Ever felt like your kitchen counter is shrinking faster than your leftover pizza? You’re not alone! Finding a microwave that fits your needs *and* your limited space can feel like a treasure hunt with no map.
For many of us, a microwave is a kitchen essential. It heats up snacks, cooks quick meals, and defrosts frozen goodies. But when you live in a cozy apartment, a dorm room, or just have a passion for maximizing your counter space, those big, bulky models just won’t cut it. The struggle is real when you’re wading through endless reviews, trying to figure out which compact powerhouse will actually do the job without taking over your entire kitchen.
This post is here to be your guide! We’ll dive into what makes a small microwave oven great, explore the key features you should look for, and even share some top picks that won’t cramp your style. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a microwave that’s perfect for your space and your busy life.
Our Top 5 Small Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.8/10
Need a quick and easy way to heat up your food? The Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, 0.7 Cu. Ft. is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a compact and powerful microwave. It’s especially great for small spaces like apartments, dorm rooms, or even your office desk. With its sleek stainless steel finish, it looks good in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It’s super convenient for making meals fast.
- It has 700 watts of power, which is strong enough for most jobs.
- You get ten different power levels and multi-stage cooking for total control.
- Six one-touch options make cooking popular items like popcorn and potatoes a breeze.
- The defrost feature works by weight or time, saving you time.
- It’s the perfect size at 0.7 cubic feet, fitting easily into small areas.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean, which is a big plus.
- It has a clear LED display with a clock and timer so you can easily see the time.
- The interior light helps you watch your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock provides extra security.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for small spaces, it might be too small for larger families or if you cook big meals often.
- Some users might want more advanced features or a higher wattage for faster cooking.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for simple, everyday cooking. It offers a good balance of features and size for its price point.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven in sleek black is a compact powerhouse designed for your kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave makes everyday cooking a breeze. It features 10 power levels and 6 handy cooking presets for popular foods like popcorn and pizza. Plus, it has a one-touch express cook option for super-fast heating.
What We Like:
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Six popular presets and number key quick-setting make cooking fast.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: 10 power levels give you control from melting butter to rapid cooking.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: Easy to use with customizable time and power, plus a +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program your favorite cooking functions for one-touch access.
- SAFETY FIRST: A child safety lock and lock mode keep little hands safe.
- MUTE OPTION: The audio button lets you silence annoying beeps.
- MODERN DESIGN: Its compact size and black finish look great in any kitchen. Eco Mode saves power and disables the display.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with advanced safety technology and a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger households or big meals.
- While powerful for its size, the 700-watt output may not be as fast as higher-wattage microwaves for some tasks.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic option for small spaces or anyone needing a reliable, user-friendly appliance for quick meals and snacks. Its thoughtful features and safety elements make it a smart addition to any kitchen.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven, a sleek and powerful addition to any kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot stainless steel microwave is designed for convenience and safety, making meal prep a breeze. Its user-friendly interface and helpful features simplify cooking for everyone.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and frozen veggies.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for quick reheating.
- A large LED display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- The push-button door release is simple to use.
- Safety is a priority with a built-in child safety lock.
- It comes with a removable glass turntable for easy cleaning.
- The kitchen timer helps you keep track of cooking times.
- It’s compact, measuring 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”, so it fits well on most countertops.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s 700 watts, some users might prefer a higher wattage for faster cooking.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is great for small spaces, but it might feel a bit small for larger dishes or families.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. Its thoughtful features and compact design make it a great value.
4. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) microwave is a great addition to any apartment kitchen. It’s compact, stylish in black stainless steel, and packed with useful features. This microwave makes reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, and even defrosting food quick and easy.
What We Like:
- The 900-watt power heats food quickly.
- Six auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- The mute function lets you silence the beeping, which is great for early mornings or late nights.
- A two-step child lock adds an important safety feature, keeping little hands out of trouble.
- It has 11 power levels, giving you control over how your food cooks.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food.
- A removable 10.6-inch turntable fits most standard dishes and is easy to clean.
- One-touch start buttons allow for quick cooking from 1 to 6 minutes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior dimensions might be a bit large for very tiny kitchens.
- While it has auto menus, more advanced cooking options are not available.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers a good balance of features for everyday cooking needs.
5. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.9/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s a compact microwave, perfect for smaller spaces. It makes cooking and reheating food simple with its easy-to-use features. You can even turn off the annoying beeping sounds!
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you cook without noisy beeps.
- ECO Mode saves energy by using less power when it’s not actively cooking.
- Easy one-touch buttons make cooking popcorn, potatoes, and more a breeze.
- Express cooking lets you quickly heat food for 1 to 6 minutes.
- It has two defrost settings to thaw food by weight or time.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel are user-friendly.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The 10-inch glass turntable fits common dishes.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity might be small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has express cooking, it doesn’t offer more advanced cooking programs.
Overall, this COMFEE microwave is a practical and user-friendly appliance. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable countertop microwave with convenient features.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Small Microwave Oven
Are you looking for a microwave that fits your small kitchen or dorm room? A small microwave oven is a great choice for heating up leftovers, making popcorn, or quickly cooking simple meals. Let’s dive into what makes a good small microwave and help you find the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a small microwave, several features can make a big difference in how you use it.
1. Size and Capacity
- Dimensions: Measure your counter space! Small microwaves are typically under 1 cubic foot. Make sure it fits comfortably without being too bulky.
- Interior Capacity: This is measured in cubic feet. For one or two people, 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet is usually enough. This size can fit a standard dinner plate.
2. Wattage
- Power: Microwaves use wattage to heat food. Most small microwaves are between 700 and 1000 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For basic reheating, 700-800 watts is fine. For more cooking, aim for 900 watts or higher.
3. Cooking Presets and Functions
- Common Presets: Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, pizza, beverages, and defrosting. These make cooking specific items super easy.
- Turntable: A rotating glass tray ensures your food heats evenly. Most small microwaves have this.
- Grill or Convection (Less Common in Small Models): Some advanced models might have these. A grill can brown food, and convection can roast or bake. These are usually found in slightly larger or more expensive units.
4. Ease of Use and Cleaning
- Control Panel: Look for a clear, simple control panel. Buttons should be easy to press, and the display should be readable.
- Interior Coating: A non-stick interior coating makes cleaning up splatters much easier.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and performance.
- Exterior: Most small microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable, but plastic can be lighter and less expensive.
- Interior: The inside is usually coated with a material that’s easy to clean, like enamel or a special non-stick coating. The turntable is almost always made of glass.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Here’s what can make a small microwave great or not so great.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Cheaper models might feel flimsy.
- Even Heating: This is crucial. A good microwave heats food evenly without hot or cold spots. This often depends on the wattage and how well the internal components work.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews for comments on how noisy the unit is.
- Durability: A good microwave should last several years. Look for brands known for making reliable appliances.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave will guide your choice.
- Dorm Rooms: Small, compact models are perfect for dorm rooms. They handle snacks, ramen, and reheating meals without taking up much space.
- Small Kitchens: If you have limited counter space, a small microwave is ideal. It can sit on a shelf or a small corner of your counter.
- Single Households: For one person, a small microwave is often all you need. It’s efficient for heating single servings.
- Office Breakrooms: A compact microwave is great for heating lunches in an office setting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the average price of a small microwave oven?
A: Most small microwaves cost between $70 and $150. Simpler models are cheaper, while those with more features can cost more.
Q: How much counter space does a small microwave need?
A: A small microwave typically needs about 1 to 1.5 feet of counter space for the unit itself, plus a little extra room for ventilation.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a small microwave?
A: You can cook many simple meals and reheat leftovers. For complex cooking or large dishes, a larger microwave or oven is better.
Q: Are small microwaves energy efficient?
A: They use less energy than larger microwaves because they have lower wattage and smaller interiors. Always unplug it when not in use to save energy.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my small microwave?
A: You can clean the inside by heating a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes. The steam will loosen food particles, making them easy to wipe away.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for microwave size?
A: Cubic feet refers to the internal space inside the microwave. A smaller number means a smaller microwave.
Q: Should I worry about ventilation for a small microwave?
A: Yes, microwaves need airflow to work safely. Make sure to leave a few inches of space around the sides and back, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Q: Do all small microwaves have a turntable?
A: Most small microwaves do have a turntable to ensure even cooking. Some very compact models might not, but it’s less common.
Q: What is the difference between wattage and cooking time?
A: Wattage is the power of the microwave. Higher wattage means it can cook food faster. Cooking time is how long you need to heat or cook something.
Q: Can I place a small microwave inside a cabinet?
A: It’s generally not recommended unless the cabinet is designed for it and has proper ventilation. Microwaves need airflow to operate safely and prevent overheating.
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!