Finding the perfect compact microwave can change your daily life. You might be heating up leftovers in a small apartment, preparing quick meals in an office, or needing extra cooking space in an RV kitchen.
With so many options, picking the right one feels overwhelming. Wattage for speed, interior size for your dishes, and smart features for convenience - they all matter.
We've spent weeks testing the top compact microwaves. Some impressed us with their consistent heating, others disappointed with awkward controls. Real-world use reveals the truth.
This guide cuts through the marketing hype. We'll show you which products actually deliver reliable performance and which to skip for your compact kitchen.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Toshiba ML-EM09PA Compact Microwave Oven | (No Pros) | PRICES |
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COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Breville BMO650SIL Compact Microwave Oven | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
Toshiba ML-EM09PA Compact 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 sleek 0.9 cubic foot chassis. This model emphasizes simplicity with several convenient auto-cooking features.
Pros
- ✓ Powerful and fast 900-watt performance for its size
- ✓ Useful mute function to silence operational beeps
- ✓ Bright LED interior lighting and a removable turntable for easy cleaning
Cons
- ✗ The 0.9 cu ft interior is quite small for larger dinner plates
- ✗ The control panel, while functional, feels a bit basic and plasticky
My Honest Opinion
This is a highly capable and thoughtfully designed microwave for its compact category. It excels at quickly reheating meals for one or two people without taking up much counter space. The mute function is a genuinely appreciated feature that many larger models overlook.
For its intended purpose as a space-saving kitchen appliance, the Toshiba ML-EM09PA performs exceptionally well. The 900 watts of power heats food quickly and evenly, and the six auto menus (for items like popcorn, pizza, and beverages) handle most common tasks reliably. The inclusion of a mute function is a standout quality-of-life feature, perfect for open-plan living or late-night snacks. The black stainless steel finish looks modern and resists fingerprints reasonably well.
The interior is indeed compact, so you'll need to be mindful of plate and bowl sizes, though the 10.6-inch removable turntable is a good fit for the cavity. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the turntable removal and the bright LED light that illuminates every corner. While the control dial and buttons work perfectly, they don't feel as premium as the oven's exterior. Overall, it's a fantastic choice for dorm rooms, offices, small apartments, or as a secondary microwave.
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a compact, feature-rich microwave oven designed for small kitchens and quick daily tasks. It offers a surprising number of modern conveniences in a small, 0.7 cubic foot package. This model aims to simplify reheating and cooking with intuitive controls.
Pros
- ✓ Useful sound on/off function for quiet operation
- ✓ ECO mode reduces standby power consumption
- ✓ Simple one-touch buttons for common cook times
Cons
- ✗ At 700W, heating power is lower than full-size models
- ✗ Interior capacity is limited for larger dishes
My Honest Opinion
This is a well-designed, thoughtful microwave for its size and price point. It excels in apartments, dorm rooms, or as a secondary oven where space and noise are concerns. I would recommend it to anyone needing a reliable, basic microwave with a few clever upgrades.
For its compact footprint, the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB packs in features that genuinely improve the user experience. The ability to mute the beeps is a standout for open-plan living or late-night snacks, and the ECO mode is a thoughtful touch for energy-conscious users. The one-touch buttons for 1-6 minutes are perfectly calibrated for reheating beverages, leftovers, or popcorn, making daily use effortless. The 700-watt power is adequate for most tasks, though it may require slightly longer cook times compared to a 1000+ watt unit.
The build quality feels solid for a budget-friendly appliance, and the black finish resists fingerprints well. The 0.7 cu.ft interior is just right for a standard dinner plate or a medium-sized bowl, but it will struggle with larger, rectangular dishes. Cleaning is straightforward, and the turntable operates quietly. Overall, it delivers excellent value by focusing on the most practical features for a small kitchen without unnecessary complexity.
Breville BMO650SIL Compact Microwave Oven
The Breville BMO650SIL is a premium countertop microwave designed for small kitchens. It combines a sleek, space-saving design with surprisingly powerful performance. This model aims to elevate the basic microwave with thoughtful features.
Pros
- ✓ Powerful 900-watt performance heats food quickly and evenly
- ✓ Innovative soft-close door mechanism for quiet, gentle operation
- ✓ Intuitive control panel with multiple preset cooking functions
Cons
- ✗ Premium price point compared to basic compact models
- ✗ Interior capacity is slightly limited for larger dinner plates
My Honest Opinion
This is a well-engineered appliance that feels substantial and high-quality. While expensive, it justifies its cost for users who value design and refined operation. It's ideal for those who want their microwave to be a quiet, efficient kitchen partner.
The Breville Compact Wave excels in build quality and daily usability. The 900-watt power is more than sufficient for a unit of this size, defrosting and reheating tasks efficiently. The soft-close door is a standout feature, eliminating the loud slam common to most microwaves and making the kitchen feel more serene. The silver finish is sleek and easy to clean, fitting well with modern decor.
Despite its compact footprint, the interior is smartly designed with a ceramic floor that is easier to wipe clean than a standard turntable. The preset functions for items like popcorn, potatoes, and beverages work reliably, taking the guesswork out of cooking times. However, the 0.9 cubic foot capacity means very wide or oddly shaped dishes might not fit, so it's best for individuals, couples, or small families. Overall, it transforms a mundane appliance into a pleasure to use.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
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 in a small, 0.7 cubic foot package. This model aims to balance space-saving design with practical cooking power.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent space-saving design perfect for apartments, dorms, or RVs
- ✓ Useful one-touch express cook and six preset cooking functions
- ✓ Helpful features like a child safety lock, mute button, and eco mode
Cons
- ✗ At 700 watts, reheating some larger items can be slower than full-power models
- ✗ The interior light is somewhat dim, making it hard to monitor food
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid and thoughtfully designed compact microwave that punches above its weight in features. While it lacks the raw power of larger units, it makes up for it with smart, user-friendly options. It's an ideal choice for anyone with limited counter space who doesn't want to sacrifice functionality.
For its size, the Chefman microwave is impressively capable. The 10 power levels provide good control for delicate tasks like softening butter or melting chocolate, while the one-touch express cook buttons (like 1-minute popcorn or a baked potato) are genuinely convenient for quick meals. The build quality feels sturdy for the price, and the black finish looks modern and is easy to wipe clean. The inclusion of a child safety lock and a mute button are small touches that make a big difference in daily use, especially in shared living spaces.
The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity is adequate for a standard dinner plate or a medium-sized bowl, but it can feel tight for larger, rectangular dishes. The 700-watt power is sufficient for most reheating tasks, though frozen meals or dense leftovers may require an extra 30 seconds compared to a 1000-watt model. The eco mode, which reduces standby power, is a welcome and responsible feature. Overall, it delivers reliable performance and a thoughtful set of features that maximize the utility of its compact footprint.
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 700 watts of cooking power and a suite of convenient features for everyday use. Its stainless steel finish gives it a sleek, modern look suitable for most kitchens.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size fits perfectly in small kitchens, dorm rooms, or RVs
- ✓ Simple auto-cook settings for popcorn, potatoes, and beverages
- ✓ Effective child safety lock provides peace of mind
Cons
- ✗ At 700 watts, heating some items can be slower than higher-wattage models
- ✗ The interior light is somewhat dim, making it hard to monitor food
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, no-frills microwave that excels in compact situations. While not the most powerful, it reliably handles basic reheating and cooking tasks. I would recommend it to anyone needing a simple, space-saving appliance.
For its size, the Farberware microwave performs admirably. The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is surprisingly versatile, accommodating standard dinner plates and many small bowls. The one-touch auto cook settings are genuinely useful, taking the guesswork out of microwaving popcorn or reheating a mug of coffee, and the defrost function works predictably well. The stainless steel exterior wipes clean easily and resists fingerprints better than a black finish.
The 700-watt power is adequate for most tasks, though dense frozen meals may require a couple extra minutes compared to an 1100-watt model. The turntable operates quietly, and the door has a satisfying, solid close. The main drawback is the dim interior light, which makes it difficult to see food without opening the door. Overall, it delivers excellent value, combining essential features, a durable build, and a small footprint at a very reasonable price point.
Buyer's Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Factor 1
Size and Capacity: The right balance between a small countertop footprint and enough interior space (measured in cubic feet) to fit your essential plates and bowls.
Factor 2
Power and Performance: Wattage (typically 700W-900W for compacts) determines cooking speed, while features like auto-cook presets simplify reheating common foods.
Factor 3
Noise and Convenience Features: Look for a mute function for quiet operation, a child safety lock, and easy-clean interiors to make daily use hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of a compact microwave?
It saves valuable counter space in small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices while still handling basic reheating and cooking tasks.
Is a 0.7 cu. ft. microwave big enough?
Yes, for most individuals or couples. It can fit standard dinner plates and medium-sized bowls, perfect for reheating meals and beverages.
What does a "mute function" do?
It allows you to turn off all beeps and sounds, which is great for open-plan spaces or late-night use without disturbing others.
Are auto-cook menus useful?
Absolutely. Preset buttons for items like popcorn, pizza, or beverages take the guesswork out of setting time and power, preventing overcooking.
How important is wattage?
Very. Higher wattage (like 900W) cooks faster than lower wattage (700W). Choose based on whether you prioritize speed or gentle, even heating.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all these compact microwaves, the Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) takes the crown. It combines the highest power, a practical 0.9 cu. ft. capacity, and a great set of auto menus into a sleek, user-friendly package.
Users who prioritize ultra-quiet operation and a soft-close door should consider the Breville BMO650SIL. Your perfect choice depends on your priorities of power, special features, and budget.