Imagine this: you’re hungry, and you need to heat up leftovers fast. But your kitchen is tiny, and that giant microwave just won’t fit. Or maybe you’re a college student with limited space, or you just need a second microwave for your office. Finding a small microwave that actually works well can feel like a treasure hunt. You want something that heats food evenly, doesn’t take up your whole counter, and doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices out there!
That’s why we’re diving into the world of rated small microwaves. We know the struggle is real when you’re trying to find the perfect compact appliance. This post is designed to cut through the confusion. We’ll show you what to look for, highlight some top-rated models, and explain what makes a small microwave a great choice for your needs. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident about picking a small microwave that fits your space and your budget, making your meal prep a breeze.
Our Top 5 Rated Small Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Small Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a handy appliance for any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on your countertop. This compact 0.7 cu.ft. microwave is perfect for small spaces. It offers 700 watts of cooking power with 10 different settings. You can easily heat up leftovers, make popcorn, or cook a quick meal. The push-button door makes opening it a breeze, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind. A removable glass turntable ensures your food cooks evenly.
What We Like:
- It has special buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super fast.
- The LED display is big and easy to read.
- It has a child safety lock to keep little hands safe.
- The interior light helps you see your food while it’s cooking.
- The glass turntable is removable and easy to clean.
- The push-button door is convenient.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only has a 1-year limited warranty.
- The interior capacity is smaller, so it might not fit very large dishes.
This microwave is a solid choice for simple cooking needs. It’s easy to operate and has helpful features for everyday use.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.8/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and powerful kitchen helper. It’s perfect for quick meals and snacks. This microwave comes in a sleek black finish that looks great on any counter. It offers 700 watts of power and plenty of options for easy cooking.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six popular presets like popcorn and pizza.
- You can choose from 10 power levels for just the right heat.
- Digital controls make it simple to set time and power.
- The +30 seconds button is handy for extra cooking time.
- A memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- You can mute the annoying beeps with the audio button.
- Eco Mode saves energy and dims the display.
- Cleaning is easy; the exterior wipes clean, and the turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for very large dishes.
- While durable, the exterior might show smudges over time.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It makes everyday cooking a breeze.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 8.8/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is a stylish and smart addition to any kitchen. Its 1.2 cubic feet of space is generous, and the 12.4-inch removable turntable fits large plates with ease. This microwave takes the guesswork out of cooking with its smart humidity sensor, which adjusts cooking time and power automatically. You get perfectly cooked meals every time, whether you’re reheating leftovers or cooking a full meal. With 12 auto menus, including pizza and vegetable settings, plus 10 power levels, this microwave offers great flexibility for all your cooking needs.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically adjusts time and power for perfect results.
- It has 12 auto menus, offering quick and easy cooking for popular foods.
- The Mute function is a nice touch for quiet kitchens.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy.
- The 1000 watts of power heats food quickly and efficiently.
- The Easy Clean Interior makes wiping up spills simple.
- The 12.4-inch removable turntable is spacious.
- One-touch start and easy defrost functions add convenience.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 6 preset menus are helpful, the description mentions 12 auto menus, which might be confusing. Clarifying the exact number of preset cooking options would be beneficial.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves, so it might draw more electricity.
This Toshiba microwave offers a great combination of smart features and user-friendly design, making it a solid choice for busy households.
4. GE Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
This GE Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or apartment. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on any countertop. It offers a generous 2.0 cubic feet of space and 1200 watts of power, making it perfect for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, or defrosting food.
What We Like:
- The Two-Step Child Lock is a great safety feature for families with young children.
- It’s compact yet powerful, fitting easily on your counter without sacrificing cooking performance.
- Sensor Cooking Controls take the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring delicious results every time.
- Weight and Time Defrost makes thawing food simple and efficient.
- Convenient Controls, like Instant On express cooking and cooking complete alarms, make using it a breeze.
- The glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking, so your food heats evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 8 auto-cook settings, some users might wish for even more specialized pre-programmed options.
- The child lock, while useful, can be a minor inconvenience if you frequently need to access the microwave quickly without deactivating it first.
This GE microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance that simplifies your cooking tasks. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a powerful and safe countertop microwave.
5. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.7/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper. It’s a compact 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave that fits easily on your counter. This black microwave offers useful features like a mute function and an energy-saving ECO mode. Its simple controls and one-touch buttons make cooking quick and easy.
What We Like:
- The “Sound On/Off” feature is fantastic for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power.
- Easy auto-cook buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more simplify cooking.
- One-touch express cooking gets food ready in a flash.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read panel make operation simple.
- A 10-inch glass turntable fits most common dishes.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a bit slow for larger meals compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- While it has defrost options, some users might prefer more advanced defrosting capabilities.
This COMFEE’ microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a straightforward, user-friendly appliance. It balances convenience with smart features like its silent mode and energy saving capabilities.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Small Microwave
When you need to heat up leftovers quickly or pop some popcorn, a small microwave is a lifesaver. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect small microwave for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features
1. Size and Capacity
Small microwaves are typically under 1 cubic foot. Think about what you’ll be heating. Do you need to fit a dinner plate? Or just a mug? Measure your counter space too!
2. Wattage
Microwaves use wattage to heat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most small microwaves are between 700 and 1000 watts. For quick heating, aim for at least 900 watts.
3. Presets and Cooking Functions
Many small microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. Some also have defrost settings. These make cooking easier.
4. Turntable
A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook more evenly. Most small microwaves have one. Some larger ones might not, but for small models, it’s a good feature.
5. Ease of Use
Look for simple controls. You want to be able to set the time and power level easily. A clear display is also helpful.
Materials Matter: What Your Microwave is Made Of
Inside the Microwave
The inside of a microwave is usually made of metal. Stainless steel is a durable option. It’s also easy to clean. Some have a non-stick coating which helps with cleaning too.
Outside the Microwave
The outside is often made of plastic or metal. Metal exteriors can be more sturdy. Plastic is lighter. Think about where the microwave will go. If it’s in a busy spot, a stronger exterior might be better.
Quality: What Makes a Microwave Great (or Not So Great)
What Improves Quality
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats your food all the way through. This means no cold spots!
- Durability: A well-built microwave lasts a long time. Look for sturdy construction.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter one is more pleasant to use.
- Easy Cleaning: A microwave that’s easy to wipe down saves you time and effort.
What Reduces Quality
- Uneven Heating: If your food is always cold in the middle, the microwave isn’t working well.
- Short Lifespan: If a microwave breaks after only a year or two, it wasn’t made to last.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or a hard-to-read display make using the microwave frustrating.
- Flimsy Build: A microwave that feels cheap or wobbly might not be very durable.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who Needs a Small Microwave?
Small microwaves are perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, office break rooms, or RVs. They are great for individuals or couples.
What Can You Do With It?
You can reheat meals, cook frozen dinners, make popcorn, heat up drinks, and even bake simple mug cakes. They are convenient for quick snacks and meals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Microwaves
Q: What is the best wattage for a small microwave?
A: For most small microwaves, 700 to 1000 watts is good. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
Q: How big is a “small” microwave?
A: Small microwaves usually have a capacity of less than 1 cubic foot.
Q: Do I need a turntable?
A: Yes, a turntable helps food cook more evenly. It’s a very useful feature for small microwaves.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better?
A: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean, which is a plus.
Q: How do I clean a small microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a small microwave?
A: No, a small microwave is too small for a whole chicken. They are best for smaller portions and reheating.
Q: What does a “preset” button do?
A: Preset buttons are for specific foods like popcorn or potatoes. They set the cooking time and power automatically.
Q: Is it okay if my microwave doesn’t have a lot of fancy features?
A: Not at all! Sometimes simpler is better. If it heats your food well and is easy to use, it’s a great microwave.
Q: How long do small microwaves usually last?
A: A good quality small microwave can last for several years, often 5 to 10 years, with proper care.
Q: Where is the best place to put a small microwave?
A: Place it on a stable, flat surface with good ventilation. Make sure there’s space around it for air to circulate.
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.