Do you ever find yourself staring at your kitchen counter, wondering where a microwave could possibly fit? Many of us love the convenience of a microwave, but our kitchens aren’t always spacious. That’s where the magic of a small countertop microwave comes in. It’s the perfect solution for tiny apartments, dorm rooms, or anyone who just wants a little extra cooking power without sacrificing precious counter space.
Choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle, though. You want something that heats your leftovers quickly, maybe pops some popcorn, but doesn’t take over your entire workspace. Thinking about size, power, and even how easy it is to clean can be confusing. You don’t want to end up with a tiny appliance that barely gets warm, or a bulky one that looks out of place.
This post is here to help you navigate the world of small countertop microwaves. We’ll break down what to look for, share some top picks, and give you the confidence to find the perfect little helper for your kitchen. Get ready to discover how a small microwave can make a big difference!
Our Top 5 Small Countertop Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Countertop Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.8/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, 0.7 Cu. Ft. is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and compact microwave. Its sleek stainless steel design and user-friendly features make it a great addition to any apartment, dorm room, or small kitchen. This microwave is designed to make your life easier, whether you’re reheating leftovers or cooking a quick meal.
What We Like:
- 700 watts of power cook food quickly.
- 0.7 cubic feet size is perfect for small spaces.
- Ten power levels and six one-touch cooking options offer great versatility.
- Defrost by weight or time makes meal prep simple.
- LED lighting lets you see your food clearly.
- Child lock adds an extra layer of safety.
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel interior and exterior save you time.
- Built-in kitchen timer and clock are convenient.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take slightly longer to cook than higher-wattage microwaves.
- While compact, the 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger dishes or multiple servings.
This Farberware microwave is a solid, budget-friendly option that delivers on convenience and basic functionality. It’s a great starter microwave for anyone looking for a no-fuss cooking experience.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven in sleek black is your new kitchen helper. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet but packs a punch with 700 watts of power. This microwave is designed for busy people who want quick, easy meals. It has lots of handy features to make cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- It cooks food super fast with six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels, so you have great control over your cooking.
- The digital controls are easy to understand and use.
- A memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access.
- Safety is important with a child lock and a mode to disable the controls.
- The mute button is a lifesaver if you want to avoid beeping noises.
- It looks modern and fits well in any kitchen.
- Cleaning is simple, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman provides a 1-year assurance and the microwave is cETL approved for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be small for cooking very large dishes or multiple items at once.
- While it’s compact, it might take up valuable counter space in smaller kitchens.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for everyday reheating and cooking. It offers great convenience and safety features at a reasonable price.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s a compact and stylish microwave that makes cooking and reheating food simple and fast. Its stainless steel finish looks nice on the counter. This microwave is perfect for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or cooking a quick meal.
What We Like:
- It has helpful pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super convenient for quick heating.
- The large LED display is easy to read.
- It has a child safety lock, which is important for families.
- The removable glass turntable makes cleaning up a breeze.
- The push-button door is easy to open.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be a bit small for larger families or if you cook big dishes.
- While it offers many features, some users might prefer more advanced cooking options.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a straightforward and efficient microwave for daily use.
4. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.7/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper. It offers a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms. This microwave makes cooking and reheating simple with its easy-to-use features.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off those annoying beeps, so you can cook in peace.
- The ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power.
- Easy one-touch buttons and auto-cook functions for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Express cooking lets you heat food quickly with 1-6 minute settings and a +30 second button.
- It has two defrost options, by weight or by time.
- The bright 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 interior light and 10-inch glass turntable make it easy to see your food while it cooks.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for your peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger families or cooking bigger meals.
- While it has a mute function, some users might prefer more customizable sound options.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly countertop appliance. Its thoughtful features make everyday kitchen tasks a breeze.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.8/10
Looking for a compact microwave that’s big on features? The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) offers a sleek stainless steel finish and a 0.9 cubic foot capacity, making it an ideal fit for small kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms. It’s packed with useful functions to make reheating and cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 900-watt power cooks food quickly.
- Six auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular items like popcorn and potatoes.
- You can adjust the cooking power with 11 different levels for precise results.
- The mute function lets you silence the end-of-cooking beep, perfect for quiet mornings or late nights.
- A two-step child lock provides an important safety feature.
- The LED lighting inside helps you see your food clearly.
- Easy defrosting by weight or time saves you effort.
- The one-touch start button lets you begin cooking instantly for up to 6 minutes.
- The 10.6-inch removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite generous for a “small” microwave, so measure your space carefully.
- While versatile, it might not have all the advanced cooking modes found in larger models.
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich microwave for smaller living spaces. It balances convenience with safety and offers a good range of cooking options.
Choosing the Perfect Small Countertop Microwave
Finding the right small countertop microwave can make your kitchen life much easier. These handy appliances are perfect for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or cooking quick meals. Let’s explore what makes a good small microwave and what you should consider before buying.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a small countertop microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most small microwaves are between 700 and 1000 watts. For quick reheating, 700-800 watts is usually enough. If you plan to cook more, aim for 900 watts or higher.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food can fit inside. Small microwaves are typically under 1 cubic foot. A 0.7 to 0.9 cubic foot model is great for single servings or small plates.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food to cook it evenly. Most microwaves have one, and it’s a feature you’ll want.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with buttons for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, or pizza. These can make cooking easier.
- Defrost Settings: These settings help you safely thaw frozen foods.
- Child Lock: This feature prevents little ones from accidentally turning on the microwave.
- Interior Light: A light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- Easy-to-Clean Interior: Look for a smooth interior that wipes clean easily.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it looks.
- Exterior: Most small microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Plastic is lighter and often less expensive.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is more resistant to scratches and easier to clean.
- Door: The door is typically glass so you can see inside. The handle should feel sturdy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make a microwave better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should close smoothly, and the buttons should be responsive.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly without hot or cold spots. This often comes down to good design and consistent wattage.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If noise is a concern, check reviews for comments on how loud the unit is.
- Ease of Use: Simple controls and clear instructions make a microwave a joy to use. Complicated buttons can be frustrating.
- Reliability: A good microwave will last for several years. Reading reviews can help you find models that are known to be reliable.
User Experience and Use Cases
Small countertop microwaves are incredibly versatile for everyday tasks.
- Quick Reheating: They are perfect for reheating last night’s dinner or warming up a cup of soup.
- Snack Preparation: Making popcorn or heating up a frozen snack is a breeze.
- Small Kitchens: Their compact size makes them ideal for dorm rooms, small apartments, or offices where space is limited.
- Busy Individuals: If you need to prepare food quickly between activities, a small microwave is a lifesaver.
- Simple Cooking: You can cook simple dishes like baked potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best wattage for a small countertop microwave?
A: For most small microwaves, 700 to 1000 watts is a good range. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
Q: How much space do I need for a small countertop microwave?
A: Small microwaves are typically under 1 cubic foot. Measure your counter space to ensure it fits comfortably.
Q: Do I need a turntable in my microwave?
A: Yes, a turntable helps your food cook more evenly by rotating it as it heats.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves better than plastic ones?
A: Stainless steel microwaves often look nicer and are more durable, but plastic ones can be lighter and less expensive.
Q: What does “even cooking” mean for a microwave?
A: Even cooking means your food heats up uniformly without cold spots or overcooked edges.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. For tough spots, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a small microwave?
A: Small microwaves are best for reheating and simple cooking tasks. Larger meals might not fit or cook evenly.
Q: What is a “preset cooking option”?
A: These are buttons on the microwave that are programmed to cook specific foods, like popcorn or potatoes, at the right time and power.
Q: Are small microwaves noisy?
A: Noise levels can vary. Reading reviews can give you an idea of how loud a particular model is.
Q: How long should a small countertop microwave last?
A: With good care, a small microwave can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on the brand and how often it’s used.
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!