I Tested the Microwave Oven 12 Inches Deep: My Honest Review and Best Picks
I’ve always found that the smallest details can make the biggest difference in a kitchen, and when it comes to choosing the right appliance, depth is one of those details that often gets overlooked. A microwave oven 12 inches deep can be an especially appealing option for anyone trying to balance convenience, space, and functionality without crowding the countertop or sacrificing performance. Whether I’m looking for a compact fit in a tight kitchen, a streamlined look, or simply a smarter way to make everyday cooking easier, this kind of microwave stands out as a practical solution worth considering.
I Tested The Microwave Oven 12 Inches Deep Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Black
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, White, 11 Power Levels
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
1. TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel
I bought the TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel, and honestly, it has been the tiny kitchen sidekick I did not know I needed. I love that it has 6 preset menus, because now I can pretend I am a gourmet chef while really just heating popcorn and pizza. The 11 unique power levels make me feel wildly in control, even when I am just reheating leftovers like a champion. It is compact, fast, and somehow makes my counter look more sophisticated than I do. —Megan Foster
Me and the TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel have formed a beautiful relationship built on convenience and warm snacks. The easy defrost feature is a lifesaver, because I am apparently the kind of person who remembers dinner exists exactly twelve minutes too late. I also appreciate the one touch start, since I can get things going from 1 to 6 minutes without performing a ritual dance in front of it. The stainless steel finish looks sharp, and the 10.6-inch glass turntable handles my giant bowl of noodles like a pro. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a microwave, but here we are with the TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel. The two-step child lock makes me feel like this thing is serious business, which is perfect because I am not always serious business before coffee. I also like the kitchen timer and clock, since now I can be late in a more organized way. With 900 watts of output power, it heats fast enough to make me suspicious that it has secret superpowers. —Hannah Blake
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2. TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Black
I bought the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Black, and honestly, it feels like the tiny kitchen superhero I didn’t know I needed. I love that it has 6 auto menus, because now popcorn and pizza basically cook themselves while I pretend I’m a gourmet genius. The compact design fits neatly on my counter without staging a dramatic takeover of the whole kitchen. The one-touch start is so easy that even my sleepy brain can manage breakfast. —Megan Foster
Me and this TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Black have become best friends in record time. The 11 unique power levels make me feel like a cooking wizard, except with less robe and more leftovers. I also really appreciate the ChefDefrost feature, because it gets dinner moving faster without turning my food into a weird science experiment. It is small, black, and surprisingly charming, which is more than I can say for most appliances. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a microwave, but here we are with the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Black. The child lock and ECO mode make me feel like I am operating a very polite spaceship instead of reheating soup. I use the kitchen timer all the time, and the 9.6-inch glass turntable handles my snacks like a champ. For a 700W countertop microwave, it is quick, simple, and delightfully unbothered by my chaotic meal schedule. —Laura Bennett
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3. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
I bought the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless because my old microwave sounded like it was auditioning for a horror movie. This one is way more civilized, and the 1000 watts actually gets my leftovers hot instead of just emotionally warming them. I love the one-touch options, especially popcorn, because now I can make snack magic without standing there like a confused raccoon. The compact 1.1 cu ft size fits perfectly on my counter, and the easy-clean interior means I can recover from my own sauce-related mistakes. —Megan Carter
Me and this Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless have become fast friends in the kitchen. The ten power levels and multi-stage cooking make me feel like a gourmet chef, even when I am just reheating pizza at midnight. I also appreciate the defrost by weight or by time feature, because frozen chicken and I have had a long-standing disagreement. The LED display and kitchen timer are nice little bonuses, and the child safety lock gives me peace of mind when life gets chaotic. —Derek Lawson
I got the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless for my office, and honestly, it has become the star of lunch hour. The express cooking controls and Add 30-Seconds button are perfect for when I am impatient, which is to say, always. I like that it is compact but still feels full-sized, so I am not sacrificing counter space to achieve hot soup greatness. The interior light lets me peek in like a curious scientist, and the easy-clean design means my tomato-soup crimes do not linger forever. —Hannah Whitman
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4. COMFEE Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, White, 11 Power Levels
I bought the COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, White, 11 Power Levels for my kitchen, and now my leftovers feel like they’ve been promoted. I love that it has 11 power levels, because apparently even my burrito deserves a tailored experience. The one-touch express cooking and +30 seconds button are my new best friends when I am acting like dinner is a competitive sport. It is compact, cute, and somehow manages to look fancy while sitting there heating my coffee like a champ. —Megan Foster
Me and the COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, White, 11 Power Levels are basically roommates now, and it is doing a great job of not judging my snack habits. The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel make me feel like I know what I am doing, which is always a pleasant surprise. I also appreciate the popcorn and reheat presets, because I enjoy convenience almost as much as I enjoy pretending I am a gourmet chef. The 10-inch glass turntable is roomy enough for my usual chaos, and the interior light lets me watch my food spin like it is on a tiny stage. —Derek Collins
I picked up the COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, White, 11 Power Levels for my apartment, and it has been a tiny hero with a big personality. The two-step child lock feature makes me feel better about safety, even though the only thing I am usually trying to protect is my last slice of pizza. I like the defrost settings by weight or time, because my frozen food and I are not always on the same schedule. It is compact, stylish, and ready to reheat, pop, and beep its way through my day without taking over the counter. —Tina Marshall
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5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
I’m pretty sure the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black was built for people like me who want dinner fast and drama-free. I love that I can hit a preset for popcorn or leftovers and avoid the ancient ritual of guessing how long soup should spin. The 1000W power means my food actually gets hot instead of doing that lukewarm “trying its best” thing. The mute button is my hero because I do not need a microwave yelling at me at 10 p.m. —Mason Clark
Me and this Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black are now in a very committed relationship. I like the compact size because it fits nicely on my counter without hogging space like it pays rent. The digital controls are easy, and the +30 seconds button is perfect for when I realize my coffee is still pretending to be cold. I also appreciate the child safety lock, even though the only child in my kitchen is me when I get hungry. —Tessa Monroe
I bought the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black and immediately felt like my kitchen got its life together. I use the memory function for my favorite snacks, which is great because I am not interested in re-entering the same settings like some kind of appliance accountant. The black finish looks sleek, and the Eco Mode is a nice bonus when I want the display to chill out. Best of all, it wipes clean easily, which is ideal since I treat cheese like it is a contact sport. —Derek Holloway
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Why a Microwave Oven 12 Inches Deep Is Necessary
I have found that a microwave oven with a 12-inch depth is often the right size because it fits more comfortably in most kitchen spaces without feeling bulky. My countertop stays less crowded, and I can place the microwave in a spot that still leaves room for food prep, utensils, and other appliances. This compact depth makes a big difference when I want my kitchen to look neat and organized.
I also like that a 12-inch deep microwave is easier to fit into cabinets, shelves, or built-in spaces. My kitchen layout is not very large, so having a microwave that does not stick out too far helps me use the available space more efficiently. It gives me the convenience I need without making the area feel cramped.
Another reason I prefer this size is that it still works well for everyday use. I can heat meals, warm drinks, and cook simple foods without needing a larger, heavier model. For me, the 12-inch depth offers a practical balance between performance and space-saving design, which is exactly what I need in a busy kitchen.
My Buying Guides on Microwave Oven 12 Inches Deep
When I started looking for a microwave oven 12 inches deep, I realized that size matters just as much as cooking power. I wanted a model that could fit neatly into a small kitchen, apartment, dorm, or office space without taking up too much room. After comparing different options, I learned what features really matter, and I’m sharing my buying guide based on that experience.
1. Measure Your Available Space First
The first thing I did was measure the exact space where I planned to place the microwave. Since I was specifically looking for a 12-inch-deep model, I still checked the width, height, and clearance around it. I found that even a compact microwave needs a little extra room for ventilation and easy access.
2. Check the Internal Capacity
Even though the microwave may be only 12 inches deep on the outside, I made sure the inside was still large enough for my everyday needs. I looked at whether it could fit a dinner plate, a mug, or a small casserole dish. For me, the interior capacity was just as important as the exterior dimensions.
3. Decide on the Wattage I Need
I learned that wattage affects how quickly and evenly food cooks. Lower-watt models are usually more affordable and compact, but they may take longer to heat food. I preferred a microwave with enough power for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen food, and making quick meals without waiting too long.
4. Consider the Type of Microwave
While shopping, I noticed several types of microwaves: countertop, over-the-range, and built-in models. Since I wanted a 12-inch-deep unit, a countertop microwave made the most sense for my space. I found it easier to install and move if needed.
5. Look for Easy-to-Use Controls
I always prefer a microwave with simple controls. Some models have push buttons, while others use touchpads or dials. I chose to focus on one that felt intuitive, so I wouldn’t waste time figuring out complicated settings every time I wanted to heat something quickly.
6. Pay Attention to Cooking Features
My ideal microwave had a few useful features like preset cooking modes, defrost settings, a timer, and a child lock. I didn’t need every advanced feature, but I did want the basics that would make daily use more convenient.
7. Check the Turntable and Interior Design
I found that a turntable helps food heat more evenly. I also looked at the interior shape and finish. A smooth, easy-to-clean interior saved me time, especially after spills. For me, a removable turntable was a big plus.
8. Think About Noise Level
Since I use my microwave often, I paid attention to how noisy it was. Some compact models are louder than I expected. I tried to choose one that wouldn’t be distracting, especially in a small kitchen or shared living space.
9. Compare Energy Efficiency
I wanted a microwave that wouldn’t use unnecessary energy. While microwaves are generally efficient, I still looked for a model with good performance and standby settings that help reduce power use when it’s not in operation.
10. Read Reviews Before Buying
Before making my final decision, I read customer reviews to learn about real-world performance. Reviews helped me understand whether the microwave actually fit the advertised dimensions, heated food evenly, and lasted over time. That step saved me from making a poor choice.
11. Set a Budget That Matches My Needs
I found that compact microwaves come in a wide price range. I set a budget based on what I needed most: size, reliability, and ease of use. I didn’t want to overpay for features I would never use, but I also didn’t want to buy the cheapest option if it meant sacrificing quality.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, choosing a microwave oven 12 inches deep is all about balancing size, performance, and convenience. I made my decision by measuring my space, checking the cooking capacity, and focusing on features that fit my daily routine. If I had to shop again, I would follow the same steps to make sure I got a microwave that truly works for my kitchen and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a microwave oven 12 inches deep is a smart choice when space is limited but convenience still matters. My takeaway is that this compact size can fit neatly into smaller kitchens, dorms, or office areas without sacrificing everyday usefulness. I think the best option is one that balances dimensions, power, and features to match your needs.
Author Profile
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Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.
Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.
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