The cold leftover pizza is spinning slowly behind the glass, and you are just hoping the center gets warm before the crust turns to rubber. Choosing the right appliance for these daily kitchen moments requires balancing space and cooking speed.
Let us help you find the best medium size Microwaves for your kitchen counter. Read on to see our top choices for everyday cooking.
Key Takeaways
- Look for a 1.1 or 1.2 cubic foot capacity if you need to fit large dinner plates without scraping the edges.
- Prioritize a 1000 watt power rating to ensure your food cooks quickly and evenly without cold spots.
- Check the physical dimensions carefully to make sure the unit leaves enough clearance on your countertop.
- Select a stainless steel finish if you want an exterior that resists fingerprints and matches modern appliances.
- Verify the interior lighting quality so you can monitor your food while it spins.
| Top Overall Pick |  |
Black and Decker 1.1 Cu.Ft Countertop Microwave | High wattage heating | Generous interior capacity | Modern stainless finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Dorm Essential |  |
Black and Decker 0.7 Cu.Ft Countertop Microwave | Saves valuable counter space | Simple mechanical controls | Lightweight and portable | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Heavy Duty Powerhouse |  |
Toshiba 1.2 Cu.Ft Stainless Countertop Microwave | Smart humidity sensor | Large cooking capacity | Rapid heating speeds | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sleek Kitchen Upgrade |  |
Toshiba 1.2 Cu.Ft Black Countertop Microwave | Fingerprint resistant black finish | Bright interior lighting | Quick start options | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget Friendly Mini |  |
Chefman 0.7 Cu.Ft Compact Microwave Oven | Quiet mute function | Multiple power levels | Compact size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Midsize Option |  |
Toshiba 0.9 Cu.Ft Stainless Microwave Oven | Perfect midsize capacity | Clever turntable reset | Stainless steel casing | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bright Minimalist Choice |  |
Comfee 0.7 Cu.Ft Pearl White Microwave | Energy saving eco mode | Clean pearl white finish | Easy to operate dials | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small Space Saver |  |
Comfee 0.7 Cu.Ft Black Countertop Microwave | Compact footprint | Multistage programming | Clear digital display | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Versatile Family Helper |  |
Chefman 0.9 Cu.Ft Countertop Microwave Oven | Ten power levels | Express cook presets | Mute button inclusion | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bold Retro Statement |  |
Farberware 1.1 Cu.Ft Red Microwave | Eye-catching metallic red | High 1000W cooking power | Large interior capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Black and Decker 1.1 Cu.Ft Countertop Microwave
Finding the right balance between cooking power and counter space is tricky, but this model hits that sweet spot for busy kitchens. You get 1000 watts of power, which means your frozen dinners heat up evenly without leaving cold centers.
The stainless steel finish wipes clean easily and looks sharp on most kitchen counters. But do keep in mind that the interior light is a bit dim, making it slightly hard to check on melting cheese without opening the door.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.1 Cu.Ft
- Power:1000W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Color:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Express cook buttons
- Additional Feature:Kitchen timer function
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
-
Black and Decker 0.7 Cu.Ft Countertop Microwave
Small kitchens require thoughtful appliance choices, and this pint-sized unit fits where larger boxes simply cannot. Delivering 700 watts, it handles basic reheating tasks like coffee and soup with zero fuss.
The compact footprint makes it a smart choice for office breakrooms or tiny apartments. Just remember that the smaller cavity means bulky casserole dishes will need to stay in the oven.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.7 Cu.Ft
- Power:700W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Color:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Mechanical dial controls
- Additional Feature:Pull handle door
- Additional Feature:Removable glass turntable
-
Toshiba 1.2 Cu.Ft Stainless Countertop Microwave
Cooking large portions requires serious muscle, and this spacious unit delivers reliable performance day after day. A robust 1000 watt output cuts down cooking times significantly compared to lower powered models.
You will appreciate the smart sensor functions that automatically adjust heating times based on humidity levels. The only drawback is that the control panel can feel slightly cluttered with buttons.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.2 Cu.Ft
- Power:1000W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Color:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Sensor reheating menu
- Additional Feature:Eco mode setting
- Additional Feature:Sound on and off option
-
Toshiba 1.2 Cu.Ft Black Countertop Microwave
Matching your dark kitchen appliances is a breeze with this sophisticated matte black model. It packs a serious 1000 watt punch behind a stylish door that resists fingerprint smudges remarkably well.
The interior LED lighting illuminates your food brightly while it spins on the glass turntable. Be aware that the display clock runs quite bright, which might bother you if your kitchen is adjacent to a sleeping area.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.2 Cu.Ft
- Power:1000W
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:Position memory turntable
- Additional Feature:One touch start
- Additional Feature:Energy saving eco mode
-
Chefman 0.7 Cu.Ft Compact Microwave Oven
Getting reliable performance on a tight budget is entirely possible with this economical countertop option. Ten different power levels give you precise control over delicate tasks like softening butter without melting it.
The dedicated mute button lets you silence annoying beep notifications during late night snack sessions. Keep in mind that the 700 watt rating means meals take a couple of extra minutes to reach serving temperature.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.7 Cu.Ft
- Power:700 Watts
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:Six cooking presets
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
- Additional Feature:One touch express cook
-
Toshiba 0.9 Cu.Ft Stainless Microwave Oven
When 0.7 cubic feet feels too small and 1.1 feels too bulky, this middle ground size hits the sweet spot. A healthy 900 watts of power bridges the gap between fast cooking and gentle reheating.
The position memory turntable always resets your mug handle to the exact spot where you left it. On the downside, the buttons require a firm press to register your commands.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.9 Cu.Ft
- Power:900W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Color:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Express cook buttons
- Additional Feature:Sound off function
- Additional Feature:Energy saving mode
-
Comfee 0.7 Cu.Ft Pearl White Microwave
White appliances bring a clean, traditional look to your kitchen workspace without dominating the counter. This model features a handy eco mode that reduces standby power usage when you are away from home.
The compact 700 watt design handles basic student or single-person cooking needs efficiently. Just note that the white exterior requires frequent wiping to stay free of kitchen grease splatters.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.7 Cu.Ft
- Power:700W
- Color:Pearl White
- Additional Feature:Multistage cooking
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
- Additional Feature:Kitchen timer
-
Comfee 0.7 Cu.Ft Black Countertop Microwave
Fitting into tight corners is the primary talent of this understated black appliance. You get straightforward 700 watt performance along with a clear digital display that tracks your remaining cook time.
The multistage cooking feature lets you program defrosting and heating cycles back to back. Be prepared for slightly longer cooking times since the wattage is on the lower side.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.7 Cu.Ft
- Power:700W
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:Eco mode setting
- Additional Feature:Sound control option
- Additional Feature:Auto defrost by weight
-
Chefman 0.9 Cu.Ft Countertop Microwave Oven
Upgrading from a tiny dorm microwave to something slightly more capable brings surprising cooking freedom. Offering 900 watts and ten power levels, this machine tackles everyday family side dishes effortlessly.
The one-touch express cook presets save you from guessing times for popcorn and potatoes. One minor quirk is that the door release button feels a bit stiff out of the box.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.9 Cu.Ft
- Power:900 Watts
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
- Additional Feature:Eco mode function
- Additional Feature:Interior glass turntable
-
Farberware 1.1 Cu.Ft Red Microwave
Adding a vibrant splash of color to your kitchen counter transforms the entire mood of the room. This metallic red machine brings 1000 watts of cooking power wrapped in a delightfully retro-inspired shell.
The spacious 1.1 cubic foot interior accommodates dinner plates of almost any size. Keep in mind that the bright metallic finish demands a prominent spot on your counter to look its best.
- Brand:Farberware
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.1 Cu. Ft.
- Power:1000 Watts
- Color:Metallic Red
- Additional Feature:Auto cook settings
- Additional Feature:Defrost function
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a medium microwave will fit on my counter?
Grab a tape measure and check both the available depth and the door swing radius. You need to leave at least two inches of space around the back and sides for proper ventilation so the unit does not overheat.
Is 1,000 watts enough power for everyday cooking?
Yes, 1,000 watts handles standard defrosting, beverage heating, and frozen dinners with ease. If you cook large family meals frequently, stepping up to 1,200 watts cuts down your total wait time noticeably.
What is sensor cooking and is it worth paying extra for?
Sensor cooking uses a built-in humidity detector to monitor the steam coming off your food and automatically adjusts the timer. It stops you from accidentally turning your leftover pasta into rubber, making it a genuinely useful upgrade.
Can I mount a countertop medium microwave under my upper cabinets?
No, you should never place a countertop model under cabinets unless you use a specifically rated hanging kit. Regular countertop units lack the bottom-ventilation systems required for safe under-cabinet installation.
Why does my microwave still run after the timer hits zero?
That extra noise is just the cooling fan running for a few seconds to protect the internal electrical components from residual heat. It is a normal safety feature and will shut off automatically once the internal temperature drops.
