7 Best Midsize Microwave Ovens of 2025

This Toshiba EM131A5C-SS is a game-changer for midsize microwave seekers who demand precision cooking without the guesswork. Its Smart Sensor Technology automatically adjusts power and time based on real-time humidity detection—ensuring your leftovers aren’t rubbery and your veggies stay tender-crisp. With a 1.2 cu ft capacity and a 12.4-inch turntable, it effortlessly handles dinner plates and deeper dishes, making it ideal for small families or meal preppers. The eco-conscious ECO mode slashes standby power, while the mute function grants stealthy late-night snacking—perfect for shared living spaces.

In real-world testing, this microwave shines in consistency and versatility. Whether reheating a slice of lasagna or defrosting chicken breasts evenly, the auto-reheat and sensor cook functions deliver repeatable results. The 10 power levels allow fine-tuned control, crucial for delicate tasks like melting chocolate or simmering sauces. Its 1000W output ensures rapid heating, rivaling larger models, while the easy-clean interior resists stains and wipes down in seconds. However, the control panel’s flat buttons can feel slightly unresponsive with damp fingers, and the lack of preset air frying limits flexibility compared to combo units.

Positioned between basic models and high-end combos, the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS outperforms budget rivals like the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 with smarter automation and a larger cavity. It doesn’t offer convection or air frying like the pricier TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS), but for users prioritizing reliable, sensor-driven microwave performance over multi-functionality, it’s unmatched. It’s the best overall pick for those who want restaurant-grade results at home—delivering superior cooking intelligence and build quality in a midsize footprint.

The Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave punches above its weight with 1000W of cooking power packed into a surprisingly compact frame—making it a space-savvy powerhouse for apartments, dorms, or minimalist kitchens. Its one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, and potatoes eliminate guesswork, while the multi-stage cooking lets you program defrost followed by high-power reheat in a single sequence. The 1.1 cu ft interior fits most dinner plates and medium casserole dishes, striking a sweet spot between footprint and functionality—ideal for singles or couples.

During daily use, this microwave proves to be a reliable workhorse for quick meals and reheating. The LED display is bright and legible, and the interior light makes monitoring food effortless. We found the defrost-by-weight function impressively accurate, evenly thawing a pound of ground beef without edge-cooking. At full power, it boils water in under two minutes and crisps pizza edges slightly—thanks to consistent energy distribution. However, the turntable is smaller than expected for the cavity size, occasionally causing taller containers to bump the walls, and the plastic trim shows fingerprints easily, demanding frequent wiping.

When stacked against the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11, the Farberware offers similar wattage and capacity but with smoother ergonomics and better preset logic. It lacks the sensor cooking of the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, but for users who value simplicity, speed, and space efficiency, it’s a standout. It’s the best value for space—delivering full-sized performance where square inches matter most, without sacrificing core features or durability.

Don’t let the modest price tag fool you—the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a budget-savvy titan with 1000W output and a spacious 1.1 cu ft cavity, making it one of the most capable midsize microwaves under $100. Its 12.4-inch glass turntable rotates large dishes with ease, while the push-button door release offers smooth, one-handed access—no more wrestling with stubborn latches. With pre-programmed buttons for pizza, popcorn, and beverages, it’s tailor-made for fast, fuss-free meals, ideal for busy households or college students.

In real-world testing, this microwave heats with surprising evenness and speed. A bowl of oatmeal goes from cold to steaming in 90 seconds, and frozen dinners cook through without cold spots. The 10 power levels allow nuanced control, and the 30-second express cook shortcut is perfect for quick top-ups. The interior light illuminates food clearly, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind. That said, the digital panel can feel sluggish after repeated use, and the black casing attracts dust and smudges, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its sleek look.

Compared to the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, this model doubles the capacity and power while keeping a similar price point—making it a far better value. It doesn’t have sensor cooking like the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, but for users seeking maximum cooking space and power on a budget, it’s the clear winner. It’s the best budget-friendly midsize microwave, offering premium features and performance without the premium price tag.

The Chefman 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave is a sleek, efficiency-first appliance that blends modern design with smart functionality, making it a top contender for users who value mid-power efficiency and quiet operation. Its 900W output strikes a balance between speed and energy conservation, while the mute button eliminates beeping—perfect for late-night snacks without disturbing others. The memory function lets you save favorite settings, and the eco mode dims the display when idle, reducing energy waste in eco-conscious homes.

In practical use, this microwave excels at daily reheating and simple cooking tasks. It handles frozen meals, coffee, and popcorn with ease, and the +30 seconds express add is intuitive and responsive. The 10 power levels offer flexibility, though the lower wattage means longer cook times for dense foods like baked potatoes. The black finish resists fingerprints better than stainless models, and the dishwasher-safe turntable simplifies cleanup. However, the 0.9 cu ft size limits larger dishes, and the preset menus are less intuitive than rivals, requiring extra button presses for common tasks.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, the Chefman offers better build quality, memory settings, and mute functionality at the same price point. It doesn’t match the power of 1000W models, but for singles or light users prioritizing quiet, efficient, and stylish operation, it’s ideal. It’s the best mid-power efficiency pick, delivering thoughtful features and modern aesthetics in a compact, energy-smart package.

The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) isn’t just a microwave—it’s a kitchen powerhouse that consolidates eight appliances into one space-saving, multi-function marvel. With air fry, convection bake, broil, and deodorization modes, it replaces your toaster oven, air fryer, and microwave—ideal for small kitchens or avid home cooks. The 1000W microwave power pairs seamlessly with convection heating, allowing you to crisp wings or bake cookies without preheating a full oven. Its 12.4-inch position memory turntable rotates during air frying and stops at the same spot every time, making food rotation effortless.

In real-world testing, the air fry function delivers golden, crispy results with 80% less oil—chicken tenders come out crackling, and fries stay crunchy. The multistage cooking lets you microwave then air fry in one cycle, perfect for frozen foods. The compact 1.0 cu ft cavity fits a 12-inch pizza or whole chicken, though it’s slightly smaller than pure microwaves. The knob-based controls are intuitive, but the learning curve for combo modes can be steep for beginners. Also, cleaning the turntable motor requires more attention due to grease splatter during air frying.

Compared to the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, this model trades some cavity space for massive functional gains. It’s pricier than basic microwaves, but for users who want air frying and convection in a microwave footprint, it’s unmatched. It’s the best multi-function microwave, offering gourmet cooking versatility and space efficiency—delivering more culinary power per cubic inch than any other midsize model.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact dynamo built for tight spaces where every inch counts—perfect for dorm rooms, RVs, or minimalist kitchens. Despite its 0.7 cu ft size, it packs 700W of power and a full suite of one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, and beverages, making it surprisingly capable for light cooking. The removable 10-inch turntable ensures even heating, and the push-button door release offers smooth access—no awkward pulls or handles. Its child safety lock adds security, while the LED display remains bright and easy to read.

In daily use, it handles small meals and reheating efficiently, though dense or large items take noticeably longer due to lower wattage. A mug of coffee heats in about 1.5 minutes, and frozen burritos come out evenly warmed. The 30-second express cook is handy for quick tasks, but the lack of sensor cooking or memory function limits automation. The stainless steel finish resists scratches, but the interior cavity shows splatters quickly, requiring frequent wiping. It’s not built for families or heavy use, but for solo users, it’s a solid space-saver.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, it offers nearly identical specs but with a slightly more responsive control panel. It doesn’t match the capacity of 1.1 cu ft models, but for those seeking the best small size, it delivers essential features in a tidy, reliable package. It’s the best small-size microwave, offering core functionality and durability where space is the ultimate constraint.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM is a budget-conscious gem that delivers essential features without fluff, making it the go-to for renters, students, or second kitchens. At just 700W and 0.7 cu ft, it’s built for light use, but the two-step child lock and mute function add thoughtful touches for shared spaces. The ECO mode cuts standby power by 50%, appealing to eco-minded users, while the one-touch express cooking lets you start with 1–6 minutes at full power—ideal for quick reheat cycles. Its pearl white finish adds a soft, modern touch to any countertop.

In practice, it performs reliably for small meals and beverages. Popcorn pops evenly, and leftovers reheat without drying out—though larger dishes require manual rotation due to the small turntable. The auto-cook presets work as expected, but the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor food in low light. The buttons are responsive, but the cavity stains easily, and the lack of memory function means no custom presets. It’s not for heavy users, but for basic tasks, it’s dependable.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, it offers better energy efficiency and a quieter operation at a lower price. It sacrifices wattage and size, but for those prioritizing compactness and cost, it’s unbeatable. It’s the best compact budget microwave, delivering core functionality and quiet efficiency in a minimalist, affordable design.