A 1.5-cubic-foot microwave can offer room for everyday plates and family-size portions without moving up to a much larger model. The best fit depends on more than capacity: compare cooking power, sensor or convection features, installation style, and the space available on your counter or above it. Here are five options with different strengths, from a straightforward countertop design to a convection model and an over-the-counter unit.
Quick Comparison
| Microwave | Style | Power | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire 1.5 Cu Ft Microwave Oven | Countertop | 1000 watts | Auto-cook settings, child safety lock, kitchen timer |
| Sharp 1.5 Cu Ft Convection Countertop Microwave | Countertop convection | 900 watts | Sensor cooking, convection modes, auto defrost |
| Sharp R1214TY 1.5 Cu Ft Over-the-Counter Microwave | Over-the-counter | 1100 watts | Sensor cooking, 14⅛-inch turntable, task lighting |
| LG 1.5 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | Countertop | 1200 watts | Smart Inverter, seven sensor-cook options, EasyClean interior |
| Avanti 1.5 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | Countertop | 1000 watts | One-touch cooking modes, speed defrost |
Our Picks: Best 1.5 Cu Ft Microwave Oven reviews
Frigidaire 1.5 Cu Ft: A straightforward family-size countertop pick
This Frigidaire is a conventional countertop microwave with 1.5 cubic feet of capacity and 1000 watts of cooking power. Its feature set focuses on familiar daily tasks, with auto-cook options for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and reheating.
The black and stainless steel exterior has a mirror-finish digital display, electronic touchpad, and curved handle. A white interior provides contrast, while the interior light lets you check food without opening the door. The listed dimensions are 21.26 inches wide, 13.25 inches high, and 16.26 inches deep, so measure your counter and allow room around the appliance as directed by the manufacturer.
This model makes sense if you want a mid-sized microwave with simple preset cooking rather than convection functions or a long list of sensor modes. The child safety lock is useful in a household where little hands might reach the controls. Its trade-off is that it is less specialized than the convection Sharp or the sensor-focused LG.
Pros:
- 1000 watts of cooking power
- Six listed auto-cook options for common foods and reheating
- Child safety lock, kitchen timer, and interior light
- Dimensions are provided for planning counter space
Cons:
- No convection cooking or sensor-cook features are listed
- The mirror-finish display may show smudges more readily than a matte control panel
Verdict: Choose the Frigidaire if you want a practical 1.5-cubic-foot countertop microwave with familiar presets, a child lock, and a clear display.
Sharp SMC1585KB: A convection option for more cooking flexibility
The Sharp SMC1585KB combines microwave cooking with convection functions in a 1.5-cubic-foot countertop unit. It has 900 watts of microwave power, plus auto broil, roast, bake, and defrost options. Sensor cooking is designed to help select settings for cooking and reheating.
Its added cooking modes may be useful if you want more flexibility than a basic microwave offers, but they also mean there are more settings to learn. The +60 key offers a quick way to start or add time. The product listing describes a removable 15.4-inch turntable, so check that your cookware fits the usable space and that you have room to handle the turntable when cleaning.
Compared with the simpler Frigidaire and Avanti, this Sharp is the more feature-rich choice. Its 900-watt microwave output is lower than the 1000-watt Frigidaire and Avanti and the 1200-watt LG, so consider whether the added convection functions matter more to you than higher listed microwave wattage.
Pros:
- Convection cooking with auto broil, roast, and bake modes
- Sensor cooking for cooking and reheating
- Auto defrost and a +60 quick-start key
- Removable 15.4-inch turntable
Cons:
- 900 watts is the lowest microwave output among these five options
- More cooking modes may take time to learn and may not be needed for simple reheating
Verdict: Pick the Sharp SMC1585KB if you want convection modes in a countertop microwave and are comfortable trading some microwave wattage for added cooking options.
Sharp R1214TY: An over-the-counter design that frees counter space
The Sharp R1214TY is a 1.5-cubic-foot stainless steel microwave designed for over-the-counter installation rather than sitting on the counter. Its 1100 watts of power and 14⅛-inch Carousel turntable give it room for a 9-by-13-inch dish, according to the product details.
Smart & Easy sensor technology is intended to help with cooking and reheating, while a Minute Plus key provides a quick start. The seven-digit, two-color display and control panel hidden behind the oven door give the front a less button-heavy appearance. The unit is also described as providing built-in task lighting.
This is the most installation-specific choice in the group. It may suit a kitchen where counter space is at a premium, but it is not a like-for-like replacement for a freestanding countertop model. Confirm the installation requirements, available cabinet space, and clearances before choosing it; the supplied product details do not include its dimensions.
Pros:
- Over-the-counter design can leave more counter space available
- 1100 watts of cooking power
- Sensor cooking and a Minute Plus quick-start key
- Turntable accommodates a listed 9-by-13-inch dish
Cons:
- Requires an appropriate installation location rather than ordinary countertop placement
- Dimensions are not provided in the supplied product details, so fit requires extra checking
Verdict: Choose the Sharp R1214TY if you want to reclaim counter space and can confirm that its installation requirements work for your kitchen.
LG 1.5 Cu Ft: High wattage and sensor cooking in a compact footprint
This LG countertop microwave pairs a 1.5-cubic-foot capacity with 1200 watts of cooking power, the highest listed output in this comparison. Its Smart Inverter technology is designed to control cooking power, while seven sensor-cook options cover foods such as bacon, vegetables, frozen entrées, oatmeal, potatoes, and rice.
The stainless steel unit measures 21 7/16 inches wide, 12 1/8 inches high, and 16 3/16 inches deep. It has a 14.2-inch turntable, a glass-touch control panel, and an EasyClean interior. The smooth control surface gives it a streamlined look, though shoppers who prefer raised buttons may find a touch panel less familiar.
The LG is a strong match for households that use sensor cooking often or want higher listed wattage in a mid-sized microwave. It costs counter space like the other countertop models, and its feature set may be more than you need if you mainly heat leftovers or make popcorn. For more cooking methods, the Sharp convection model offers baking and roasting functions that this LG does not list.
Pros:
- 1200 watts of cooking power
- Smart Inverter technology and seven sensor-cook options
- EasyClean interior and glass-touch controls
- Listed dimensions and turntable size make space planning easier
Cons:
- Touch controls may not suit shoppers who prefer physical buttons
- No convection cooking modes are listed
Verdict: The LG is a good choice if you want the highest listed wattage here, sensor-cook options, and a clearly specified countertop footprint.
Avanti 1.5 Cu Ft: A simple countertop microwave with one-touch modes
The Avanti is a 1.5-cubic-foot countertop microwave listed with 1000 watts of power. Its electronic control panel includes one-touch settings for baked potatoes, popcorn, pizza, beverages, frozen dinners, and reheating. A speed-defrost setting adds a straightforward option for thawing food.
This feature mix is aimed at everyday convenience rather than advanced cooking. It has fewer listed specialty functions than the Sharp convection model and fewer sensor options than the LG, but its preset modes may be easier to use if you want to select a common task quickly. The supplied details do not include the unit’s dimensions, so measure your space and check the full product specifications before ordering.
One point to verify is the wattage: the product title lists 1000 watts, while the description contains a conflicting “100 WATTS” figure. Check the current product specifications before purchase if wattage is important to your decision.
Pros:
- 1.5-cubic-foot capacity and 1000 watts listed in the product title
- One-touch modes for six common cooking tasks
- Speed-defrost setting for thawing frozen food
- Electronic control panel with a simple, practical feature set
Cons:
- Supplied description has a conflicting wattage figure that should be verified
- Dimensions and sensor-cooking features are not provided in the supplied details
Verdict: Consider the Avanti if you want basic one-touch cooking and defrost functions, but confirm the wattage and fit before making a decision.
How to Choose a 1.5 Cu Ft Microwave Oven
Measure the installation space first
A 1.5-cubic-foot capacity describes interior space, not the size of the microwave’s outer shell. Measure the width, height, and depth of the space where you plan to place or install it. For countertop models, account for the appliance’s footprint and follow the manufacturer’s guidance on ventilation clearance. For the Sharp R1214TY, check installation instructions and cabinet fit before buying because it is designed for over-the-counter use.
Choose a power level that matches your routine
The models here range from 900 to 1200 watts, with one product listing a conflicting wattage detail that should be checked. Higher wattage can be useful when you want to heat food quickly, but it is only one factor in performance. If you select a lower-wattage model, follow its cooking instructions and adjust heating time as needed.
Decide whether sensor cooking is worth having
Sensor features are available on the Sharp SMC1585KB and LG, and the Sharp R1214TY also lists sensor cooking. These options can help automate cooking or reheating for selected foods. If you mainly use timed heating and common presets, the Frigidaire or Avanti may be a better match without the need for extra sensor modes.
Consider whether you need convection cooking
The Sharp SMC1585KB is the only option here that lists convection cooking, including auto broil, roast, and bake functions. That can offer more versatility than a standard microwave, but it is not necessary for everyone. If your main tasks are reheating, defrosting, and cooking microwave-friendly foods, a conventional model may be simpler to operate.
Check the turntable and cookware fit
Turntable diameter affects the dishes you can use, while interior shape and height also matter for taller containers. The listed turntable sizes are 14.2 inches for the LG, 14⅛ inches for the Sharp R1214TY, and 15.4 inches for the Sharp convection model. Check the microwave’s product details and compare them with your regular plates, casserole dishes, and containers.
Match controls and cleaning features to your preferences
Touch controls can create a smooth, modern front, while electronic panels with familiar presets may feel more direct. The LG lists glass-touch controls and an EasyClean interior; the Frigidaire includes an electronic touchpad and child lock. Think about which features you will actually use and whether a child safety lock or easy-to-wipe surface matters in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1.5-cubic-foot microwave large enough for family use?
It can be a practical size for many households, but capacity alone does not guarantee that every dish will fit. Check the turntable diameter, interior dimensions, and the size of your usual cookware before choosing a model.
Which microwave in this comparison has the most listed power?
The LG is listed at 1200 watts, followed by the Sharp R1214TY at 1100 watts. The Frigidaire and Avanti are listed at 1000 watts, while the Sharp convection model is listed at 900 watts. The Avanti description contains a conflicting wattage figure, so confirm its specification before purchase.
Which of these models has convection cooking?
The Sharp SMC1585KB is the model that lists convection cooking, with auto broil, roast, and bake functions in addition to microwave cooking.
What is the difference between a countertop and an over-the-counter microwave?
A countertop model is designed to sit on a counter. The Sharp R1214TY is described as an over-the-counter model, so you should review its installation requirements and verify that your intended location is suitable before buying.
Do all five models have sensor cooking?
No. Sensor cooking is listed for the Sharp SMC1585KB, Sharp R1214TY, and LG. The supplied details for the Frigidaire and Avanti describe presets and timed functions but do not list sensor cooking.
Should I choose a microwave with more preset programs?
Choose presets based on the foods you make often. Presets can save steps for common tasks, but they are not essential if you prefer setting the time and power level yourself. Consider the actual listed programs rather than the number of modes alone.
Conclusion
The LG stands out for its 1200-watt output, Smart Inverter technology, and seven sensor-cook options. The Sharp SMC1585KB is the pick for shoppers who want convection functions, while the Frigidaire offers a simpler set of useful presets and a child safety lock. If saving counter space is the priority, consider the Sharp R1214TY—but verify the installation fit. The Avanti is a basic alternative, though its wattage should be confirmed because the supplied details conflict.