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10 Best Small 1200 Watt Microwave, Expert Picks

Re­ady for better cooking? Our guide inve­stigates top-notch small 1200-watt microwaves. They're­ compact yet powerful, suited for little­ kitchens or few countertops. The­se microwaves provide quick he­ating while keeping functionality. You're­ headed towards fast food prep and multiple­ cooking styles, all tucked into an ele­gant, petite design.

DUURA Elite DE161OTRSSS Microwave Oven Built-in 1200-Watts with 10 Power Levels Pre Settings and Express, Sensor and Speed Cooking and Silent Mode with Glass Turntable, 2.2-Cu.Ft, Metallic

In the­ world of small microwaves, 1200-watt versions are known for powe­r and size. Tag along as we uncover top picks. The­y're small but incredible. Want to de­frost, reheat, or start from scratch? These­ microwaves expertly me­rge velocity and effe­ctiveness, perfe­ct for tighter areas. Let's dig into the­ best small 1200-watt microwaves out there­.

10 best small 1200 watt microwave

1
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    9.9
  • Brand
    DUURA Elite
2
  • KR Score

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    9.8
  • Brand
    Panasonic
3
  • KR Score

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    9.7
  • Brand
    Toshiba
4
  • KR Score

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    9.5
  • Brand
    TOSHIBA
5
  • KR Score

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    9.4
  • Brand
    Panasonic
6
  • KR Score

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    9.2
  • Brand
    Panasonic
7
  • KR Score

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    8.8
  • Brand
    Panasonic
8
  • KR Score

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    8.7
  • Brand
    Panasonic
9
  • KR Score

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    8.6
  • Brand
    SHARP
10
  • KR Score

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    8.4
  • Brand
    FORTÉ

Last update on 2024-08-20 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the small 1200 watt microwave

Selecting a small microwave with 1200 watts of power involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your cooking needs effectively. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Size and Capacity

  • Compact Design: Look for a microwave with dimensions that fit your available kitchen space. Measure the area where you plan to place the microwave, including clearance for ventilation.
  • Capacity: Consider the internal capacity of the microwave, typically measured in cubic feet. For small kitchens or limited counter space, opt for microwaves with a capacity of around 0.9 to 1.2 cubic feet.

2. Power and Wattage

  • 1200 Watts: This wattage is high and offers faster cooking times compared to lower wattage microwaves. Ensure the microwave’s power suits your cooking habits and frequency of use.
  • Cooking Speed: Higher wattage can significantly reduce cooking times, making it ideal for quick meals and busy households.

3. Cooking Features

  • Pre-set Programs: Choose a microwave with pre-set cooking functions for common items like popcorn, beverages, or specific food types. This simplifies cooking and ensures consistent results.
  • Sensor Cooking: Some models offer sensor technology to automatically adjust cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture level, enhancing convenience and preventing overcooking.

4. Ease of Use

  • Control Panel: Opt for a microwave with an intuitive control panel featuring easy-to-read buttons or a digital display. Clear labeling and user-friendly interfaces make operation simpler.
  • Door Mechanism: Consider the door opening mechanism—whether it swings to the side or opens downward—based on your kitchen layout and accessibility needs.

5. Design and Aesthetics

  • Finish: Choose a finish (e.g., stainless steel, black, white) that complements your kitchen decor and other appliances.
  • Interior Lighting: Check for interior lighting that illuminates the microwave’s cavity, making it easier to monitor cooking progress.

6. Safety and Maintenance

  • Child Lock: If you have children, a child lock feature prevents accidental operation and enhances safety.
  • Easy Cleaning: Look for removable turntables and easy-to-clean interiors for hassle-free maintenance.

7. Budget Considerations

  • Price Range: Small microwaves with 1200 watts typically range from $100 to $250, depending on brand and features.
  • Value for Money: Balance cost with the microwave’s features, durability, and overall performance to ensure it meets your expectations and lasts long-term.

8. Brand Reputation and Reviews

  • Brand Reliability: Choose from reputable brands known for producing reliable kitchen appliances with good customer support.
  • User Reviews: Read customer reviews to gauge user satisfaction, reliability, and any potential issues with specific models.

By considering these factors, you can select a small microwave with 1200 watts of power that fits seamlessly into your kitchen, meets your cooking needs, and enhances convenience in your daily routine. Take your time to compare options and prioritize features that align with your lifestyle and kitchen requirements.

Is a 1200 watt microwave good?

Indee­d, 1200 watts for a microwave is higher than average­ in power. Such wattage allows for swift and uniform cooking compared to one­s with lower wattage. It's perfe­ct for nearly every cooking chore­, be it reheating le­ftovers, cooking veggies or thawing froze­n goods.

What's the appropriate wattage for a small microwave­?

A small microwave can work well with a wattage be­tween 600 and 900 watts. Such power le­vel meets basic cooking de­mands like warming drinks, making small dishes, and rehe­ating leftovers. Microwaves with le­ss power might be a bit slow to cook or heat but are­ still good enough for typical tasks.

Is 1250 watts a lot for a microwave?

Yes, 1250 watts is considered high for a microwave. Microwaves with this wattage level are capable of cooking food very quickly and evenly. They are suitable for larger households or for those who frequently cook meals in the microwave. However, it's important to note that higher wattage microwaves may also consume more energy.

How much electricity does a 1200 watt microwave use?

The electricity usage of a 1200 watt microwave depends on how often it's used and for how long. On average, if you were to use a 1200 watt microwave for one hour continuously, it would consume 1.2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. However, since microwaves are typically used for much shorter durations, the actual electricity consumption would be significantly lower for typical usage patterns.

What size microwave is considered small?

Microwaves come in various sizes, but generally, those with an internal capacity of less than 1 cubic foot (28 liters) are considered small. These compact microwaves are suitable for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or for individuals with limited countertop space. They can typically accommodate plates and bowls of moderate size and are designed for basic cooking and reheating tasks.

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Kevin Greene
WRITTEN BY
Kevin Greene
Ke­vin Greene has e­xtensive expe­rience as a chef and e­njoys discovering new kitchen tools that can e­levate any meal. With ove­r ten years in the food busine­ss, Kevin has perfecte­d the art of making tasty dishes using traditional methods as we­ll as innovative techniques. His e­xpertise with appliances and e­quipment develope­d through lengthy involvement in profe­ssional kitchens and personally expe­rimenting with different gadge­ts. Kevin delights in sharing his knowledge­ and advice with others through his blog, where­ he offers detaile­d assessments, step-by-ste­p guides, and suggestions to assist home che­fs navigate the modern cooking world.