Imagine a kitchen where every inch counts, or a dorm room where space is a precious commodity. In these tight spots, a full-sized microwave oven can feel like a giant taking up valuable real estate. But what if you could still enjoy the convenience of quick meals and snacks without sacrificing precious counter space? That’s where the humble, yet mighty, compact microwave oven shines.
Choosing the perfect compact microwave can be a bit of a puzzle. You want something that heats your food fast, fits neatly into your limited space, and doesn’t cost a fortune. But with so many models out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might wonder: “Will it really cook my popcorn evenly?” or “Is it too small to fit my leftovers?” These are common worries that can make picking the right one feel like a chore.
This post is here to help you conquer that confusion! We’ll break down what makes a compact microwave a great choice for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even as an extra appliance. You’ll learn what features to look for, how to compare different models, and discover some top picks that offer big performance in a small package. Get ready to find a microwave that fits your needs and your space perfectly!
Our Top 5 Compact Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Compact Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.2/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and powerful kitchen helper. It offers 700 watts of cooking power and a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for small kitchens or dorm rooms. This microwave makes reheating and cooking quick and easy.
What We Like:
- It cooks food very fast.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels.
- It has 6 cooking presets for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The +30 seconds button is handy for extra cooking time.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- The mute button lets you turn off beeps for quiet operation.
- Its black, modern look fits well in any kitchen.
- The Eco Mode saves energy and turns off the display.
- Cleaning is simple, with a dishwasher-safe turntable.
- Chefman provides a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot size might be too small for larger meals or dishes.
- While powerful, 700 watts is not the highest wattage available, meaning some cooking tasks might take a little longer than with a higher-powered microwave.
This Chefman microwave is a great choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It balances convenience with smart features for everyday use.
2. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.8/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a smart choice for any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces. This microwave makes cooking and reheating food super easy with its one-touch buttons and special cooking options. Plus, you can even turn off the annoying beeping sounds!
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you silence the microwave, which is great for late-night snacks or quiet mornings.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power by half.
- Easy one-touch buttons and express cooking (1-6 minutes and +30 seconds) make heating food quick and simple.
- Special auto-cook buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more take the guesswork out of cooking.
- It has a child safety lock to keep little hands safe.
- The bright digital display and interior light make it easy to see and use.
- The 10-inch glass turntable is perfect for most standard dishes.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has defrost settings, some users might prefer more advanced defrost options.
- The 0.7 cubic feet size might be too small for very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid, user-friendly appliance that offers great convenience and energy savings. It’s a good value for its features and ease of use.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.6/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact and smart microwave oven designed for modern living. Its sleek Black Stainless Steel finish looks great in any apartment kitchen. This 0.9 cubic foot microwave packs a punch with 900 watts of cooking power, making quick meals a breeze. Plus, it has helpful features like auto menus and a mute function for quieter operation.
What We Like:
- The two-step child lock is a great safety feature for families.
- Six preset menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- Eleven power levels offer lots of control for different cooking needs.
- The mute function lets you silence the end-of-cooking beep, which is perfect for early mornings or late nights.
- Easy defrost by weight or time makes preparing frozen foods simple.
- The one-touch start quickly cooks food for up to 6 minutes at full power.
- The 10.6-inch removable glass turntable fits most standard plates and is easy to clean.
- LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food while it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some other compact microwaves.
- While it has many features, some users might find the interface takes a little getting used to.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance for a smaller space. It offers convenience and safety without sacrificing performance.
4. 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 kitchen helper. It’s a compact microwave, measuring just over 17 inches wide, making it a good fit for most countertops. Its stainless steel finish looks nice in any kitchen. This microwave is easy to use with its digital display and simple controls. It’s great for heating up leftovers, making popcorn, or cooking quick meals.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. This makes cooking these items super simple.
- The 30-second express cooking button is perfect for when you need to heat something up fast.
- It offers 10 different power settings, so you can cook your food just right.
- The child safety lock gives you peace of mind if you have little ones around.
- The push-button door release makes it easy to open.
- It comes with a removable glass turntable that is 10 inches wide, which is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook some foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is on the smaller side, so it might not fit larger dishes or multiple items.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for basic cooking needs. It’s straightforward to operate and has helpful features for everyday use.
5. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.9/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave is a powerful and convenient appliance designed for small spaces. It boasts 700 watts of cooking power, making it great for quickly heating up meals or snacks. Its compact 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, or small offices. Plus, the easy-clean stainless steel finish keeps it looking good with minimal effort.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to use, with quick settings for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- You get lots of control with ten power levels and multi-stage cooking.
- The LED lighting inside lets you see your food cooking without opening the door.
- A handy child lock adds an extra layer of safety.
- The LED display clearly shows the clock and timer.
- It’s a great size for tight spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, 700 watts might be a bit slow for larger meals compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity is good for small portions but might not fit larger dishes.
This Farberware microwave is an excellent choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly cooking solution. It offers smart features in a compact design, making meal prep a breeze.
Choosing Your Tiny Kitchen Hero: A Compact Microwave Oven Buying Guide
So, you need a microwave but don’t have a ton of space. A compact microwave oven is your answer! These small wonders can reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, and even cook simple meals. Let’s find the perfect one for you.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For basic reheating, 700-800 watts is usually fine. If you plan to cook more, aim for 900-1000 watts.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This is the inside space. Compact microwaves usually range from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. Think about what you’ll heat. A small plate of leftovers fits in a smaller one, but a whole frozen dinner might need a bit more room.
- Turntable: Most compact microwaves have a glass plate that spins. This helps food cook evenly. Make sure it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
- Preset Cooking Programs: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These can make cooking super easy.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear digital screen and easy-to-use buttons make operating the microwave simple. Look for responsive buttons that are easy to press.
- Child Lock: If you have little ones, a child lock feature is a great safety addition. It stops them from accidentally turning the microwave on.
Important Materials
The inside and outside of your microwave are made from different things.
- Inside: The cooking cavity is usually made of stainless steel or a special enamel coating. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Enamel is also a good choice and often less expensive.
- Outside: The outer casing is typically made of painted metal. Look for a finish that’s easy to wipe down and doesn’t show fingerprints too much.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a big difference in how good your microwave is.
- Build Quality: A microwave that feels solid and well-built will last longer. Check that the door closes smoothly and the buttons feel secure.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. This often comes down to good internal design and sufficient wattage. Read reviews to see what other people say about how evenly it cooks.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you have an open-plan home or are sensitive to noise, look for models that are known to be quiet.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nobody likes scrubbing a dirty microwave. A smooth interior surface and a removable turntable make cleaning much easier.
- Durability: Higher-quality materials and good construction lead to a microwave that lasts. Look for brands with a good reputation for reliability.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your compact microwave will guide your choice.
- Small Kitchens and Dorm Rooms: These are the perfect places for a compact microwave. They fit on countertops without taking up too much space.
- Single People or Couples: If you’re not cooking large meals, a compact microwave is ideal. It’s great for reheating individual servings.
- Office Breakrooms: A small microwave is useful for quick lunches and snacks in an office setting.
- Students: Reheating meals, making instant noodles, or popping popcorn is easy with a compact microwave.
- Basic Reheating and Defrosting: If you just need to warm up last night’s dinner or thaw some frozen chicken, a simple, compact model will do the job perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the typical size of a compact microwave oven?
A: Compact microwaves usually have an interior capacity between 0.5 and 1.0 cubic feet. Their external dimensions are also smaller, making them ideal for tight spaces.
Q: How much wattage do I need for a compact microwave?
A: For basic tasks like reheating, 700-800 watts is usually enough. If you want faster cooking or to prepare more complex dishes, look for 900-1000 watts.
Q: Does a turntable matter in a compact microwave?
A: Yes, a turntable is important. It spins your food to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides.
Q: Are preset cooking buttons helpful?
A: Preset buttons can be very helpful. They take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn or pizza by automatically setting the time and power level.
Q: What’s the best material for the inside of a microwave?
A: Stainless steel and enamel coatings are common and good choices. Stainless steel is very durable and easy to clean.
Q: How do I know if a compact microwave will cook food evenly?
A: Look for reviews from other buyers. They often mention how well the microwave cooks. Higher wattage and a good turntable design also help with even cooking.
Q: Are compact microwaves noisy?
A: Some are noisier than others. If noise is a concern, check product reviews for comments on how loud the microwave is when it runs.
Q: Is it hard to clean a compact microwave?
A: Most compact microwaves are designed for easy cleaning. A smooth interior and a removable turntable make wiping them down simple.
Q: Who is a compact microwave best suited for?
A: They are great for people with small kitchens, students, single individuals, couples, and office breakrooms where space is limited.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a compact microwave?
A: You can cook many simple meals, especially if you have one with higher wattage and useful preset functions. However, very large dishes might not fit or cook evenly.
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!