Finding the perfect small microwave can change your daily life. You might be reheating leftovers, making a quick snack, or defrosting dinner for one.
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 compact 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) Countertop Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
The Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave is a compact and feature-rich appliance designed for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices. It promises efficient cooking with a suite of modern conveniences in a sleek black design. This review explores whether it delivers on its promises for everyday use.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size fits perfectly in tight spaces without sacrificing interior capacity.
- ✓ Useful features like Express Cook, Eco Mode, and a mute button enhance daily usability.
- ✓ Straightforward control panel with 10 power levels and 6 presets for versatile cooking.
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 solid and thoughtfully designed microwave for anyone needing a small, capable appliance. While it won't replace a powerful primary microwave for a large family, it excels in secondary locations. The added features like the child lock and eco mode show good attention to detail.
For its compact footprint, this Chefman microwave offers a surprising amount of functionality. The 0.7 cubic foot interior is perfectly sized for a dinner plate, a medium bowl, or reheating leftovers, and the 10 adjustable power levels provide fine control for defrosting or gentle warming. The one-touch Express Cook buttons (30 seconds to 2 minutes) are incredibly handy for quick tasks like reheating a coffee or melting butter. The six cooking presets for items like popcorn, potatoes, and beverages work reliably, taking the guesswork out of common tasks.
The build quality feels sturdy for the price point, and the black exterior resists fingerprints well. The child safety lock is a essential feature for households with young children, and the dedicated mute button is a small but brilliant addition for open-plan living spaces. The Eco Mode, which dims the display to save energy when idle, is a nice touch. The main limitation is the 700-watt power, which means you'll need to add a little extra time compared to a 1000+ watt model, but for its intended use cases, it performs admirably.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact, 0.7 cubic foot countertop microwave designed for small kitchens or dorm rooms. It offers 700 watts of cooking power and a modern digital interface. This model focuses on providing essential features in a space-saving stainless steel design.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size fits perfectly in tight spaces without sacrificing interior capacity.
- ✓ Simple digital controls and one-touch buttons make operation intuitive.
- ✓ Effective child safety lock provides peace of mind for families.
Cons
- ✗ At 700 watts, heating power is lower than some full-sized models, leading to slightly longer cook times.
- ✗ The push-button door release feels less sturdy than a traditional handle.
My Honest Opinion
This is a reliable and thoughtfully designed microwave for anyone with limited counter space. While not the most powerful, it handles everyday tasks like reheating and defrosting competently. The safety features and clean look make it a solid value.
For its small footprint, the interior of the EM720CB7 is surprisingly usable. The turntable functions smoothly, and the 0.7 cu.ft capacity is adequate for a standard dinner plate or a medium-sized bowl. The digital keypad is responsive, and programming the clock or using the kitchen timer is straightforward. The stainless steel finish wipes clean easily and maintains a sleek appearance that blends with most kitchen decors.
Performance is consistent for a microwave in this wattage class. It reheats leftovers evenly and manages simple tasks like steaming vegetables or making popcorn well. push-button door is a minor point of contention; while it contributes to the minimalist design, it lacks the positive tactile feedback of a mechanical latch. Overall, this microwave excels as a secondary unit or a primary appliance for small households where counter real estate is precious.
Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) Countertop Microwave
The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact, 0.9 cubic foot microwave designed for small kitchens and tight spaces. It packs 900 watts of power and several convenient features into a sleek black stainless steel design. This model aims to offer full functionality without taking up much counter real estate.
Pros
- ✓ Compact 0.9 cu ft size fits perfectly in small kitchens and dorm rooms
- ✓ Useful 6 auto menus and mute function for quiet operation
- ✓ Bright LED interior lighting and a large, removable 10.6-inch turntable
Cons
- ✗ The exterior can show fingerprints and smudges easily
- ✗ Some users might find the 0.9 cu ft capacity limiting for larger dishes
My Honest Opinion
This is an excellent small microwave that performs its core functions very well. For singles, couples, or anyone with limited space, it's a reliable and feature-rich choice. I just wish it were a bit easier to keep clean.
The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) excels as a space-saving appliance. Its 0.9 cubic foot capacity is surprisingly versatile, easily handling a standard dinner plate or a large bowl of soup. The 900-watt power is more than sufficient for quick reheating and defrosting, and the six auto menus for common items like popcorn, pizza, and beverages add genuine convenience, taking the guesswork out of cook times. The standout feature for me is the mute function, which is a blessing for open-plan living areas or late-night snacks.
Despite its small footprint, the interior feels spacious thanks to the bright LED light and the large, removable glass turntable that makes cleanup a breeze. The black stainless steel finish looks modern and sleek, though it does require frequent wiping to maintain its appearance. While it won't accommodate a very large casserole dish, it perfectly balances capacity with a compact design, making it an ideal primary microwave for a small apartment or a secondary unit for an office or basement kitchenette.
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave is a compact and efficient appliance designed for small kitchens or limited counter space. It offers essential features like auto-cook settings and a child safety lock. This model aims to deliver reliable performance without taking up too much room.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size fits perfectly in small kitchens or dorm rooms
- ✓ Simple auto-cook settings make reheating common foods effortless
- ✓ Effective child safety lock provides peace of mind for families
Cons
- ✗ At 700 watts, heating power is lower than some full-sized models
- ✗ The interior capacity is limited for larger plates or dishes
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, no-frills microwave that excels in its primary role for small spaces. It's reliable for everyday tasks like reheating leftovers or making popcorn. I would recommend it to anyone needing basic functionality without a large footprint.
For its intended purpose, this Farberware microwave performs admirably. The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is sufficient for most mugs, bowls, and standard dinner plates, making it ideal for singles, couples, or as a secondary unit. The control panel is intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons for time, power level, and the handy one-touch auto-cook options for items like pizza, potatoes, and beverages. The 700-watt power is adequate for most reheating jobs, though it may add an extra 30 seconds to a minute compared to higher-wattage models.
The build quality feels sturdy for its price point, and the black exterior resists fingerprints reasonably well. The interior is easy to wipe clean, which is a major plus. The child safety lock is a simple but crucial feature for households with young children, easily activated with a button hold. While it won't handle a large casserole dish, its compact design is its greatest strength, freeing up valuable counter real estate without sacrificing essential modern microwave conveniences.
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is a compact, feature-rich microwave designed for small kitchens and efficient cooking. It packs a 1000W punch into a 1.2 cubic foot footprint, making it a powerful yet space-saving appliance. This model aims to simplify reheating and cooking with several automated functions.
Pros
- ✓ Powerful 1000W performance heats food quickly and evenly
- ✓ Smart humidity sensor automatically adjusts cooking time for optimal results
- ✓ Easy-clean interior and removable turntable simplify maintenance
Cons
- ✗ The exterior finish shows fingerprints and smudges very easily
- ✗ Some auto menus require referring to the manual for best use
My Honest Opinion
This is a highly capable and intelligent microwave for its size and price point. While it has minor cosmetic drawbacks, its cooking performance and convenience features are impressive. It's an excellent choice for anyone needing a powerful, compact countertop oven.
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS excels in daily use, where its 1000W power and smart sensor are the standout features. Reheating leftovers is a breeze, as the humidity sensor reliably prevents dried-out edges and cold centers by detecting steam and adjusting the time. The twelve auto menus handle everything from popcorn and pizza to more specific items like baked potatoes and beverages, though a few settings benefit from a quick glance at the included guide. The mute function is a thoughtful touch for quiet kitchens, and the ECO mode reduces standby power consumption.
Despite its stellar performance, the glossy black exterior is a magnet for fingerprints, requiring frequent wiping to keep it looking clean. The 1.2 cubic foot capacity is perfect for small households, easily accommodating a standard dinner plate, and the 12.4-inch removable turntable makes cleaning spills simple. The control panel is intuitive after the initial learning curve, and the build quality feels solid. For its compact dimensions, this microwave offers a surprising range of high-end features typically found in larger, more expensive models.
Buyer's Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Factor 1
Size and Capacity: Match the microwave's cubic feet to your kitchen space and typical meal size. A 0.7 cu. ft. model is great for singles or small snacks, while 0.9-1.2 cu. ft. fits plates and small dishes better.
Factor 2
Power and Speed: Wattage directly affects cooking time. Models range from 700W to 1000W; higher watts cook faster and more evenly, which is key for reheating meals quickly.
Factor 3
Special Features: Look for convenient extras like one-touch buttons, sensor cooking, mute functions, and easy-clean interiors. These add daily convenience beyond just basic heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size small microwave is best for a studio apartment?
A 0.7 to 0.9 cubic foot model is ideal. It's compact enough for limited counter space but still large enough for most dinner plates.
Is higher wattage better in a small microwave?
Generally, yes. Higher wattage (like 900W or 1000W) means faster and more even cooking, which is a big advantage even in a smaller-sized oven.
Do I need sensor cooking features?
It's very helpful for avoiding overcooking. Sensors adjust time and power based on steam, making reheating leftovers or popcorn foolproof.
Are these microwaves easy to clean?
Most modern models have easy-clean interiors, and a removable glass turntable is essential for wiping up spills quickly.
Can a small microwave handle a regular dinner plate?
Yes, especially models 0.9 cu. ft. and larger. Always check the interior dimensions, but most are designed to accommodate a standard 10-inch plate.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all these small microwaves, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS takes the crown. Its powerful 1000W performance, smart sensor, and spacious 1.2 cu. ft. interior offer the most value and versatility in a compact form.
Your perfect choice depends on your priorities. If you need maximum power and space, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is the top pick. For tighter budgets or smaller spaces, the simple and reliable BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a fantastic alternative.