Ever tried reheating leftovers in a microwave, only to find your plate barely fits? Or maybe you have a tiny kitchen and desperately need a microwave that won’t take over the whole counter? Choosing the right size microwave can be a real headache.
Microwaves come in many different sizes. Picking the wrong one can be frustrating. You might waste space or not be able to cook what you want. This is a common problem for anyone looking to buy a new appliance. It’s important to know the differences before you buy.
This blog post is here to help! We’ll break down everything you need to know about microwave sizes. You’ll learn how to measure your space, understand different capacity options, and find the perfect microwave for your needs. By the end, you’ll be able to choose a microwave that fits your kitchen and your lifestyle. Let’s dive in and make microwave shopping easy!
Our Top 5 Size Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Size Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.2/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a small, black microwave. It’s designed for easy use in your kitchen. It has many features to make cooking simple. You can make popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more with just a touch. This microwave also has special features like a mute button and an energy-saving mode.
What We Like:
- Easy to use one-touch buttons for cooking.
- You can turn off the beeping sound with the mute function.
- It has an ECO mode to save energy.
- Includes a child safety lock.
- Offers express cooking options for quick meals.
- Has a bright digital display and an interior light.
- Comes with a one-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot size might be too small for some families.
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB microwave is a convenient appliance. It’s great for anyone who wants a simple and efficient microwave.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.5/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and handy appliance. It’s great for quickly heating up food. This microwave has a stainless steel finish. It features pre-programmed buttons for popular items like popcorn and pizza. It is a good choice for small kitchens or dorm rooms. It is easy to use and has several helpful features.
What We Like:
- Pre-programmed buttons make cooking simple.
- The child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- The push-button door is easy to open.
- It has a clear LED digital display.
- The 10″ turntable ensures even heating.
- The stainless steel design looks nice.
- It offers 10 power settings.
- The kitchen timer is a useful feature.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for some users.
- Some users might want more power.
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a solid microwave. It is a good option for those who need a compact and easy-to-use appliance. This microwave is a great buy for its price point.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is a black, stylish appliance. It has a 1.2 cubic feet capacity and a 12.4-inch turntable. This microwave offers 1000W of power and comes with pre-programmed sensor menus. You can easily heat up popular foods like pizza and veggies. It has a mute function, an easy-to-read control panel, and an easy-to-clean interior. The microwave is designed to fit a 12-inch pizza.
What We Like:
- Pre-programmed sensor menus make cooking easy.
- The large interior fits a 12-inch pizza.
- The mute function is a great feature.
- The easy-to-read control panel is helpful.
- The 1000W power cooks food quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual is only available online.
- The protective film on the keypad needs to be removed.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a good choice for anyone who needs a new microwave. It has many useful features that make cooking simple.
4. TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven with 11 Power Levels
Rating: 8.6/10
The TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven is a compact kitchen appliance. It offers 700W of power and has a .7 Cu. Ft. capacity. This black microwave features 11 power levels and a ChefDefrost function. It also has useful features like 6 auto menus and a mute mode. This microwave is good for small spaces and easy cooking.
What We Like:
- Compact design fits well on countertops.
- ChefDefrost thaws food faster and better.
- Eleven power levels give you cooking control.
- Six auto menus make cooking common foods simple.
- Mute mode lets you turn off the beeping sound.
- Easy-to-use control panel.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some might find the interior size a little small.
In conclusion, the TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven is a useful appliance. It’s great for anyone needing a small, efficient microwave.
5. GE GCST07N1WSS Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The GE GCST07N1WSS microwave is a great appliance for smaller spaces. It is perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, or any kitchen with limited counter space. This 0.7 cu. ft. stainless steel microwave offers 700 watts of power and has six auto-cook settings. It also has a child-lock for safety.
What We Like:
- The child lock helps keep kids safe.
- Easy one-touch controls make cooking simple.
- The microwave is compact but still powerful.
- It is easy to set up and fits almost anywhere.
- The stainless steel and black glass design looks sleek.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may want a larger capacity.
This GE microwave is a solid choice if you need a small, efficient microwave. It’s a good option for anyone looking for convenience and safety in a compact design.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Sizing Up Your Microwave
Choosing a microwave can be tricky. You need one that fits your needs and your kitchen! This guide will help you find the perfect size microwave for your home.
Q: What are the main Key Features?
A: Look for these important features:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 700 watts.
- Capacity: This is the inside space, measured in cubic feet. It tells you how much food you can cook at once. Small microwaves are around 0.7 cubic feet. Large ones can be over 2 cubic feet.
- Pre-set Cooking Programs: Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, pizza, and other common foods.
- Turntable: This rotating plate helps food cook evenly.
- Control Panel: You’ll find buttons or a touch screen to set the cooking time and power level.
Q: What Important Materials are used in Microwaves?
A: Microwaves are made of different materials. Here are the most important:
<ul>
<li><b>Exterior:</b> This is often made of stainless steel, plastic, or a painted metal. Stainless steel is strong and looks nice. Plastic is lighter and cheaper.</li>
<li><b>Interior:</b> The inside is usually stainless steel or painted metal. These materials help to reflect the microwaves.</li>
<li><b>Door:</b> The door has a window made of glass. It's strong enough to withstand heat.</li>
<li><b>Turntable:</b> The turntable is made of glass.</li>
</ul>
How to Choose the Right Size Microwave
The right size microwave depends on your needs. Think about how you’ll use it.
Q: What factors improve or reduce quality?
A: Several things affect a microwave’s quality:
<ul>
<li><b>Build Quality:</b> A microwave made with strong materials will last longer.</li>
<li><b>Brand Reputation:</b> Some brands are known for making reliable appliances.</li>
<li><b>Features:</b> More features, like sensor cooking, can make cooking easier.</li>
<li><b>Power (Wattage):</b> A higher wattage microwave cooks food faster.</li>
<li><b>Reviews:</b> Read what other users say about the microwave before buying it.</li>
</ul>
Q: How to determine the right capacity?
A: Consider the following:
<ul>
<li><b>Small (0.7 - 1.0 cubic feet):</b> Good for singles, couples, or small kitchens. You can heat leftovers and cook small meals.</li>
<li><b>Medium (1.1 - 1.4 cubic feet):</b> Perfect for families. You can cook larger dishes and more food at once.</li>
<li><b>Large (1.5 - 2.0+ cubic feet):</b> Ideal for big families or those who cook a lot. You can cook large turkeys or casseroles.</li>
</ul>
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the microwave to use? Does it fit your lifestyle?
Q: What is user experience?
A: User experience means how easy the microwave is to use. This includes:
<ul>
<li><b>Ease of Use:</b> Are the buttons clear and easy to press? Is the control panel easy to understand?</li>
<li><b>Cooking Performance:</b> Does it cook food evenly?</li>
<li><b>Cleaning:</b> Is it easy to clean the inside and outside?</li>
</ul>
Q: What are some use cases?
A: Here’s how different people might use a microwave:
<ul>
<li><b>Students:</b> Often use microwaves to reheat leftovers, cook instant meals, and make popcorn. A small or medium-sized microwave is usually perfect.</li>
<li><b>Busy Professionals:</b> Often use microwaves for quick lunches and dinners. A medium-sized microwave with pre-set programs can be helpful.</li>
<li><b>Families:</b> Often use microwaves for cooking large meals and reheating food. A large microwave is best for families.</li>
<li><b>Seniors:</b> May use microwaves for easy cooking and heating meals. A microwave with large buttons and clear displays is helpful.</li>
</ul>
Q: How do I measure for a microwave?
A: Measure the space where you plan to put the microwave. Make sure you have enough room on the counter or in the cabinet. Consider the door swing, too. You need room for the door to open fully.
Q: What is the best way to clean a microwave?
A: You can clean the inside of the microwave by heating a bowl of water and vinegar. This helps loosen food splatters. Then, wipe the inside with a damp cloth. Clean the outside with a mild cleaner and a soft cloth.
Q: How much does a microwave typically cost?
A: Microwave prices vary. You can find small microwaves for under $100. Larger, more feature-rich models can cost several hundred dollars.
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!