Choosing between a 1.6 and 1.7 cu. ft. microwave is not just a capacity question. The models here differ in where they install, how they heat food, and the features they offer. The TOSHIBA is a countertop model with inverter technology, while the Midea and Frigidaire are over-the-range options. Compare your available space and cooking needs before deciding: a 0.1 cu. ft. capacity difference may matter less than the installation style and turntable size.
Quick Comparison
| Microwave | Type | Capacity | Notable features | Availability in supplied data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave with Inverter Technology | Countertop | 1.6 cu. ft. | Inverter technology, smart sensor menus, auto defrost, 1,250 watts output | Available |
| Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave | Over the range | 1.7 cu. ft. | Quick Start options, bright exterior lighting | Marked unavailable |
| Midea Over-the-Range Microwave Oven | Over the range | 1.7 cu. ft. | 18 auto menus, 1,000 watts, 300 CFM ventilation, cooktop light | Available |
Our Picks: Best 1 6 Vs 1.7 Cu Ft Microwave reviews
1. TOSHIBA 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave with Inverter Technology
The TOSHIBA is the countertop choice in this group. Its 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is slightly smaller than the 1.7 cu. ft. options, but it has a larger listed turntable than the Midea: 13.6 inches compared with 12.4 inches. That makes the turntable measurement worth checking if you regularly heat wide plates or dishes.
Its inverter technology is designed to provide more even heating and defrosting. The microwave has 1,250 watts of output power and six smart sensor auto menus for foods such as pizza, potatoes, and vegetables. Those presets can simplify everyday heating, though they do not replace checking food as it cooks.
The listed exterior dimensions are 21.8 inches wide, 17.8 inches deep, and 12.9 inches high. Measure your counter space and allow for the clearances specified by the manufacturer. A two-step child lock helps prevent unintended use, and the buzzer can be turned off using the listed control sequence.
Unlike the two over-the-range models, this microwave does not take the place of a range hood. It is a practical fit if you want a countertop appliance and do not need built-in ventilation. Its countertop footprint is the main trade-off, especially in a compact kitchen.
Pros:
- Inverter technology is designed for even heating and defrosting.
- Six sensor menus offer convenient presets for common foods.
- 1,250 watts of output power.
- 13.6-inch glass turntable and two-step child lock.
Cons:
- Uses countertop space rather than freeing it up with an over-the-range installation.
- Has less listed capacity than the 1.7 cu. ft. models.
Verdict: Choose the TOSHIBA if you want a countertop microwave with inverter heating, sensor presets, and a roomy turntable, and you have space for it on your counter.
2. Frigidaire FMOS1746BS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave
The Frigidaire is a 1.7 cu. ft. over-the-range model in stainless steel. Its listed features include Quick Start options, bright exterior lighting, and room for larger dishes and bowls. Because it installs over the range rather than sitting on the counter, it may suit a kitchen where counter space is limited and an over-the-range microwave is already part of the plan.
The supplied product information does not give details such as cooking wattage, turntable size, ventilation capacity, or exterior dimensions. Those are important points to verify before comparing it closely with the Midea or planning an installation. Check the product listing and installation instructions for the measurements and requirements that apply to your kitchen.
The supplied availability data marks this model unavailable. Availability can change, so check the listing before making plans to buy. With fewer specifications provided here, it is also harder to judge how its cooking performance compares with the TOSHIBA and Midea.
Pros:
- 1.7 cu. ft. capacity for larger dishes and bowls.
- Over-the-range design can keep the countertop clear.
- Quick Start options and bright exterior lighting are listed features.
- Stainless steel finish.
Cons:
- The supplied listing data marks it unavailable.
- Key details, including wattage and ventilation capacity, are not provided here.
Verdict: Consider the Frigidaire if you specifically want a 1.7 cu. ft. over-the-range model, but verify its availability, fit, and missing specifications before choosing it.
3. Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave with 18 Auto Menus
The Midea is a 1.7 cu. ft. over-the-range microwave with a smart touch panel and 18 auto-cook menus. Listed menu options include popcorn, pizza, defrost, rice, and potatoes. Its 1,000 watts of output power and 10 power settings give you options for routine reheating and cooking, while the preset menus offer a simpler alternative when you do not want to set each option manually.
This model also includes a ventilation system rated at 300 CFM with adjustable fan speeds, plus a cooktop light. Those features make it the more fully specified over-the-range choice here compared with the Frigidaire, whose supplied details do not include ventilation or wattage. The Midea’s 12.4-inch turntable is smaller than the TOSHIBA’s listed 13.6-inch turntable, so check the actual diameter against the dishes you use most.
The over-the-range format can free up counter space, but installation and kitchen fit are key. Confirm the product’s full dimensions and installation requirements before buying. Its 1.7 cu. ft. capacity is not, by itself, a guarantee that every large dish will fit; the turntable and interior dimensions matter too.
Pros:
- 1.7 cu. ft. capacity with 18 auto-cook menus.
- 300 CFM ventilation with adjustable fan speeds.
- Cooktop light and 10 power settings.
- Over-the-range design helps keep counter space clear.
Cons:
- Its 12.4-inch turntable is smaller than the TOSHIBA’s listed turntable.
- At 1,000 watts, it has less listed output power than the TOSHIBA.
Verdict: The Midea is the strongest fit if you want an available 1.7 cu. ft. over-the-range microwave with cooking presets, ventilation, and a cooktop light.
How to Choose Between a 1.6 and 1.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave
Choose the installation style first
A countertop microwave is usually the simpler choice if you have a suitable open counter and do not want an over-the-range installation. An over-the-range model can preserve counter space and, in the Midea’s case, also provides ventilation and a cooktop light. Before choosing that format, confirm that your kitchen layout and installation setup match the appliance’s requirements.
Look beyond the capacity number
The difference between 1.6 and 1.7 cu. ft. is small, so capacity alone may not tell you whether your dishes will fit. Turntable diameter is one useful comparison: the TOSHIBA lists a 13.6-inch turntable, while the Midea lists a 12.4-inch one. Consider the width and shape of the plates, bowls, and cookware you use regularly, and check the interior measurements when available.
Compare wattage and heating features
Wattage can help you compare the listed cooking output: the TOSHIBA provides 1,250 watts, while the Midea provides 1,000 watts. The TOSHIBA also has inverter technology, which is designed to support even heating and defrosting. The Midea offers 10 power settings. The Frigidaire’s supplied information does not list its wattage, so check its product details if this is a deciding factor.
Decide whether presets are useful to you
Auto menus can save time when you often heat the same kinds of food. The TOSHIBA lists six smart sensor menus, while the Midea lists 18 auto-cook menus. More presets do not automatically mean better results for every dish, so consider whether the options match your routine. The Frigidaire listing information highlights Quick Start options but does not provide a full menu list.
Check ventilation and lighting needs
If you are choosing an over-the-range microwave, compare the ventilation details and cooktop lighting as well as the cooking features. The Midea lists 300 CFM ventilation with adjustable fan speeds and a cooktop light. The Frigidaire information provided here mentions bright exterior lighting but does not specify ventilation capacity. Do not assume the two models have the same ventilation setup; confirm the details for the model you are considering.
Measure before you buy
Measure the space where the microwave will go, including the depth and height available. The TOSHIBA’s listed exterior dimensions are 21.8 inches wide, 17.8 inches deep, and 12.9 inches high. For either over-the-range option, check the full product dimensions and installation instructions rather than relying on capacity alone. Make sure the appliance’s required clearances and mounting setup work in your kitchen.
Weigh convenience against the information available
The TOSHIBA and Midea have more detailed feature information in the supplied specifications than the Frigidaire. The Frigidaire may still suit your kitchen, but verify its cooking power, turntable size, ventilation details, dimensions, and availability before deciding. If you need an option with more clearly stated specifications, the TOSHIBA and Midea are easier to compare based on the information here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1.7 cu. ft. microwave much bigger than a 1.6 cu. ft. model?
The listed capacity difference is 0.1 cu. ft. That number does not tell you the full story about what fits inside. Check the interior dimensions and turntable diameter, especially if you regularly use wide dishes.
Which model is best for keeping counter space clear?
The Frigidaire and Midea are over-the-range models, while the TOSHIBA is designed for a countertop. An over-the-range model can help preserve counter space, but you should confirm that your kitchen is suitable for its installation.
Which microwave has the largest listed turntable?
The TOSHIBA has a listed 13.6-inch glass turntable. The Midea lists a 12.4-inch turntable. The supplied Frigidaire information does not state its turntable size.
Does the Midea include a ventilation fan?
Yes. The supplied specifications list 300 CFM of ventilation with adjustable fan speeds, along with a cooktop light.
What is inverter technology useful for?
The TOSHIBA’s inverter technology is described as supporting even heating and defrosting. If those tasks are important to you, it is a notable feature to compare with the other options.
Is the Frigidaire available to buy?
The supplied product data marks the Frigidaire listing unavailable. Check the listing for its current status before planning a purchase.
Which microwave should I choose if I mainly reheat food?
For a countertop setup with sensor presets and inverter technology, consider the TOSHIBA. If you prefer an over-the-range design with ventilation and many auto menus, consider the Midea. Your kitchen layout and dish sizes should guide the final choice.
Final Recommendation
For a countertop microwave, the TOSHIBA is the clearest choice in this comparison, with inverter technology, sensor menus, 1,250 watts of output, and a 13.6-inch turntable. If you want an over-the-range model, the Midea has the more complete set of listed specifications, including 18 auto menus, 300 CFM ventilation, and a cooktop light. The Frigidaire may be worth checking if its design suits your kitchen, but verify its availability and missing specifications first. In every case, measure your space and check the turntable size before you buy.