4 Best Countertop 12 Inch Deep Microwaves 2026 in the United States

The SHARP ZSMC1461HB microwave offers a spacious 1.4 cubic feet capacity, making it suitable for families or those who often cook large portions. With 1100 watts of power, it ensures efficient and quick cooking. The inclusion of a 12.4-inch carousel turntable helps in evenly cooking or reheating food, which is a significant plus for consistent results.

The control panel is touch-operated, adding to the modern and sleek design of the microwave. It also features a new white LED display and interior lighting, making it easier to check on your food without opening the door. This model comes with 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking options, providing flexibility for various cooking needs. The microwave also includes convenient functions like the +30 seconds instant start, melt/soften function, sensor cook for precise cooking, and auto cook for popular menu items.

The weight and time defrost options make thawing food quick and accurate. However, the microwave is relatively large with dimensions of 12.4 x 20.4 x 18.1 inches and weighs 39.7 pounds, so it requires a significant amount of counter space. Users looking for a more compact option might find this microwave too bulky. Additionally, it ranks #289 in countertop microwave ovens, so there may be more popular options available.

The SAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave Oven stands out with its sleek black and mirror finish design, making it an attractive addition to any kitchen. It offers a 1000-watt power output and 10 power levels, ensuring efficient cooking. The 1.1 cubic feet capacity is ample for most residential needs, and the built-in ceramic turntable ensures even heating of your dishes. The grilling element is a notable feature, allowing you to grill food inside the microwave, which is a nice bonus for quick meals.

The 37 auto cook presets, including options like popcorn and auto defrost, add convenience and versatility to cooking tasks. The ceramic enamel interior is durable and easy to clean, resisting scratches from daily use. The intuitive LED control panel makes it easy to select functions, and the child safety lock provides peace of mind by preventing accidental use by children. However, at 15.8 inches deep, this microwave may take up a bit more counter space, which could be a consideration for smaller kitchens.

Also, weighing 35.3 pounds, it is relatively heavy for a countertop model. Some users might find the price on the higher end compared to basic models without grilling features. This microwave is suited for users looking for a mid-sized, versatile, and stylish appliance with advanced cooking options.

The SHARP ZSMC1162HS is a solid choice if you're looking for a medium-sized countertop microwave with a 12.4-inch turntable, which is great for evenly cooking or reheating most plates and bowls. It offers a 1.1 cubic feet capacity, making it suitable for small to medium families or everyday kitchen use. The 1000-watt power level is strong enough to handle most cooking and defrosting tasks efficiently without being overly complicated. One neat feature is its preset for Orville Redenbacher's popcorn, which adds convenience if you enjoy microwave popcorn. The microwave also has 10 power levels and two-stage cooking, giving you flexibility for different foods.

Its control panel includes a simple “+30 seconds” button for quick starts and express cook options for up to 6 minutes, which is easy to use even if you're not tech-savvy. The interior has a modern gray finish and LED lighting, helping you see your food clearly as it cooks. Safety-wise, it comes with standard features like a turntable that sits on a roller ring to avoid spills and even heating. The stainless steel exterior is stylish and easy to clean but might show fingerprints. The size (about 15 inches deep) fits well on most countertops without taking up too much space.

At 33 pounds, it’s a bit heavy to move around if you need to reposition it frequently. Some users note that the LED display’s brightness could be lower for nighttime use. For those seeking a reliable, straightforward microwave with useful extras, this Sharp model is a good match.