Tired of microwaves that are either too tiny for your leftovers or too huge for your limited counter space? Many people face this kitchen conundrum. Finding the perfect balance in a microwave can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Standard microwaves often leave you wanting more space, while full-sized models gobble up precious kitchen real estate.
That’s where the midsize microwave swoops in to save the day! These appliances offer that sweet spot between capacity and footprint. But even within this category, the choices can overwhelm you. Do you need convection? How many watts are enough? We know the struggle of comparing features and prices.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a midsize microwave a fantastic addition to your kitchen. You will learn the key features to look for, understand wattage, and discover which models fit your lifestyle best. Get ready to find your perfect countertop companion!
Top Midsize Microwave Ovens Recommendations
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 14.6 x 11.8 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.
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, please open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7*13.3*10.7 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.
- 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.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally. Just pull upwards on the top edge of the handle to open the microwave.
- MUTE OPTION: Silence this counter top microwave with the Audio Button, turning off any annoying beeps if you’re trying to stay quiet or not wake up your kids.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 14.6 x 11.8 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, veggie, 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.
- 6 Preset Menus: Equipped with one-touch programs for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and dinner plate reheat, this countertop microwave oven simplifies your meal prep.
- Compact 0.9 Cu Ft Capacity: Measuring 18.6 x13.6 x 10.7 inches (LxWxH), this space-saving small microwave fits apartments, dorms, small kitchen spaces, and offices while still accommodating standard dinner plates for your everyday reheating needs.
- Express Cooking Feature: Start heating instantly with shortcut buttons, combined with 900 watts and 10 cooking power levels for fast reheating, reducing wait time for hot meals during lunch breaks or late-night snacks.
- Modern Black Finish: The sleek exterior design complements contemporary kitchen décor while the fingerprint-resistant surface maintains a clean appearance, suitable for apartments, condos, and modern homes.
- Child Safety Lock: Hold the cancel button for 5 seconds to activate the control panel lock, preventing curious toddlers from accidentally starting the unit.
- Balanced capacity. Powerful performance: With a versatile 1.0 cu. ft. capacity and 1,050 Watts of cooking power, this microwave delivers fast, even results for family favorites and everyday meals. Measures: 15.62" D x 20.83" W x 12" H
- Trusted GE Performance: From quick breakfasts to late-night snacks, this GE countertop microwave delivers the reliable performance, user-friendly controls, and everyday convenience that have made GE a trusted name in kitchens for generations
- Simple One-Touch Controls: One-touch express cooking settings and 6 convenience cook settings provide easy operation for busy lifestyles, while the digital display and electronic keypad provide precise control of cook time and power settings
- Defrost Function: Manual and auto defrost modes adjust time and power levels to thaw frozen foods evenly while helping prevent overcooked edges
- Clearance and Airflow Requirements: Our GE microwave is designed for countertop use. Allow 3 inches of clearance on each side and above, 1 inch at the rear, and keep the bottom fully unobstructed for proper airflow and best performance
- Full-sized 0.9 cu. ft. capacity, 900 watts, Stainless
- New! Cooking platform and stylish design; New! Gray Interior; New! White LED Display; New! LED Interior Lighting
- 10.6" 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, 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
The Midsize Microwave Buying Guide: Finding Your Kitchen’s Sweet Spot
Microwaves come in all shapes and sizes. Small ones are okay for heating soup. Large ones take up too much counter space. Midsize microwaves hit the sweet spot. They offer enough power and space for most families without hogging your kitchen. This guide helps you pick the best one for you.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a midsize microwave (usually 0.9 to 1.2 cubic feet), check these important features:
- Wattage (Power): Look for 900 to 1100 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. A 1000-watt model handles defrosting and reheating well.
- Inverter Technology: This feature cooks food more evenly. Regular microwaves blast full power, then stop. Inverters use lower, consistent power. This stops edges from burning while the middle stays cold.
- Turntable Size: Ensure the turntable fits your dinner plates. Most midsize models handle 10- to 12-inch plates easily.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a lifesaver. Sensors detect steam coming from your food. The microwave adjusts the time automatically. You avoid overcooked meals.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials inside and outside matter for how long your microwave lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Interior: Stainless steel interiors are the best. They resist stains and are easy to wipe down. Some cheaper models use painted metal. This paint can chip over time, which is not great.
Exterior: Most exteriors are plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks nicer and resists fingerprints better on some models. Check that the door latch feels sturdy. A flimsy door latch reduces quality quickly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality means better performance and longer life. Poor quality means frustration.
- Improved Quality: Look for responsive, tactile buttons instead of flat touchpads that are hard to clean. Quiet operation is another sign of good engineering. Check reviews for noise levels.
- Reduced Quality: Watch out for models with very thin casing walls. These can vibrate loudly when running. Also, very long cooking times for simple tasks suggest low wattage or poor design.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the microwave affects your choice. A midsize unit works great in several settings.
Apartment Living and Small Families
If you live in a smaller apartment, a midsize microwave gives you enough room to heat up frozen dinners or cook a small batch of vegetables. You save valuable counter space compared to a 1.6 cubic foot monster.
Defrosting
Defrosting meat can be tricky. Models with good inverter technology excel here. They thaw frozen chicken without cooking the edges first. This saves you time prepping dinner.
Ease of Cleaning
Nobody likes scrubbing dried-on spaghetti sauce. Choose a model where the turntable can be easily removed and washed in the sink. A smooth interior surface also speeds up cleaning time significantly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Midsize Microwaves
Q: What is the typical size range for a midsize microwave?
A: Midsize microwaves usually range from 0.9 to 1.2 cubic feet in capacity. They fit nicely under cabinets.
Q: Is 1000 watts enough power for a midsize unit?
A: Yes, 1000 watts is excellent for this size. It heats food quickly and efficiently for most daily tasks.
Q: Should I choose a model with a convection feature?
A: Convection allows baking and roasting. If you want a true oven replacement, yes. If you only reheat and defrost, it is an extra feature you might not need.
Q: How does sensor cooking work?
A: The microwave uses a humidity sensor. It detects steam released by the food as it heats. It then automatically sets the correct cooking time.
Q: Are midsize microwaves difficult to install?
A: Most countertop models simply sit on the counter. Over-the-range models require mounting hardware and possibly electrical work.
Q: What is the benefit of an inverter microwave?
A: Inverter technology delivers continuous, consistent power. This cooks food more evenly than traditional microwaves that cycle on and off at full power.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a stainless steel microwave?
A: Wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. For stubborn spots, a paste of baking soda and water works well.
Q: Are digital controls better than dial controls?
A: Digital controls offer precise time settings. Dials can sometimes be faster for quick adjustments but might not be as accurate.
Q: Do midsize microwaves take up too much counter space?
A: They take up less space than large models. Always measure your counter depth before buying to ensure clearance for the door to open.
Q: What should I look for if I want a quiet microwave?
A: Look for models advertised with low operational noise or check user reviews specifically mentioning how loud the fan is during use.
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!