The Verdict
The Toshiba 1.2 cu ft countertop microwave is a reliable, feature-rich appliance that takes the guesswork out of daily reheating and defrosting tasks. With its 1000 watts of power and intuitive sensor technology, it is a practical choice for anyone needing a balance of performance and efficiency in their kitchen.
Why We Love It (Key Features)
- Smart Sensor Technology: The built-in sensor constantly monitors food humidity, automatically adjusting time and power levels so your meals come out properly heated rather than overcooked or dried out.
- Flexible Power Controls: With 10 unique power levels, you have the versatility to handle everything from gentle defrosting to boiling liquids, making this a truly capable kitchen tool.
- Customizable Quick-Start: You can quickly start the unit for one to six minutes at full power with a single touch, plus the ability to program up to three of your favorite time and power combinations for personalized convenience.
- User-Friendly Design: The large, easy-to-grip door handle and clear digital display make operating this 1.2 cu ft countertop microwave simple, even when you're in the middle of meal prep.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Sensor-based cooking prevents accidental overcooking.
- Includes a spacious 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Easy-to-use one-touch start and preset menus.
- Sleek aesthetic with a durable black stainless steel exterior.
Cons:
- Requires 20.6 x 14.6 inches of dedicated counter space.
- Not suitable for those needing advanced convection or air-frying capabilities.
Who Should Buy This?
This microwave is an excellent fit for those living in apartments or working in office break rooms where space is at a premium but power is still required. If you want a straightforward appliance that simplifies reheating with smart presets and customizable settings, this model provides the efficiency you need for daily kitchen tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact dimensions of this 1.2 cu ft countertop microwave?
The unit measures 20.6 inches in width, 14.6 inches in depth, and 11.8 inches in height.
Does this model have a way to quickly add more time while cooking?
Yes, if you need more time while the microwave is running, you can simply press the start button to add an additional 30 seconds of cooking time.
Can I defrost food based on weight?
Absolutely. The microwave features an easy defrost function that allows you to thaw frozen food based on either its weight or by the time you set.
4.0 out of 5 stars Great microwave .. but possibly beware?!? This was a great microwave. It lasted me from March 2019 till December 2025. All of the great things that others say about it are true and I could find absolutely nothing negative about it’s operation. That being said … the day it stopped working properly I was home. I had used it an hour earlier to heat up a breakfast bowl. I was doing something in another room and I heard it beep once and I knew no one was home to use it other than me. I went to investigate and it was humming as though it were on. The clock was at 00:00 as though power had been lost. I was home all morning and there had been no outage. I touched it and was surprised that the exterior was extremely hot and it was running on its own. I believe that if I had not been there that there would have been a fire. It took hours for this thing to cool off and any subsequent attempts at plugging it back in got me the humming and some crackling. I got my money’s worth but now will be wary of leaving my future microwave plugged in 24/7.Variation: Size: 1.2 Cu.Ft.-Black
5.0 out of 5 stars Working great so far. Maybe a bit noisy, but still recommended. Just got this microwave when our above-range microwave quit. The size is good for our countertop. Before ordering, I marked off the 16″ x 20.6″ footprint to be sure it was not too big. The inside and turntable are just large enough for a full-size dinner plate, so I wouldn’t want to get anything smaller. I never use the fancy programming; I just do timed cooking at high-power almost exclusively. So for that, this microwave is great and easy to use. It seems to heat things a bit faster than the Kenmore Elite microwave that gave out on us. It has a nice appearance in our kitchen. You can turn off the bell/beep, which I appreciate. My only criticism is it is louder than our other microwave — noise that seems to be from the outer metal casing maybe — but it’s not so bad that I wouldn’t buy this one again. All in all, it’s a very good microwave and a super value. Minus 1/2 star for noise, rounded up to 5 stars. Now we need to figure out what to do with our dead above-range microwave.Variation: Size: 1.2 Cu.Ft.-Black
5.0 out of 5 stars Holy durability! I LOVE the beeper off function so much. No more rude noise during midnight heat & eats. And it has lasted a LOT longer than ALL the bigger competitors of the same size and power. I’ve actually never had a microwave last this long. The LED light inside gets a little fluttery if there’s steam but still survives as good as ever. Darn easy to clean too, smart interior mold design. Every button still works like a charm and the RIGHT amount of power for a single small kitchen. Some pretty smart features too. Its got that feature that lets you tap as few buttons as possible to do simple cooks too, or even bigger ones. Worth every penny.Variation: Size: 1.2 Cu.Ft.-Black
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Replacement Microwave I bought this microwave to replace my old one, and I’m very happy with my choice. It heats food quickly and evenly, the controls are easy to use, and it’s a nice size without taking up too much counter space. I also like that it’s quiet and has plenty of power for everyday use. So far, it’s been reliable and has worked exactly as I expected. Overall, I’m very pleased with this microwave and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a dependable replacement.Variation: Size: 1.2 Cu.Ft.-Black
5.0 out of 5 stars I think it's worth it I almost didn’t buy it because it was only 1000 watts. This sounds stupid but I like Marie Calendar’s Chicken Pot Pie. The directions are for 1100 watt microwave. I googled what if it’s lower than 1100. It said to ensure food safety and even cooking. I’ve worked with food. Food safety is always #1 priority. Then I remembered most of the time I cooked it at 90% power anyway. I’ve had no problem so far. I need to pick up some chicken pot pies to test it for sure. Unless something drastic happens when cooking them. I give this my 5 star gotta give it a try stamp of approval. I’ll update if the Pot pies are a fail.Variation: Size: 1.2 Cu.Ft.-Black
2.0 out of 5 stars Modern Disposable Crap I had high hopes for this microwave when I bought it two years ago, I really thought Toshiba was a top-notch brand. The first one they sent me of this model right out of the box was a dud. Upon plugging it in. It began to arc inside like a lightning storm and the control pad did this weird constant blinking thing.I returned it through Amazon in August 2024 and they sent me a replacement. This one has worked relatively well until recently a few months ago it started making this weird banging sound after being on for a minute or two. The sound went away and returned a few weeks later and has been coming gradually more of a constant problem going forward I believe that the bearings that control the turntable mechanism are failing.So, this microwave only came with a one year warranty, and I did not purchase an extended warranty. It’s a disposable piece of crap and certainly not worth fixing. I will never buy another Toshiba appliance or product again I previously owned a Frigidaire brand microwave which lasted almost 6 years with constant daily use. This is just two years old and it’s ready for the trash bin too bad because it looks nice aesthetically in my kitchen and it has decent features.Variation: Size: 1.2 Cu.Ft.-Black
5.0 out of 5 stars Great microwave. We love this microwave. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, fits well on the counter top. This is the same microwave we bought 4 years ago, and we were really pleased to see it is still available. The new required child protection on it is easy to use, and it only took us a week to stop even noticing it was there. Definitely recommend.Variation: Size: 1.2 Cu.Ft.-Black
5.0 out of 5 stars So good I bought it twice! This unit has served me well for the past 5 or 6 years (yes, that’s about the average lifespan of microwaves these days), and it started making a humming noise after the cook cycle was over. The humming would stop when opening the door. So I knew it was about to fail on me. Everything about this unit is intuitive and easy to use, so decided to order the same one again.When it arrived there were some differences. It has a new type of handle mandated by law, you have to lift up on it like a trigger before the door will open. The new LED readout is white and sharp, the older one was blue and slightly larger and more diffuse I think. But most importantly, the plate spinning transport is redesigned for the better. The old one had that tiny 3-wing thing in the center that interfaces with the plate, and the plate rode on a plastic ring with 3 wheels attached. The metal floor below the plate had a valley that the ring would ride in. EVERY microwave I’ve owned with that design had the same failure – when cooking moisture collects in that valley and the wheels ride through it, inevitably it RUSTS the paint and leaves an ugly ring that can’t be cleaned or spray painted to look new (I tried). This new unit has replaced the tiny 3-wing plate spinner with a large 3-arm spinner with wheels attached, no need for a ring with wheels anymore (see my photo). And it’s not down in a valley anymore, so no rust.Variation: Size: 1.2 Cu.Ft.-Black