Tired of bulky kitchen appliances taking up all your counter space? Imagine a world where you can heat up leftovers, pop popcorn, or even bake a quick treat without sacrificing precious room. That’s the magic of a compact microwave!
Choosing the perfect compact microwave can feel like a treasure hunt. You want something that fits your small kitchen, cooks food quickly, and doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s easy to get lost in all the different sizes, wattages, and features. You might worry if a smaller microwave will still be powerful enough or if it will have the functions you need.
This blog post is here to help. We’ll explore what makes a compact microwave a great choice for any kitchen, big or small. You’ll learn what to look for, discover some top-rated models, and find out how to pick the one that’s just right for you. Get ready to say goodbye to clutter and hello to convenience!
Our Top 5 Compact Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Compact Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven, your new kitchen helper! This sleek stainless steel microwave is designed to make cooking and reheating quick and easy. With its compact 0.7 cubic feet size, it fits nicely on your countertop without taking up too much space. It’s perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, or just adding convenience to your busy life.
What We Like:
- It has handy pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen veggies, drinks, and dinner plates.
- The 30-second express cooking feature lets you quickly reheat or cook for short periods.
- The large LED display is easy to read, and the control panel is simple to understand.
- A child safety lock gives you peace of mind if you have little ones around.
- The interior light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable 10-inch glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door opens smoothly for easy access.
- It runs on standard 110 Volts.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s 700 watts, some users might prefer a bit more power for faster cooking.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is great for small portions, but might be too small for larger meals or families.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a good balance of features and ease of use for everyday tasks. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly microwave.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.7/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact 0.7 cu. ft. powerhouse, brings convenience and efficiency to your kitchen. With 700 watts of power and 10 adjustable levels, it handles everything from melting butter to rapid reheating. Six one-touch cooking presets, including popcorn and pizza, make meal prep a breeze. Its sleek black design complements any decor, and thoughtful features like a mute button and child safety lock add extra value.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six popular presets (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers) and direct number key input for fast cooking.
- Low to High Power: 10 power levels offer great control, from gentle melting to powerful, quick cooking.
- Digital Controls: Easy-to-use interface for customizing time and power, plus a convenient +30 seconds button.
- Memory Function: Program your favorite cooking functions for one-touch access.
- Safety First: A child safety lock on the handle and a control panel lock mode ensure safe operation.
- Mute Option: Silence annoying beeps with the Audio Button for quiet operation.
- Modern Design: Compact size and sleek black finish blend seamlessly with kitchen appliances. Eco Mode helps save power and dims the display.
- Easy to Clean: Durable exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Trusted Quality: cETL approved with advanced safety technology and a 1-year Chefman assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or extensive meal prepping.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic addition for anyone seeking a reliable, user-friendly, and space-saving cooking solution. It offers a great balance of features and performance for everyday kitchen needs.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a sleek, stainless steel microwave that’s perfect for small spaces like apartments and dorm rooms. It offers a good amount of power at 900 watts and a decent capacity of 0.9 cubic feet. This microwave is designed to make cooking and reheating simple with its smart features.
What We Like:
- It has a helpful Two-Step Child Lock to keep little ones safe.
- The 6 Preset Menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- You can adjust cooking with 11 Unique Power Levels, giving you lots of cooking options.
- The Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start functions make quick meals a breeze.
- A cool Mute Mode lets you turn off the annoying beeping sounds.
- The internal LED lighting makes it easy to see your food.
- It comes with a large 10.6-inch removable glass turntable for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might still be a bit large for some very tiny spaces.
- While it has many features, some users might prefer even more specialized auto-menus.
Overall, the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a solid choice for anyone needing a compact yet powerful microwave. Its user-friendly features and safety options make it a great addition to any small kitchen.
4. Farberware FMO07ABTBKA Classic 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The Farberware FMO07ABTBKA Classic 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven in Black is a handy appliance that makes cooking fast and easy. It’s a great choice for anyone needing a reliable microwave for their home or office.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful, with 700 watts of cooking power.
- It has ten different power levels, so you can cook things just right.
- There are six one-touch cooking options, like for popcorn and pizza.
- It defrosts food by weight or by time, making meal prep quicker.
- The 0.7 cubic foot size is perfect for small spaces.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- It has a clear LED display with a clock and timer.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock is included for extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be less powerful than some larger microwaves.
- For very large meals, a bigger microwave might be needed.
This Farberware microwave offers a good balance of features and convenience. It’s a solid option for anyone looking for a compact and easy-to-use kitchen essential.
5. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.0/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed for modern kitchens. Its sleek black finish fits well on any countertop, and at 0.7 cubic feet, it’s ideal for smaller spaces. This microwave offers a variety of convenient features to make cooking and reheating quick and easy.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off the annoying beeps, making for a quieter kitchen experience.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power, which is good for your wallet and the environment.
- Easy one-touch buttons and auto-cook functions for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Express cooking lets you heat food quickly with simple 1-6 minute and 30-second options.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) make preparing frozen foods a breeze.
- The bright digital display and clear control panel are easy to read and operate.
- A child safety lock adds an extra layer of protection for families.
- The 10-inch glass turntable cooks food evenly and is easy to clean.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for families who need to heat larger dishes or multiple items at once.
- While it has express cooking, some users might prefer more advanced cooking programs or a sensor cooking feature.
Overall, the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a solid choice for anyone seeking a simple, efficient, and quiet countertop microwave with helpful features for everyday use.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Compact Microwave
Choosing a compact microwave can make your kitchen life much easier. These handy appliances save space and heat up your food quickly. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the best compact microwave for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most compact microwaves have between 700 and 1000 watts.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This is the inside space. Compact microwaves usually range from 0.7 to 1.1 cubic feet. Think about how much food you usually heat at once. A smaller capacity is good for one person, while a slightly larger one works for couples or small families.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable makes sure your food cooks evenly. Most compact microwaves have this. Some have a glass tray, which is easy to clean.
- Presets and Auto Cook: Many microwaves come with buttons for popcorn, pizza, or reheating leftovers. Auto cook features can sense the food and cook it perfectly.
- Defrost Options: This feature lets you thaw frozen food quickly and evenly. You can often choose by weight or time.
- Child Lock: This is a safety feature that stops kids from accidentally starting the microwave.
- Digital Display and Controls: Easy-to-read displays and simple buttons make using the microwave a breeze. Some have touch controls, which look modern and are easy to wipe clean.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it cooks.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is a popular choice because it’s durable and easy to clean. It also looks sleek.
- Ceramic or Porcelain Enamel Interior: These are also good options. They are smooth, resist scratches, and are very easy to wipe down.
- Glass Turntable: Most microwaves use a glass turntable. It’s sturdy and dishwasher safe.
- Plastic Exterior: Most compact microwaves have a plastic exterior. Look for sturdy, well-made plastic. Some higher-end models might have stainless steel exteriors for a more premium look.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make a compact microwave better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly without hot or cold spots. This often depends on the wattage and how well the turntable works.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave that’s easy to wipe down inside and out saves you time and effort. Smooth interiors and removable turntables help a lot.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite noisy when they run. Reading reviews can help you find a quieter model.
- Durability: A good compact microwave should last for several years. This is often linked to the quality of the materials and how it was made.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave will guide your choice.
- Small Kitchens: Compact microwaves are perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, or small kitchens where space is limited.
- Quick Meals: They are great for reheating leftovers, making quick snacks like popcorn, or heating up frozen meals.
- Single Servings: If you live alone or mostly cook for one, a compact microwave is ideal.
- Office or Break Room: These microwaves are also suitable for office break rooms or shared living spaces.
- Simple Operation: Many users prefer microwaves that are straightforward to use, with clear buttons and simple functions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the average size of a compact microwave?
A: Compact microwaves typically have an interior capacity between 0.7 and 1.1 cubic feet. Their external dimensions are also much smaller than standard microwaves, making them ideal for tight spaces.
Q: How much wattage should I look for in a compact microwave?
A: Most compact microwaves range from 700 to 1000 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For everyday use, 800-900 watts is usually sufficient.
Q: Do all compact microwaves have a turntable?
A: Almost all compact microwaves come with a turntable. This rotating plate ensures your food heats up evenly. It’s a key feature for good cooking results.
Q: Are compact microwaves good for cooking full meals?
A: Compact microwaves are best for reheating, defrosting, and cooking simple dishes or snacks. They are not designed for cooking large, complex meals due to their smaller size and power.
Q: How do I clean a compact microwave?
A: You can clean most compact microwaves by wiping the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. The glass turntable can often be removed and washed in the sink or dishwasher.
Q: What does “preset” mean on a microwave?
A: Presets are buttons that are programmed for specific foods, like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. You select the food type, and the microwave cooks it for the right amount of time and power.
Q: Is a stainless steel interior better than a ceramic interior?
A: Both stainless steel and ceramic interiors are good. Stainless steel is very durable and looks modern. Ceramic interiors are easy to clean and resist scratches well. The choice often comes down to personal preference.
Q: How can I tell if a compact microwave cooks evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even cooking. A working turntable is essential. Also, microwaves with higher wattage tend to distribute heat more effectively.
Q: Can a compact microwave be too small?
A: Yes, if you regularly heat larger plates or multiple items, a very small compact microwave might feel restrictive. Consider the size of your typical dishes when choosing the capacity.
Q: Where is the best place to buy a compact microwave?
A: You can find compact microwaves at major appliance stores, department stores, and online retailers. Reading customer reviews on these sites can help you make an informed decision.
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.