When it comes to convenience cooking, the microwave comes in handy. So whether it's defrosting frozen pizza or reheating that coffee you need to keep you awake, investing in the best deep microwave makes your life easier.
To make choosing one easier, we reviewed and compiled a list of the best 12 inch deep microwaves in the market. Plus, outlined features that let you know what to consider when buying them.
What Is a 12-inch Deep Microwave?
The appliance is best suited for space-saving due to its compact design. The microwave can be placed on a countertop or installed below your cabinets. The depth is measured with the door closed and open as you'll need enough space for the door to swing out fully. Generally, closed-door depts range from 12 to 16 inches. So the microwave is perfect for those looking for convenience without sacrificing space.
We reviewed the best 12 deep microwaves that assure convenience and save on space.
Are 12 inch deep microwave better?
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Best 12 inch Deep Microwaves
1. Black+Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen...
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30...
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child...
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”
This is the best 12-inch depth microwave if you've got limited counter space. It's also a perfect choice if looking for a microwave for cooking or reheating food in small amounts.
The 12-inch depth microwave features a 10-inch turntable that can fit up to a small dinner plate or low-profile mug. The kitchen appliance is powered by 700 watts and has 10 power settings. In addition, it features a clock, kitchen timer, and 30 seconds Express cooking.
The countertop microwave is equipped with pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate. In addition, it features a large LED display, child safety lock and interior light. Lastly, the microwave features a push-button door release for easy opening.
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2. COMFEE Microwave Oven
- Stylish (black) stainless steel finish, compact size: 0.7...
- Mute function, settings, clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock,...
- One touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and plus30...
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizing 50% standby power by turning...
- Bright digital display, easy-to-read control panel, interior...
If looking for versatility, this particular COMFEE unit is the best 12-inch deep microwave as it boasts multifunctional features.
The stylish and sleek-looking 12-inch deep microwave is powered by 700 watts and offers 11 power levels. Its compact body is perfect for people living in small spaces and generally looking to save on space.
The kitchen appliance also features a clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock and easy auto cook functions for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, and reheat.
In addition, the 12-inch deep microwave has thoughtful features like being able to turn off the beeps by pressing the sound on/off button. Lastly, the microwave also has a one-touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and plus 30 seconds functions. It also has two defrost settings (by weight or by time).
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3. Commercial Chef Countertop Small Microwave Oven
- SMALL, COMPACT DESIGN: Kitchen countertop microwave is great for...
- EASY TO OPERATE: The mechanical dials on this small microwave...
- 6 COOKING POWER LEVELS: 6 cooking levels with up to 600 watts of...
- UP TO 30 MINUTE TIMER: Easily cook, reheat or defrost to your...
- REMOVABLE 9.5" TURNTABLE: The included 9.5" glass turntable holds...
The rotary microwave oven is a perfect solution for small spaces and senior citizens. The 12-inch deep microwave features a simple design making it super easy to operate.
The Commercial Chef countertop microwave has a mechanical dial with 6 power controls and a timer for easy operation. Its equipped with 600 watts of power suitable for a variety of cooking tasks. Whether it's reheating leftovers, defrosting veggies or preparing frozen dinners, the countertop microwave easily adjusts to meet your needs.
The microwave offers timing intervals between 1 to 30 minutes. The compact microwave automatically shuts off when the timer is complete.
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4. GE JEM3072SHSS Microwave Oven
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity. Approximate product dimensions : 17.25 inch...
- Convenience cooking controls
- Auto and time defrost
- Turntable
- Overall Width:17 1/4 inches
The GE microwave is best suited if looking for convenience and to save on space. The microwave can be placed on the countertop or below the upper cabinet/shelf. However, to achieve the cabinet depth look, you'll require to purchase an installation hanging kit separately.
The microwave is powered by 700 watts and features instant-on controls. It also has a control lockout that prevents accidental activation.
The microwave features automatic auto and defrosts times. However, you can also program them manually to achieve optimal results.
Lastly, the appliance is equipped with a timer that lets you know when your food is ready.
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5. Farberware Classic Microwave Oven
- Quick & easy: you can prepare meals and snacks in a snap with...
- Get a clear view: The LED display with kitchen timer and clock...
- Convenient: conveniences such as defrost by weight or by time...
- Style & function: stylish Brushed Stainless Steel front and...
- Cook easy & powerful: it offers 10 power levels and multi-stage...
Whether you're thinking of planning to host a party or you're looking for a space-saving kitchen appliance, Faberware's got you covered. This is the best 12-inch deep microwave packed with 700 watts of power, letting you prepare meals and snacks in a snap.
The countertop microwave features an LED display with a kitchen timer that allows you to keep track of the time. At the same time, the interior light lets you keep an eye on your food while it's heating.
The cabinet depth microwave offers remarkable convenience with the various settings offered. The kitchen appliance is equipped to handle different foods such as popcorn, frozen veggies, potatoes and more. In addition, the microwave features a defrost by time or weight setting. This lets you speed up the cooking process.
Finally, the countertop microwave features a safety lock feature and has an express cooking setting.
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Features To Consider When Choosing Best 12 Inch Deep Microwave
a) Capacity
A microwave's capacity is measured in cubic feet. Generally, the more cubic feet, the larger the microwave. You can find microwaves ranging from as small as 0.5 cubic feet to 2 cubic feet. Most microwaves fall in the 1 to 2 cubic feet range.
It can be tricky to determine if a microwave will meet your needs based on cubic feet alone. The best measurement would be to pay attention to the size of the interior and the turntable. It's also advisable to ensure the door opening is high and wide enough to fit the items you microwave most. Lastly, it's vital to ensure that the shape and size of the turntable can accommodate your plates.
b) Power
When searching for the best 12-inch deep microwave, it's essential to pay attention to the wattage. The more power a microwave has, the faster and evenly it will cook your food. Most microwaves today are feature 500 and 1,000 watts of power.
Most people tend to prefer a microwave with 700 watts as the modes are affordable and work best on microwave meals, popcorn and other small instant items. However, if planning on carrying out heavy-duty cooking with your microwave, you'll need a model with around 1,000 watts of power. Powerful microwaves can cook anything from meat mains like meatloaf to vegetable side dishes and desserts.
c) Preset Cooking Modes
You'll notice that microwaves don't only feature standard keys but can be equipped with pre-programmed controls. For example, your 12-inch deep microwave can feature pre-programmed cooking options, which let you automatically select the cooking time and power level depending on cooking needs.
You can find settings that will let you cook items like potatoes, popcorn, frozen vegetables and more at the touch of a button. In addition, you can find settings for melting butter and chocolate, defrosting frozen items and reheating pizza.
When deciding on the 12-inch deep microwave, it's vital to think about if you'll use these features or if you tend to punch in time manually. Either way, there's no point in investing in a 12-inch depth microwave with features that you won't use.
d) Cooking Settings
Some cooking settings you're likely to come across are grilling, steaming and convection. Unfortunately, the 12-inch depth microwave with these features will generally cost more.
The grill function on a microwave if designed to sear the outside of food to replicate grilled results. However, it's not as powerful as a standard propane grill. A convection microwave uses the same technology as the oven: A fan blows and circulates hot air into the microwave, helping to cook food faster and more evenly. In addition, convection microwaves can brown or crisp food, similar to a traditional oven.
e) Sensors
Sensors can be considered thoughtful features. For example, it's possible to have a 12-inch depth microwave with sensors that will automatically customize the cooking time and power level depending on the moisture detected in the food being heated/cooked. The sensors are designed to prevent overcooking and uneven cooking, so you don't end up with rubbery overdone or undercooked meat or dishes with cold spots.
f) Venting
Over the range, microwaves usually feature a venting feature that can take the place of a traditional oven hood. Thus, they are ideal when cooking on the stovetop and are looking to remove odors or smoke from the kitchen.
There are two kinds of microwave vent systems: external and recirculating. A recirculating vent pulls air up into the microwave, runs it through a filter and pushes it back into the kitchen. This ventilation system is ductless and easier to install. However, its drawback is that it doesn't perform as efficiently as external ventilation.
External vents are usually connected to ductwork that sucks in air from your kitchen and redirects it to the outside. The systems do a better job removing heat and odors from your kitchen. However, they can be pretty expensive to install if your home doesn't already have ductwork.
g) Turntables
Except for a drawer-style model, essentially all 12 inch deep microwaves come with a turntable. Turntables can be round and rotate in a circle or rectangle and move side to side. They are designed to keep food moving, allowing for even cooking.
When searching for a 12-inch deep microwave, you're likely to find that most feature removable turntables. These tend to be easy to clean, and many can be popped into the dishwasher to remove any dried-on food stains. It's advisable to consider if the turntable is large enough to fit your go-to microwave dishes, dinner plates, and favorite microwavable foods/snacks. Large dishes, like casseroles, are likely to fit better on a rectangular turntable.
h) Racks
It's not uncommon to find a microwave with a removable rack. Racks are great as they create shelf storage in the microwave, letting you cook multiple things at a go.
Racks are usually made from wire and are similar to those of the oven. It's key to remember that having a rack in the microwave decreases how much clearance you need for fitting taller items in the microwave.
i) Style
Microwaves generally come in four styles.
First, some are designed to sit on the countertop hence a countertop microwave. Second, a built-in microwave is installed into a cabinet or wall. Third, a drawer-style microwave is placed into cabinetry beneath countertops. Lastly, there are models installed over the range.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best 12 Inch Deep Microwave
a) Can you hang a microwave under a cabinet?
Depending on your level of DIY skills, yes, you can. For example, you can hang or mount a microwave under the cabinet; however, you need to be careful because it might be unstable/unbalanced on both sides. It's advisable to get a technician to help you with the installation process if you cannot do it yourself.
b) How deep should a microwave cabinet be?
The standard measurement of cabinet depth microwave is 15 to 18 inches. However, this only applies if your cabinets are 60 inches above the ground. If your cabinets are above the fridge, the depth should at least be 24-inches. Additionally, the depth of your cabinets is determined by the size of your microwave since their relationship is usually direct.
