Ever feel like your kitchen counter is shrinking before your eyes? That feeling is a common one, especially when it comes to finding the perfect appliance that fits both your space and your needs. Choosing a microwave can feel like a treasure hunt, and when you’re specifically looking for a .9 cubic foot model, the options can sometimes feel overwhelming. You want something that heats your snacks quickly and efficiently, but you also don’t want it to take up all your precious counter real estate.
This is where we come in. We understand the struggle of balancing size, features, and budget. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clearer picture of what makes a great .9 cubic foot microwave, what to look for, and how to pick the one that’s just right for your kitchen. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave confusion and hello to perfectly heated meals!
Our Top 5 .9 Cubic Foot Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 .9 Cubic Foot Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven, a sleek and powerful addition to any kitchen. Its stainless steel finish looks great, and its 0.9 cubic foot capacity is just right for everyday meals and snacks. This microwave makes cooking easy with its simple controls and helpful features.
What We Like:
- It has many helpful pre-programmed buttons for things like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and even frozen veggies.
- The 900 watts of power with 10 different settings let you cook and reheat food perfectly.
- The push-button door release makes opening the microwave quick and easy.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The large LED display is bright and easy to read.
- It includes a clock and a kitchen timer, so you don’t need a separate one.
- The 30-second express cook button is super handy for quick reheating.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the internal dimensions a little snug for very large dishes.
- While it has many features, it doesn’t have more advanced cooking modes like convection.
Overall, this BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a great balance of features and ease of use, making it a solid choice for busy households.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.0/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse for your kitchen. It offers 900 watts of cooking power and a 0.9 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for small spaces. With 10 power levels and 6 handy cooking presets, you can prepare a variety of meals quickly and easily. Its sleek black design also complements any kitchen décor.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra fast, saving you time.
- You get 10 different power levels, so you can cook things just right.
- The digital controls are simple to use.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings with the memory function.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- The mute button lets you cook quietly.
- Eco Mode helps save energy and turns off the display.
- Cleaning is a breeze with its easy-wipe exterior and dishwasher-safe turntable.
- Chefman provides trusted quality and a 1-year assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger families or for cooking big dishes.
- While it has 6 presets, some users might wish for more specialized cooking options.
This microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and efficiency for your daily cooking needs. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use countertop appliance.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven, your new kitchen helper that’s just right for smaller spaces like apartments and dorm rooms. This sleek stainless steel microwave packs a punch with 900 watts of power, making quick work of your meals. It’s designed with busy lives in mind, offering handy features that simplify cooking and ensure safety.
What We Like:
- Powerful Performance: With 900 watts of power, it heats and cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Smart Cooking Options: Six preset menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular items like popcorn and potatoes.
- Flexible Cooking: Eleven different power levels give you control, whether you’re boiling water or making a delicate sauce.
- Convenient Defrost: Easily defrost food by weight or time, saving you precious minutes.
- Quiet Operation: The mute function lets you silence the beeping, so you won’t disturb anyone.
- Child Safety Lock: A two-step child lock prevents little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- Compact Size: Its 0.9 cu ft capacity and 10.6-inch turntable fit well in tight kitchens.
- Easy to Use: The one-touch start feature gets you cooking in seconds.
What Could Be Improved:
- External Dimensions: While compact inside, the external dimensions might be a bit larger than some ultra-small microwaves.
- Input Power: The 1400-watt input power is higher than the output, which is typical but worth noting for power consumption.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance without taking up too much space. It balances convenience and safety perfectly.
4. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 10.6″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 8.6/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s a full-sized 0.9 cubic feet microwave with a sleek stainless steel design. This oven heats food quickly and evenly, making meal prep a breeze. It’s designed for everyday use and adds a modern touch to your countertop.
What We Like:
- The 900-watt power heats food fast.
- The 0.9 cubic feet capacity is big enough for most meals.
- It features a removable 10.6-inch carousel turntable for even cooking.
- The new gray interior and LED lighting make it easy to see your food.
- The white LED display is bright and clear.
- You get 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking for precise control.
- The “+30 seconds” key is handy for quick reheating.
- Auto Cook and Express Cook features make cooking simple.
- Weight and Time Defrost take the guesswork out of thawing.
- The stylish stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cubic feet capacity might be a bit small for very large dishes or multiple items.
- While the design is stylish, some might prefer a different finish.
This SHARP microwave offers a great balance of power, features, and style for everyday cooking needs. It’s a reliable choice that simplifies your kitchen tasks.
5. BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.3/10
The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper. It packs a lot of features into a compact size, making it great for any home. With 900 watts of power, it heats and cooks food quickly.
What We Like:
- 6 PRE-PROGRAMMED AUTO MENUS: Easily cook popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen veggies, drinks, and dinner plates with just a touch. This saves you time and makes sure your food turns out just right.
- 10 ADJUSTABLE POWER SETTINGS: You have lots of control over how your food cooks. Whether you’re defrosting, warming up leftovers, or cooking something new, you can find the perfect power level.
- ONE TOUCH START: Start cooking or reheating with a single button press. It’s super simple and saves you time, especially when you’re in a hurry.
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: The child safety lock keeps little ones safe. It also has a kitchen timer and a memory function to save your favorite settings.
- SPACIOUS 0.9 Cubic Feet CAPACITY: Despite its small footprint, it fits a 10-inch pizza on the turntable. It’s ideal for small kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms.
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This safety feature is easy to use and keeps children from accidentally turning on the microwave. You can turn it off if you don’t need it.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior can get warm during longer cooking cycles.
- The digital display could be brighter for better visibility in some lighting conditions.
This microwave is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. It offers great convenience for everyday cooking needs.
Your Guide to a .9 Cubic Foot Microwave: Small Size, Big Convenience
Microwaves make life easier. They heat up leftovers fast. They defrost frozen foods quickly. They even cook some meals. A .9 cubic foot microwave is a popular size. It’s not too big and not too small. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Why Choose a .9 Cubic Foot Microwave?
This size is perfect for many kitchens. It fits on most countertops. It’s also great for small apartments or dorm rooms. You can still fit a decent-sized plate inside. It’s a good balance between space-saving and capacity.
Key Features to Look For
1. Wattage: The Powerhouse
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most .9 cubic foot microwaves have around 900 to 1000 watts. More watts cook food more evenly and quickly. Less wattage might take longer.
2. Cooking Presets: Your Shortcut to Delicious
Many microwaves have special buttons. These buttons are for common foods. Think popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. They take the guesswork out of cooking times and power levels.
3. Turntable: For Even Heating
A turntable rotates your food. This ensures it heats up evenly. Most .9 cubic foot models have a glass turntable. Some might have a removable one for easy cleaning.
4. Auto Defrost: Thawing Made Simple
This feature lets you defrost food by weight or time. You just tell the microwave what you’re defrosting. It figures out the best power level and time. It’s a real time-saver.
5. Interior Light: See Your Food Cook
An interior light lets you check on your food. You can see if it’s browning or bubbling. This helps prevent overcooking.
6. Child Lock: Safety First
This is a great safety feature. It prevents little hands from turning the microwave on by accident. It gives parents peace of mind.
Important Materials
Most microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Plastic is lighter and often more affordable. The interior is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are easier to clean and more resistant to scratches.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great?
- Build Quality: A sturdy door that closes properly and a solid feel suggest good construction.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly without hot spots.
- User-Friendly Controls: Buttons that are easy to read and use make a big difference.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisier than others. A quieter model is a plus.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Ideal?
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels cheap might not last as long.
- Uneven Heating: Cold spots in your food are frustrating.
- Confusing Controls: If you can’t figure out how to use it, it’s not much good.
- Excessive Noise: A loud microwave can be disruptive.
User Experience and Use Cases
A .9 cubic foot microwave is very versatile. It’s perfect for heating up a single meal. It works well for making popcorn. You can also use it to reheat coffee or tea. Busy individuals and small families find these microwaves very convenient. They are easy to operate for most people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the biggest plate I can fit in a .9 cubic foot microwave?
A: You can usually fit a standard dinner plate, around 10-11 inches in diameter. Always check the interior dimensions if you have larger plates.
Q: Are .9 cubic foot microwaves energy efficient?
A: Most modern microwaves are quite energy efficient. Look for ENERGY STAR certified models for the best efficiency.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes. The steam loosens grime.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave?
A: Generally, no. Metal can cause sparks and damage the microwave. Some microwaves have special settings for browning with metal racks, but always check your manual.
Q: What does “wattage” mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means it cooks food faster and more evenly.
Q: How long do .9 cubic foot microwaves usually last?
A: With proper care, a microwave can last anywhere from 7 to 12 years.
Q: Are there different types of .9 cubic foot microwaves?
A: Yes, there are countertop models and some can be built-in with special kits. Most .9 cubic foot microwaves are countertop models.
Q: What are the benefits of a turntable?
A: A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. It prevents cold spots.
Q: Is a child lock feature important?
A: Yes, it is important for safety. It stops children from accidentally turning on the microwave.
Q: Where is the best place to put a .9 cubic foot microwave?
A: On your kitchen counter is the most common place. Make sure it has some space around it for ventilation.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!