Steam fogs the kitchen window as you pause dinner prep, slide a bowl onto the turntable, and punch in two minutes. The right countertop microwave handles that small rush without swallowing the counter or leaving cold spots in the center.
This roundup compares the best mid size Microwaves across several countertop formats, helping you see which models suit compact kitchens, shared spaces, and everyday meal prep. Keep reading for a clear path through the details that matter most.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize interior capacity and turntable diameter, since cubic feet alone may not show whether your usual plates will fit.
- Match wattage to your schedule, as 1,000 watts generally heats faster than 700 or 900 watts.
- Check preset programs and power levels if you regularly soften, defrost, reheat, or cook different foods.
- Measure countertop depth, width, and clearance before choosing a model, including room for ventilation.
- Choose a stainless steel finish for a coordinated kitchen, or black for easier visual blending and simple upkeep.
| Balanced Kitchen Pick |  |
Sharp Countertop Microwave 1000W | Practical 1.1-cubic-foot size | Strong 1000-watt output | Simple black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Spacious Everyday Model |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft. | Generous 1.2-cubic-foot capacity | 1000-watt cooking power | Straightforward countertop design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Preset-Friendly Convenience |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave 900W | Six cooking presets | Ten power levels | Mute button included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Roomy Steel Finish |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave Stainless Steel | Spacious 1.2-cubic-foot cavity | Reliable 1000-watt output | Stainless steel exterior | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Steel Classic |  |
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 700W | Small countertop footprint | Clean stainless steel finish | Suitable for simple reheating | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Small-Space Helper |  |
Chefman Compact Microwave 700W | Six cooking presets | Ten power levels | Quiet mute function | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Dark Finish Favorite |  |
Toshiba Microwave 900W Black Stainless | Moderate 0.9-cubic-foot size | Useful 900-watt output | Black stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Mid-Size Steel Option |  |
Toshiba Microwave Stainless Steel 900W | Balanced 0.9-cubic-foot capacity | Solid 900-watt output | Classic stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Practical Mid-Size Choice |  |
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 900W | Useful mid-size capacity | 900-watt everyday power | Stainless steel exterior | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Full-Plate Capacity |  |
BLACK+DECKER Microwave 1.1 Cu. Ft. | Spacious 1.1-cubic-foot cavity | Strong 1000-watt output | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Sharp Countertop Microwave 1000W
The Sharp SMC1161KB suits households that want a mid-size countertop microwave without stepping into oversized family models. Its 1.1-cubic-foot capacity and 1000-watt output offer a practical balance for reheating plates, cooking frozen meals, and handling everyday kitchen duties.
The main limitation is the lack of documented feature details beyond its core specifications, so shoppers seeking specialized presets or advanced controls may need more information before choosing. Still, the black finish keeps the design simple and easy to coordinate.
- Brand:Sharp
- Microwave Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.1 cubic feet
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Everyday reheating capacity
- Additional Feature:Compact kitchen footprint
-
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft.
Choose this Toshiba if you want a little more interior room while staying within a familiar countertop format. The 1.2-cubic-foot capacity gives larger plates and bowls more breathing room, while 1000 watts supports routine reheating and cooking.
Its limitation is physical size: the added capacity may require more counter space than compact models. The available listing also does not identify presets, control style, or other convenience functions, so the appeal rests mainly on its roomy interior and power.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Microwave Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Roomy cooking cavity
- Additional Feature:Suitable for daily meals
-
Chefman Countertop Microwave 900W
Chefman gives you a compact 0.9-cubic-foot cavity with controls designed for quick, repeatable cooking. Six cooking presets, one-touch express cooking, and 10 power levels make it easier to move from a quick warm-up to gentler cooking.
The 900-watt output is suitable for everyday tasks, though it may take longer than a 1000-watt model for some foods. Its mute button, Eco Mode, and child safety lock add useful flexibility, particularly in shared homes or quieter kitchens.
- Brand:Chefman
- Microwave Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black
- Controls:10 power levels
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Eco Mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
-
Toshiba Countertop Microwave Stainless Steel
This Toshiba model pairs a 1.2-cubic-foot interior with 1000 watts, making it a sensible match for kitchens that regularly heat full-size dinner plates or larger bowls. The stainless steel finish gives the appliance a more polished appearance than basic black models.
You will need to reserve adequate counter space for the larger cavity, and the listing does not provide details about presets or specialized controls. That makes this model strongest for shoppers prioritizing capacity, power, and finish over feature-heavy operation.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Microwave Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Larger meal capacity
- Additional Feature:Polished stainless steel finish
-
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 700W
BLACK+DECKER keeps this model compact with a 0.7-cubic-foot capacity, making it well suited to dorm rooms, offices, apartments, and kitchens with limited counter space. Its stainless steel finish adds a clean look, while 700 watts handles standard reheating and simple cooking duties.
The lower wattage can mean longer cooking times compared with 900-watt and 1000-watt options. Its smaller cavity may also limit larger plates, but that tradeoff helps preserve valuable counter space.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Microwave Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Compact cooking cavity
- Additional Feature:Office-friendly size
-
Chefman Compact Microwave 700W
For a small kitchen, this Chefman combines a 0.7-cubic-foot cavity with useful control options rather than leaving you with a bare-bones appliance. Six presets, one-touch express cooking, and 10 power levels provide more control for snacks, leftovers, and quick meals.
At 700 watts, it is better suited to modest portions than large dishes, and cooking may take longer than with higher-powered models. The mute button and child safety lock are especially useful where quiet operation and household safety matter.
- Brand:Chefman
- Microwave Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Controls:10 power levels
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Eco Mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
-
Toshiba Microwave 900W Black Stainless
This Toshiba offers a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity for shoppers who want a middle ground between compact and roomy. Its 900-watt output suits everyday reheating, while the black stainless steel finish brings a darker, more modern look to the countertop.
The cavity may feel restrictive for oversized plates or larger serving dishes, and the listing does not specify presets or control features. It is a straightforward choice for kitchens that value moderate capacity and a distinctive finish.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Microwave Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Everyday meal capacity
- Additional Feature:Dark modern finish
-
Toshiba Microwave Stainless Steel 900W
Select this Toshiba for a mid-size cooking cavity paired with a traditional stainless steel exterior. The 0.9-cubic-foot capacity fits common plates and bowls, while 900 watts provides enough power for routine reheating and straightforward cooking.
Its capacity sits below the roomier 1.1- and 1.2-cubic-foot models, so larger dishes may require adjustment. The available product information also leaves out control details, making this a better fit for shoppers focused on core specifications and finish.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Microwave Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Moderate cooking cavity
- Additional Feature:Traditional steel finish
-
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 900W
BLACK+DECKER’s 0.9-cubic-foot model is a sensible option for shoppers who want more room than a compact microwave without moving to a full-size countertop unit. Its 900-watt output handles common reheating and cooking tasks, and the stainless steel finish suits many kitchen styles.
The smaller cavity may not accommodate oversized dinnerware, while the available listing does not identify presets or additional controls. That leaves this microwave best suited to simple daily use, where practical dimensions matter more than specialty functions.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Microwave Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Everyday reheating capability
- Additional Feature:Moderate counter footprint
-
BLACK+DECKER Microwave 1.1 Cu. Ft.
This BLACK+DECKER model gives you a 1.1-cubic-foot interior and 1000 watts, a useful combination for families, shared kitchens, and anyone who regularly heats larger plates. The stainless steel finish adds a clean, durable-looking exterior to the more generous countertop format.
The larger cavity will occupy more counter space than compact alternatives, and the listing does not detail presets or advanced controls. Still, its capacity and wattage make it a strong practical pick for regular meal reheating.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Microwave Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.1 cubic feet
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Full-size plate capacity
- Additional Feature:Everyday meal versatility
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is considered a mid-size microwave?
A mid-size countertop microwave typically has an interior capacity of 1.0 to 1.2 cubic feet. Exterior dimensions vary, so check the listed width, depth, and height rather than relying on the capacity label alone. Measure your largest plate and casserole dish, then compare those measurements with the turntable diameter and interior height. This prevents a microwave from looking spacious on paper but rejecting your favorite dinner plate with quiet electronic judgment.
Is 1,000 watts enough for everyday cooking?
Yes, 1,000 watts is enough for most reheating, defrosting, steaming, and basic cooking tasks. It offers a useful balance between speed and energy demand for a typical household. If you are replacing a lower-wattage microwave, start with shorter cooking times and check food before adding more time. Follow package instructions as a guide, since many frozen meals list directions for a specific wattage.
Are inverter microwaves worth the extra cost?
An inverter microwave can provide more consistent low-power heating than a traditional model, which may help with delicate foods such as chocolate, butter, fish, and sauces. Traditional microwaves often cycle full power on and off to approximate lower settings. The higher price makes the most sense if you frequently defrost meat, soften ingredients, or cook foods that split or dry out easily. For simple reheating, a conventional microwave with clear power levels may provide sufficient performance.
Can a mid-size microwave fit over a range?
Usually not. Most mid-size models are countertop microwaves, while over-the-range units are designed for cabinet installation and include mounting hardware, underside lighting, and a ventilation fan. Never mount a countertop model beneath a cabinet or above a cooktop unless the manufacturer specifically approves that installation. Check the product manual for required clearance and ventilation instructions before choosing a location.
How do I clean and maintain a mid-size microwave?
Wipe spills promptly with a soft, damp cloth and mild dish soap, then dry the interior to limit odors and buildup. For stuck-on food, heat a microwave-safe bowl of water for several minutes, allow the steam to loosen residue, and wipe carefully once the surfaces cool. Keep the door seal, vents, and control panel free of grease, and never use abrasive cleaners or metal scouring pads. Remove and wash the turntable according to the manual, since a clean roller ring helps prevent wobbling and unnecessary noise.
