Ever feel like your kitchen is a bit too cramped for that giant microwave you’ve been eyeing? Or maybe you just need a quick way to heat up leftovers without taking over your entire counter. You’re not alone! In today’s world, many of us are looking for smart solutions to make our lives easier, and that includes finding appliances that fit our space and our needs perfectly.
Choosing the right small microwave oven can be surprisingly tricky. There are so many brands, sizes, and features to consider, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You want something that heats food well, doesn’t take up too much room, and is easy to use. But how do you find that perfect little helper without wasting time and money? That’s where this guide comes in!
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll feel much more confident about picking a small microwave that’s just right for you. We’ll break down what makes a good small microwave and help you understand the important things to look for. Get ready to discover how a compact appliance can make a big difference in your kitchen!
Our Top 5 Small Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.8/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and feature-packed appliance designed for modern kitchens. Its sleek black finish and 0.7 cubic feet capacity make it a great fit for smaller spaces. This microwave offers convenience with its easy one-touch buttons and smart functions, helping you cook and reheat food quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off the annoying beeps, making late-night snacks quiet.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power by half.
- Easy auto-cook buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more take the guesswork out of cooking.
- One-touch express cooking adds 1-6 minutes or 30 seconds with just one press.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) make thawing food simple.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel are user-friendly.
- A 10-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- The child safety lock provides peace of mind for families.
- The interior light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for added security.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity might be too small for larger meals or family-sized portions.
- While the buttons are easy to use, some users might prefer a dial for more precise time adjustments.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for those seeking a straightforward, energy-saving, and quiet cooking solution. It balances useful features with a simple design, making it a practical addition to any kitchen.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse that brings convenience to your kitchen. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power make it ideal for quick meals and snacks. With 10 power levels and 6 cooking presets, you can easily heat up popcorn, cook veggies, or reheat leftovers with just a touch.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six popular presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, and leftovers.
- You can choose from 10 power levels, from low to high, for versatile cooking.
- Digital controls make it simple to set time and power, and the +30 seconds button adds extra cooking time easily.
- The memory function lets you program your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access.
- A child safety lock keeps the door secure, and you can lock the control panel for added safety.
- The mute option lets you turn off beeps for quiet operation.
- Its modern, black design fits well in any kitchen, and Eco Mode saves power.
- Cleaning is easy as the exterior wipes clean, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year assurance from Chefman, ensuring trusted quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be small for larger families or cooking bigger dishes.
- Being a countertop model, it takes up space on your kitchen counter.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering speed, versatility, and safety. It’s a great choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly microwave.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact and stylish microwave oven designed for modern living. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, especially in smaller apartments. This 0.9 cubic foot microwave packs a punch with 900 watts of power, making it efficient for daily cooking tasks.
What We Like:
- The 6 auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- The mute function is a lifesaver for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- The child lock provides peace of mind for families with young children.
- It has 11 power levels, giving you lots of control over your cooking.
- Defrosting is easy by weight or time.
- The one-touch start feature quickly cooks food for up to 6 minutes at full power.
- The 10.6-inch removable turntable fits most standard plates and is easy to clean.
- The interior LED lighting makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions, while compact, might still be a bit large for some very tight spaces.
- The child lock requires a specific sequence to open, which could be confusing initially.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance without taking up too much space. It balances convenience and safety perfectly.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.3/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact and powerful microwave oven that’s great for quick meals and snacks. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks good in any kitchen. This microwave makes heating up your food super easy with its simple controls and helpful pre-programmed buttons.
What We Like:
- It has handy pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is perfect for when you’re in a hurry.
- It has 10 different power levels, giving you control over how your food cooks.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door opens easily.
- It has a clear LED display that’s easy to read.
What Could Be Improved:
- For its size, 700 watts of power might be a little slow for some larger meals.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is good for small spaces but might feel cramped for bigger dishes or multiple items.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for everyday reheating and cooking. It offers good value for its features.
5. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet your new kitchen helper: the Farberware Countertop Microwave. This 700-watt microwave is a game-changer for small spaces, offering powerful cooking in a compact 0.7 cu. ft. design. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great and cleans up easily, making it a practical addition to any apartment, dorm room, or office kitchen.
What We Like:
- It packs a punch with 700 watts of power for quick meals.
- Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking let you get creative.
- Six one-touch options, like popcorn and pizza, make cooking super simple.
- Defrosting by weight or time is a breeze.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small kitchens.
- The interior and exterior are easy to wipe clean.
- A clear LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- Interior LED lighting lets you see your food cooking.
- A child safety lock provides extra peace of mind.
- Farberware is a trusted name in kitchenware.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a larger capacity for bigger meals.
- While powerful for its size, very large dishes might require cutting.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and convenient way to heat up food in a compact space. It’s designed for ease of use and delivers great results.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Small Microwave Oven
Looking for a microwave that fits your small space? You’ve come to the right place. Small microwave ovens are great for dorm rooms, studio apartments, or even as an extra appliance in a larger kitchen. They save space but still get the job done. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you shop for a small microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Capacity: This is the most important thing for a small microwave. Measure the space where you plan to put it. Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet. For one or two people, 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet is usually enough. This size fits a standard dinner plate.
- Wattage: Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most small microwaves have between 700 and 1000 watts. Aim for at least 800 watts for good performance.
- Turntable: A turntable rotates your food as it cooks. This helps food heat evenly. Most small microwaves have a glass turntable that you can usually remove for cleaning.
- Presets and Auto-Cook: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking. Auto-cook features automatically set the time and power level based on the food you choose.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear digital display makes it easy to see cooking times. Simple buttons or a dial control are user-friendly. Some models have touch controls for a sleeker look.
- Timer and Clock: A built-in timer is essential. A clock is also a handy feature to have on your countertop.
- Child Lock: If you have kids, a child lock feature keeps them from accidentally turning the microwave on.
Important Materials
Most small microwaves are made of plastic and metal. The inside is usually coated metal for durability and easy cleaning. The door often has a glass window so you can see your food. The turntable is typically made of strong glass.
What Makes a Microwave Great (or Not So Great)?
Several things can make a small microwave a good choice or a bad one:
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. It won’t wobble when you open or close the door. The buttons should feel responsive.
- Ease of Cleaning: A non-stick interior coating makes cleaning much easier. A removable turntable is also a big plus.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. Look for reviews that mention noise if this is a concern for you.
- Even Heating: The best microwaves heat food evenly. This is often related to wattage and the turntable.
- Durability: A good microwave should last for several years. Reading reviews can give you an idea of how long a particular model holds up.
User Experience and Use Cases
Small microwaves are perfect for many situations:
- Single Living: If you live alone, a small microwave is all you need for reheating leftovers or making quick meals.
- Dorm Rooms: They are a must-have for students needing to prepare simple meals or snacks in their rooms. Space is usually very limited in dorms, so a compact size is key.
- Office Breakrooms: Small microwaves are ideal for heating lunches in an office setting.
- Guest Rooms or Mother-in-Law Suites: Having a small microwave available for guests offers convenience.
- Specific Tasks: You might use a small microwave just for melting butter, warming up coffee, or popping popcorn.
The user experience should be simple and straightforward. You want to be able to pop something in and have it ready to eat with minimal fuss. Easy-to-understand controls and quick cooking times make for a good user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Microwave Ovens
Q: What is the average size of a small microwave oven?
A: Small microwave ovens typically range from 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet in capacity. Their exterior dimensions are also compact, fitting easily on countertops.
Q: How much wattage do I need for a small microwave?
A: For good performance, aim for a small microwave with at least 800 watts. Many come with 700 to 1000 watts.
Q: Is a turntable important in a small microwave?
A: Yes, a turntable is important. It rotates your food, which helps it heat up evenly.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a small microwave?
A: You can prepare many simple meals and reheat leftovers. However, very large dishes or items that require extensive cooking might not fit or cook evenly.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a small microwave?
A: You can usually clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. A removable turntable makes cleaning easier.
Q: Are small microwaves energy efficient?
A: Wattage affects energy use. Higher wattage microwaves cook faster, which can sometimes mean less overall energy used for a specific task.
Q: What are preset functions for?
A: Preset functions, like for popcorn or pizza, automatically set the cooking time and power level for common foods.
Q: Can I put metal in a small microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How long do small microwave ovens usually last?
A: With proper care, a small microwave oven can last for several years, often between 5 to 10 years.
Q: Where is the best place to put a small microwave?
A: A stable countertop is the best place. Make sure there is enough space around it for 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!