Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, but your kitchen counter is already packed. Or perhaps you’re setting up a dorm room or a small apartment, and every inch of space counts. In these situations, a full-sized microwave feels like a giant taking over your cozy corner. That’s where compact microwave ovens come to the rescue!
Choosing the perfect compact microwave can feel like a treasure hunt. You want something that fits your limited space, heats your food evenly, and doesn’t cost a fortune. But with so many brands and features, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what truly matters. You might wonder if a smaller oven can still do the job well, or if you’ll have to sacrifice cooking power for size.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you navigate the world of compact microwaves. We’ll break down what makes a good one, what to look for, and how to find the ideal fit for your needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to enjoy quick meals without the kitchen clutter.
Our Top 5 Compact Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Compact Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed for your busy kitchen. This 0.7 cu. ft. microwave packs 700 watts of cooking power, making it ideal for quick meals and snacks. Its sleek black finish and modern design complement any countertop. With 10 power levels and 6 handy cooking presets, it makes preparing your favorite foods a breeze.
What We Like:
- Extra-quick cooking with 6 popular presets and one-touch express cook options.
- 10 power levels offer versatility, from melting butter to rapid cooking.
- Digital controls are user-friendly, allowing easy time and power adjustments.
- Memory function lets you save frequently used cooking settings for one-touch convenience.
- Child safety lock provides peace of mind, preventing accidental door openings.
- Mute option silences annoying beeps for a quieter kitchen experience.
- Eco Mode helps save power and disables the display when not in use.
- Easy to clean exterior and a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.
- Trusted quality with cETL approval and a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger households or cooking bigger dishes.
This Chefman microwave oven is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for everyday cooking needs. It offers a great balance of features, power, and convenience in a compact package.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven, a sleek and smart appliance designed for modern kitchens, especially those in apartments. Its black stainless steel finish looks great, and its compact size means it won’t take up too much counter space. This microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its helpful features.
What We Like:
- The 900-watt power quickly heats and cooks food.
- Six handy auto-menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular items like popcorn and potatoes.
- A child lock feature keeps little hands safe by preventing accidental starts.
- The mute function lets you silence the end-of-cooking beep, perfect for quiet mornings or late nights.
- Eleven power levels offer great control for different cooking tasks, from defrosting to simmering.
- The easy defrost option by weight or time saves you time.
- A 10.6-inch removable turntable fits most standard dishes and is easy to clean.
- LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions, while compact, might still be a squeeze for very tiny kitchens.
- Setting up the two-step child lock requires following specific instructions.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. Its smart features and safety options make it a valuable addition to any home.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that brings smart cooking to your kitchen. It boasts a sleek black design and a powerful 1000-watt output, making it capable of handling all your reheating and cooking needs. This microwave is designed for convenience and precision, featuring smart sensor technology that takes the guesswork out of meal preparation.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor is a standout feature. It automatically detects how much moisture is in your food and adjusts the cooking time and power. This helps prevent your food from becoming overcooked or undercooked, ensuring perfect results every time.
- It comes with 6 preset menus for popular items like pizza and vegetables, plus a sensor reheat option. This makes it super easy to cook common foods with just a touch.
- You get 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control for different cooking tasks. You can also use it as a clock or a kitchen timer.
- Defrosting is simple, whether you choose to defrost by weight or by time. The “One Touch Start” feature lets you quickly start cooking for 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
- The Mute Function is a thoughtful addition. You can turn off the buzzer sound by holding down the “8” button for a few seconds, which is great for quiet kitchens or late-night snacking.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
- The interior is designed for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might prefer more variety.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some microwaves, so it might draw more electricity.
This Toshiba microwave offers a great balance of smart features and user-friendly operation. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient countertop microwave.
4. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.7/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a smart and convenient addition to any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces. This microwave offers a range of useful features that simplify cooking and reheating.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you cook without annoying beeps, which is great for early mornings or late nights.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power by half.
- Easy one-touch buttons make cooking popcorn, potatoes, or pizza a breeze.
- Express cooking gets your food ready quickly with 1-6 minute and 30-second options.
- Two defrost settings, by weight or time, make thawing food simple.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- A bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it user-friendly.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks, and the 10-inch glass turntable rotates smoothly.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity for bigger meals.
- While the one-touch buttons are easy, a few more customizable presets could be helpful.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a user-friendly and energy-efficient countertop appliance. Its quiet operation and handy features make it a practical kitchen helper.
5. TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven with 11 Power Levels
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven MM-EM07PA(BK) is a compact powerhouse designed for your kitchen. It offers 700W of cooking power and a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for small spaces. This microwave makes reheating, cooking, and defrosting simple.
What We Like:
- Its compact design fits easily on most countertops.
- ChefDefrost is a smart feature that thaws food quickly and evenly, preserving its taste and texture.
- You can choose from 11 different power levels for precise cooking.
- The 6 auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn and potatoes.
- The One Touch Start is super convenient for quick heating.
- The Child Lock feature adds safety for families.
- ECO Mode helps save energy.
- You can turn off the annoying beeping sounds with the Mute Mode.
- It has a handy kitchen timer.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity might be too small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- While 700W is good for basic tasks, it might take longer to cook some foods compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a great option for singles, couples, or anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich small appliance. It balances convenience with smart cooking technology.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Compact Microwave Companion
Looking for a microwave that fits your small kitchen or dorm room? A compact microwave oven is a great choice. These smaller appliances save space. They still cook, reheat, and defrost food efficiently. This guide helps you find the perfect one.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a compact microwave, consider these important features.
Power Levels (Wattage)
- What it is: Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
- What to look for: Most compact microwaves have between 700 and 1000 watts. For quicker meals, aim for 900 watts or more.
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
- What it is: This is how much food fits inside.
- What to look for: Compact models usually range from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. A 0.7 or 0.9 cubic foot size is good for most single servings or small meals.
Turntable Size
- What it is: This is the glass plate that spins your food.
- What to look for: Make sure the turntable is big enough for your plates. A 10-inch or 12-inch turntable is common and works well.
Pre-programmed Settings
- What it is: These are buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes.
- What to look for: Useful settings can make cooking easier and faster. Some microwaves have defrost settings too.
One-Touch Start/Add 30 Seconds
- What it is: A button to start cooking or add extra time quickly.
- What to look for: This feature is very handy for reheating leftovers or adding a bit more cooking time.
Child Lock
- What it is: This feature prevents the microwave from being turned on by accident.
- What to look for: If you have young children, this is a safety must-have.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it works.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or painted metal exterior. Stainless steel looks modern and is easy to clean.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of painted metal or ceramic enamel. Ceramic enamel is a good choice because it’s scratch-resistant and easy to wipe clean. It also doesn’t absorb odors as much.
- Turntable: The turntable is typically made of tempered glass. This glass is strong and can withstand heat.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it less ideal.
Quality Improvements
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks food evenly. This means no cold spots.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are very noisy. A quieter model is more pleasant to use.
- Easy Controls: Simple buttons and clear displays make using the microwave a breeze.
- Durable Build: A well-built microwave will last longer.
Quality Reducers
- Uneven Heating: If your food is often cold in the middle and hot on the edges, the microwave isn’t cooking well.
- Flimsy Door: A door that feels weak or doesn’t close properly is a sign of lower quality.
- Difficult Cleaning: Some interiors are hard to wipe down. This can lead to built-up grease and grime.
- Short Lifespan: If the microwave breaks down after only a year or two, it wasn’t built to last.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your compact microwave.
For Students and Dorm Rooms
- Compact microwaves are perfect for small dorm rooms.
- Students can easily reheat meals, make instant noodles, or heat up snacks.
- They are great for quick breakfasts before class.
For Small Kitchens and Apartments
- If you have limited counter space, a compact microwave is a lifesaver.
- It’s ideal for singles or couples who don’t need a large appliance.
- You can still enjoy the convenience of microwave cooking without sacrificing space.
For Offices or Breakrooms
- A small microwave is great for office kitchens.
- Employees can quickly heat up their lunches.
- It’s a convenient addition to any shared workspace.
User Experience Tips
- Always read the instruction manual.
- Clean your microwave regularly to keep it working well and smelling fresh.
- Use microwave-safe dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the average size of a compact microwave?
A: Compact microwaves typically have a capacity between 0.5 and 1.0 cubic feet. This means they are smaller than standard microwaves.
Q: Are compact microwaves as powerful as larger ones?
A: They can be. Wattage is the key. Many compact models offer 700 to 1000 watts, which is strong enough for most everyday tasks.
Q: Can I fit a dinner plate in a compact microwave?
A: Most compact microwaves have a turntable size that can fit standard dinner plates. It’s good to check the specific dimensions before buying.
Q: Are compact microwaves good for cooking full meals?
A: They are best for reheating, defrosting, and cooking smaller items or single servings. Cooking very large meals might take longer or not cook evenly.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a compact microwave?
A: You can clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For stubborn stains, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: What does “wattage” mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage tells you how much power the microwave uses to heat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking times.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for the exterior?
A: Yes, stainless steel is a durable and attractive material. It’s also easy to wipe down.
Q: What is a “turntable” in a microwave?
A: The turntable is the rotating glass plate inside the microwave. It helps your food cook evenly by spinning it around.
Q: Can I use metal containers in a compact microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How long do compact microwaves usually last?
A: With proper care and regular cleaning, a good compact microwave can last for several years, often 5 to 10 years.
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!