Tired of your kitchen feeling cramped? Do you dream of having more counter space, but still want the convenience of a microwave? You’re not alone! Many of us face the challenge of fitting essential appliances into smaller living areas, and the microwave is often a big offender.
Finding the perfect small space microwave can feel like a treasure hunt. You need something that cooks your food quickly, fits neatly on your shelf or counter, and doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the different sizes, features, and brands out there. But what if there was a way to make this decision much easier?
This post is here to help! We’ll explore what makes a microwave “small space friendly” and highlight key features to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a microwave that perfectly suits your needs and your cozy kitchen. Let’s dive in and discover how to reclaim your counter space!
Our Top 5 Small Space Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Space Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed to make your daily cooking and reheating a breeze. This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave packs a punch with its versatile features, fitting perfectly on any kitchen counter. Its sleek black finish and modern design complement any decor, while its user-friendly controls ensure you can heat up your favorite meals in no time.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six handy presets (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers) mean you can cook with just one touch. You can also simply press a number key for that many minutes of cooking.
- Low to High Power: With 10 power levels, you can gently melt butter or blast through cooking. The 700 watts provide efficient heating.
- Digital Controls: Setting your cooking time and power level is simple. The +30 seconds button is great for adding extra cooking time.
- Memory Function: Save your favorite cooking programs for one-touch access, making your routine even faster.
- Safety First: A child safety lock on the handle prevents accidental openings. You can also lock the control panel to keep little hands out.
- Mute Option: Turn off annoying beeps with the Audio Button if you need to stay quiet.
- Modern Design: The compact size and black finish look good in any kitchen. Eco Mode lets you save power and turn off the display.
- Easy to Clean: The exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is even top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Trusted Quality: It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year Chefman assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger families or for heating very large dishes.
- While 700 watts is good for a compact microwave, it may not cook as quickly as higher-wattage models.
This Chefman microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and essential features. It’s a reliable choice for quick meals and reheating.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact microwave oven that’s perfect for small kitchens or apartments. Its sleek Black Stainless Steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave packs a punch with 900 watts of power, making it quick and efficient for reheating leftovers, cooking popcorn, or defrosting frozen meals. It’s designed with convenience and safety in mind, offering smart features for busy households.
What We Like:
- The 6 preset menus take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn and potatoes.
- The mute function is a lifesaver for late-night snacks or quiet mornings, so you don’t disturb anyone.
- The two-step child lock is a great safety feature, giving parents peace of mind.
- It has 11 power levels, allowing you to cook or defrost food precisely.
- The 10.6-inch removable turntable fits most standard plates and is easy to clean.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
- The “One Touch Start” function is super handy for quick heating needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s compact, the internal capacity might be a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- The instructions for activating the mute function and child lock are a bit detailed and require referring to the manual.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for their apartment or dorm. Its thoughtful features make daily cooking tasks much simpler.
3. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.7/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it perfect for smaller spaces. This black microwave is packed with useful features that make cooking and reheating a breeze. Plus, it has a sleek design that looks good on your countertop.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sounds, which is great for quiet mornings or late-night snacks.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power by 50%.
- Easy one-touch buttons make cooking popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more super simple.
- Express cooking functions let you heat food for 1 to 6 minutes with just one touch, plus a 30-second option.
- It has two defrost settings: by weight or by time, making meal prep easier.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel are user-friendly.
- A 10-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking.
- The child safety lock adds peace of mind for families.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for families who cook large meals or need to heat multiple dishes at once.
- While it has many auto-cook functions, some users might prefer more advanced custom cooking options.
Overall, the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a solid choice for anyone seeking a convenient and energy-efficient microwave with helpful features. It offers a good balance of performance and ease of use for everyday kitchen tasks.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.5/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s a compact 0.7 cubic foot microwave that’s perfect for small spaces. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern. This microwave makes cooking quick and easy.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 700-watt power with 10 settings cooks food evenly.
- A 30-second express cook button is super handy for quick reheating.
- The large LED display is easy to read.
- The child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door opens easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 0.7 cubic feet, it might be a bit small for larger families or bulky dishes.
- The 700 watts of power is good for most things, but might take a little longer for some tasks compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers great convenience for everyday meal preparation.
5. Farberware Countertop 700 Watts
Rating: 9.2/10
The Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven in black is a great addition to any kitchen or office. It’s designed for quick meals and everyday use. This microwave offers convenience and power in a compact size.
What We Like:
- It’s super convenient for making fast meals.
- It has 700 watts of power, which is strong.
- You can choose from ten different power levels.
- It has six one-touch options for things like popcorn and pizza.
- You can defrost food by weight or by time.
- Its 0.7 cu ft size is perfect for small spaces.
- The inside and outside are easy to clean.
- It has a clear LED display for the clock and timer.
- The interior light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock makes it safer to use around kids.
- Farberware is a trusted brand that helps families make memories.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might not cook as fast as higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity might be too small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
This Farberware microwave oven is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. It offers great features for its size and price.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Small Space Microwave
Living in a small apartment, dorm room, or even just needing a handy microwave for your office? You know that size matters! A bulky microwave can hog precious counter space. That’s where small space microwaves come in. They’re designed to fit into tight spots without sacrificing cooking power. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Why Choose a Small Space Microwave?
These microwaves are lifesavers for anyone with limited kitchen real estate. They let you reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, and cook quick meals without taking over your entire counter. They’re also great for RVs, tiny homes, or as a secondary microwave.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a small space microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Compact Dimensions: This is the most crucial feature. Measure your available space before you buy. Look for microwaves that are under 18 inches wide and 14 inches deep.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. For a small microwave, aim for at least 700 watts. This is usually enough for most common tasks.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): Small space microwaves typically range from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. A smaller capacity (like 0.7 cu ft) is good for single servings or small snacks. A slightly larger one (like 0.9 cu ft) can fit a small plate or a modest-sized bowl.
- Turntable Size: The turntable needs to be big enough for your typical plates or bowls. Most small microwaves have turntables around 10 inches.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many small microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These make cooking easier.
- Digital Display and Controls: Easy-to-read displays and simple buttons make operating the microwave a breeze.
- Door Style: Some have a standard pull-down door, while others have a push-button release. Consider which is easier for you to open and close in your specific space.
Important Materials
Most microwaves, including small ones, have similar construction:
- Exterior: Usually made of durable steel or plastic. Steel is often more robust.
- Interior: The cooking cavity is typically made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is easier to clean and looks sleeker.
- Door Window: Made of tempered glass to withstand heat and allow you to see your food.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive. A wobbly or flimsy microwave won’t last as long.
- Even Cooking: A good microwave heats food evenly. Cheaper models might have hot spots, leaving parts of your food cold. Look for reviews that mention even cooking.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If your kitchen is near your living area, a quieter model might be a better choice.
- Ease of Cleaning: A non-stick interior coating or a smooth stainless steel cavity makes wiping up spills much easier. Removable turntables are also a plus.
User Experience and Use Cases
Small space microwaves are all about convenience.
- Dorm Rooms: Perfect for students who want to heat up ramen, make popcorn, or warm up quick meals.
- Studio Apartments: Ideal for small kitchens where every inch counts.
- Offices: A great addition to break rooms for employees to heat their lunches.
- RV/Camper Vans: Saves space and provides a quick way to cook on the go.
- Guest Rooms: Offer guests a way to prepare simple snacks or reheat drinks.
Using a small microwave is usually very straightforward. You place your food inside, close the door, select your cooking time and power level, and press start. Many have handy presets that take the guesswork out of cooking common items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Small Space Microwaves
Q: How do I measure my space for a small microwave?
A: Measure the width, depth, and height of the counter or shelf where you plan to put the microwave. Also, make sure there’s enough space behind and on the sides for ventilation. Check the microwave’s dimensions in the product description.
Q: What’s the difference between wattage and cooking power?
A: Wattage is the amount of electricity the microwave uses. Higher wattage generally means faster and more even cooking. Cooking power refers to how effectively it heats your food.
Q: Can a small microwave fit a dinner plate?
A: Many small microwaves can fit standard dinner plates, especially those with a 10-inch turntable. However, it’s best to check the interior dimensions and turntable size of the specific model you’re interested in.
Q: Are small microwaves less powerful than regular ones?
A: Not necessarily. While they have smaller capacities, many small microwaves offer comparable wattage to larger models, meaning they can still cook food effectively and quickly.
Q: How important is ventilation for a small microwave?
A: Ventilation is very important. Microwaves produce heat and need air to circulate around them to prevent overheating and damage. Always leave a few inches of space around the sides and back.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for microwave size?
A: Cubic feet is a measurement of the microwave’s interior cooking space. A smaller number means a smaller oven cavity.
Q: Can I put metal in a small microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in any microwave, including small ones. Metal can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a small microwave?
A: You can usually clean the inside by placing a bowl of water with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice inside, heating it for a few minutes until it steams, and then wiping down the interior with a damp cloth.
Q: What are some common preset cooking options?
A: Common presets include popcorn, baked potato, pizza, beverage, and reheat. These buttons automatically set the cooking time and power level for those specific foods.
Q: Where is the best place to put a small microwave in a tiny kitchen?
A: Consider a high shelf, a corner of your counter, or even a dedicated microwave cart. Make sure it’s easily accessible and has proper 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!