7 Best Midsize Microwave Ovens of 2025

This midsize microwave oven delivers a near-perfect blend of smart technology and cooking precision, making it a standout in its class. The Smart Sensor Technology actively monitors food humidity to automatically adjust cooking time and power—no more dry leftovers or cold centers. With 1000 watts of output power and a spacious 1.2 cu ft cavity, it handles everything from family meals to meal prep containers with ease, solving the common pain point of uneven heating in smaller models. Its 12 auto menus and mute function add a layer of convenience that elevates daily use from mundane to intuitive.

In real-world testing, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS consistently reheated dense foods like lasagna and rice without overcooking edges, thanks to its responsive humidity sensor. The 12.4-inch turntable ensures even rotation, eliminating dead zones, while the ECO mode reduces standby power—ideal for energy-conscious households. It excels at defrosting meats evenly by weight, and the one-touch start for 1–6 minutes is perfect for quick tasks like warming coffee. However, the control panel can feel slightly cluttered at first, and the beeps, though customizable, are a bit insistent until muted.

Compared to the Farberware 1.1 cu ft model, this Toshiba offers smarter cooking automation and a larger interior, making it better suited for families or frequent cooks. While it’s pricier than budget options, the depth of features and consistent performance justify the investment. The easy-clean interior and 12 auto menus make it a strong contender for the “best overall” midsize microwave, especially when weighed against simpler models that lack sensor-driven precision.

The Farberware 1.1 cu ft microwave is a no-nonsense workhorse built for efficiency and reliability in low-traffic environments. With 1000 watts of power and a clean, intuitive interface, it delivers consistent results for reheating coffee, defrosting lunch, or popping popcorn—perfect for offices or secondary kitchens. Its six one-touch presets and add 30-seconds button make it incredibly user-friendly, addressing the need for speed without complexity. The child safety lock and easy-clean interior further enhance its practicality, making it a smart pick for shared or high-turnover spaces.

During testing, this microwave proved remarkably dependable for basic tasks. The multi-stage cooking feature allows for custom sequences—like defrosting then cooking—without manual intervention, a rare gem in this price range. The LED display is bright and legible, and the interior light makes monitoring food effortless. While it handles standard containers and plates well, the 1.1 cu ft cavity can feel snug when rotating larger dishes, and the turntable occasionally stutters on heavier loads. It lacks sensor cooking, so you’ll need to manually adjust times for optimal results.

When stacked against the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11, the Farberware offers smoother presets and better build quality, despite nearly identical specs. It’s not as feature-rich as premium models, but for office use or minimalist kitchens, it strikes the right balance between functionality and affordability. Its press-and-go design outperforms budget models in reliability, making it a top value pick where simplicity and durability matter most.

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a budget-savvy performer that punches above its weight with solid power and thoughtful touches. Packing 1000 watts and a removable 12.4-inch turntable, it heats food evenly and handles standard dinner plates with room to spare. The push-button door release is a small but welcome upgrade over pull handles, offering smoother access—especially when hands are full. Its pre-programmed buttons for pizza, popcorn, and beverages streamline daily use, making it ideal for students or small households seeking affordable convenience without compromise.

In real-world use, this microwave shines in speed and simplicity. The 30-second express cook function is lightning-fast for quick reheat jobs, and the large digital display is easy to read from across the counter. It defrosts frozen meals evenly by time or weight, though it lacks sensor-based adjustments, meaning you’ll need to monitor denser foods manually. The child safety lock works reliably, and the interior light adds visibility. However, the stainless steel door frame shows fingerprints easily, and the unit can emit a slight hum during operation.

Compared to the Chefman 0.9 cu ft model, this BLACK+DECKER offers greater capacity and more consistent heating, thanks to its full-size turntable and higher wattage. While it doesn’t have eco mode or mute functions, its no-frills reliability makes it a better long-term value than ultra-compact alternatives. For those prioritizing space efficiency and core performance, it delivers more kitchen utility per dollar than pricier, feature-heavy rivals.

The Chefman 0.9 cu ft microwave is a compact powerhouse designed for tight spaces where every inch counts. Though it runs at 900 watts—slightly below the standard 1000W—it compensates with 10 precise power levels and a memory function that lets you save favorite settings, ideal for dorm rooms or studio apartments. The one-touch express cook and +30 seconds button make reheating a breeze, while the mute option ensures quiet operation—perfect for late-night snacks without disturbing others. Its eco mode cuts standby power, appealing to eco-conscious users.

In practice, this microwave heats small meals efficiently, though it takes longer with dense or large portions due to its smaller cavity and lower wattage. The 6 presets (popcorn, pizza, veggies, etc.) are responsive, and the dishwasher-safe turntable simplifies cleanup. The digital controls are intuitive, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind. However, it struggles with plates larger than 10 inches, and the reduced power means longer cook times for frozen dinners compared to full-powered models.

Against the COMFEE’ 0.7 cu ft model, the Chefman offers more power, a larger interior, and memory programming, making it a better fit for regular use. While it can’t match the speed of 1000W units, its balance of features and footprint makes it the best choice for small-space living. It outperforms entry-level models in customization and convenience, offering greater long-term usability despite the wattage trade-off.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM is the quietest operator in the midsize category, engineered for users who value peace and discretion in their kitchen appliances. Its mute function, activated by holding the sound button for 3 seconds, eliminates all beeps—ideal for bedrooms, offices, or households with light sleepers. Despite its modest 700 watts and 0.7 cu ft capacity, it includes auto-cook presets for popcorn, pizza, and beverages, plus a two-step child lock that meets updated safety standards. This makes it a thoughtful pick for low-impact environments where noise and safety are top concerns.

Testing reveals it’s best suited for light-duty tasks: warming soup, reheating small meals, or making instant oatmeal. The +30 seconds button and one-touch cooking make it simple to use, but the low wattage means longer cook times and uneven results with dense foods. The eco mode reduces standby power by 50%, enhancing energy efficiency. However, the small interior limits plate size, and the turntable doesn’t rotate as smoothly under heavier loads. It’s not built for family meals or rapid reheating.

Compared to the Chefman 0.9 cu ft model, the COMFEE’ trades power and space for quieter operation and lower cost. It’s less versatile but excels in noise-sensitive settings. For those who prioritize silent performance over speed or capacity, it delivers unmatched tranquility. While it lags in performance, its focus on quiet, safe, and efficient operation makes it a niche leader in low-disruption environments.

The Sharp SMC1162HS is a preset cooking specialist, fine-tuned for users who want one-button perfection without guesswork. Its standout feature is the Orville Redenbacher’s Certified Popcorn Preset, engineered to deliver fully popped kernels with minimal burns or unpopped corn—an everyday win for snack lovers. With 1000 watts and 1.1 cu ft of space, it balances power and footprint, making it ideal for reheating meals or preparing simple dishes. The +30 key allows instant time boosts, and the auto defrost function thaws meat accurately by weight, reducing prep time.

In real-world use, the preset buttons (beverage, pizza, popcorn) deliver consistent results, thanks to Sharp’s optimized timing algorithms. The interior light and simple dial interface make it easy to use, even for less tech-savvy users. However, it lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or mute mode, and the control layout feels dated compared to touchscreen models. The turntable performs well, but the absence of a removable tray makes cleaning slightly harder. It’s reliable, but not innovative.

Next to the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, the Sharp offers fewer smart features but superior preset tuning, especially for popcorn. It doesn’t adapt to food moisture like sensor models, but its dedicated programming ensures repeatable results. For users who rely heavily on presets and want brand-trusted performance, it’s a compelling choice. It commands a higher price than most, but the precision in programmed cooking justifies the premium for snack-focused households.

The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) is a kitchen multitasker redefined, combining microwave, air fry, convection, broil, and more into one 8-in-1 powerhouse. With 1000 watts of microwave power and a 12.4-inch position memory turntable, it can roast a whole chicken, crisp fries without oil, or bake a casserole—eliminating the need for multiple appliances. The healthy air fry function delivers golden, crunchy results with up to 75% less fat, appealing to health-focused cooks. Its compact footprint belies its large-capacity interior, fitting a 12-inch pizza or 8×4-inch loaf, solving space constraints in modern kitchens.

In testing, the multistage cooking feature excelled, allowing users to microwave then air fry in one sequence—perfect for frozen chicken tenders. The convection and broil modes heated evenly, and the odor removal mode reduced lingering smells after fish or garlic-heavy meals. However, the interface has a learning curve, and preheating the convection mode takes longer than standalone ovens. The smaller 1.0 cu ft cavity compared to full microwaves means tighter fit for oversized dishes.

Against the standard Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, this model trades some microwave simplicity for massive versatility. It’s not the fastest for basic reheating, but for those seeking an all-in-one solution, it outperforms single-function rivals. While pricier, its multi-cooking capability and space-saving design offer exceptional value for small kitchens or frequent entertainers.