Is your kitchen feeling a little cramped, but you still want the convenience of a microwave? Maybe your current microwave is too small for family meals, or perhaps you’re looking for something that fits just right on your counter. Finding that perfect middle ground – not too tiny, not too massive – can feel like a treasure hunt. We get it; navigating the world of midsize microwave ovens can be confusing.
So many brands and features can make your head spin! You want something that heats your leftovers perfectly, defrosts your frozen chicken without turning it rubbery, and maybe even has a few cool extra functions, all without taking up your entire workspace. It’s a common struggle for many home cooks and busy families.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll break down what makes a midsize microwave oven a great choice and help you understand what to look for. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident in choosing the best midsize microwave oven to make your kitchen life easier and your meals tastier.
Our Top 5 Midsize Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Midsize Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.8/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a small microwave oven that’s perfect for your kitchen. It has a sleek black stainless steel finish and a 0.9 cubic foot capacity. This microwave makes cooking easy with its smart features and user-friendly design.
What We Like:
- It has a powerful 900-watt output for quick cooking.
- Six auto menus take the guesswork out of heating popular foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The mute function lets you silence the beeping sounds, which is great for quiet mornings or late nights.
- A two-step child lock feature adds an important layer of safety for families.
- You get 11 different power levels for precise cooking control.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
- Defrosting is simple, with options for weight or time.
- The 10.6-inch removable glass turntable is easy to clean and fits most standard dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some “mini” microwaves, so measure your counter space.
- While it has many features, some might find the initial setup for the mute function requires a quick look at the instructions.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and safety. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich countertop microwave.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave is a versatile kitchen helper. It offers a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, perfect for most family needs. The sleek silver design fits well in any kitchen. This microwave makes cooking easier with its smart features and user-friendly controls. It’s a great choice for busy households.
What We Like:
- The 1000-watt power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Smart Sensor Technology takes the guesswork out of cooking by automatically adjusting time and power.
- It has 6 handy preset menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- You get 10 different power levels for precise cooking control.
- The “Easy Defrost” and “One Touch Start” features are very convenient.
- The large 12.4-inch glass turntable fits bigger dishes.
- A Mute function lets you silence the beeps, and ECO Mode saves energy.
- The interior is designed for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, the description also mentions “12 Auto Menus” which can be confusing.
- The input power of 1600 watts is higher than some other microwaves, which might be a consideration for some.
Overall, this Toshiba microwave combines smart technology with practical features to simplify your cooking. It’s a solid appliance for everyday use.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a smart and powerful kitchen helper. It’s a 1.2 cubic foot microwave that makes cooking and reheating easy. This black microwave fits nicely on your countertop. It has a big turntable and clever features that help you cook food just right.
What We Like:
- Smart Sensor Technology: This microwave automatically figures out how long and how much power to use. It makes sure your food is cooked perfectly, not too much or too little.
- Versatile Cooking Options: It comes with 6 preset menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables. You can also choose from 10 different power levels for more control.
- Convenient Features: Defrosting is simple by weight or time. The “One Touch Start” lets you quickly cook for 1-6 minutes at full power.
- Quiet Operation: You can turn off the annoying buzzer sound by pressing and holding the “8” button. This is great for late-night snacks or when you don’t want to disturb others.
- Easy to Clean: The interior is designed for easy cleaning, which saves you time and effort.
- ECO Mode: This mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Auto Menus: While it has 6 preset menus, the description mentions “12 Auto Menus” in the title, which could be confusing.
- Input Power: The input power of 1600 watts is higher than the output power of 1000 watts, which is typical for microwaves but worth noting for energy consumption.
This Toshiba microwave offers smart cooking and great convenience for your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for an efficient and user-friendly appliance.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking for a microwave that’s simple to use and gets the job done? The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great choice for your kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for small spaces. The stainless steel finish looks nice, and it has a handy push-button door. Plus, a child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. This makes cooking quick and easy.
- You get 10 power settings, so you can control how your food cooks.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super convenient for reheating leftovers fast.
- A large LED display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- The glass turntable is removable and easy to clean.
- It comes with a child safety lock, which is a great feature for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might not heat food as quickly as higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a good balance of features for its price. It’s a reliable option for basic reheating and cooking needs.
5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.9/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact yet powerful kitchen helper. It offers 700 watts of cooking power and 10 different power levels, giving you control over how you heat your food. Six handy cooking presets, like popcorn and pizza, make meal prep simple. Plus, a one-touch express cook feature lets you start heating with a single button press. This black microwave fits easily on your countertop and is designed for everyday use.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly with six easy-to-use presets.
- You can adjust the power from low to high with 10 different levels.
- Digital controls make it simple to set cooking times and power.
- The memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings.
- A child safety lock keeps the door secure.
- The mute button lets you turn off annoying beeps.
- Its modern black design looks good in any kitchen.
- Cleaning is easy; the exterior wipes clean, and the turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has presets, advanced cooks might want more customizable options beyond basic presets.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for quick meals and reheating. It balances convenience with essential safety features, making it a great addition to most kitchens.
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Midsize Microwave Oven
Why a Midsize Microwave Oven?
A midsize microwave oven offers a great balance. It’s not too small to handle family meals, but it doesn’t take up too much counter space. This makes it ideal for many kitchens.
Key Features to Look For
- Capacity: Midsize microwaves usually range from 0.9 to 1.6 cubic feet. Think about how much food you usually heat at once. A larger capacity works well for families or when reheating larger dishes.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for efficient reheating and cooking.
- Turntable Size: A larger turntable fits bigger plates and bowls. This is important for even heating.
- Pre-set Cooking Programs: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These make cooking easier.
- Sensor Cooking: This smart feature senses the humidity from your food. It adjusts cooking time and power automatically. This prevents overcooking or undercooking.
- Convection Cooking: Some midsize microwaves have a convection feature. This uses a fan to circulate hot air. It allows you to bake, roast, and brown food, not just reheat.
- Child Lock: A safety feature that prevents the microwave from being turned on accidentally.
- Easy-Clean Interior: Look for interiors that are simple to wipe down after use.
Important Materials
The inside of your microwave is usually made of stainless steel or a ceramic enamel coating. Stainless steel is durable and looks sleek. Ceramic enamel is very easy to clean. The outside can be stainless steel, plastic, or a combination. Stainless steel offers a premium look and feel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Midsize Microwave Great?
- Build Quality: A sturdy door that closes firmly and buttons that feel responsive indicate good quality.
- Even Heating: The best microwaves heat food evenly without hot spots. Sensor cooking helps with this.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisier than others. If noise bothers you, look for models with quieter fans.
- Intuitive Controls: The buttons and display should be easy to understand and use.
What Can Make a Midsize Microwave Less Good?
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels cheap or wobbly might not last long.
- Uneven Cooking: If your food is always hot in some spots and cold in others, the microwave isn’t working well.
- Difficult Cleaning: Stubborn stains that won’t wipe away can be frustrating.
- Confusing Controls: A complicated control panel can make simple tasks difficult.
User Experience and Use Cases
A midsize microwave is perfect for everyday tasks. You can reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, or make popcorn. Families can use it to warm up multiple servings at once. If your microwave has convection, you can even bake cookies or roast chicken. It’s a versatile appliance for busy households.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a midsize microwave?
A: For good performance, aim for at least 900 watts. This ensures your food heats up quickly and evenly.
Q: How big should the capacity be for a midsize microwave?
A: Midsize microwaves generally range from 0.9 to 1.6 cubic feet. Choose a size based on how much food you typically heat.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses moisture in your food to automatically set the cooking time and power. This helps prevent overcooking.
Q: Can a midsize microwave replace my oven?
A: Some midsize microwaves have convection features. These can bake, roast, and brown food, but they are not a full replacement for a traditional oven.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most interiors can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for a microwave interior?
A: Yes, stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Ceramic enamel is another excellent, easy-to-clean option.
Q: What does a turntable do?
A: The turntable rotates your food. This helps it heat evenly on all sides.
Q: Are pre-set cooking programs useful?
A: Yes, pre-set programs are very useful. They take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn or pizza.
Q: What is a child lock feature?
A: A child lock prevents the microwave from being turned on by accident. It’s a great safety feature for homes with young children.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave heats evenly?
A: Look for models with sensor cooking or a good quality turntable. Reading reviews can also tell you about a model’s heating performance.
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.