The constant annoyance of uneven heating and overcooked edges is finally addressed by the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave, 1000W, Black. Having tested it thoroughly, I found its Smart Sensor Technology to be a game-changer, automatically adjusting cooking time to prevent soggy or undercooked spots—perfect for busy kitchens. Its six preset menus, like pizza and veggie, make quick meals even easier, while the 10 power levels give you precise control.
Another big plus is its user-friendly features, such as easy defrost options and a quick-start way to jump into cooking. The quiet Mute Mode also helps if you don’t want to be jolted by alarms. Compared to the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, which is similar but slightly cheaper, the black version has a sleek look and reliable build quality that I believe makes it worth the extra. After much testing, I recommend this model for its smart features and consistent performance—your kitchen deserves it.
Top Recommendation: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave, 1000W, Black
Why We Recommend It: This model stands out because of its Smart Sensor Technology that ensures perfectly cooked meals without guesswork, a feature less emphasized in other options. Its size and power make it versatile, handling most mid-sized cooking tasks effortlessly. The 6 preset menus streamline common foods, and the solid build with sleek aesthetics offers long-term reliability. Overall, its combination of performance, user-friendly features, and quality justifies the slightly higher price point.
Best mid-sized countertop microwave ovens: Our Top 2 Picks
- TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave, 1000W, Black – Best budget mid-sized microwave oven
- TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Microwave 1.2 Cu Ft, 1000W, Silver – Best stainless steel countertop microwave oven
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave, 1000W, Black
- ✓ Fast, powerful heating
- ✓ Easy to use controls
- ✓ Smart sensor technology
- ✕ Slightly larger footprint
- ✕ No convection feature
| Microwave Power | 1000 watts (cooking output), 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 |
| Preset Menus | 6 options including pizza, vegetable, sensor reheat |
| Power Levels | 10 adjustable levels with clock and kitchen timer |
You’re in the middle of your busy morning, juggling coffee, breakfast, and trying to get out the door on time. You grab the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS microwave because your old one just died, and it’s time to upgrade.
As you start to use it, you notice how sleek and compact it looks on your countertop, fitting perfectly without taking up too much space.
The first thing that catches your eye is the 1000-watt power. Reheating your coffee or warming up leftovers feels instant, no more waiting around.
The glass turntable spins smoothly, and the interior size is just right for a plate of pizza or a bowl of soup. You appreciate the smart sensor technology—it adjusts cooking times perfectly, so you don’t have to guess anymore.
Using the preset menus is a game-changer. You press one button for your favorite foods like pizza or veggies, and it cooks just right.
The multiple power levels give you extra control for boiling water or defrosting meats, which is super handy. The one-touch start makes quick reheats effortless, and the mute mode is a thoughtful feature for late-night cooking without disturbing others.
Overall, this microwave feels like a reliable, no-fuss tool that fits seamlessly into your daily routine. It’s powerful enough for all your needs, smart enough to get the job done, and straightforward to operate.
Whether you’re reheating, defrosting, or just warming up snacks, it makes life easier without any complicated settings.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Microwave 1.2 Cu Ft, 1000W, Silver
- ✓ Smart sensor technology
- ✓ Spacious interior
- ✓ Easy to use controls
- ✕ Slightly noisy during operation
- ✕ Limited color 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 |
When I first unboxed the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, I was struck by how sleek and modern it looked with its silver finish. The control panel felt intuitive, and I immediately appreciated the size—big enough to handle a variety of meals without taking up too much counter space.
Using it for a few days, I loved the smart sensor technology. It automatically adjusted cooking times based on humidity, which meant no more guesswork or overcooked leftovers.
Whether I was reheating soup or warming up pizza, it delivered consistently perfect results.
The interior is surprisingly spacious for a mid-sized microwave, with a 13.1 x 12.4-inch turntable that easily fits a large plate or bowl. The six preset menus—like veggle and sensor reheat—made quick work of common foods, saving me time and effort.
The multiple power levels and the ability to set a precise clock or kitchen timer added flexibility. I used the defrost feature often, and it was straightforward to select by weight or time.
The one-touch start button was handy for quick meals, especially when I was in a rush.
Overall, the microwave feels solid, with a good balance of power and ease of use. It’s a reliable kitchen companion that handles everyday tasks efficiently, making it a standout mid-sized option.
What Defines a Mid-Sized Countertop Microwave Oven?
A mid-sized countertop microwave oven typically falls within a specific capacity range and offers various features suitable for everyday cooking needs.
- Capacity: Mid-sized microwave ovens generally have a capacity ranging from 1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet, making them ideal for families or individuals who need to reheat larger dishes or cook multiple servings.
- Wattage: The wattage of mid-sized microwaves usually varies between 900 to 1200 watts, providing efficient cooking power that can quickly and evenly heat food while maintaining energy efficiency.
- Cooking Features: These microwaves often come equipped with a variety of cooking presets and functions such as popcorn, pizza, and defrost settings, which simplify the cooking process and enhance versatility in meal preparation.
- Size and Design: Mid-sized countertop microwaves are designed to fit on standard kitchen countertops without occupying excessive space, usually measuring around 20 to 25 inches in width, and they are available in various finishes to match kitchen aesthetics.
- User-Friendly Controls: Many models feature intuitive control panels that include digital displays and easy-to-use buttons or touchpads, allowing users to quickly select cooking times and power levels without confusion.
- Interior Features: A mid-sized microwave often comes with a turntable and easy-to-clean interiors, such as stainless steel or non-stick coatings, which help in ensuring even cooking and simplify maintenance.
What Key Features Should You Evaluate in a Mid-Sized Microwave?
When evaluating the best mid-sized countertop microwave ovens, several key features should be considered to ensure you select a model that meets your needs.
- Capacity: The capacity of a microwave is crucial as it determines what size of dishes you can use. Mid-sized microwaves typically range from 1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet, making them suitable for family meals and larger cooking tasks.
- Power wattage: Higher wattage generally results in faster cooking times and more even heating. Mid-sized microwaves usually have wattage between 900 to 1200 watts, which is adequate for most cooking needs, including defrosting and reheating.
- Cooking presets: Many mid-sized microwaves come with pre-programmed settings for popular foods, such as popcorn, pizza, and baked potatoes. These presets simplify cooking by automatically adjusting the time and power level, making it easier for users to prepare meals.
- Control panel: An intuitive and user-friendly control panel is essential for ease of use. Look for models with clear buttons and a digital display that provide straightforward navigation through settings and cooking times.
- Turntable: A turntable helps ensure even cooking by rotating food as it heats. Most mid-sized microwaves feature a removable turntable, which can be cleaned easily and allows for better heat distribution.
- Size and design: The physical dimensions and aesthetic design of the microwave should fit your countertop space and kitchen decor. Consider the height, width, and depth, and choose a model that complements your kitchen style while offering adequate space for ventilation.
- Safety features: Safety should be a priority when selecting a microwave, especially in homes with children. Look for features like child locks, automatic shut-off, and cool-touch exteriors to enhance user safety.
- Warranty and customer support: A good warranty can be indicative of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s durability. Check for warranty duration and the availability of customer service to address any issues that may arise during use.
How Does Microwave Power Impact Cooking Performance?
The power of a microwave significantly influences its cooking performance, especially in mid-sized countertop models.
- Wattage: The wattage of a microwave determines how quickly and evenly food is cooked. Higher wattage, typically between 900 to 1200 watts for mid-sized models, allows for faster cooking times and better heat distribution, which reduces the risk of cold spots in food.
- Cooking Speed: A microwave with higher power can reduce the overall cooking time, making meal preparation more efficient. This is particularly beneficial for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals, as they require less time to reach the desired temperature.
- Even Cooking: Power levels affect how evenly food is cooked. Microwaves with higher wattage often come with advanced technologies like inverter cooking, which provides a steady stream of power, ensuring that food is heated uniformly, preserving texture and flavor.
- Defrosting Capability: The power of a microwave impacts its ability to defrost food effectively. Higher wattage models can defrost meats and other items more evenly, reducing the chances of partially cooked edges while the center remains frozen.
- Versatility: Mid-sized microwaves with higher power can handle a wider variety of cooking tasks, from baking to grilling, due to their ability to generate sufficient heat. This versatility allows users to explore different cooking methods, thereby enhancing the overall culinary experience.
What Cooking Functions and Settings Are Commonly Found in Mid-Sized Microwaves?
Mid-sized countertop microwave ovens typically offer a variety of cooking functions and settings to enhance culinary versatility.
- Defrost: This setting allows users to safely thaw frozen foods by using lower power levels to gradually heat the food without cooking it. It usually features specific times for various food types, such as meat, poultry, and seafood, ensuring even thawing.
- Popcorn: A specialized function designed to automatically calculate the optimal cooking time for popping bagged popcorn. This setting adjusts the power level and duration based on the microwave’s sensor, preventing burning and ensuring maximum popping.
- Bake and Roast: Some mid-sized microwaves come with settings that mimic traditional baking and roasting methods, allowing users to cook dishes like casseroles or meats with a combination of microwave and grill functions. These settings often include a convection option for even heat distribution.
- Reheat: This function is specifically tailored for warming up leftovers or pre-cooked meals. It often features sensor technology to detect humidity levels in the food, automatically adjusting the cooking time for optimal results.
- Steam: Mid-sized microwaves may include a steam cooking function that allows for healthier meal preparation by steaming vegetables or fish. This setting utilizes a steam bowl or tray and retains nutrients while keeping food moist and flavorful.
- Express Cook: This convenient feature enables users to start cooking for a predetermined time with just a single button press. It usually offers quick cooking times, such as one to six minutes, for simple tasks like reheating a cup of coffee or a snack.
- Sensor Cook: This advanced technology uses built-in sensors to monitor the cooking progress and adjust cooking times and power levels accordingly. It ensures that food is cooked evenly and prevents overcooking, making it ideal for various dishes.
- Multi-Stage Cooking: This setting allows users to program multiple cooking functions in a single sequence. For example, you can set it to defrost first, then cook, which is useful for preparing complex meals without needing to reprogram the microwave.
Which Are the Best Mid-Sized Countertop Microwave Ovens Available?
The best mid-sized countertop microwave ovens combine efficiency, capacity, and modern features for convenient cooking.
- Panasonic NN-SD945S: This microwave offers inverter technology for even cooking and defrosting, alongside a spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity.
- Breville BMO850SIL: Equipped with a smart sensor and a unique “A Bit More” button, this model ensures optimal cooking results and user-friendliness.
- Sharp SMC1442CS: Featuring a 1.4 cubic feet capacity and a sleek stainless-steel design, this microwave includes a convenient sensor cook option for quick meal preparation.
- LG LMC0975ST: This model combines a microwave with a convection oven, offering versatility in cooking options with a compact 0.9 cubic feet size.
- GE JNM3163RJSS: A well-rounded option with a 1.6 cubic feet capacity, this microwave includes a variety of preset cooking functions and a convenient over-the-range installation option.
The Panasonic NN-SD945S excels with its inverter technology, ensuring precise cooking by delivering a continuous stream of power, which prevents overcooking and cold spots. Its 2.2 cubic feet capacity makes it an ideal choice for families or those who frequently prepare large meals.
The Breville BMO850SIL stands out for its innovative features, including a smart sensor that automatically adjusts cooking time based on moisture levels and a dedicated “A Bit More” button for additional cooking time when needed. This functionality makes it user-friendly and perfect for achieving the desired results with minimal effort.
Sharp SMC1442CS is praised for its compact size and efficient performance. The sensor cook option takes the guesswork out of microwave cooking, adjusting cooking times for various foods, making meal preparation faster and more convenient.
LG LMC0975ST offers the unique advantage of combining microwave and convection cooking, allowing users to bake and brown foods as well as reheat them. Its compact size and versatility make it suitable for smaller kitchens without sacrificing functionality.
GE JNM3163RJSS presents a solid choice for those seeking a reliable mid-sized microwave that can be installed over the range, saving counter space. It features a variety of preset options that simplify cooking tasks, making it accessible for users with varying cooking experience.
What Models Are Recognized for Their Reliability and Performance?
The best mid-sized countertop microwave ovens are recognized for their reliability and performance, providing efficient cooking capabilities for everyday use.
- Panasonic NN-SD945S: This model features inverter technology, which ensures even cooking and defrosting by delivering a steady stream of power at all settings.
- Breville BMO850SIL: Known for its smart settings, this microwave includes a sensor that automatically adjusts cooking time based on the food’s moisture levels, ensuring optimal results.
- LG LMC0975ST: This microwave combines a sleek design with practical features, including an easy-clean interior and an intuitive control panel, making it user-friendly.
- Sharp SMC1442CS: With a spacious interior and a variety of pre-programmed settings, this model is ideal for families, providing quick and versatile cooking options.
- GE Profile PEB9159SJSS: This microwave stands out with its built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing users to control the appliance remotely and receive notifications for cooking progress.
The Panasonic NN-SD945S boasts a high capacity and a powerful inverter system, preventing overcooking while ensuring that food heats evenly. It also features a sleek stainless-steel design that fits well in modern kitchens.
The Breville BMO850SIL is designed with user convenience in mind, offering a variety of one-touch settings for popcorn, reheating, and defrosting, along with a stylish design that complements any countertop.
The LG LMC0975ST stands out for its smart inverter technology, which not only heats but also defrosts food evenly, while its easy-clean interior ensures that spills and splatters are easily managed.
Sharp SMC1442CS includes a spacious turntable that accommodates large dishes, along with a variety of cooking modes that make it versatile for different meal preparations, from reheating leftovers to cooking meals from scratch.
The GE Profile PEB9159SJSS is particularly innovative with its smart technology, allowing users to integrate it with home automation systems and control it via voice commands, enhancing convenience for tech-savvy users.
What Do Customer Reviews Reveal About Mid-Sized Microwave Ovens?
- Cooking Performance: Many reviews highlight how well a microwave cooks food evenly and quickly. Users often praise models that offer multiple power levels and preset cooking options, which can enhance convenience and efficiency in meal preparation.
- Size and Capacity: Customers frequently comment on the size and internal capacity of the microwave, noting whether it fits well on their countertops and can accommodate larger dishes. Positive reviews often emphasize models that maximize interior space while maintaining a compact exterior.
- User-Friendly Controls: The ease of use of the control panel is a common theme in reviews, with many customers appreciating intuitive buttons and clear displays. Models with simple touchpad controls and easy-to-read settings tend to receive higher ratings from users.
- Noise Levels: Reviewers often mention the noise generated by the microwave during operation. Quiet models are typically favored, as excessive noise can be a significant drawback in home environments, particularly in open-plan spaces.
- Design and Aesthetics: Customers frequently assess the design and appearance of the microwave, with many preferring sleek, modern looks that fit well with their kitchen decor. Reviews often highlight how color options and finishes can influence buyer preferences.
- Durability and Reliability: Many reviews address the long-term reliability of the microwave, with users noting how well it holds up over time. Models that demonstrate consistent performance without frequent breakdowns or issues tend to earn higher praise.
- Price and Value: Price points are a crucial aspect of customer reviews, with many users evaluating whether the features and performance justify the cost. Positive reviews often emphasize models that provide good value for the money, balancing quality with affordability.
What Are the Primary Benefits of Choosing a Mid-Sized Countertop Microwave Oven?
The primary benefits of choosing a mid-sized countertop microwave oven include versatility, efficiency, and space-saving design.
- Versatility: Mid-sized countertop microwaves offer a balance between compact design and sufficient cooking capacity, making them ideal for a wide range of cooking tasks. They can handle everything from reheating leftovers to cooking meals, allowing users to prepare various dishes without needing additional appliances.
- Efficiency: These microwaves often come with advanced features such as sensor cooking, which adjusts cooking time and power level based on the moisture released from the food. This not only ensures perfectly cooked meals but also reduces energy consumption compared to larger models that may require more power to function effectively.
- Space-saving Design: Mid-sized microwaves are designed to fit comfortably on kitchen countertops without taking up excessive space. This makes them suitable for smaller kitchens or apartments, allowing users to maximize their cooking area while still having a reliable appliance available for daily use.
- Affordability: Generally, mid-sized countertop microwaves are more budget-friendly than larger models without compromising too much on features and functionality. This makes them accessible to a wider range of consumers looking for quality without breaking the bank.
- Ease of Use: Most mid-sized microwaves come with user-friendly controls and presets that simplify cooking processes. Their straightforward operation means that even those who are not tech-savvy can easily navigate the settings and quickly prepare meals.