Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, a steaming mug of tea, or a way to reheat yesterday’s delicious leftovers. But when you look at your kitchen counter, all you see is a giant appliance taking up precious space. Sound familiar? For many of us, the humble microwave is a kitchen essential, but finding one that fits our limited counter space can feel like a treasure hunt.
Choosing a small microwave for your countertop isn’t just about saving space; it’s about finding a tool that works for your lifestyle. Maybe you live in a cozy apartment, have a small office kitchen, or simply prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Whatever your reason, navigating the world of compact microwaves can be overwhelming. You want something that heats food effectively, looks good, and doesn’t break the bank, but where do you even start?
That’s where we come in! This guide is your roadmap to finding the perfect small microwave. We’ll break down what to look for, highlight top-rated options, and help you understand the features that truly matter. Get ready to discover a compact appliance that will make your life easier and your kitchen feel a whole lot bigger.
Our Top 5 Small Microwave For Countertop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Microwave For Countertop Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven – your new kitchen helper! This compact 0.7 cubic foot microwave is perfect for small kitchens or anyone who needs a reliable way to heat up meals and snacks quickly. It’s got 700 watts of power, meaning it cooks fast. Plus, it comes in a sleek black finish that looks great on any counter. This microwave makes cooking easy with its smart features and simple controls.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six handy presets like popcorn and pizza. You can also just press a number for minutes of cooking.
- You have lots of control with 10 power levels, from melting butter to cooking food super fast.
- The digital controls are super easy to use. You can set the time and power, or add 30 seconds with one button.
- Save your favorite cooking settings with the memory function for one-touch cooking.
- Safety is important! It has a child safety lock so the door won’t open by accident. You can also lock the control panel.
- Need quiet? The mute button turns off annoying beeps.
- It looks modern and fits in with other kitchen appliances. The Eco Mode saves power and turns off the display when not in use.
- Cleaning is a breeze. The outside wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman offers trusted quality with cETL approval and a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot size might be a bit small for very large dishes or multiple items.
- While powerful for its size, it might not heat as quickly as larger, higher-wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for quick meals and everyday use. Its user-friendly design and useful features make it a great addition to any kitchen.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact and user-friendly digital microwave oven. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This microwave is designed for everyday cooking and reheating needs, making meal prep quick and simple.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. This makes cooking your favorite snacks super easy.
- The 30-second express cooking feature lets you quickly heat things up with just one touch.
- It offers 10 different power settings, so you can control exactly how your food is cooked.
- The large LED display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to use.
- A child safety lock gives you peace of mind if you have little ones around.
- The removable glass turntable is 10 inches wide and easy to clean.
- The push-button door release makes opening the microwave a breeze.
- It’s a good size at 0.7 cubic feet, fitting well on most countertops.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt cooking power might be a bit slow for some users who prefer faster cooking times.
- While it has a child safety lock, the push-button door might be easily pressed by very curious toddlers.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-operate kitchen appliance. It offers convenience and helpful features for daily use.
3. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.5/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed to make your kitchen tasks quicker and quieter. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity is just right for smaller kitchens or for individuals needing a reliable microwave for basic heating and cooking needs. The 700-watt power ensures your food heats up efficiently. This black microwave blends in with most kitchen decors and offers a variety of features to simplify your cooking experience.
What We Like:
- The mute function is fantastic for those who prefer a quiet kitchen, especially early in the morning or late at night.
- ECO Mode is a smart feature that helps save energy by reducing standby power by 50%.
- Easy one-touch buttons, including popcorn, potato, and pizza, make cooking your favorite snacks a breeze.
- The express cooking function lets you add 30 seconds or select 1-6 minutes with a single touch.
- It has two defrost settings, either by weight or by time, which is very convenient.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to operate.
- A child safety lock provides peace of mind for families.
- The 10-inch glass turntable rotates food for even heating.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for your protection.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has auto-cook functions, some users might desire more advanced cooking presets.
- The 700W power is adequate for most tasks, but it might take slightly longer for some items compared to higher wattage microwaves.
Overall, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a functional and quiet countertop oven with helpful features for everyday use.
4. FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave
Rating: 9.3/10
Add a touch of vintage flair to your kitchen with the FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave in Black-Gold. This microwave is not just a kitchen appliance; it’s a statement piece that brings back a classic look. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, while its powerful performance handles your everyday cooking needs.
What We Like:
- The catchy retro look instantly upgrades your kitchen’s style.
- A retro-themed oversized knob adds a fun, nostalgic touch and is easy to grip.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is just right for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or quickly cooking small meals.
- With 700 watts of power, it heats food efficiently.
- Speed/Weight Defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing frozen foods.
- The child safety lock provides peace of mind for families with young children.
- The black and gold color combination is stylish and eye-catching.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger dishes or family-sized portions.
- While the retro design is a highlight, the 700-watt power might be slower for some tasks compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
This FRIGIDAIRE microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves retro style and needs a reliable, compact appliance. It brings both charm and function to your countertop.
5. FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave
Rating: 8.6/10
The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave in Black is a handy appliance for any kitchen, making meal prep quick and simple.
What We Like:
- The digital control panel is super easy to use. You can pick express cooking, change the power, set a delayed start, or just set the time. It also has stop and cancel buttons.
- It comes with two different defrost timers. This lets you control exactly how you warm up your food. You can cook your meals and snacks in stages for perfect results.
- Safety is important! The child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The big display screen lets you see your food clearly as it cooks. This helps you make sure everything is cooked just right.
- Cooking is simple with six different auto-cook settings. You can easily make popcorn, cook a potato, heat up pizza, warm a frozen dinner, reheat leftovers, or warm a beverage.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size might be a little small for larger families or for heating up very big dishes.
- While the digital panel is easy to use, some users might prefer a simpler, knob-based interface for very basic tasks.
This microwave offers a great balance of convenience and safety for everyday use. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-operate microwave with helpful presets.
Small Microwaves for Your Countertop: Your Easy Buying Guide
Are you looking for a small microwave that fits perfectly on your kitchen counter? These handy appliances are great for small spaces, dorm rooms, or even just for reheating snacks. Let’s find the best one for you!
Why a Small Countertop Microwave?
Small microwaves are perfect when you don’t need a big appliance. They save space. They are also good for people who live alone or have a small family. You can easily reheat leftovers, make popcorn, or warm up a cup of soup.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a small microwave, think about what you want it to do.
Size and Capacity
- **External Dimensions:** Measure your counter space first. Make sure the microwave will fit without blocking anything.
- **Internal Capacity (Cubic Feet):** This tells you how much food can fit inside. For small microwaves, this is usually between 0.5 and 1.0 cubic feet. A 0.7 cubic foot microwave is good for a dinner plate. A 0.9 cubic foot one can fit a larger dish.
Power (Wattage)
- Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most small microwaves have between 700 and 1000 watts.
- 700-800 watts is fine for basic reheating.
- 900-1000 watts cooks food more evenly and quickly.
Presets and Functions
- **Popcorn Button:** This is a must-have for snack lovers!
- **Defrost:** This lets you thaw frozen food.
- **Reheat:** Some microwaves have special buttons for common foods like “Beverage” or “Dinner Plate.”
- **Child Lock:** This is a safety feature that prevents little hands from turning the microwave on.
Ease of Use
- **Simple Controls:** Look for easy-to-read buttons and a clear display.
- **Turntable:** A rotating plate cooks food more evenly. Make sure it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
- **Door Release:** Some have a button, others a handle. Choose what you find easiest.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it looks.
- **Exterior:** Most small microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks modern and is easy to wipe clean. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
- **Interior:** The inside is usually coated with a material that is easy to clean, like enamel or a special non-stick coating.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it less good.
What Makes a Microwave Better
- **Even Cooking:** A good microwave cooks food all the way through without hot spots. This often comes from good wattage and a well-designed interior.
- **Quiet Operation:** Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter one is a big plus, especially in a small apartment.
- **Durability:** A well-built microwave lasts longer. Check reviews for comments on how long people’s microwaves have worked.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Good
- **Uneven Heating:** If your food is cold in the middle and hot on the edges, the microwave isn’t working well.
- **Flimsy Construction:** A microwave that feels cheap or wobbly might not last long.
- **Difficult Cleaning:** If the inside is hard to wipe down, it will be a pain to keep clean.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your microwave.
For Quick Meals
- A small microwave is perfect for reheating last night’s dinner.
- You can quickly cook frozen meals.
- It’s great for making instant oatmeal or ramen.
For Small Spaces
- Dorms: Students can heat up snacks and simple meals.
- Small Apartments: Saves valuable counter space.
- Office Break Rooms: Good for heating lunches.
For Specific Needs
- Elderly people might like simple controls.
- Someone who only needs to warm drinks might not need many features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best size for a small countertop microwave?
A: A good size is usually between 0.5 and 1.0 cubic feet. Measure your counter space before you buy.
Q: How much wattage do I need for a small microwave?
A: 700-1000 watts is typical. More watts means faster cooking.
Q: Are small microwaves good for cooking full meals?
A: They are best for reheating and cooking simple meals. They aren’t ideal for complex cooking.
Q: How do I clean a small microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Remove the turntable and wash it separately.
Q: Do small microwaves have a turntable?
A: Most do. A turntable helps food cook more evenly.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for a microwave?
A: Yes, it looks nice and is easy to clean. It is also durable.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for a microwave?
A: It is the size of the inside space where you put your food.
Q: Can I put metal in a small microwave?
A: No, never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How long do small microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, they can last 5-10 years.
Q: What are “preset functions”?
A: These are buttons that are already set for specific foods, like popcorn or a baked potato.
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.