7 Best Midsize Microwave Ovens of 2026

This sleek stainless steel powerhouse redefines what a midsize microwave should be—delivering precision, consistency, and user-friendly smarts. With 1000 watts of cooking power and a spacious 1.1 cu. ft. interior, it handles everything from reheating leftovers to popping a full bag of Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn with impressive evenness. The 12.4-inch carousel turntable ensures no cold spots, while the 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking allow for nuanced control that most budget models simply can’t match. It’s the perfect blend of form and function for kitchens where style and performance matter.

In real-world testing, this Sharp model shines when multitasking—whether you’re defrosting chicken by weight or using the Auto Cook presets for vegetables, the results are reliable and repeatable. The +30 seconds express button is a small but game-changing convenience for quick top-ups without fumbling through settings. While it doesn’t feature advanced sensors like some competitors, its manual controls are intuitive and responsive, making it ideal for users who prefer hands-on cooking. That said, it lacks eco mode or mute functions, so late-night heating might come with beeps and standby energy use.

Positioned between budget units and high-end combos, the Sharp stands out as a no-nonsense, high-performance workhorse—especially when compared to the smaller, less powerful Chefman or the feature-light BLACK+DECKER. It doesn’t try to do everything, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. Compared to the Farberware B01EIZSF6I, it offers nearly identical specs but with a more premium finish and trusted popcorn certification, making it a top pick for those prioritizing build quality and consistent output in a classic midsize footprint.

Don’t let its compact frame fool you—this 700-watt dynamo punches well above its weight for small kitchens, dorms, or office breakrooms. With six smart presets and 10 power levels, it delivers surprisingly versatile performance in a space-saving 0.7 cu. ft. chassis. The eco mode and mute button are standout features, offering energy savings and silent operation—perfect for midnight snacks without disturbing others. It solves the classic pain point of noisy, power-hungry mini microwaves by combining quiet functionality with thoughtful efficiency.

During daily use, the Chefman proves its worth with one-touch presets for pizza, popcorn, and beverages, delivering consistent results without guesswork. The memory function lets you save favorite settings, which is a rare gem in this price range, and the +30 seconds button adds instant flexibility. However, the lower wattage means longer cook times for dense foods, and the small cavity struggles with larger plates or containers. While it handles reheating and light cooking well, it’s not ideal for full meals or family use.

When stacked against the Farberware or Sharp models, this Chefman is clearly built for minimalist, budget-conscious users who value convenience over capacity. It trades power and size for affordability and smart touches like child lock and dishwasher-safe turntable. While the BLACK+DECKER B07HG9YGZY offers more power and space, the Chefman wins with eco mode and mute functionality, making it the best value for solo users or compact spaces where noise and energy use matter.

Meet the smartest midsize microwave in its class—a 1000-watt marvel that uses Smart Sensor technology to automatically adjust cooking time and power based on food humidity. With a 1.2 cu. ft. interior and 12.4-inch turntable, it offers slightly more space than standard models, making it ideal for medium-sized meals. The auto-defrost by weight and six sensor-powered menus eliminate guesswork, solving the universal frustration of unevenly heated or dried-out leftovers. This is intelligent cooking made simple, without requiring a culinary degree.

In hands-on testing, the humidity-sensing feature consistently delivered perfectly reheated meals, stopping the moment optimal moisture was detected—no more rubbery pizza or icy centers. The mute function silences beeps with a long press, and eco mode reduces standby power, adding quiet efficiency to its resume. It handles everything from steamed veggies to frozen dinners with confidence, though very dense foods like thick casseroles benefit from manual power adjustments. The only limitation? The control panel lacks backlighting, making it harder to read in dim lighting.

Compared to the Sharp B0CNQ9Y534, this Toshiba brings smarter automation and better energy features in a nearly identical footprint. While the Sharp wins on brand prestige and popcorn certification, the EM131A5C-BS outshines it with sensor-driven precision and modern conveniences. For users who want set-it-and-forget-it reliability, this model strikes the ideal balance between advanced tech and everyday usability, making it the best overall choice for tech-savvy households seeking a smarter way to microwave.

Engineered for efficiency and simplicity, this 1000-watt Farberware is a reliable performer in tight spaces—making it a top contender for office kitchens or studio apartments. Its 1.1 cu. ft. cavity fits standard dinner plates and meal prep containers with ease, while the six one-touch presets (popcorn, pizza, potato) deliver fast, consistent results. The add 30-seconds button and express cooking controls make it a breeze to use during busy mornings or lunch breaks, addressing the need for speed without sacrificing function.

In real-world office testing, this microwave proved durable, easy to clean, and intuitive—even for infrequent users. The child safety lock adds a layer of security in shared environments, and the interior light lets you monitor food without opening the door. While it lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or mute mode, its no-frills reliability ensures it won’t break down under constant use. However, it can struggle with larger dishes due to turntable alignment, and the stainless finish shows fingerprints more than expected.

When compared to the BLACK+DECKER B07HG9YGZY, it offers identical capacity and power but with a more polished interface and better preset variety. It doesn’t have the eco mode or push-button door, but it feels more robust and office-ready. For teams or individuals who need a dependable, low-maintenance microwave that handles daily meals without fuss, this Farberware model delivers practical performance with professional polish, making it the best choice for shared or workspace environments.

This 900-watt workhorse packs a surprising punch for its sub-$100 price, offering more power and space than most budget microwaves. With 0.9 cu. ft. of capacity and a 10.6-inch turntable, it fits most standard dishes comfortably, bridging the gap between mini and midsize models. The push-button door release is a standout ergonomic feature—no more pulling handles with greasy hands—while pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and beverages make daily use effortless. It’s built for users who want affordable, no-hassle performance without sacrificing core functionality.

In everyday use, the BLACK+DECKER heats food quickly and evenly, thanks to its 10 power levels and 30-second express cook button. The large LED display is easy to read, and the interior light helps monitor cooking progress. While it doesn’t have sensor cooking or eco mode, it delivers solid performance for reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking tasks. However, the lower wattage compared to 1000W models means slightly longer cook times, and the stainless-steel frame shows smudges easily.

Pitted against the Chefman B0DY95T5HB, this model offers more space and power at a slightly higher price, making it the best value under $100 for users who want room to grow. It doesn’t have mute function or dishwasher-safe turntable, but it outperforms in usability and build. For budget-focused buyers who still want midsize convenience and reliable operation, this BLACK+DECKER strikes the perfect balance of affordability and functionality—proving you don’t need to spend more to get a capable kitchen companion.

This 1000-watt multitasking marvel isn’t just a microwave—it’s a full countertop kitchen in one compact unit. With 8-in-1 functionality including microwave, air fry, convection bake, broil, and odor removal, it eliminates the need for multiple appliances. The position memory turntable remembers its last rotation point, making it safer and easier to remove hot dishes—a small but brilliant innovation. For users tired of cluttered counters, this Toshiba combo solves the space-versus-features dilemma with confidence and style.

In real-world testing, the air fry mode delivers crispy, golden results with little to no oil, rivaling standalone air fryers. The convection and broil settings allow for actual baking and browning—something most microwaves can’t touch. The 1.0 cu. ft. cavity is compact but smartly designed, fitting a 12-inch pizza or whole chicken with room to spare. However, mastering all functions takes a learning curve, and the interface can feel overwhelming at first. Also, it’s louder than standard microwaves during convection cycles.

Compared to the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), this model trades some capacity (1.0 vs 1.6 cu. ft.) for versatility and space-saving design. While the larger ML-EM45P is better for families, this ML2-EC10SA(BS) excels for small households or cooks who want restaurant-style results at home. It’s priced higher than basic microwaves, but when you factor in the elimination of a separate air fryer or toaster oven, it offers exceptional value through multifunctionality, making it the best choice for culinary adventurers with limited counter space.

This 1200-watt giant is built for households that demand speed, space, and smart cooking—offering a massive 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and a 13.6-inch turntable that fits 13-inch pizzas and large casserole dishes with ease. The Smart Sensor technology automatically adjusts cooking based on humidity, ensuring meals come out perfectly heated every time—no more dry edges or cold centers. With one-touch popcorn, multi-stage cooking, and position memory turntable, it combines high-end convenience with family-sized performance, solving the pain of reheating multiple plates or cooking for crowds.

In daily use, this Toshiba shines when handling large or dense dishes—frozen lasagnas, family-sized leftovers, or bulk meal prep—with consistent, even results thanks to its powerful output and sensor-driven precision. The sound on/off function lets you disable beeps, ideal for late-night use, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind in busy homes. While it’s too large for small kitchens, its footprint is justified by its capacity. The only drawback? The protective film on the keypad isn’t obvious, leading to initial confusion during first setup.

Compared to the EM131A5C-BS, this model offers 40% more capacity and 200 extra watts, making it far better suited for families. While it lacks eco mode, it makes up for it with larger cavity and higher power. Against the Sharp B0CNQ9Y534, it’s in a completely different league—bigger, smarter, and more powerful. For households of four or more, this Toshiba is the ultimate upgrade, delivering restaurant-level performance at home with smart features that simplify daily cooking.