Tired of a bulky microwave taking up too much counter space? Or maybe you’re looking for a quick and easy way to heat up your snacks without a giant appliance? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of microwave options, especially when trying to find one that’s small but still packs a punch, you’re not alone. Choosing the right compact microwave can feel like a mission, and you just want something that works well without being a space hog.
This post is here to make that decision a whole lot easier. We’re diving deep into the world of rated compact microwaves, breaking down what makes them great and what you should look for. You’ll discover how to find a powerful little machine that fits your kitchen and your life, saving you time and frustration. Get ready to learn how to pick the perfect compact microwave that will be your new kitchen best friend!
Our Top 5 Rated Compact Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Compact Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven – 0.7 Cu. Ft. – 700-Watts with LED Digital Display – Child Lock – Easy Clean Interior – Red
Rating: 8.5/10
Bring a touch of vintage charm to your kitchen with the Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave packs a punch with 700 watts of cooking power, making it ideal for reheating leftovers or whipping up quick snacks. Its eye-catching red color and retro accents, like the sleek chrome handle and control panel, add a fun flair to any countertop. Plus, it’s designed with convenience and safety in mind, featuring a child lock and an easy-to-clean interior.
What We Like:
- It offers 700 watts of cooking power for efficient heating.
- It has 12 pre-programmed cooking settings for popular foods, making cooking easy.
- The LED digital display clearly shows the time and cooking settings.
- A rotating glass carousel ensures your food cooks evenly.
- The retro design with chrome accents adds a stylish touch to the kitchen.
- The child lock feature provides extra safety for families.
- The interior is easy to clean after use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger families or cooking bigger meals.
- While retro is fun, some users might prefer a more modern aesthetic.
This microwave is a delightful blend of style and function. It’s a great option for those who love a retro look and need a reliable microwave for everyday tasks.
2. Farberware FM11BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1000-Watt with LED Lighting
Rating: 9.3/10
The Farberware FM11BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen or office. This 1.1 cubic foot microwave offers 1000 watts of power to quickly heat up your food. Its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces, but it still provides full-sized cooking power. The sleek black design with a stylish front and handle adds a modern touch to your countertop.
What We Like:
- It heats food very quickly with its 1000-watt power.
- The express cooking buttons and plus 30-second button make it super easy to use.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings with the memory function.
- It fits nicely in small kitchens or offices.
- It has 10 power levels and 6 one-touch cooking programs for different foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The LED lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The child lock feature adds extra safety.
- The interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want more advanced features.
- While compact, it might still be too large for extremely tiny spaces.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for those who need a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. It balances power and convenience in a compact package.
3. Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven in Silver is a game-changer for any kitchen, especially those needing a smart and quiet appliance. This microwave packs a lot of convenience into its compact 25-liter size, making it ideal for smaller living spaces or anyone who appreciates thoughtful design.
What We Like:
- Compact Footprint: It fits easily on your countertop without taking up too much space, yet offers a generous 25L capacity for all your cooking needs.
- Quiet Operation: The 80% quieter soft-close door and 50% quieter operation mean less noise disruption in your home.
- User-Friendly Features: One-touch auto buttons for popcorn, beverages, and reheating, plus a food menu for specific items like pizza and potatoes, make cooking quick and simple.
- Precise Cooking: The defrost and reheat functions are designed to gently cook food, preventing overcooking or drying out edges.
- Safety First: The Child Lock feature provides peace of mind, especially in homes with young children.
- Smart Touches: Breville Sound Suite and a mute button reduce annoying beeps, letting you enjoy the sounds of your food instead.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 25L capacity is good for a compact microwave, larger families or those who cook frequently might prefer a bigger oven.
- The specific performance of the “Food Menu” functions could be a point of interest for users who rely heavily on pre-programmed settings.
This Breville microwave is a fantastic addition for those seeking convenience, quiet operation, and smart features in a compact package. It’s designed to make everyday cooking tasks easier and more enjoyable.
4. Emerson MW7601SL Compact Countertop Microwave Oven with Sleek Mirrored Finish Door 10 Power Levels
Rating: 9.1/10
The Emerson MW7601SL Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its sleek mirrored finish door and silver exterior give it a modern look. This microwave is perfect for everyday cooking and reheating needs.
What We Like:
- It offers 10 different power levels, giving you lots of choices for cooking.
- Six pre-programmed settings make meal prep super easy.
- The mirrored glass door looks really good and is simple to clean.
- Defrosting food is quick and easy with the time and weight options.
- The LED display and digital clock are clear and easy to read.
- A child safe lock adds extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or bigger dishes.
- While stylish, the mirrored door can show fingerprints easily, requiring frequent wiping.
This Emerson microwave is a great choice for those seeking a compact, stylish, and user-friendly appliance. Its features make everyday cooking a breeze.
5. Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet your new kitchen helper: the Countertop Microwave Oven in sleek black. This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave is designed to make your life easier. It’s perfect for small kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms. You can heat up snacks, cook meals, or defrost food quickly. This microwave is packed with features to help you cook your favorite foods with ease.
What We Like:
- It has 700 watts of power, so it heats food fast.
- You get 10 power levels and 6 one-touch cooking options for things like popcorn and potatoes.
- The defrost feature lets you choose by weight or time.
- It’s a compact size, measuring 0.7 cubic feet, making it great for small spaces.
- The LED display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- Interior LED lighting helps you see your food clearly.
- A 9.6-inch glass turntable spins your food for even heating.
- The child lock feature adds extra safety.
- The inside is easy to clean, which is a big plus.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The power level is 700 watts, which might be less powerful than some larger microwaves.
This microwave oven is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and compact cooking solution. It offers great features at a good value.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Rated Compact Microwaves
Choosing a compact microwave can be a game-changer for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or anyone needing a quick and easy way to heat food. But with so many options, how do you find the right one? This guide will help you navigate the world of rated compact microwaves so you can make a smart purchase.
Why Choose a Compact Microwave?
Compact microwaves are perfect for tight spaces. They offer convenience without taking up too much counter real estate. You can reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, or even cook simple meals with ease.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at rated compact microwaves, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This is how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 700 watts for good performance.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food can fit inside. For a compact microwave, you’ll usually see capacities between 0.5 and 1.0 cubic feet. Think about what you’ll be heating. A small plate of leftovers fits easily in most.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures your food heats evenly. Most compact microwaves have this.
- Preset Cooking Programs: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, baked potatoes, or beverages. These can make cooking easier.
- Defrost Settings: This feature is super helpful for thawing frozen foods quickly and safely.
- Child Lock: If you have little ones, a child lock feature is a great safety addition.
- Digital Display and Controls: Easy-to-read displays and simple buttons make using the microwave a breeze.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave can affect its durability and how well it works.
- Exterior: Most compact microwaves have a stainless steel or painted metal exterior. Stainless steel often looks sleeker and is more durable. Painted metal can be more affordable.
- Interior: The inside is usually coated with enamel or non-stick material. These coatings are easy to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one compact microwave better than another?
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have better quality control and customer service. Reading reviews from other shoppers helps a lot.
- Build Quality: A microwave that feels sturdy and well-built will likely last longer. Check if the door opens and closes smoothly.
- Even Heating: The best microwaves heat food evenly without hot or cold spots. This is where wattage and turntable design play a big role.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite noisy. If quiet operation is important to you, look for reviews that mention noise.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave that’s easy to wipe down inside and out will save you time and effort.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you actually use your compact microwave?
- Dorm Rooms: Perfect for students who need to heat meals or snacks quickly between classes.
- Small Apartments: Ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
- Office Breakrooms: A great addition for heating lunches or beverages.
- Quick Meal Prep: From reheating last night’s dinner to making a quick bowl of oatmeal, it’s your go-to appliance.
- Snack Station: Great for popping popcorn or heating up frozen snacks.
By considering these points, you’ll be well on your way to finding a rated compact microwave that fits your needs and your space perfectly!
Frequently Asked Questions About Rated Compact Microwaves
Q: What is the average price range for a rated compact microwave?
A: Rated compact microwaves typically range from $70 to $150. Some high-end models with extra features might cost a bit more.
Q: How much counter space does a compact microwave usually take up?
A: Compact microwaves are designed to be small. They usually measure around 15-20 inches wide, 10-12 inches high, and 12-15 inches deep.
Q: Is a 700-watt microwave strong enough?
A: Yes, a 700-watt microwave is generally strong enough for basic tasks like reheating food and making popcorn. Higher wattage will cook faster.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for microwave size?
A: Cubic feet tells you the internal volume of the microwave. A smaller number, like 0.7 cubic feet, means it’s more compact and best for smaller items.
Q: Are microwaves with stainless steel exteriors better than painted ones?
A: Stainless steel exteriors often look nicer and are more durable. Painted exteriors can be more affordable but might scratch more easily.
Q: How important is the turntable for even cooking?
A: The turntable is very important. It rotates food so it heats evenly on all sides, preventing cold spots.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a compact microwave?
A: No, compact microwaves are too small for cooking a whole chicken. They are best for smaller portions and reheating.
Q: What is the best way to clean the inside of a microwave?
A: You can clean the inside by placing a bowl of water with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice inside. Microwave it for a few minutes, then wipe down the interior with a damp cloth.
Q: Should I look for specific cooking presets?
A: It depends on what you plan to cook. Presets for popcorn, potatoes, or beverages can be very convenient for quick meals.
Q: What is a good warranty period for a compact microwave?
A: A good warranty period is typically one year. Some brands may offer longer warranties on certain parts.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!