8 Best Medium-Sized Microwaves of 2025

This Toshiba EM131A5C-SS brings smart cooking intelligence to mid-sized kitchens with its 1.2 cu ft capacity and Smart Sensor humidity detection—a rare feature in this class. The 1000W output power ensures rapid heating, while the 12.4-inch removable turntable handles larger plates and simplifies cleaning. What truly sets it apart is how it automatically adjusts cooking time and power, eliminating guesswork for reheating leftovers or defrosting proteins—perfect for busy households tired of dry, unevenly warmed meals.

In real-world testing, the sensor reheat function consistently delivered moist, evenly warmed food across various textures—from dense lasagna to delicate pastries—without requiring manual intervention. The six preset menus, including pizza and vegetables, are responsive and accurate, reducing button-pressing fatigue. However, the interior lighting is modest, making it slightly harder to monitor food during longer cycles, and the digital display lacks backlighting, which can be inconvenient in dim kitchens. Still, its ECO mode cuts standby power, and the mute function keeps nighttime use quiet—small details that elevate daily usability.

Compared to budget models like the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, this Toshiba offers superior automation and performance, though it’s slightly pricier than basic 0.7 cu ft units. It’s ideal for small families or individuals who want smart features without stepping into full-size microwave territory. While the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) offers more space, this model strikes the best balance between smart functionality, size, and ease of use—delivering premium cooking logic in a practical, medium-footprint design.

The Chefman 0.9 cu ft microwave punches above its weight with 900W of cooking power packed into a sleek, modern chassis that fits effortlessly on cramped countertops. Its one-touch express cooking and six smart presets—including popcorn and beverages—make it a kitchen workhorse for singles or couples who demand speed and simplicity. The 10 power levels allow precise control, whether you’re gently melting chocolate or boiling water, and the memory function lets you save favorite settings, turning routine tasks into one-button operations.

During daily use, the express cook buttons proved incredibly responsive, heating coffee in under 90 seconds and reheating pizza without excessive sogginess. The glass turntable is dishwasher-safe, a rare and welcome perk that simplifies cleanup after messy splatters. However, the interior feels snug when trying to fit wide containers or deep bowls, and the lack of sensor cooking means you’ll need to manually adjust times for optimal results. While it handles most tasks well, it struggles with large portions, making it less ideal for families.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, the Chefman offers better build quality and a more premium look, though both share similar wattage and compact sizing. It sits comfortably between ultra-minimalist models and full-sized microwaves, making it a sweet spot for mid-range performance and style. For those who prioritize design, ease of cleaning, and intuitive controls, this Chefman model delivers excellent functionality in a sleek, space-saving form—outperforming many in its class without overcomplicating the experience.

Don’t let its compact 0.7 cu ft size fool you—the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a no-frills powerhouse built for efficiency in dorms, offices, or tiny kitchens. With 700W of output power and 10 adjustable settings, it handles everyday tasks like reheating soup or popping corn with surprising consistency. The 30-second express cook button is a game-changer for quick bursts, and the push-button door release adds a touch of elegance often missing in budget models, making access smoother and more reliable than pull handles.

In real-life scenarios, it excels at single-serving meals and light cooking but shows its limits when tackling dense or large foods—expect longer cook times and occasional hot spots. The pre-programmed buttons for pizza and potatoes are convenient but not as accurate as sensor-based models, requiring minor manual tweaks. The interior light is bright enough to monitor cooking, and the removable 10-inch turntable makes cleaning manageable. However, the lack of mute function means beeps can’t be silenced, which may disturb light sleepers or quiet environments.

Compared to the Galanz retro model, it offers more power and a cleaner layout, though it lacks the visual flair. It’s best suited for budget-conscious buyers who need reliability over bells and whistles. While the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM offers a mute option and ECO mode, this BLACK+DECKER model delivers solid performance and durability at a competitive tier—proving that sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication in small-space cooking.

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a silent standout in the budget microwave arena, combining 1000W of cooking power with a generous 1.1 cu ft interior—a rare blend at this price point. Its 12.4-inch removable turntable ensures even heating across large plates, while the 10 power levels and 30-second express cook make daily use fast and flexible. The push-button door release feels sturdy and modern, eliminating the wear-and-tear issues common with pull handles, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind in homes with young kids.

In testing, it reheated meals quickly and evenly, rivaling models $30–$50 more. The pre-programmed buttons for pizza and frozen veggies worked reliably, though they lack sensor intelligence for automatic adjustments. The interior light is bright, and the LED display is easy to read, even in daylight. However, the plastic exterior shows fingerprints easily, and the beeps cannot be fully muted, which may annoy users in open-plan living spaces. It’s also heavier than expected, which could be a challenge for some during setup.

When stacked against the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, it matches in wattage and turntable size but lacks smart sensor cooking and ECO mode. Yet, for those seeking maximum power and capacity without overspending, this model is a value-packed performer. It’s ideal for college apartments, small families, or secondary kitchens where reliability and size matter more than automation—offering robust functionality that punches well above its price class.

The Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 is where vintage charm meets modern convenience, delivering a stylish pop of color with its Bebop Blue retro finish—perfect for kitchens that double as Instagram backdrops. Behind the nostalgia lies a functional 700W microwave with six power levels and a 360° rotating turntable that promotes even heating, a must for avoiding cold spots in leftovers. The pull handle design and LED lighting enhance the retro aesthetic while remaining practical for daily use.

In real-world use, it heats small meals efficiently, though larger or denser foods require manual stirring due to the lack of sensor cooking. The defrost-by-weight function works adequately, but results vary depending on food shape and packaging. The LED display is clear, and the child lock adds safety, though the door seal feels slightly looser than premium models, raising minor concerns about long-term durability. It’s best suited for light cooking duties—reheating coffee, steaming veggies, or making mug cakes—rather than full meal prep.

Compared to the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, it offers similar wattage and size but wins on design appeal and visual impact. However, it lacks mute function and ECO mode, missing key quiet-life features. It’s ideal for renters, teens, or design-focused users who want a microwave that stands out as a decor piece. While it doesn’t cook smarter, it cooks with personality—making it a top pick for style-driven buyers who value aesthetics as much as appliance function.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM is a masterclass in value engineering, packing essential smart features into a sub-$75 package without sacrificing reliability. With 700W power and a 0.7 cu ft interior, it’s compact enough for tight spaces, yet loaded with practical perks like mute function, ECO mode, and two-step child lock—a rare trio at this price. The one-touch buttons for popcorn, pizza, and reheat are intuitive, and the +30 seconds function is a small but crucial addition for quick time boosts.

In daily use, it performed reliably for solo diners and office kitchens, reheating meals evenly and boiling water in under two minutes. The ECO mode slashes standby power by 50%, a subtle but meaningful energy saver over time. However, the interior is on the smaller side, limiting plate size, and the plastic build feels lightweight, which may concern users seeking durability. It also lacks sensor cooking, so you’ll need to manually adjust times for best results. Still, for under $80, it offers features typically found in $100+ models.

Versus the Galanz retro model, it trades style for substance, offering quieter operation and better energy efficiency. It’s perfect for budget-first buyers, students, or secondary kitchens where functionality and silence matter most. While the Chefman offers a dishwasher-safe turntable, this COMFEE’ model delivers the most intelligent feature set under $75—making it the undisputed champion of value-packed simplicity.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is a family-sized powerhouse wrapped in sleek black stainless steel, offering a spacious 1.6 cu ft cavity and 1200W of output power—making it a top contender for larger households. Its smart sensor menus automatically adjust cooking for pizza, veggies, and more, while the position memory turntable resets to the same starting point every time, enhancing safety and convenience when removing hot dishes. This attention to detail separates it from basic large-capacity models.

In real-world testing, it handled family-sized casseroles, whole pizzas, and batch cooking with ease, thanks to the 13.6-inch turntable and multi-stage cooking function—ideal for defrosting then cooking in one cycle. The sound on/off function is easy to use (just hold button ‘8’), and the interior lighting is bright, letting you monitor food clearly. However, its footprint is substantial, requiring ample counter space, and the control panel’s protective film must be removed before first use—a step some may overlook.

Compared to the EM131A5C-SS, it offers more space and power but at a slightly higher cost and size. It’s best for families or meal preppers who need large capacity with smart automation. While the EM131A5C-SS wins on balance, this model dominates in volume and cooking flexibility—delivering restaurant-style convenience in a home appliance, making it the best large-capacity microwave for serious home cooks.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS earns its title as the Best Overall microwave by perfectly balancing power, intelligence, and usability in a sleek black finish that elevates any kitchen. With 1000W output, 1.2 cu ft capacity, and Smart Sensor humidity detection, it automatically optimizes cooking time and power—delivering flawlessly reheated meals without dry edges or cold centers. The 12 auto menus and mute function cater to both tech lovers and peace seekers, while the ECO mode reduces energy waste, appealing to eco-conscious users.

In hands-on use, the sensor reheat function outperformed competitors, adapting seamlessly to different food types and moisture levels. The 12.4-inch removable turntable rotates smoothly and cleans easily, and the interior is genuinely easy to wipe down, thanks to its non-porous coating. However, like its silver sibling, it lacks a backlit display, making nighttime use slightly awkward. It also doesn’t include a stainless steel interior, which could impact long-term stain resistance.

When compared to the Chefman or COMFEE’ models, it offers superior automation and build quality, justifying its higher price. It’s ideal for professionals, small families, or anyone who values precision and quiet operation. While the ML-EM45P(BS) offers more space, this model delivers the most complete package in the medium-size category—smart, stylish, and consistently effective, making it the undisputed leader in its class.