Is your kitchen feeling a little cramped, but you still need a microwave that can handle more than just a single mug of coffee? You’re not alone! So many of us face the challenge of finding that sweet spot in kitchen appliances – not too big, not too small, but just right. Choosing a midsize microwave oven can feel like a puzzle. You want it to fit your counter space, heat your food quickly and evenly, and maybe even have some cool extra features, but sifting through all the choices can be overwhelming.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to break down what makes a midsize microwave oven a great choice for many homes. We’ll explore what to look for, from wattage that means faster cooking to smart features that make life easier. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a midsize microwave a fantastic option and how to pick the perfect one for your needs. Get ready to find a microwave that fits your space and your life!
Our Top 5 Midsize Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Midsize Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s a compact, 0.7 cubic foot microwave that packs a punch with 700 watts of cooking power. The sleek stainless steel finish looks modern, and the digital display makes it easy to use. This microwave is designed for busy households, offering quick and simple ways to heat up your favorite foods.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. This makes cooking super easy.
- The 30-second express cooking button is a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry.
- It has 10 different power settings, so you can cook or reheat food just right.
- The child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The interior light lets you see your food while it’s cooking.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door opens easily.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- For some larger meals, 0.7 cubic feet might feel a bit small.
- While it’s good for everyday use, it doesn’t have fancy features like a convection oven.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a straightforward microwave for daily cooking tasks.
2. BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven – your kitchen’s new best friend. This sleek, stainless steel appliance offers a generous 0.9 cubic feet of space, making it ideal for reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, or cooking quick meals. Its user-friendly design and smart features simplify meal prep for everyone.
What We Like:
- Convenient pre-programmed buttons take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- Powerful 900 watts with 10 adjustable power levels give you control over your cooking.
- The 30-second express cooking option is a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry.
- A large LED display and easy-to-read control panel make operation simple.
- The child safety lock provides peace of mind for families.
- The interior light lets you check on your food without opening the door.
- A removable 10.6-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- The push-button door release offers quick and easy access.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 0.9 cu ft is good for many, larger families might prefer a bigger capacity.
- The black enclosure might show smudges more easily than a fully stainless steel model.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a practical and stylish addition to any kitchen. It balances helpful features with a compact size, making it a solid choice for everyday cooking needs.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven, a smart and stylish addition to any kitchen. With its 1.2 cubic feet of space and 1000 watts of power, it handles everything from quick snacks to full meals with ease. The sleek silver finish looks great on any countertop, and its user-friendly design makes cooking a breeze. This microwave is packed with features to make your life simpler and your food taste better.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically figures out the right cooking time and power based on how much steam your food makes. This means your food is cooked perfectly every time – no more dry or undercooked meals.
- It offers 6 helpful preset menus for common foods like pizza and vegetables. Just pick your food, and the microwave does the rest.
- You get 10 different power levels, so you can cook or heat food exactly how you want. It’s great for heating up leftovers or melting butter gently.
- The Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start buttons make quick work of frozen foods. You can defrost by weight or time, and start cooking for up to 6 minutes with just one press.
- The 12.4-inch glass turntable is large enough for most dishes and is removable for easy cleaning.
- The Mute Function lets you turn off the annoying beeping sounds, which is perfect for late-night snacks or when others are sleeping.
- ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- The interior is designed for easy cleaning, so you can wipe away spills quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might wish for more variety in the auto-cook options.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some microwaves, meaning it might use a bit more electricity when actively cooking.
Overall, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a fantastic microwave that combines smart technology with user-friendly features, making it a reliable and efficient choice for everyday cooking needs.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for quick and easy meals with the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven. This stylish black and stainless steel microwave is perfect for busy kitchens. It’s big enough for most dishes with its 1.1 cubic feet of space. Cooking is a breeze thanks to its user-friendly design and powerful 1000-watt output.
What We Like:
- It has handy pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 10 power settings let you cook just right.
- You can quickly add 30 seconds with the express cooking button.
- The large LED display is easy to see.
- It has a child safety lock to keep little hands out.
- The door opens easily with a push button.
- The removable glass turntable is simple to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions might be a bit large for very small countertops.
- Some users might prefer a dial for power settings instead of buttons.
This microwave makes everyday cooking faster and simpler. It’s a reliable appliance for any home.
5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. is a compact powerhouse designed for your busy kitchen. Its 700 watts of power and 10 adjustable levels let you cook, reheat, and defrost with precision. With six convenient cooking presets and one-touch express cook options, preparing your favorite meals is simpler than ever. Plus, thoughtful features like an Eco Mode, child safety lock, and mute button make this microwave a smart and user-friendly addition to any home.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly with 700 watts of power.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels for just the right cooking.
- Six handy cooking presets like popcorn and pizza make cooking easy.
- The +30 seconds button lets you add extra cooking time easily.
- The Memory Function lets you save your favorite cooking settings.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- The mute button lets you turn off the beeps for quiet operation.
- Its sleek black design looks great in any kitchen.
- The exterior is easy to wipe clean.
- The glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger families or big dishes.
- While compact, it may still take up valuable counter space.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich countertop appliance. It offers convenience and safety in a sleek package.
Your Midsize Microwave Oven Buying Guide
So, you need a microwave that’s not too big and not too small? A midsize microwave oven is the perfect choice for many kitchens. It offers a good balance of cooking power and counter space. Let’s explore what makes a great midsize microwave.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a midsize microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most midsize microwaves range from 800 to 1200 watts. More watts cook food quicker and more evenly.
- Capacity: This is the internal space of the microwave. Midsize microwaves usually hold between 0.7 and 1.3 cubic feet. This is enough space for a dinner plate, a small casserole dish, or a medium-sized bowl. Measure your favorite dishes to make sure they fit.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable helps food cook evenly. It spins your food around so all sides get heated. Most midsize microwaves have this.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These settings take the guesswork out of cooking. They automatically adjust time and power.
- Defrost Settings: This feature is great for thawing frozen foods. You can usually defrost by weight or by time. It helps preserve the food’s texture.
- Child Lock: This safety feature prevents little hands from accidentally turning on the microwave. It’s a good idea for families with young children.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it performs:
- Interior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or enamel interior. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Enamel is also easy to wipe down.
- Exterior: The outside of the microwave is usually made of plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks sleek and is more resistant to scratches. Plastic is lighter and often more affordable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave better or not as good:
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive. A wobbly or flimsy microwave might not last as long.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a non-stick interior or a removable turntable is much easier to keep clean. Food splatters happen, so easy cleaning is a big plus.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud when they run. If you prefer a quieter kitchen, look for models that advertise low noise operation.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. This means no cold spots or overcooked edges. Good airflow and a strong magnetron (the part that makes microwaves) help with this.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave will help you choose the right one:
- Quick Meals: Midsize microwaves are perfect for reheating leftovers, making instant meals, or heating up a cup of soup. They save you time compared to cooking on the stove.
- Snack Prep: Want popcorn in minutes? Need to melt some butter? A midsize microwave handles these tasks with ease.
- Small Households: For individuals or couples, a midsize microwave often has all the space they need. It’s a great alternative to a full-sized oven for everyday cooking.
- Dorm Rooms and Small Apartments: If you have limited counter space, a midsize microwave fits well. It provides cooking convenience without taking up too much room.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the average capacity of a midsize microwave?
A: Midsize microwaves typically range from 0.7 to 1.3 cubic feet. This is a good size for most plates and bowls.
Q: How important is wattage for a midsize microwave?
A: Wattage determines how fast your food cooks. Higher wattage (800-1200 watts) means quicker and more even cooking.
Q: Do I need a turntable in my microwave?
A: Yes, a turntable is very helpful. It spins your food to ensure it heats up evenly.
Q: What are pre-set cooking options?
A: These are buttons for common foods like popcorn or pizza. They automatically set the cooking time and power level.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for the inside of a microwave?
A: Yes, stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean, making them a good choice.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave is well-built?
A: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door opens and closes smoothly, and the buttons work well.
Q: Are there microwaves that are quieter than others?
A: Yes, some models are designed to operate more quietly. If noise is a concern, look for those features.
Q: Can a midsize microwave cook a whole chicken?
A: Generally, no. Midsize microwaves are better for reheating, cooking smaller dishes, or defrosting.
Q: What is the main benefit of a child lock feature?
A: A child lock prevents children from accidentally turning on the microwave, making it safer for families.
Q: Where are midsize microwaves commonly used?
A: They are popular in dorm rooms, small apartments, and kitchens where space is limited, as well as for quick meals and snacks.
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.
Hi, I’m Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!