Do you live in a cozy apartment or a dorm room where every inch of counter space counts? Finding a microwave that fits your small kitchen can feel like a puzzle. You want something that heats up your leftovers quickly and toasts your bread perfectly, but you don’t want it to take over your entire counter. It’s frustrating when you see all these amazing microwaves, but they’re just too big for your home.
Choosing the right microwave for a small space is tricky. You have to think about size, but also about power and what features you really need. You don’t want to buy a tiny microwave that can barely fit a dinner plate, or a powerful one that’s too bulky. It’s a balancing act to find that sweet spot.
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We’ll explore some of the best microwave options designed specifically for smaller kitchens. You’ll learn what to look for, discover helpful features, and find a microwave that will make your life easier without cramping your style. Get ready to find the perfect compact cooking companion!
Our Top 5 Microwave For Small Spaces Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave For Small Spaces Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.3/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and powerful kitchen helper. It’s perfect for quick meals and snacks, fitting easily on your counter. This black microwave offers 700 watts of power and 10 different power levels, so you can cook or reheat food just right.
What We Like:
- It cooks food fast with six helpful cooking presets like popcorn and pizza.
- You can easily set the cooking time by just pressing the number keys.
- It has a memory function to save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch use.
- The child safety lock keeps the door secure.
- You can turn off the beeping sounds with the mute button.
- The modern black design looks good in any kitchen.
- It’s easy to clean, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman offers a 1-year warranty for this trusted quality product.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger dishes or families.
- While it has presets, some users might prefer more advanced cooking options.
This Chefman microwave is a great option for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for everyday cooking tasks.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven, a handy appliance that makes cooking and reheating quick and easy. Its stylish stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This microwave is designed for busy households, offering convenience with its user-friendly features.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, taking the guesswork out of cooking.
- The 700-watt power with 10 settings lets you control how your food is cooked.
- A 30-second express cooking button is perfect for when you need something heated up fast.
- The large LED display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to use.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable 10-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- The push-button door release makes opening the microwave a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be a bit small for larger families or for cooking big meals.
- While UL approved, the one-year limited warranty could be longer for added assurance.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact and easy-to-use kitchen helper. It offers a good balance of features for everyday tasks.
3. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of noisy kitchen appliances? The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven offers a sleek black design and a compact 0.7 cubic feet size, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms. It’s packed with features to make cooking and reheating quick and simple, all while giving you control over the sound.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you cook without annoying beeps.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power.
- Easy one-touch buttons make cooking popcorn, potatoes, and more a breeze.
- Express cooking adds 30 seconds or cooks for 1-6 minutes with a single press.
- Two defrost options (by weight or time) handle frozen foods easily.
- A bright digital display and easy-to-read panel make operation simple.
- The interior light helps you see your food while it’s cooking.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The 10-inch glass turntable fits most common dishes.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for larger families or meal prepping.
- While it has express cooking, there are no pre-programmed sensor cooking options.
This COMFEE microwave is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a quiet and user-friendly appliance. Its convenient features and energy-saving mode make it a practical addition to any kitchen.
4. Farberware FMO07ABTBKA Classic 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Farberware FMO07ABTBKA Classic 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven in Black is a great choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use microwave for their kitchen or office.
What We Like:
- It’s super convenient for making meals fast.
- It has 700 watts of power, which is plenty for most jobs.
- You can choose from ten different power levels.
- It has six one-touch buttons for things like popcorn and pizza.
- The defrost feature works by weight or time, making it easy.
- It’s a perfect size at 0.7 cubic feet, fitting well in small spaces.
- The inside and outside are easy to clean.
- It has a clear LED display with a clock and kitchen timer.
- The interior light lets you see your food cooking.
- A child safety lock is included for extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The 700-watt power might be a bit slow for very large items.
This Farberware microwave is a solid option for quick meals and everyday use. It offers a good balance of features and convenience for its size.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a compact and stylish microwave that’s a fantastic addition to any small kitchen, apartment, or dorm room. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great, and its 0.9 cubic foot capacity is just right for everyday heating and cooking tasks. This microwave makes meal prep a breeze with its user-friendly features.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: With 11 power levels, you can precisely control how your food is cooked, from gentle defrosting to quickly boiling water.
- Convenient Presets: The 6 auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like popcorn and potatoes. Just select the menu and let the microwave do the work!
- Safety First: The two-step child lock is a smart safety feature, giving you peace of mind if you have little ones around.
- Quiet Operation: The mute function is a game-changer. You can silence the end-of-cooking beep, which is perfect for early mornings or late nights.
- Easy to Use: One-touch start for quick cooking and easy defrosting by weight or time simplify your cooking experience.
- Bright Interior: LED lighting illuminates the inside, making it easy to see your food as it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- External Dimensions: While compact, the 18.7-inch width might be a tight squeeze for some very small countertops.
- Input Power: The 1400-watt input power is higher than the 900-watt output, which is standard but something to be aware of for energy consumption.
Overall, the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a well-rounded microwave that offers convenience and safety for smaller living spaces. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich compact appliance.
Finding the Perfect Microwave for Your Cozy Kitchen
Living in a small apartment or dorm doesn’t mean you have to give up on convenient cooking. A compact microwave can be your best friend! It heats up leftovers, pops popcorn, and even cooks quick meals. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the best microwave for your small space.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a microwave for a small space, think about what you’ll use it for most.
- Size and Dimensions: This is the most important thing! Measure your counter space or shelf before you buy. Look for microwaves that are less than 15 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and 15 inches deep.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most small microwaves have 700 to 1000 watts. For basic reheating and simple cooking, 700-800 watts is usually enough.
- Turntable: A turntable helps food cook evenly. Most compact microwaves have one. Some have smaller turntables, which is fine for small plates.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, potatoes, or pizza. These can make cooking even easier.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear digital display makes it easy to see cooking times and settings. Simple buttons are best for quick use.
- Child Lock: If you have kids, a child lock feature keeps them safe.
- Defrost Settings: This is handy for thawing frozen foods quickly and safely.
Important Materials
Microwaves are mostly made of metal and plastic.
- Exterior: The outside is usually painted metal, often steel. This makes it durable and easy to clean.
- Interior: The inside cavity is typically made of painted steel or enamel. These materials are easy to wipe clean.
- Door: The door has a glass window so you can see your food. The glass is usually tinted to block some light. The handle is often plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Build Quality: A microwave that feels solid and well-made will last longer. Doors that close smoothly and buttons that feel sturdy are good signs.
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks food evenly without hot spots. This is often related to the wattage and the design of the microwave cavity.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. Check reviews to see if a model is known for being quiet.
- Ease of Cleaning: A non-stick interior surface makes cleaning much easier. Removable turntables can also be washed in the dishwasher.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have better quality and customer service.
User Experience and Use Cases
A small microwave is perfect for many situations.
- Dorm Rooms: Students can heat up meals, make ramen, and enjoy snacks without a full kitchen.
- Small Apartments: If you have limited counter space, a compact microwave is a lifesaver. It fits easily on shelves or in small nooks.
- Office Breakrooms: A compact microwave is great for heating lunches or making a quick cup of tea.
- Guest Rooms: Offering a microwave in a guest room allows visitors to prepare their own snacks and light meals.
- Single Households: If you live alone, a small microwave is often all you need for reheating and simple cooking tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best size microwave for a small space?
A: Look for microwaves that are around 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet. Check the exact measurements to make sure it fits your space.
Q: Do I need a powerful microwave for a small space?
A: Not necessarily. 700-800 watts is usually fine for reheating and simple cooking. More wattage cooks faster.
Q: Are small microwaves good at cooking evenly?
A: Many small microwaves cook evenly thanks to their turntables. Check reviews for specific models.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for a microwave?
A: Cubic feet tells you how much space is inside the microwave. A smaller number means a smaller microwave.
Q: Can I put a microwave on a shelf?
A: Yes, but make sure the shelf is strong enough to hold the microwave’s weight and that there’s enough space around it for ventilation.
Q: What are the most important features for a small microwave?
A: Size, wattage, and a turntable are key. Pre-set cooking options and easy cleaning are also helpful.
Q: Are there microwaves without turntables?
A: Yes, some compact microwaves have flatbeds instead of turntables. These can sometimes offer more usable space.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: Is it safe to use a microwave in a small room?
A: Yes, microwaves are safe when used properly. Make sure there is good ventilation around the unit.
Q: Should I buy a microwave with a grill function if I have a small space?
A: Grill functions can be nice, but they often make the microwave larger and more expensive. For a truly small space, a basic microwave is usually the best choice.
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!