Steam curls from a bowl, the timer chirps, and dinner still needs to happen before hunger turns dramatic. A midsize microwave keeps that moment moving, offering useful capacity without swallowing the counter.
This comparison of the best midsize Microwaves focuses on the details that shape daily use, including capacity, wattage, controls, and countertop footprint. Keep reading to sort practical features from distracting extras.
Key Takeaways
- Choose at least 900 watts for quicker, more even reheating of everyday meals.
- Check the interior capacity and turntable size if you regularly heat large plates or casserole dishes.
- Look for clearly labeled presets and multiple power levels for better control over delicate foods.
- Select a compact model for a crowded counter, but measure the available depth before ordering.
- Consider mute controls, child locks, and ECO modes if quiet operation or household safety matters.
| Roomy Everyday |  |
Toshiba 1.2-Cu.-Ft. Microwave | Roomy 1.2-cu.-ft. capacity | Strong 1000W power | Simple black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Steel Finish |  |
Toshiba Stainless 1.2-Cu.-Ft. Microwave | Spacious 1.2-cu.-ft. size | 1000W cooking power | Stainless steel appearance | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Classic |  |
BLACK+DECKER Stainless 0.9-Cu.-Ft. Microwave | Compact 0.9-cu.-ft. size | Practical 900W output | Stainless steel exterior | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Footprint |  |
Toshiba Stainless 0.9-Cu.-Ft. Microwave | Space-conscious 0.9-cu.-ft. size | 900W everyday performance | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small Space |  |
BLACK+DECKER Stainless 0.7-Cu.-Ft. Microwave | Very compact design | Stainless steel exterior | Simple countertop placement | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Control |  |
Chefman 700W Compact Microwave | Ten power levels | Six cooking presets | Mute button included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Family Capacity |  |
Sharp Black 1.1-Cu.-Ft. Microwave | Roomy 1.1-cu.-ft. cavity | 1000W heating power | Understated black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bright Kitchen |  |
Sharp White 1.1-Cu.-Ft. Microwave | Useful 1.1-cu.-ft. capacity | 1000W everyday power | Bright white finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Crisp Combo |  |
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer | Microwave and air fryer | Five-in-one cooking format | Compact 0.9-cu.-ft. size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Eco Saver |  |
COMFEE' 700W Compact Microwave | Compact 0.7-cu.-ft. size | Eco mode included | Easy-match black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Toshiba 1.2-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
For family kitchens and regular dinner duty, this 1.2-cubic-foot Toshiba gives you useful capacity without moving into oversized countertop territory. Its 1000 watts should handle reheating, frozen meals, and everyday cooking at a capable pace.
The black finish keeps the look simple and easy to coordinate, while the countertop format avoids installation work. Its main limitation is a larger footprint than compact models, so measure your available counter space first.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Power:1000W
- Finish:Black
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:1.2-cu.-ft. cooking space
- Additional Feature:1000W microwave power
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Toshiba Stainless 1.2-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
Choose this Toshiba if you want midsize capacity with a stainless steel exterior that fits more easily into a coordinated kitchen. The 1000W output suits frequent reheating and standard microwave cooking, while the 1.2-cubic-foot size leaves room for larger plates and bowls.
Its biggest strength is the balance between usable space and straightforward countertop placement. The stainless finish can show fingerprints more readily, and the larger body may feel bulky on a narrow counter.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Power:1000W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Color:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel finish
- Additional Feature:1000W microwave power
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BLACK+DECKER Stainless 0.9-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
A good fit for apartments, offices, and smaller kitchens, this 0.9-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER keeps the footprint more manageable than the roomier models above. Its 900 watts provide practical everyday heating for drinks, leftovers, and standard meal portions.
The stainless steel exterior adds a familiar kitchen-appliance look, and the countertop setup keeps placement flexible. You give up some interior room compared with 1.1- and 1.2-cubic-foot options, so oversized dishes may require more rearranging.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Power:900W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Color:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel finish
- Additional Feature:900W microwave power
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Toshiba Stainless 0.9-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
This Toshiba lands in a useful middle spot, offering a 0.9-cubic-foot cavity without taking up as much room as larger countertop microwaves. The 900W power level makes it suited to everyday reheating and cooking, especially in kitchens where counter space is precious.
You also get a stainless steel finish that pairs neatly with many appliances. Its limitation is straightforward: the smaller capacity and lower wattage are less suitable for large serving dishes or especially fast heating.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Power:900W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Color:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel finish
- Additional Feature:900W microwave power
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BLACK+DECKER Stainless 0.7-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
If your kitchen, dorm room, or office has very little spare counter area, this 0.7-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER keeps the appliance footprint modest. Its 700 watts are appropriate for basic reheating, beverages, and smaller portions.
The stainless steel finish gives the compact unit a polished appearance, and the countertop format makes placement simple. Capacity is the clear tradeoff, since larger plates and family-size containers may not fit comfortably.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Power:700W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Color:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel finish
- Additional Feature:700W microwave power
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Chefman 700W Compact Microwave
Chefman packs useful controls into a compact 0.7-cubic-foot microwave, making it a practical choice for small kitchens, offices, and bedrooms. The 10 power levels give you more control than a single high-power setting, while six presets and one-touch express cooking simplify routine meals.
A mute button, eco mode, and child safety lock add convenience for shared homes and quieter spaces. At 700 watts, it may take longer to heat dense or larger portions than a 900W or 1000W model.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Power:700W
- Finish:Black
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:Six cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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Sharp Black 1.1-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
With 1.1 cubic feet of capacity and 1000 watts, this Sharp offers a strong match for households that regularly reheat full plates, bowls, and prepared meals. The black exterior keeps the appearance understated, while the countertop design works well for renters and busy kitchens.
Its size sits between compact and roomy, giving you useful interior space without choosing a 1.2-cubic-foot model. The main drawback is that the available title information does not identify specialized cooking controls, so this is best viewed as a straightforward everyday microwave.
- Brand:Sharp
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cu. ft.
- Power:1000W
- Finish:Black
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:1.1-cu.-ft. cooking space
- Additional Feature:1000W microwave power
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Sharp White 1.1-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
This white Sharp brings the same useful 1.1-cubic-foot capacity and 1000W power to kitchens that favor a brighter, lighter appliance finish. It should suit regular reheating and everyday cooking, with enough room for common dinner plates and bowls.
The white exterior can help a compact kitchen feel less visually heavy, and the countertop format keeps installation simple. As with many straightforward countertop models, you may want to confirm the available controls if preset programs matter to you.
- Brand:Sharp
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cu. ft.
- Power:1000W
- Finish:White
- Color:White
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:1.1-cu.-ft. cooking space
- Additional Feature:1000W microwave power
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BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer
This BLACK+DECKER is aimed at kitchens that want more than microwave reheating, combining a 0.9-cubic-foot microwave with an air fryer in one countertop appliance. The 900W microwave output handles everyday meals, while the combo format can reduce the need for a separate air fryer.
Its broader cooking role makes it appealing for smaller kitchens with limited appliance storage. The 0.9-cubic-foot capacity remains fairly compact, though, and combination appliances can require more counter space than a basic microwave.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Microwave air fryer combo
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Power:900W
- Finish:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Five-in-one cooking functions
- Additional Feature:Air fryer capability
- Additional Feature:Countertop combination design
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COMFEE' 700W Compact Microwave
COMFEE' keeps things compact with a 0.7-cubic-foot countertop microwave designed for small kitchens, workspaces, and occasional meal preparation. Its 700 watts cover basic reheating and cooking, while the black finish gives it an easy-to-match appearance.
The listed eco mode may appeal if you want a lower-power standby option, and the compact size is friendly to crowded counters. The tradeoff is limited capacity and slower heating compared with the 900W and 1000W models in this roundup.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Power:700W
- Finish:Black
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:700W microwave power
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Is Considered A Midsize Microwave?
A midsize microwave generally has 0.9 to 1.2 cubic feet of interior capacity and measures roughly 19 to 22 inches wide, though exterior dimensions vary by design. Always check the listed measurements instead of relying on the capacity number alone. Measure your available space with the door fully open, and confirm that the turntable diameter accommodates your plates and containers. A slightly smaller model may fit better, but only if the cooking area meets your needs.
Is 1,000 Watts Enough For Everyday Cooking?
Yes, 1,000 watts is a practical level for reheating leftovers, cooking frozen meals, steaming vegetables, and heating drinks. It offers a good balance of speed and energy use for most kitchens. If your microwave has less power, increase cooking times gradually and stir food halfway through. Follow package directions as a starting point, but remember that instructions often assume a microwave in the 900 to 1,100-watt range.
Do Midsize Microwaves Need Special Ventilation?
Countertop models need open airflow around their vents, usually with about 3 inches of clearance on the sides and back unless the manual gives different instructions. Do not place the unit inside a tight cabinet unless it is specifically designed and approved for built-in use. Over-the-range models have different requirements because they also handle cooktop ventilation. Check the mounting template, ducting options, cabinet width, and electrical requirements before buying.
Are Sensor Cooking Features Worth Paying More For?
Sensor cooking can be worthwhile if you frequently reheat varied portions of food. It measures steam during cooking and can reduce overheating and drying, especially with vegetables, rice, and leftovers. It is not essential for occasional use, though. If you mainly heat coffee or single-serve meals, a reliable timer, several power levels, and an Add 30 Seconds button may offer better value.
How Long Should A Midsize Microwave Last?
Many midsize microwaves provide around seven to ten years of service, depending on usage, ventilation, cleaning, and electrical conditions. Heavy daily use can shorten that period, while careful maintenance may help the appliance last longer. Keep the interior clean, avoid slamming the door, and replace a damaged turntable or roller ring promptly. Stop using the microwave if it sparks, produces smoke, has a damaged door seal, or runs while the door is open.
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