Is your kitchen feeling a little cramped, but you still need a microwave that can handle more than just a single cup of ramen? You’re not alone! Many people find themselves in a microwave middle ground, needing something bigger than a mini but smaller than a family-sized behemoth. The hunt for the perfect medium-sized microwave can be surprisingly tricky. You want enough space for leftovers or a decent-sized plate, but not so much that it eats up your precious counter space.
It’s a balancing act, isn’t it? You don’t want to end up with a microwave that’s too small to be useful, or one that feels like it dominates your entire kitchen. This is where the medium-sized microwave shines, offering that sweet spot of functionality and space-saving design. But with so many brands and features out there, how do you pick the one that’s just right for your needs and your kitchen?
Stick around, because we’re about to break down exactly what makes a medium-sized microwave a great choice. We’ll explore what to look for, the common pitfalls to avoid, and how to find a model that will make your kitchen life a whole lot easier. Get ready to discover your perfect microwave companion!
Our Top 5 Medium Sized Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Medium Sized Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave, a 1.2 cubic foot powerhouse in sleek silver that will upgrade your kitchen. This microwave is designed for busy families and anyone who wants quick, delicious meals. Its smart sensor technology takes the guesswork out of cooking, making sure your food is perfectly heated every time. Plus, with its easy-to-clean interior and user-friendly features, meal prep becomes a breeze.
What We Like:
- Smart Sensor Technology automatically adjusts cooking for perfect results, preventing over or undercooking.
- 1000 watts of power heats food quickly and efficiently.
- The 12.4-inch removable glass turntable fits larger dishes and is easy to clean.
- Six preset menus and 10 power levels offer great cooking flexibility for different foods.
- One-touch start and easy defrost options make cooking simple and fast.
- The Mute Function and ECO Mode add convenience and energy savings.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus listed in the title, the features only mention 6 preset menus. This could be confusing for shoppers.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves, meaning it uses more electricity when running.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers a blend of smart technology and practical features that make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. It simplifies cooking and delivers consistent results, making it a smart choice for everyday use.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.9/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact yet powerful kitchen helper. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power make it great for quick meals and snacks. This microwave offers 10 power levels and six handy cooking presets to simplify your cooking.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six one-touch presets (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers) make cooking super fast. You can also just press the number keys for minutes of cooking.
- Low to High Power: Ten power levels give you control. Melt butter or cook food rapidly with the 700-watt power.
- Digital Controls: It’s easy to set the time and power level. The +30 seconds button adds extra cooking time when you need it.
- Memory Function: Save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access. This makes your daily microwaving even simpler.
- Safety First: A child safety lock on the handle prevents accidental openings. You can also lock the control panel to keep little hands out.
- Mute Option: Turn off the beeps with the Audio Button. This is perfect for quiet mornings or when kids are sleeping.
- Modern Design: The sleek black finish looks good in any kitchen. Its small size saves counter space. Eco Mode helps save energy and turns off the display.
- Easy to Clean: The exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is dishwasher safe for simple cleanup.
- Trusted Quality: This microwave is cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be small for very large dishes.
- While powerful for its size, some users might prefer a higher wattage for faster cooking.
This Chefman microwave is a smart choice for small kitchens or anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. It offers great features for its size and price.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and smart kitchen helper. With 1000 watts of cooking power, it heats your food quickly. This microwave has a good amount of space inside, fitting a 12.4-inch plate. Its smart sensor technology makes sure your food is cooked just right every time. You can easily choose from 6 preset menus or use the 10 power levels for any meal. Plus, it has a mute function so it won’t be too loud.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor cooks food perfectly, avoiding over or undercooking.
- It offers 10 different power levels for flexible cooking.
- The Mute Function lets you turn off the annoying buzzer.
- The Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start features make quick meals simple.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy.
- The interior is easy to clean.
- It has a large 1.2 cubic foot capacity.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus listed in the title, the description only mentions 6 preset menus.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than the output power.
This Toshiba microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering smart features and convenience for busy households. It makes cooking and reheating food a breeze.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.2/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and convenient addition to any kitchen. This 1.1 cubic foot microwave packs 1000 watts of power, making it perfect for quickly heating up meals or snacks. With 10 different power levels and 6 easy-to-use cooking presets, you can customize your cooking experience for anything from popcorn to potatoes. Its sleek black design and compact size make it a stylish and practical choice for any countertop.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with 1000 watts of power.
- You can choose from 10 power levels for precise cooking.
- Six popular cooking presets make it easy to heat up common foods.
- The one-touch express cook feature is super convenient.
- Eco Mode helps save energy.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- A mute button lets you silence beeps for quiet operation.
- The modern black design looks great in any kitchen.
- Cleaning is a breeze with a damp cloth, and the turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The memory function, while useful, could be more intuitive for some users.
This Chefman microwave offers a fantastic blend of power, convenience, and safety features. It’s a reliable choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliance.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a compact and stylish stainless steel microwave that fits perfectly on your countertop. It’s designed for busy households, especially those in apartments, offering a convenient way to heat and cook food quickly. With 900 watts of power, it handles most everyday cooking needs with ease.
What We Like:
- It has 6 auto menus for popular foods like popcorn and pizza. This makes cooking simple.
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sound. This is great for early mornings or late nights.
- It features 11 power levels, giving you control over how you cook.
- The child lock is a good safety feature for families with young kids.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food while it’s cooking.
- It comes with a 10.6-inch removable glass turntable for easy cleaning.
- The one-touch start feature is quick and easy for simple reheating.
What Could Be Improved:
- The input power is 1400 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves.
- While it has preset menus, some users might prefer more advanced cooking options.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers a great balance of features and convenience for its size. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly microwave.
Finding Your Perfect Medium Microwave: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
So, you need a new microwave. Not too small, not too big, but just right. A medium-sized microwave is a great choice for many kitchens. It offers enough space for most meals without taking over your counter. Let’s find the best one for you!
What to Look For: Key Features
When you shop, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Wattage: This tells you how fast your microwave cooks. Higher wattage (around 900-1200 watts) means faster cooking. Lower wattage might take a bit longer. For everyday use, 1000 watts is a good spot.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): Medium microwaves usually range from 0.9 to 1.5 cubic feet. This is the inside space. Think about what you’ll cook. A larger capacity fits bigger dishes, like a whole chicken or a casserole.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a glass plate that spins. This helps food cook evenly. Make sure it’s easy to remove and clean.
- Presets and Auto-Cook: These are buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. They take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Defrost Settings: This is a lifesaver for frozen foods. You can defrost by weight or time.
- Child Lock: A safety feature that stops little hands from turning the microwave on.
- Interior Light: Lets you see your food cooking without opening the door.
Important Materials
The inside of your microwave is usually made of stainless steel or enamel-coated metal.
- Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. It can be a bit harder to clean if food splatters.
- Enamel-coated metal is easier to wipe clean. It’s a good, practical choice.
The outside can be plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks fancier but can show fingerprints. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
What Makes a Microwave Great (or Not So Great)?
Several things can make a microwave’s quality shine or fall short.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should be responsive. A flimsy microwave might not last as long.
- Even Cooking: This is super important! A good microwave cooks food all the way through without hot or cold spots. Read reviews to see what others say about this.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nobody wants to scrub a microwave. A non-stick interior and a removable turntable make cleaning a breeze.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves hum loudly. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are quieter.
- Durability: How long will it last? Higher-quality parts and solid construction usually mean a longer lifespan.
Your Daily Helper: User Experience and Use Cases
A medium microwave is perfect for so many things!
- Reheating Leftovers: It handles plates of pasta, soups, and stews with ease.
- Cooking Quick Meals: Frozen dinners, microwaveable meals, and steaming vegetables become simple.
- Making Snacks: Popcorn, baked potatoes, and reheating pizza slices are a snap.
- Small Families or Couples: It’s the right size for households that don’t need a giant oven.
- Dorm Rooms or Small Apartments: It fits well on counters and provides enough space for basic cooking needs.
Think about how you’ll use it most. If you plan to cook larger meals or bake, a medium microwave might still be a good fit, especially if you use microwave-safe dishes that fit inside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medium Microwaves
Q: How big is a medium-sized microwave?
A: Medium microwaves usually have an inside capacity between 0.9 and 1.5 cubic feet. This means they can fit larger dishes than small microwaves.
Q: What does wattage mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage shows how powerful your microwave is. A higher wattage (like 1000 watts or more) cooks food faster.
Q: Is a turntable important?
A: Yes, a turntable helps your food cook evenly by spinning it around. It’s a key feature for good results.
Q: What’s the difference between stainless steel and enamel interiors?
A: Stainless steel interiors look nice but can be harder to clean. Enamel interiors are easier to wipe clean after spills.
Q: Should I look for preset cooking options?
A: Preset options are handy! They have buttons for common foods like popcorn or potatoes, making cooking easier.
Q: How do I know if it cooks food evenly?
A: You can’t always tell from looking. Reading customer reviews for the specific model helps a lot. People will mention if food cooks unevenly.
Q: Are medium microwaves good for defrosting?
A: Yes, most medium microwaves have defrost settings. You can often defrost by weight or time, which is very useful.
Q: What is a child lock feature?
A: A child lock is a safety setting that stops children from accidentally turning the microwave on.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a medium microwave?
A: It depends on the size of the chicken and the microwave’s capacity. A larger medium microwave (around 1.5 cubic feet) might fit a smaller chicken. Always check the dimensions.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most interiors are easy to clean. You can wipe them with a damp cloth and mild soap. Removable turntables can often go in the dishwasher.
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.