Ever feel like your kitchen is just too small for a regular microwave? Maybe you live in a cozy apartment, a dorm room, or just want a little something extra for your desk. Finding the perfect tiny microwave can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. So many brands, so many features, and what does “compact” even really mean?
Choosing the wrong one means wasted counter space or a unit that’s too big for your needs. You want something that heats your snacks quickly without taking over your whole kitchen. That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to break down what makes a tiny microwave great and help you find the one that fits your life and your space perfectly.
Get ready to discover the best tiny microwaves that pack a punch in a small package. We’ll look at what to consider, like size, power, and ease of use, so you can stop stressing and start enjoying hot meals and snacks in no time.
Our Top 5 Tiny Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Tiny Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.8/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for any kitchen. It’s a 700-watt microwave with a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for dorm rooms, small apartments, or just as an extra microwave in a busy home. This sleek black appliance offers a variety of features to make cooking and reheating simple and efficient.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
- You can choose from 10 power levels, giving you control from melting butter to fast cooking.
- Digital controls make it easy to set time and power, and the +30 seconds button adds extra time with a touch.
- The memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access.
- A child safety lock keeps the door secure, and the Lock Mode disables the control panel.
- The mute button lets you turn off beeps, so you don’t disturb others.
- Its modern, compact design looks great in any kitchen, and Eco Mode saves power.
- Cleaning is easy; the exterior wipes clean, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman offers trusted quality, cETL approval, and a 1-year assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for cooking larger meals or multiple dishes at once.
- While powerful for its size, 700 watts may not be as fast as higher-wattage microwaves for some tasks.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly microwave for everyday tasks. Its thoughtful features and compact design make it a great addition to any kitchen.
2. Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
This Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven in Aqua brings a pop of fun and functionality to any kitchen. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, while its retro design adds a stylish touch. With 700 watts of cooking power, it handles everyday reheating and cooking tasks with ease. The easy-to-read LED display and simple controls make it user-friendly for everyone.
What We Like:
- It has 700 watts of cooking power, which is great for quick meals.
- The microwave offers 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, making it super convenient.
- You can easily see the time on the bright LED digital display.
- The rotating glass carousel helps cook food evenly every time.
- The retro accents, like the chrome handle and control panel, give it a cool vintage look.
- The aqua color is bright and cheerful.
- It features a child lock for safety.
- Cleaning the interior is simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 0.7 cubic feet, it might be too small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- The 700-watt power might mean some cooking tasks take a little longer than with more powerful microwaves.
This microwave is a fantastic option if you want a blend of retro style and practical features for your kitchen. It’s a cute and functional appliance that gets the job done.
3. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.3/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces. This microwave offers useful features like a mute function and an ECO mode to save energy. Its black finish looks sleek on any countertop.
What We Like:
- You can turn the sound off! This is perfect for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- The ECO Mode helps save electricity by reducing standby power.
- Easy one-touch buttons make cooking popcorn, potatoes, or reheating food super simple.
- It has a handy kitchen timer and a child safety lock for peace of mind.
- Express cooking lets you heat food quickly with 1-6 minute options and a 30-second boost.
- Defrosting is easy with options for weight or time.
- The bright digital display and interior light make it easy to see and use.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet size might be a bit small for larger dishes or families.
- While it has express cooking, some users might prefer more advanced cooking presets.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a straightforward and efficient countertop appliance. It balances user-friendly features with energy-saving options.
4. Farberware FMO07ABTBKA Classic 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The Farberware FMO07ABTBKA Classic 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven in Black is a handy appliance for anyone needing a quick and easy way to heat up food. It offers a good balance of power and convenience for everyday tasks.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful, with 700 watts of cooking power.
- It has ten different power levels and multi-stage cooking.
- You can use six one-touch settings for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- Defrosting is easy, with options for weight or time.
- Its 0.7 cubic foot size is great for small kitchens or offices.
- The interior and exterior are simple to clean.
- It has a clear LED display with a clock and kitchen timer.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock is included for extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a larger capacity for bigger meals or multiple dishes.
- While powerful, 700 watts might be slower for some tasks compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
The Farberware Classic microwave is a solid choice for basic microwave needs. It’s user-friendly and fits well into smaller spaces.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.4/10
Looking for a simple and reliable microwave? The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great option for your kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces like dorm rooms or apartments. This microwave heats food evenly thanks to its turntable and offers several helpful features for quick cooking.
What We Like:
- It has easy-to-use, pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The express cooking feature lets you heat things for 30 seconds with just one button press.
- A clear LED display and simple control panel make it easy to see and use.
- The child safety lock gives you peace of mind if you have little ones around.
- The stainless steel finish looks nice and is easy to wipe clean.
- It includes a removable glass turntable for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook larger meals compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is a bit small if you need to heat large dishes or multiple items at once.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for basic reheating and cooking needs. Its user-friendly design and handy features make it a practical addition to any kitchen.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Tiny Microwave Companion
So, you’re looking for a tiny microwave! These little wonders are perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, or anyone who just needs to heat up a snack quickly. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect tiny microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a tiny microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Capacity: This is the most obvious one! Tiny microwaves are small, but capacity still matters. Look at the internal dimensions and the turntable size. Can it fit a standard dinner plate?
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. For a tiny microwave, 700-1000 watts is a good range. More watts heat food quicker.
- Power Levels: Most microwaves have multiple power settings. This lets you defrost, simmer, or just gently warm food. More settings offer more control.
- Presets and Auto Cook: Many tiny microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These can make cooking super easy.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures food heats evenly. Make sure it’s removable for easy cleaning.
- Digital Display and Controls: Clear buttons and a digital display make it simple to set cooking times and power levels.
- Safety Features: Look for child lock features and automatic shut-off for peace of mind.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it heats food.
- Exterior: Most tiny microwaves have a durable plastic or stainless steel exterior. Stainless steel looks sleeker and is easier to clean, but plastic is usually more affordable.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of enamel or a ceramic coating. These are easy to wipe down and resist scratches.
- Door: The door should have a sturdy handle and a clear window so you can see your food cooking. The glass should be tempered for safety.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a tiny microwave great, while others can make it frustrating.
What Makes a Tiny Microwave Great?
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats food all the way through without hot or cold spots.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter model is much nicer to have in a small space.
- Easy to Clean: Removable turntables and smooth interior surfaces make cleaning a breeze.
- Simple Controls: If the buttons are confusing, you won’t want to use it.
What Can Make a Tiny Microwave Less Good?
- Uneven Heating: This is a big problem. You end up with some parts of your food cold and others burning.
- Flimsy Build: If the microwave feels cheap or wobbly, it might not last long.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or a hard-to-read display can be annoying.
- Short Cord: A very short power cord can limit where you can place your microwave.
User Experience and Use Cases
Tiny microwaves are designed for specific needs.
- For Dorm Rooms: They are perfect for students who want to heat up ramen, make popcorn, or warm up leftovers without leaving their room.
- For Small Apartments: If you have a tiny kitchen, a compact microwave saves valuable counter space.
- For Offices: Keep one at work to heat up your lunch instead of relying on a shared, often dirty, office microwave.
- For RVs or Boats: These are great for limited spaces where a full-size appliance just won’t fit.
- For Singles or Couples: If you don’t cook large meals, a tiny microwave is all you need for quick heating.
Using a tiny microwave is usually very straightforward. You place your food inside, close the door, select the power level and time, and press start. Many have helpful presets that do the thinking for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the smallest size a tiny microwave can be?
A: Tiny microwaves typically have an internal capacity of around 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet. This means they are much smaller than standard microwaves.
Q: Can a tiny microwave fit a dinner plate?
A: Many tiny microwaves can fit a standard dinner plate, but it’s always best to check the internal dimensions or the turntable size before buying.
Q: How long will a tiny microwave last?
A: With good care, a tiny microwave can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, similar to larger models.
Q: Are tiny microwaves less powerful than regular ones?
A: Not necessarily. While they are smaller, they can still have good wattage (700-1000 watts) which is sufficient for most heating tasks.
Q: Do tiny microwaves heat food evenly?
A: Most good tiny microwaves have a turntable that rotates the food, helping it heat evenly. However, some very basic models might not heat as uniformly.
Q: What are the best brands for tiny microwaves?
A: Popular brands that offer compact microwaves include Daewoo, Magic Chef, Commercial Chef, and some lines from larger brands like Panasonic and Whirlpool.
Q: Is a tiny microwave difficult to clean?
A: No, they are generally easy to clean. Most have removable glass turntables and smooth interior surfaces that wipe down easily.
Q: Can I use metal containers in a tiny microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in any microwave, including tiny ones. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: What is the advantage of having multiple power levels?
A: Multiple power levels allow you to cook or heat food more precisely. For example, you can use a lower power level to defrost food without cooking it.
Q: Where is the best place to put a tiny microwave in a small kitchen?
A: On a countertop, a shelf, or a microwave cart are common and convenient places. Make sure there’s enough ventilation around it.
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!