Having a microwave 12 inch depth in your kitchen may probably save more hours of your life than you can count in this rushing society where we always wish to have 48 hours a day instead of 24.
If you are looking for a helpful cooking assistant that does not only fasten the process of preparing meals but also saves up space and money, a 12-inch deep microwave is the one you are looking for! Not all areas are suitable for an enormous, bulky appliance and some households don’t need a huge microwave that takes up valuable space.
Spare your confusion about millions of microwaves in the market and let us save your time! Our experts have researched and tested over 100 microwaves (all types of microwaves) and made a list of the top 10 best 12 inch deep microwaves to buy in 2024! Below are the detailed descriptions with a carefully written pros – and – cons list for each design!
Table of Contents
Best Microwave 12 Inch Depth Comparison 2024
Table could not be displayed.** Below, you will find our detailed reviews of the Microwave 12 Inch Depth, but you can also click these following links to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
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Top 10 Best Microwave 12 Inch Depth Reviews 2024
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven – $529.99 (Best overall Microwave)
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If you’re looking for a cooking assistant that can do it all, this 4-in-1 model is the best multifunction microwave with 12-inch depth! 4 cooking methods and 2 combinations of cooking options can generate greatly delicious suggestions to prepare your meals. This can be your countertop microwave, broiler, air fryer, and convection oven, all in one!
It requires low maintenance due to its stainless-steel interior, you can easily wipe out the toughest stuck-on dirt and avoid scratching your microwave at the same time. Moreover, safety lock and silent mode can be activated whenever you want to protect your children and prevent them from waking up because of noisy beeping sounds that other microwaves usually produce. To complete the aesthetic style of your house design, it is also convenient and sleek with a customized built-in look!
Pros:
- 4-in-one purpose: air fryer, oven, microwave, broiler
- easy maintenance
- safety lock and silent mode
- built-in design
Cons:
- slow heating time
- many buttons and tiny fonts
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S Countertop – $229.37 (Best easy-to-use microwave with 12-inch depth)
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This is the best easy-to-use microwave with a 12-inch depth for your home. The ultimate cooking setting with the genius sensor features 14 different auto cooking menus, a quick minute timer, a pause button and a safety lock. You can master the use of your microwave in a minute and cook like a professional! Additionally, inverter technology allows food to be defrosted evenly and more quickly so you will never be bothered by cold spots in your food anymore.
This model from Panasonic has a thinner and lighter glass turntable which leaves more space capacity, you can fit a whole family-size baking dish inside it! And for a sleek and stylish kitchen, you can have your microwave built in easily with the optional trim kits!
Pros:
- Ease of use
- 14 cooking menus
- More spacious interior capacity (which can fit a family-size dish)
- Even heat and defrost
- Safety lock
- Optional trim kits for a built-in look
Cons:
- Misaligned front door
- Beeping sounds
Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS) Microwave Oven with Healthy Air Fry – $209.99 (Best multipurpose microwave with 12-inch depth)
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This is a 12-inch deep microwave with four combined functions that can actually perform well in years thanks to its build quality. The stainless-steel oven is presented with hard-wearing qualities and a compact structure, which makes it scratch-resistant. So, it is not only durable but also very easy to clean, all it takes is just a few wipes of your damp rag. Maintenance has never been so convenient!
More than a usual microwave, Toshiba 1.5 cu. ft. microwave is a griller, a toaster, an air fryer with 13 auto menus (sensor cook menus – auto bake and roast menus). It can automatically modify time and temperature thanks to the built-in sensor constantly detecting the humidity level of the food during cooking. If you are a newbie and struggling to find the perfect temperature for your recipe, this is the perfect multifunction microwave with a 12-inch depth for you!
Pros:
- 13 auto menus and smart sensor
- easy-to-clean stainless cavity
- automatic reset for the turnable
- energy-saving mode
- little noise
Cons:
- unstably flickering light
- quite a large size
Panasonic Compact Microwave Oven – $184.92 (Most Stable And Durable Microwave with 12 inch depth)
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This 12-inch deep microwave from Panasonic performs most stably throughout its life thanks to the inverter technology. Inverter Turbo evenly heats or defrosts foods at 11 different power levels: no cold spots are left behind no matter how large your portion is! Moreover, Turbo defrost accelerates defrosting time to fasten the thawing process, which maintains and enhances food flavors! 15 settings for sensor reheat, oatmeal, potatoes, soup, breakfast sausage… offer you a wide range of heating levels and time options to prepare your nutritious meals without a doubt.
If you are a fan of Netflix and popcorn, you will love this 12-inch deep microwave for its 3-level popcorn button! Easily choose the ideal popping temperature and time for different bag sizes (3.2, 2.7, or 1.5 oz.), you can enjoy your hot, sumptuous snacks immediately!
Pros:
- Stably even heating and defrosting process (Inverter technology) over every part of your food
- 3-level popcorn button for making perfect popcorn
- A smart sensor that constantly adjusts remaining time
- Durable design
- 15 cook settings
Cons:
- 2.4GHz wifi interference
- Harder button press
- Dim light (that may leave shadowed sections)
COSTWAY Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – $149.99 (Best stylist Microwave)
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Retro microwave 12 inch depth is quite rare in the market and this is one of the top picks from experts! If you are looking for a stylish microwave that actually works well to add some vintage accents, this may be the one you’ve been looking for!
360 degree heating and rotation of the turntable during operation can cook your meal more evenly without any cold spots. It is even simpler to use with 5 microwave power levels ( Defrost, M.Low(40P), M.High(80P), High(100P), and Speed Cooking) and 8 default cooking menus (popcorn, beverage, potato, meat, reheat, pizza, vegetable, fish). Furthermore, the LED display is really clear and easy to read, there are only two knobs and two buttons representing time and power levels, which means it is an easy-to-use model, especially for elderly people!
Pros:
- Retro design
- 8 default cooking recipes
- Easy-to-use microwave
- Fast heating time
Cons:
- Beeping sounds
- Constant need of monthly maintenance
GE Appliances JEM3072SHSS Countertop Microwave Oven – $159.00 (fastest microwave)
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With one-touch operation, your 12-inch deep microwave can be ready in a minute without the wait of preheating. Unfreezing time and power levels can be set automatically or manually for a delicious and convenient meal with less time spent in the kitchen!
Moreover, you can free up the counter space with an optional hanging kit. Your microwave will be hung up steadily, this has been tested before GE introduced the product so don’t worry that it might fall.
Pros:
- Optional hanging kit to free up space
- The automatic defrosting time and power levels
- Fast heating and defrosting time
Cons:
- Limited auto cooking menus
- No clear instruction for use
Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology – $152.99 (Best timeless design)
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This microwave possesses a timeless design that can be suitable in many kitchen styles! Inverter turbo enables even heat and accelerates the defrosting process, it can save up to 40% thawing time and totally eliminate over or under-cooking. To make it more convenient, a smart sensor can automatically adjust the appropriate time and power levels with 5 commonly auto cooking recipes.
Serving as a perfect family microwave, the model also features a safety lock, silent option and power-saving mode. Rest assured that your children can play around the kitchen without any risks!
Pros:
- Even and quick defrosting process
- Safety lock
- Silent mode and power-saving mode
- Bright LED light
Cons:
- Limited auto cooking recipes (5 options)
- Poor design of the control panel
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven – $117.75 (Most Reviewed Microwave with 12 inch depth)
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This microwave 12 inch depth receives over 30,000 reviews on Amazon and is currently ranked 4.6 out of 5.0 in 2021!
It features pre-programmed sensor menus for popular foods like pizza, potatoes, veggies and more; the built-in sensor constantly adjusts suitable time and temperature for perfect final results. Spare all the guesswork with the weight indication and auto recipes!
Moreover, its easy-to-clean coating is featured with hard-wearing materials and stainless design, which makes it resistant to scratches and stains. Relax as you can clean your microwave in less than 3 minutes!
Pros:
- Automatic adjustment for a heating time
- Easy maintenance
- Energy-saving mode
Cons:
- Limited cooking recipes
- The risks of defrosting unevenly
Toshiba EM925A5A-SS Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off ECO Mode – $104.99 (Amazon Choice!)
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This microwave has been ranked as one of the trusted Amazon choices! 6 auto recipe settings including popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate can help you cook your meals more quickly and efficiently even if you are a newbie in the kitchen. There is no preheating time, you can start your microwave in less than a minute with just one touch. Moreover, 10 power levels provide a great variety of cooking flexibility from heating up to keeping warm.
To make it more convenient in a small space, this model has been upgraded by Toshiba to become larger in capacity with a more compact size compared to other microwaves with 12-inch depth. Saving costs will never be a strenuous problem with the energy-saving mode which can reduce up to 50% standby power and a huge amount of money in your monthly electricity bills.
Pros:
- 6 auto menus with 10 power levels
- More compact size, larger capacity
- Silent mode and eco mode
- Bright LED light
Cons:
- Possible chances of electrical arcing after 3-month use
- Longer heating time
Commercial Chef CHM009 Countertop Microwave Oven – $90.63 (Best affordable Microwave with 12 inch depth)
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If you are looking for an affordable and long-lasting microwave 12 inch depth, Commercial Chef CHM009 Countertop Microwave Oven is the perfect choice for you. It features strong construction with the stainless-steel front display, a black cabinet for compact durability, and a fairly good price compared to other microwaves 12 inch depth from trusted brands!
With just one touch of a button, 6 quick cooking settings including popcorn, baked potato, pizza, beverage, reheat and frozen dinners can help you prepare your meals immediately. Convenience is the key to choose your new microwave! Moreover, “speed defrost” mode together with the weight options and 10 power levels can release you from confusion while using. It is effortlessly time-saving to pick the right mode and time! And don’t worry about your children hanging around your kitchen as the device features a child safety lock whenever it is activated!
Pros:
- 6 quick cook settings
- Weight options and speed defrost
- Child Safety Lock
- Small design
- Cheap price from a trusted brand
Cons:
- Limited functions (only reheat and defrost)
- Fairly loud noise
- Uneven heat with large portions
Complete Guide To Buy The Perfect Microwave 12 Inch Depth
If you are wondering about how to choose the right microwave for your use and feeling confused in front of various choices, you might want to consider these 10 factors (and your personal preferences, of course!)
Location:
The first thing you should put in mind is the ideal place you will install your microwave. The location can have a great impact on the price, design and method to install your 12-inch deep microwave. There are four typical types of microwaves for particular sitting areas:
– Countertop:
The countertop can be considered as the most popular type of microwave which is usually more affordable and faster to set up compared with the others. If you decide to just simply put your microwave on a counter, the countertop is a perfect choice, especially when you have a tight budget.
However, I would not recommend a countertop microwave for a small house, as it certainly takes up a large area of your counter. It may make your kitchen look overcrowded and you don’t want to pay a large amount of money to redesign your whole kitchen just to fit a microwave.
– Over-the-range:
Over-the-range microwaves (or OTR microwaves) are appliances that can be installed over your stove. Instead of a countertop one, these microwaves free up counter space and create a neat and sleek look for your kitchen area. Their venting system can substitute for the oven hood and lights to brighten your stovetop.
However, being installed in a high place may cause difficulties in daily use, especially if your family has elderly people and young children. So, I would not recommend this choice unless you really want to try a new model.
– Built-in
To me, this is the perfect choice of microwaves for any family, both spacious and small homes! It is also a widely popular choice in USA households nowadays.
Built-in models can be placed among customized cabinets or combined with wall ovens. If you pursue an aesthetically modern look for your house and demand for saving up space at the same time, a built-in microwave 12 inch depth is the right one for you!
However, due to its convenience and modernized settings, built-in models are often the most expensive of the three types I have mentioned.
Size:
It is crucial to pick a microwave with a perfectly suitable size that can fit any dishes you may prepare and suit the designed space you tend to install it. Before buying any models, you may need to calculate the empty space that you spare for your microwave. Then, pay close attention to the WxDxH (Width – Depth – Height) ratio of any alternatives you’re weighing in your mind to make sure that all of the specifications match perfectly. Especially, while installing an over-the-range or built-in model, you have to fit it precisely into your spare cabinet. You can have more flexibility if you go for a countertop
If you are looking for a microwave 12-inch depth for family use, you may want to consider the interior capacity too. The model that offers a thinner glass turntable can feature a larger capacity in its compact design. Make sure that your huge family dish can fit in your microwave!
Wattage:
Wattage represents the power performance of a microwave. The higher the wattage, the faster the cooking time. You can also have a higher expectation for even heat and defrost with higher wattage.
Usually, so long as a microwave is from 600 watts to 1,000 watts, it should be ideal for family use. You can choose microwaves that have lower wattages. They are more affordable, but they’ll be much slower, less durable, and more unstable. A microwave is a must-have appliance in daily use so trust me, you don’t want to buy an unreliable model at all. After all, cooking performance is the key part of a microwave.
General Features:
There are several common features that most microwaves usually possess: auto cooking menus, stainless design, defrosting mode, power levels, and timer, … You don’t need to worry about how to use these settings as it is very simple and convenient so the only thing you should care about is choosing among buttons, touch panels, and rotating knobs. This is up to your personal preference.
Automatic Settings:
Most microwaves offer a range of default cooking recipes that are popular such as popcorn, veggies, dinner, baked potato, reheat, … You can prepare your delicious meal like a pro with just one touch! Of course, this is absolutely advantageous when you want to prepare common dishes with a 12-inch deep microwave, but remember to consider whether the auto cook time settings match with your own food preferences.
I would recommend microwaves that feature from 8 auto recipes above and if you have children or are newly married, you may prefer models with impressive popcorn buttons to make your movie nights more wonderful.
Other Uses: Broiler/Air-fryer Function
Common microwaves are increasingly integrated with many other uses, you can see a lot of 2-in-1, 3-in-2, 4-in-one microwaves in the market. Now, a microwave 12 inch depth can also serve as a healthy air-fryer, a broiler, or a baked oven!
This is a good enhancement if you are looking for a multipurpose appliance but carefully read the reviews as too many functions may affect the cooking performance of the microwave. You know, the best professional cannot be an expert in every field it possesses.
Inverter Technology:
This technology helps to heat and defrost your food more evenly and quickly. So if your budget is not too tight, you might consider buying a microwave with an inverter turbo.
Other Advanced Features:
This is where the prices start to vary greatly. Along with updated heating systems, more expensive microwaves usually have a variety of auto cooking menus aside from the fundamental pizza, veggies, and baked potato recipes. Some even feature smart sensors to evaluate the humidity levels of food and automatically adjust time and temperature in the process of cooking.
Smart technology is the one to focus on too as it is becoming more viral in the market. For example, you may want a microwave that can access the wifi! And don’t forget about the safety lock (for houses with children), silent mode, and energy-saving mode.
Prices:
Price is always one of the biggest concerns when buying anything, especially electronic appliances. There is a considerably great variety of prices for a microwave, which depends on the types of microwaves you decide to choose.
As I mentioned earlier, the cheapest model is the countertop. But if you seek a more upgraded model such as the built-in, you may need to pay some extra money and I can guarantee that you will not regret it! A built-in microwave 12-inch depth usually features a lot of cutting-edge settings, it can also free up your kitchen space and help deliver a more modern and sleek design for your house.
You can just go for a microwave that is cheaper than $100 if your intentions are only to reheat and defrost, also if you have a wide counter. However, if you prefer a built-in model or a multipurpose 12-inch deep microwave, expect to invest more money!
Durability:
Even the most reliable microwaves are likely to perform well around 10 years or so, with the average lifespan of a microwave maintaining at 8 years.
If it’s necessary for you to find a microwave that will last for as long as possible, spend more time reading customer reviews as they picture more practical overviews of the products. However, people often replace their microwaves after 3-5 years because they prefer more upgraded models. You can choose microwaves from trusted brands such as Panasonic, Toshiba, GE, … to guarantee reliability.
Tips: Microwaves’ Hacks That May Surprise You!
You probably have a microwave at home and haven’t utilized all the advantages yet. This YouTube video is a whole collection of hacks for the microwave!
Do you know how to make an instant mug cake in the microwave? How to fry bacon in your small microwave? How to make a fine cup of cappuccino? How to dry wet jeans quickly? That’s right! The microwave! Check out the video right now to see what you can create with just a 12-inch depth microwave!
Conclusion: Our Top 5 Best Microwave 12 Inch Depth In
Your homemade pizza deserves a decent microwave! If you have never bought an electronic appliance on your own before and are confused over millions of picks for a microwave 12-inch depth, here are our top 5 best microwave 12 inch depth based on 10 listed factors that you should consider while buying a microwave and a lot of trusted customer reviews.
If you are tightening your budget, you might consider the best affordable option. And if you prefer a modernized and up-to-date design, you may consider buying a multipurpose microwave!
Let’s come to the brief about the top 5 best microwave 12-inch depth (extremely suitable for small spaces and convenience)!
Table could not be displayed.Then Which Is The Perfect Microwave To Buy?
Assuming you need a small microwave, any suggestion on our list should be the ideal choice. Keep in mind that these 12-inch-depth microwaves are not as impressively effective as large models but it’s superb when you want to free up your space and maintain a sleek minimal vibe in your kitchen.
Don’t forget to list out the main features you expect in your microwaves before buying! Do you want a basic model or an all-in-one microwave? Can a 12-inch-deep microwave serve your food needs perfectly?
Hope that our list can help you weigh out the pros and cons to figure out the final option that you want!