Tired of wrestling with a microwave that’s too small for your family’s meals, or a giant one that eats up all your counter space? You’re not alone! Finding that perfect sweet spot – a microwave that’s just right – can feel like a treasure hunt. It’s a common problem for many kitchens because the “one size fits all” approach just doesn’t work when it comes to cooking and reheating.
Choosing a medium-sized microwave is tricky. You want enough room for your favorite dishes, but not so much that it overwhelms your kitchen. You also want it to be easy to use and fit your budget. This can leave you feeling confused and frustrated. But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help you navigate the world of medium-sized microwaves.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a medium microwave great. We’ll explore what features to look for, how to measure your space, and what options are best for different needs. Get ready to find the perfect microwave that makes your kitchen life easier and your meals tastier!
Our Top 5 Medium Size Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Medium Size Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, perfect for heating up leftovers or cooking meals. With its sleek silver finish, it looks good on any countertop. This microwave is designed for convenience and smart cooking.
What We Like:
- Smart Sensor Technology: It automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s humidity. This means no more overcooked or undercooked food!
- Powerful 1000 Watts: It heats food quickly and efficiently.
- Generous Size: The 1.2 cu ft capacity and 12.4-inch turntable fit most dishes.
- 12 Auto Menus: It has easy-to-use presets for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- Mute Function and ECO Mode: You can cook quietly without disturbing others, and ECO mode saves energy.
- Easy to Clean: The interior is designed for simple cleanup.
- One-Touch Start and Easy Defrost: Getting started is simple, and defrosting is a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- Power Levels: While it has 10 power levels, some might prefer even more precise control.
- Preset Menus: While 12 is good, a few more specific options could be helpful for some users.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart and powerful choice for your kitchen needs. It makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.0/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper. It’s compact and fits easily on your counter. This microwave makes cooking and reheating food quick and simple. It has a good amount of power for its size.
What We Like:
- It cooks food very fast with its 700 watts of power.
- You have lots of control with 10 different power levels.
- Six cooking presets make it easy to heat up common foods like popcorn or pizza with just one touch.
- The +30 seconds button is great for adding extra cooking time.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings with the memory function.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out and the control panel safe.
- The mute button lets you turn off beeps, so you can be quiet.
- Its black, modern design looks good in any kitchen.
- Eco Mode helps save energy and you can turn off the display.
- Cleaning is easy because the exterior wipes clean and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman provides a 1-year warranty and the microwave is cETL approved for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot size might be too small for very large dishes.
- While powerful for its size, it may not cook as fast as larger, higher-wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for 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: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse. It offers a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, perfect for heating up leftovers or cooking quick meals. Its sleek black design fits well on any countertop. This microwave boasts 1000 watts of power, ensuring your food heats up quickly and evenly. The smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking, making sure your meals are perfectly done every time.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s humidity, so you get perfectly cooked meals without overcooking or undercooking.
- It comes with 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, making quick meals even easier.
- You have 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control for different cooking tasks.
- The Easy Defrost feature lets you defrost food by weight or time, and the One-Touch Start quickly gets it cooking at full power.
- The Mute Mode is a great feature for households with young children or for those who prefer a quieter kitchen. You can easily turn off the buzzer by holding down the “8” button.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
- The interior is easy to clean, which is always a plus.
- It includes a large 12.4-inch removable glass turntable, which fits most standard dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might prefer more variety in the auto-menus.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves. This might be a consideration depending on your kitchen’s electrical setup.
Overall, this Toshiba microwave offers smart features and powerful performance for everyday cooking needs. Its thoughtful design and user-friendly options make it a solid addition to any kitchen.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s a 1.1 cubic foot, 1000-watt microwave that makes cooking and reheating food super fast and easy. This black microwave has a modern look and fits well on your counter.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly with 1000 watts of power.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels, from low to high.
- It has 6 helpful cooking presets for things like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables.
- The “One-Touch Express Cook” lets you start cooking with just one button push.
- The Eco Mode saves energy and you can turn off the display.
- A child safety lock keeps the door secure.
- You can silence the beeps with the Mute Button.
- The digital controls are easy to use and understand.
- You can program your favorite cooking settings with the Memory Function.
- Cleaning is a breeze; the exterior wipes clean and the turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 10 power levels, some users might wish for even finer control.
- The 1.1 cubic foot size is good for most households, but very large dishes might be a tight fit.
This Chefman microwave offers a great balance of features, power, and convenience. It’s a reliable choice for anyone looking for a straightforward and effective countertop microwave.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact and user-friendly digital microwave oven. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave is perfect for small spaces and busy households. It offers 700 watts of cooking power with 10 different settings. You can easily cook popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more with its special pre-programmed buttons. Plus, the child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
What We Like:
- It has helpful pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking feature is super fast for quick reheating.
- The large LED display is easy to read, and the control panel is simple to use.
- A child safety lock adds extra peace of mind.
- The removable glass turntable makes cleaning a breeze.
- The push-button door release opens easily.
- It’s a good size for small kitchens.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger meals or multiple dishes.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking features or a larger capacity for family use.
This microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-operate appliance for everyday reheating and cooking tasks. It balances convenience with essential safety features.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Medium-Sized Microwave
Choosing a microwave can feel like a big decision. You want something that fits your kitchen, cooks your food well, and is easy to use. A medium-sized microwave is often the sweet spot for many households. It’s big enough for everyday meals but doesn’t take up too much counter space. Let’s dive into what makes a great medium microwave!
What to Look For in a Medium Microwave
Key Features to Consider
- Capacity: This is how much food fits inside. For medium microwaves, look for something between 1.0 and 1.5 cubic feet. This is great for heating up leftovers, cooking frozen dinners, or making popcorn for a few people.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most medium microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. More watts is generally better for quicker and more even cooking.
- Turntable Size: The turntable is the spinning plate inside. A larger turntable can fit bigger dishes, which is super handy. Make sure it’s big enough for your favorite plates.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These make cooking simple. Just press the button, and the microwave does the rest.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. The microwave senses the steam from your food and adjusts the cooking time and power automatically. It helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Child Lock: If you have little ones, a child lock feature keeps them safe by preventing the microwave from being turned on accidentally.
Important Materials
Most microwaves have an outer casing made of steel or plastic. Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. Inside, the cooking cavity is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are easier to clean and can be more durable. The door is typically glass, often with a metal mesh inside for safety.
Quality Matters: What Makes a Microwave Good?
Factors That Improve Quality
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks food evenly without hot or cold spots. This often comes from good wattage and a well-designed interior.
- Durability: A well-built microwave lasts longer. Look for sturdy construction and quality materials.
- Ease of Cleaning: A smooth interior, especially stainless steel, makes wiping up spills much easier. Removable turntables are also a big plus.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves can be quite loud. If you prefer a quieter kitchen, look for models that advertise quiet operation.
Factors That Can Reduce Quality
- Hot Spots: Food that isn’t cooked evenly is frustrating. This can happen with lower wattage or poor microwave distribution.
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels cheap or wobbly might not last long.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or a hard-to-read display make using the microwave a chore.
- Short Lifespan: Microwaves that break down after a year or two are a waste of money.
Using Your Medium Microwave
User Experience and Use Cases
A medium microwave is perfect for almost any home. It’s ideal for singles, couples, or small families. You can reheat last night’s dinner in minutes. Need a quick lunch? A frozen meal is ready in no time. Making popcorn for movie night? Easy peasy. It’s also great for warming up beverages like coffee or tea. The medium size means it fits comfortably on most countertops without overwhelming the space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medium Microwaves
Q: What is the best capacity for a medium microwave?
A: For a medium microwave, a capacity between 1.0 and 1.5 cubic feet is usually ideal. This size works well for most everyday needs.
Q: How important is wattage in a microwave?
A: Wattage is very important. Higher wattage (900-1200 watts for medium sizes) means your food will cook faster and more evenly.
Q: What does a turntable do?
A: The turntable is the spinning plate inside the microwave. It rotates your food to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides.
Q: Are preset cooking options really helpful?
A: Yes, preset cooking options can be very helpful. They take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn or pizza.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking is a smart feature where the microwave detects steam from your food and automatically adjusts the cooking time and power for you.
Q: Is a stainless steel interior better than a painted one?
A: A stainless steel interior is generally considered better. It’s more durable and easier to clean than a painted interior.
Q: How do I know if a microwave will cook evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even cooking. Higher wattage and good interior design usually help prevent hot spots.
Q: Can a medium microwave fit large dinner plates?
A: It depends on the specific model, but most medium microwaves with a good-sized turntable can fit standard dinner plates.
Q: Are there microwaves that are quieter than others?
A: Yes, some models are designed for quieter operation. If noise is a concern, check product descriptions and reviews for mentions of quietness.
Q: What is a child lock feature?
A: A child lock feature prevents the microwave from being turned on accidentally, which is a great safety addition if you have children.
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.