metal exterior. Stainless steel looks modern and is easy to clean. Painted metal can be more affordable. The interior is usually made of painted metal or ceramic enamel. Ceramic enamel is very durable and scratch-resistant. It’s also easy to wipe clean.
Door and Window
The door is typically made of glass. The window lets you see your food cooking. It should be strong and safe. The handle should be comfortable to grip.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built microwave feels sturdy. It doesn’t wobble when you open or close the door. The buttons should feel responsive. High-quality components lead to a longer-lasting appliance.
Even Cooking Performance
The best microwaves cook food evenly. This means no cold spots or overcooked edges. Good microwaves distribute heat well. This is often due to the magnetron (the part that makes microwaves) and the turntable design.
Noise Level
Some microwaves are louder than others. A quieter microwave is better, especially if your kitchen is near living areas. Check reviews for information about noise.
Energy Efficiency
While most microwaves use a fair amount of energy, some are more efficient than others. Look for Energy Star ratings if this is important to you.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Everyday Reheating
For busy families, a midsize microwave is perfect for reheating meals quickly. You can warm up leftovers from dinner or last night’s lunch. The presets make it simple.
Quick Meal Preparation
Need to cook a frozen meal or heat up soup? A midsize microwave does this in minutes. You can also use it to steam vegetables or cook rice. It’s a convenient tool for simple cooking tasks.
Defrosting
When you forget to take meat out of the freezer, the defrost function is a lifesaver. Midsize microwaves with weight or time defrost make this process easy and quick.
Snack Making
Popcorn, baked potatoes, or reheating pizza slices are common snacks. A midsize microwave handles these with ease. The popcorn button is a favorite for many.
Small Kitchens
Even if you don’t have a huge kitchen, a midsize microwave can fit. It offers more space than a compact model but doesn’t take up too much counter space. It’s a good balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a midsize microwave?
A: A good wattage range for a midsize microwave is 900 to 1200 watts. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
Q: How big is a midsize microwave?
A: Midsize microwaves usually have an interior capacity between 1.0 and 1.6 cubic feet. They are larger than compact models but smaller than over-the-range ones.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for a microwave?
A: Yes, stainless steel exteriors look nice and are easy to clean. The interior is often made of painted metal or ceramic enamel, which is also durable.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture in food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power to cook your food perfectly.
Q: How do I know if a microwave will cook evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even cooking. A good turntable and a strong magnetron help with even heating.
Q: Are midsize microwaves noisy?
A: Some can be. It’s a good idea to check product reviews to see what other users say about the noise level.
Q: What is a good turntable size for a midsize microwave?
A: A turntable size of 12 to 14 inches is common for midsize microwaves. This allows you to fit larger dishes.
Q: Should I look for a microwave with presets?
A: Presets can be very convenient. They help you cook common foods like popcorn or potatoes easily by setting the right time and power for you.
Q: Can a midsize microwave fit in a small kitchen?
A: Yes, midsize microwaves offer a good balance. They provide more cooking space than compact models without taking up too much counter space.
Q: How important is the door handle?
A: The door handle should be comfortable to grip and easy to use. It should also feel sturdy when you open and close the door.
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!