What should a microwave earn on your counter? The best medium size Microwaves sit in a useful middle ground, giving everyday meals enough room without turning the kitchen into an appliance showroom.
This roundup compares ten countertop models from familiar brands, with each entry organized for quick scanning. Keep reading for a clear, practical comparison.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize capacity based on the dishes you use most, especially dinner plates, bowls, and microwave-safe casserole containers.
- Compare wattage carefully, since higher power generally shortens cooking time and may require adjusted instructions.
- Check the microwave’s exterior dimensions against your available counter space, including room for ventilation.
- Choose preset programs that match your routine, such as popcorn, reheating, defrosting, or express cooking.
- Look for practical extras such as a child safety lock, mute function, and easy-to-clean interior if the microwave serves a busy household.
| Spacious Everyday Pick |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft. | Generous 1.2-cu.-ft. capacity | Strong 1,000-watt output | Simple countertop placement | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Kitchen Helper |  |
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Space-saving 0.7-cu.-ft. size | Stainless steel finish | Straightforward countertop setup | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Dorm Favorite |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Six cooking presets | Mute button included | Child safety lock | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Power Choice |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Balanced size and power | Six cooking presets | Ten power levels | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Eco-Minded Compact |  |
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Compact countertop footprint | ECO mode included | Simple black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Space Saver |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft. | Roomy 1.2-cu.-ft. capacity | Powerful 1,000-watt output | Stainless steel exterior | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Family Meal Workhorse |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave 1.1 Cu. Ft. | Large 1.1-cu.-ft. cavity | Powerful 1,000-watt output | Six cooking presets | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Dark Finish Classic |  |
Toshiba Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Practical 0.9-cu.-ft. size | 900-watt cooking power | Black stainless finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bright Stainless Option |  |
Toshiba Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Versatile stainless steel finish | Moderate 0.9-cu.-ft. capacity | 900-watt output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Everyday Midrange Pick |  |
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Practical mid-size capacity | Stainless steel finish | 900-watt heating power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft.
The 1.2-cubic-foot capacity and 1,000 watts make this Toshiba a strong fit for family kitchens, shared offices, and anyone who regularly heats full-size plates or larger bowls. Its countertop format keeps installation simple, with no cabinet work required.
You get useful room without moving into oversized-appliance territory, and the black finish suits most kitchen setups. The listing does not provide details about presets or specialty controls, so shoppers wanting clearly documented cooking programs may prefer a more feature-specific model.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000W
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Black exterior
- Additional Feature:1000-watt heating
-
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Small kitchens, dorm rooms, and office break areas can benefit from the compact 0.7-cubic-foot capacity of this BLACK+DECKER microwave. Its 700-watt output suits everyday reheating, warming drinks, and handling smaller portions without taking up much counter space.
The stainless steel finish adds a practical, easy-to-coordinate look, while the countertop design avoids complicated installation. Its smaller cavity limits room for wide dinner plates and larger cookware, and the listing does not specify preset programs.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:700W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:700-watt heating
-
Chefman Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Choose this Chefman for compact spaces where quiet operation matters, such as dorms, bedrooms, or shared offices. The 700-watt output, 10 power levels, and six cooking presets cover common heating tasks while keeping the controls approachable.
A one-touch express cook function helps with quick meals, and the mute button can silence alert sounds when needed. The 0.7-cubic-foot cavity is less suitable for large plates or family-size containers, so capacity remains the main tradeoff.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:700W
- Finish:Black
- Presets:6 cooking presets
- Additional Feature:10 power levels
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cook
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
-
Chefman Countertop Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft.
With 0.9 cubic feet of interior space and 900 watts of power, this Chefman lands in a practical middle ground for apartments, offices, and everyday home use. It offers more room than compact 0.7-cubic-foot models without demanding the footprint of a larger microwave.
The six presets, one-touch express cook function, and 10 power levels give you control for routine reheating and cooking. Its capacity still may not suit oversized dinnerware, and the black finish offers fewer styling options than stainless steel models.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Wattage:900W
- Finish:Black
- Presets:6 cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cook
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
-
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
This COMFEE' model fits neatly into small kitchens and other spaces where every inch of counter matters. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 700-watt output are well suited to beverages, snacks, single servings, and basic reheating.
The ECO mode is a useful addition for shoppers who want a lower-power standby setting, while the black finish keeps the design understated. The compact cavity will not comfortably handle larger dishes, and the available listing does not identify presets or advanced controls.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:700W
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:ECO mode
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:700-watt heating
-
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft.
The 1.2-cubic-foot cavity gives this Toshiba room for larger plates, bowls, and containers, making it a sensible choice for busy households that still want a countertop appliance. Its 1,000-watt output supports faster everyday reheating than lower-powered compact models.
The stainless steel finish gives the microwave a polished fit alongside other stainless appliances. The product listing does not spell out presets, sensor functions, or specialty controls, so shoppers seeking a detailed feature set may want a model with clearer control information.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:1000-watt heating
-
Chefman Countertop Microwave 1.1 Cu. Ft.
For households that need both generous capacity and 1,000-watt power, this Chefman offers a strong everyday combination. The 1.1-cubic-foot cavity gives you more flexibility for dinner plates and larger bowls, while the six presets simplify common cooking tasks.
You also get 10 power levels, one-touch express cooking, Eco mode, a child safety lock, and a mute button. The black finish is practical but less adaptable for kitchens built around stainless steel appliances.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000W
- Finish:Black
- Presets:6 cooking presets
- Additional Feature:10 power levels
- Additional Feature:Mute button
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
-
Toshiba Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft.
This Toshiba suits shoppers who want moderate capacity in a darker, more modern finish. The 0.9-cubic-foot size works well for standard reheating tasks, while 900 watts provide a useful middle ground between compact 700-watt units and larger high-output models.
The black stainless steel exterior can coordinate nicely with darker appliances and contemporary kitchens. The listing does not provide details about presets or specialty functions, and the cavity may feel tight for oversized plates or large serving dishes.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Wattage:900W
- Finish:Black stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Black stainless exterior
- Additional Feature:900-watt heating
-
Toshiba Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft.
A stainless steel finish makes this 0.9-cubic-foot Toshiba a natural match for kitchens with traditional stainless appliances. Its 900-watt output provides practical power for reheating meals, warming drinks, and handling routine countertop cooking.
The moderate capacity keeps the unit more compact than 1.1- or 1.2-cubic-foot models, which helps in apartments and smaller kitchens. That space-saving design also means less room for wide cookware, and the listing does not identify preset programs or other advanced controls.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Wattage:900W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:900-watt heating
-
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft.
This BLACK+DECKER offers a useful 0.9-cubic-foot capacity for shoppers who need more room than a compact microwave provides but do not want a bulky appliance. Its 900-watt output handles standard reheating and cooking tasks across apartments, offices, and smaller households.
The stainless steel finish gives it a familiar, easy-to-match appearance, and the countertop format keeps placement simple. The available listing does not specify presets or specialty functions, while the moderate cavity may not accommodate very large dishes.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Wattage:900W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:900-watt heating
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Is Considered A Medium Microwave?
A medium microwave generally has an interior capacity of 0.9 to 1.3 cubic feet. Exterior dimensions vary, so use the cavity size and turntable diameter as your main guides rather than relying on the word “medium” alone. For most households, this range fits dinner plates, soup bowls, microwaveable meal trays, and modest baking dishes. Measure your largest frequently used dish before ordering.
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 defrosting food. It offers a useful balance between speed and energy use for routine kitchen tasks. If a recipe lists a different wattage, adjust the cooking time carefully. A lower-powered microwave may need longer, while a higher-powered model can finish food sooner and may require shorter intervals.
Do You Need Sensor Cooking?
Sensor cooking is not essential, but it is helpful if you often reheat uneven portions or cook foods that dry out easily. Sensor reheat can reduce guesswork by stopping the cycle when the microwave detects enough steam. Manual time and power controls still matter, especially for defrosting meat, melting ingredients, and heating small portions. A strong everyday model should offer both sensor programs and straightforward manual settings.
Can A Medium Microwave Fit A Dinner Plate?
Most can fit a standard dinner plate, but the actual limit depends on the turntable diameter, which commonly falls between about 10.5 and 13.5 inches in this category. A large plate may fit inside the cavity yet fail to rotate freely. Check the manufacturer’s interior dimensions and plate guidance before buying. The door must close fully, and the plate should rotate without scraping the walls.
Are Countertop Microwaves Safe To Use In Small Kitchens?
Yes, provided you leave the manufacturer’s required ventilation clearance around the unit and place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Do not block vents, place the microwave inside a closed cabinet, or position it directly beside a heat-producing appliance unless the instructions allow it. Keep the cord away from sinks and hot surfaces, use a properly grounded outlet, and avoid extension cords unless the manufacturer specifically permits them. A few inches of breathing room can prevent unnecessary heat buildup.
