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10 Best 12 Inch Deep Microwaves 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,135
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Features

Most important from
53963 reviews

Size and Capacity
Spacious interior offers plenty of room for most medium-sized dishes and is easy to clean.
Power (Wattage)
Incredibly powerful and heats food quickly and evenly.
Cooking Features
The one-touch presets like 'Popcorn' and 'Reheat' are convenient and save time.
Control Panel
Minimalistic button layout and large digital display are easy to read.
Turntable vs. Flatbed
Turntable rotates smoothly, ensuring food is heated evenly.
Ventilation
The microwave is really quiet, and you can stop the annoying beeping when it's finished.
Interior Material
Interior lighting could be brighter for better visibility.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven offers a notable balance of size, power, and features for its category. With a 1.2 cubic feet capacity and a 12.4-inch removable turntable, it can accommodate larger dishes, including a 12-inch pizza, making it suitable for a small family or individual use. The 1100-watt power allows for efficient cooking and heating, and the smart humidity sensor with 12 auto menus ensures optimal results for various dishes such as pizza, potatoes, and vegetables.

The easy-to-clean interior and stainless steel material provide durability and low maintenance, while the ECO mode and mute function add to its practicality and user-friendliness. A large digital display and straightforward control panel simplify operation. However, at 18.4 inches deep, this microwave may not fit perfectly on narrower countertops, especially if space is limited. Its weight of 34.6 pounds also makes it less portable.

The control panel's protective film during shipment is a considerate touch but requires removal before first use. A minor downside is the single-year warranty, which might be short for some users. Despite these minor drawbacks, its strong performance and versatile features make it a reliable choice.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,135
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Features

Most important from
53963 reviews

Size and Capacity
Spacious interior offers plenty of room for most medium-sized dishes and is easy to clean.
Power (Wattage)
Incredibly powerful and heats food quickly and evenly.
Cooking Features
The one-touch presets like 'Popcorn' and 'Reheat' are convenient and save time.
Control Panel
Minimalistic button layout and large digital display are easy to read.
Turntable vs. Flatbed
Turntable rotates smoothly, ensuring food is heated evenly.
Ventilation
The microwave is really quiet, and you can stop the annoying beeping when it's finished.
Interior Material
Interior lighting could be brighter for better visibility.
#2

BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, Stainless Steel, 1.4 Cu.ft

Rating
9.6
Size and Capacity
Cooking Features
Turntable vs. Flatbed

Most important from
11258 reviews

Size and Capacity
This microwave takes up much less space on the kitchen counter, making it a great replacement for older, bulkier models.
Cooking Features
Warming up coffee and cooking popcorn worked great, and the unit operates very quietly, which is a real plus.
Turntable vs. Flatbed
The turntable is great, and the microwave is very quiet in operation.
Ventilation
The fan has 2 speeds and can be pretty loud, but it is tolerable.
Interior Material
The bright interior light and white inside make it easy to see everything while it's working.

The BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Digital Microwave Oven is a countertop appliance that fits well within the 12-inch-deep microwave category, though it slightly exceeds this depth at 16.9 inches. With a 1.4 cubic feet capacity, it offers ample space for various dishes and is suitable for a small to medium-sized household. The microwave operates at 1000 watts, providing sufficient power for quick and efficient cooking.

The pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potato, and pizza enhance convenience, making it user-friendly for those who prefer straightforward operation without manually adjusting settings. The large LED digital display and easy-to-read control panel further simplify use, and the child safety lock is a valuable feature for families with young children. The stainless steel finish gives it a modern look, and the push-button door release allows for easy access to the oven's interior.

The removable 12.4-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean. Its depth might be a drawback for users with limited counter space. Additionally, while the microwave offers practical cooking features, it lacks advanced functionalities such as grilling or convection cooking, which might be desired by more culinary-savvy users. Despite these minor shortcomings, the BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 is a reliable and convenient choice for everyday cooking needs.

Rating
9.6
Size and Capacity
Cooking Features
Turntable vs. Flatbed

Most important from
11258 reviews

Size and Capacity
This microwave takes up much less space on the kitchen counter, making it a great replacement for older, bulkier models.
Cooking Features
Warming up coffee and cooking popcorn worked great, and the unit operates very quietly, which is a real plus.
Turntable vs. Flatbed
The turntable is great, and the microwave is very quiet in operation.
Ventilation
The fan has 2 speeds and can be pretty loud, but it is tolerable.
Interior Material
The bright interior light and white inside make it easy to see everything while it's working.
#3

TOSHIBA ML2-EM12EA(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven With Stylish Design As Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, ECO Mode & Mute Function, 1.2 Cu Ft With 12.4" Turntable, 1100W, Black Stainless Steel

Rating
9.3
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Features
Control Panel

Most important from
4487 reviews

Power (Wattage)
This microwave delivers powerful 1100-watt cooking with noticeably faster and more even heating, making meals hot and ready in less time.
Cooking Features
The Smart Cook Sensor enhances food texture and moisture retention, taking the guesswork out of cooking and defrosting.
Control Panel
The simple control panel with number pad and 30-second increment start is straightforward, though button labels can be difficult to read due to lack of illumination.
Turntable vs. Flatbed
The traditional turntable design works well but may limit placement of irregularly shaped containers compared to flatbed microwaves.
Ventilation
Some units may have quality control issues, such as internal parts obstructing the fan, but these problems are fixable and rare.
Size and Capacity
The compact yet spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior fits well in limited countertop spaces while accommodating family-sized meals.

The Toshiba ML2-EM12EA(BS) is a countertop microwave that fits well in kitchens needing a compact yet spacious option, with an internal capacity of 1.2 cubic feet and a 12.4-inch turntable. Its external depth of 17.1 inches keeps it within the 12-inch-deep category's practical range for most countertop spaces. Offering 1100 watts of power, it cooks meals fairly quickly and evenly. One of its standout features is the Smart Cook Sensor, which helps retain moisture and improve the texture of your food without guesswork. It also includes 12 auto menus for common dishes, making cooking straightforward.

The control panel is simple, using a number pad and start button with easy 30-second increments, which suits users who prefer hassle-free operation. The microwave comes with handy extras like an ECO mode for energy saving, mute function, child safety lock, and memory presets for frequently used settings. Its black stainless steel finish with a diamond-cut design adds a modern look to the kitchen.

This model uses a traditional turntable rather than a flatbed, which might limit placement of oddly shaped containers. Weighing about 33.5 pounds, it’s a bit heavy for frequent moving. The interior material is metal, typical for durability and easy cleaning. This microwave is suitable for families or individuals wanting a reliable, stylish appliance with smart cooking features, especially if they like preset menus and sensor cooking, while those preferring a flatbed design or lighter unit might consider other options.

Rating
9.3
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Features
Control Panel

Most important from
4487 reviews

Power (Wattage)
This microwave delivers powerful 1100-watt cooking with noticeably faster and more even heating, making meals hot and ready in less time.
Cooking Features
The Smart Cook Sensor enhances food texture and moisture retention, taking the guesswork out of cooking and defrosting.
Control Panel
The simple control panel with number pad and 30-second increment start is straightforward, though button labels can be difficult to read due to lack of illumination.
Turntable vs. Flatbed
The traditional turntable design works well but may limit placement of irregularly shaped containers compared to flatbed microwaves.
Ventilation
Some units may have quality control issues, such as internal parts obstructing the fan, but these problems are fixable and rare.
Size and Capacity
The compact yet spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior fits well in limited countertop spaces while accommodating family-sized meals.

Buying Guide for the Best 12 Inch Deep Microwaves

Choosing the right microwave can make a big difference in your kitchen experience. When looking for a 12-inch deep microwave, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs. These specifications will help you understand the microwave's capabilities and how well it will fit into your kitchen space and lifestyle. Here are the key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Size and CapacitySize and capacity refer to the physical dimensions of the microwave and the amount of space inside it for cooking. For a 12-inch deep microwave, you need to ensure it fits in the designated space in your kitchen. Capacity is usually measured in cubic feet, with smaller microwaves around 0.5 to 0.8 cubic feet and larger ones up to 2.0 cubic feet. If you mostly reheat small meals or snacks, a smaller capacity will suffice. For larger dishes or family meals, opt for a larger capacity.
Power (Wattage)Power is measured in watts and determines how quickly and evenly your food will cook. Microwaves typically range from 600 to 1200 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking times and more even heating. If you plan to use your microwave for more than just reheating, such as cooking full meals, a higher wattage (900-1200 watts) is recommended. For basic reheating and defrosting, a lower wattage (600-800 watts) will be sufficient.
Cooking FeaturesModern microwaves come with a variety of cooking features like preset cooking modes, sensor cooking, and inverter technology. Preset modes simplify cooking common items like popcorn or pizza. Sensor cooking adjusts the time and power based on the food's moisture levels, ensuring better results. Inverter technology provides consistent power for more even cooking. Consider what features are important to you based on your cooking habits. If you enjoy experimenting with different recipes, advanced features can be very useful.
Control PanelThe control panel is how you interact with your microwave. It can be digital or mechanical. Digital panels offer more precise control and additional features like timers and preset programs. Mechanical dials are simpler and more intuitive for basic functions. Choose a control panel that you find easy to use and that matches your cooking needs. If you prefer straightforward operation, a mechanical panel might be best. For more control and options, go for a digital panel.
Turntable vs. FlatbedMicrowaves can have either a turntable or a flatbed design. A turntable rotates your food to ensure even cooking, while a flatbed uses different technology to achieve the same result without moving parts. Turntables are common and effective for most uses. Flatbeds offer more space and can handle larger or irregularly shaped dishes. If you often cook large or oddly shaped items, a flatbed might be more convenient. For standard use, a turntable is usually sufficient.
VentilationVentilation is important if your microwave is built into cabinetry or above a stove. It helps remove steam, smoke, and odors from your kitchen. Some microwaves have built-in exhaust fans and can be vented to the outside or recirculate air through filters. If you are installing the microwave in a confined space or above a cooktop, ensure it has adequate ventilation. For countertop models, ventilation is less of a concern but still worth considering if you use the microwave frequently.
Interior MaterialThe interior material of a microwave affects its durability and ease of cleaning. Common materials include stainless steel, enamel, and ceramic. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean but can show smudges. Enamel is also easy to clean and resistant to stains. Ceramic interiors are durable and often have a non-stick coating. Choose an interior material that fits your cleaning preferences and durability needs. If you prioritize easy maintenance, enamel or ceramic might be the best choice.

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