8 Best Mid Size Microwave Ovens of 2026

This compact powerhouse delivers surprising performance for its size, making it a go-to for small kitchens and busy lifestyles. With 900 watts of cooking power and 10 precise power levels, it handles everything from delicate reheating to full meals without breaking a sweat. The 6 auto menus—including popcorn, pizza, and frozen veggies—take the guesswork out of daily cooking, while the one-touch start simplifies routine tasks, solving the universal pain of clunky interfaces and confusing dials.

In real-world use, this microwave consistently delivers even heating across a variety of foods, thanks to its removable 10-inch turntable that ensures full rotation and uniform results. It’s compact enough to fit on tight countertops (measuring just 18.6” wide), yet spacious enough to accommodate a 10-inch plate or small casserole dish—perfect for individuals or couples. While it doesn’t have advanced sensor cooking, the memory function lets you save favorite settings, and the child lock adds peace of mind. However, those cooking larger family-sized dishes may find the 0.9 cu ft capacity limiting over time.

Compared to the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, this model offers more power and smarter features despite a modest price bump, making it a stronger value for users who cook regularly. It positions itself as the ideal mid-tier upgrade from budget models—offering reliability, ease of use, and thoughtful touches without stepping into premium territory. It’s best suited for dorms, small apartments, or as a secondary kitchen microwave where simplicity and consistency matter most. For those weighing features against footprint, this BLACK+DECKER strikes a sweet balance between performance and practicality.

Don’t let its space-saving design fool you—this GE microwave packs 950 watts of intelligent cooking power into a footprint that fits snugly in dorms, offices, or studio apartments. The 1.1 cu ft interior is a game-changer, offering noticeably more room than sub-1 cu ft models, easily handling dinner plates and medium-sized containers. Its standout feature? Weight and time defrost—a rare inclusion at this size—that accurately thaws meat or frozen meals without edge-cooking, solving one of the biggest frustrations in microwave cooking.

During testing, the glass turntable rotated smoothly, ensuring even heating across dense foods like baked potatoes and lasagnas. The one-touch controls are intuitive, and the built-in kitchen timer and cooking alarm add convenience beyond basic models. It handles reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking with quiet confidence, making it ideal for students or minimalists. That said, it lacks smart sensors or eco mode, and the 6 auto cook settings are basic compared to higher-end rivals—fine for essentials, but not for tech-savvy cooks.

When stacked against the FRIGIDAIRE 1.1 cu ft model, it offers nearly identical capacity and power but with a slightly more refined control layout. It’s not as feature-rich as the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, but it excels in reliability and ease of use—perfect for those who want a no-fuss, do-it-all microwave without cluttered buttons. This GE unit is best for dorm dwellers and first-apartment renters who need dependable performance in a sleek, compact form. It delivers more cooking flexibility than budget models while staying lean on features that drive up cost and complexity.

This all-in-one culinary disruptor redefines what a countertop microwave can do—air frying, baking, roasting, convection cooking, and microwaving all in one sleek 0.9 cu ft unit. With 900 watts of microwave power and 11 air fry presets, it’s a kitchen powerhouse for small spaces where every appliance must earn its place. The ability to crisp fries, roast chicken, or bake potatoes without firing up the oven solves the age-old problem of oversized appliances for small meals. It’s not just a microwave—it’s a mini convection oven with microwave speed.

In real-world performance, the air fry function delivers golden, crunchy results on frozen nuggets and fries, rivaling standalone air fryers—though with slightly longer cook times due to smaller cavity size. The combi mode (grill + convection) works well for browning and roasting, while the 7 auto menus streamline everyday use. However, the 0.9 cu ft capacity limits batch cooking, and the learning curve for multi-stage programming can trip up beginners. It’s also heavier and generates more heat than a standard microwave, so ventilation matters.

Compared to the SHARP 1.1 cu ft model, it trades some interior space for radical versatility, making it ideal for those who prioritize multi-functionality over sheer size. It’s not the fastest microwave-only option, but for someone wanting to eliminate multiple appliances, this BLACK+DECKER is a game-changing alternative to buying separate microwave and air fryer units. Target users include small households, RV owners, or urban dwellers maximizing kitchen efficiency. It delivers exceptional feature density in a compact build, outpacing rivals in innovation—even if it asks for a bit more counter space and patience.

Step into the future of cooking with the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, where smart sensor technology transforms guesswork into precision. Its 1000-watt output and 1.2 cu ft capacity make it one of the largest mid-size microwaves available, easily fitting 12-inch plates and deeper dishes. The Smart Humidity Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on steam levels—ensuring reheated leftovers never turn rubbery and frozen meals cook evenly. This is intelligent cooking at its most intuitive, solving the universal struggle of overcooked edges and cold centers.

In daily use, the 12.4-inch removable turntable enables full, stable rotation, while the 12 auto menus—including sensor reheat and veggie cook—deliver consistent results with minimal input. The ECO mode reduces standby power, and the mute function silences beeps for nighttime use, adding thoughtful touches for modern living. It handles large portions with ease, but the external dimensions (20.6” wide) may challenge tighter countertops. Also, the control panel, while feature-rich, can feel slightly cluttered for users who prefer simplicity.

Against the GE 1.1 cu ft model, this Toshiba offers more space, smarter cooking, and superior automation, justifying its higher price for those who cook frequently. It’s not as compact as the Chefman or COMFEE’ models, but it excels in performance and automation, making it ideal for families, meal preppers, or tech-forward users who want a microwave that adapts to their food, not the other way around. With best-in-class sensor cooking and generous capacity, it stands as a benchmark for smart, mid-size microwaves—delivering a premium experience without stepping into full-size territory.

The FRIGIDAIRE 1.1 cu ft microwave is engineered for one thing above all: even, reliable cooking in a compact, stylish package. With 1000 watts of power and a rotating glass turntable, it ensures heat is distributed uniformly—eliminating cold spots that plague cheaper models. Its pre-programmed timers for popcorn, pizza, and wings take the stress out of quick meals, while the auto defrost function handles meat and poultry with surprising accuracy. For users tired of unevenly heated food, this model delivers a noticeable upgrade in consistency and finish.

Real-world testing shows it reheats dense foods like casseroles and pasta dishes without drying out edges, thanks to balanced wattage and turntable motion. The stainless-steel finish resists smudges and wipes clean easily, and the child safety lock adds essential protection. However, it lacks sensor cooking or eco mode, and the control panel doesn’t offer mute or clock dimming, which feels outdated compared to rivals like Toshiba or Chefman. It’s a no-frills performer—excellent at basics but missing modern conveniences.

When compared to the GE 1.1 cu ft model, both share similar size and power, but FRIGIDAIRE edges ahead in cooking precision and build quality. It’s not as flashy as the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1, but it’s more dependable for core microwave tasks—ideal for users who want a durable, no-nonsense appliance for daily use. This is the go-to choice for even heating and long-term reliability, especially in homes where the microwave sees heavy rotation. It proves that sometimes, perfecting the fundamentals beats chasing features.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a budget-savvy standout that punches well above its price tag, offering essential features without compromise. At just 700 watts, it’s the least powerful in the lineup, but for reheating coffee, oatmeal, or frozen snacks, it gets the job done efficiently. Its 0.7 cu ft capacity is compact—perfect for tight spaces—but still fits a standard dinner plate. The one-touch buttons and auto-cook functions (popcorn, pizza, veggies) make it incredibly user-friendly, ideal for students or secondary kitchens where simplicity rules.

In practice, it heats evenly for light-duty tasks, though dense or large portions require manual rotation to avoid cold spots. The mute function is a quiet win—literally—allowing nighttime use without disturbing others, and the ECO mode cuts standby power by 50%, appealing to eco-conscious users. The 10-inch turntable spins smoothly, and the digital display is bright and legible. However, the lower wattage means longer cook times, and the smaller interior limits meal size, making it less suitable for families.

Against the Chefman 0.9 cu ft model, it sacrifices space and power for a lower entry price, making it the best entry-level option for those on a tight budget. It’s not built for heavy use or advanced cooking, but for dorm rooms, offices, or minimalist kitchens, it delivers reliable, quiet, and energy-efficient performance. For users who prioritize affordability and core functionality, this COMFEE’ is a no-brainer starter microwave that doesn’t skimp on safety or usability.

Sleek, smart, and designed for modern minimalism, the Chefman 0.9 cu ft microwave combines 900 watts of power with a clean stainless-steel finish that elevates any countertop. Its compact design hides a surprising amount of functionality—10 power levels, 6 presets, and multiphase cooking allow you to program two different cooking stages in one cycle, a rare feature at this size. Whether you’re reheating soup then crisping a topping, or defrosting then cooking, this microwave handles complex sequences with ease, solving the problem of manual intervention.

In real-world tests, the +30 seconds express start is a game-changer for quick boosts, and the memory function saves favorite combos—great for busy professionals or parents juggling meals. The mute option silences beeps, making it ideal for open-concept living or late-night snacks. The 10-inch turntable ensures even rotation, though the interior is snug for larger dishes. It lacks sensor cooking, and the build, while stylish, feels slightly lighter than premium models like SHARP or Toshiba.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER B0DHWWQ77M, it offers similar power and capacity but with smarter programming and a more modern aesthetic. It’s not as feature-packed as the 5-in-1 BLACK+DECKER, but it excels in design and usability—perfect for those who value sleek looks and smart functionality in a compact form. This is the ideal pick for urban apartments, home offices, or modern kitchens where space and style are priorities. It delivers high-end convenience in a compact, affordable package, making it a top contender for design-conscious buyers.

The SHARP 1.1 cu ft microwave sets the gold standard for mid-size performance, blending 1000 watts of power, a spacious 1.1 cu ft cavity, and a 12.4-inch removable turntable for unmatched cooking consistency. Its Orville Redenbacher-certified popcorn preset isn’t just marketing—it delivers perfectly popped kernels every time, showcasing SHARP’s attention to detail. With 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking, it handles complex recipes with precision, while the express cook function lets you start with a single press up to 6 minutes, ideal for quick tasks.

In testing, the large turntable eliminated hotspots, even with bulky dishes, and the weight and time defrost options provided accurate thawing without precooking edges. The stainless-steel build feels premium, and the control panel is intuitive without being cluttered. It lacks ECO mode or mute function, which puts it behind Toshiba and Chefman in energy and noise management. Still, its raw performance and durability make it a standout.

When compared to the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, it trades smart sensor cooking for mechanical reliability and simplicity—a trade-off many will appreciate. It’s not the most high-tech, but it’s the most dependable—ideal for users who want power, space, and precision without digital overload. This is the best overall microwave for families, serious home cooks, or anyone who demands consistent, high-quality results from a mid-size unit. It combines premium build, superior cooking, and smart presets into a single, well-balanced package that outperforms nearly every rival in its class.