How much space do you actually have on your kitchen counter? Most of us need a machine that heats a dinner plate without hogging the entire room.
Sorting through the best medium size Microwaves feels like a puzzle. These units fit the sweet spot between tiny dorm models and massive oven-sized beasts. Let's get into the details.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your countertop depth and height before buying to ensure the door can swing open fully without hitting your upper cabinets.
- Choose at least 900 watts of power if you want to avoid long, uneven wait times when heating denser foods like pasta or stews.
- Prioritize a child safety lock feature if you have a busy home or small kids who enjoy pressing glowing buttons.
- Check if the microwave has a mute button if you prefer to heat up late-night snacks in silence without waking the whole house.
- Verify the interior capacity by checking the cubic feet to ensure your favorite oversized dinner plate rotates freely without hitting the sides.
| Best Compact Value |  |
Black+Decker 0.7 Cu.Ft Stainless Microwave | Compact footprint | Easy to clean | Modern stainless finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Family Workhorse |  |
Toshiba 1.2 Cu.Ft Stainless Microwave | Ample interior space | Fast heating power | Sturdy stainless construction | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sleek Kitchen Essential |  |
Toshiba 1.2 Cu.Ft Black Microwave | Understated black look | Consistent power output | Large internal volume | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Ideal Midsize Balance |  |
Toshiba 0.9 Cu.Ft Stainless Microwave | Perfect middle-ground size | Good heating power | Durable stainless build | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Kitchen Helper |  |
Chefman 0.7 Cu.Ft Black Microwave | Includes mute function | Multiple power levels | Compact design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Simple Energy Saver |  |
Comfee 0.7 Cu.Ft Black Microwave | Energy saving mode | Small footprint | Simple operation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bright Clean Aesthetic |  |
Comfee 0.7 Cu.Ft White Microwave | Bright white finish | Compact design | Power efficient | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Advanced Sensor Specialist |  |
Toshiba 1.6 Cu.Ft Smart Microwave | Smart sensor technology | High power output | Large interior space | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sophisticated Compact Choice |  |
Toshiba 0.9 Cu.Ft Black Stainless Microwave | Sleek black stainless | Good mid-size capacity | Powerful 900 watts | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Feature Rich Midsize |  |
Chefman 0.9 Cu.Ft Black Microwave | Includes mute button | Ten power levels | Versatile mid-size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Black+Decker 0.7 Cu.Ft Stainless Microwave
If you are dealing with a cramped kitchen or just need something for a dorm room, this model is a solid choice. It handles basic heating tasks efficiently and fits in tight corners where larger units simply refuse to go.
The stainless steel exterior looks sharper than standard plastic models and wipes down easily. Keep in mind that its 700-watt power means it will take a bit longer to heat up thick casseroles compared to larger, more industrial machines.
- Brand:Black+Decker
- Model Capacity:0.7 Cu.Ft
- Power Output:700 Watts
- Exterior Finish:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Simple button interface
- Additional Feature:Rotating glass turntable
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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Toshiba 1.2 Cu.Ft Stainless Microwave
This is the microwave for someone who cooks for a group and needs reliable performance without needing a degree in engineering to operate it. Its 1.2 cubic foot capacity is spacious enough for large dinner plates and standard casserole dishes.
The 1000 watts of power ensure your food heats up fast, which is a blessing when you are starving after a long day. Just be aware that the sheer size of the unit might overwhelm a very small studio apartment counter.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Model Capacity:1.2 Cu.Ft
- Power Output:1000 Watts
- Exterior Finish:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Large glass turntable
- Additional Feature:Kitchen timer included
- Additional Feature:Easy-to-read display
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Toshiba 1.2 Cu.Ft Black Microwave
Choosing this black finish helps your appliance blend into the background rather than acting as the focal point of your kitchen. It shares the same impressive power and capacity as its stainless steel sibling, making it a great choice for those who prefer a monochromatic look.
The internal cavity is roomy and versatile, perfect for reheating leftovers or softening butter for baking. The only slight drawback is that black finishes tend to show dust and fingerprints more readily than lighter colors.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Model Capacity:1.2 Cu.Ft
- Power Output:1000 Watts
- Exterior Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Quick start buttons
- Additional Feature:Defrost settings
- Additional Feature:Interior light
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Toshiba 0.9 Cu.Ft Stainless Microwave
If you want something that sits right in the middle of the size spectrum, look here. This 0.9 cubic foot model is a fantastic middle ground for those who feel 0.7 is too small but find 1.2 a bit too chunky.
It packs 900 watts of power, which is plenty for daily warming tasks and quick snacks. The stainless steel build adds a nice touch of class that fits well with most modern appliances.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Model Capacity:0.9 Cu.Ft
- Power Output:900 Watts
- Exterior Finish:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Express cooking options
- Additional Feature:Multiple power levels
- Additional Feature:Digital clock display
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Chefman 0.7 Cu.Ft Black Microwave
This unit is a dream if you live with others and value silence during your late-night snack runs. The integrated mute button is a standout feature that prevents that annoying, loud beep from waking up the whole house.
It is a compact powerhouse that still offers ten distinct power levels, giving you real control over how your food is cooked. It is a bit small for larger dinner plates, so keep your dish sizes in mind before purchasing.
- Brand:Chefman
- Model Capacity:0.7 Cu.Ft
- Power Output:700 Watts
- Exterior Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cook
- Additional Feature:Eco mode settings
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Comfee 0.7 Cu.Ft Black Microwave
The energy-conscious user will appreciate the built-in Eco mode on this model, which helps keep power usage down when the device is sitting idle. It is a straightforward, no-nonsense microwave that gets the job done without any unnecessary fluff.
Its black finish is classic and fits into almost any kitchen aesthetic without clashing. Since it is a 700-watt machine, it is better suited for light reheating tasks rather than heavy-duty cooking projects.
- Brand:Comfee
- Model Capacity:0.7 Cu.Ft
- Power Output:700 Watts
- Exterior Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Eco mode enabled
- Additional Feature:Easy-clean interior
- Additional Feature:Interior light
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Comfee 0.7 Cu.Ft White Microwave
Sometimes you want your appliances to look bright and clean, and this pearl white version does exactly that. It is visually lighter than black or stainless steel, which can make a small kitchen feel a little more open.
Just like its black counterpart, it offers efficient heating for basic tasks and includes the energy-saving Eco mode. The white finish is quite forgiving with dust, though you should be careful with tomato sauce splatters.
- Brand:Comfee
- Model Capacity:0.7 Cu.Ft
- Power Output:700 Watts
- Exterior Finish:Pearl White
- Additional Feature:Eco power mode
- Additional Feature:Intuitive control panel
- Additional Feature:Rotating glass tray
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Toshiba 1.6 Cu.Ft Smart Microwave
If you are tired of guessing how long to microwave your food, the smart sensor technology on this 1.6 cubic foot unit is a game changer for you. It automatically adjusts the cooking time by detecting the moisture levels in your food.
This is the largest capacity option here, making it perfect for families who need to heat up big bowls or large platters. It is a bit of a space hog, so ensure you have a long, deep counter before you bring this one home.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Model Capacity:1.6 Cu.Ft
- Power Output:1200 Watts
- Exterior Finish:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Sensor cook settings
- Additional Feature:High wattage performance
- Additional Feature:Large turntable
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Toshiba 0.9 Cu.Ft Black Stainless Microwave
This model features a black stainless steel finish that looks more upscale than your typical appliance. It is a fantastic choice if you want the durability of stainless steel but prefer a darker, more modern color palette for your kitchen.
You get 900 watts of power in a size that does not feel overly bulky on your counter. It is a solid performer for anyone who prioritizes looks just as much as heating performance.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Model Capacity:0.9 Cu.Ft
- Power Output:900 Watts
- Exterior Finish:Black Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Digital display panel
- Additional Feature:Quick touch presets
- Additional Feature:Interior light
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Chefman 0.9 Cu.Ft Black Microwave
This model is like the big brother to the 0.7 cubic foot Chefman, offering more room while keeping those handy convenience features like the mute button and child lock. It is an excellent option for a busy household that needs a bit more space for larger bowls.
The 10 power levels provide a surprising amount of precision for a countertop unit. It is a well-rounded machine that covers all the bases for daily meal prep and quick kitchen tasks.
- Brand:Chefman
- Model Capacity:0.9 Cu.Ft
- Power Output:900 Watts
- Exterior Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
- Additional Feature:Express cook buttons
- Additional Feature:Eco energy mode
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sensor cooking actually do?
Sensors measure the humidity levels released by your food as it heats up. The microwave then automatically adjusts the power levels and time to prevent overcooking.
Can I install a countertop microwave inside a cabinet?
You generally should not do this unless the microwave is specifically labeled as built-in compatible. Most countertop models require significant ventilation gaps to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
Why does my food heat unevenly?
This is often caused by the food being placed off-center or the turntable failing to rotate properly. Some foods also have different densities that react poorly to microwave radiation, so stirring halfway through is still the best practice.
How do I get rid of lingering food odors?
Place a bowl of water and lemon juice inside and heat it for three to five minutes. The steam helps loosen stuck-on grime and the citrus oils effectively neutralize stubborn smells.
Is it safe to use aluminum foil in the microwave?
It is best to avoid it entirely because the metal edges can cause electrical arcing. If you must use foil to shield part of a dish, make sure it is smooth and does not touch the interior walls of the machine.
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