Comparison: 17 Litres Best Microwave Oven (Updated | Dec 8th)

A 17‑litre microwave corresponds to roughly 0.6 cu ft, which is ideal for small families or limited countertop space. This size can comfortably fit a 12‑inch pizza, a medium casserole, or a whole rotisserie chicken while still being compact enough for tight kitchens. Choosing this capacity gives you flexibility without sacrificing too much room on your counter.

The Midea 1217G1A offers a 0.6 cu ft (17 L) cavity, 1200 W power, and a stainless‑steel, stackable design aimed at commercial use, whereas GE and Toshiba models typically provide 1.0‑2.0 cu ft with 950‑1200 W and more consumer‑friendly features. Midea’s higher wattage can cook food slightly faster, but its larger footprint and heavier build may be overkill for a home kitchen. Countertop models often include sensor cooking and preset menus that add convenience for everyday meals.

Yes, especially if you have young children; most models—including the GE and Toshiba units—feature a two‑step child lock that prevents accidental operation. This safety measure adds peace of mind and is often required by safety regulations for household appliances. It typically costs nothing extra and can be easily disabled when not needed.

Higher wattage generally means the microwave can heat food more quickly, but cooking speed also depends on the size of the cavity, the food’s moisture content, and the presence of sensor or auto‑defrost functions. For example, the 1200 W Toshiba ML‑EM45P cooks a pizza faster than a 1000 W model, yet a 950 W GE with sensor cooking may achieve more even results. Balance wattage with features that match your cooking style.

Multi‑function microwaves, such as the Toshiba 8‑in‑1 combo, let you air‑fry, bake, broil, and deodorize in addition to standard microwaving, reducing the need for separate appliances. This can save countertop space and often delivers healthier meals with less oil. However, these models tend to be pricier and may have a slightly larger footprint than basic microwaves.

Preset menus and sensor cooking automatically adjust time and power based on the food’s humidity, delivering consistent results without guesswork. Products like the GE Countertop Microwave and Toshiba EM131A5C use this technology to prevent over‑cooking or under‑cooking. They are especially helpful for busy households that want quick, reliable meals.

A removable turntable, found on many Toshiba and GE models, makes cleaning easier and allows you to fit larger dishes. Position‑memory turntables, like the one on the Toshiba ML‑EM45P, return the turntable to a preset spot after each use, reducing the chance of spills and improving safety. Both features add convenience, so choose based on how often you clean or use oversized cookware.

Commercial‑grade units such as the Midea 1217G1A often carry a higher price due to durable construction, stackability, and higher power output, delivering longer lifespan for heavy use. Consumer‑grade models like the GE or Toshiba microwaves provide sufficient performance for everyday cooking at a lower cost, with added convenience features like sensor cooking and child locks. Evaluate how frequently you’ll use the microwave and whether durability outweighs the initial expense.