Is your kitchen feeling a little cramped? Do you find yourself playing a game of Tetris just to fit your essentials on the counter? For many of us, a small kitchen means tough choices, and the microwave is often a big one. It’s a kitchen workhorse, but finding one that doesn’t hog all your precious counter space can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
You want the convenience of a microwave – for quick meals, reheating leftovers, or popping popcorn – but you don’t want it to overwhelm your limited workspace. The struggle is real! You’re probably wondering, “How can I get all the microwave features I need without sacrificing my entire kitchen counter?” We get it. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of microwaves designed specifically for smaller spaces.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll explore clever designs, essential features, and smart tips to help you find the perfect microwave that fits your kitchen, your needs, and your budget. Get ready to reclaim your counter space and make your small kitchen feel a whole lot bigger!
Our Top 5 Microwave For Small Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave For Small Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.0/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a black, 0.7 cubic foot appliance designed for your kitchen. It makes reheating meals, popping popcorn, and cooking frozen veggies super simple. Plus, it has cool features like a mute function so you don’t have to listen to beeps, and an ECO mode to save energy. This microwave is great for busy households that want convenience without a lot of fuss.
What We Like:
- The mute function is fantastic. You can turn off the sounds so it doesn’t disturb anyone.
- ECO Mode saves electricity. It cuts standby power by half when you’re not using it.
- Easy one-touch buttons make cooking quick. Select popcorn, potato, pizza, or drinks with a single press.
- Express cooking is a breeze. You can add 30 seconds or cook for 1 to 6 minutes instantly.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- Defrosting is simple with two options: by weight or by time.
- The digital display is bright and easy to read.
- The interior light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- A 10-inch glass turntable fits most plates and rotates food evenly.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find 0.7 cubic feet a bit small for larger dishes or family meals.
- While the one-touch buttons are great, the variety of auto-cook options is limited compared to some larger models.
This COMFEE microwave offers a great balance of convenient features and energy efficiency for its size. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly countertop microwave.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper. It’s compact, fitting easily on most countertops. This microwave makes heating up snacks or full meals super simple. Its stainless steel finish looks nice in any kitchen. Plus, it has safety features for families.
What We Like:
- It has easy-to-use pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The 30-second express cook button is great for quick reheating.
- The large LED display is clear and easy to read.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands from turning it on accidentally.
- The turntable cooks food evenly, and it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
- The push-button door is simple to open.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a bit longer to cook some foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is good for small spaces but might feel small for larger families or cooking bigger dishes.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for everyday cooking tasks. It offers good value and practical features.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact microwave oven that packs a lot of features into its small size. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, and its 0.9 cubic feet capacity is perfect for apartments or small living spaces. This microwave makes cooking and reheating simple with its user-friendly controls and handy presets.
What We Like:
- The 900-watt power output cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Six auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- The mute function is a thoughtful addition for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- The two-step child lock provides peace of mind for families with young children.
- It offers 11 power levels for precise cooking control.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
- The 10.6-inch removable turntable is easy to clean.
- One-touch start and easy defrost features make quick meals a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions, while compact, might still be a tight fit for some very small countertops.
- The child lock requires following specific steps, which might take a moment to get used to.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance in a small package. It offers great convenience and safety for everyday use.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed to make your kitchen tasks quicker and easier. This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave is packed with features to simplify everyday cooking and reheating.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six handy presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies let you cook your favorites with a single touch. You can also just punch in the time you need.
- Flexible Power: With 10 power levels, from melting butter to fast cooking, you have total control over your food.
- Easy Digital Controls: Setting the time and power is a breeze. The +30 seconds button adds extra time with just one press.
- Memory Function: Save your most used cooking settings for one-touch access. Your favorite meals are ready to go in seconds.
- Safety First: The child safety lock keeps the door shut securely. You can also lock the control panel to prevent accidental use.
- Mute Option: Turn off annoying beeps with the mute button. It’s perfect for quiet mornings or when the kids are sleeping.
- Modern Design: Its sleek black finish and compact size fit perfectly on any countertop, complementing your kitchen’s style.
- Eco Mode: Save energy by disabling the display when the microwave isn’t in use.
- Easy to Clean: The durable exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is even dishwasher safe for no-fuss cleanup.
- Trusted Quality: This microwave is cETL approved and comes with a 1-year Chefman assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- While it has many presets, some users might wish for even more specialized cooking options.
This Chefman microwave offers a great balance of features and convenience for its size and price. It’s a solid choice for dorm rooms, small kitchens, or anyone needing a reliable countertop microwave.
5. FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave
Rating: 9.2/10
The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave in sleek black is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for those seeking simplicity and smart cooking. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, while its user-friendly features make meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- The digital control panel is super easy to use. You can choose express cooking, change power levels, delay the start, set the time, and stop or cancel easily.
- It offers two different defrost timers, giving you great control over warming your food just right. You can cook your favorite meals and snacks in stages.
- The Child Safety Lock keeps little hands out, preventing accidental use.
- The large display lets you see your food clearly as it cooks, so you can make sure it’s perfect.
- Smart sensor technology automatically adjusts power and time for six different settings: popcorn, baked potato, pizza, frozen, reheat, and beverage. This takes the guesswork out of cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- While the digital panel is easy to use, some users might prefer physical buttons for certain functions.
This Frigidaire microwave offers a great blend of convenience and smart features for everyday cooking. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a reliable and easy-to-operate microwave.
Choosing the Right Microwave for Your Cozy Kitchen
Small kitchens can be a challenge, but they don’t have to limit your cooking options. A compact microwave can be a game-changer, offering convenience without taking up precious counter space. This guide will help you find the perfect microwave for your small kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a microwave for a small kitchen, some features are more important than others. Think about what you’ll use it for most.
- Size and Dimensions: This is the most crucial factor. Measure your counter space or cabinet where you plan to put it. Look for microwaves with a small footprint.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. For small kitchens, 700-1000 watts is usually sufficient.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food can fit inside. For one or two people, 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet is often enough.
- Turntable: A turntable ensures even cooking. Most compact microwaves have one.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Features like popcorn, defrost, and reheat buttons are super handy.
- Digital Display and Controls: Easy-to-use buttons and a clear display make operation simple.
- Child Lock: If you have little ones, this feature keeps them safe.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how well it heats.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to clean, but it can show fingerprints. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
- Interior: The inside is usually coated with a non-stick material like enamel or ceramic. These are easy to wipe down.
- Door: The door needs to be sturdy. Look for a glass door that lets you see your food cooking.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a big difference in your microwave’s performance and lifespan.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. Check for tight seams and a door that closes smoothly.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands. They often offer better quality and customer support.
- Energy Efficiency: Some microwaves use less electricity, which can save you money on your energy bills.
- Noise Level: A quiet microwave is a plus, especially in a small living space.
- Durability: A microwave that’s built to last will save you money in the long run.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll actually use your microwave. This will guide your feature choices.
- Reheating Leftovers: Most microwaves excel at this. Look for quick reheat buttons.
- Making Popcorn: Dedicated popcorn settings are great for perfectly popped kernels.
- Defrosting: This is a lifesaver when you forget to thaw meat.
- Simple Cooking: Some compact microwaves can handle basic cooking tasks like baking potatoes or heating frozen meals.
- Small Apartment Living: If you have limited kitchen space, a compact microwave is essential.
- Dorm Rooms: Students often rely on microwaves for quick meals.
- Office Breakrooms: A small microwave is perfect for heating lunches.
Choosing a microwave for a small kitchen is all about finding the right balance between size, features, and your needs. With a little research, you can find a microwave that fits perfectly and makes your life easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Kitchen Microwaves
Q: What is the most important feature for a microwave in a small kitchen?
A: The most important feature is its size and dimensions. You need to make sure it fits where you want to put it without taking up too much space.
Q: How much wattage do I need for a small kitchen microwave?
A: For most small kitchens, 700 to 1000 watts is plenty. This wattage cooks food quickly and efficiently.
Q: What is a good capacity for a compact microwave?
A: A capacity between 0.7 and 1.0 cubic feet is usually good for one or two people in a small kitchen.
Q: Do I need a turntable in my microwave?
A: Yes, a turntable is important. It spins your food around so it cooks evenly on all sides.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves better than plastic ones for small kitchens?
A: Stainless steel looks nice and is durable, but it can show fingerprints. Plastic is lighter and often less expensive. Both can work well.
Q: How do I know if a microwave is good quality?
A: A good quality microwave feels solid and well-built. Brands with good reputations often make better quality appliances.
Q: Can a small microwave cook full meals?
A: Some small microwaves can handle simple cooking tasks, but they are best for reheating, defrosting, and making quick snacks like popcorn.
Q: Are compact microwaves noisy?
A: Some can be, but many newer models are designed to be quieter. Check reviews for noise level information.
Q: What if my microwave breaks? What about warranty?
A: Reputable brands usually offer warranties. Make sure to check the warranty details before you buy.
Q: Where is the best place to put a microwave in a small kitchen?
A: You can place it on the counter, on a shelf, or sometimes even mount it under a cabinet to save counter space. Always ensure it has proper ventilation.
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!