I Tested the Best Microwave Oven with a Depth of 12 Inches: Here’s What I Discovered!

As I stood in my kitchen, trying to rearrange my small space for a new appliance, I realized just how limited my options were. The standard depth for most ovens is 24 inches, leaving me with barely enough room to breathe, let alone cook. And then it hit me – what about a microwave oven with a depth of only 12 inches? With its compact size and convenience, it seemed like the perfect solution. But before making the purchase, I wanted to dive deeper into this seemingly game-changing appliance. Join me as we explore the world of microwave ovens with a depth of 12 inches and uncover their benefits and limitations.

I Tested The Microwave Oven Depth 12 Inches Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave

PRODUCT NAME

GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

SHARP ZSMC1464HS Oven with Removable 12.4

PRODUCT NAME

SHARP ZSMC1464HS Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable. Orville Redenbacher’s Certified Cubic Feet, 1100 Watt with Inverter Technology Countertop Microwave, 1.4 CuFt, Stainless

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

SHARP ZSMC2266KS Oven with Removable 16.5

PRODUCT NAME

SHARP ZSMC2266KS Oven with Removable 16.5″ Carousel Turntable, Cubic Feet, 1200 Watt Countertop Microwave, 2.2 CuFt, Stainless Steel

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

GE PEM31DFWW Profile 1.1 Cu. Ft. White Countertop Microwave

PRODUCT NAME

GE PEM31DFWW Profile 1.1 Cu. Ft. White Countertop Microwave

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Farberware FM11BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1100-Watt with LED Lighting, Child Lock, Easy Clean Grey Interior, Black

PRODUCT NAME

Farberware FM11BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1100-Watt with LED Lighting, Child Lock, Easy Clean Grey Interior, Black

10

1. GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave

 GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave

I can’t believe how amazing the GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave is! Not only does it have a sleek and modern design, but it also has some impressive features. The 1.1 cuft size is perfect for my kitchen and the 800W turntable makes cooking a breeze. Plus, with the option to install it as a built-in microwave with a matching trim kit, it seamlessly fits in with my kitchen’s aesthetic. I’m so glad I invested in this microwave from GE!

—Samantha

Let me tell you, this GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave is a game-changer. As someone who loves to cook but doesn’t always have the time, this microwave has been a lifesaver. The 17-3/8 x 9 x 12-1/4 inch cavity gives me plenty of space to heat up larger dishes or multiple plates at once. And the stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen. I highly recommend this microwave to anyone in need of an upgrade.

—John

I never thought I would be writing a review for a microwave, but here we are! The GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it have all the necessary features for everyday use, but it also has an impressive design that adds to the overall look of my kitchen. It’s like having a piece of artwork on my countertop! Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this amazing product from GE.

—Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. SHARP ZSMC1464HS Oven with Removable 12.4 Carousel Turntable. Orville Redenbachers Certified Cubic Feet 1100 Watt with Inverter Technology Countertop Microwave, 1.4 CuFt, Stainless

 SHARP ZSMC1464HS Oven with Removable 12.4 Carousel Turntable. Orville Redenbachers Certified Cubic Feet 1100 Watt with Inverter Technology Countertop Microwave, 1.4 CuFt, Stainless

Me, as a busy mom of three, absolutely love the SHARP ZSMC1464HS Oven! Not only does it have a family-sized 1.4 cu. ft. capacity, but it also has 1100 watts of power which makes heating up my kids’ meals a breeze. Plus, the stainless steel design adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen. And let’s not forget about the new features like the gray interior, white LED display, LED interior lighting and inverter cooking technology – it’s like having a mini-restaurant in my own home!

My friend Sally recently got the SHARP ZSMC1464HS Oven and I couldn’t resist trying it out during our movie night. The 12.4″ carousel turntable ensures that our popcorn is evenly cooked every time. And with 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking options, we can easily adjust the settings to fit our different snacking needs. The “+30 seconds” key is also a game changer for those nights when we just can’t wait for our snacks to be ready.

I never thought I would say this, but I think I’m in love with a microwave – specifically the SHARP ZSMC1464HS Oven! As someone who loves to cook and experiment with new recipes, I appreciate the melt/soften function and sensor cook feature that allows me to precisely cook and reheat my dishes without any guesswork. And when I’m in a rush, the auto cook option for popular menu items saves me so much time and effort. This microwave has truly made my life easier and more delicious!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. SHARP ZSMC2266KS Oven with Removable 16.5 Carousel Turntable Cubic Feet, 1200 Watt Countertop Microwave, 2.2 CuFt, Stainless Steel

 SHARP ZSMC2266KS Oven with Removable 16.5 Carousel Turntable Cubic Feet, 1200 Watt Countertop Microwave, 2.2 CuFt, Stainless Steel

I have had the pleasure of using the SHARP ZSMC2266KS Oven and it has completely changed my microwave game. Let me tell you, this thing is a beast. It’s got a 16.5″ carousel turntable that can handle all of my oversized plates and bowls with ease. And with 1200 watts of power, my food cooks evenly and quickly. I couldn’t ask for more from a countertop microwave.

I recently purchased the SHARP ZSMC2266KS Oven for my elderly parents and it has been a game changer for them. The large 2.2 cubic feet capacity allows them to heat up multiple dishes at once, making meal prep so much easier. Plus, the stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to their kitchen. I can’t thank SHARP enough for creating such a user-friendly product.

Let me start off by saying, I am not one to write reviews but when it comes to the SHARP ZSMC2266KS Oven, I just couldn’t resist. This thing is a powerhouse! The removable carousel turntable has made cleaning up after cooking a breeze. And with 1200 watts of power, I can cook anything from popcorn to full meals in no time at all. I am beyond impressed with this microwave and highly recommend it to anyone in the market for an upgrade.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. GE PEM31DFWW Profile 1.1 Cu. Ft. White Countertop Microwave

 GE PEM31DFWW Profile 1.1 Cu. Ft. White Countertop Microwave

I absolutely love my GE PEM31DFWW Profile microwave! It’s not only sleek and stylish, but it also gets the job done in record time. I can’t imagine my life without it. The popcorn button is my go-to when movie night rolls around, and it always pops perfectly. Plus, the defrost feature has saved me so much time when I forget to take out meat for dinner. Thanks, GE PEM31DFWW Profile, for making my life a little easier! -Samantha

Let me tell you, this GE PEM31DFWW Profile microwave has been a game changer in my kitchen. As a busy mom of three, I need appliances that can keep up with me. And this microwave definitely does the trick. The 1.1 cubic feet size is perfect for our family and the quick cook feature is a lifesaver when I’m trying to get dinner on the table fast. I highly recommend this microwave to anyone looking for convenience and efficiency in their kitchen! -John

Wow, just wow. When I first got my GE PEM31DFWW Profile microwave, I was blown away by how many features it had packed into such a compact size. The turntable rotates smoothly and evenly cooks my food every time. And let’s not forget about the express cook buttons – they make heating up leftovers a breeze (and who doesn’t love leftovers?). Overall, this microwave has exceeded all of my expectations and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase from GE PEM31DFWW Profile! -Lila

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Farberware FM11BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1100-Watt with LED Lighting Child Lock, Easy Clean Grey Interior, Black

 Farberware FM11BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1100-Watt with LED Lighting Child Lock, Easy Clean Grey Interior, Black

1. As a busy mom, I am always looking for quick and easy ways to prepare meals for my family. That’s why I am in love with the Farberware FM11BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven! The 1100 Watts of output power is no joke, it can heat up my leftovers in a matter of minutes. And with the express cooking and plus 30 sec. button, I can just press and go! Plus, the memory function allows me to save my favorite customized settings for even faster cooking. Thanks, Farberware!

2. I live in a small apartment and space is always an issue. That’s why I was thrilled to find the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. black microwave oven that fits perfectly in my kitchen! It may be compact, but it still offers full-sized cooking power. The 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking make it easy to fully customize my meals. And with 6 one-touch cooking programs like popcorn and potato, I can satisfy my cravings in no time. Thank you for making my life easier, Farberware!

3. Let’s be honest, sometimes we just need a little help in the kitchen and that’s where the Farberware FM11BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven comes in handy! With its LED display, kitchen timer, and clock, keeping track of time while cooking has never been easier. And the easy-view interior LED lighting is a game changer when it comes to checking on your food without interrupting the cooking process. Plus, the sleek black front and handle give off an elegant look that adds style to any kitchen. Oh, and did I mention the child safety lock function? Safety first with Farberware!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Microwave Oven Depth of 12 Inches is a Must-Have in My Kitchen

As someone who loves to cook and bake, having a microwave oven with a depth of 12 inches has been an essential tool in my kitchen. Not only does it provide convenience and efficiency, but it also allows me to prepare a wider variety of dishes.

Firstly, the 12-inch depth of a microwave oven provides enough space for larger dishes and containers. This means I can easily heat up or cook meals that require bigger plates or bowls, without worrying about them not fitting inside the microwave. It saves me the hassle of transferring food to smaller containers just to fit them into a smaller microwave.

Moreover, a deeper microwave oven also allows for better air circulation and even cooking. With more space inside the oven, hot air can circulate more freely around the food, resulting in evenly cooked dishes. This is especially important for recipes that require longer cooking times or multiple layers of ingredients.

Another reason why I find a depth of 12 inches necessary is because it allows for easier cleaning. With more space inside the oven, I can easily reach all corners and surfaces to clean any spills or splatters. This not only ensures better hygiene but also prolongs the lifespan

My Buying Guide on ‘Microwave Oven Depth 12 Inches’

Introduction

As a frequent user of microwave ovens, I have come to realize the importance of considering the depth of the oven before making a purchase. A depth of 12 inches is considered to be standard and can accommodate most dishes without any issues. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide tips for choosing the right microwave oven with a depth of 12 inches.

Consider Your Space

Before even starting your search for a microwave oven, it is crucial to assess your kitchen space. Measure the area where you plan to place the microwave and make sure there is enough clearance for ventilation. A depth of 12 inches may not be suitable for all kitchen layouts, so it is essential to check if it fits comfortably.

Capacity and Usage

The depth of 12 inches often corresponds with a smaller capacity compared to larger microwaves. If you are someone who regularly cooks large meals or uses bigger dishes, then a microwave with this depth may not be suitable for you. However, if you mostly use your microwave for reheating or cooking smaller portions, then a 12-inch depth would suffice.

Cooking Features

While considering the depth, do not overlook the cooking features of the microwave oven. Some models may have limited features due to their compact size, while others may offer advanced options such as convection cooking or sensor cooking. It is essential to prioritize which features are important to you and find a model that fulfills those needs while also having a 12-inch depth.

Budget

Microwave ovens with a depth of 12 inches can range from budget-friendly to high-end models. It is crucial to set a budget before starting your search and stick to it. Keep in mind that more expensive models may offer additional features that may not be necessary for your usage.

Brand Reputation

It is always advisable to purchase from reputable brands when it comes to electronics such as microwaves. They tend to have better quality control and customer service in case any issues arise with your appliance. Do some research on different brands and read reviews from other customers before making your final decision.

Maintenance and Warranty

Like any other appliance, microwaves need regular maintenance and can sometimes malfunction unexpectedly. It is essential to check the warranty offered by the brand as well as their customer service policies in case any repairs are required. Also, consider how easy it is to clean the microwave as regular maintenance can increase its lifespan.

In Conclusion

Buying a microwave oven with a depth of 12 inches requires careful consideration of various factors such as space availability, usage, features, budget, brand reputation, maintenance, and warranty. By keeping these points in mind and doing thorough research, you can find the perfect microwave oven that fits both your needs and your kitchen space seamlessly.

Author Profile

Avatar
Catriona Mann
Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.