Imagine this: you’re hungry, and you want your food hot and ready *fast*. But not just warm, you want it perfectly cooked. That’s where a powerful microwave oven comes in. When you’re looking for a 1200-watt microwave, it feels like there are a million choices, and figuring out which one is best can be tricky. You want one that cooks quickly and evenly, but you also don’t want to break the bank. It’s easy to feel a little lost in all the features and brands.
This is where we can help! We’ve done the hard work for you. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes a 1200-watt microwave a great choice. We’ll break down what to look for, highlight some of the top features that make a real difference, and even suggest some excellent options that fit different needs and budgets. Get ready to say goodbye to cooking confusion and hello to perfectly heated meals!
Our Top 5 1200 Watt Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 1200 Watt Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven. This 1.6 cu. ft. black stainless steel microwave boasts a powerful 1200-watt motor and smart sensor technology to make cooking and reheating a breeze. Its large capacity can handle family-sized meals, and thoughtful features like the position memory turntable and sound on/off function add extra convenience.
What We Like:
- Sensor menus take the guesswork out of cooking, giving you better food textures.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and 13.6″ turntable easily fit a 13-inch pizza, making it great for families.
- The position memory turntable is a smart innovation that puts the door back where it started for safe and easy unloading.
- It offers many helpful features like auto defrost, fast cooking, and a child safety lock.
- You can turn off the annoying buzzer by holding down the “8” button for a few seconds.
- The stylish black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- The 1200-watt power cooks food quickly and evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The protective film on the keypad needs to be removed before the first use, which is an extra step.
- While it has many features, some users might prefer even more specialized cooking presets.
The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, blending power, capacity, and smart features for everyday cooking. Its user-friendly design and stylish look make it a top choice for families and anyone looking for a reliable countertop microwave.
2. GE Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The GE Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or apartment. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on any countertop. This microwave is packed with features that make cooking and reheating a breeze, all while being compact enough to save valuable space.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cooking: With 1200 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently.
- Generous Capacity: The 2.0 cubic feet of space fits larger dishes easily.
- Smart Cooking: Sensor cooking controls automatically set the best time and power for perfect results.
- Easy Defrosting: Weight and Time Defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing food.
- Safety First: The two-step child lock prevents accidental starts, offering peace of mind.
- Simple Operation: Instant On express cooking and clear controls make it super easy to use.
- Convenient Alerts: Kitchen timer and cooking complete alarms keep you informed.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it boasts 8 auto settings, some users might want even more specialized options.
- The “compact” nature is relative; for extremely tiny spaces, it might still be a bit large.
This GE microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It’s a smart choice for anyone needing a powerful and convenient way to cook.
3. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 9.4/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave designed to make cooking and reheating a breeze for busy families. Its spacious interior and powerful wattage handle big meals with ease, while smart features ensure your food is cooked perfectly every time.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 2.2 Cu. Ft. size is fantastic for families. It fits a 16-inch pizza or even a whole chicken, so no more struggling with small microwaves.
- Smart Sensor Cooking: The humidity sensor and 6 automatic menus take the guesswork out of cooking. It heats food evenly and keeps it moist, giving you delicious results.
- Convenient Auto Menus: You get 6 handy presets for common foods like bacon, frozen rolls, beverages, chicken pieces, and oatmeal. This saves time and makes meal prep simpler.
- Effective Auto Defrost: Defrosting meat, poultry, and fish is easy. The microwave simulates a natural defrost, so your food is ready to cook without being partially cooked or tough.
- User-Friendly Design: It’s packed with helpful features like one-pound defrost, an energy-saving ECO mode, and a mute option so it doesn’t beep loudly. The memory function and multi-stage cooking offer more control. A child lock, interior light, clock, and kitchen timer add to its usefulness.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the large capacity is a pro, it might take up significant counter space in smaller kitchens.
- The 6 auto menus are great, but some users might wish for more specialized options.
This Toshiba microwave is a powerful and smart kitchen companion. It makes cooking and defrosting easier and more efficient for any household.
4. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, a sleek silver countertop microwave that makes cooking a breeze. With 1.2 cubic feet of space and a generous 12.4-inch turntable, it handles everything from reheating leftovers to cooking full meals. Its smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your food is always just right. Plus, with its easy-to-use features and modern design, this microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor cooks food perfectly every time, no more burnt edges or cold centers.
- It has 12 auto menus, making it super simple to cook popular items like pizza and vegetables with just a touch.
- The 1000-watt power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- The Mute Function is a lifesaver, especially when you don’t want to disturb anyone.
- ECO Mode helps save energy, which is good for your wallet and the planet.
- The Easy Clean Interior means wiping up messes is a quick and easy job.
- The 12.4-inch removable turntable is large enough for most dishes and easy to clean.
- One-touch start lets you quickly cook for 1-6 minutes at full power.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, only 6 are preset for popular foods.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves.
This Toshiba microwave offers a great balance of smart features and user-friendly design. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile countertop appliance.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven, a sleek black stainless steel appliance designed to make your kitchen tasks easier. With its generous 1.6 cu.ft. capacity and powerful 1250W output, this microwave is ready for everything from reheating leftovers to cooking family meals. Its smart inverter technology ensures your food is heated evenly, and the 13.6-inch turntable fits larger dishes with ease.
What We Like:
- Inverter Technology provides even heating and faster cooking.
- 6 Smart Sensor Auto Menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular foods.
- The Sound On/Off Function lets you enjoy a quieter kitchen.
- A Two-Step Child Lock offers peace of mind for families.
- The Quick Start Button makes it simple to begin cooking with one touch.
- A spacious 1.6 cu.ft. interior and large 13.6″ turntable accommodate big meals.
- The Black Stainless Steel finish looks modern and stylish.
What Could Be Improved:
- The protective film on the keypad needs to be removed before the first use, which is a minor extra step.
- The 33lb weight might be a consideration for those needing to move it frequently.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and advanced features for everyday cooking. Its user-friendly design and thoughtful safety options make it a reliable choice for busy households.
Your Guide to Choosing a Powerful 1200 Watt Microwave Oven
Why 1200 Watts Matters
When you’re looking for a microwave oven, the wattage tells you how powerful it is. A 1200-watt microwave is a real powerhouse. It cooks food faster and more evenly than lower-wattage models. This means less time waiting for your meals and snacks.
Key Features to Look For
1. Cooking Power (Wattage)
As we discussed, 1200 watts is the star here. It’s great for quickly heating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, and even cooking some dishes from scratch.
2. Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes, measured in cubic feet. Think about how much food you usually cook. A family might need a larger capacity, while a single person might be fine with a smaller one. For a 1200-watt oven, you’ll often find them in medium to large sizes.
3. Preset Cooking Programs
Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking. A 1200-watt model often has more advanced presets because it can handle the power needed for them.
4. Turntable or Convection Cooking
A turntable helps food cook evenly by rotating it. Some microwaves also have a convection feature. This uses a fan to circulate hot air, making food crispy like in a regular oven. If you want more cooking options, look for convection.
5. Smart Features and Controls
Some microwaves have digital displays and easy-to-use buttons. Others offer smart features like voice control or app connectivity. These can make operating the microwave more convenient.
Important Materials
The inside of your microwave is usually made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. The door often has a glass window so you can see your food cooking.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make reliable appliances.
- Build Quality: A sturdy door and solid construction suggest a microwave will last longer.
- Even Heating: The best microwaves heat food all the way through without hot or cold spots.
Reducing Quality
- Flimsy Parts: A door that feels loose or buttons that stick can be annoying.
- Uneven Cooking: If your food is always cooked unevenly, the microwave isn’t working as well.
- Difficult Cleaning: A microwave that’s hard to wipe down can become messy quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
A 1200-watt microwave is perfect for busy households. It’s great for:
- Quick Meals: Heating up dinner in minutes after a long day.
- Defrosting: Quickly thawing frozen meat or vegetables.
- Snacks: Making popcorn or reheating leftovers for a quick bite.
- Small Batch Cooking: Some models with convection can even bake small items.
The powerful wattage means less waiting and more enjoying your food. It’s a significant upgrade for anyone who uses their microwave often.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 1200 Watt Microwave Ovens
Q: Are 1200 watt microwaves worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, if you value speed and even cooking. They heat food much faster than lower wattage models.
Q: How much counter space does a 1200 watt microwave take up?
A: Their size varies, but they are generally medium to large. Check the dimensions before buying.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a 1200 watt microwave?
A: Some larger models with convection features can. It depends on the microwave’s capacity and cooking functions.
Q: Is a 1200 watt microwave safe to use?
A: Yes, like all microwaves, they are safe when used according to the instructions.
Q: How do I clean a 1200 watt microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Stainless steel interiors are usually very easy to clean.
Q: What is the difference between a 1200 watt microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A 1200 watt microwave focuses on speed with microwave power. A convection microwave adds a heating element and fan for baking and roasting.
Q: Do I need a special outlet for a 1200 watt microwave?
A: No, they plug into a standard household outlet.
Q: How long does a 1200 watt microwave usually last?
A: With proper care, a good quality 1200 watt microwave can last 7-10 years or more.
Q: Can I use metal containers in a 1200 watt microwave?
A: Generally, no. Metal can cause sparks. Always check your user manual.
Q: What are the benefits of a 1200 watt microwave over a 1000 watt one?
A: A 1200 watt microwave cooks food about 15-20% faster and can heat more evenly.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.