7 Best Mid-Sized Microwave Ovens of 2025

This compact powerhouse delivers impressive functionality in a space-saving design, making it perfect for dorm rooms, RVs, or minimalist kitchens. With 900 watts of cooking power and 10 precise power levels, it handles everyday tasks like reheating leftovers or melting butter with surprising accuracy for its size. The six one-touch presets—including popcorn, pizza, and beverages—add convenience without cluttering the clean digital interface, solving the common pain point of overly complex controls in small appliances.

In real-world use, the Chefman shines when speed and simplicity matter most. Its 0.9 cu. ft. capacity fits standard dinner plates and mugs but may struggle with larger dishes or family-sized meals. The glass turntable rotates smoothly for even heating, though some hotspots were noticed when warming dense foods like casseroles. While it lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or weight-based defrosting, the +30 seconds button and memory function make micro-adjustments effortless—ideal for users who value efficiency over automation.

Compared to the Farberware 1.1 cu. ft. model, this microwave trades a bit of interior space and 100 watts of power for a slimmer footprint and lower cost. It’s best suited for single users or couples prioritizing countertop real estate over capacity. For those needing more room or higher wattage, stepping up to a 1.1 cu. ft. model makes sense—but if you’re tight on space and want reliable, quiet operation with modern touches like Eco Mode and mute functionality, the Chefman punches above its weight.

The Farberware 1.1 cu. ft. microwave is a masterclass in balanced design—delivering full-sized performance in a streamlined package that fits effortlessly on cramped countertops. Boasting 1000 watts of power and six one-touch presets, it tackles common meals like popcorn, pizza, and frozen veggies with speed and consistency, directly addressing the need for fast, no-fuss cooking. Its multi-stage cooking capability allows users to program sequences (like defrost then cook), a rare feature at this price point, giving it an edge over simpler models.

During testing, the microwave proved highly reliable across a range of tasks—from reheating coffee to defrosting ground beef. The interior lighting makes monitoring food easy, while the LED display remains legible even in bright kitchens. The 1.1 cu. ft. cavity comfortably fits a 10-inch plate and handles most household needs, though larger casserole dishes can feel snug. While it doesn’t include smart sensors or voice control, its weight-and-time defrost options provide practical precision, and the add 30 seconds button enhances usability in real-time cooking scenarios.

When stacked against the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11, both offer identical capacity and power, but Farberware’s inclusion of multi-stage programming gives it a functional advantage for more advanced users. It’s ideally suited for small families or office break rooms where durability and ease of use are key. Though it lacks sensor tech found in pricier models like the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, the Farberware delivers solid performance with fewer frills, making it a smart pick for those who want reliability without complexity.

Don’t let the modest price tag fool you—the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a budget-savvy workhorse that delivers full-featured performance in a sleek, stainless-accented body. With 1000 watts of power and 10 adjustable settings, it matches the output of more expensive models, heating food quickly and evenly thanks to its 12.4-inch glass turntable. The pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, veggies, and dinner plates solve the daily dilemma of guesswork cooking, making it ideal for students, young professionals, or secondary kitchens.

Real-world testing showed consistent results across reheating, defrosting, and beverage warming tasks. The push-button door release offers smooth, one-handed access—more convenient than twist handles—and the large LED display ensures clear visibility. Its 1.1 cu. ft. interior handles most standard containers, though taller items like deep lasagna pans may not fit under the ceiling. While it lacks sensor cooking or memory recall, the 30-second express start and child safety lock cover essential safety and speed needs for everyday users.

Compared to the Farberware B01EIZSF6I, this model shares nearly identical specs but swaps multi-stage cooking for a more modern push-button door and slightly better aesthetics. It’s a stronger choice for those who prioritize ease of access and visual appeal over advanced programming. For anyone seeking the best bang for their buck without sacrificing core functionality, the BLACK+DECKER stands tall—offering dependable performance, clean design, and essential features at a wallet-friendly point.

Popcorn lovers, rejoice—this SHARP 1.1 cu. ft. microwave is engineered for perfection with Orville Redenbacher’s Certified Popcorn Presets, calibrated to deliver fluffy, evenly popped kernels every time. Backed by 1000 watts of power and a smooth 12.4-inch turntable, it ensures consistent heat distribution, eliminating cold spots common in budget models. The auto cook and defrost functions add serious convenience, while the +30 seconds express key makes mid-cycle adjustments seamless—perfect for households that rely on quick, repeatable meals.

In daily use, the microwave excels at both precision and simplicity. Whether popping a bag of buttery kernels or reheating a plate of leftovers, the two-stage cooking and weight-based defrost settings provide reliable results. The interior lighting keeps food visible, and the stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than many competitors. However, the lack of a mute function or eco mode may disappoint users seeking quiet nighttime operation or energy savings. Still, for those who value brand trust and specialty presets, Sharp delivers a polished experience.

Next to the Sharp SMC1162HS, this model shares the same core DNA but offers slightly fewer preset options. It’s best for individuals or couples who pop popcorn regularly and want a no-hassle, durable appliance from a trusted name. While it doesn’t include sensor cooking like the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, its dedicated popcorn tuning and solid build quality make it a standout in its class—offering targeted performance with mainstream appeal.

This Sharp SMC1162HS isn’t just a microwave—it’s a menu-driven kitchen assistant packed with intuitive preset buttons tuned for optimal results across beverages, snacks, and full meals. With 1000 watts of power and a Orville Redenbacher’s certified popcorn setting, it builds on Sharp’s legacy of precision engineering, delivering consistent, restaurant-quality popping with minimal effort. The +30 second instant start and auto defrost functions streamline daily routines, directly addressing the frustration of manual time guessing.

Performance tests revealed fast, uniform heating across a variety of foods, from soggy takeout pizza to frozen burritos. The 1.1 cu. ft. cavity is spacious enough for most household needs, and the interior light enhances visibility during cooking. Unlike models without smart sensors, this one relies on manual presets, which are well-calibrated but less adaptive than humidity-sensing tech. It doesn’t include a mute button or eco mode, which may be a drawback for noise-sensitive users or eco-conscious households.

Compared to the B0CNQ9Y534, this model offers more refined preset menus and a slightly updated interface, making it the better choice for cooks who want one-touch simplicity with premium tuning. It’s ideal for families or frequent microwave users who value consistency and brand reliability. While it doesn’t match the sensor intelligence of the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, it outperforms basic models in usability—offering smarter presets and superior food-specific programming at a competitive level of sophistication.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) earns its title as the best overall mid-sized microwave by combining spacious 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, 1200 watts of power, and smart sensor technology into a single, elegant package. This isn’t just a reheater—it’s a precision cooking partner that automatically adjusts time and power based on food humidity, ensuring your pizza stays crispy and your veggies don’t turn to mush. The 13.6-inch position-memory turntable resets to the same spot after each use, making it safer and more convenient when removing hot dishes.

In real-world testing, the sensor reheat function consistently delivered restaurant-quality results, outperforming non-sensor models by a wide margin. It handled everything from frozen entrees to reheating rice with minimal user input. The large interior fits a 13-inch pizza with room to spare, and the black stainless-steel finish resists smudges while elevating kitchen aesthetics. While the footprint is larger than 1.1 cu. ft. models, it’s a fair trade for the added versatility and power.

Against the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, this model offers higher wattage, bigger capacity, and a smarter turntable, justifying its place at the top. It’s perfect for families or serious home cooks who need room, power, and intelligence in one appliance. Though it costs more than compact options, its feature-rich design and superior performance make it the most well-rounded choice—delivering premium functionality without compromise.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS strikes a brilliant balance between value and intelligence, featuring Smart Humidity Sensor Technology that automatically adjusts cooking time and power—eliminating the all-too-common issue of dried-out leftovers or icy centers. With 1000 watts of output and 12 auto menus, including sensor reheat and veggie steam, it brings high-end convenience to a mid-tier price, making it a standout for tech-savvy users who want set-it-and-forget-it reliability.

In practice, the sensor function proved remarkably accurate, adapting to different food types without user intervention. The 12.4-inch removable turntable makes cleaning a breeze, and the ECO mode reduces standby power—ideal for eco-conscious households. While the 1.2 cu. ft. capacity is slightly larger than standard 1.1 models, it maintains a compact footprint, fitting neatly on most countertops. However, the lack of multi-stage sensor cooking means you can’t combine sensor reheat with defrost in one cycle.

Compared to the ML-EM45P(BS), this model sacrifices 200 watts and a smaller turntable but retains the core sensor intelligence at a lower cost. It’s best for individuals or couples who want smart cooking without overspending. While it doesn’t offer the sheer size or power of its bigger sibling, it delivers exceptional value with adaptive cooking tech, making it the smartest mid-range pick for modern kitchens.