Ever feel like your kitchen is playing a game of Tetris, and there’s just no room for a full-sized microwave? You’re not alone! Many of us dream of a cozy kitchen, but a bulky appliance can make that dream feel impossible. Finding a microwave that fits your small space without sacrificing performance can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
That’s where we come in. We understand the frustration of juggling limited counter space. You want something that heats up your leftovers quickly, pops your popcorn perfectly, and maybe even defrosts your chicken, all without taking over your entire kitchen. It’s a common problem, and we’re here to make it much easier.
In this post, we’ll dive into the world of small-sized microwaves. We’ll explore what makes them great, what to look for when you’re buying one, and we’ll even share some of our favorite picks. Get ready to discover how a compact microwave can be a big help in your kitchen!
Our Top 5 Small Size Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Size Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen gadget. It’s small but packs a punch with 700 watts of power. You can cook popcorn, heat up leftovers, or make a quick meal. This microwave makes cooking easy and fast.
What We Like:
- It cooks food very fast.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels.
- It has 6 helpful cooking presets for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The one-touch express cook is super convenient.
- The Eco Mode helps save energy and you can turn off the display.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The mute button lets you silence annoying beeps.
- It has a modern, sleek black design that looks good in any kitchen.
- Cleaning is simple; the exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass tray is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman offers trusted quality with cETL approval and a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be a bit small for larger dishes or multiple items.
This Chefman microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance for any kitchen. It’s a great option for quick meals and everyday use.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces like dorm rooms or apartments. This microwave heats food quickly and evenly thanks to its 700 watts of power and 10 different power settings. The stainless steel finish looks modern and is easy to keep clean. It’s designed for simple operation with a clear LED display and easy-to-use controls.
What We Like:
- It cooks food fast.
- The pre-programmed buttons make heating common foods like popcorn or potatoes super easy.
- The push-button door opens smoothly for quick access.
- A child safety lock is included, which is great for families.
- The removable glass turntable is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
- The 30-second express cook button is handy for quick reheating.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, 0.7 cubic feet might be too small for larger dishes or multiple items.
- The 700-watt power might be lower than some users prefer for very quick cooking.
Overall, this BLACK+DECKER microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance for everyday use. It offers convenient features at a good value.
3. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet your new kitchen helper: the Farberware Countertop Microwave. This 700-watt microwave is small but mighty. It’s perfect for anyone who needs a quick and easy way to heat up food. Its compact size makes it a great fit for apartments, dorm rooms, or even your office. Plus, the easy-to-clean stainless steel finish looks good in any space.
What We Like:
- It’s super convenient for making fast meals.
- It has 700 watts of power for quick cooking.
- You get ten power levels and multi-stage cooking for total control.
- Six one-touch buttons like popcorn and potato make cooking simple.
- You can defrost food by weight or time.
- Its 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small kitchens.
- The LED display shows the time and acts as a kitchen timer.
- Interior LED lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- The stainless steel interior and exterior are easy to wipe clean.
- Farberware is a trusted brand that helps families make memories.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might not be enough for very large meals or tough cooking jobs.
- While compact, it might be too small for some who like to cook larger dishes.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers great features in a compact package.
4. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.4/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed for your kitchen. It offers a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for smaller spaces or single servings. This black microwave boasts convenient features like a mute function and energy-saving ECO Mode to reduce power consumption.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you cook without annoying beeps.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power.
- Easy one-touch buttons make cooking popcorn, potatoes, and more a breeze.
- Express cooking options, from 1 to 6 minutes, plus a 30-second button, speed up meal prep.
- It has two defrost settings, by weight or by time, for convenience.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel are simple to use.
- A child safety lock adds peace of mind for families.
- The 10-inch glass turntable fits most standard dishes and rotates for even cooking.
- A one-year limited warranty provides coverage.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has express cooking, some users might want more advanced cooking presets.
This COMFEE microwave offers a good balance of essential features and user-friendly operation. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable countertop microwave for quick meals and reheating.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven, a sleek black stainless steel appliance that’s perfect for any apartment kitchen. It’s compact at 0.9 cubic feet but packs a punch with 900 watts of power. This microwave makes cooking a breeze with its smart features, and it looks great on your countertop.
What We Like:
- It has a handy Mute Mode so you won’t be bothered by beeping sounds.
- The Two-Step Child Lock keeps little hands safe from starting the microwave by accident.
- You get 6 helpful Auto Menus for popular foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- It offers 11 different power levels, giving you lots of cooking options.
- Defrosting is easy, whether you use weight or time.
- A One-Touch Start button quickly cooks food for 1-6 minutes.
- The interior LED lighting makes it easy to see your food.
- It includes a 10.6-inch removable glass turntable for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit wide at 18.7 inches, so measure your space carefully.
- The input power is 1400 watts, which is higher than the output power.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart addition to any small kitchen, offering convenience and safety. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use microwave.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Tiny Kitchen Hero
Choosing a small microwave might seem simple, but a little planning helps you find the perfect fit for your kitchen and needs. These compact powerhouses are great for small apartments, dorm rooms, or anyone who wants a convenient way to heat food without taking up much counter space.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a small 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 decent performance.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This is the internal size of the microwave. Small microwaves usually range from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. Think about how much food you usually heat at once. A half-cubic-foot model is good for a single serving, while a 1.0-cubic-foot model can handle a small plate or a mug.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a rotating glass plate. This helps food cook evenly. Make sure it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
- Pre-set Cooking Functions: Many small microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Digital Display and Controls: Easy-to-read displays and simple buttons make using the microwave much easier.
- Child Lock: This safety feature prevents little hands from accidentally turning the microwave on.
- Door Style: Some doors swing open, while others slide or open with a push button. Consider what works best for your kitchen layout.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it heats food.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is more durable and easier to clean.
- Exterior: Most small microwaves have a metal or plastic exterior. Metal exteriors tend to be more robust.
- Glass Turntable: This is almost always made of tempered glass, which is strong and heat-resistant.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a small microwave better or worse:
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. Wobbly parts or thin plastic can be a sign of lower quality.
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats food evenly. If your food is often cold in the middle and hot on the edges, the microwave might not be distributing energy well.
- Ease of Cleaning: Non-stick interiors and removable turntables make cleaning a breeze. Stubborn food splatters can be frustrating.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you prefer a quieter kitchen, look for models that mention low noise operation.
- 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.
- For Singles or Couples: They are perfect for heating up meals, making popcorn, or warming beverages.
- Dorm Rooms: Their small size makes them ideal for tight dorm spaces.
- Office Break Rooms: A compact microwave is great for reheating lunches at work.
- Quick Snacks: Need to melt butter or warm up leftovers fast? A small microwave gets the job done quickly.
- Simple Operation: Most are straightforward to use, even for beginners. Just set the time and power, and press start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the typical size of a small microwave?
A: Small microwaves usually have an internal capacity between 0.5 and 1.0 cubic feet. The external dimensions will vary, but they are designed to be compact.
Q: Are small microwaves less powerful than larger ones?
A: Not necessarily. While they have less internal space, their wattage can still be high, leading to efficient cooking. However, very small models might have lower wattage.
Q: Can I fit a dinner plate in a small microwave?
A: It depends on the exact model. A 0.7 to 1.0 cubic foot microwave can usually fit a standard dinner plate, but it’s always best to check the internal dimensions or look at reviews.
Q: What does wattage mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage indicates how quickly the microwave heats food. Higher wattage (like 900-1000 watts) means faster cooking times.
Q: Is a turntable important in a small microwave?
A: Yes, a turntable helps food cook more evenly by rotating it as it heats. Most small microwaves include one.
Q: Are small microwaves energy efficient?
A: Generally, smaller appliances use less energy. However, the wattage and how long you use it are the biggest factors in energy consumption.
Q: What are the best pre-set cooking functions to look for?
A: Popular pre-sets include popcorn, potato, pizza, and beverage. These simplify cooking common items.
Q: How do I clean a small microwave?
A: Most interiors can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap. The glass turntable is usually dishwasher safe or easily washed by hand.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with small microwaves?
A: Always ensure the door seals properly and that the microwave is placed on a stable surface. Look for features like a child lock for added safety.
Q: Where is the best place to buy a small microwave?
A: You can find them at major appliance retailers, department stores, and online marketplaces. Reading customer reviews is very helpful before buying.
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.