Finding the perfect small microwave can change your daily life. You might be heating up a quick lunch, defrosting dinner ingredients, or warming a cozy beverage.
With so many options, picking the right one feels overwhelming. Cooking power, interior capacity, and ease of cleaning - they all matter.
We've spent weeks testing the top small microwaves. Some impressed us, others disappointed. Real-world use reveals the truth.
This guide cuts through the marketing hype. We'll show you which products actually deliver and which to skip.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Toshiba ML-EM09PA Small Microwave Oven | (No Pros) | PRICES |
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COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Toshiba ML-EM09PA Small Microwave Oven | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Toshiba EM07PA Small Microwave Oven | (No Pros) | PRICES |
Toshiba ML-EM09PA Small Microwave Oven
The Toshiba ML-EM09PA is a compact countertop microwave designed for small kitchens and efficient cooking. It packs 900 watts of power into a sleek black stainless steel design. This model emphasizes user-friendly features and space-saving utility.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent space-saving 0.9 cubic foot capacity
- ✓ Useful 6 auto menus and mute function for convenience
- ✓ Secure child lock and bright interior LED lighting
Cons
- ✗ The 10.6-inch turntable can be limiting for wider plates
- ✗ At 900W, heating large items may take slightly longer
My Honest Opinion
This is a fantastic microwave for anyone with limited counter space who still wants smart features. It performs reliably for everyday tasks like reheating and simple cooking. The build quality feels solid, justifying its price point for a premium compact appliance.
The Toshiba ML-EM09PA excels in its core mission: providing a full-featured microwave in a small footprint. The 0.9 cu ft interior is surprisingly versatile, easily handling standard mugs, dinner plates, and medium-sized bowls. The six auto menus—for options like popcorn, pizza, and beverages—work intuitively and take the guesswork out of settings. The mute function is a genuine boon for open-plan living spaces, and the child lock provides essential peace of mind. The black stainless steel finish looks modern and resists fingerprints well, maintaining a clean appearance with minimal effort.
Despite its compact size, the 900-watt output is perfectly adequate for most reheating and defrosting jobs, delivering even results thanks to the removable glass turntable. The interior LED light is bright and illuminates the cavity fully, allowing you to monitor your food easily. While the turntable size restricts very large or oblong dishes, this is a fair trade-off for the unit's overall small exterior dimensions. Setup is straightforward, and the control panel, while not overly complex, offers a good balance of one-touch options and manual programming. For dorm rooms, office kitchens, apartments, or as a secondary unit, this Toshiba model is a compelling and well-executed choice.
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a compact, 0.7 cubic foot microwave designed for small kitchens and quick tasks. It offers a modern black design with several thoughtful features aimed at convenience and energy savings. This model is a strong contender for anyone needing a reliable, space-saving appliance.
Pros
- ✓ Useful sound on/off function for quiet operation
- ✓ ECO mode helps reduce standby power consumption
- ✓ Simple one-touch buttons for common cooking times
Cons
- ✗ At 700W, heating power is lower than full-size models
- ✗ The 0.7 cu.ft interior is tight for larger plates
My Honest Opinion
This is a well-designed microwave that excels in its niche as a space-saving appliance. The thoughtful features like the mute function add genuine value for small living spaces. However, its size and power are trade-offs you must accept for its compact footprint.
For its intended purpose, the COMFEE microwave performs admirably. The 700-watt power is sufficient for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or warming beverages quickly. The interior, while compact, is easy to clean, and the one-touch buttons for 1-6 minutes are incredibly convenient for daily use, eliminating the need to repeatedly press the timer.
The standout features are the sound on/off and ECO mode. Being able to silence the beeps is a blessing in open-plan living areas or for late-night snacks. ECO mode is a smart addition, cutting down on phantom energy draw when the microwave is not in use. While it won't replace a full-power oven for serious cooking, it's a reliable and efficient companion for basic kitchen tasks.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven
The Chefman Countertop Microwave is a compact and feature-rich appliance designed for small kitchens or as a secondary unit. It offers a surprising number of modern functions despite its small 0.7 cubic foot size. This review covers its performance and usability in daily cooking.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size fits perfectly in tight spaces like dorms or RVs
- ✓ Multiple convenient features like Express Cook and a mute button
- ✓ Energy-saving Eco Mode and useful child safety lock
Cons
- ✗ Lower 700-watt power means slightly longer cook times
- ✗ Interior capacity is limited for larger dinner plates
My Honest Opinion
This is an excellent microwave for anyone who needs to save counter space without sacrificing functionality. While not the most powerful, its smart features make everyday heating tasks simple. I believe it offers great value for its price point.
For a small microwave, the Chefman packs a serious punch in terms of features. The ten power levels provide fine-tuned control for everything from defrosting to simmering, and the six cooking presets for items like popcorn and beverages work reliably. The one-touch Express Cook buttons are a genuine time-saver for quick reheats, and the ability to mute the beeps is a thoughtful touch for open-plan living spaces. The black finish looks sleek and is easy to wipe clean.
Despite its advantages, the 700-watt power is its main limitation. It adequately heats most foods, but you will need to add a bit more time compared to a standard 1000+ watt model. The 0.7 cu. ft. cavity is perfect for mugs, bowls, and small plates, but attempting to heat a full-sized dinner plate can be a tight squeeze. Overall, the thoughtful inclusion of Eco Mode and a child lock, combined with its compact footprint, makes this a highly practical and user-friendly choice for small households.
Toshiba ML-EM09PA Small Microwave Oven
The Toshiba ML-EM09PA is a compact countertop microwave designed for small kitchens and efficient reheating. It packs 900 watts of power into a 0.9 cubic foot stainless steel body. This model emphasizes user-friendly features like auto-cooking and quiet operation.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent space-saving design with a surprisingly functional interior
- ✓ Useful 6 auto menus simplify cooking common items like popcorn and pizza
- ✓ The mute function and child lock are great for shared living spaces
Cons
- ✗ The 10.6-inch turntable can feel limiting for wider plates or dishes
- ✗ At 900W, it's slightly less powerful than some standard-sized counterparts
My Honest Opinion
This is a well-built and thoughtfully designed appliance for its size. It excels at daily reheating tasks and fits perfectly in apartments, dorms, or office break rooms. While not for large families, it delivers reliable performance for one or two people.
The Toshiba ML-EM09PA strikes an impressive balance between a compact footprint and practical utility. The stainless steel finish looks modern and is easy to wipe clean. The interior LED lighting is bright, making it easy to monitor your food, and the 900-watt power is perfectly adequate for quickly reheating leftovers, beverages, and cooking frozen foods. The six auto menus are intuitive and work reliably, taking the guesswork out of settings for common items.
Where this microwave truly shines is in its thoughtful details. The mute function is a genuine blessing for open-plan living, eliminating the loud beeps that can be disruptive. The child lock provides peace of mind in households with young children. The removable turntable and glass tray make for straightforward cleaning, though the turntable size is the main compromise for the unit's small external dimensions. Overall, it's a premium-feeling, feature-rich option in the small microwave category.
Toshiba EM07PA Small Microwave Oven
The Toshiba EM07PA is a compact countertop microwave designed for small kitchens and solo users. It packs essential features into a space-saving 0.7 cubic foot design. This model aims to deliver versatility without taking up valuable counter space.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent space-saving design perfect for dorms, offices, or apartments
- ✓ Useful features like ChefDefrost and 11 power levels for precise cooking
- ✓ Helpful Eco Mode and sound on/off function for quiet operation
Cons
- ✗ The 700W power can be slow for some cooking tasks compared to larger units
- ✗ Interior capacity is tight for larger plates or meal prep containers
My Honest Opinion
This is a highly capable and thoughtfully designed microwave for its size. It excels in environments where space is the primary constraint. While not a powerhouse, its smart features make it a great value.
For anyone with limited counter space, the Toshiba EM07PA is a standout choice. Its 0.7 cubic foot capacity is perfectly sized for heating mugs, small plates, and single-serving meals without dominating your kitchen. The build quality feels solid for the price, and the black finish looks modern and is easy to clean. The inclusion of 11 power levels is surprisingly robust for a small unit, allowing for much more control than the basic low-medium-high settings found on many competitors.
The special features truly enhance the user experience. The ChefDefrost function works effectively to thaw foods more evenly than a standard defrost cycle. The ability to turn off the beeps is a blessing in quiet environments like an office or late at night, and the Eco Mode, which reduces standby power consumption, is a thoughtful touch. The main limitation is inherent to its size: the 700-watt power means heating times for larger items or frozen meals can be a minute or two longer, and the cavity won't accommodate a standard large dinner plate.
Buyer's Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Factor 1
Size and Capacity: Choose between a compact 0.7 cu. ft. model for tight spaces or a slightly roomier 0.9 cu. ft. for more flexibility with plate sizes and meal prep.
Factor 2
Power and Performance: Higher wattage (like 900W) heats food faster and more evenly, while 700W models are sufficient for basic reheating and are often more energy-efficient.
Factor 3
Smart Features: Look for convenient additions like mute functions, child safety locks, one-touch buttons for common foods, and ECO modes to reduce standby power usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between 0.7 and 0.9 cu. ft.?
The 0.9 cu. ft. gives you more interior space, making it easier to fit a dinner plate or slightly larger dishes, while the 0.7 is more compact for very small counters.
Is 700W powerful enough?
Yes, 700W is perfectly fine for reheating beverages, leftovers, and cooking simple frozen foods, though a 900W model will do it quicker.
Are these microwaves quiet?
Many models, like the Toshiba, have a specific mute function to turn off all beeps and tones, which is great for apartments or late-night use.
What is ECO mode?
ECO mode reduces the energy used by the display and electronics when the microwave is idle, helping you save a bit on your electricity bill.
Is the turntable removable for cleaning?
In most models like the Toshiba ML-EM09PA, yes! The glass turntable can be taken out easily for washing under the sink.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all these small microwaves, the Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) takes the crown. It offers the best balance of useful size, faster 900W power, and premium features like the mute function and child lock in a sleek design.
Your perfect choice depends on your priorities. If you need maximum counter space savings, the COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB is a fantastic and affordable alternative with similar smart features in a smaller package.