Finding the perfect small microwave can change your daily life. You might be heating up leftovers in a tiny apartment, preparing quick meals in a dorm room, or needing a compact kitchen companion.
With so many options, picking the right one feels overwhelming. Wattage for quick cooking, interior capacity for your dishes, and smart features for convenience - they all matter.
We've spent weeks testing the top five small microwaves. Some impressed us with their consistent performance, others disappointed with uneven heating. Real-world use reveals the truth.
This guide cuts through the marketing hype. We'll show you which products actually deliver reliable power in a small footprint and which to skip.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave | (Not Available) | PRICES |
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COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave | (Not Available) | PRICES |
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Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven | (Not Available) | PRICES |
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Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven | (Not Available) | PRICES |
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Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave | (Not Available) | 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 focuses on essential features with a few convenient safety additions.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size fits perfectly on countertops or in dorms
- ✓ Simple digital controls with one-touch buttons are user-friendly
- ✓ Effective child safety lock provides peace of mind
Cons
- ✗ The push-button door mechanism feels less durable than a handle
- ✗ At 700W, cooking times can be slower than higher-wattage models
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, no-frills microwave that excels in its primary job for small households. I appreciate its straightforward operation and reliable performance for basic tasks. It's a good value for someone who needs a simple, space-saving appliance.
For its compact footprint, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 delivers consistent and even heating, thanks to its interior turntable. The stainless steel finish is easy to wipe clean and looks more premium than its price point suggests. The ten power levels offer decent flexibility for defrosting, reheating, and cooking simple meals, though the 700-watt power means you'll need to add a little extra time compared to more powerful units.
The digital keypad is responsive and the interior light is sufficiently bright. The inclusion of a child safety lock is a thoughtful feature for families. However, the push-button door release, while sleek, can be awkward to use with wet or greasy hands, and it doesn't instill the same confidence in long-term durability as a traditional handle. Overall, it's a highly functional appliance that maximizes utility in a minimal amount of space.
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 modern look with practical functions that go beyond basic reheating. This model aims to balance convenience with quiet operation.
Pros
- ✓ Useful sound on/off function for quiet kitchens
- ✓ ECO mode reduces standby power consumption
- ✓ Simple one-touch buttons for common cook times
Cons
- ✗ 700W power is slower than standard 1000W models
- ✗ Interior capacity is somewhat limited at 0.7 cubic feet
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, thoughtful microwave for anyone with limited counter space. The special features genuinely add value, though the lower wattage requires patience. I recommend it for dorm rooms, offices, or as a secondary unit.
For its compact footprint, the COMFEE microwave packs in thoughtful features that enhance daily use. The ability to mute the beeps is a game-changer for open-plan living or late-night snacks, and the ECO mode provides a small but welcome reduction in energy use. The one-touch buttons for times like 30 seconds or 1 minute make reheating a beverage or plate of leftovers incredibly straightforward. The black finish and clean interface give it a modern look that fits most decors.
The 700-watt power is the main compromise for the small size. It takes noticeably longer to cook or heat items compared to a full-power microwave, so you'll need to adjust your timing expectations. The 0.7 cu.ft capacity is adequate for a dinner plate or a medium-sized bowl, but it won't accommodate larger, oddly shaped dishes. Despite these limitations, the build quality feels good for the price, and it performs its core reheating duties reliably.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven
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 review covers its performance and usability in detail.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size saves significant counter space
- ✓ Useful one-touch express cook and preset functions
- ✓ Helpful features like child lock and mute button
Cons
- ✗ Lower 700-watt power means longer cook times
- ✗ Interior capacity is tight for larger dinner plates
My Honest Opinion
This is an excellent microwave for anyone with limited space who still wants smart features. The trade-off for its small size is slightly slower cooking power. Overall, it delivers great value for its purpose.
For its compact dimensions, the Chefman microwave performs admirably. The 10 power levels and 6 cooking presets (like for popcorn, pizza, or beverages) make it versatile beyond simple reheating. The one-touch express cook buttons are a genuine time-saver for quick tasks, and the eco mode is a thoughtful addition for energy savings. The build quality feels solid, and the black finish looks modern and clean on the counter.
The 0.7 cu. ft. interior is perfectly adequate for mugs, bowls, and most lunch plates, though fitting a large, full-sized dinner plate can be a challenge. The 700-watt power is sufficient for most tasks but requires adjusting cook times upwards compared to a standard 1000-watt model. The child safety lock and the ability to mute the beeps are practical features that enhance daily use, making this a considerate choice for shared living spaces.
Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven
The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact, 0.9 cubic foot microwave designed for small kitchens and efficient cooking. It packs 900 watts of power and several smart features into a sleek black stainless steel design. This model aims to offer full functionality without occupying excessive counter space.
Pros
- ✓ Compact 0.9 cu ft size is perfect for small kitchens and dorm rooms
- ✓ Useful 6 auto menus and mute function for convenient, quiet operation
- ✓ Bright LED interior lighting and a large, removable 10.6-inch turntable
Cons
- ✗ At 900W, heating large items can be slightly slower than full-power models
- ✗ The exterior finish shows fingerprints and smudges quite easily
My Honest Opinion
This is a highly capable and thoughtfully designed small microwave that excels in limited spaces. While it has minor drawbacks, its smart features and reliable performance make it a strong contender. I believe it offers excellent value for anyone needing a compact yet powerful appliance.
The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) strikes an impressive balance between a small footprint and practical functionality. The 0.9 cubic foot capacity is surprisingly versatile, easily accommodating a standard dinner plate or a medium-sized bowl. The six auto menus for common foods like popcorn, pizza, and beverages work reliably and eliminate guesswork, while the mute function is a genuine blessing for open-plan living areas or late-night use. The build quality feels solid, and the black stainless steel finish gives it a modern, upscale look that fits most kitchen decors.
Performance from the 900-watt magnetron is consistent and effective for everyday tasks like reheating leftovers, steaming vegetables, or making a quick mug cake. The interior is brightly lit by an LED, making it easy to monitor your food, and the large turntable ensures even cooking. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the removable glass turntable and the smooth interior walls. The main compromise for its compact size is that very large or dense items will require a bit more time than a 1100+ watt microwave, but for its intended purpose as a space-saving primary or secondary microwave, it performs admirably well.
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is a compact, feature-packed microwave designed for small kitchens. It offers a surprising number of smart functions in a 1.2 cubic foot footprint. This model aims to simplify cooking with automated sensors and easy cleaning.
Pros
- ✓ Smart humidity sensor for perfectly cooked food
- ✓ Easy-clean interior and removable turntable
- ✓ Mute function and ECO mode for quiet efficiency
Cons
- ✗ Interior capacity is tight for larger dinner plates
- ✗ Some auto menus require checking the manual initially
My Honest Opinion
This is an excellent small microwave that punches above its weight in features. It's ideal for singles, couples, or dorm rooms where counter space is limited. The smart sensor genuinely works well, taking the guesswork out of reheating.
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS excels in its core function: heating food quickly and evenly. The 1000W power is more than sufficient for a unit this size, and the smart humidity sensor is a standout feature. I've found it remarkably good at reheating leftovers like pasta and casseroles without drying them out, automatically adjusting time and power. The twelve auto menus provide a good starting point for common items like popcorn, potatoes, and beverages.
Despite its small exterior, the interior is well-designed. The 12.4-inch removable turntable is easy to clean, and the stainless steel interior wipes down effortlessly. The mute function is a blessing for late-night snacks, and the ECO mode reduces standby power consumption. While you won't fit a large, rectangular baking dish inside, it handles most standard microwave-safe bowls and plates with ease. For its price point, the combination of build quality, thoughtful features, and reliable performance is impressive.
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 0.7-0.9 cu.ft. model is ideal for small kitchens or solo users, while closer to 1.2 cu.ft. fits small families.
Factor 2
Special Features: Look for convenient functions like mute buttons, ECO modes to save standby power, and one-touch express cook buttons for quick reheating without fussing with settings.
Factor 3
Ease of Cleaning: An interior with fewer crevices and a removable turntable makes wiping up spills much simpler, helping keep your appliance hygienic with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size microwave is best for a small kitchen?
A 0.7 to 0.9 cubic foot model is perfect, as it offers enough cooking space without taking up too much precious countertop real estate.
Are these microwaves good for a college dorm?
Absolutely! Models like the BLACK+DECKER and COMFEE' are compact, have safety locks, and are the right size and power for dorm life.
What does the ECO mode do?
ECO mode reduces the power used by the display and electronics when the microwave is idle, saving a bit of energy over time.
Can I turn off the beeping sounds?
Yes, many models like the Toshiba and Chefman include a mute function, which is great for late-night snacks or open-concept living spaces.
Is a removable turntable important?
Very! It makes cleaning underneath much easier. All the microwaves listed have removable turntables for this reason.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all these small microwaves, the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) takes the crown. It strikes the best balance with its compact 0.9 cu.ft. size, powerful 900W performance, and useful auto-cook menus.
Your perfect choice depends on your priorities. If you need maximum power and advanced sensors in a slightly larger frame, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a fantastic upgrade. For the tightest budgets and simplest needs, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 remains a reliable workhorse.