Choosing the right microwave can feel like a kitchen quest, especially when you need that perfect balance of space and power. In this guide, we’ve hand‑picked the top medium‑size models that blend sleek design, reliable performance, and smart features without hogging your countertop. From budget‑friendly picks to premium options, we’ll break down what matters most—capacity, cooking speed, and ease of use—so you can confidently select a microwave that fits your lifestyle and cooking habits and enhance your daily meal preparation.
Key Takeaways
- The editor’s choice excels with smart sensor menus for precise cooking.
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable
Large Sensor Kitchen
- Smart sensor menus
- Large family capacity
- Position memory turntable
- BEST FOR SENSOR-OPTIMIZED COOKING: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT DIGITAL CONTROL: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SPACE-SAVING POWER: Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power Read More ↓
- BEST FOR AIR-FRY MULTICOOKER: TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven Read More ↓
- BEST FOR POWERFUL FAMILY SIZE: GE Countertop Microwave Oven Read More ↓
- BEST FOR LARGE SENSOR KITCHEN: TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PUSH-BUTTON CONVENIENCE: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT SENSOR POWER: GE® 1.4 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Medium Size Microwave
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
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS brings a generous 1.2‑cu‑ft interior and 1000‑watt output to any kitchen countertop. Its Smart Sensor Technology reads food humidity and automatically fine‑tunes time and power, delivering consistently perfect results without guesswork.
Six preset menus cover favorites like pizza, vegetables, and sensor reheat, while ten power levels give you precise control for everything from gentle defrost to rapid boiling. The 12.4‑inch glass turntable rotates evenly, and the one‑touch start makes cooking as simple as pressing a button.
A built‑in clock and kitchen timer round out this versatile, user‑friendly microwave.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Smart sensor cooking
- Six handy presets
- Spacious 1.2 cu ft interior
- Easy defrost function
- Powerful 1000W output
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Higher price point
- Large countertop footprint
- No child lock
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
The Chefman 0.7‑cu‑ft countertop microwave packs 700 watts into a sleek, space‑saving design perfect for dorm rooms, apartments, or secondary kitchens. Ten adjustable power levels let you melt butter on low or blast a frozen dinner on high, while six dedicated presets—popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, and leftovers—simplify everyday cooking.
Digital controls are intuitive, with a +30‑second button for quick extensions and a memory function that stores your favorite settings for one‑touch operation. A built‑in child safety lock on the handle prevents accidental openings, making it a safe choice for families.
Despite its compact size, it delivers reliable performance for most everyday meals.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact 0.7 cu ft size
- Ten power level options
- Six useful presets
- Memory one‑touch start
- Child safety lock
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Lower 700W power
- Limited interior space
- No rotating turntable
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
The Farberware 0.7‑cu ft countertop microwave delivers 700 W of power in a compact footprint, perfect for apartments or office kitchens. It offers ten power levels and six one‑touch cooking presets—including popcorn, potato, and pizza—plus weight‑based defrost for quick, reliable results.
A bright LED display shows a clock and timer, while interior lighting lets you monitor food without opening the door. The easy‑clean interior and exterior simplify maintenance, and a child‑safety lock adds peace of mind.
Overall, it balances size, functionality, and Farberware’s trusted durability for everyday cooking.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact countertop footprint
- Ten power levels
- One‑touch cooking presets
- Child safety lock
- Easy‑clean interior
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited to 700 W
- No convection function
- No pre‑programmed reheating
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4″ Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS)
The Toshiba 8‑in‑1 Air Fryer Combo microwave packs a 1000 W microwave, convection bake, broil, air‑fry, low‑temp, odor‑removal, and defrost into a sleek countertop unit. Its 12.4‑inch removable turntable accommodates a whole chicken, a 12‑inch pizza, or a casserole, while the compact exterior fits tight kitchen spaces.
Two‑step child lock ensures safety, and the intuitive control panel lets you switch between functions with a single tap. The air‑fry mode delivers crispy results with up to 70 % less fat, and the odor‑removal system keeps the kitchen fresh after high‑heat cooking.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Eight cooking functions
- 1000 W microwave power
- Large removable turntable
- Healthier air‑fry
- Two‑step child lock
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Higher energy consumption
- Complex control panel
- Pricier than basic models
GE Countertop Microwave Oven,1, 200-watt Capacity, 2.0 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
The GE Countertop Microwave Oven offers a solid blend of size and power for medium‑size kitchens. With 1200 watts and a 2.0‑cubic‑foot interior, it handles meals from reheating leftovers to cooking full‑size dishes.
A two‑step child lock adds safety, while sensor cooking automatically tweaks time and power for optimal results. The glass turntable spins evenly, and the weight‑and‑time defrost feature simplifies thawing.
One‑touch Instant On and expressive cooking modes make operation intuitive, and built‑in alarms keep you informed without constant monitoring.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Two-step child lock
- Compact yet powerful
- Sensor cooking automation
- One-touch instant start
- Glass turntable rotates
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No grill function
- No exterior handle
- Limited preset programs
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable, Sound On/Off Function, 1200W, 1.6 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel
The Toshiba ML‑EM45P(BS) microwave brings high‑power performance and family‑friendly capacity to any countertop. Its 1200‑watt output and 1.6‑cubic‑foot interior comfortably fit a 13‑inch pizza, while the 13.6‑inch turntable ensures even heating.
Pre‑programmed sensor menus automatically select the right power level for foods like pizza, potatoes, and vegetables, delivering better texture. Features such as auto‑defrost, multi‑stage cooking, and a one‑touch popcorn button add convenience.
The innovative position‑memory turntable returns to its starting spot for safety, and a mute‑buzzer option lets you silence alerts when needed.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Smart sensor menus
- Large family capacity
- Position memory turntable
- One-touch popcorn button
- Mute buzzer option
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No convection mode
- Control panel can be confusing
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
Black+Decker’s EM720CB7 is a compact digital microwave that balances power and convenience for everyday cooking. With 700 watts across ten power levels, it handles everything from popcorn to a full dinner plate, while the 30‑second express button gets quick meals ready in a flash.
The large LED display and push‑button door release make operation intuitive, and a child safety lock adds peace of mind. A removable 10‑inch glass turntable ensures even heating, and the interior light lets you monitor progress.
Its modest footprint (17.3×13×10.2 inches) fits comfortably on most countertops without crowding the kitchen.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Easy digital controls
- Child safety lock
- Even heating turntable
- Express cooking button
- Compact countertop size
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited power for large meals
- No convection feature
- Plastic exterior feels cheap
GE® 1.4 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
GE’s 1.4‑cu‑ft countertop microwave packs 1100 watts into a sleek, space‑saving design, making it ideal for busy kitchens. The two‑step child lock safeguards younger users while still being easy to deactivate when not needed.
Sensor cooking automatically fine‑tunes time and power for perfect results, and the weight‑based defrost simplifies thawing meats, fish, or vegetables. A glass turntable rotates evenly, and instant‑on express cooking gets meals hot in seconds.
Additional features include a kitchen timer, audible completion alarm, and intuitive one‑touch controls, delivering reliable performance without sacrificing countertop real estate.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- 1100-watt power
- Two-step child lock
- Sensor cooking automation
- Weight-based defrost
- Compact countertop footprint
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No grill function
- Turntable not removable
- Limited preset buttons
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What size defines a medium microwave and why is it a good choice?
A medium microwave typically offers 0.9 to 1.4 cubic feet of interior space, fitting comfortably on most countertops without overwhelming the kitchen. This size balances capacity for family meals and the footprint needed for smaller apartments. It provides enough room for standard dinner plates and multi‑dish cooking while staying energy‑efficient.
Which key features should I prioritize when comparing medium microwaves?
Look for wattage (900‑1,200 W for faster cooking), sensor cooking presets, and a turntable size that matches the interior volume. Additional conveniences like a child lock, easy‑clean interior, and a clear digital display add value. Some models also include convection or grill functions, expanding cooking versatility beyond reheating.
How does price relate to performance and durability in this category?
Entry‑level models under $100 usually have basic controls and lower wattage, which may be sufficient for simple reheating. Mid‑range options ($120‑$180) often add sensor cooking, higher power, and sturdier build quality, offering better long‑term reliability. Premium models above $200 typically include convection, stainless‑steel exteriors, and extended warranties, justifying the higher cost for heavy users.
What are the most common differences between top brands for medium microwaves?
Brands like Panasonic and Toshiba focus on inverter technology for even heating, while Samsung and LG emphasize sleek designs and smart connectivity. GE and Whirlpool tend to provide larger interior cavities and more robust turntables. Comparing warranty length, customer service ratings, and specific feature sets helps narrow down the best fit.
Is a turntable necessary, or are flat‑bed microwaves worth considering?
A turntable ensures even cooking by rotating food, which is ideal for most users. Flat‑bed (or convection) microwaves eliminate the need for a turntable, offering more usable interior space for larger dishes, but they often rely on more advanced heating technology that can be pricier. Choose based on your cooking habits and the types of containers you use most.
How important is energy efficiency when selecting a medium microwave?
Energy‑efficient models use less power per cooking cycle, reducing electricity bills and environmental impact. Look for the ENERGY STAR label or specifications that list lower standby power consumption. Higher wattage models may cook faster, which can offset the higher power draw by shortening run times.
What accessories or add‑ons should I consider for extra value?
A microwave‑safe cover, a silicone turntable mat, and a set of reusable microwave‑safe containers can extend functionality and keep the interior clean. Some manufacturers sell grill racks or convection trays that fit medium interiors, allowing you to brown or crisp foods. Check if the model includes a built‑in sensor probe, which can improve cooking precision for meats and baked dishes.