Tired of bulky kitchen appliances hogging all your counter space? You’re not alone! Many people living in apartments, dorms, or smaller homes face the same challenge. Finding a microwave that’s powerful, reliable, and doesn’t overwhelm your kitchen can feel impossible. With so many brands and models boasting different features, how do you know which compact microwave is truly worth your money?
Choosing the wrong microwave can lead to frustration. Imagine dealing with unevenly cooked food, a noisy motor, or a machine that breaks down after just a few months. Nobody wants that! Sifting through endless online reviews and confusing technical specs is time-consuming and overwhelming. You need clear, unbiased information to make the best choice for your needs.
This guide is here to help! We’ve done the research for you, compiling a comprehensive overview of top-rated compact microwaves. You’ll discover the key features to consider, learn about the pros and cons of different models, and get our expert recommendations for the best compact microwaves on the market. Get ready to find the perfect microwave that fits your space and your lifestyle. Let’s dive in and explore the world of compact microwaves!
Our Top 5 Compact Microwave Consumer Reports Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Compact Microwave Consumer Reports Detailed Reviews
1. Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven – 0.7 Cu. Ft. – 700-Watts with LED Digital Display – Child Lock – Easy Clean Interior – White
Rating: 9.3/10
The Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven brings a fun, vintage vibe to your kitchen. This 700-watt microwave has a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, which is great for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms. It comes in a clean white color with retro chrome accents. It’s not just about looks, though! This microwave has many features to make cooking easy.
What We Like:
- Retro Style: The chrome accents and retro design make this microwave a stylish addition to any kitchen. It’s a fun way to add personality to your countertop.
- Easy to Use: The digital LED display and pre-programmed settings make cooking simple. You can easily choose the right setting for popcorn, pizza, or other common foods.
- Convenient Features: The delay timer and express cooking options give you more control over your cooking. The rotating glass carousel helps cook food evenly.
- Child Safety: The child lock feature can help prevent accidents. This is a good feature if you have young children in the house.
- Easy to Clean: The interior is designed for easy cleaning. This makes it simple to wipe up spills and keep your microwave looking great.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Capacity: The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger dishes or families. You may need a bigger microwave if you often cook large meals.
- 700-Watts: While sufficient for many tasks, 700 watts may take longer to cook certain foods compared to higher wattage microwaves.
In conclusion, the Nostalgia Retro Compact Microwave is a great choice for those who want a stylish and functional appliance. It combines retro charm with modern convenience to make cooking enjoyable.
2. SHARP Compact Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 10″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.2/10
The SHARP Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is a great choice if you want a microwave that doesn’t take up too much space. It has a stainless steel finish that looks good in any kitchen. This microwave has a 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power. It’s perfect for small apartments, dorm rooms, or offices. The new gray interior and white LED display give it a modern look. You can easily cook your favorite meals with its many features.
What We Like:
- Compact size fits well in small spaces.
- The 10″ Carousel turntable helps cook food evenly.
- It has 10 power levels, giving you control over cooking.
- The “+30 seconds” key makes it easy to add extra cooking time.
- Auto Cook settings are convenient for popular foods.
- Weight and Time Defrost options help you thaw food quickly.
- The “Express Cook” feature lets you cook with one touch.
- The new LED interior lighting helps you see your food.
- The Child Lock feature keeps children safe.
- The new white LED display is easy to read.
What Could Be Improved:
- 700 watts might not be enough power for some users.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity is small for larger dishes.
Overall, the SHARP Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is a solid pick for those needing a smaller microwave with essential features. It’s easy to use and offers helpful cooking options.
3. 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 great option for small kitchens or anyone who wants a stylish and functional microwave. It has a sleek, silver design with a mirrored finish door that looks good in any kitchen. This microwave offers a good balance of features and convenience at an affordable price. You can easily cook or reheat food with its simple controls and pre-programmed settings.
What We Like:
- The 10 different power levels give you versatile cooking options. You can easily adjust the power to suit your needs.
- The 6 pre-programmed settings make meal prep effortless. You can cook common dishes with the touch of a button.
- The stylish reflective finish glass adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen. The silver finish is easy to clean.
- Time and weight defrost options take the guesswork out of defrosting food. Your food will be defrosted quickly.
- The LED display and digital clock make it easy to monitor your cooking. You can see the time and cooking progress at a glance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity may be too small for larger families or dishes. Consider a larger microwave if you often cook large meals.
In conclusion, the Emerson MW7601SL microwave is a stylish and functional appliance that offers a lot of value for its price. If you need a compact and easy-to-use microwave, this is a great choice.
4. Farberware FM09BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft. 900-Watt with LED Lighting
Rating: 9.0/10
The Farberware FM09BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is a great choice for anyone needing a smaller microwave without sacrificing power. This 0.9 cu. ft. microwave boasts 900 watts of power, LED lighting, a child lock, and an easy-to-clean grey interior, all wrapped in a sleek black design. It aims to offer convenience and style in one compact package.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly with its 700 Watts of power.
- The 1-6 minute express cooking and +30 second button make it easy to use.
- The memory function lets you store your favorite cooking settings.
- Its compact size makes it ideal for small spaces like apartments or offices.
- It has 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking for customized cooking.
- The one-touch cooking programs for popcorn, potato, and pizza are very convenient.
- The defrost by weight or time settings help you defrost food quickly.
- The LED display with a kitchen timer and clock helps you keep track of cooking time.
- The interior LED lighting lets you easily see your food as it cooks.
- The stylish black front and handle give it an elegant look.
- The child safety lock provides extra security in homes with children.
- The easy-clean interior helps you clean any mess.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700 watts of power might not be enough for everyone.
- Some users may prefer a larger capacity microwave.
Overall, the Farberware FM09BKA microwave is a solid option if you need a compact and functional microwave. It offers a great balance of features and convenience for everyday cooking needs.
5. Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave microwave is a great appliance for any kitchen. It has a sleek silver design and a compact size, so it won’t take up too much counter space. This microwave is designed to reheat, defrost, and cook food with precision. It’s packed with features that make cooking easier and quieter.
What We Like:
- This microwave has a compact size but still offers a 25L capacity. It fits well in small kitchens.
- The soft-close door is 80% quieter than other microwaves. It also operates 50% quieter.
- One-touch buttons for popcorn, beverages, defrosting, and reheating make cooking simple.
- The Food Menu lets you easily reheat pizza or cook potatoes.
- A Child Lock helps keep children safe.
- The Defrost function gently thaws food. The Reheat function warms food without drying it out.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 900 Watts of power might be lower than some other microwaves. This could mean slightly longer cooking times.
- The 1-year limited warranty is shorter compared to some brands.
In conclusion, the Breville Compact Wave is a fantastic option for those who want a powerful and quiet microwave. It offers many convenient features in a small size.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Compact Microwave
Finding the best compact microwave can be tricky. This guide helps you pick the perfect one for your needs. We’ll look at key features, materials, and how to get the best microwave for your money.
Key Features to Consider
When shopping for a compact microwave, think about these features:
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 700 watts for decent performance.
- Size: Compact microwaves are smaller, but check the interior dimensions. Make sure your favorite dishes fit inside.
- Preset Programs: These make cooking common foods easy. Look for presets for popcorn, potatoes, and reheating.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable helps food cook evenly. Make sure it’s removable for easy cleaning.
- Controls: Simple, easy-to-understand controls are important. Look for clear buttons and a bright display.
- Defrost Function: A good defrost function can save you time. See if it has settings for different food types.
- Child Lock: If you have kids, a child lock can prevent accidental use.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and safety:
- Exterior: Stainless steel looks good and is easy to clean. Plastic exteriors are more affordable but can stain.
- Interior: A ceramic enamel interior is durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel interiors are also good but can show fingerprints.
- Turntable: Glass turntables are common and easy to clean. Some microwaves use plastic turntables, which are less durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect how well a microwave performs:
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats food evenly. Read reviews to see if users complain about cold spots.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. Consider the noise level if you have a small space.
- Door Seal: A tight door seal prevents microwaves from escaping. Check for a solid seal when you close the door.
- Durability: Look for a microwave with a solid build. Read reviews to see how long users have had the microwave.
- Warranty: A good warranty protects you if the microwave breaks down. Look for at least a one-year warranty.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use the microwave:
- Small Kitchens: Compact microwaves are perfect for small apartments, dorm rooms, or offices.
- Simple Cooking: If you only need to reheat leftovers or make popcorn, a basic model is fine.
- Busy Lifestyles: Preset programs and quick cooking times can save you time.
- Families: A larger compact microwave can handle family-sized meals.
- Easy Cleaning: Choose a microwave with a removable turntable and a smooth interior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the main Key Features to consider when buying a compact microwave?
A: The key features are wattage, size, preset programs, turntable, controls, defrost function, and child lock.
Q: What wattage should I look for in a compact microwave?
A: Look for at least 700 watts for decent cooking performance. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
Q: What materials are best for a microwave interior?
A: Ceramic enamel and stainless steel are both good choices. They are durable and easy to clean.
Q: How important is a turntable?
A: A turntable is important because it helps food cook evenly. Make sure it’s removable for easy cleaning.
Q: What is a good warranty for a compact microwave?
A: Look for at least a one-year warranty. This protects you if the microwave breaks down.
Q: Are preset programs useful?
A: Yes, preset programs make cooking common foods easier. They save you time and guesswork.
Q: How do I clean a compact microwave?
A: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. You can also heat a cup of water with lemon juice inside to loosen food particles. Remove and wash the turntable.
Q: What does “compact” really mean in terms of size?
A: Compact microwaves typically have an interior capacity of 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet. Check the exterior dimensions to make sure it fits your space.
Q: What is the difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A microwave uses microwaves to heat food. A convection microwave also has a heating element and fan, allowing it to bake and roast like a regular oven. Convection microwaves are usually larger and more expensive.
Q: Can I use metal containers in a compact microwave?
A: No, never use metal containers in a microwave. Metal can cause sparks and damage the microwave. Use microwave-safe glass or plastic containers.
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!