Tired of juggling bulky appliances on your limited counter space? Imagine a kitchen where you can quickly heat leftovers, pop popcorn, or defrost ingredients without sacrificing precious room. That’s the magic a small countertop microwave oven can bring to your home!
Finding the perfect tiny microwave can feel like a quest. You want something that cooks food fast but also fits neatly into your kitchen’s nooks. Many models look alike, and figuring out which one is best for your needs can be confusing. Will it be powerful enough? Will it take up too much space? These are common worries.
In this post, we’ll explore what makes a small countertop microwave a great addition to any kitchen, especially for those with less space. We’ll break down what to look for, from size and power to handy features. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of how to choose a microwave that’s small in size but big on convenience.
Our Top 5 Small Countertop Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Countertop Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.8/10
This Farberware Countertop Microwave, with its 700 watts of power and 0.7 cubic feet of space, is a fantastic addition to any small kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design and helpful features make meal prep a breeze, whether you’re in an apartment, dorm, or just need a reliable microwave for your office.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful and cooks food quickly with 700 watts of power.
- It has ten power levels and six one-touch cooking options, like for popcorn and potatoes.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces, but it still cooks like a bigger microwave.
- The LED display, kitchen timer, and clock are easy to see and use.
- Interior LED lighting lets you check on your food without opening the door.
- The child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety.
- The stainless steel interior and exterior are easy to wipe clean.
- Farberware is a trusted brand known for making quality kitchen appliances.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 0.7 cu. ft. size is great for small spaces, it might be too small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- The 700-watt power is good for basic tasks, but some users might prefer a microwave with higher wattage for faster cooking.
This Farberware microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a compact and user-friendly appliance. It offers great convenience and essential features for everyday cooking needs.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven, a sleek and functional addition to any kitchen, especially for apartment dwellers. Its stylish Black Stainless Steel finish looks great on any countertop. This 0.9 cubic foot microwave packs a punch with 900 watts of power, making quick work of reheating meals and snacks. The 10.6-inch removable turntable easily fits most standard plates and bowls.
What We Like:
- Powerful 900W Output: Heats food quickly and efficiently.
- 6 Auto Menus: Takes the guesswork out of cooking popular items like popcorn and potatoes.
- Mute Mode: Enjoy peace and quiet by silencing the end-of-cooking beeps.
- Two-Step Child Lock: A crucial safety feature that prevents accidental starts.
- 11 Power Levels: Offers great control for various cooking needs, from defrosting to simmering.
- Easy Defrost & One-Touch Start: Makes defrosting and quick cooking incredibly simple.
- LED Lighting: Illuminates the interior for easy viewing of your food.
- Compact Size: Perfect for small kitchens and apartments without sacrificing performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- Input Power: The 1400-watt input power is higher than the output, which is typical but worth noting for energy consumption.
- Child Lock Operation: While effective, the two-step process might require a quick look at the manual initially.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic choice for those seeking convenience and smart features in a compact package. It’s designed to make your daily cooking and reheating tasks easier and more enjoyable.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.9/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven in sleek black is a compact powerhouse for your kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave is designed for convenience and ease of use, fitting perfectly on your countertop without taking up too much space. It offers a variety of features that make cooking and reheating a breeze for everyday tasks.
What We Like:
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Six one-touch presets (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers) make cooking super fast. You can also enter the time directly.
- FLEXIBLE POWER: Ten power levels let you control the heat, from gently melting butter to quickly cooking your meals.
- EASY DIGITAL CONTROLS: Setting the time and power is simple. The +30 seconds button is handy for adding extra cooking time.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access.
- SAFETY FEATURES: A child safety lock prevents accidental opening, and a lock mode secures the control panel.
- MUTE OPTION: Turn off annoying beeps with the Audio Button, perfect for quiet kitchens or not waking up sleeping kids.
- MODERN DESIGN: The compact, black finish looks good with any kitchen decor. Eco Mode helps save power and you can turn off the display.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is even dishwasher safe for quick cleanups.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: This microwave is cETL approved and comes with a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger families or for cooking very big items.
This Chefman microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering a blend of smart features and user-friendly design. It’s a reliable choice for quick meals and everyday reheating needs.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking for a reliable and easy-to-use microwave? The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great choice for any kitchen. Its compact 0.7 cubic foot size is perfect for small spaces, and the sleek stainless steel finish looks good anywhere. This microwave makes cooking simple with its user-friendly controls and helpful pre-programmed settings.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, making cooking quick and easy.
- The 30-second express cooking feature is super handy for when you’re in a hurry.
- A clear LED display and simple control panel make it easy to see and use.
- The child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The removable glass turntable ensures even cooking and is simple to clean.
- The push-button door release opens the door smoothly for easy access.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to heat food compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is smaller than some other models, so it might not fit larger dishes.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a good balance of features and simplicity. It’s a solid option for everyday reheating and cooking tasks.
5. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.3/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed for modern kitchens. Its sleek black finish and 0.7 cubic feet capacity make it an ideal fit for smaller spaces. This microwave offers a range of convenient features, including easy one-touch cooking buttons, a helpful mute function, and an energy-saving ECO mode to reduce power consumption. The bright digital display and simple control panel make it a breeze to operate.
What We Like:
- The mute function is fantastic for late-night snacking or early morning breakfast without waking anyone up.
- ECO Mode is a smart feature that helps save energy by reducing standby power.
- One-touch express cooking buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more make meal prep super quick and easy.
- The child safety lock provides peace of mind for families with young children.
- The interior light and 10-inch glass turntable are standard but work well for everyday use.
- The defrost options by weight or time are very convenient for frozen foods.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 0.7 cubic feet is good for small spaces, it might be too small for larger families or cooking bigger dishes.
- The “silent mode” is a great addition, but it would be even better if there were more customization options for sound alerts.
Overall, the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a solid choice for anyone looking for a simple, efficient, and quiet countertop microwave. It gets the job done with helpful features that enhance daily kitchen tasks.
Your Guide to Small Countertop Microwave Ovens
Choosing the right small countertop microwave oven can make your kitchen life easier. These handy appliances are perfect for quick meals, reheating leftovers, and heating up snacks. This guide will help you find the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a small microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most small microwaves are between 700 and 1000 watts. For everyday tasks like reheating, 700-800 watts is usually enough. If you plan to cook more often, aim for 900-1000 watts.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This is the inside space of the microwave. Small microwaves typically range from 0.7 to 1.1 cubic feet. Think about what you’ll be heating. If you just want to warm up a mug of coffee or a small plate, a smaller capacity is fine. If you want to heat a dinner plate or a small casserole dish, look for something closer to 1.0 cubic feet.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a turntable that spins food around. This helps food cook evenly. Some smaller models might not have a turntable, which can be a drawback for even heating.
- Preset Cooking Programs: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These can make cooking simpler.
- Defrost Settings: This feature helps you thaw frozen foods safely and quickly.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear digital display makes it easy to see cooking times and settings. Easy-to-use buttons or a dial are also important.
- Child Lock: This safety feature prevents little ones from accidentally turning on the microwave.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave can affect its durability and how it heats.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or painted metal exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to clean. Painted metal is a more budget-friendly option.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are more durable and easier to wipe clean than painted ones.
- Glass Turntable: The turntable is typically made of tempered glass. This makes it strong and safe for use in the microwave.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a small microwave better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave will feel sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive. A flimsy microwave might not last as long.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. This is often due to good wattage and a well-functioning turntable. Microwaves that heat unevenly can leave cold spots in your food.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and a removable glass turntable is much easier to clean. Stains and splatters can be a pain to remove from rough surfaces.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how loud the microwave is during operation.
- Energy Efficiency: While most microwaves use a good amount of energy, some are designed to be more efficient than others.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave will guide your choice.
- Single Person Households: A smaller capacity (0.7-0.9 cu ft) is often perfect for one person who mainly reheats meals or makes quick snacks.
- Dorm Rooms or Small Apartments: Space is often limited in these settings. A compact microwave fits easily on a countertop and is ideal for students or those in small living spaces.
- Office Breakrooms: Small microwaves are great for heating up lunch or coffee in an office environment.
- Specific Tasks: If you only need a microwave for defrosting or heating specific items like popcorn, you might not need all the extra features.
Choosing a small countertop microwave is about finding the right balance of size, power, and features for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the most important feature for a small countertop microwave?
A1: The most important features are wattage and capacity. Wattage determines how fast it cooks, and capacity determines what you can fit inside.
Q2: Do I need a turntable in a small microwave?
A2: A turntable helps food cook more evenly. While some small models don’t have one, it’s generally better to have one for better results.
Q3: How much wattage do I need for a small microwave?
A3: For basic reheating, 700-800 watts is usually enough. For faster cooking or more complex meals, aim for 900-1000 watts.
Q4: What does “cubic feet” mean for a microwave?
A4: Cubic feet refers to the inside space of the microwave. Smaller microwaves are usually between 0.7 and 1.1 cubic feet.
Q5: Are stainless steel interiors better than painted interiors?
A5: Yes, stainless steel interiors are generally better because they are more durable and easier to clean.
Q6: How do I know if a microwave cooks evenly?
A6: Look for reviews that mention even cooking. Good wattage and a functioning turntable are key indicators.
Q7: What are preset cooking programs?
A7: These are buttons that automatically set the cooking time and power for specific foods like popcorn or pizza.
Q8: Are small microwaves good for dorm rooms?
A8: Yes, small microwaves are ideal for dorm rooms because they don’t take up much counter space and are perfect for quick meals.
Q9: How important is the exterior material?
A9: The exterior material affects the look and how easy it is to clean. Stainless steel is stylish and easy to wipe down.
Q10: Should I consider the noise level when buying a small microwave?
A10: Yes, if you are sensitive to noise, it’s a good idea to check reviews for information on how loud the microwave is during operation.
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!