Tired of a bulky microwave hogging all your counter space? Maybe your current one is just too big for a quick snack or a single serving. You’re not alone! Many of us are looking for a microwave that fits our needs without taking over our kitchen. The problem is, with so many choices out there, finding the perfect small microwave can feel like a treasure hunt, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
But what if we told you that finding a compact microwave that’s just right for you is totally doable? In this post, we’ll break down what makes a small microwave great. We’ll show you what to look for, like how much space it needs and what features are actually useful. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a microwave that saves space and makes your kitchen life easier.
Our Top 5 Small Microwaves Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Microwaves Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.9/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for quick meals and snacks. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power handle everyday cooking needs with ease. This sleek black microwave offers a user-friendly experience with its digital controls and helpful presets.
What We Like:
- Super fast cooking with six handy presets for popcorn, pizza, and more.
- Ten different power levels let you melt butter gently or cook food quickly.
- Easy-to-use digital controls make setting time and power simple.
- The +30 seconds button adds extra cooking time with just one touch.
- Save your favorite cooking settings with the memory function for one-touch meals.
- The child safety lock keeps the door securely shut.
- A mute button lets you turn off beeps for quiet operation.
- The modern black design looks great in any kitchen.
- Eco Mode saves energy and turns off the display when not in use.
- Cleaning is a breeze; the exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be small for very large dishes or cooking for a big family.
- While powerful for its size, some users might prefer a microwave with higher wattage for even faster cooking.
This Chefman microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and smart features. It’s a reliable choice for anyone needing a dependable and easy-to-use countertop microwave.
2. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.2/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and convenient kitchen helper. This black, 0.7 cubic foot microwave offers a range of features to make cooking and reheating a breeze. Its sleek design fits easily on any countertop, and the intuitive controls make it simple for anyone to use.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you operate the microwave without annoying beeps, perfect for early mornings or late nights.
- ECO Mode significantly cuts down on standby power, saving energy and money.
- One-touch express cooking buttons provide quick and easy access to common cooking times (1-6 minutes and +30 seconds).
- Dedicated auto-cook buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and reheating simplify meal preparation.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) ensure your food thaws evenly.
- A child safety lock adds an extra layer of security in busy households.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel make settings clear.
- An interior light helps you monitor your food as it cooks.
- The 10-inch glass turntable rotates food for even heating.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger families or for cooking very big dishes.
- While it has many auto-cook functions, some users might prefer more customizable manual cooking options.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for smaller kitchens or for individuals seeking simple, efficient cooking solutions. Its user-friendly features and energy-saving mode make it a practical addition to any home.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a handy 0.7 cubic foot digital microwave oven. Its stainless steel finish looks nice in any kitchen. This microwave is designed for simple everyday cooking and reheating.
What We Like:
- It has easy-to-use pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is great for quick heating.
- The large LED display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally starting the microwave.
- The removable glass turntable is 10 inches wide and cleans up easily.
- The push-button door opens smoothly for easy access.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only has 700 watts of cooking power, which might be slower for some tasks.
- The 0.7 cubic foot size is smaller than some other microwaves, so it might not fit larger dishes.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for small kitchens or for people who need a simple appliance. It gets the job done for everyday reheating and cooking.
4. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven, a sleek and powerful kitchen helper designed for modern living. Its stylish black stainless steel finish and compact 0.9 cu ft size make it ideal for apartments or smaller kitchens. This microwave simplifies cooking with its smart features and user-friendly design.
What We Like:
- The 900W power output heats food quickly and evenly.
- Six preset menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular items like popcorn and potatoes.
- Eleven power levels give you control over your cooking, from gentle warming to rapid boiling.
- A handy mute function lets you silence the end-of-cooking beep, perfect for late-night snacks or quiet mornings.
- The two-step child lock provides peace of mind, preventing accidental starts by little ones.
- Easy defrost by weight or time saves you time and effort.
- The one-touch start feature lets you cook for up to 6 minutes at full power with a single press.
- The bright LED lighting illuminates the interior, making it easy to see your food.
- The 10.6-inch removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions, while compact, might still be a consideration for very tight spaces.
- Learning to activate the mute function requires a specific button press, which might take a moment to remember.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic addition to any home looking for convenience and style. It offers a great balance of features and performance for its size and price.
5. Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting
Rating: 8.6/10
Introducing the Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed for modern living. This 0.7 cu. ft. microwave packs 700 watts of cooking power, making it a breeze to whip up meals quickly. Its sleek black design fits perfectly on any countertop, and it’s ideal for smaller spaces like apartments and dorm rooms.
What We Like:
- It cooks food fast with 700 watts of power.
- You can pick from 10 different power levels for just the right cooking.
- It has 6 easy buttons for things like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- You can defrost food by weight or by time, which is super handy.
- The size is just right for small kitchens, but it still cooks like a bigger one.
- The LED screen and clock help you keep track of time.
- The inside light lets you see your food easily.
- A 9.6-inch glass plate spins your food for even cooking.
- The child lock keeps little hands safe.
- Cleaning the inside is simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size might be too small for very large dishes.
- While it has preset buttons, advanced cooks might want more customization options beyond the 6 one-touch settings.
This microwave offers great convenience and performance for its size. It’s a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance.
The Tiny Titan: Your Guide to Choosing a Small Microwave
Looking for a microwave that fits your small kitchen, dorm room, or office cubicle? Small microwaves are fantastic space-savers. They heat up leftovers, pop popcorn, and even cook quick meals without taking up much room. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect tiny titan for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
A. Size and Capacity
This is the most important thing for a small microwave. Measure your counter space! Small microwaves usually have an interior capacity of 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. Think about what you’ll be heating. A small plate of leftovers fits in most, but a larger casserole dish might not.
B. Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. More wattage means faster cooking. Small microwaves typically range from 700 to 1000 watts. For quick reheating, 700 watts is usually fine. If you plan to cook more often, aim for 900 watts or higher.
C. Cooking Presets
Many small microwaves come with helpful presets. These are buttons for specific foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. They take the guesswork out of cooking. Some also have defrost settings, which thaw frozen food quickly.
D. Turntable
A turntable is a rotating glass plate inside the microwave. It spins your food so it heats evenly. Most small microwaves have one. Make sure it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
E. Controls and Display
Look for easy-to-use buttons and a clear digital display. Some microwaves have simple dials, while others have touchpads. Think about what you prefer. A display that shows the time and cooking progress is helpful.
2. Important Materials
Most small microwaves have an exterior made of durable painted steel or plastic. The interior is usually coated with a non-stick material, often enamel or a similar coating. This makes it easy to wipe clean. The door has a glass window so you can see your food. The turntable is almost always made of glass.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A. Build Quality
A microwave that feels sturdy and well-built will last longer. Check for wobbly parts or flimsy buttons. Higher-quality materials often mean a more durable appliance.
B. Even Heating
The best small microwaves heat food evenly. This is often thanks to good wattage and a well-functioning turntable. Uneven heating can lead to hot spots and cold spots in your food.
C. Noise Level
Some microwaves can be quite loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how quiet the microwave is during operation.
D. Ease of Cleaning
A smooth interior surface and a removable turntable make cleaning much easier. Food splatters happen, so a microwave that’s simple to wipe down is a big plus.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Small microwaves are perfect for people with limited space. They are great for dorm rooms, small apartments, studio apartments, or even as a secondary microwave in a larger kitchen. They’re ideal for heating up a quick lunch, making a mug cake, or reheating leftovers. Many students use them for late-night snacks or simple meals. Office workers appreciate them for heating their lunches without leaving their desk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the smallest size microwave I can get?
A: You can find microwaves with a capacity as small as 0.5 cubic feet. These are very compact and great for minimal needs.
Q: Do small microwaves cook as well as big ones?
A: They cook similarly, but larger microwaves might have higher wattage, meaning they can cook a bit faster. For most small tasks, they work just fine.
Q: How much wattage do I need for a small microwave?
A: For basic reheating, 700 watts is usually enough. For more cooking, aim for 900 watts or higher.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for a microwave?
A: Cubic feet measures the inside space of the microwave. A larger number means more room for food.
Q: Are microwaves with presets better?
A: Presets can make cooking easier by automatically setting the time and power level for common foods.
Q: How do I clean a small microwave?
A: You can clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Make sure to remove the turntable and wash it separately.
Q: Is a turntable important in a small microwave?
A: Yes, a turntable helps your food cook evenly by rotating it.
Q: Can I fit a dinner plate in a small microwave?
A: Most small microwaves can fit a standard dinner plate. However, very large or unusually shaped plates might not fit.
Q: What are the common problems with small microwaves?
A: Some common issues can be uneven heating, a loud fan, or buttons that wear out over time.
Q: Where is the best place to put a small microwave?
A: They are best placed on a stable counter or shelf with good ventilation around them.
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.