Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, but your kitchen counter is already crammed. Or maybe you’re in a tiny apartment and a full-sized microwave just won’t fit. Finding a microwave that’s small enough for your countertop can feel like a treasure hunt with no map. You want something that heats your food fast, but doesn’t take up all your precious kitchen space. It’s a common problem many people face.
Choosing a small microwave can be tricky. You worry about it being too small to fit your favorite mug, or not powerful enough to cook your popcorn perfectly. You might wonder if you have to sacrifice features for size. This is where we come in!
In this post, we’ll explore the best small microwaves for your countertop. We’ll help you understand what to look for, what features matter, and how to pick the perfect one for your needs. Get ready to say goodbye to counter clutter and hello to delicious, easily heated meals. Let’s dive in and find your ideal compact cooking companion!
Our Top 5 Small Microwave For Countertop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Microwave For Countertop Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet your new kitchen helper: the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven. This compact 0.7 Cu. Ft. microwave packs 700 watts of power into a sleek black design. It’s perfect for quick meals and snacks, fitting easily on any countertop. With 10 power levels and 6 handy cooking presets, it makes heating up food a breeze. Plus, smart features like Eco Mode and a Mute Button add convenience to your busy life.
What We Like:
- Super fast cooking with 6 popular presets like popcorn and pizza.
- 10 power levels let you melt butter or cook food quickly.
- Easy-to-use digital controls with a +30 seconds button.
- Memory function saves your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts.
- Child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- Mute button lets you silence annoying beeps.
- Modern black design looks great in any kitchen.
- Eco Mode saves energy and dims the display.
- Exterior wipes clean easily.
- Glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Trusted quality with cETL approval and a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size might be small for larger families or big dishes.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking functions beyond the presets.
This Chefman microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and smart features in a small package. It makes everyday cooking simple and efficient.
2. 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 feature-rich appliance designed for your kitchen. Its sleek black finish and 0.7 cubic feet capacity make it a great fit for smaller spaces. This microwave offers convenience with its easy one-touch buttons and smart functions, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you cook without annoying beeps, which is great for early mornings or late nights.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power, helping you save a little on your electricity bill.
- The easy auto-cook buttons for popcorn, potatoes, and pizza are super handy.
- Express cooking options, including 1-6 minute and +30 second settings, speed up your cooking.
- It has two defrost options, by weight or by time, making frozen foods ready to eat quickly.
- The child safety lock keeps little ones safe around the appliance.
- A bright digital display and interior light make it easy to see and use.
- The 10-inch glass turntable is removable for simple cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, the 0.7 cu ft capacity might be too small for larger families or cooking big meals.
- The one-year limited warranty is standard but could be longer for added peace of mind.
This COMFEE microwave is a smart choice for anyone seeking a convenient and quiet cooking experience with helpful features. It’s a solid option for everyday reheating and cooking tasks.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a handy appliance for any kitchen. It’s a compact, 0.7 cubic foot microwave that makes heating up snacks and meals a breeze. The stainless steel finish looks good on any countertop. It’s designed for simple use with helpful features that most people will appreciate.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. This makes cooking them super easy.
- The 700-watt power with 10 settings lets you cook or reheat food just right.
- The 30-second express cooking button is great for quick reheating.
- A clear, large LED display shows the time and settings.
- The child safety lock keeps little ones from accidentally turning it on.
- It comes with a removable glass turntable that cleans up easily.
- The push-button door is simple to open.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a good microwave, some users might want a larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The 700-watt power might be a little slower for some cooking tasks compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a good balance of features and ease of use for everyday kitchen needs. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and straightforward microwave.
4. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact microwave oven designed for modern living. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, especially in apartments or smaller spaces. This microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its smart features.
What We Like:
- The child lock feature is a great safety addition. It stops little hands from starting the microwave by accident.
- It has 6 helpful preset menus for common foods like popcorn and potatoes. This makes cooking fast and easy.
- You get 11 different power levels, giving you control over how you cook. It also includes a clock and a kitchen timer.
- The one-touch start and easy defrost options are super convenient. You can quickly start cooking or thaw food by weight or time.
- The mute function is a lifesaver! You can turn off the beeping sounds so you don’t disturb anyone.
- The interior LED lighting is bright and lets you see your food clearly.
- The 10.6-inch glass turntable is removable, making it easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some other compact microwaves. Make sure you have enough counter space.
- While the child lock is a good feature, users need to follow specific steps to activate it, which might be a small learning curve.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance for their home. It offers a good balance of convenience and safety.
5. Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
Bring a splash of retro charm and modern convenience to your kitchen with the Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven. This stylish appliance, in a delightful Bebop Blue, is compact at 0.7 cubic feet but packs a punch with its 700-watt power. Its eye-catching pull handle design and LED lighting add a touch of vintage flair, while smart features like a child lock and easy defrost make it a practical choice for any household.
What We Like:
- The 700W power with six different heat settings lets you cook and reheat food perfectly.
- Its compact 0.7 cu. ft. size is great for smaller kitchens or countertops.
- The interior light lets you check on your food without opening the door.
- A child lock feature adds safety, preventing little ones from accidentally turning it on.
- Defrosting is easy, whether you use time or weight, helping your food taste its best.
- The 360° rotating glass turntable ensures your food heats up evenly for delicious results every time.
- The clear LED display shows you how much cooking time is left.
- The retro design and Bebop Blue color make it a fun and stylish addition to your kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a bit slow for very large meals.
- While it has a defrost function, some might prefer more advanced cooking presets.
This Galanz microwave is a fantastic blend of retro style and everyday functionality. It’s a user-friendly appliance that makes cooking and reheating quick and easy.
Your Guide to the Perfect Small Countertop Microwave
Finding the right small microwave for your countertop can make a big difference in your kitchen. These compact appliances are perfect for small spaces, dorm rooms, or anyone who just needs to heat up a quick snack. Let’s explore what makes a small microwave a great choice.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for a small countertop microwave, a few things are super important.
- Size Matters: Measure your counter space before you buy! Small microwaves usually range from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. Make sure it fits comfortably without crowding your kitchen.
- Wattage Power: This tells you how fast your food will cook. Most small microwaves are between 700 and 1000 watts. Higher wattage means quicker heating.
- Turntable or Not: A turntable spins your food to heat it evenly. Most small microwaves have one. Some don’t, which might mean you have to stir your food more often.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with buttons for popcorn, pizza, or reheating leftovers. These make cooking easy.
- Digital Display and Controls: Easy-to-read displays and simple buttons make using the microwave a breeze.
- Child Lock: If you have little ones, a child lock feature keeps them safe.
What Materials Are Important?
The outside of most small microwaves is made of durable plastic or painted metal. This keeps them light and easy to clean. Inside, the cooking cavity is usually stainless steel or a ceramic enamel coating.
- Stainless Steel: This is strong and looks nice. It’s easy to wipe clean.
- Ceramic Enamel: This is also very easy to clean and can be more scratch-resistant than some stainless steel.
What Makes a Microwave Good or Not So Good?
Several things can make a small microwave a great buy or a disappointing one.
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Factors That Improve Quality:
- Even Heating: Does it cook your food all the way through? A good microwave heats food evenly.
- Durability: Is it built to last? Sturdy construction means it won’t break easily.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter one is better for your home.
- Easy Cleaning: A microwave that’s simple to wipe down saves you time and effort.
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Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Uneven Cooking: If your food is hot on the edges and cold in the middle, the microwave isn’t working well.
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels cheap or wobbly might not last long.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or a hard-to-read display can be frustrating.
- Short Cord: A microwave with a very short power cord can be inconvenient to place.
User Experience and Use Cases
Small microwaves are super handy for many people and situations.
- For Students: They are perfect for dorm rooms where space is tight. Students can easily heat up ramen, frozen meals, or make popcorn for study breaks.
- For Singles or Couples: If you don’t cook big meals often, a small microwave is all you need to reheat leftovers or warm up a quick dinner.
- For Offices: Keep one in the breakroom for employees to heat their lunches.
- For Small Kitchens: If your kitchen is tiny, a small microwave won’t take up too much precious counter space.
- For Quick Snacks: Need to melt butter or warm up a mug of soup? A small microwave gets the job done fast.
Using a small microwave is usually very straightforward. You place your food inside, close the door, and set the time and power level. Many have simple dial controls or easy-to-press buttons. The turntable ensures your food cooks evenly, so you don’t have to keep stopping to stir. Cleaning is usually just a matter of wiping the inside with a damp cloth after use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a small countertop microwave?
A: You should look for its size to fit your counter, its wattage for cooking speed, whether it has a turntable for even heating, preset cooking options for convenience, and an easy-to-read digital display.
Q: What are the important materials used in small microwaves?
A: The outside is usually made of plastic or painted metal. The inside cooking area is often stainless steel or has a ceramic enamel coating for durability and easy cleaning.
Q: What factors can improve the quality of a small microwave?
A: Good quality means it heats food evenly, is built to last, operates quietly, and is easy to clean.
Q: What factors can reduce the quality of a small microwave?
A: Poor quality can be seen in uneven cooking, flimsy construction, confusing controls, or a power cord that is too short.
Q: What are some common use cases for a small countertop microwave?
A: They are great for students in dorm rooms, singles or couples, office breakrooms, small kitchens, and for making quick snacks like heating soup or melting butter.
Q: How do I know if a small microwave will fit on my counter?
A: Always measure your counter space before you buy. Small microwaves are typically between 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet in size. Check the product’s dimensions to ensure it will fit.
Q: Is a turntable always necessary in a small microwave?
A: A turntable helps heat food more evenly by spinning it. While not strictly necessary, it greatly improves the cooking experience and is found in most small microwaves.
Q: How much wattage is good for a small microwave?
A: Most small microwaves have between 700 and 1000 watts. Higher wattage means your food will heat up faster.
Q: Are small microwaves hard to clean?
A: Generally, no. Most small microwaves have smooth interior surfaces, like stainless steel or ceramic enamel, that are easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Q: Can a small microwave replace a regular-sized one?
A: For basic tasks like reheating or cooking small portions, yes. However, if you often cook large meals or need to fit big dishes, a larger microwave might be better.
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!