Tired of your microwave being too small for leftovers, but too big for your counter? You’re not alone! Many of us face this kitchen dilemma. Finding that “just right” midsize microwave oven can feel like a quest. It needs to fit your food, your space, and your budget. But with so many brands and features, where do you even begin?
Choosing a midsize microwave can be tricky. You want enough room to reheat a whole meal or pop some popcorn, but you don’t want it to take over your kitchen. It’s a balancing act! Many people end up with ovens that are either too cramped or too bulky, leading to frustration and wasted space. We understand these challenges, and that’s why we’re here to help.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a great midsize microwave. You’ll learn about the important features to look for, understand different sizes, and discover tips to find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave woes and hello to effortless reheating and cooking!
Our Top 5 Midsize Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Midsize Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.1/10
This BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern. It’s easy to use with its digital display and simple controls. This microwave heats food quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for quick reheating.
- It has 10 different power settings, so you can cook or heat things just right.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door is simple to open.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might be a little slower for some cooking tasks compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for simple reheating and cooking. It’s user-friendly and offers convenient features for everyday use.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.6/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact microwave oven with a stylish black stainless steel finish, perfect for small kitchens and apartments. It offers a good amount of space with its 0.9 cubic feet capacity and a 10.6-inch removable turntable, making it easy to fit most standard dishes. This microwave is designed for convenience with its smart features and user-friendly controls.
What We Like:
- It has a powerful 900W output for quick cooking.
- The 6 preset menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- You can adjust the cooking power with 11 different levels for more control.
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sound, which is great for quiet kitchens.
- The two-step child lock is a smart safety feature to keep little ones safe.
- Easy defrosting by weight or time saves you time.
- The one-touch start feature lets you quickly cook for up to 6 minutes at full power.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food while it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might still be a bit large for extremely tiny spaces.
- While the child lock is a great feature, users need to follow the specific steps to activate it, which might take a moment to learn.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance for their apartment or small kitchen. Its thoughtful design and handy functions make daily cooking tasks simpler.
3. BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven, your new kitchen helper! This 0.9 cubic foot microwave is designed for busy households. It makes heating up meals and snacks a breeze with its user-friendly features. The stainless steel accents give it a sleek look that fits into any kitchen decor.
What We Like:
- It has super handy pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and even frozen veggies.
- With 900 watts of power and 10 different power levels, you can cook or reheat food just right.
- The 30-second express cooking button is perfect for quick reheating.
- Its large LED display is easy to read, and the control panel is simple to understand.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The interior light lets you see your food while it’s cooking.
- The removable 10.6-inch glass turntable spins your food for even heating.
- The push-button door release makes opening it quick and easy.
- It includes a clock and a kitchen timer to help you manage your cooking time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers a good amount of space, some might find 0.9 cubic feet a bit small for very large dishes.
- The black enclosure, while common, might not match every kitchen’s color scheme as well as other options could.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition for anyone seeking convenience and efficiency in their kitchen. It’s an excellent tool for quick meals and everyday reheating needs.
4. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is a powerful and smart kitchen helper. It’s a 1.2 cubic foot microwave that’s perfect for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, and defrosting. This microwave has a 1000-watt cooking power, which means it heats food quickly and evenly. The sleek black design will look great on any kitchen counter.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor is a game-changer. It automatically figures out the best cooking time and power for your food, so you won’t have burnt edges or cold centers.
- It comes with 12 auto menus, including popular items like pizza and vegetables. This makes cooking your favorite foods super easy.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels. This gives you a lot of control for different cooking tasks, from melting butter to boiling water.
- The Mute Function is a nice touch. You can turn off the beeping sound by pressing the “8” button for a few seconds. This is great for quiet mornings or late-night snacks.
- Defrosting is simple. You can defrost by weight or by time.
- The Easy Clean Interior means you can wipe away messes quickly.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, some users might wish for even more specialized options for less common dishes.
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some compact microwaves, so make sure you have enough counter space.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers smart features and great convenience for everyday cooking. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use countertop microwave.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a powerful and user-friendly microwave that makes cooking quick and easy. Its sleek black and stainless steel design will look great in any kitchen. With 1000 watts of power and 10 different settings, it handles everything from reheating leftovers to cooking full meals. The large turntable ensures your food cooks evenly. Plus, the child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables. This makes cooking simple.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for quick reheating.
- It has a large LED display that is easy to see and read.
- The push-button door opens easily.
- The child safety lock is a great feature for families.
- The 1.1 cubic foot size is generous enough for most dishes.
- It comes with a removable 12.4-inch glass turntable that is dishwasher safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The input power is 1600W, which is higher than some other microwaves.
- While the stainless steel door frame looks nice, it might show fingerprints more easily than a fully black unit.
This microwave offers a great combination of power, convenience, and safety features. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for reliable performance.
Finding Your Perfect Midsize Microwave Oven: A Buyer’s Guide
A midsize microwave oven is a fantastic kitchen helper. It’s bigger than a tiny countertop model but not as huge as a built-in one. This size is great for most families. Let’s find the best one for you.
What to Look For: Key Features
1. Capacity (Cubic Feet)
This tells you how much food the microwave can hold. Midsize microwaves usually range from 1.0 to 2.0 cubic feet. A 1.2 cubic foot model is good for a small family. If you cook bigger meals or have more people, go for 1.6 cubic feet or more.
2. Wattage (Cooking Power)
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most midsize microwaves have 900 to 1200 watts. 1000 watts is a good balance. It cooks food quickly and evenly.
3. Cooking Presets and Auto-Cook Options
These buttons take the guesswork out of cooking. You can pick popcorn, reheat, or cook vegetables with one touch. Some microwaves have sensor cooking. This means they adjust cooking time based on the food’s steam.
4. Turntable Size
A larger turntable fits bigger dishes. Most midsize microwaves have turntables that are 12 to 14 inches wide. Make sure your favorite dinner plates fit easily.
5. Interior Light
A good interior light lets you see your food while it cooks. This helps you avoid overcooking or burning.
6. Door Style and Handle
Some doors push open, while others have a handle. Choose what feels comfortable and looks good in your kitchen.
Important Materials
Microwaves have a few key parts made from different materials.
- Exterior: Most are made of stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to clean. Plastic is usually more affordable.
- Interior: The inside is often coated with enamel or a non-stick material. These are easy to wipe clean.
What Makes a Microwave Great (or Not So Great)
Factors That Improve Quality
- Even Cooking: The microwave should cook food all the way through without hot or cold spots.
- Quiet Operation: A good microwave won’t be too loud when it’s running.
- Easy Controls: Buttons and settings should be clear and simple to understand.
- Durability: It should feel sturdy and well-made.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Uneven Cooking: Food that is burnt in some parts and cold in others is frustrating.
- Difficult Cleaning: Stubborn stains or a hard-to-reach interior can be a pain.
- Flimsy Build: A microwave that feels cheap or wobbly might not last long.
- Confusing Controls: Too many buttons or unclear labels can make it hard to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave matters. Think about your daily routine.
- Busy Families: You’ll want quick reheating and easy-to-use presets for snacks and meals.
- Apartment Dwellers: A midsize microwave fits well on a counter without taking up too much space.
- Small Kitchens: It’s a good option when you need more power than a mini microwave but don’t have room for a large one.
- Basic Cooking Needs: If you mostly reheat leftovers or make popcorn, you won’t need all the fancy features.
A midsize microwave oven can be a real lifesaver in the kitchen. By considering these features, materials, and how you’ll use it, you can find a model that makes your life easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a midsize microwave?
A: A wattage between 900 and 1200 watts is ideal. 1000 watts offers a good balance of cooking speed and evenness.
Q: How do I know if a microwave will cook evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even cooking. Some microwaves have special features like inverters that help with this.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves worth the extra cost?
A: Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. It’s also easier to clean than some plastic exteriors, so many people find it worth it.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” mean?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam from your food to figure out how long it needs to cook. This helps prevent overcooking.
Q: Can I fit a large dinner plate in a midsize microwave?
A: Most midsize microwaves have turntables that are 12 to 14 inches. Check the dimensions to be sure your plates fit.
Q: How much space do I need for a midsize microwave?
A: You’ll need enough counter space for the microwave itself, plus a little extra room around it for ventilation. Check the product’s dimensions.
Q: Are digital controls better than dial controls?
A: Digital controls often offer more precise settings and presets. Dial controls can be simpler for basic tasks.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a midsize microwave?
A: A well-cared-for midsize microwave can last about 7 to 10 years.
Q: Do I need to clean my microwave regularly?
A: Yes, cleaning your microwave often helps it work better and prevents food smells from building up.
Q: Can a midsize microwave replace my oven?
A: No, microwaves are for heating and cooking quickly. They don’t bake or roast like a traditional oven.
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.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.