Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, maybe some popcorn or a leftover meal, but your kitchen is already packed. Finding space for a new appliance can feel like a puzzle. Many of us face this challenge when looking for a microwave that fits our busy lives and smaller kitchens. Choosing the perfect compact countertop microwave oven can be tricky. You want something that cooks well, doesn’t take up too much room, and looks good on your counter.
It’s easy to get lost in all the features and sizes. Do you need a lot of power, or is a simpler model enough? How much counter space do you *really* have? These questions can make the shopping process frustrating. But what if there was a way to make this decision much easier?
This post will guide you through what to look for. We’ll talk about important features like size, power, and ease of use. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking out a compact microwave that’s just right for your kitchen and your needs, turning that cooking puzzle into a simple solution.
Our Top 5 Compact Countertop Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Compact Countertop Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.5/10
Say hello to quick and easy meals with the Farberware Countertop Microwave! This 700-watt powerhouse is your new best friend for whipping up snacks and meals in a flash. Its compact 0.7 cu. ft. size makes it a fantastic fit for apartments, dorm rooms, or any spot where space is tight. Plus, the sleek stainless steel finish is a breeze to clean.
What We Like:
- It’s super convenient for making fast meals.
- You get 700 watts of power for speedy cooking.
- It has ten power levels and multi-stage cooking for custom meals.
- Six one-touch options like popcorn and pizza make cooking simple.
- You can defrost food by weight or time.
- Its 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces.
- The interior and exterior are easy to wipe clean.
- It has a clear LED display, timer, and clock.
- Interior LED lighting lets you see your food cooking.
- A child safety lock adds an extra layer of security.
- Farberware is a trusted name for making memories around food.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a little slow for some larger meals.
- With only 0.7 cu. ft., it might not fit larger dishes or multiple items at once.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for everyday use. It offers great features in a small package.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave makes heating up leftovers or cooking quick meals a breeze with its user-friendly controls and helpful pre-programmed settings.
What We Like:
- It has special buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cook button is super handy for quick reheating.
- The large LED display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The push-button door is easy to open.
- It comes with a removable glass turntable for even cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger families or bigger dishes.
- While 700W is standard, some users might prefer more power for faster cooking.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven offers a good balance of features and convenience for everyday use. It’s a solid option for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-operate microwave.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.8/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven in sleek black is a compact powerhouse designed for your busy kitchen. This 0.7 cu. ft. microwave delivers 700 watts of power, making it ideal for quick meals and snacks. With ten power levels and six one-touch cooking presets, preparing your favorite foods is a breeze. It also features a mute button for quiet operation and an Eco Mode to save energy.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables.
- You can choose from 10 power levels, from low to high, for perfect cooking results.
- The digital controls are easy to use, and the +30 seconds button adds extra cooking time.
- A memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access.
- The child safety lock on the handle keeps the door secure.
- The mute button lets you silence annoying beeps.
- Its modern, compact design fits well in any kitchen, and the exterior wipes clean easily.
- The glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe for simple cleanup.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or bigger meal prep needs.
This Chefman microwave is a reliable and user-friendly addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and essential features for everyday cooking.
4. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.3/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance that makes everyday cooking a breeze. Its sleek black design fits perfectly on any countertop, and its 0.7 cubic feet capacity is ideal for small kitchens or dorm rooms. This microwave is packed with features to simplify your cooking needs.
What We Like:
- The mute function is a game-changer! You can cook without annoying beeps.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power, which is great for your electricity bill.
- Easy one-touch buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Express cooking with 1-6 minute and +30 second options is super convenient for quick meals.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) make preparing frozen foods simple.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel make operation straightforward.
- A child safety lock adds peace of mind for families.
- The 10-inch glass turntable rotates food for even heating.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for added security.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, the 0.7 Cu Ft capacity might be too small for larger households or big meal prep.
- The “silent mode” might not be completely silent for very sensitive ears.
This COMFEE microwave is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a simple, efficient, and quiet cooking experience. Its thoughtful features and energy-saving mode make it a smart addition to any kitchen.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.1/10
If you’re looking for a microwave that’s perfect for small spaces, the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a great option. This 0.9 cubic foot stainless steel microwave packs a punch with 900 watts of power. It’s designed with apartment dwellers and dorm students in mind, offering convenience and safety features that make cooking and reheating a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 6 preset menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- You can easily adjust cooking power with 11 different levels, giving you lots of control.
- The “One Touch Start” feature lets you quickly cook for 1-6 minutes at full power.
- Defrosting is simple, whether you choose by weight or time.
- The mute function is a lifesaver if you don’t want the microwave to beep loudly.
- A two-step child lock adds an important layer of safety for families.
- The interior LED lighting makes it easy to see what’s inside.
- The 10.6-inch removable turntable fits most standard dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, the overall design is quite basic.
- The input power is 1400 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a compact and user-friendly appliance. It offers useful features that simplify daily cooking tasks.
Your Guide to the Perfect Compact Countertop Microwave
Choosing the Right Compact Microwave for Your Kitchen
A compact countertop microwave is a kitchen superhero. It’s small but mighty, perfect for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or quickly cooking a meal. If you live in a small apartment, have a tiny kitchen, or just need a second microwave, a compact model is a great choice. This guide will help you pick the best one.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a compact microwave, keep these important features in mind:
Power (Wattage)
Microwave power is measured in watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For most small kitchens, 700 to 1000 watts is plenty. A microwave with 900 watts or more will heat your food quickly and evenly.
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Compact microwaves are usually between 0.5 and 1.0 cubic feet. Think about what you’ll be heating. If you only heat small plates or mugs, a smaller capacity is fine. If you want to fit a larger dinner plate or a small casserole dish, go for a slightly bigger one.
Turntable
A turntable is a rotating glass plate inside the microwave. It helps cook your food evenly. Most compact microwaves have one. Some have a removable turntable, which makes cleaning easier.
Presets and Cooking Functions
Many microwaves come with special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking. Look for models with defrost options too. Some microwaves have sensor cooking, which adjusts cooking time based on the food’s steam.
Controls
Microwave controls can be simple buttons or a digital touch panel. Digital controls often look sleeker and offer more precise settings. Make sure the controls are easy to understand and use.
Size and Dimensions
This is crucial for a compact microwave! Measure your countertop space before you buy. Check the microwave’s height, width, and depth. Also, consider the space needed for the door to open fully.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it looks.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or painted metal exterior. Stainless steel looks modern and is durable. Painted metal is often less expensive.
- Interior: The inside is usually coated with ceramic enamel or painted metal. Ceramic enamel is easy to clean and resists scratches.
- Door: The door has a glass window so you can see your food. The glass should be strong and tinted to block light.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave better or worse.
What Makes it Better
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks food all the way through without hot or cold spots.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are very noisy. A quieter model is more pleasant to use.
- Easy Cleaning: A smooth interior and a removable turntable make cleaning a breeze.
- Durability: Well-made microwaves last longer. Check reviews for mentions of how long the microwave has worked well.
What Makes it Worse
- Uneven Heating: This is a big problem. It means some parts of your food are cooked while others are still cold.
- Flimsy Build: A microwave that feels cheap or wobbly might not last long.
- Difficult Controls: If the buttons are hard to press or the display is confusing, using the microwave will be frustrating.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your microwave every day.
For Busy Individuals
A compact microwave is perfect for quickly reheating meals or making a snack. It saves time when you’re on the go.
For Small Spaces
If you have limited counter space, a compact model fits right in. It’s ideal for dorm rooms, small apartments, or even an office breakroom.
For Simple Tasks
It’s great for heating up coffee, defrosting a small amount of meat, or making microwaveable meals. It’s not meant for complex cooking, but for everyday needs, it’s fantastic.
For Second Microwave Needs
Some people like having a smaller microwave in addition to a larger one. This compact option can be placed in a pantry or bonus room for extra convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a compact microwave?
A: For most compact microwaves, 700 to 1000 watts is ideal. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
Q: How much counter space do I need for a compact microwave?
A: Measure the microwave’s dimensions and make sure you have enough room for the door to open. About 15-20 inches of width and 12-15 inches of depth is usually enough.
Q: Are compact microwaves good for cooking full meals?
A: They are best for reheating and simple cooking tasks. They might not be big enough or powerful enough for complex meals.
Q: How do I clean a compact microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth. You can also heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes to loosen stuck-on food, then wipe clean.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for microwave size?
A: Cubic feet measures the inside space of the microwave. Smaller numbers mean a smaller microwave.
Q: Should I get a microwave with presets?
A: Presets can be helpful for cooking common foods easily. They are a nice feature to have.
Q: How long do compact microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, a compact microwave can last 5-10 years.
Q: Is a turntable really important?
A: Yes, a turntable helps your food cook evenly. It’s a very useful feature.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave?
A: No, never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: What’s the difference between a compact microwave and a regular microwave?
A: The main difference is size. Compact microwaves are smaller and take up less counter space.
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!