Tired of wrestling with a bulky microwave that takes up too much precious counter space? You’re not alone! Many of us dream of a kitchen that feels spacious and organized, but a large microwave can often stand in the way. Finding the perfect small countertop microwave can feel like a treasure hunt – so many choices, and it’s hard to know which one will actually fit your needs without overwhelming your kitchen.
That’s where this guide comes in. We understand the frustration of trying to balance functionality with a compact design. You want a microwave that heats your food quickly and efficiently, but you also don’t want it to dominate your workspace. We’re here to help you navigate the world of small countertop microwaves, making your decision much easier.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to pick a small microwave that’s just right for your kitchen. We’ll explore what makes a great small microwave, what features to look for, and even suggest some top picks. Let’s dive in and find the perfect compact culinary helper for your home!
Our Top 5 Small Microwave Ovens Countertop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Microwave Ovens Countertop 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, a handy kitchen helper with a sleek stainless steel finish. This compact 0.7 cu.ft microwave is designed for easy everyday use. It heats food quickly and efficiently with 700 watts of power and 10 different power levels. The push-button door makes opening it a breeze, and a child safety lock gives you peace of mind. Inside, a removable glass turntable ensures even cooking.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super convenient for quick reheating.
- A large LED display makes the control panel easy to read.
- The child safety lock is a great feature for families.
- The stainless steel design looks modern and fits well in most kitchens.
- It’s compact enough for smaller spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some might find the 0.7 cu.ft capacity a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- While it has many features, it doesn’t have advanced cooking options like convection.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for basic reheating and cooking tasks. It offers good value for its features and performance.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact microwave oven that fits perfectly in apartments or smaller kitchens. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks modern. This microwave offers 900 watts of cooking power, making it efficient for reheating and cooking. It also has helpful features like auto menus and a mute function.
What We Like:
- It has a Two-Step Child Lock to keep kids safe.
- Six preset menus make cooking popular foods easy.
- You can choose from 11 different power levels for cooking flexibility.
- The Mute Mode lets you turn off the beeping sounds.
- It includes a removable 10.6-inch glass turntable for easy cleaning.
- The LED lighting inside helps you see your food.
- One-touch start and easy defrost functions are very convenient.
What Could Be Improved:
- The input power is 1400 watts, which is higher than the output power.
- The child lock requires following specific steps to engage, which could be simpler.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for those who need a reliable and feature-rich appliance in a small package. It balances functionality with user-friendly design.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse for your kitchen. It’s perfect for quick meals and snacks, whether you’re reheating leftovers or popping some popcorn. This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave boasts 10 power levels and 6 handy cooking presets for effortless meal prep. Its modern black design fits seamlessly into any kitchen décor, and smart features like the mute button and Eco Mode add convenience and energy savings.
What We Like:
- Extra-quick cooking with 6 popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
- 10 power levels from low to high for precise cooking.
- Digital controls make it easy to set time and power.
- Memory function allows you to save frequently used settings.
- Child safety lock and mute option for added safety and quiet operation.
- Eco Mode saves power and disables the display when not in use.
- Easy to clean exterior and a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.
- Trusted quality with cETL approval and a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger families or bigger dishes.
This Chefman microwave offers a great blend of convenience, safety, and performance for everyday kitchen tasks. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly countertop microwave.
4. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.1/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and feature-rich appliance designed to make your kitchen tasks easier. Its sleek black finish and 0.7 cubic feet capacity make it a great fit for any countertop. This microwave boasts user-friendly controls and smart functions for everyday cooking and reheating needs.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sounds, which is super helpful if you don’t want to disturb anyone.
- The ECO Mode saves energy by cutting down standby power, which is good for your electricity bill and the environment.
- Easy one-touch buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more simplify cooking.
- The express cooking function lets you heat food quickly with 1-6 minute presets and a 30-second button.
- It has two defrost settings (by weight or time) to thaw frozen foods perfectly.
- A child safety lock keeps little ones from accidentally starting the microwave.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to use.
- The interior light lets you see your food while it’s cooking.
- A 10-inch glass turntable spins your food evenly for better results.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, the 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- The express cooking buttons are great, but a few more specific auto-cook options could be even better.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for a simple, efficient, and quiet countertop appliance. It offers convenience and energy savings in a compact package.
5. Farberware Countertop 700 Watts
Rating: 9.3/10
The Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven in sleek black is a handy appliance for any kitchen or office. It’s designed to make cooking fast and simple, fitting perfectly into smaller spaces without sacrificing performance.
What We Like:
- It’s a powerful microwave that cooks food quickly with 700 watts of power.
- It has ten different power levels and six one-touch cooking options for things like popcorn and pizza.
- The defrost feature lets you thaw food by weight or time.
- Its compact 0.7 cu ft size is great for countertops or small areas.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- It features a clear LED display with a clock and kitchen timer.
- Interior lighting helps you see your food while it cooks.
- A child safety lock provides extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity for bigger meals.
- While powerful, it might not be as fast as higher-wattage microwaves for very large items.
This Farberware microwave is a reliable and convenient choice for anyone needing a straightforward way to heat or cook food quickly. It offers a good balance of features and a compact design, making it a solid addition to your kitchen.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Small Microwave Ovens for Your Countertop
Finding the right small microwave oven for your countertop can make mealtime easier. These handy appliances are perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, or anyone who needs a quick way to heat up food. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a small countertop microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 700 watts for good performance.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This is the size of the inside of the microwave. For small microwaves, you’ll usually see options from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. Measure your favorite plates to make sure they fit.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable makes sure your food cooks evenly. Most small microwaves have one, but check to be sure.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. This makes cooking simple.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear digital display makes it easy to see the time and settings. Simple buttons are best for quick use.
- Child Lock: If you have kids, a child lock feature keeps them safe from accidentally starting the microwave.
- Defrost Setting: This feature helps you safely thaw frozen foods. You can often choose by weight or time.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave can affect its durability and how it cooks.
- Interior Coating: Most small microwaves have a painted or enamel interior. These are easy to clean. Stainless steel interiors are also available and are very durable, but they can be pricier.
- Exterior Casing: The outside is usually made of sturdy plastic or metal. Metal casings tend to be more robust.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it less ideal.
- Build Quality: A microwave that feels solid and well-made will last longer. Check that the door opens and closes smoothly.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and easy-to-remove turntable is much easier to keep clean. Non-stick coatings are a big plus.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite noisy. Reading reviews can help you find quieter models.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often offer better quality and customer service.
User Experience and Use Cases
Small microwaves are designed for convenience and specific tasks.
- Dorm Rooms: They are perfect for students who want to heat up leftovers, make ramen, or pop popcorn in their rooms.
- Small Kitchens: If you have limited counter space, a compact microwave is a great solution. It won’t take up much room.
- Office Breakrooms: They can be used to warm up lunches brought from home.
- Single Households: For one person, a small microwave is often all you need for quick meals.
A good small microwave oven should be easy to use, cook food well, and fit your space. By considering these features, materials, and factors, you can choose a microwave that will serve you well for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a small microwave?
A: For good cooking performance, aim for a wattage of at least 700 watts. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
Q: How do I know what size microwave I need?
A: Measure the space where you plan to put the microwave. Also, measure your largest plates to ensure they fit inside comfortably.
Q: Is a turntable important?
A: Yes, a turntable rotates your food as it cooks. This helps your food heat up evenly.
Q: Are pre-set cooking options necessary?
A: Pre-set options are not necessary, but they are convenient. They offer quick buttons for common foods like popcorn or pizza.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for microwaves?
A: Cubic feet refers to the interior cooking space of the microwave. Smaller microwaves are usually between 0.5 and 1.0 cubic feet.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most interiors are easy to wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Removable turntables can often be washed in the sink or dishwasher.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than painted ones?
A: Stainless steel interiors are more durable and resistant to stains. Painted or enamel interiors are easier to clean and usually less expensive.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a small microwave?
A: Small microwaves are best for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals like ramen or baked potatoes, and making popcorn. They are not ideal for cooking large or complex dishes.
Q: What should I do if my microwave isn’t heating food properly?
A: First, check that the power cord is plugged in securely. Make sure you are using the correct cooking time and power level. If the problem continues, the microwave might need repair or replacement.
Q: Are small microwaves energy-efficient?
A: Newer models are generally more energy-efficient than older ones. Look for ENERGY STAR certified models if energy saving is a priority.
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.