Imagine this: you’re starving, and you need dinner *now*. You reach for your microwave, but it takes forever to heat up your food. Frustrating, right? That’s where a powerful microwave oven comes in handy. If you’re looking for one that cooks fast and efficiently, a 1200-watt model might be your answer. But with so many brands and features, picking the perfect one can feel like a puzzle.
Choosing a microwave oven can be tough. You want something that cooks your meals quickly without burning them. You also need to think about size, special features, and how much it costs. It’s a lot to consider! This post is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a 1200-watt microwave special and what you should look for.
By the end of this article, you’ll feel much more confident about finding a 1200-watt microwave oven that fits your kitchen and your needs. We’ll explore the benefits of this power level and guide you through the key features to consider. Get ready to learn how to get your meals ready in a flash!
Our Top 5 1200 Watt Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 1200 Watt Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven, a powerful and smart kitchen helper. This 1200-watt microwave boasts a large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for family meals. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This microwave makes cooking easier with its smart sensor and handy features.
What We Like:
- The smart sensor menus take the guesswork out of heating common foods like pizza and vegetables, ensuring better textures.
- Its large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and 13.6-inch turntable can fit a 13-inch pizza, making it great for families.
- The innovative position memory turntable brings your food back to the starting point, offering more convenience and safety.
- It includes useful features like auto defrost, fast cooking, a memory function, and a child safety lock.
- You can easily turn off the microwave’s buzzer by pressing the “8” button for a few seconds, which is great for quiet kitchens.
- The stylish black stainless steel design adds a modern touch to your countertop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The keypad has a protective film that needs to be removed before the first use, which is a small extra step.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering smart technology and user-friendly features for everyday cooking needs.
2. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 9.4/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave that brings convenience and power to your kitchen. Its spacious 2.2 cubic foot capacity and 1200 watts of cooking power easily handle big meals and family-sized portions. This microwave is designed to make cooking and reheating simple with smart features that take the guesswork out of meal prep.
What We Like:
- Its huge 2.2 cu. ft. size fits large items like a whole chicken or a 16-inch pizza.
- The smart humidity sensor cooks food evenly and keeps it moist.
- Six handy auto-menus are great for everyday cooking needs, like reheating rolls or cooking oatmeal.
- Auto-defrost works well for meat, poultry, and fish, giving you great results.
- It’s easy to use with features like one-pound defrost, an energy-saving ECO mode, and a mute option for quiet operation.
- The position memory turntable ensures your food is always in the right spot for even heating.
- It includes useful extras like a child safety lock, an interior light, and a clock.
What Could Be Improved:
- While large, its size might be too big for very small kitchens.
- Some users might find the initial setup of the smart features a little complex.
This Toshiba microwave is a powerful and user-friendly appliance that simplifies your cooking. It’s a fantastic addition for anyone needing a large, capable microwave.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
Rating: 8.6/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven is a stylish and powerful addition to any kitchen. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on your counter. This microwave uses smart inverter technology for even cooking and defrosting, making your meals taste better. It’s also large enough to handle big meals with its 1.6 cubic feet of space.
What We Like:
- The Inverter Technology cooks food evenly and quickly.
- Smart Sensor Auto Menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods.
- The Quick Start button makes it easy to heat things up fast.
- A Two-Step Child Lock keeps little hands safe.
- You can turn off the annoying buzzer sound.
- The large 1.6 cu.ft. capacity fits big dishes.
- It has a powerful 1250-watt output for fast cooking.
- The removable 13.6-inch turntable is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction for the child lock could be clearer.
- It’s a bit on the larger side, so measure your counter space.
This Toshiba microwave offers a great combination of smart features and powerful performance. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for convenience and delicious results.
4. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven brings smart cooking and convenience to your kitchen. With its 1.2 cubic feet of space and 1000 watts of power, it handles everyday meals with ease. Its sleek black design fits nicely on any countertop.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically figures out the best time and power for your food, so you get perfectly cooked meals without burning or undercooking.
- It offers 12 auto menus, including popular items like pizza and vegetables, making meal prep super simple. Just pick your food, and let the microwave do the rest.
- You get 10 different power levels, which means you can cook or heat up anything from delicate items to boiling water precisely.
- Defrosting is a breeze, whether you choose to defrost by weight or by time. Plus, the one-touch start lets you quickly cook for 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
- The Mute Function is a lifesaver. You can turn off the buzzer sound by holding down the “8” button for a few seconds. No more annoying beeps!
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use, which is good for your wallet and the planet.
- Cleaning is easy thanks to the smooth interior.
- The large 12.4-inch removable glass turntable fits bigger dishes and is simple to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, some users might wish for even more specialized options.
- The external dimensions, while not huge, might be a bit large for very tiny kitchens.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart and user-friendly appliance that makes cooking faster and easier. It’s a great addition for anyone looking for convenience in the kitchen.
5. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor
Rating: 9.1/10
The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a sleek, stainless steel appliance that brings powerful cooking to your kitchen. It’s a countertop or built-in model, offering flexibility for any space. This microwave is designed for easy use and consistent results, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 1200-watt power and 1.2 cubic foot capacity cook food quickly and evenly.
- Inverter Technology ensures food is cooked without overcooking, keeping flavors delicious.
- Turbo Defrost makes thawing frozen foods much faster.
- The Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking power and time for different foods.
- It has 14 preset menu items, making cooking specific dishes simple.
- The Keep Warm feature is handy for holding food at the perfect temperature.
- Its compact design fits well on countertops without taking up too much space.
- The 13.4-inch turntable is generous enough for most dishes.
- A child safety lock provides peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger interior capacity for very big dishes.
- The operating frequency of 2,450 MHz is standard but not unique.
This Panasonic microwave offers advanced features and powerful performance. It’s a reliable choice for anyone looking for a modern and efficient cooking companion.
The 1200 Watt Microwave Oven: Your Kitchen Powerhouse
Are you looking for a microwave that heats food fast and cooks evenly? A 1200-watt microwave oven is a great choice. These powerful appliances can handle all your cooking needs, from reheating leftovers to defrosting frozen meals and even cooking full dishes.
Key Features to Look For
1. Wattage: The Powerhouse
The wattage tells you how much power the microwave uses. A 1200-watt microwave is stronger than most home microwaves, which are often around 700-1000 watts. This means it cooks food much faster and more evenly. You’ll spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your meals.
2. Capacity: How Much Fits Inside?
Microwave ovens come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. If you cook for a big family or like to prepare large meals, a larger capacity microwave is better. Smaller microwaves are good for singles or couples.
3. Cooking Presets and Functions: Smart Cooking
Many 1200-watt microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. They also have defrost settings that figure out the best time and power level. Some even have convection cooking, which means they can bake and roast like a regular oven.
4. Turntable: Even Cooking
A turntable is a rotating plate inside the microwave. It spins your food around so it cooks evenly on all sides. This is a very important feature for consistent results.
Important Materials
Most microwave ovens are made with stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel is strong and looks nice. It’s also easy to clean. Plastic microwaves are usually less expensive. The inside of the microwave is often ceramic or enamel. These materials are easy to wipe clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great:
- Solid Construction: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should close tightly.
- Easy Controls: Buttons and displays should be clear and simple to use.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are louder than others. A quieter one is better for your kitchen.
- Consistent Heating: The best microwaves heat food all the way through without cold spots.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Good:
- Cheap Materials: Thin plastic or flimsy parts can break easily.
- Confusing Controls: Too many buttons or a complicated menu can be frustrating.
- Uneven Cooking: If your food is always cold in the middle and hot on the outside, the microwave isn’t working well.
- Short Lifespan: A microwave that breaks down after only a year or two is a waste of money.
User Experience and Use Cases
A 1200-watt microwave oven makes everyday kitchen tasks much easier. Busy parents can quickly heat up snacks for their kids. Students can defrost frozen dinners in minutes. Anyone who wants to save time in the kitchen will love the speed and power of a 1200-watt model.
Think about your daily routine. Do you often reheat coffee or tea? A 1200-watt microwave will do it in seconds. Do you like to cook from scratch but need to speed up the process? This microwave can help. It’s also great for defrosting meat quickly before cooking. With its power, you can even try cooking simple meals like baked potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of a 1200-watt microwave?
A: The main benefit is that it heats and cooks food much faster than lower-wattage microwaves.
Q: Are 1200-watt microwaves more expensive?
A: Sometimes they can be a bit more expensive, but the faster cooking time can save you time and energy in the long run.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a 1200-watt microwave?
A: Yes, many 1200-watt microwaves have special settings that allow you to cook various meals, especially if they have convection features.
Q: How do I clean a 1200-watt microwave?
A: You can usually clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Make sure to unplug it first.
Q: Is a 1200-watt microwave safe to use?
A: Yes, all microwave ovens sold today are designed to be safe when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: What does “convection cooking” mean in a microwave?
A: Convection cooking means the microwave also has a fan and heating element that circulates hot air, allowing it to bake and roast like a regular oven.
Q: How long does a 1200-watt microwave typically last?
A: With proper care, a good quality 1200-watt microwave can last for many years, often 7-10 years or more.
Q: Do I need special dishes for a 1200-watt microwave?
A: You should use microwave-safe dishes. Avoid metal or dishes with metallic trim, as these can cause sparks.
Q: What is the difference between a 1000-watt and a 1200-watt microwave?
A: A 1200-watt microwave will cook food about 15-20% faster than a 1000-watt microwave.
Q: Where should I place my 1200-watt microwave?
A: Place it on a stable, flat surface with enough ventilation around it. Never cover the vents.
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.