In today’s busy world, everyone needs a reliable and efficient microwave that can fit into tight spaces without compromising on power and performance. That is why I have compiled the top 5 best small microwaves that are perfect for those who want to maximize their cooking efficiency and convenience while taking up minimal space.
From brands like Panasonic, GE, and Samsung, these models are designed to provide you with quick and even cooking results that won’t take up too much of your valuable kitchen counter space. Whether you’re looking for an economical model or a more upscale one with lots of extra features, these five small microwaves offer something for every budget. Read on to learn more about each model and find out which one will best suit your needs!
What to look for in the best small microwave?
It’s vital to know what to search for and what to think about before purchasing the finest small microwave for your house. I’ve got your back! I’m going to give you some advice based on my experience in selecting the finest one. Here it is!
- The available space
Your microwave needs to fit in with the rest of your kitchen. If you care about how it looks, you should think about how it will look with everything else. If your other kitchen appliances are made of stainless steel, you will probably want a microwave made of the same material. Or maybe you just want to add a splash of color to your kitchen. You should think about how you use your kitchen every day and where the microwave would be most convenient or inconvenient. In every kitchen, counter space is valuable, so are you willing to give it up for a new microwave?
- Size
No matter what kind of microwave you choose, size will be important. First, you have to think about how much space you have in your kitchen. You don’t want to bring home a microwave you really like, only to find that it doesn’t fit in the space you’ve set aside for it. Talking about a small microwave, you could consider finding a microwave that offers a capacity under 1 cubic. One thing is to make sure it will fit, but you also need to think about what you can put in it. Think about what you usually cook in the microwave.
- Wattage
The most important thing to know about wattage is that the more watts your microwave has, the faster it will cook and the more evenly it will heat the food inside. If a microwave has at least 1,000 watts, it should cook your food well most of the time. You can find cheaper microwaves with less power, but they will usually be slower and not work as well.
- Price
In the countertops section, you’ll find all of the most affordable options. But if your kitchen is set up in a way that makes a built-in or over-the-range microwave more useful, the extra money will be well spent. A built-in unit will not only free up space on your countertops, but it will also make your kitchen look more elegant and raise the value of your home. If your needs are simple, you can get by with a microwave that costs less than $100. However, if you want an over-the-range model or a convection oven, you’ll have to pay a bit more.
Meet the 5 Best Reliable Small Microwaves
I’m sure you’ll not only want a pretty compact microwave, but you’ll also want one that is reliable and last long. However, one thing to keep in mind is, a small microwave needs a longer time to heat. Here I would give you a full line of the finest. Check them out below!
5. The Countertop Microwave Oven by GE
The GE Microwave Oven is an excellent device that has a power output of 700 watts and an interior capacity of 0.7 cubic feet, which enables effective and efficient cooking without occupying valuable space in the kitchen.
The glass turntable spins to provide even cooking, and the appliance is simple to assemble. The freestanding microwave may be placed on a tabletop or open shelf with ease and has a power wire that is 39 inches long.
I really like how easy it is to use with its straightforward, one-touch operation, Instant On rapid cooking settings, and a variety of different cooking modes. Not to mention that the defrosting durations and power settings on this compact microwave may be preset or changed manually for best results.
Dimensions: 12.75″D x 17.31″W x 10.19″H | Power: 700 wattages | Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet
★★★★★ 4.3 out of 5 | 630 Ratings
Promising Review
“Great for small spaces in the kitchen, dorm rooms, or apartments. Works perfect and easy to use! Definitely recommend” – Jenny Schrank, February 5, 2023, on Amazon
Related Article: 5 Best Humidifiers for Bedrooms Tested by the 10Expert (A 2023 Review)
4. EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven by BLACK+DECKER
This small microwave is a great choice for busy households that need quick and easy access to food. Its pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverages, and dinner plates make it easy to cook different meals quickly.
It also has 700 Watts with 10 power settings which allow users to perfectly cook any type of food. The clock and kitchen timer are convenient features that enable users to accurately time the cooking process.
What I like most about this small microwave is the large LED digital display and easy-to-read control panel makes it simple to understand how to use the appliance. Child safety lock also ensures that curious children cannot operate the microwave without adult supervision.
Besides the display, the interior light allowed me to better monitor my food as it cooks while the removable 10” glass turntable ensures evenly cooked meals every time.
Even though it has benefits, it also has problems that are hard to avoid. It makes a smell that stays around. If you heat something that has a smell, you’ll either have to leave the door open (and the light on) overnight for the smell to go away, or you’ll have to eat or drink whatever smell was in there before.
If you cook fish, you can’t use it again the next day. I heated salmon in it one night, and when I opened it the next morning to heat a cold cup of coffee, I was hit with a smell that could only come from old fish. Also, I clean my microwave every day, and it’s always perfectly clean, so it’s not from food splatters.
Dimensions: 13”D x 17.3”W x 10.2”H | Power: 700W | Material: 110V | Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet
What I Like:
- Perfect for a small cook
- Compact
- Easy to operate
What I Don’t Like:
- Low power
- Lingering smell
★★★★★ 4.4 out of 5 | 16,483 Ratings
Promising Review:
“Very satisfied with the microwave. Doesn’t take much longer to cook/heat food than the bigger one it replaced. For instance, a cup of tea takes about 1:40 as opposed to 1:20 for the old one. Also, takes up less space on my counter. Does what I need it to do very well.” – J. Murray, January 22, 2023, on Amazon
Related Article: 5 Best Air Purifiers for Baby and Nursery
3. EM720CPL-PMB Microwave Oven by COMFEE’
This small microwave packs a powerful punch. It’s got an attractive stainless steel finish and a compact size that makes it great for countertop use. With 1050 watts of power and 11 different power levels, you can heat up food quickly and easily. The mute function is great for late-night meals, while the clock, kitchen timer, and child safety lock are all extremely handy features.
The one-touch express cooking function is particularly impressive – you can set it to cook in 1-6 minute intervals with the plus30 seconds option. There are also two defrost settings, allowing users to choose between weight or time. And the energy-saving Eco mode helps reduce standby power by 50%, making this an efficient addition to any household.
To be honest, I didn’t encounter any issues when testing this compact microwave. However, according to multiple Amazon reviews, users tend to have short circuits after using this little microwave for a time. That being said, you should be extremely cautious if you decide to purchase this COMFEE’ microwave oven.
Dimensions: 13”D x 17.3”W x 10.2”H | Power: 1050W | Voltage: 110V | Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet
What I Like:
- Compact
- Perfect for countertop
- Very convenient
What I Don’t Like:
- Not that powerful
- Prone to short circuit
★★★★★ 4.4 out of 5 | 20,457 Ratings
Promising Review:
“The Comfee microwave is perfect for my apartment’s kitchenette counter space. This beauty is powerful, cooks first time, every time, and is easy to use. I actually like cooking and exploring microwave recipes again. Thank you Comfee for a great product and thank you Amazon for making it available for sale on your site. Excellent cooking device.” – Dr. Rob, February 9, 2023, on Amazon
2. NN-SB438S Microwave Oven by Panasonic
This small but powerful 900-watt microwave is perfect for anyone looking to cook their meals quickly and efficiently. The controls are straightforward and easy to use, with seven preset auto cook menus, as well as a delayed start, timer, more/less control, and child safety lock.
It also has a Quick 30sec button and Popcorn button with three power levels – making it perfect for a quick snack or movie night.
The size of this microwave makes it great for small kitchens or dorm rooms. Its compact footprint takes up less counter space than other microwaves, allowing more room for interior capacity. And the Keep Warm setting is especially helpful for keeping dishes like vegetables, soups, and gravies hot until you’re ready to serve them.
Overall, this small but mighty microwave packs a lot of features in an economical package without sacrificing performance or convenience. With its intuitive controls and ample cooking power, it’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants quick and delicious meals in no time!
Dimensions: 14.8”D x 19.1”W x 11.5”H | Power: 900W | Voltage: 110V | Capacity: 0.9 Cubic Feet
What I Like:
- Good quality
- Compact
- Durable
What I Don’t Like:
- The turntable sometime doesn’t work
★★★★★ 4.4 out of 5 | 1,314 Ratings
Promising Review:
“Good machine when you want a reliable band and last for long time. My last one from this brand last for 20 years. It is little pricy when you compare with other brand. But it is worth it” – Jon C., February 5, 2023, on Amazon
1. Countertop Microwave Oven by Commercial Chef
This small microwave oven is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a powerful and reliable kitchen appliance. It features a durable strong construction with a black front display and cabinet that can withstand frequent use, as well as easy to grasp grip type handle for easy opening and closing.
Its mechanical, rotary dial controls make it ideal for those seeking straightforward, fuss-free operation – perfect for busy households! Plus, the speed and weight defrost functions mean you can use this microwave to heat up leftovers or prepare snacks quickly and conveniently.
The size of the microwave is perfect for smaller countertops – making it ideal if you have limited space in your kitchen. All in all, this small microwave provides great value for money thanks to its durability and convenience features.
Dimensions: 12.5”D x 7.75”W x 10.25”H | Power: 600W | Weight: 23.1 pounds | Capacity: 0.6 Cubic Feet
What I Like:
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Available a defrost setting
What I Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t provide a digital display
★★★★★ 4.5 out of 5 | 6,133 Ratings
Promising Review:
“My husbands grandfather needed a new microwave as his just stopped working. He prefers the rotary dials which were not readily available nearby. Found and ordered this one. Great size, doesn’t take up too much of his counter space and dials are easy to read and use.” – Jennifer Jewels, January 9, 2023, on Amazon
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave Oven is a good selection for people looking for a machine that is dependable and powerful, and which can easily manage a range of culinary duties without using an excessive amount of counter space or busting their budget.
FAQs about Small Microwave
What is the standard size of a microwave?
The capacity may vary from 1.0 to 2.2 cubic feet, with the majority of models having a capacity that falls between 1.2 and 1.6 cubic feet. The widths match to the conventional depths of cabinetry, which are often 24, 27, or 30 inches.
The average range for height is between 17 and 22 inches. When the door is closed, the depths are around 20 to 25 inches, but when the door is open, they vary from 30 to 35 inches.
Do smaller microwaves use less electricity?
The energy efficiency of microwaves varies little. A compact microwave, rated at 600-800 watts, is generally more energy-efficient than a bigger one, rated at 850-1650 watts. Purchase no more microwaves than your household need.
How many watts is a good microwave?
Wattage is equivalent to power in microwaves. A 1,000-watt microwave cooks rapidly and effectively, so that’s a good starting point. Microwaves with 700 watts or less cook more slowly and unevenly. In general, the quicker the cooking time, the greater the wattage.
Today’s best deal!
Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave
$199.99
Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven
$111.68
