Top 5 Midsize Microwave Ovens: Your Buying Guide

Tired of a microwave that’s too small for your family’s meals, but too bulky for your kitchen counter? You’re not alone. Finding that sweet spot – a microwave with enough power and space for your needs, without taking over your entire kitchen – can feel like a real challenge. It’s a common kitchen dilemma!

Many of us face the same questions: Will it fit? Can it handle reheating leftovers for everyone? Is it easy to use? The sheer variety of midsize microwaves can leave you feeling overwhelmed. But what if there was a way to cut through the confusion and pinpoint the perfect appliance for your home?

This guide is here to help. We’ll dive deep into what makes a midsize microwave oven a great choice for many households. You’ll learn about the key features to look for, understand what different sizes really mean, and discover how to choose one that fits your cooking style and your kitchen space perfectly. Get ready to make your microwave decision with confidence!

Top Midsize Microwave Oven Recommendations

No. 1
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
  • EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
  • LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
  • DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
  • SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally. Just pull upwards on the top edge of the handle to open the microwave.
  • MUTE OPTION: Silence this counter top microwave with the Audio Button, turning off any annoying beeps if you’re trying to stay quiet or not wake up your kids.
No. 2
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function, LED Lighting Countertop Microwave Perfect for Kitchen, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W Black Stainless Steel
  • Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
  • Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 12.1 x 10.9 x 7.6 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
  • 6 Preset Menus: This compact microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
  • 11 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
  • Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
No. 3
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
  • Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
  • Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
  • 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
  • 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
  • Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
No. 4
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
  • Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : ‎110 Volts.Rated Input Power(Microwave):1050W
  • 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
  • Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
  • Push-button door release for easy access
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”
No. 5
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver
  • Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
  • Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
  • 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
  • 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
  • Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
No. 6
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless
  • CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1000 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
  • POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
  • PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.1 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
  • ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
  • FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
No. 7
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
  • EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
  • LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 1000W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
  • DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
  • MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
  • SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
No. 8
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 1.1 Cubic Ft., 950-watt Capacity, 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
  • TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
  • SPACE-SAVING EXTERIOR, SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 950 watts of power and 1.1 cu. ft. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates throughout cycles for optimum cooking
  • CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with convenience cooking controls; kitchen timer, child lock controls and cooking complete alarms add convenience
  • WEIGHT & TIME DEFROST - Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
  • EASY SET UP: Freestanding microwave fits easily on countertop or open shelf, with 39inch power cord

Your Guide to the Perfect Midsize Microwave Oven

A midsize microwave oven is a kitchen workhorse. It’s not too big, not too small. It fits most kitchens and cooks most meals. This guide helps you choose the best one for your needs.

What to Look For: Key Features

Size and Capacity

Midsize microwaves usually range from 0.9 to 1.5 cubic feet. Think about what you cook. A family of four might need a larger capacity than a single person. Measure your counter space before you buy. Make sure it fits!

Wattage

Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most midsize microwaves have between 900 and 1200 watts. For everyday tasks like reheating leftovers, 900 watts is fine. For more cooking, like baking potatoes, 1000 watts or more is better.

Cooking Presets and Functions

Many microwaves come with special buttons. These are for popcorn, pizza, vegetables, and more. They take the guesswork out of cooking. Some microwaves also have defrost settings. These thaw frozen food quickly. Others offer sensor cooking. This automatically adjusts time and power based on the food.

Turntable Size

The turntable is the glass plate that spins. A larger turntable fits bigger dishes. Check the diameter of the turntable. It should be big enough for your favorite plates and bowls.

Ease of Use

Look for a microwave with a simple control panel. Buttons should be clear and easy to understand. A digital display is helpful. It shows the cooking time and settings.

Materials Matter

Exterior and Interior

Most microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper. The interior is usually made of enamel or stainless steel. Enamel is easy to clean. Stainless steel is very strong.

Door and Handle

The door should open and close smoothly. A sturdy handle is important. Some doors have a push-button release. Others have a pull handle.

Quality Factors: What Makes a Good Microwave?

Even Cooking

A good microwave cooks food evenly. You don’t want cold spots or overcooked edges. Look for reviews that mention even cooking.

Durability

A well-made microwave lasts for years. Check the build quality. Does it feel solid? Are the buttons well-made?

Noise Level

Some microwaves are loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are quiet during operation.

Safety Features

Child lock features are great for families with young children. Overheat protection is also a good safety measure.

User Experience and Use Cases

Everyday Reheating

This is what most people use microwaves for. Reheating leftovers, warming up drinks, and making quick snacks. A midsize microwave handles these tasks with ease.

Simple Cooking

You can cook more than just popcorn! Many midsize microwaves can bake potatoes, steam vegetables, and even cook simple meals. Preset buttons make this easy.

Defrosting

Frozen meals and meats can be quickly thawed. This saves time when you’re in a hurry.

Small Kitchens

Midsize microwaves are perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, or small kitchens. They offer good cooking power without taking up too much space.


Frequently Asked Questions about Midsize Microwave Ovens

Q: What is the typical size range for a midsize microwave oven?

A: Midsize microwaves usually measure between 0.9 and 1.5 cubic feet in capacity.

Q: How much wattage do I need for a midsize microwave?

A: For basic tasks, 900 watts is usually enough. For more cooking, aim for 1000 watts or higher.

Q: Are cooking presets helpful?

A: Yes, cooking presets can make it easier to cook specific foods like popcorn or pizza.

Q: What is the benefit of a larger turntable?

A: A larger turntable lets you fit bigger plates and bowls inside the microwave.

Q: Is stainless steel a good material for a microwave?

A: Stainless steel exteriors look nice and are very durable. Enamel interiors are easy to clean.

Q: How do I know if a microwave cooks evenly?

A: Read reviews from other customers. They often mention how well the microwave cooks food.

Q: Are there microwaves that are quieter than others?

A: Yes, some microwaves are designed to be quieter. Check product descriptions or reviews.

Q: Can I cook full meals in a midsize microwave?

A: You can cook many simple meals and dishes. They are great for reheating and basic cooking.

Q: What is sensor cooking?

A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture. It then automatically adjusts cooking time and power.

Q: Are midsize microwaves good for families?

A: Yes, they are a good choice for families who need more space than a compact microwave but don’t need a large one.