Does your current microwave take up too much precious counter space, or does it struggle to fit your favorite dinner plate? We have all been there, staring at a tiny appliance that cannot handle a simple bowl of pasta or a massive box that dominates the entire kitchen. Finding the perfect balance between power and size is a common kitchen headache for many home cooks.
Mid-size microwaves are the “Goldilocks” of the kitchen world. They offer enough interior room for everyday meals without turning your countertop into a storage unit. However, with hundreds of brands and features available, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. You have to worry about wattage, turntable size, and those confusing extra buttons you might never actually use.
This guide cuts through the noise and helps you find the best fit for your home. We will look at the top features that actually matter and highlight models that offer great value for your money. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what to look for and feel confident in your next purchase.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen experience? Let’s dive into the essential details you need to choose the best mid-size microwave for your lifestyle.
Top Mid Size Microwave Oven Recommendations
- 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.
- Two-step Child Lock Feature: For extra protection and prevent misuse, all microwave oven manufacturers are asked to follow the new safety standard and add this 2-step child lock function
- Mute Function: Turn off all the microwave beeps by pressing the sound on/off button for 3 seconds, for a quiet cooking experience
- Easy one-touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time). With easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizes 50% standby power by using ECO mode
- Included Components: 1 Microwave Oven and 1 Manual Instruction Book
- 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.
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 700 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 0.7 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.
- 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave, Retro Design, 700 Watts, Black
- Speed/Weight Defrost
- Catchy Retro Look
- Retro Themed Over Sized Knob
- Child Safety Lock
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate
- 900 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 10.6” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- 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.
- Full-sized 0.9 cu. ft. capacity, 900 watts, Stainless
- New! Cooking platform and stylish design; New! Gray Interior; New! White LED Display; New! LED Interior Lighting
- 10.6" Carousel turntable for even cooking; 10 Power Levels with 2-stage cooking
- Convenient "+30 seconds" key for instant start; Auto Cook for popular menu items
- Weight and Time Defrost for quick and accurate thawing; Convenient “Express Cook” with single press up to 6 mins cooking
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Perfect Mid-Size Microwave
A mid-size microwave is the “Goldilocks” of kitchen appliances. It is not too small to handle a dinner plate, but it does not take up your entire counter. These models usually offer between 1.0 and 1.3 cubic feet of space. They provide enough power for daily tasks while keeping your kitchen organized. This guide will help you pick the right one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, prioritize these three features to get the best value:
- Wattage: Look for 900 to 1,100 watts. Higher wattage means your food cooks faster and more evenly.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature detects steam. It automatically adjusts the time so your food does not dry out or burn.
- Preset Buttons: Quick buttons for popcorn, frozen vegetables, or reheating help save time during busy mornings.
Important Materials
The materials determine how long your appliance will last. Most mid-size microwaves use a stainless steel or painted metal exterior. Stainless steel resists scratches and looks modern. Inside, look for a ceramic enamel or stainless steel interior. These surfaces are easier to wipe clean than standard painted metal. A glass turntable is standard, but check if it is dishwasher-safe for easier maintenance.
Factors That Impact Quality
Several factors separate top-tier models from budget versions:
- Build Quality: A sturdy door latch is essential. If the door feels flimsy, it may break after a few months of use.
- Noise Levels: High-quality models use better fans. They should run quietly without loud rattling sounds.
- Control Panels: Tactile buttons or a well-lit dial are better than flat, touch-sensitive panels. Flat panels often stop working if they get wet or oily.
User Experience and Use Cases
Mid-size microwaves excel in small apartments, dorm rooms, and busy family kitchens. They are perfect for:
- Reheating leftovers on a standard dinner plate.
- Defrosting ground meat or chicken for dinner.
- Making snacks like popcorn or melting butter for baking.
If you cook large turkeys or big casseroles, a mid-size unit might feel tight. However, for 90% of daily tasks, this size offers the best balance of speed and space.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much counter space do I need?
A: Most mid-size units need about 20 inches of width and 15 inches of depth. Always leave two inches of space on the sides for ventilation.
Q: Is 1,000 watts enough for everything?
A: Yes, 1,000 watts is the “sweet spot.” It cooks food quickly without requiring a special high-voltage outlet.
Q: Can I put metal in these microwaves?
A: Never put metal inside. It can cause sparks and damage the magnetron, which is the part that creates the heat.
Q: Are these units hard to clean?
A: Not at all. Simply wipe the inside with a damp cloth after each use to prevent food buildup.
Q: Do I need a trim kit for a mid-size microwave?
A: Only if you plan to build it into a cabinet. If you keep it on the counter, you do not need a kit.
Q: How long should a good microwave last?
A: A well-maintained mid-size microwave usually lasts between 7 and 10 years.
Q: What is the benefit of a glass turntable?
A: The turntable rotates your food. This ensures that heat reaches all sides of the dish evenly.
Q: Can I use these for baking?
A: A standard microwave cannot bake. Look for a “convection microwave” if you want to brown or crisp your food.
Q: Why does my microwave make a humming sound?
A: A low hum is normal. It is just the transformer and cooling fan working to power the unit.
Q: How do I know if my microwave is too small?
A: If your standard dinner plates do not fit or hit the walls while spinning, you should upgrade to a larger size.