Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, a warm cup of soup, or even a perfectly reheated slice of pizza. But your kitchen counter is already overflowing with appliances. Where will a microwave even fit? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many of us dream of a tiny kitchen helper that can do big things, but finding the perfect small microwave for our limited countertop space can feel like a puzzle.
Choosing a small microwave isn’t just about size; it’s about balancing power, features, and, of course, fitting it all in without making your kitchen feel cramped. You want something that heats your food well, doesn’t take up too much precious real estate, and maybe even looks good doing it. But sifting through all the different brands and models can be confusing. What’s the difference between wattage? Do I really need a turntable? These are the questions that can make your head spin.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re going to break down exactly what to look for when you’re on the hunt for a small microwave. You’ll learn about the key features that matter, what to avoid, and how to find a model that will be your new kitchen best friend, without hogging all the space. Get ready to say goodbye to countertop clutter and hello to convenient, speedy meals!
Our Top 5 Small Microwave For Countertop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Microwave For Countertop Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven. It’s a compact and stylish stainless steel microwave that’s great for your kitchen. This microwave makes cooking easy with its smart features.
What We Like:
- It has special buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and frozen veggies.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels to cook your food just right.
- The 30-second express cook button is super handy for quick reheating.
- The large LED display is easy to read, and the control panel is simple to use.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The 10-inch glass turntable spins your food evenly.
- The push-button door opens easily.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook some foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It handles everyday cooking tasks with ease.
2. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.0/10
Looking for a microwave that’s both smart and quiet? The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a great choice for your kitchen. This black, 0.7 cubic foot microwave packs 700 watts of power, perfect for quickly heating up your meals. It comes with cool features like a sound on/off option, so you can cook without those annoying beeps, and an ECO Mode to save energy.
What We Like:
- The mute function is a lifesaver for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- ECO Mode is a smart way to reduce energy use and save money.
- Easy one-touch buttons and auto-cook options make cooking simple, from popcorn to pizza.
- Express cooking options let you heat food fast with just one touch.
- The child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel are user-friendly.
- A 10-inch glass turntable fits most standard dishes.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for your confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might cook slightly slower than higher-wattage microwaves for very large items.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is good for smaller spaces but might be tight for larger families or big meals.
Overall, this COMFEE’ microwave is a solid performer that offers convenience and smart features for everyday cooking.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.5/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. is a compact powerhouse designed for your kitchen. It offers 700 watts of cooking power and 10 different power levels. This makes it easy to cook or reheat food quickly. The microwave comes in a sleek black finish, fitting in nicely with other kitchen appliances.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six handy presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies make cooking a breeze. You can also just type in the minutes you need.
- Low to High Power: With 10 power levels, you can gently melt butter or cook food super fast.
- Digital Controls: Setting the time and power is simple. The “+30 seconds” button is great for adding a little extra cooking time.
- Memory Function: Save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access.
- Safety First: A child safety lock on the handle prevents the door from opening accidentally. You can also lock the control panel.
- Mute Option: Turn off the annoying beeps with the mute button. This is perfect for quiet mornings or late-night snacks.
- Modern Design: Its small size and black finish look good in any kitchen. Eco Mode saves power and turns off the display.
- Easy to Clean: The outside wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is also dishwasher safe.
- Trusted Quality: Chefman offers a 1-year warranty and cETL approval for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or cooking big meals.
- While powerful for its size, it might not cook as quickly as larger, higher-wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a great choice for small kitchens or anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. It offers convenience and safety features that make everyday cooking simpler.
4. Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.5/10
Add a splash of retro charm and modern convenience to your kitchen with the Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven in Bebop Blue. This compact 0.7 cu. ft. microwave brings a fun, nostalgic look to your countertop while packing in features for easy everyday cooking.
What We Like:
- The 700W power with six variable power levels lets you control how you cook. You can easily defrost frozen foods by time or weight.
- The interior light lets you check on your food without opening the door. This is a neat feature.
- A child lock keeps little hands from accidentally starting the microwave. This adds an extra layer of safety.
- The pull handle design adds to its cool retro look. It’s a stylish addition to any kitchen.
- The 360° rotating glass turntable ensures your food heats up evenly. This means you get delicious results every time.
- The easy-to-read LED display shows you the remaining cooking time. You’ll hear three beeps when your food is ready.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size might be a bit small for very large items or for cooking for a big family.
- While the retro design is charming, some users might prefer a more modern aesthetic.
This Galanz microwave offers a fun blend of style and function. It’s a great choice for quick meals and reheating in a compact and attractive package.
5. TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven with 11 Power Levels
Rating: 8.5/10
The TOSHIBA MM-EM07PA(BK) is a compact and versatile microwave oven designed to make your kitchen tasks easier. It offers 700 watts of cooking power and a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for small spaces. This microwave is packed with features to help you cook and reheat food efficiently.
What We Like:
- The compact design fits easily on most countertops.
- ChefDefrost technology speeds up defrosting and keeps food tasting great.
- Eleven power levels give you control over how you cook your food.
- Six auto menus handle common foods like popcorn and potatoes with ease.
- The mute mode lets you turn off the beeping sound for quiet operation.
- ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- The child lock feature adds safety for households with kids.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger meals or multiple dishes.
- At 700 watts, it might take slightly longer to cook than higher-wattage microwaves.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers a good balance of features and convenience for everyday use. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-operate countertop microwave.
Finding the Best Small Microwave for Your Countertop
Are you looking for a microwave that doesn’t take up a lot of space but still gets the job done? A small countertop microwave is perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even just for reheating a quick snack. This guide will help you find the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a small microwave, a few things are super important.
- Size: This is the most obvious! Measure your counter space first. Small microwaves are usually under 1 cubic foot. Some are even as small as 0.5 cubic feet.
- Wattage: This tells you how fast your microwave cooks. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 700 watts for decent performance. Most small microwaves are between 700 and 1000 watts.
- Turntable: A spinning plate (turntable) helps food cook evenly. Most small microwaves have one. Make sure it’s removable for easy cleaning.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, pizza, or defrosting. These make cooking simple.
- Digital Display and Controls: Easy-to-read screens and simple buttons make using the microwave a breeze.
- Child Lock: This is a great safety feature, especially if you have kids.
Important Materials
The inside of a microwave is usually made of metal. The outside can be plastic or stainless steel.
- Stainless Steel: This looks nice and is strong. It’s also easy to wipe clean.
- Plastic: This is lighter and often cheaper. Some plastics can scratch more easily than stainless steel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a small microwave great or not so great?
- Build Quality: A microwave that feels sturdy and well-made will last longer. Cheap plastic parts might break easily.
- Ease of Cleaning: A smooth interior and a removable turntable make cleaning much easier. Food splatters are normal, so you want to be able to wipe them up without a fuss.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how quiet the microwave is.
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks food all the way through. If your food is still cold in the middle, the microwave might not be working well.
- Durability: How long will it last? Reading reviews from other buyers can tell you a lot about how well a microwave holds up over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who uses small microwaves and why?
- Dorm Rooms: Students need a quick way to heat up ramen or leftovers. Small microwaves fit perfectly in tight dorm spaces.
- Small Apartments: If you don’t have much kitchen space, a compact microwave is a lifesaver. You can still make popcorn or reheat meals without sacrificing counter space.
- Office Break Rooms: These are great for reheating lunches or making a quick cup of tea.
- For Specific Tasks: Some people already have a main microwave but want a tiny one just for heating up coffee or snacks.
Using a small microwave is usually straightforward. You put your food inside, close the door, select the cooking time, and press start. Many have simple buttons for common tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the smallest size microwave I can find?
A: You can find microwaves as small as 0.5 cubic feet. These are very compact and great for very limited spaces.
Q: How powerful should a small microwave be?
A: For good cooking speed, aim for at least 700 watts. Many small microwaves are between 700 and 1000 watts.
Q: Do I really need a turntable?
A: A turntable helps food cook more evenly. It’s a very useful feature for most people.
Q: Can a small microwave cook a whole frozen dinner?
A: It depends on the size of the dinner and the microwave. Check the dimensions of your frozen meals to be sure.
Q: Are small microwaves harder to clean?
A: Not necessarily. Look for models with smooth interiors and removable turntables. These are easiest to clean.
Q: How much counter space does a small microwave take up?
A: Small microwaves typically measure around 15-17 inches wide, 10-12 inches high, and 12-14 inches deep. Always check the exact measurements before buying.
Q: Are there microwaves without turntables?
A: Yes, some microwaves use a flat ceramic bottom instead of a spinning turntable. These can sometimes be easier to clean and fit larger dishes.
Q: Is stainless steel better than plastic for a microwave?
A: Stainless steel is more durable and looks sleeker. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper. Both can work well.
Q: What does “0.7 cubic feet” mean for a microwave?
A: Cubic feet refers to the inside cooking space. 0.7 cubic feet is a common size for small microwaves, good for most single servings or small dishes.
Q: Can I use aluminum foil in a small microwave?
A: No, you should never use metal, including aluminum foil, in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the microwave.
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.