Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, or maybe you need to reheat leftovers in a hurry. You open your cabinet and stare at your microwave. Is it too small to fit that dinner plate? Is it too big and taking up too much counter space? Finding the perfect microwave can feel like a puzzle, especially when you’re looking for that sweet spot between tiny and enormous. That’s where midsize microwave ovens come in.
Choosing a midsize microwave can be tricky. You want something that’s not too cramped for your favorite meals, but also won’t overwhelm your kitchen. There are so many features and sizes to think about! You might be wondering about power levels, special cooking modes, or even how much space it will really take up. It’s easy to feel a little lost in all the choices.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a midsize microwave the perfect choice for many kitchens. You’ll learn what to look for, understand the different options available, and discover how to find one that fits your needs and your cooking style. Get ready to make your kitchen tasks a breeze!
Our Top 5 Midsize Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Midsize Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.0/10
This Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s compact but powerful, making it perfect for heating up leftovers, making popcorn, or even cooking vegetables. With its sleek black design, it will look good on any countertop.
What We Like:
- It cooks food really fast.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels.
- It has 6 easy-to-use cooking presets like popcorn and pizza.
- The “Express Cook” button lets you add 30 seconds with just one touch.
- Eco Mode helps save energy.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- You can turn off the beeping sounds with the mute button.
- It’s easy to wipe clean.
- The glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman offers a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.1 cubic foot size might be a bit small for very large dishes.
- While it has presets, some users might want more advanced cooking functions.
This Chefman microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance that makes everyday cooking quick and simple. It’s a smart choice for busy households.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.5/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen sidekick! This compact 0.7 cu. ft. microwave packs a punch with 700 watts of power and offers a fantastic range of features for quick and easy meal prep.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six handy presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies make cooking a breeze. You can also simply press a number to set minutes.
- Low to High Power: Ten power levels let you melt butter or cook food fast.
- Digital Controls: Easily set time and power. The +30 seconds button adds extra cooking time when you need it.
- Safety First: A child safety lock on the handle prevents accidental openings.
- Mute Option: Turn off annoying beeps with the Audio Button. This is great for quiet kitchens or when kids are sleeping.
- Modern Design: Its sleek black finish looks good in any kitchen.
- Easy to Clean: The exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is even dishwasher safe.
- Trusted Quality: 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 a bit small for larger families or big meal prep sessions.
- While powerful for its size, some users might desire higher wattage for even faster cooking.
This Chefman microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich countertop appliance. It offers great convenience and safety for everyday use.
3. 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 is a smart and powerful kitchen helper. Its 1.2 cubic feet of space easily fits most dishes, and the 1000-watt output cooks food quickly. The sleek silver design looks great on any countertop. This microwave makes cooking and reheating simple with its smart features.
What We Like:
- Smart Sensor Technology cooks food perfectly by automatically adjusting time and power. No more guessing!
- 12 Auto Menus offer quick options for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- 10 Power Levels give you control for different cooking needs, from warming leftovers to boiling water.
- Easy Defrost lets you thaw food by weight or time.
- One-Touch Start quickly heats food for 1-6 minutes at full power.
- Mute Function lets you turn off the beeping sounds for quiet operation.
- ECO Mode saves energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- Easy Clean Interior makes wiping up spills a breeze.
- The large 12.4-inch removable turntable fits bigger plates and is simple to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, only 6 are specifically listed as presets.
- Input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves, so consider your kitchen’s electrical capacity.
This Toshiba microwave offers a great balance of smart features and user-friendly operation. It’s a reliable appliance that simplifies meal preparation for busy households.
4. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
Rating: 8.5/10
The Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and convenient appliance designed to make meal prep a breeze. Its 1000 watts of power and user-friendly features make it a great addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or office.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly with 1000 watts of power.
- You can easily cook popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza with one-touch settings.
- The defrost function works by weight or time, saving you time.
- It has ten different power levels, giving you control over your cooking.
- The microwave is a good size for small spaces but still cooks like a larger one.
- Cleaning is easy inside and out.
- The LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- You can see your food cooking with the interior light.
- A child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- Quick start buttons let you cook for 1 to 6 minutes instantly.
- The “Add 30 Seconds” button is super handy for extra cooking time.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a slightly larger capacity for bigger meals.
- While it has auto-cook settings, advanced cooks might want more customizable programming options.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and efficient way to heat and cook food. It offers a great balance of power, convenience, and safety features.
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 that makes heating up food quick and simple. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, and at 0.7 cubic feet, it’s just the right size for small spaces. This microwave is packed with features to make your cooking experience easier.
What We Like:
- It has special buttons for things like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- You can cook food with 10 different power levels, from gentle warming to fast heating.
- The 30-second express cook button is super handy for quick reheating.
- The large LED display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to use.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The glass turntable inside is removable, making cleanup a breeze.
- The push-button door opens easily.
- It’s UL approved for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700W cooking power might be a bit slow for larger meals compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- While the capacity is good for small items, it might feel a bit small for family-sized dishes.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-operate appliance for everyday heating and cooking tasks. It offers great convenience for its size and price.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Midsize Microwave Oven
Finding the right midsize microwave oven can make your kitchen tasks so much easier. These ovens are perfect for families or anyone who needs a bit more cooking space than a small microwave but doesn’t need a massive one. Let’s explore what makes a great midsize microwave.
Key Features to Look For
Cooking Power (Wattage)
Microwave ovens use wattage to measure their power. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For a midsize microwave, look for something between 900 and 1200 watts. This power level cooks food quickly and evenly. A lower wattage might take longer and not heat food as well.
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Capacity tells you how much food fits inside. Midsize microwaves usually range from 0.9 to 1.5 cubic feet. This is enough space for a full-sized dinner plate, a casserole dish, or even a small chicken. Measure your favorite dishes to make sure they’ll fit before you buy.
Turntable Size
A good turntable ensures your food cooks evenly. It spins your food around so all sides get heated. Most midsize microwaves have turntables that are 12 to 14 inches wide. A larger turntable is better for larger plates and bowls.
Preset Cooking Options
Many microwaves come with handy buttons for common foods like popcorn, baked potatoes, or pizza. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking. Some also have defrost settings based on weight or time. These make things simple.
Ease of Use and Controls
You want a microwave that’s easy to operate. Look for clear buttons and a simple display. Some microwaves have touch panels, while others have physical buttons. Think about what you prefer. A user-friendly interface makes cooking and reheating a breeze.
Convenience Features
- Sensor Cooking: This feature senses the steam from your food and adjusts cooking time automatically. It prevents overcooking.
- Quick Keys: Buttons like “Add 30 Seconds” let you easily add more cooking time.
- Child Lock: This safety feature prevents little ones from accidentally turning on the microwave.
Important Materials
Interior Material
Most microwave interiors are made of painted steel or stainless steel. Painted steel is common and easy to clean. Stainless steel is more durable and looks sleeker, but it can sometimes be harder to wipe clean. Both work well.
Exterior Material
The outside of your microwave is usually a combination of plastic and metal. Stainless steel exteriors look modern and are easy to wipe down. Plastic exteriors are lighter and often cheaper. Choose what fits your kitchen’s style and your budget.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should close smoothly and the buttons should respond well. Higher-quality microwaves often use better materials and have more precise manufacturing. This means they last longer.
Even Heating
The best microwaves heat food evenly. This is often due to good design and powerful wattage. Some microwaves have hot spots where food gets overcooked, while other parts remain cold. Read reviews to see how well a model heats food.
Noise Level
Some microwaves can be quite noisy when running. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are advertised as being quiet. This can make a big difference in your kitchen experience.
User Experience and Use Cases
Everyday Reheating
Midsize microwaves are fantastic for reheating leftovers. They heat food quickly and efficiently, saving you time. Whether it’s a plate of pasta or a bowl of soup, they get the job done.
Simple Cooking Tasks
You can do more than just reheat. These microwaves are great for cooking simple meals like steamed vegetables, baked potatoes, or even making popcorn. Preset buttons make these tasks very easy.
Busy Households
For families, a midsize microwave is a lifesaver. It can quickly heat up snacks for kids or warm up meals for multiple people. It’s a convenient appliance for busy schedules.
Small Kitchens with More Needs
If you have a smaller kitchen but still need to cook or reheat larger items, a midsize microwave offers that extra space without taking over your countertops. It’s a good compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a midsize microwave?
A: For a midsize microwave, aim for 900 to 1200 watts. This provides good power for quick and even cooking.
Q: How big is a midsize microwave?
A: Midsize microwaves typically range from 0.9 to 1.5 cubic feet in capacity. This is enough space for standard dinner plates.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to detect how done your food is and adjusts the cooking time automatically. This helps prevent overcooking.
Q: Is stainless steel better for a microwave interior?
A: Stainless steel interiors are durable and look good. Painted steel interiors are also common and easy to clean.
Q: How do I know if a microwave heats food evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even heating. Higher wattage and good design usually lead to better heating.
Q: Are preset cooking options important?
A: Preset options are helpful for cooking common foods like popcorn or potatoes easily. They take the guesswork out of cooking.
Q: What is a good turntable size for a midsize microwave?
A: A turntable size of 12 to 14 inches is common and works well for most plates and bowls.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a midsize microwave?
A: You can cook simple meals and reheat many dishes. For complex cooking, a traditional oven might be better, but midsize microwaves are great for everyday tasks.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can usually clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice inside for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: What is the difference between a midsize and a large microwave?
A: A large microwave has a capacity of over 1.5 cubic feet and is better for cooking very large dishes or multiple items at once. Midsize is a good balance for most families.
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.