Does your kitchen counter feel like a crowded puzzle? Many people struggle to find a microwave that fits perfectly between a tiny, weak model and a massive, bulky oven that hogs all your workspace. The medium-sized microwave is often the “Goldilocks” solution, but picking the right one can still feel overwhelming. With so many brands, power settings, and confusing features on the market, it is easy to get lost in the details and end up with a machine that does not actually meet your needs.
Choosing the wrong size or power level leads to cold spots in your food and wasted money. You deserve an appliance that heats your leftovers evenly while leaving enough room for your coffee maker and toaster. That is exactly why we created this guide. We have researched the best models to save you time and prevent buyer’s remorse.
In the following sections, we will break down the essential features you should look for, such as wattage, interior capacity, and smart settings. We will also highlight top-rated options that balance power with a compact footprint. By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly which microwave belongs in your home. Let’s dive in and find the perfect match for your kitchen setup.
Top Medium Sized Microwave Recommendations
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave, Retro Design, 700 Watts, Black
- Speed/Weight Defrost
- Catchy Retro Look
- Retro Themed Over Sized Knob
- Child Safety Lock
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Perfect Medium-Sized Microwave
A medium-sized microwave is the perfect middle ground for most kitchens. These models usually offer between 0.9 and 1.3 cubic feet of space. They provide enough room for a standard dinner plate but do not take up your entire counter. Whether you are reheating leftovers or defrosting meat, these machines get the job done efficiently.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for these essential features to make your life easier:
- Wattage: Aim for 900 to 1,100 watts. This range ensures your food cooks quickly and evenly.
- Sensor Cooking: This smart feature detects steam. The microwave automatically adjusts the time so you do not burn your popcorn.
- Preset Buttons: Quick-start buttons for items like pizza, potatoes, or beverages save time.
- Child Lock: This safety feature prevents curious hands from starting the microwave by accident.
2. Important Materials
The build quality matters as much as the features. Most interiors are made of stainless steel or white enamel. Stainless steel is durable and resists stains better than enamel. The exterior often features a fingerprint-resistant finish, which keeps your kitchen looking clean. Always check the glass turntable. A thick, tempered glass plate is less likely to crack under heat.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things change how a microwave performs:
What improves quality:
- Inverter Technology: This feature provides steady power rather than pulsing it. It cooks food more evenly and protects delicate items like fish.
- Sturdy Door Latches: A solid door that closes with a firm click indicates better construction.
What reduces quality:
- Weak Hinges: If the door feels flimsy or sags, the microwave will likely fail sooner.
- Noisy Fans: Extremely loud fans can be distracting. A good machine should operate at a reasonable volume.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Medium microwaves fit well in apartments, dorm rooms, or busy family homes. They are ideal for reheating coffee, steaming frozen vegetables, or making quick snacks. If you have a small family, this size handles most daily tasks without issue. The interface should be intuitive. If you have to press too many buttons just to heat a bowl of soup, the design is poor. Look for a clear display and buttons that respond easily to your touch.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if a microwave is “medium-sized”?
A: Look at the internal volume. Medium microwaves typically range from 0.9 to 1.3 cubic feet.
Q: Is 900 watts enough power for everyday cooking?
A: Yes, 900 watts is perfect for most reheating and simple cooking tasks.
Q: Can I mount a medium microwave under a cabinet?
A: Some models come with mounting kits, but most are designed to sit on your countertop.
Q: Does stainless steel show more fingerprints?
A: Standard stainless steel shows prints, but many modern models have a special coating to prevent them.
Q: What is the benefit of a turntable?
A: The turntable spins your food to ensure heat reaches all sides, preventing cold spots.
Q: How long should a good microwave last?
A: With proper care, a quality microwave should last between seven to ten years.
Q: Can I put metal in my microwave?
A: No, never put metal items inside. They can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensors detect the humidity in the air inside the microwave and stop the machine when the food is done.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Place a bowl of water with lemon juice inside and heat it for three minutes. The steam will loosen the grime for easy wiping.
Q: Is an inverter microwave worth the extra cost?
A: If you cook delicate foods often, the inverter is worth the investment because it prevents overcooking.