Finding the perfect small microwave can change your daily life. You might be heating a quick lunch, defrosting dinner ingredients, or making a late-night snack.
With so many options, picking the right one feels overwhelming. Wattage, interior capacity, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) Microwave Oven | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact, 0.7 cubic foot microwave oven designed for small kitchens and tight spaces. It offers 700 watts of cooking power and a modern digital interface. This model aims to deliver essential features without taking up too much counter space.
Pros
- ✓ Compact footprint fits perfectly in small kitchens or dorm rooms
- ✓ Simple digital controls with one-touch buttons for common foods
- ✓ Effective child safety lock provides peace of mind
Cons
- ✗ The 700-watt power can be slow for some cooking tasks
- ✗ Interior light is somewhat dim, making it hard to monitor food
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, no-frills microwave that excels in its primary role as a space-saving appliance. I recommend it for anyone who needs basic reheating and cooking functions without complexity. However, power users might find its performance a bit limited.
For its size, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 performs admirably. The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is surprisingly versatile, handling everything from a dinner plate to a medium-sized bowl with ease. The push-button door is a standout feature, offering a satisfying and secure close without the loud slam of a traditional handle. The turntable works quietly and consistently, and the stainless steel finish looks clean and resists fingerprints well.
The digital control panel is intuitive, with dedicated buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and beverages, which eliminates guesswork. The 700 watts of power is sufficient for reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking, though it does take a bit longer than higher-wattage models. My main gripe is the interior light, which is too dim to clearly see how your food is progressing without opening the door. Overall, it's a reliable workhorse that maximizes functionality in a minimal design.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
The Chefman Countertop Microwave is a compact and feature-rich appliance designed for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices. It offers a surprising number of modern functions in a small 0.7 cubic foot footprint. This model aims to deliver efficient cooking without taking up valuable counter space.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size is perfect for tight spaces without sacrificing interior capacity.
- ✓ Useful features like the one-touch express cook and six presets simplify common tasks.
- ✓ The eco mode, child lock, and mute button add thoughtful, practical safety and convenience.
Cons
- ✗ At 700 watts, heating power is adequate but slower than full-sized, higher-wattage models.
- ✗ The interior light is somewhat dim, making it hard to monitor food without opening the door.
My Honest Opinion
This is a well-designed and capable small microwave that punches above its weight in features. For anyone needing a reliable secondary microwave or a primary one for a small household, it's a strong contender. The few compromises are understandable given its size and price point.
After several weeks of daily use, the Chefman microwave has proven to be a reliable and convenient kitchen helper. Its 0.7 cu. ft. capacity is deceptively spacious, easily accommodating a standard dinner plate or a medium-sized bowl. The ten power levels provide good control for delicate tasks like softening butter, while the one-touch express cook buttons (30 seconds to 2 minutes) are perfect for quick reheats. The six cooking presets for items like popcorn, pizza, and beverages work consistently well, taking the guesswork out of timing.
The build quality feels solid for a budget-friendly appliance, and the black finish resists fingerprints nicely. The child safety lock provides peace of mind, and the eco mode, which dims the display, is a nice touch for overnight energy savings. However, the 700-watt power means you'll need to add a little extra time compared to a 1000+ watt model, which is its main trade-off for compactness. The interior light is functional but could be brighter for better visibility. Overall, it delivers excellent value by combining essential modern features with a space-saving design.
Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) Microwave Oven
The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact countertop microwave designed for small kitchens or as a secondary heating station. It packs a 900W punch into a 0.9 cubic foot footprint, offering a surprising amount of functionality. This model emphasizes convenience with its auto-cook menus and quiet operation.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size saves significant counter space without sacrificing interior capacity.
- ✓ The mute function is excellent for open-plan living areas, eliminating beeps.
- ✓ Six auto menus simplify cooking common items like popcorn and potatoes.
Cons
- ✗ The 10.6-inch turntable can feel limiting for wider, flatter dinner plates.
- ✗ The black stainless finish shows fingerprints and smudges very easily.
My Honest Opinion
This is a highly capable and thoughtfully designed small microwave that excels in its core task. For singles, couples, or dorm rooms, it represents a fantastic balance of size and power. The few drawbacks are minor trade-offs for the space savings it provides.
For its compact dimensions, the Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) performs remarkably well. The 900W power heats food quickly and evenly, aided by the removable glass turntable which is easy to clean. The LED interior light is bright, and the six auto menus are genuinely useful, taking the guesswork out of reheating common items like beverages or cooking frozen vegetables. The overall build quality feels solid, especially for the price point, and the digital controls are responsive and intuitive.
Where this microwave truly shines is in its attention to user experience details. The mute function is a standout feature for anyone who finds the constant beeping of appliances annoying, especially in studio apartments or late at night. The interior cavity, while compact, is well-designed to maximize usable space. However, it's important to note that while it can handle most mugs and bowls, larger, rectangular meal prep containers might not rotate freely, requiring manual repositioning during heating.
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave is a compact and efficient kitchen appliance designed for small spaces. It offers essential features like auto-cook settings and a child safety lock, making it a practical choice for dorms, offices, or apartments.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size fits perfectly in small kitchens or on crowded countertops
- ✓ Simple auto-cook settings for common foods like popcorn and pizza
- ✓ Effective child safety lock provides peace of mind
Cons
- ✗ At 700 watts, heating power is lower than some full-sized models
- ✗ The interior light is somewhat dim, making it hard to see food clearly
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, no-frills microwave that excels in its primary role for small-scale cooking and reheating. While it lacks the power and features of larger units, its reliability and space-saving design make it a worthwhile purchase for anyone with limited room.
For its size, the Farberware microwave performs admirably. The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is sufficient for a standard dinner plate or a medium-sized bowl, and the 700-watt power is adequate for reheating leftovers, beverages, and cooking frozen meals without issue. The control panel is intuitive, with a simple dial for time and buttons for the auto-cook functions and defrost. The black finish looks sleek and modern, and the overall build feels sturdy for a budget-friendly appliance.
The auto-cook settings are a convenient time-saver, though they work best with the specific brands and weights suggested in the manual. The interior is easy to wipe clean, which is a major plus. The child lock is straightforward to engage, a crucial feature for households with young children. The main limitation is the lower wattage, which means cooking from frozen or heating larger portions takes a bit longer than with a more powerful microwave, but for everyday light use, it's perfectly capable.
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a compact, feature-rich microwave designed for small kitchens and personal use. It offers a surprising number of smart functions in a sleek, space-saving design. This model is frequently highlighted as a top-rated option for its value and utility.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent space-saving design with a 0.7 cubic foot capacity
- ✓ Useful features like ECO mode and a sound on/off button
- ✓ Simple operation with easy one-touch buttons for common tasks
Cons
- ✗ At 700W, heating power is lower than some full-sized models
- ✗ The interior light is not very bright, making it hard to see food
My Honest Opinion
This is a fantastic microwave for anyone with limited counter space who still wants modern features. It performs reliably for everyday tasks like reheating and defrosting. The value for money is exceptional, making it easy to recommend.
For its compact footprint, this COMFEE microwave packs a serious punch in terms of functionality. The 0.7 cu. ft. cavity is perfectly sized for plates, mugs, and small bowls, making it ideal for singles, couples, dorm rooms, or office kitchens. The standout features are genuinely thoughtful: the ECO mode reduces standby power consumption, and the ability to mute the beeps is a blessing for late-night snacks or open-plan living spaces. The one-touch buttons for popular times like 30 seconds or 1 minute streamline the reheating process beautifully.
Performance is solid for a 700-watt appliance. It heats liquids and leftovers evenly, though larger or denser items will naturally take a bit longer than a 1000+ watt model. The build quality feels sturdy for the price point, and the black finish resists fingerprints well. While the interior could be brighter and the door feels a tad light, these are minor compromises for a microwave that excels in its core mission: providing reliable, quiet, and efficient heating in a small package.
Buyer's Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Factor 1
Size and Capacity: A true small microwave should fit in tight spaces. Look for a compact footprint and a capacity (like 0.7 to 0.9 cu. ft.) that balances interior space with a small exterior.
Factor 2
Power and Performance: Most small microwaves range from 700W to 900W. Higher wattage heats food faster and more evenly, so consider if speed is a priority over the most compact size.
Factor 3
Control and Convenience Features: Look for one-touch buttons for common tasks, a mute function, a child safety lock, and easy-clean interiors. These features make daily use much simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common size for a small microwave?
The most common compact size is 0.7 cubic feet, which is big enough for a dinner plate but keeps the outer dimensions small for countertops.
Is 700 watts enough power for a small microwave?
Yes, 700 watts is standard and sufficient for most tasks like reheating leftovers, beverages, and cooking simple meals in a compact model.
Why is a mute button important?
A mute function lets you turn off the beeps, which is great for not disturbing others late at night or early in the morning.
Do all small microwaves have a turntable?
Nearly all do to ensure even cooking. Some have removable turntables for easier cleaning.
What does ECO mode do?
ECO or standby mode reduces the power used by the display clock when the microwave is not in use, saving a small amount of energy.
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 blend of higher 900W power, a slightly larger 0.9 cu. ft. capacity, and a sleek design without being overly bulky.
Those who want a proven, straightforward, and very compact model should consider the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7. Your perfect choice depends on your priorities of power, interior space, and specific features like express cook buttons or a mute function.