Ever feel like your kitchen is too small for even the simplest tasks? You’re not alone. Many of us dream of a perfectly sized kitchen, but reality often means making smart choices with limited space. That’s where a Rated Small Microwave comes in. It’s a kitchen hero, ready to heat up leftovers or pop some popcorn without hogging all your counter space.
But finding the *right* small microwave can feel like a treasure hunt. Do you go for the cheapest one, or the one with all the fancy buttons? It’s easy to get lost in all the different brands and features. You want something that works well, fits your budget, and doesn’t look out of place in your cozy kitchen. The struggle is real!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll help you cut through the confusion and discover what makes a small microwave truly great. Get ready to learn about the top-rated small microwaves that are perfect for small spaces. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident choosing a microwave that fits your needs and your kitchen perfectly.
Our Top 5 Rated Small Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Small Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven in sleek silver is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, perfect for reheating leftovers or cooking family meals. This microwave boasts smart features like a humidity sensor that optimizes cooking times for popular foods, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- It has a large interior that fits a 12-inch pizza with ease.
- The 12 auto-menus offer quick options for common foods.
- You can mute the annoying buzzer with a simple long press.
- The ECO mode helps save energy.
- The easy-clean interior makes tidying up quick.
- It’s powerful with 1100 watts and 10 power settings.
- The large digital display and clear control panel are user-friendly.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The power wattage is listed as 1000W in the title but 1100W in the features.
- The protective film on the keypad needs to be removed before use, which might be overlooked by some.
This Toshiba microwave combines smart technology with user-friendly design, making it a reliable and convenient kitchen appliance.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and powerful kitchen companion, perfect for quick meals and snacks. Its 0.7 cubic foot capacity and 700 watts of power handle everyday cooking needs with ease. This black microwave offers 10 power levels and 6 convenient cooking presets, making it simple to heat, cook, or reheat your favorite foods.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
- You can choose from 10 power levels, from low to high, for flexible cooking.
- Digital controls make it easy to set time and power, and the +30 seconds button adds extra time.
- The memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts.
- A child safety lock on the handle and a control panel lock mode keep little ones safe.
- The mute button lets you turn off beeps for quiet operation.
- Its modern, black design fits well in any kitchen and the Eco Mode saves energy.
- Cleaning is simple; the exterior wipes clean, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year assurance from Chefman for trusted quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or cooking big dishes.
- While powerful for its size, it may not cook as fast as higher wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for their kitchen.
3. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.9/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven in Pearl White is a smart and user-friendly appliance designed to make your kitchen tasks easier. Its compact 0.7 cu ft size fits perfectly on your countertop, and its 700W power quickly heats and cooks your food. This microwave is packed with helpful features like easy one-touch buttons and a child lock for safety.
What We Like:
- The Mute Function is a game-changer, letting you cook without annoying beeps. Just hold the sound button for 3 seconds to silence it.
- You get quick cooking with the Easy one-touch express buttons. They let you heat food for 1-6 minutes or add 30 seconds instantly.
- Defrosting is a breeze with two settings: by weight or by time.
- Special auto-cook buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen veggies, drinks, and reheating make cooking simple.
- The Energy saving Eco mode cuts standby power by half, saving you energy.
- A Two-Step Child Lock Feature adds extra safety, preventing accidental use.
- The Pearl White color looks clean and modern in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity might be small for larger families or cooking big meals.
- At 700W, it might take slightly longer to cook or heat food compared to higher wattage microwaves.
Overall, this COMFEE’ microwave is a fantastic option for anyone seeking convenience and quiet operation in their kitchen. Its thoughtful features and safety additions make it a reliable choice for daily use.
4. BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy appliance for any kitchen. It’s a 0.9 cubic feet microwave with lots of helpful features. You can easily cook or reheat food with its 900 watts of power. It’s designed to make your cooking simpler and faster.
What We Like:
- It has 6 pre-programmed auto menus for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. This makes cooking your favorites super easy.
- You get 10 adjustable power settings. This lets you control how your food cooks, whether you’re defrosting or reheating.
- The one-touch start button is a real time-saver. Just press it, and it starts cooking or reheating.
- It comes with a child safety lock, a kitchen timer, and a memory function. The child lock is a two-step process for extra safety.
- The 0.9 cubic feet capacity is a good size. It fits a 10-inch pizza on its turntable but doesn’t take up too much counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a memory function, it might not remember complex settings.
- The child lock, while effective, requires a specific process to deactivate if you don’t need it.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for those who want simple and quick meal preparation. It balances useful features with user-friendly operation.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance that brings convenience to your kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop, and its 0.7 cubic feet capacity is just right for small households or dorm rooms. This microwave makes heating up snacks and meals simple with its easy-to-use controls and helpful pre-programmed settings.
What We Like:
- It has special buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- You can cook food in 30-second bursts with the Express Cooking feature.
- The large digital display and clear control panel make it easy to see and use.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The turntable is removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
- It includes a kitchen timer and a clock.
- The push-button door opens easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook some foods compared to more powerful microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet size might be too small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a basic, reliable, and easy-to-operate microwave for everyday reheating and cooking tasks.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Small Microwave
Are you looking for a microwave that’s just the right size? A small microwave can be a game-changer for kitchens with limited space. They’re perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, or even as an extra appliance for reheating snacks. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a small microwave, keep these important features in mind.
Capacity
- Microwaves are measured in cubic feet. Small ones are usually 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet.
- Think about what you’ll cook. A smaller capacity is good for heating up a mug of soup or a single serving.
- A slightly larger small microwave can fit a small pizza or a plate of leftovers.
Wattage
- Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is.
- Higher wattage means faster cooking.
- Most small microwaves have between 700 and 1200 watts.
- For quick reheating, 700-900 watts is usually fine. For more serious cooking, aim for 1000 watts or higher.
Pre-set Cooking Functions
- Many small microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes.
- These settings take the guesswork out of cooking. Just press the button, and the microwave does the rest.
Turntable or Rotating Tray
- A turntable helps food cook evenly. It spins the food around so all sides get heated.
- Some small microwaves have a removable turntable for easy cleaning.
Size and Dimensions
- Measure the space where you plan to put the microwave.
- Check the microwave’s height, width, and depth to make sure it fits.
- Remember to leave some space around it for air to circulate.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave can affect its durability and how well it works.
Exterior and Interior
- Most microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to clean. Plastic is usually lighter and less expensive.
- The inside is often made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is more durable and easier to wipe clean than painted metal.
Door Material
- The door usually has a glass window so you can see your food.
- The door latch should feel sturdy.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, and some can make it less good.
What Makes it Better
- **Even Cooking:** A good microwave cooks food evenly without hot spots.
- **Easy Controls:** Buttons that are simple to understand and use are a plus.
- **Quiet Operation:** A microwave that doesn’t make too much noise is more pleasant to use.
- **Durability:** A well-built microwave will last longer.
What Makes it Less Good
- **Uneven Heating:** Food that is cold in some spots and hot in others is frustrating.
- **Flimsy Build:** If the microwave feels light and cheap, it might not last long.
- **Confusing Controls:** Buttons that don’t make sense or are hard to press can be annoying.
- **Loud Noise:** A very noisy microwave can disturb you.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your small microwave.
Simple Reheating
- This is the most common use. You can quickly warm up leftovers, soup, or drinks.
- A small microwave is perfect for busy individuals or families who need to reheat meals in a hurry.
Snack Preparation
- Making popcorn, heating up frozen snacks, or melting cheese for nachos is easy.
- It’s great for college students who want to make quick snacks in their dorm rooms.
Small Kitchen Cooking
- You can cook simple meals like baked potatoes or steam vegetables.
- It’s a good option for people living in small apartments or tiny homes where a full-size oven might not fit.
As a Second Microwave
- Some people use a small microwave in their office or workshop as a convenient way to grab a warm snack without going to the main kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best capacity for a small microwave?
A: For most single people or small families, a capacity between 0.5 and 0.9 cubic feet is usually enough. It fits plates and bowls well.
Q: How important is wattage for a small microwave?
A: Wattage is important because it affects cooking speed. Higher wattage means food cooks faster. Aim for at least 700 watts, but 1000 watts or more is better for quicker cooking.
Q: Do I need pre-set cooking functions?
A: Pre-set functions are helpful if you often cook common items like popcorn or potatoes. They make cooking easier by automatically setting the time and power level.
Q: Is a turntable always necessary in a small microwave?
A: A turntable is very helpful because it helps food cook evenly. It spins the food around. Most small microwaves have one.
Q: What are the best materials for a small microwave?
A: Stainless steel interiors and exteriors are often preferred because they are durable and easy to clean. However, good quality plastic exteriors can also be fine.
Q: Can a small microwave cook full meals?
A: A small microwave can cook simple meals like baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, or reheat casseroles. It’s not ideal for cooking large dishes or multiple items at once.
Q: How much space should I leave around a small microwave?
A: You should leave at least a few inches of space around the sides, back, and top of the microwave. This helps with air circulation, which keeps the microwave from overheating.
Q: Are small microwaves noisy?
A: Noise levels can vary. Some small microwaves are designed to be quieter than others. Reading reviews can help you find a quieter model.
Q: Can I put metal in a small microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in a microwave. Metal can cause sparks and damage the microwave. Always use microwave-safe dishes, usually made of glass, ceramic, or plastic.
Q: How do I clean a small microwave?
A: To clean, wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar inside for a few minutes. The steam will loosen stuck-on food.
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!