Tired of bulky appliances taking up precious kitchen space? You’re not alone! Many of us dream of a kitchen that’s both functional and stylish, but finding the perfect compact microwave can feel like a treasure hunt with too many dead ends. You want something that heats your leftovers quickly and efficiently, but you don’t want it to dominate your countertop or be a hassle to use.
Choosing the right small countertop microwave can be tricky. There are so many brands, sizes, and features to consider. Do you need a turntable? How much power is enough? Will it even fit where you want it? These questions can make the shopping process feel overwhelming and frustrating, leaving you wondering if you’ll ever find the ideal solution for your needs.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to make your life easier. We’ll break down what makes a great small countertop microwave and help you navigate the choices. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for, so you can confidently pick a microwave that fits your space, your budget, and your cooking habits. Let’s dive in and find the perfect compact powerhouse for your kitchen!
Our Top 5 Small Microwave Ovens Countertop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Microwave Ovens Countertop Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven, your new kitchen helper. This microwave is a compact powerhouse, perfect for small spaces like dorm rooms or studio apartments. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any counter. It heats food quickly and efficiently, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- It has easy-to-use pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking feature is super handy for quick reheating.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable glass turntable makes cleaning simple.
- The push-button door opens easily.
- It has a clear LED display and an easy-to-read control panel.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger families or big meals.
- While powerful for its size, 700 watts might take slightly longer for very dense foods compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a good balance of features and convenience for its price point. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable, compact microwave.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven is a sleek and modern appliance that fits perfectly in any apartment kitchen. Its black stainless steel finish adds a touch of style, while its compact 0.9 cu ft size makes it ideal for smaller spaces. This microwave is packed with features to make your cooking easier and safer.
What We Like:
- The 6 Auto Menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular items like popcorn and potatoes.
- You can mute the beeping sound by holding down the “8” button, which is great for quiet kitchens.
- The Two-Step Child Lock is a fantastic safety feature for families with young children.
- With 11 power levels, you have a lot of control over how your food is cooked.
- The Easy Defrost function lets you thaw food quickly by weight or time.
- A 10.6-inch removable turntable easily fits most standard plates and bowls.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
- The One-touch start is super convenient for quick heating.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might still be a bit large for extremely tiny kitchens.
- While the mute function is great, remembering which button to press might take a moment.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich compact oven. It offers excellent convenience and safety for daily use.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.2/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and powerful kitchen helper. This 700-watt microwave boasts 0.7 cubic feet of space, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms. It offers 10 power levels and 6 handy cooking presets to make meal prep a breeze. Plus, it features a mute button, child safety lock, and an eco mode for added convenience and peace of mind.
What We Like:
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Six popular presets (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers) and easy number key input make cooking fast.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: 10 power levels let you melt butter or cook food quickly.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: Simple setup for all your microwave needs, with a +30 seconds button for extra time.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program your favorite settings for one-touch cooking.
- SAFETY FIRST: A child safety lock prevents accidental door openings, and a Lock Mode secures the control panel.
- MUTE OPTION: The Audio Button lets you silence beeps, so you won’t disturb others.
- MODERN DESIGN: The sleek black finish and compact size fit well in any kitchen.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for larger families or for cooking very large items.
This microwave is a reliable and user-friendly option for everyday cooking needs. Its thoughtful features and compact design make it a great addition to any kitchen.
4. 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 ideal for smaller spaces, dorm rooms, or as a secondary microwave. This oven offers a user-friendly experience with easy one-touch buttons for common cooking tasks and a clear digital display.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you cook without annoying beeps, which is great for late-night snacks or quiet households.
- ECO Mode significantly reduces energy use by cutting standby power by half.
- One-touch express cooking is super handy for quickly heating food in 1-6 minute intervals, plus a 30-second option.
- It has helpful auto-cook functions for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, and beverages, making meal prep simple.
- The child safety lock gives peace of mind if you have little ones around.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel make operation a breeze.
- A 10-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- The one-year limited warranty offers good support.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 0.7 cu ft capacity is good for small spaces, it might feel a bit small for larger dishes or family meals.
- The express cooking is limited to 6 minutes, so longer cooking times will require multiple button presses.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for those seeking convenience and energy efficiency. Its thoughtful features like the mute function and ECO mode make it a standout countertop option.
5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, a countertop microwave that’s ready to make your kitchen tasks a breeze. With its sleek black design and a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, it easily fits a 12-inch pizza, making it ideal for family dinners or movie nights. Its 1000-watt power ensures your food heats up quickly and evenly. Plus, smart features like the humidity sensor take the guesswork out of cooking, giving you perfectly heated meals every time.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor is a game-changer, cooking food perfectly without you having to guess.
- It has 12 auto menus, so you can easily heat popular foods like potatoes and veggies with just a touch.
- A handy mute function lets you turn off the annoying beeps, which is great for late-night snacks or early mornings.
- The ECO mode helps save energy, making it a good choice for your wallet and the planet.
- Cleaning is simple thanks to the easy-clean interior.
- The large 12.4-inch turntable fits bigger dishes and rotates smoothly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel has a protective film that needs to be removed before use; this might be missed by some users.
- The product manual is only available as a PDF, which might be less convenient than a printed copy for some.
This Toshiba microwave offers a blend of smart technology and user-friendly design. It’s a reliable appliance that makes everyday cooking and reheating much simpler.
Finding Your Perfect Mini Microwave: A Countertop Buying Guide
So, you need a small microwave for your countertop. Maybe your big one broke, or you just need a little helper for your dorm room, office, or small kitchen. Picking the right one can be tricky. This guide will help you find the best small microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a small countertop microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For small microwaves, 700 to 1000 watts is a good range.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This is the inside space of the microwave. Small microwaves usually range from 0.5 to 1.1 cubic feet. Think about the size of the plates or containers you’ll use most often. A 0.7 or 0.9 cubic foot model is often a good balance for small spaces.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a glass plate that spins. This helps food cook evenly. Make sure the turntable is removable for easy cleaning.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many small microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These can make cooking quick and easy.
- Defrost Settings: This feature helps you thaw frozen foods safely and efficiently. Look for options that let you defrost by weight or time.
- Timer and Digital Display: A clear timer and display help you keep track of cooking times. Some even have clock functions.
- Child Lock: If you have kids, a child lock feature keeps little hands from accidentally starting the microwave.
Important Materials
The inside and outside of your microwave are made from different materials:
- Interior: Most small microwaves have a stainless steel or ceramic enamel interior.
- Stainless Steel: It’s durable and looks nice. It can be a bit harder to clean if food splatters.
- Ceramic Enamel: This is very easy to clean. Splatters wipe away easily. It’s also scratch-resistant.
- Exterior: The outside is usually made of plastic or stainless steel.
- Plastic: It’s lightweight and often cheaper.
- Stainless Steel: It looks sleek and modern, but it can show fingerprints easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it worse:
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should be responsive. A flimsy feel can mean it won’t last long.
- Ease of Cleaning: This is a big one. A non-stick interior like ceramic enamel makes cleaning much simpler. A removable turntable also helps.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how quiet the unit is.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. A good turntable and proper wattage help with this.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your small microwave will guide your choice:
- Dorm Rooms: Compact size and simple operation are key. Popcorn and reheating leftovers are common uses.
- Offices: A small microwave is perfect for warming up lunch or making instant coffee. Preset buttons are a plus.
- Small Kitchens: If counter space is limited, a truly compact model is essential. It should still be able to fit a standard dinner plate.
- Single Households: For one or two people, a small microwave is often all you need for quick meals and reheating.
Choosing a small countertop microwave is about balancing size, power, and features. By considering these points, you’ll find a microwave that fits perfectly into your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in a small microwave?
A: The most important features are wattage and capacity. Wattage determines how fast it cooks, and capacity tells you if your dishes will fit inside.
Q: How much space do I need for a small microwave?
A: Small microwaves are usually around 1.5 to 2 feet wide. Always check the exact dimensions before buying to make sure it fits your counter.
Q: Are small microwaves less powerful than big ones?
A: Yes, generally. Small microwaves often have lower wattage, which means they might take a bit longer to cook food compared to larger, more powerful models.
Q: Is a turntable necessary in a small microwave?
A: A turntable is very helpful. It spins your food, helping it cook more evenly. Some very compact models might not have one, but they are less common.
Q: What does “0.7 cubic feet” mean for a microwave?
A: Cubic feet measures the inside space. 0.7 cubic feet is a common size for small microwaves and can usually fit a standard dinner plate.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my small microwave?
A: You can clean the inside by wiping it with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough splatters, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe it down.
Q: Can I use metal containers in a small microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance. Always use microwave-safe dishes.
Q: What is the difference between a microwave and a toaster oven?
A: Microwaves use radiation to heat food quickly. Toaster ovens use heating elements to bake, toast, and broil, similar to a regular oven but smaller.
Q: How long should a small microwave last?
A: With proper care, a small microwave can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Regular cleaning and avoiding misuse will help it last longer.
Q: Are there any small microwaves that are good for reheating meals?
A: Yes, most small microwaves are excellent for reheating meals. Look for models with preset reheat functions or a simple power level adjustment for best results.
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!