Top 5 Best 1200-Watt countertop Microwave for easy meals

Tired of cold centers and hot edges when reheating dinner? A 1200-watt countertop microwave is the best solution that heats fast, stays even, and fits real plates without taking over the counter. I narrowed this down by comparing wattage, size, sensor features, and real buyer feedback from trusted brands like Panasonic, Toshiba, and Sharp.

I focus on what works best in everyday US kitchens, not hype. If you want quick, even meals with less guesswork, keep reading for the best 1200 watt countertop microwave picks and what to watch for.

My Top Picks:

Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) – Best for Large Families

Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) – Best Mid-Size Pick

Sharp SMC2266KS – Best for Big Plates

Panasonic NN-SV79MS – Best Smart Alexa Option

Panasonic NN-SN686S – Best Compact Reliable Choice

Top 5 Best 1200 watt Countertop Microwave Options

1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor (2.2 Cu Ft, 1200W, Stainless Steel)

What I Like

Big 2.2 cu ft space

Smart sensor heating

Mute + ECO mode

What I Don’t Like

Heavy to move

Long-life is mixed

The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor feels like a strong pick for a busy home kitchen. I like how the 2.2 cu ft size fits a full dinner plate with room to spare, which matters a lot for family meals. The smart sensor helps avoid that “hot edge, cold center” problem, and the auto menus are simple enough for quick snacks and reheats.

In day-to-day use, the controls feel clear and not fussy. I also enjoy the mute option, since loud beeps can be annoying in many US homes, especially late nights or early mornings. ECO mode is a nice touch for saving a bit of power when the microwave is idle. Overall, it’s best for large families, meal preppers, and anyone who wants a roomy, quiet microwave for regular heating and defrosting.

Dimensions: 19.6"D x 24.4"W x 13.6"H | Power: 1200W | Controls: Sensor presets | Material: Metal

2. Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor (1.6 Cu Ft, 1200W, Black Stainless Steel)

What I Like

Fast 1200W heat

Sound on/off option

Position memory plate

What I Don’t Like

No backlit keys

The sensor can miss

The Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor is a solid choice when I want a full-size room without a huge footprint. I like that the 1.6 cu ft space fits large bowls and plates, which is perfect for typical US meal prep containers and dinner leftovers. The 1200W power also helps heat food quickly, so soup, rice, and coffee warm up without long waits.

I also appreciate the position memory turntable, since it brings the dish back toward the front for safer grabs. The sound on/off feature is great for quiet homes, apartments, or late-night snacks. The only downside is that the keypad is not lit, and sensor cooking may need a little trial and error. Recommended for families, busy workers, and anyone wanting a quiet, mid-size countertop microwave.

Dimensions: 21.77" x 17.91" x 12.87" | Power: 1200W | Controls: Touch keypad | Material: Metal

3. Sharp SMC2266KS Countertop Microwave Oven (2.2 Cu Ft, 1200W, Stainless Steel)

What I Like

Inverter heat control

Big 16.5" tray

Bright LED light

What I Don’t Like

Price is high

Takes more space

The Sharp SMC2266KS Countertop Microwave Oven feels built for big plates and big portions. I find the 2.2 cu ft size handy for family dinners, like a full pasta bowl or a wide casserole dish. The 16.5" carousel turntable helps food heat more evenly, and the inverter cooking style can keep reheats from turning rubbery.

I also like the clean white LED display, since it is easier to read in many US kitchens with mixed lighting. The +30 seconds key and express cook buttons keep things simple when a quick warm-up is all that’s needed. It does take up room, so measuring the counter spot matters. Recommended for large households, meal prep cooks, and anyone who wants steady, even reheating for bigger dishes.

Dimensions: 19.6"D x 24.4"W x 13.6"H | Power: 1200W | Controls: Touch buttons | Material: Stainless steel

4. Panasonic NN-SV79MS Smart Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven (1.4 Cu Ft, 1200W, Stainless Steel)

What I Like

Inverter even heat

Alexa voice control

Simple dial controls

What I Don’t Like

Setup can fail

Child lock hassle

The Panasonic NN-SV79MS Smart Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven stands out for its smart features and smooth heating. I like how inverter power keeps food from getting tough, especially with leftovers like pasta, rice, and chicken. The Genius Sensor helps with quick reheats, so meals feel more even and less dried out.

I also enjoy the Alexa support, since voice commands can be helpful in a busy US kitchen when hands are messy or full. It can also be a big win for older adults or anyone with low vision. The downside is that Alexa pairing can be picky, and the child lock behavior may feel annoying after power flickers. Recommended for tech-friendly homes, accessibility needs, and anyone who wants steady, controlled reheating.

Dimensions: 17.4"D x 20.43"W x 12.95"H | Power: 1200W | Controls: Dial + buttons | Material: Stainless steel

5. Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology (1.2 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel)

What I Like

Inverter smooth heat

Quick Turbo Defrost

Compact, roomy fit

What I Don’t Like

Panel dims at night

Child lock default

The Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology is a smart pick for steady, even heating in a smaller size. I like how inverter power avoids the stop-and-go heating that can make food dry. It warms leftovers like rice, pasta, and chicken in a more gentle way, which is great for busy weeknights.

I also appreciate the 1.2 cu ft design for US kitchens where counter space is limited, yet plates still need room. The Genius Sensor helps with quick reheat choices, and Turbo Defrost is useful for meat and frozen meals. The only drawback is that the control panel can be hard to see in low light, and the child lock may feel annoying at first. Recommended for apartments, couples, and small families who want reliable, even cooking.

Dimensions: 15.8"D x 20.7"W x 12.2"H | Power: 1200W | Controls: Membrane keypad | Material: Stainless steel

Final Verdict

If I had to choose one, I’d pick the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) as the Best 1200-watt countertop microwave for large families and meal prep. The roomy 2.2 cu ft space, smart sensor cooking, and mute mode make daily reheats simple and more even.

For a slightly smaller kitchen, I’d personally recommend the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) as the best 1200 watt microwave oven for balanced size and features, especially with its position memory turntable and sound on/off option.

As a strong alternative, the Sharp SMC2266KS is great for big plates and inverter-style heating. For current prices and more details, it’s worth checking the description link.

FAQs

Why should I choose a 1200-watt countertop microwave?

A 1200-watt model cooks food very fast. It heats meals evenly and saves time. This power level is perfect for large families who need quick results every day.

Will a 1200-watt microwave fit in a small kitchen?

These units are often mid-sized or large. Check your desk or counter space first. Most high-power models need a bit of room to vent air safely while they run.

Can I cook large meals in these powerful microwaves?

Yes, they handle big plates with ease. The high heat is great for defrosting meat or cooking full frozen dinners. It makes meal prep simple for any home chef.

Does a higher wattage mean the microwave is louder?

Not always. Many top brands make quite 1200-watt models. Look for "silent mode" if you want to heat snacks at night without waking up the rest of your house.

Is a 1200-watt microwave energy efficient for daily use?

It uses more power per second but cooks much faster. This means it runs for less time than weak ovens. It is a smart choice for people who value speed and ease.