Imagine needing to quickly reheat leftovers or pop some popcorn, but your kitchen feels a bit cramped. Does your current microwave hog too much precious counter space, or maybe it’s just too big for your needs? You’re not alone! Many people face the challenge of finding a microwave that fits perfectly into their smaller kitchens without sacrificing functionality.
Choosing a small countertop microwave can be tricky. You want something that cooks well, looks good, and doesn’t take up your whole counter. It’s easy to get lost in all the different sizes, features, and brands. But don’t worry, this post is here to help you navigate through it all.
By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident in picking a small microwave that’s just right for you. We’ll break down what to look for, share some top picks, and help you find a kitchen helper that makes your life a little easier. Let’s dive in and discover the best small countertop microwave for your space!
Our Top 5 Small Microwave Ovens Countertop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Microwave Ovens Countertop Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet your new kitchen helper: the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven. This compact, 0.7 cubic foot microwave is designed for busy lives. It packs 700 watts of power and offers 10 different power levels for all your cooking needs. From heating up leftovers to making popcorn, this microwave makes it easy.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six handy presets (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers) make cooking a breeze. You can also just press a number for instant minutes of cooking.
- Low to High Power: Choose from 10 power levels, perfect for melting butter gently or cooking food fast.
- Digital Controls: Setting time and power is simple. The +30 seconds button adds extra cooking time when you need it.
- Memory Function: Save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts. Your go-to meals are now even easier to prepare.
- Safety First: A child safety lock keeps the door securely shut. You can also lock the control panel to prevent accidental use.
- Mute Option: Turn off the beeps with the Audio Button. This is great for quiet mornings or when kids are sleeping.
- Modern Design: Its sleek black finish looks good in any kitchen. The compact size fits on most countertops.
- Eco Mode: Save energy and turn off the display when the microwave isn’t in use.
- Easy to Clean: The exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is even dishwasher safe.
- Trusted Quality: It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or bigger meal prep.
- While powerful for its size, it may not cook as quickly as larger, higher-wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for everyday cooking tasks. Its smart features and compact design make it a great addition to any kitchen.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven, a sleek black stainless steel appliance designed to make your kitchen tasks easier. This compact microwave, with its 0.9 cubic feet capacity, fits perfectly on your countertop. It’s packed with useful features like auto menus and a mute function, making it a great choice for busy households.
What We Like:
- The Two-Step Child Lock keeps little hands safe from accidental starts.
- It boasts a powerful 900-watt output for quick and efficient cooking.
- The 6 Preset Menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular foods like popcorn and pizza.
- With 11 Unique Power Levels, you have great control for all your cooking needs, from defrosting to boiling.
- The Easy Defrost feature lets you thaw food by weight or time, and One-Touch Start gets you cooking fast.
- You can enjoy a quieter kitchen thanks to the Mute Mode, which silences the end-of-cooking beeps.
- The bright LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
- A generous 10.6-inch removable glass turntable fits most standard dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The input power is 1400 watts, which is higher than the output power, meaning it draws more energy than it delivers as cooking power.
- The external dimensions are a bit on the larger side for a “small” microwave, so measure your counter space carefully.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers a great blend of convenience and safety for everyday kitchen use. It’s a solid option for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly countertop microwave.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking for a microwave that’s simple to use and fits well in your kitchen? The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great choice. Its sleek stainless steel design looks good on any countertop. This microwave is designed for everyday cooking needs, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- It has handy pre-programmed buttons for things like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- You can easily cook food with 10 different power settings.
- The “30 Seconds Express Cooking” feature lets you quickly heat up snacks.
- A clear LED display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- It comes with a removable glass turntable that’s 10 inches wide, perfect for most dishes.
- The push-button door opens smoothly for easy access.
- It’s a good size at 0.7 cubic feet, fitting into smaller spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find 700 watts a bit less powerful than higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be small for very large meals or dishes.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a good balance of features and convenience for its price. It’s a solid option for quick meals and snacks.
4. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.8/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a compact and stylish stainless steel microwave that offers a lot for its size. It’s a great addition to any kitchen, especially if you live in an apartment or have limited counter space. With 900 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently. Plus, its modern design looks good in any home.
What We Like:
- The 6 preset menus make cooking popular foods like popcorn and potatoes super easy.
- Mute mode is a lifesaver if you don’t want to be disturbed by beeping sounds.
- It has 11 power levels, giving you lots of control over how you cook your food.
- The child lock feature offers peace of mind for families with young children.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food while it’s cooking.
- Defrosting is simple with options for weight or time.
- One-touch start lets you quickly cook for up to 6 minutes at full power.
- The removable 10.6-inch glass turntable is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some other compact microwaves.
- To activate the child lock, you need to follow specific steps shown in the manual.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance. It balances convenience with safety, making it a valuable kitchen tool.
5. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power
Rating: 9.2/10
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a quick and efficient way to heat food. It’s powerful, easy to use, and designed with families in mind. This microwave helps you whip up meals in a flash.
What We Like:
- It has 700 watts of power, which heats food quickly.
- You get ten power levels for custom cooking.
- Six one-touch settings like popcorn and pizza make cooking super simple.
- Defrosting by weight or time is a breeze.
- The 0.7 cu ft size is perfect for small kitchens or offices.
- The inside and outside are easy to clean.
- A clear LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock adds extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a slightly larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The 700-watt power might not be enough for very demanding cooking tasks.
This Farberware microwave is a solid, reliable appliance for everyday use. It makes preparing meals easier and quicker.
Your Guide to Choosing a Small Countertop Microwave
Why a Small Microwave?
Small countertop microwaves are perfect for tight spaces. They fit easily on your kitchen counter. They are great for dorm rooms, small apartments, or even an office break room. You can reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, or quickly cook simple meals. These tiny titans pack a punch for their size.
Key Features to Look For
Power (Wattage)
Microwaves use wattage to heat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For small microwaves, 700 to 1000 watts is a good range. A lower wattage might take longer to cook. A higher wattage cooks food more evenly and quickly. Think about what you will use it for. If you just reheat, lower is fine. If you cook more, aim higher.
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
This tells you how much food can fit inside. Small microwaves usually range from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. A 0.7 cubic foot microwave is good for one person. It can fit a standard dinner plate. A larger capacity might be better if you sometimes cook for two or want to fit a larger dish. Measure your common dishes before you buy.
Turntable Size
The turntable is the rotating glass plate inside. It helps food cook evenly. Make sure the turntable is large enough for your plates. Most small microwaves have turntables that are about 10 inches. Some might be a little smaller or larger. Check the dimensions to be sure.
Pre-programmed Settings
Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods. These can include popcorn, pizza, baked potato, or beverage. These settings take the guesswork out of cooking. They automatically set the time and power level. This makes using the microwave super simple.
Digital Display and Controls
A clear digital display shows the cooking time. Easy-to-use buttons make setting the time and power simple. Some have touch controls, while others have physical buttons. Both work well. Look for one that feels comfortable for you to use.
Important Materials
Most microwaves have an exterior made of metal or plastic. The interior is usually coated metal. This coating helps keep the microwave clean. Look for durable materials. A sturdy exterior protects the inner workings. The glass turntable should be thick and easy to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should be responsive. A flimsy microwave might not last as long. Read reviews to see what other people say about build quality.
Ease of Cleaning
The interior coating matters. Some are easier to wipe down than others. A removable turntable makes cleaning much simpler. Look for a microwave that doesn’t have too many nooks and crannies where food can get stuck.
Noise Level
Some microwaves are louder than others. If your kitchen is small or you are sensitive to noise, look for models that are quieter. Reviews often mention how noisy a microwave is.
User Experience and Use Cases
Simple Reheating
Small microwaves are excellent for reheating leftovers. You can quickly warm up soup, pasta, or your lunch from the fridge. Just place your food on a plate, set the time, and go.
Quick Snacks
Need a snack in a hurry? Popcorn is a classic. You can also heat up frozen snacks or make a quick mug cake. These are perfect for busy days.
Dorm Life and Small Apartments
These microwaves are lifesavers for students or people in small living spaces. They provide a convenient way to cook without a full kitchen. They take up very little counter space.
Office Break Rooms
A small countertop microwave is a must-have in any office. It allows employees to heat their lunches or make a quick cup of tea. They are simple to use and maintain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a small microwave?
A: For most small microwaves, 700 to 1000 watts is a good range. Higher wattage cooks food faster and more evenly.
Q: How much food can fit in a small microwave?
A: Small microwaves typically range from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. This is usually enough for one person’s plate or smaller dishes.
Q: Do I need a turntable?
A: Yes, a turntable helps food cook evenly. It rotates the food as it heats up. Ensure the turntable fits your plates.
Q: Are pre-programmed settings important?
A: Pre-programmed settings make cooking easy. They automatically set the time and power for common foods like popcorn or potatoes.
Q: How do I clean a small microwave?
A: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Remove the turntable and wash it separately. Some interiors are easier to clean than others.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a small microwave?
A: You can cook simple meals or heat up pre-made meals. They are best for reheating and quick cooking, not complex recipes.
Q: Are small microwaves energy efficient?
A: Newer models are often more energy efficient. Look for Energy Star ratings if this is important to you.
Q: What if my plates don’t fit the turntable?
A: Measure your common dinner plates and check the microwave’s turntable diameter before buying. You might need to use smaller plates.
Q: How long do small microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, a small microwave can last 5 to 10 years. Build quality and how often it’s used play a role.
Q: Can I put metal in a small microwave?
A: No, never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the oven. Always use microwave-safe dishes.
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.