Is your kitchen feeling a little cramped, but you still crave the convenience of a microwave? You’re not alone! Many people find themselves caught between the tiny microwaves that barely fit a dinner plate and the giant ones that take up half the counter. Finding that sweet spot, the perfect midsize microwave oven, can feel like a treasure hunt with too many false leads.
The problem is, “midsize” isn’t always clearly defined, and what works for one kitchen might be too big or too small for another. You want a microwave that heats your leftovers quickly, defrosts your chicken without cooking it, and maybe even has a few handy presets, all without making your countertops feel cluttered. It’s a balancing act, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the different features and sizes available.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to make that decision a whole lot easier. We’ll break down what makes a midsize microwave oven great, what to look for, and how to pick the one that will fit perfectly into your life and your kitchen. Get ready to discover your new favorite kitchen helper!
Our Top 5 Midsize Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Midsize Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven, a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot stainless steel microwave is designed for everyday use, offering a user-friendly experience with its digital display and simple controls. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, while its 700 watts of power efficiently heats and cooks your favorite meals.
What We Like:
- It has easy-to-use pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking feature is super convenient for quick reheating.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The interior light helps you see your food clearly while it cooks.
- The removable glass turntable makes cleaning a breeze.
- The push-button door is simple to open.
- It looks sleek with its stainless steel finish.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook some foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is on the smaller side, so it might not fit larger dishes.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-operate appliance for their daily cooking needs.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a powerful and smart microwave that makes cooking and reheating food a breeze. With its large 1.2 cubic feet capacity, it easily fits a 12-inch pizza, making it great for family meals. Its sleek black design looks good in any kitchen. This microwave uses a smart humidity sensor to cook your food just right, and it has 12 pre-programmed menus for common items like veggies and potatoes. Plus, it has a quiet mode so you won’t be bothered by loud beeps.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000W cooking power for fast heating.
- Smart humidity sensor ensures food is cooked perfectly every time.
- Generous 1.2 cubic feet capacity fits large dishes like a 12-inch pizza.
- 12 auto menus offer convenient cooking for popular foods.
- Mute function allows for quiet operation by long-pressing the “8” button.
- ECO mode helps save energy.
- Easy-to-read digital display and simple control panel.
- The interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel has a protective film that needs to be removed before first use, which might confuse some users.
- A physical user manual is not included, and users must refer to a PDF manual.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich appliance. Its smart cooking technology and user-friendly design make it a great addition to any kitchen.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact microwave oven that fits perfectly in small kitchens or apartments. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave makes cooking and reheating food simple with its useful features.
What We Like:
- It has a two-step child lock to keep little hands safe.
- You can choose from 6 different auto menus for easy cooking of popular foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- It offers 11 power levels, giving you control for different cooking needs.
- The mute mode lets you turn off the beeping sound, so it won’t disturb others.
- Defrosting is easy with options for weight or time.
- The one-touch start feature cooks food for up to 6 minutes at full power with a single press.
- It includes a 10.6-inch removable glass turntable for easy cleaning.
- Bright LED lighting illuminates the inside of the microwave.
What Could Be Improved:
- The input power of 1400 watts is higher than the output power of 900 watts, which might affect energy efficiency for some users.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a practical and stylish addition to any home. It offers a great balance of features and convenience for everyday use.
4. Emerson MW7601SL Compact Countertop Microwave Oven with Sleek Mirrored Finish Door 10 Power Levels
Rating: 8.5/10
The Emerson MW7601SL is a compact countertop microwave that brings style and convenience to your kitchen. Its sleek mirrored finish door and silver exterior give it a modern look. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave is ideal for smaller kitchens or for anyone who wants a reliable appliance without taking up too much space.
What We Like:
- It offers 10 different power levels, so you can cook or reheat food just right.
- Six pre-programmed auto menus make meal prep simple. Just pick a setting, and the microwave does the work.
- The stylish reflective glass door looks great and is easy to wipe clean.
- Defrosting is a breeze with both time and weight defrost options.
- A clear LED display and digital clock let you easily see cooking times and monitor your food.
- The child safe lock feature adds an extra layer of security.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, the 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger dishes or families.
- The mirrored door, while stylish, can show fingerprints and smudges, requiring frequent cleaning.
Overall, the Emerson MW7601SL is a solid choice for those seeking a good-looking and functional microwave for everyday use.
5. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 8.8/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s big enough for family meals and powerful enough to cook your food quickly and evenly. This microwave looks great with its stainless steel finish and modern gray interior. Plus, the new LED lighting makes it easy to see what’s inside.
What We Like:
- The 1.4 cubic feet capacity is great for families.
- 1100 watts of power means fast cooking.
- The new gray interior and LED lighting look very modern.
- Inverter Cooking Technology helps food cook evenly.
- The large 12.4-inch turntable fits big dishes.
- Sensor Cook and Auto Cook features make cooking simple.
- The “+30 seconds” key is super convenient for quick heating.
- It has a Melt/Soften function for delicate foods.
- Express Cook lets you cook for up to 6 minutes with one button.
What Could Be Improved:
- The stainless steel finish can show fingerprints easily.
- Some users might find the touch panel a bit sensitive at first.
This SHARP microwave is a reliable and feature-rich appliance that will make cooking and reheating a breeze. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for convenience and performance.
Choosing Your Perfect Midsize Microwave Oven
A midsize microwave oven is a great choice for many kitchens. It’s not too small to handle family meals, and it’s not too big to take up all your counter space. This guide will help you find the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a midsize microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for microwaves with 900 to 1200 watts. This range is good for most cooking and reheating tasks.
- Capacity: Midsize microwaves usually have a capacity between 1.0 and 2.0 cubic feet. Think about how much food you usually cook. If you often heat up large dishes or cook for more than two people, aim for a larger capacity.
- Turntable: A turntable helps food cook evenly. Most midsize microwaves have one. Make sure it’s easy to clean.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or vegetables. These can make cooking simpler and more convenient.
- Sensor Cooking: This smart feature senses the steam from your food and adjusts cooking time and power automatically. It helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Child Lock: If you have kids, a child lock feature is important. It keeps the microwave from being turned on by accident.
- Interior Light: A light inside lets you see your food as it cooks.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Interior: Most microwaves have stainless steel or ceramic interiors. Stainless steel is strong and looks nice. Ceramic is very easy to clean and scratch-resistant.
- Exterior: The outside is usually made of stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel is durable and resists fingerprints. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it less ideal.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should feel responsive.
- Ease of Use: The control panel should be easy to understand. Simple buttons and clear labels help a lot.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. Reading reviews can help you find quieter models.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. You can test this by microwaving a plate of cookies or marshmallows. They should all be cooked the same.
- Durability: A good microwave lasts for many years. Look for brands with good reputations for making reliable appliances.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your microwave most often.
- Quick Reheating: For busy families, a microwave is perfect for reheating leftovers quickly.
- Snack Preparation: Making popcorn or heating up frozen snacks is easy with a microwave.
- Simple Cooking: You can cook simple meals like baked potatoes or steamed vegetables.
- Defrosting: Microwaves are great for defrosting frozen meats or other foods quickly.
- Countertop Space: Midsize microwaves fit well on most countertops without being too bulky.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a midsize microwave?
A: For most tasks, a wattage between 900 and 1200 watts is ideal. This provides good power for fast and even cooking.
Q: How much capacity do I need in a midsize microwave?
A: Midsize microwaves range from 1.0 to 2.0 cubic feet. Choose a larger capacity if you cook for multiple people or heat large dishes.
Q: Is a turntable important?
A: Yes, a turntable helps food cook more evenly by rotating it during the cooking cycle.
Q: What are cooking presets?
A: Cooking presets are buttons that automatically set the time and power for specific foods like popcorn or pizza.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to detect when food is cooked and automatically adjusts the cooking time and power.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than ceramic?
A: Both are good. Stainless steel is durable and looks sleek. Ceramic is very easy to clean and resistant to scratches.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave cooks evenly?
A: You can test by microwaving a plate of food. If all parts of the food are cooked the same, it cooks evenly.
Q: Should I worry about noise?
A: Some microwaves are louder than others. Reading reviews can help you find quieter models.
Q: What is a child lock feature?
A: A child lock prevents the microwave from being turned on accidentally by children.
Q: How long should a midsize microwave last?
A: With good care, a quality midsize microwave can last for many years, often 5 to 10 years or more.
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!