Ever feel like your kitchen is bursting at the seams, yet you still crave the convenience of a microwave? You’re not alone! In today’s homes, especially smaller apartments or kitchens with limited counter space, finding the perfect appliance can feel like a treasure hunt. We all want that quick reheat, that perfectly melted snack, but fitting a full-sized microwave often means sacrificing precious prep area or creating a cluttered look.
Choosing a small countertop microwave oven can be tricky. There are so many sizes, features, and brands to consider. You might wonder: Will it fit? Will it be powerful enough? Is it easy to use? These questions can make the shopping process feel overwhelming. But what if we told you that finding the ideal compact microwave is easier than you think?
This guide is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a small countertop microwave oven a great choice for your needs. You’ll learn about the key features to look for, discover popular and reliable models, and get tips on how to make the best decision for your kitchen. Get ready to say goodbye to counter clutter and hello to microwave magic!
Our Top 5 Small Countertop Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Countertop Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.7/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for quick meals and snacks. Its 0.7 cubic foot capacity and 700 watts of power handle everyday cooking needs with ease. This black microwave boasts a modern design that fits seamlessly into any kitchen, and its user-friendly features make it a breeze to operate.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six handy presets for popcorn, pizza, veggies, and more make cooking simple. You can also just punch in the minutes you need.
- Flexible Power: Ten power levels let you melt butter gently or cook food rapidly.
- Easy Digital Controls: Setting time and power is straightforward. The +30 seconds button is great for extra warming.
- Safety First: A child safety lock on the handle prevents accidental openings.
- Mute Button: Turn off annoying beeps with the audio button, perfect for quiet mornings or late nights.
- Sleek Design: The compact, black finish looks good with any kitchen decor.
- Simple to Clean: The exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Trusted Quality: It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year Chefman assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be a bit small for larger families or for reheating very big dishes.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable and user-friendly countertop appliance. It offers essential features in a compact and stylish package.
2. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.3/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a black, 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt appliance designed for convenience in your kitchen. It offers useful features like sound control, an energy-saving ECO mode, and simple one-touch cooking buttons. This microwave is a great option for small spaces and quick meal preparation.
What We Like:
- The Mute Function is fantastic. You can turn off all the beeps with a 3-second press, making late-night snacks or early morning meals much quieter.
- The Two-step Child Lock Feature offers extra peace of mind, especially if you have young children around. It helps prevent accidental use.
- Easy one-touch express cooking is a breeze. Buttons for 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds make heating food super fast.
- The defrost settings, by weight or time, take the guesswork out of thawing frozen foods.
- Auto-cook functions for popcorn, potato, pizza, and more are very handy for common food items.
- The Energy Saving Eco Mode cuts standby power by 50%, which is good for your electricity bill and the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 0.7 cu.ft. size is great for small kitchens, it might be a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- The 700W power is sufficient for basic tasks, but it might take a little longer to cook or reheat compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This COMFEE’ microwave oven is a practical addition to any kitchen, especially for those who value quiet operation and simple, quick cooking. Its user-friendly features make it a solid choice for everyday use.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.0/10
Looking for a compact and easy-to-use microwave? The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great choice for kitchens of all sizes. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks good on any countertop. This microwave offers 700 watts of cooking power, perfect for reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, or cooking a quick meal. The 0.7 cubic feet interior space is just right for everyday needs.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, making cooking simple.
- The 30-second express cooking feature lets you quickly add cooking time.
- A large LED display and an easy-to-read control panel make it user-friendly.
- The child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door is convenient for quick access.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for larger dishes or families.
- Some users might prefer more advanced features found in larger microwave models.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a reliable appliance for basic cooking tasks. It’s a solid option for dorm rooms, small apartments, or as a secondary microwave.
4. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.6/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a small, black stainless steel microwave that fits perfectly on your countertop. It has a 0.9 cubic foot capacity and a 900-watt cooking power, making it great for quick meals and snacks. This microwave comes with helpful features like 6 auto menus, a mute function, and LED lighting. It’s designed for easy use in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It has 6 preset menus for popular foods like popcorn and pizza, which makes cooking easy.
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sound, so it won’t disturb anyone.
- It has 11 different power levels, giving you control over how you cook.
- The child lock feature is a great safety addition to keep little ones safe.
- It includes a 10.6-inch glass turntable that is removable for easy cleaning.
- The 900-watt power heats food quickly and efficiently.
- One-touch start lets you quickly cook for 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit large for some very small kitchens.
- While it has many features, some users might want more advanced cooking presets.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. Its thoughtful features make it a practical addition to your kitchen.
5. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.6/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven in Pearl White is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed for everyday kitchen needs. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700W power make it ideal for heating leftovers, popping popcorn, or quickly preparing meals. This microwave focuses on convenience with its easy one-touch buttons and thoughtful features like sound control and an energy-saving Eco Mode.
What We Like:
- The Mute Function lets you turn off all beeps with a 3-second press, creating a quieter cooking experience.
- It features easy one-touch express cooking for 1-6 minutes and a +30 seconds button for quick boosts.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) make preparing frozen foods simple.
- Auto-cook functions for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggies, beverages, and reheating take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The Energy Saving Eco Mode significantly reduces standby power, helping to save energy.
- A two-step child lock feature offers extra protection and peace of mind, especially in homes with children.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be small for larger dishes or families.
- At 700W, it may take slightly longer to cook or heat food compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This COMFEE’ microwave offers a good balance of essential features and user-friendly operation. It’s a practical choice for smaller kitchens or for those seeking straightforward microwave functionality with added convenience.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Small Countertop Microwave
Finding the right small countertop microwave can make a big difference in your kitchen. These handy appliances can reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, and even cook quick meals. This guide will help you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
- Size and Capacity: Small microwaves are great for tight spaces. Measure your counter first! Look at the cubic feet (cu. ft.) to know how much food it can hold. 0.7 cu. ft. is good for a single person. 1.0 cu. ft. works for small families.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most small microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For speedy reheating, aim for 1000 watts or more.
- Presets and Functions: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. Some have defrost settings. These make cooking easier.
- Turntable: A rotating glass tray cooks food more evenly. Make sure it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear digital screen shows cooking time. Easy-to-use buttons are a plus.
- Child Lock: This safety feature keeps little hands from turning the microwave on by accident.
Important Materials
Most small microwaves have an outer casing made of durable metal or sturdy plastic. The inside is usually made of easy-to-clean enamel or stainless steel. The door has a glass window so you can see your food. The turntable is typically made of tempered glass, which is strong and safe for cooking.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great?
- Solid Build: A microwave that feels sturdy and well-made will last longer.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food all the way through without hot spots.
- Simple Controls: Easy-to-understand buttons and settings make using the microwave a breeze.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves can be noisy. A quieter model is more pleasant to use.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Great?
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels cheap might break easily.
- Uneven Heating: If your food is cold in the middle and hot on the edges, the microwave isn’t working well.
- Confusing Buttons: If you can’t figure out how to use it, it’s not a good choice.
- Short Cord: A very short power cord can limit where you can place your microwave.
User Experience and Use Cases
A small countertop microwave is perfect for many situations. A busy student can quickly heat up meals between classes. A single person can reheat leftovers without a lot of fuss. It’s ideal for small apartments or dorm rooms where space is limited. Families can use it for quick snacks or to heat up baby bottles. It’s also great for an office breakroom.
Think about how you’ll use it most. If you just need to warm up soup, a basic model will do. If you plan to cook more complex dishes, look for more advanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best size for a small countertop microwave?
A: The best size depends on your space and needs. Typically, small microwaves are around 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet.
Q: How much wattage do I need?
A: For faster cooking, aim for 1000 watts or more. 700-900 watts are fine for basic reheating.
Q: Do I really need presets?
A: Presets make cooking specific foods like popcorn or potatoes very easy. They are a nice convenience.
Q: Is a turntable important?
A: Yes, a turntable helps cook your food evenly. It spins the food around.
Q: How do I clean a small microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth. You can often remove the glass turntable for washing in the sink.
Q: Can I put metal in a microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: What does “defrost” mean on a microwave?
A: The defrost setting helps thaw frozen food quickly. It uses lower power to do this.
Q: How long do small microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, a small microwave can last for 5 to 10 years.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with small microwaves?
A: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the door seals properly. A child lock is a good safety feature.
Q: Where is the best place to put a small microwave?
A: Place it on a stable, flat countertop. Make sure there is some 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.