Ever stared at a wall of gleaming microwaves, feeling a little lost? Finding the perfect microwave for your apartment can feel like a mission. You want something that heats your leftovers quickly, but you also need it to fit your small kitchen space and not break the bank. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the buttons, sizes, and features!
This post is here to make that decision a whole lot easier. We’ll walk through the important things to consider when picking an apartment microwave. You’ll learn how to choose a size that works for you, what features are actually useful, and how to get the best value for your money. By the end, you’ll feel confident about finding a microwave that makes your apartment cooking life simpler and tastier.
Our Top 5 Apartment Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Apartment Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.8/10
Need a quick way to heat up your leftovers or make a tasty snack? The Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, 0.7 Cu. Ft. is here to help! This handy microwave is designed for busy lives and small spaces like apartments and dorm rooms. It’s got a sleek stainless steel look that’s also super easy to clean. Plus, it has helpful features like LED lighting and a child lock for safety.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful with 700 watts, so it heats food fast.
- You get ten power levels and six one-touch options for cooking things like popcorn or potatoes.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is great for small kitchens or dorm rooms.
- It has a clear LED display with a clock and timer so you always know the time.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
- The stainless steel finish looks nice and is easy to wipe down.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s compact, some users might want a larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The 700-watt power is good for basic tasks, but might not be as fast as higher-wattage microwaves for some cooking.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and compact appliance. It makes cooking and reheating simple and convenient.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse that makes reheating and cooking a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, and at 0.7 cubic feet, it’s just the right size for small spaces. This microwave is designed for ease of use, featuring pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn and pizza, plus a handy 30-second express cook option.
What We Like:
- The pre-programmed buttons take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The 30-second express cook is super convenient for quick reheating.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The removable glass turntable makes cleaning simple.
- Its compact size fits well on most countertops.
- The large LED display is easy to read.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The push-button door might wear out over time compared to a handle.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for everyday kitchen tasks. It offers good value and essential features.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.2/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse for any kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its user-friendly design and handy features. Its sleek black finish and modern look fit perfectly with any home decor.
What We Like:
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables make cooking simple. You can also enter cooking times directly.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: With 10 power levels, you can gently melt butter or cook food quickly.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: Setting time and power is easy. The +30 seconds button adds extra cooking time when needed.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access.
- SAFETY FIRST: A child safety lock prevents accidental door openings, and the control panel can be locked.
- MUTE OPTION: Turn off beeps with the Audio Button for quiet operation.
- MODERN DESIGN: Its compact size and black finish complement any kitchen. Eco Mode saves power and turns off the display.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The durable exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is even dishwasher safe.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year Chefman assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger meals or families.
- While the presets are helpful, some users might prefer more specialized cooking options.
This Chefman microwave offers great convenience and safety for everyday use. It’s a reliable appliance that simplifies your cooking routine.
4. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.1/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact black microwave that fits easily on your kitchen counter. It’s designed for simple everyday use, making it a great addition to any kitchen, especially for smaller spaces. This microwave offers a good mix of convenience and thoughtful features.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sounds, which is super handy if you don’t want to wake anyone up.
- The ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power, which is good for your electricity bill and the environment.
- Easy one-touch buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more make cooking common foods a breeze.
- Express cooking lets you heat food quickly with 1-6 minute options and a 30-second boost.
- It has two defrost settings, by weight or time, so you can thaw frozen foods properly.
- The bright digital display and clear control panel are easy to read and use.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- While it has a mute function, some users might prefer more control over the volume of the sounds.
Overall, the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a solid choice for anyone needing a straightforward, user-friendly microwave with some smart features. It offers great convenience for quick meals and snacks.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.5/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact microwave oven that fits perfectly in apartments or smaller kitchens. Its stylish black stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave is designed for ease of use and safety, making it a practical addition to your home.
What We Like:
- It has a Mute Mode so you can silence the beeping sounds. This is great for early mornings or late nights.
- The Two-Step Child Lock feature adds an extra layer of safety, preventing little ones from accidentally turning it on.
- With 6 preset menus, you can easily cook popular foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- It offers 11 different power levels, giving you control over how you cook or reheat food.
- The One-Touch Start function lets you quickly cook for up to 6 minutes at full power.
- It includes a 10.6-inch removable glass turntable, making it easy to clean.
- The LED lighting inside the microwave helps you see your food clearly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, some users might find the initial setup for the mute function requires a specific button press.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance for their kitchen. It balances convenience with safety, offering a great cooking experience.
Choosing the Best Apartment Microwave: Your Handy Guide
Finding the right microwave for your apartment can make cooking and reheating meals a breeze. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an apartment microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are great for tight spaces. Larger ones can fit more food. Think about how much you usually cook. A 0.7 to 1.0 cubic foot microwave is often a good fit for apartments.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most apartment microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. 900 watts is a good middle ground.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Most microwaves have this.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These can be very handy.
- Defrost Settings: These settings help you thaw frozen food quickly and safely.
- Child Lock: This feature prevents little ones from turning the microwave on by accident.
- Express Cook Buttons: These let you start cooking for a set amount of time with just one button press (like 30 seconds or 1 minute).
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave can affect its durability and how it looks.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks sleek and is easy to clean. It’s also strong and lasts a long time.
- Plastic: The inside of the microwave is usually made of plastic. Good quality plastic is important. It should be sturdy and not warp when heated.
- Glass: The turntable is made of glass. It needs to be thick enough to handle hot dishes.
What Makes a Microwave Great (or Not So Great)
A few things can make your microwave experience better or worse.
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Factors that Improve Quality:
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food all the way through without hot or cold spots. This often comes from good wattage and a reliable turntable.
- Easy Controls: Buttons that are clear and easy to understand make using the microwave simple.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter model is nicer to have in an apartment.
- Durability: A well-built microwave will last for many years.
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Factors that Reduce Quality:
- Uneven Heating: If your food is cooked unevenly, the microwave isn’t working as well.
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels cheap or wobbly might not last long.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons can make cooking frustrating.
- Short Cord: A very short power cord can make it hard to place the microwave where you want it.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave impacts which features are most important.
- For Quick Snacks: If you just need to reheat leftovers or make a quick snack, a simple microwave with express cook buttons is perfect.
- For Meal Prep: If you cook or prepare meals often, you might want a larger capacity microwave with more preset options and a powerful wattage for faster cooking.
- For Small Kitchens: Compact microwaves are ideal for apartments with limited counter space. They offer functionality without taking up too much room.
- For Families: If you have a family, a slightly larger microwave with a child lock and easy-to-use controls would be beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best size microwave for an apartment?
A: For most apartments, a microwave with a capacity between 0.7 and 1.0 cubic feet is a good choice. It offers enough space for everyday use without being too bulky.
Q: How important is wattage?
A: Wattage is important because it determines how quickly your food cooks. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Aim for at least 700 watts, with 900 watts being a good balance of power and efficiency.
Q: Should I look for a microwave with a turntable?
A: Yes, a turntable is highly recommended. It spins your food as it cooks, which helps it heat up evenly and prevents cold spots.
Q: What are “preset cooking options”?
A: Preset cooking options are buttons that are already programmed for specific foods, like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. They make cooking these items easy because you don’t have to guess the time and power level.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for a microwave?
A: Yes, stainless steel is a great material. It looks modern, is easy to clean, and is durable, meaning it can last a long time.
Q: What does “defrost” mean on a microwave?
A: The defrost setting helps you thaw frozen food. It uses lower power levels to gently thaw items without cooking them.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave cooks evenly?
A: You can often tell by reading reviews from other users. Look for comments about food being heated thoroughly without hot or cold spots.
Q: Are microwaves with touchscreens better than those with buttons?
A: It’s a matter of preference. Touchscreens can look sleek and offer many options, but some people find physical buttons easier to use, especially with messy hands.
Q: What if I have very little counter space?
A: Consider a compact or countertop microwave. Some models are designed to be smaller and fit into tighter spaces. You can also look into over-the-range microwaves if your apartment has a suitable vent system.
Q: How do I clean my apartment microwave?
A: Most microwaves can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. For stubborn spots inside, you can microwave a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes to loosen the grime, then wipe it clean.
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!