Ever feel like your kitchen counter is shrinking? You want the convenience of a microwave, but a big one just won’t fit. Choosing a small microwave that actually works well can feel like a puzzle. You worry about it being too weak, too loud, or just not powerful enough to heat your leftovers properly.
Finding the perfect tiny microwave that still packs a punch is a challenge many people face. You want something that heats food quickly and evenly without taking up all your precious counter space. It’s frustrating when you buy one, only to discover it’s not what you expected.
But don’t worry! In this post, we’ll explore what makes a small microwave truly great. We’ll break down what to look for, so you can finally find a model that fits your kitchen and your needs. Get ready to discover the best rated small microwaves that will make your life easier!
Our Top 5 Rated Small Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Small Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to simplify your kitchen tasks with the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave. This sleek black microwave boasts a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, easily fitting a 12-inch pizza, making it perfect for family meals. Its 1000-watt power ensures quick and efficient cooking, while smart sensor technology takes the guesswork out of heating your favorite foods. Plus, with a handy mute function and an ECO mode, it’s designed for convenience and energy savings.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor automatically adjusts cooking time for perfect results with popular foods like pizza and veggies.
- A large 1.2 cu ft interior and a 12.4-inch turntable easily accommodate larger dishes, including a 12-inch pizza.
- The mute function lets you silence the beeps, perfect for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- ECO mode helps conserve energy when the microwave is not in use.
- The control panel is clear and easy to read, with a large digital display.
- It’s easy to clean thanks to its smooth interior.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel comes with a protective film that needs to be removed before first use, which might be a small hassle for some.
- While the power is good, some might prefer even higher wattage for extremely fast cooking.
This Toshiba microwave offers a great blend of features and performance for everyday kitchen needs. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly countertop microwave.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.5/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and stylish appliance that makes cooking and reheating food a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This microwave is designed for convenience, with easy-to-use features that even beginners can master.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, making cooking simple.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for quick reheating.
- The large LED display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to select settings.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The removable glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- The push-button door release is convenient.
- It’s a good size for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a bit longer to cook some foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is on the smaller side, so it might not fit larger dishes or multiple items.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for everyday cooking needs. It balances functionality with a nice design.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.8/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse for your kitchen. It’s a 0.7 cubic foot microwave that offers 700 watts of cooking power, making it ideal for quick meals and snacks. This black microwave features 10 different power levels and 6 handy cooking presets, including options for popcorn, pizza, and vegetables. You can also easily set the cooking time by just pressing the number keys. Plus, it has a special +30 seconds button for when you need a little extra cooking time.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with 6 popular presets.
- You can choose from 10 power levels for precise cooking.
- The digital controls are easy to use for setting time and power.
- The memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings.
- A child safety lock keeps the door secure.
- The mute button lets you turn off beeps for quiet operation.
- Its modern black design fits well in any kitchen.
- Eco Mode saves power and turns off the display when not in use.
- The glass turntable is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Chefman offers trusted quality and a 1-year assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot size might be small for larger families or big dishes.
This Chefman microwave is a great choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for everyday cooking needs.
4. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of cramped microwaves that can’t handle your family’s meals? The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a game-changer for your kitchen. This large countertop microwave boasts a massive 2.2 cubic feet of space, meaning you can finally fit that 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken without a struggle. Its powerful 1200 watts of cooking power ensures your food heats up quickly and evenly. Plus, with a sleek stainless steel finish, it adds a touch of modern style to any countertop.
What We Like:
- Huge 2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity handles big meals and family-sized portions easily.
- 1200W power cooks food fast and efficiently.
- Smart Humidity Sensor and 6 Auto Menus take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Auto-Defrost function perfectly thaws meats, poultry, and fish.
- ECO Mode and Mute Option offer energy savings and quiet operation.
- The 16.5″ Position Memory Turntable ensures your food is always in the best spot for even cooking.
- Easy-to-use features like One Pound Defrost and a child safety lock add convenience and peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might be a bit much for very small kitchens.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic choice for busy families needing a powerful and spacious cooking solution. Its smart features make meal preparation simpler and more enjoyable.
5. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.4/10
This SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its sleek black design and 1.1 cubic feet capacity make it suitable for families or individuals. With 1000 watts of power, it cooks food quickly and evenly.
What We Like:
- The 12.4-inch carousel turntable ensures your food cooks evenly.
- 1000 watts of power means faster cooking times.
- The “+30 seconds” key is super handy for quick reheating.
- Auto Cook and Express Cook features make meal prep simple.
- Weight and Time Defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing food.
- The new gray interior and LED lighting make it easy to see inside.
- The white LED display is bright and easy to read.
- It has a stylish design that looks great on your counter.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a good capacity, very large dishes might be a tight fit.
- The black exterior, while stylish, can show fingerprints.
Overall, this SHARP microwave oven offers a great blend of power, convenience, and modern features. It’s a solid choice for your everyday cooking needs.
Your Guide to Picking the Best Small Microwave
Finding the right small microwave can make your kitchen life so much easier. Whether you need to reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, or defrost a quick meal, a good small microwave is a must-have. This guide will help you choose one that fits your needs perfectly.
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. For most small microwaves, 700 to 1000 watts is a good range. A higher wattage cooks food more evenly and quickly.
Capacity
Small microwaves usually range from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. Think about what you’ll cook. If you only heat up small plates or mugs, a smaller capacity is fine. If you want to fit a larger plate or a small casserole dish, go for a slightly bigger one.
Presets and Auto-Cook Options
Many small microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These make cooking simple. Just select the food, and the microwave sets the time and power level.
Turntable
A turntable rotates your food while it cooks. This helps food heat evenly. Most small microwaves have one, but check if it’s removable for easy cleaning.
Digital Display and Controls
A clear digital display shows you the cooking time and settings. Easy-to-use buttons or a dial make operating the microwave simple and intuitive.
Timer and Clock Functions
A built-in clock is handy. A good timer lets you set precise cooking times, so your food never gets overcooked.
Child Lock Feature
If you have kids, a child lock prevents them from accidentally turning the microwave on. This is a great safety feature.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it cooks.
Stainless Steel Interior
Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. They also reflect microwaves well, which can help food cook evenly.
Glass Turntable
The turntable is usually made of strong glass. It should be thick enough to handle hot dishes and easy to wipe clean.
Exterior Casing
Most small microwaves have a painted metal exterior. Look for a smooth finish that resists scratches and is easy to wipe down.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a small microwave better, while others can be a drawback.
Build Quality
A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should close securely, and the buttons should work smoothly. A flimsy microwave might not last as long.
Evenness of Cooking
The best small microwaves cook food evenly. Some cheaper models might have hot spots, meaning some parts of your food get cooked more than others. Look for reviews that mention even cooking.
Noise Level
Some microwaves can be quite noisy when they run. If you prefer a quieter kitchen, check reviews for comments on noise.
Ease of Cleaning
A microwave with a smooth interior and a removable turntable is much easier to clean. Spills and splatters happen, so make cleaning simple.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave matters when choosing one.
For Dorm Rooms or Small Apartments
Small microwaves are perfect for tight spaces. They are great for students or anyone living in a studio apartment. You can heat up meals, make instant noodles, or warm up coffee.
For Quick Reheating
If you just need to reheat leftovers from lunch or dinner, a small microwave does the job quickly and efficiently.
For Defrosting Small Items
Need to defrost a chicken breast or some frozen vegetables? Small microwaves with defrost settings make this easy and fast.
For Simple Cooking Tasks
Beyond reheating, you can use them to bake potatoes, cook oatmeal, or melt butter. Their simplicity makes them useful for basic cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a small microwave?
A: A wattage between 700 and 1000 watts is generally good for small microwaves. Higher wattage means faster and more even cooking.
Q: How much capacity do I need in a small microwave?
A: Small microwaves usually range from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. Consider what you plan to cook. If you only heat small items, a smaller capacity is fine. If you want to fit larger plates, choose a slightly bigger one.
Q: Are presets really helpful?
A: Yes, presets for foods like popcorn or pizza can be very helpful. They automatically set the correct time and power level, making cooking easier.
Q: Does the turntable really matter?
A: A turntable is important because it rotates your food. This helps your food cook evenly on all sides.
Q: How do I clean a small microwave?
A: Most small microwaves are easy to clean. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. You can often remove the glass turntable and wash it in the sink.
Q: Are small microwaves good for families?
A: Small microwaves are best for individuals or small households. They are not ideal for cooking large meals for a family, but they can be useful for reheating individual servings.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a small microwave?
A: You can cook some simple meals, like baked potatoes or oatmeal, in a small microwave. However, they are mainly designed for reheating and defrosting.
Q: What should I do if my microwave isn’t heating food?
A: First, make sure the door is closed properly. Check if the microwave is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If it still doesn’t heat, it might need repair.
Q: Is a stainless steel interior better than a plastic one?
A: Yes, a stainless steel interior is generally better. It’s more durable, easier to clean, and helps food cook more evenly.
Q: Where is the best place to put a small microwave?
A: You can place it on a countertop, a shelf, or even mount it under a cabinet. Make sure there is enough space around it for 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.