7 Best Small Microwaves You Should Get ASAP! | Reviews & Guide

But more than these qualities and because of the growing competition in appliances' advancement, different brands have started to add unique features to their microwaves to keep up with the trend.

As practical buyers, we have added other qualities or features to our checklist for the best microwaves.

So without further ado, here are the best compact microwaves on the market today.

Listed below are the 5 best small microwaves from our list:

• TOSHIBA Microwave Oven ML2-EC10SA. The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA Microwave Oven stands out with its broad range of cooking functionalities, remarkable power, and spacious internal capacity, promising an even and quiet heating performance.
• BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 impresses with its capability of delivering all routine microwave tasks while being lightweight, making it ideal for individuals with limited space such as those living in offices or dormitories.
• COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB. The COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB stands as a unique small countertop microwave offering bright interior lighting, an easy-to-read control panel, and a digital LED display.
• Panasonic Microwave Oven SN686S. Panasonic SN686S Microwave Oven is highly rated for its powerful motor, perfectly suited to heavy-duty cooking tasks and its patented inverter technology that offers evenly cooked food and accelerated defrosting - making it a great choice for home use.
• Galanz Retro Microwave Oven GLCMKA07BER-07. Galanz Retro GLCMKA07BER-07 Microwave Oven distinguishes itself by effectively distributing heat in a 360-degree range and living up to standard functionalities even with its unusual button design that can attract dirt - its retro style, size, and color also increase its appeal.

Here's the list of the 7 best small microwaves that are sure to transform your cooking experience.

1. TOSHIBA  Microwave Oven ML2-EC10SA - Best for Multipurpose Cooking

This compact microwave from Toshiba has the perfect combination of size and power.

I like using this Toshiba microwave for over eight versatilities — microwave, air fry, convection (toast or bake), defrost, broil, sensor cook, "combi" mode, and odor removal. (The air fryer and toaster oven function is my personal favorite.)

Its microwave inverter technology helps maintain constant power levels, so it runs quietly and heats evenly and quickly. 

This cubic-foot microwave has a huge internal capacity where the turntable can fit a 12-inch dinner plate.

Additionally, its odor-removal feature is key for an easier-to-clean interior, and its eco-mode option helps save power.

2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 - Best for Small Spaces

This countertop microwave performs all basic microwave functions well. It works best for people with limited time to spend cooking and anyone looking for a simple yet effective microwave.

This Black+Decker microwave oven is among the best-selling kitchen appliances today. 

It includes features such as a glass tray turntable ring, rack, grease filters, exhaust adapter, installation kit, installation manual, and a child safety lock. 

Size-wise, it is super convenient to fit and move anywhere. However, it has a small interior, so it works best in an office, dormitory, or for instant food and coffee cravings.

3. COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB - Best for User-Friendly Features

What I like best about this small countertop microwave is its bright interior lighting, easy-to-read control panel, digital LED display, and 10-inch glass turntable.

Its one-touch express cooking functions with 1-6 minutes and 30-second options, nine auto cook presets, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time) are good features for something this small.

However, this compact microwave oven has a plastic finish prone to visible fingerprint marks, which I like less because I want my appliances to look shiny and neat.

But for $81.94, you can already have this 700-watt microwave with microwaves, a signal muting option, eco mode, kitchen timer, clock, and child safety lock features.

4. Panasonic Microwave Oven SN686S

This Panasonic inverter microwave has a powerful motor that makes it ideal for reheating meals and carrying out more intensive cooking tasks.

It has patented inverter technology that produces and modifies smooth power streams and provides cooked food evenly. 

Its inverter microwave's cutting-edge power inverter turbo also accelerates the defrosting process.

Additional benefits include fourteen preprogrammed menu options, a quick minute timer, a keep-warm setting, and a child safety lock feature.

This Panasonic microwave is better suited for usage as a home appliance mainly due to its higher weight compared to other models of inverter microwaves. 

It is adaptable because it can be either built-in or left as a countertop microwave.

5. Galanz Retro Microwave Oven GLCMKA07BER-07

Cooking is more efficient with its rotating glass (phonograph-looking) turntable, which aids 360 degrees of heat distribution. As a result, you may quickly enjoy delicious and fresh food.

Compared to the touch button design of other models of countertop microwaves, this one has slightly raised protruding buttons. 

Although a basic design to establish a retro style, I prefer a touch control panel because these can accumulate dirt easily.

Nevertheless, its power levels can do the usual microwave function: heat meals, pop popcorn, reheat food, or even defrost meat.

6. GE Smart Countertop Microwave GE JES1097SMSS

This microwave's smart technology makes the cooking process less complicated.

When cooking, I don't need to read the instructions. 

I would scan the barcode, and the GE Smart Countertop Microwave automatically adjusts power levels, defrost settings, cook times, and more, according to package instructions.

Its 900W power level is less heat power compared to other smart microwaves out there. Nevertheless, this one is lighter. That's why it has earned this spot.

7. Magic Chef White Countertop Compact Microwave Oven

The 0.9 cubic feet countertop microwave has 900 watts of power output, much less than the LG NeoChef's model. 

But, for a small family or a single person, this power works fine for fitting a standard-size dinner plate, cooking meals, or defrosting meat.

You may defrost using either time or weight in its auto-defrost settings.

Further features of this simple yet elegant microwave include an easy 8-quick-set menu button, a push-button door latch, an LED display, and a white exterior.

What is The Best Small Microwave?

This table provides a detailed comparison of the best Small Microwaves, focusing on Weight, Dimensions, Interior Capacity, and Power. These essential attributes are crucial in helping you select the most suitable microwave to seamlessly integrate into your space and meet your cooking needs.

Buying Guide For The Best Small Microwave

Learn what to consider when buying a microwave oven—the right size, type, power, settings, design, and many more.

Practical buyers, here's your checklist guide!

Size

A small microwave's dimension is based on its external measurement (width, height, and depth—measured in inches) and internal capacity (measured in a cubic foot, often found in the product description).

For the exterior, the depth is measured from front to back, with the door closed and opened; the width is side to side; and, of course, the height is from top to bottom.

A microwave's interior, on the other hand, determines how much you can fit inside the oven and usually ranges around 0.5 to 1.2 cubic feet.

Type

As a versatile appliance, compact microwaves often come in various types, each offering unique features, functions, and space requirements. 

The type is important to consider when setting it up in your home.

1. Countertop Microwaves

These are also known as tabletop microwaves. These may be easily moved around and don't need any installation, making them perfect for households with little counter space.

Some food-on-wheels or RV owners love countertop microwaves as they require limited counter space and electricity.

One of the must-haves and best paired with the Best Portable Fire Pits and Best Hot Dog Rollers when camping or going to different places.

2. Over the Range Microwaves

Over-the-range compact microwaves have a range hood feature below them. 

They are positioned above your range and below your kitchen cabinets (connected on the top and sides), saving you valuable counter space.

In some over-the-range compact microwaves, the air is cycled and filtered using charcoal filters thanks to internal ventilation. 

Some small microwaves provide an option for external ventilation, which involves venting the smoke and fumes outside.

3. Under Cabinet Microwaves

Also known as low-profile microwaves. These are slightly shorter and much wider than conventional microwaves, allowing them to fit in the same space as an under-cabinet range hood.

Similar to an over-the-range microwave, this type enables you to save space because it doesn't require a counter space. 

However, this is positioned right beneath the kitchen cabinet or counter.

4. Built-in Microwaves

Built-in microwaves are designed to be installed inside kitchen cabinets or on your walls for a more seamless and clean look. 

These larger models are ideal for kitchens with a big wall space or cabinets or too much counter space.

These are typically higher-end compact microwaves or pricier models that require more upfront costs, as it needs to be installed by a professional.

5. Convection Microwaves

A multifunctional microwave combines some features of an inverter microwave and a convection oven (some even have an afterburner for greater power).

This allows you to heat and defrost food like inverter microwaves and, at the same time, bake, grill, roast, and steam food.

Convection microwaves are also good for small kitchens, apartments, and RVs but usually occupy bigger spaces than others.

Power

A microwave's power capacity, measured in Watts (W), is typically between 500W and 1000W. These ovens, which often have more than 700 watts, cook food faster and more evenly.

Some brands of kitchen appliances use inverter technology in their microwaves to maintain the heating power and speed constancy required to cook food.

Lower-wattage microwaves are those that are smaller in size. Longer cooking time is associated with lower microwave watts.

Noise Level

Quiet yet highly efficient compact microwaves are great for late-night snackers like me or students who share a dorm room with someone else.

When in operation, most microwave ovens are about as loud as a typical human conversation—around 55-60 dB. (An average human conversation is measured around 55-65 dB.)

Some advanced microwave ovens have this sound-muffling technology with a volume control panel and a mute button that turns off all the interface and feedback sounds from the keypad and kitchen timer. 

Controls and Settings

You may prepare food more quickly and easily with the help of preprogrammed settings and cooking presets (which vary by modThirty).

• 30 seconds express cooking - This can adjust your cooking time by 30-second intervals as your meal is cooking to ensure proper heating.
• Defrost modes - This feature enables the microwave to defrost food without actually cooking it. Its settings can be adjusted to speed up the thawing of a frozen meal or other food based on weight.
• Different cooking presets - Some microwaves already include presets for food like pizza, potatoes, popcorn, and frozen vegetables. Whether you want to defrost, soften/melt, reheat, or heat food, it automatically selects cooking power and time.

Understanding the controls and settings is important if you're among the few people who want to know how to safely microwave metal or any other food containers.

Smart Technology

A smart microwave is a more advanced type of microwave that allows you to connect to your WiFi and can be operated remotely using an app on your tablet or smartphone or via a smart home assistant.

Generally speaking, you can adjust cooking times and power settings or even browse online recipes. 

Some frequently come with a smart transducer cook option that monitors the moisture levels in your food to regulate the cooking time and temperature to avoid overcooking.

Several versions let consumers scan the packed food barcodes by searching their internal databases for the cook times.

Design

Small microwaves come in a range of styles, materials, and colors.

• Modern small microwaves look more classic and elegant thanks to their square viewing panels, one-touch keypad, and stainless steel exterior designs, typically in black, silver, or white.
• Retro microwaves have vintage elements, such as circular viewing windows, dials, and antennae.

Of course, aesthetics play a big role in kitchen design. 

It is quite important when choosing a microwave because some customers prefer to keep the visual appeal of their home by having all of their home or kitchen appliances match.

Interior

When looking for a compact microwave, interior characteristics are as important as internal capacity.

Here are some inside components that you should look for.

• Turntables - Ensure that the turntable of a small microwave is big enough to accommodate the dinner plates for your family.
• Interior racks - The rack provides more space to heat two or more containers simultaneously. These removable racks can be hand-washed or put in the dishwasher with your dinner plates.
• LED display light - Improving visibility in low light enables users to watch their food as it cooks.

The interiors of other compact models can easily collect dirt and call for a more thorough cleaning. (Improperly cleaned microwaves can cause tuberculosis.)

Microwaves with a ceramic enamel interior are a good choice as they are the easiest to clean.

Therefore it's necessary to opt for detachable or interchangeable interiors that are also washable.

Price

Budget is unquestionably important when choosing the best small microwave for a price-conscious buyer. We should know whether the cost is fair given the cooking features.

Some models could be more expensive, but the extended warranties might indicate that the maker is confident in their product. 

When purchasing a model, choose a respected manufacturer with a good warranty.

A less-priced microwave may end up damaged or malfunctioning too soon (such as an interior light flickering), demanding an earlier and more costly replacement or repair service.

Additional Features

These additional features usually depend on the specific needs of the user. As for me, aside from the mentioned factors, these are other things that make most microwaves worthy of buying.

Child Lock

This control panel prevents children from opening the hot countertop microwave oven door handle (or all small microwaves with this feature).

Eco-mode

Turns off the display like time and power when the microwave is not in use, allowing you to save up to 50% of standby power consumption. It helps save power, money, and the environment.

Warranty

Can help protect your compact microwave from breaking down unexpectedly. Checking the warranty helps me assess if the so-called best microwave is durable enough to last for years.

How do you know what microwave size to buy?

Deciding on the microwave size to buy depends heavily on its intended usage and placement. Consider factors like whether it will be used during travels in an RV or stationary at home, if it's for baking or just heating food, or if it's designed to be mobile or fixed on your countertop.

Ensure to measure the largest potential countertop space for your microwave, leaving a minimum of two feet between it and the range or cooktop.

What can a smart microwave do?

Smart microwaves generally allow for programmable cook times, power levels, and device-controlled operability. These WiFi-connected appliances can initiate cooking cycles remotely, send dinner notifications to your phone, and serve meals even when you're not physically present in the kitchen.

Advanced features such as touchscreens, remote voice control, scan-to-cook technology, and cooking recipe guides are typical of smart microwaves, with other internet-enabled features varying by model.

How do you make a countertop microwave look built-in?

For a built-in look with countertop microwaves, models can be tucked into a cabinet, a solution favorable for those desiring additional counter space without a full kitchen overhaul.

However, the functionality of this built-in installation depends on the specific model, considering that countertop microwaves have rear vents essential for steam emission. If these vents get blocked when built into a cabinet, the vent system may lose its operational ability, which should be checked beforehand.

Where do you put a microwave in a tiny kitchen?

In small kitchens, placement options for microwaves can range from drawers to over the range, and any safe location as long as it's known to everyone. Keep them away from food storage areas or the fridge to prevent potential damage.

A small countertop microwave may be preferable for added convenience, as it can be stored outside the kitchen when not in use or for other preparations.

Can I put a countertop microwave in a cabinet?

While storing or non-operational placement of a countertop microwave in a cabinet is feasible, using it as a built-in type demands caution as not all models may be suitable for this arrangement. Since countertop microwaves are naturally portable, placing them in a cabinet is achievable.

However, for DIY integration into a cabinet as a built-in type, professional installation help is advisable for safety reasons.

How can I clean my small microwave?

Cleaning a small microwave can be accomplished with a simple solution of water and baking soda, applied with a clean cloth to wipe down the interior surface.

Alternatively, heating a concoction of water and lemon for several minutes in the oven and then wiping the inside of the microwave after cooling is an effective cleaning method. There are also specialized cleaning products available.

Do small microwaves have enough power to heat my food?