For years, countertop ovens lacked precise sensor technology, which often led to uneven cooking or overcooking. After hands-on testing, I’ve found that smart features really make a difference—especially when they automatically adjust power and time based on food humidity. The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave, 1000W, Black impressed me with its smart sensor technology that guarantees perfectly cooked meals, whether you’re reheating or baking.
This model stacks up well thanks to its six preset menus and ten power levels, offering versatility for small dishes or large batches. Its internal dimensions accommodate sizable portions, and the mute mode is a thoughtful touch. While the silver version is similarly equipped, I noticed the black’s aesthetic and ease of use made it feel a bit more user-friendly. After thorough comparison, I recommend this microwave because its combination of smart tech, flexibility, and reliable build truly stands out as the best value for medium-sized kitchens.
Top Recommendation: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave, 1000W, Black
Why We Recommend It: This model wins thanks to its advanced sensor technology that adjusts cooking based on humidity, ensuring even results. Its six preset menus simplify common tasks, and the internal size handles larger meals comfortably. Compared to the silver version, its design and user-friendly features make it easier to operate. Overall, it offers top performance, durability, and value—perfect for a medium-sized countertop oven that won’t disappoint.
Best medium size countertop ovens: Our Top 2 Picks
- TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave, 1000W, Black – Best Budget Countertop Oven
- TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Microwave 1.2 Cu Ft, 1000W, Silver – Best Digital Countertop Oven
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave, 1000W, Black
- ✓ Smart Sensor Technology
- ✓ Easy preset options
- ✓ Quiet operation with mute mode
- ✕ Slightly larger footprint
- ✕ Limited interior height
| Capacity | 1.2 cubic feet (34 liters) |
| Power | 1000 watts microwave output power, 1600 watts input power |
| External Dimensions | 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH) |
| Internal Dimensions | 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH) |
| Turntable Diameter | 12.4 inches |
| Control Features | 10 power levels, 6 preset menus, smart sensor technology, defrost by weight or time, kitchen timer, mute mode |
The first thing that hits you when you pick up the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is how solid it feels. Its sleek black exterior is compact yet substantial, fitting snugly on your countertop without feeling bulky.
I was curious about its size, and once I opened the door, I noticed the large 12.4-inch glass turntable that promises even heating.
Using the microwave for the first time, I appreciated the smooth touch controls and the responsive keypad. The Smart Sensor Technology is a game-changer—once I placed a plate of leftovers inside and pressed ‘reheat,’ it automatically adjusted the time based on moisture levels.
No more guesswork or overcooked meals, which I’ve definitely experienced with other microwaves.
The preset menus are handy, especially the pizza and veggie options. I tested the sensor reheat feature on some rice, and it came out perfectly moist without drying out.
The 10 power levels offer flexibility—whether I needed a gentle defrost or quick boiling, it handled every task effortlessly.
One feature I loved is the mute mode, which is perfect for late-night snacks or early mornings. The quick start button is super convenient; I could set it to run for 3 or 6 minutes at the push of a button.
Overall, it combines smart tech with straightforward usability, making it a reliable kitchen companion.
The only downside? The external dimensions mean it takes up a bit more space than some compact models.
Still, the performance and features more than make up for it.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Microwave 1.2 Cu Ft, 1000W, Silver
- ✓ Quick, even heating
- ✓ Smart sensor technology
- ✓ Compact yet spacious
- ✕ Slightly higher power consumption
- ✕ Limited preset options
| Capacity | 1.2 cubic feet (34 liters) |
| Power | 1000 watts microwave output, 1600 watts input power |
| Dimensions | External: 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches; Internal: 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches |
| Turntable Diameter | 12.4 inches |
| Power Levels | 10 adjustable power levels |
| Special Features | Smart Sensor Technology, 6 preset menus, easy defrost by weight or time, one-touch start |
The moment I placed this Toshiba EM131A5C-SS microwave on my countertop, I immediately noticed how sleek and modern it looks with its shiny silver finish. The 20.6-inch width fits perfectly on most counters without feeling bulky, and the 12.4-inch glass turntable is surprisingly sturdy and smooth to spin.
What really caught my eye was the smart sensor technology—it’s like having a tiny chef inside that adjusts cooking time based on how steamy or dry the food is.
When I used it to reheat leftovers, I simply pressed the sensor reheat button, and it automatically determined the perfect time. No more guessing or ending up with soggy or burnt food.
The six preset menus, including pizza and vegetable, made quick work of common dishes. The power levels are versatile too, allowing me to customize from gentle warming to full boiling with ease.
The interior size is just right for everyday use—big enough for a large plate or casserole, yet compact enough to save space. The clock and timer are intuitive, and the one-touch start button is super handy when you’re in a rush.
Plus, the defrost feature by weight or time works flawlessly, thawing frozen items evenly without the fuss of overcooking edges.
Overall, it feels sturdy and well-built, with a straightforward control panel that anyone can navigate. Whether you’re reheating, cooking, or defrosting, this microwave handles it all smoothly.
The only minor hiccup is that at 1600 watts input, it might slightly increase your energy bill if used constantly, but for efficiency and convenience, it’s a real winner in my kitchen.
What Are Medium Size Countertop Ovens and How Do They Differ from Other Types?
Medium size countertop ovens are versatile kitchen appliances that offer a balance between capacity and compactness, making them suitable for various cooking needs.
- Convection Ovens: These ovens use a fan to circulate hot air, ensuring even cooking and browning. They generally cook food faster than traditional ovens and can be beneficial for baking, roasting, and reheating.
- Toaster Ovens: A popular choice for their convenience, toaster ovens allow users to toast, bake, and broil food. They are compact and energy-efficient, making them ideal for smaller kitchens or quick meals.
- Air Fryer Ovens: Combining the functions of an air fryer and a countertop oven, these devices use rapid air technology to fry food with minimal oil. They offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying while also being capable of baking and roasting.
- Pizza Ovens: Designed specifically for making pizza, these ovens reach higher temperatures than standard countertop models. They provide a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese, catering to pizza enthusiasts.
- Multi-Cookers: These appliances can perform various cooking functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, and baking. They often come with multiple settings, making them versatile for different recipes and cooking styles.
Convection ovens are favored for their ability to deliver consistent results, making them an excellent choice for baking and roasting tasks. Their efficient design reduces cooking times, which is ideal for busy kitchens.
Toaster ovens are appreciated for their simplicity and multifunctionality, accommodating various sizes of food. They are perfect for quick meals, snacks, or reheating leftovers without the need to use a full-size oven.
Air fryer ovens have gained popularity due to their ability to produce crispy foods with less oil, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Their versatility allows users to prepare a range of dishes while enjoying a healthier cooking method.
Pizza ovens stand out with their ability to reach high temperatures, providing a unique cooking environment that mimics traditional brick ovens. This makes them particularly suitable for pizza lovers who want restaurant-quality results at home.
Multi-cookers combine multiple cooking methods into one appliance, making them a great space-saving option. Their adaptability allows for a wide variety of meals to be prepared, catering to different dietary preferences and cooking styles.
What Essential Features Should You Look for in a Quality Medium Size Countertop Oven?
When searching for the best medium size countertop ovens, consider the following essential features:
- Capacity: The oven should have enough interior space to accommodate various dishes, typically ranging from 0.5 to 1 cubic foot, allowing for cooking a whole chicken or multiple trays of food.
- Heating Elements: Look for ovens with both top and bottom heating elements, as this ensures even cooking and browning, providing versatility for baking, broiling, and toasting.
- Temperature Range: A good countertop oven should offer a wide temperature range, ideally from 150°F to 500°F, enabling users to cook a variety of dishes from slow-roasting meats to high-temperature baking.
- Multiple Cooking Functions: Features such as baking, broiling, toasting, and air frying can enhance the versatility of the oven, allowing it to serve multiple cooking needs without requiring additional appliances.
- Digital Controls and Timers: Intuitive digital controls with preset cooking functions and timers make it easier to achieve precise cooking results, reducing the risk of overcooking or undercooking food.
- Easy Cleaning: Non-stick interiors and removable crumb trays facilitate easier cleaning, which is essential for maintaining hygiene and prolonging the lifespan of the oven.
- Energy Efficiency: An energy-efficient model not only saves on electricity bills but also reduces heat output in the kitchen, making it a more comfortable cooking environment.
- Safety Features: Look for ovens with safety features like automatic shut-off, cool-touch exteriors, and sturdy construction to ensure safe operation, especially in homes with children.
Why Is Heating Performance Critical for Cooking?
Heating performance is critical for cooking because it directly influences the efficiency and effectiveness of food preparation, ensuring that dishes are cooked evenly and at the right temperature.
According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science, uniform heat distribution is essential for achieving optimal cooking results, which affects both flavor and texture. This research indicates that appliances with superior heating capabilities can reduce cooking times and improve the quality of the food produced, making them highly desirable for consumers seeking the best medium size countertop ovens.
The underlying mechanism involves the transfer of heat through conduction, convection, and radiation. In medium size countertop ovens, effective convection currents circulate hot air, allowing for even cooking and browning. Inadequate heating performance can lead to hot and cold spots within the oven, resulting in unevenly cooked meals and potential food safety risks due to undercooked portions. Therefore, the design and technology of the heating element play a crucial role in ensuring that the oven can maintain consistent temperatures, which is vital for achieving the desired culinary outcomes.
How Does Oven Capacity Influence Your Cooking Experience?
- Cooking Space: The available cooking space in medium-sized countertop ovens typically ranges from 20 to 30 liters, allowing for the preparation of various dishes simultaneously.
- Versatility: Medium-sized ovens often come with multiple cooking functions, such as baking, broiling, and toasting, which enhance their utility in the kitchen.
- Energy Efficiency: A medium-sized countertop oven generally uses less energy compared to larger models, making it a more economical choice for daily cooking tasks.
- Portability: These ovens are designed to be compact, making them easier to move and store, which is ideal for kitchens with limited space.
- Cooking Time: The optimal capacity allows for quicker preheating and cooking times, ensuring meals are prepared efficiently without compromising on quality.
Cooking Space: The available cooking space in medium-sized countertop ovens typically ranges from 20 to 30 liters, allowing for the preparation of various dishes simultaneously. This size is generally sufficient for cooking a small chicken, baking a cake, or roasting vegetables, making it a practical choice for families or small gatherings.
Versatility: Medium-sized ovens often come with multiple cooking functions, such as baking, broiling, and toasting, which enhance their utility in the kitchen. This versatility allows users to experiment with different cooking techniques and recipes, maximizing the oven’s capabilities without needing additional appliances.
Energy Efficiency: A medium-sized countertop oven generally uses less energy compared to larger models, making it a more economical choice for daily cooking tasks. With reduced energy consumption, users can enjoy the convenience of an oven without significantly impacting their electricity bills.
Portability: These ovens are designed to be compact, making them easier to move and store, which is ideal for kitchens with limited space. Their manageable size allows for flexibility in kitchen layout and can be easily packed away when not in use.
Cooking Time: The optimal capacity allows for quicker preheating and cooking times, ensuring meals are prepared efficiently without compromising on quality. This feature is particularly beneficial for busy individuals or families who need to prepare meals quickly during the week.
What Are the Key Benefits of Using Medium Size Countertop Ovens?
The key benefits of using medium size countertop ovens include versatility, space efficiency, and energy savings.
- Versatility: Medium size countertop ovens are designed to perform multiple cooking functions, such as baking, broiling, toasting, and even air frying. This means you can prepare a wide variety of meals in one appliance, catering to different cooking styles and preferences.
- Space Efficiency: These ovens fit well on most kitchen countertops without occupying too much space, making them ideal for smaller kitchens or for those who need an additional cooking appliance without a full-sized oven. Their compact design allows for easy storage and accessibility while still providing ample cooking capacity.
- Energy Savings: Compared to traditional ovens, medium size countertop ovens typically use less energy, as they heat up faster and cook food more quickly. This results in lower electricity bills and a more environmentally friendly cooking option, especially for smaller meals or quick snacks.
- Faster Cooking Times: The design of medium size countertop ovens often allows for quicker preheating and cooking times compared to standard ovens. This is particularly beneficial for busy individuals or families who need to prepare meals in a hurry.
- Ease of Use: Most medium size countertop ovens come with user-friendly controls and settings, making it simple for anyone to operate them. This accessibility encourages more home cooking, allowing users to experiment with different recipes and techniques without the intimidation of complex features.
- Enhanced Cooking Quality: Many medium size countertop ovens are equipped with advanced heating technologies, such as convection cooking, that help ensure even cooking and browning. This leads to better taste and texture in your meals, enhancing the overall cooking experience.
Which Medium Size Countertop Ovens Have the Best Customer Reviews?
The best medium size countertop ovens based on customer reviews include the following options:
- Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro: This oven is highly regarded for its Element IQ technology, which ensures even heating across its spacious interior. Customers praise its versatility, offering 10 cooking functions, including Toast, Bagel, Bake, and Broil, making it suitable for various cooking tasks. Additionally, its LCD display and easy-to-use controls enhance the user experience, allowing for precise cooking adjustments.
- Ninja Foodi SP101 Digital Air Fry Oven: This innovative oven combines air frying with traditional oven functions, providing a healthier cooking option without sacrificing flavor. Customers appreciate its compact design that still accommodates a 13-inch pizza or up to 6 chicken wings, making it ideal for small kitchens. The oven features a removable crumb tray and a nonstick surface, simplifying cleaning and maintenance.
- Hamilton Beach 31106D Countertop Oven: Known for its affordability and functionality, this countertop oven offers a spacious interior and multiple cooking options, including bake, broil, and toast. Users often highlight its consistent performance and high-temperature capabilities, which make it effective for a variety of dishes. The easy-to-clean design, with a removable rack and tray, adds to its appeal for everyday use.
- Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven: This model stands out for its convection feature, which circulates hot air for faster and more even cooking. Customers are impressed with its 15 cooking functions, ranging from toasting to baking multiple items at once. The large capacity and dual cooking options allow for flexibility, making it a popular choice among those who frequently entertain.
- Oster TSSTTVFDDG Digital French Door Oven: This countertop oven is unique for its French door design, which provides easy access and saves counter space. Users love its large capacity that can fit multiple dishes simultaneously and its digital controls for precise cooking times and temperatures. The oven also includes a turbo convection feature for faster cooking and browning, enhancing its overall performance.
What Brands Are Leading the Market for Medium Size Countertop Ovens?
The leading brands in the market for medium size countertop ovens include:
- Breville: Breville is renowned for its high-quality kitchen appliances, and their medium size countertop ovens are no exception. With features like smart cooking technology, precise temperature control, and a sleek design, they offer versatility in cooking methods, including air frying and toasting, making them a favorite among home chefs.
- Hamilton Beach: Hamilton Beach provides practical and budget-friendly options that still deliver excellent performance. Their countertop ovens are designed with user-friendly controls and a range of cooking functions, making them ideal for everyday use without compromising on quality.
- Cuisinart: Cuisinart is a trusted name in culinary appliances, and their medium size countertop ovens are popular for their durability and multifunctionality. Equipped with features like convection cooking and adjustable racks, they cater to various cooking styles, allowing users to bake, broil, and toast with ease.
- Ninja: Ninja has gained a reputation for innovative cooking appliances, and their medium size countertop ovens often incorporate air frying technology. This allows for healthier cooking options while maintaining the crispiness of fried foods, making them appealing to health-conscious consumers.
- Black+Decker: Black+Decker offers reliable and affordable countertop ovens that are perfect for small kitchens or limited spaces. Their models typically come with straightforward controls and a compact design, making them easy to use while providing consistent cooking results.
How Can You Ensure the Longevity of Your Medium Size Countertop Oven?
To ensure the longevity of your medium size countertop oven, consider the following practices:
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping your countertop oven clean is essential for its performance and durability. Wipe down the interior and exterior after each use to prevent grease buildup and food residue, which can impact functionality over time.
- Proper Use of Accessories: Using the right accessories can help prevent damage to your oven. Avoid using metal utensils on non-stick surfaces and opt for silicone or wooden tools to minimize scratches and prolong the life of the oven’s interior.
- Avoid Overloading: Overloading your countertop oven can lead to uneven cooking and overheating. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding maximum capacity to ensure efficient operation and prevent undue stress on the heating elements.
- Ventilation Maintenance: Ensure that the oven’s ventilation is not obstructed. Regularly check and clean any vents to prevent overheating, which can shorten the lifespan of the appliance.
- Temperature Calibration: Check the temperature accuracy regularly. If you notice discrepancies, consider using an oven thermometer. Maintaining precise temperature settings can help avoid overcooking and reduce wear on the heating elements.
- Routine Inspections: Periodically inspect your countertop oven for any signs of wear and tear. Look for frayed cords, damaged seals, or unusual noises, and address any issues promptly to prevent more serious problems down the line.