Imagine needing a warm snack but having no space for a big appliance. That’s where tiny microwaves come in! These little helpers are perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even your office desk. But with so many choices, picking the right one can feel like a puzzle.
Finding a tiny microwave that actually works well without taking up too much room is tricky. You want something that heats your food quickly and reliably, but you don’t want it to be so small that it can’t fit your plate. It’s a balance that’s tough to get right.
This post is here to help! We’ll explore what makes a tiny microwave great and guide you through finding the best fit for your needs. You’ll learn what features to look for and which models are worth your money. Get ready to discover the perfect compact cooking companion!
Our Top 5 Tiny Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Tiny Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and powerful kitchen helper. It offers 700 watts of cooking power and 10 different power levels, so you can cook or reheat food just right. This microwave makes cooking easy with its 6 cooking presets and one-touch express cook options. It also has helpful features like an Eco Mode, a child safety lock, and a mute button for quiet operation.
What We Like:
- The 6 cooking presets make it super easy to cook common items like popcorn or potatoes.
- You can choose from 10 power levels, giving you control over how your food cooks.
- The “+30 seconds” button is handy for adding extra cooking time quickly.
- The memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts.
- The child safety lock adds peace of mind, especially in busy households.
- The mute button is a great feature for quiet kitchens.
- Its sleek black design looks good on any countertop.
- Cleaning is simple; the exterior wipes clean easily, and the turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- While powerful for its size, 700 watts might take slightly longer to cook compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic option for small spaces and everyday cooking needs. Its user-friendly features and thoughtful design make it a reliable addition to your kitchen.
2. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.6/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, fitting easily on your countertop. This black microwave makes cooking and reheating simple with its easy-to-use features. You can even silence annoying beeps!
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off the sound, so no more loud beeps when you’re cooking.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power by half.
- One-touch buttons for popcorn, pizza, and more make cooking super easy.
- Express cooking lets you add 30 seconds or cook for 1-6 minutes with a single press.
- It has two defrost settings, one for time and one for weight.
- The bright digital display and interior light make it easy to see what you’re cooking.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The 10-inch glass turntable rotates food for even heating.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be small for larger meals or families.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking presets.
This COMFEE microwave offers convenience and energy savings in a small package. It’s a solid choice for simple reheating and cooking needs.
3. Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Bring a splash of retro charm and modern convenience to your kitchen with the Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven. This adorable 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave heats up your food quickly. Its eye-catching aqua color and cool chrome accents make it a stylish addition to any countertop.
What We Like:
- The 700 watts of cooking power heats and reheats food fast.
- It has 12 helpful pre-programmed cooking settings for things like popcorn and pizza.
- The delay timer and express cooking features make meal prep even easier.
- The easy-to-read LED digital display shows the clock and cooking settings clearly.
- A rotating glass carousel ensures your food cooks evenly.
- The retro design with chrome accents adds a fun, stylish touch to your kitchen.
- The child lock feature gives you peace of mind.
- The interior is designed for easy cleaning after use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be a bit small for larger meals or dishes.
- While powerful, 700 watts might not be as fast as some higher-wattage microwaves.
This microwave is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a blend of nostalgic style and practical functionality. It’s a fun and effective way to heat up your favorite meals.
4. Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Step back in time with the Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven in a vibrant Bebop Blue. This charming microwave brings a touch of vintage style to your kitchen while offering modern convenience. Its compact 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for smaller spaces, and the easy-to-use pull handle makes opening it a breeze. You can cook and reheat your favorite foods with six different power levels, and the defrost function makes getting frozen meals ready simple.
What We Like:
- Stylish retro design in a fun Bebop Blue color.
- Compact 0.7 cu. ft. capacity fits well in most kitchens.
- Six variable power levels give you control over cooking.
- Easy defrost by time or weight for frozen foods.
- Interior LED light lets you check your food without opening the door.
- Child lock feature keeps little ones safe from accidental operation.
- 360° rotating turntable ensures even heating and delicious results.
- Clear LED display shows cooking time easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- 700 watts of power might be slower for larger or denser items compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The retro aesthetic, while charming, might not fit every modern kitchen decor.
This Galanz microwave is a delightful addition to any kitchen, offering a blend of retro charm and practical features. Enjoy quick, even cooking with its user-friendly design and safety options.
5. Galanz GLCMKA07RDR-07 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Galanz GLCMKA07RDR-07 Microwave Oven brings a touch of retro charm to your kitchen while offering modern convenience. Its vibrant red color and classic pull handle design make it a stylish addition, and its compact 0.7 cubic foot size is perfect for smaller spaces. This microwave is designed for simple, everyday cooking and reheating.
What We Like:
- The 700-watt power with six variable power levels lets you cook a variety of foods.
- Defrosting by time or weight helps you get your frozen meals ready quickly.
- The easy-to-read LED display shows you how much time is left.
- A 360° rotating turntable ensures your food heats up evenly.
- The interior light lets you check on your food without opening the door.
- The child lock feature provides peace of mind for families.
- The retro red color and pull handle design add a fun, stylish look.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger dishes or family meals.
- Some users might prefer digital buttons over a pull-handle design.
Overall, the Galanz GLCMKA07RDR-07 is a good option for those seeking a compact, stylish, and easy-to-use microwave for basic kitchen tasks. Its user-friendly features and safety options make it a practical choice for many households.
Choosing the Right Tiny Microwave: Your Guide to Small-Space Cooking
Tiny microwaves are fantastic for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even as a secondary appliance. They save space and are perfect for reheating leftovers or making quick snacks. Let’s dive into what makes a tiny microwave a great buy.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a tiny microwave, a few features really stand out.
1. Size and Capacity
This is the most important thing for a tiny microwave. Measure the space where you plan to put it. Most tiny microwaves are under 1 cubic foot. Think about what you’ll be heating. A smaller capacity (like 0.7 cubic feet) is great for a single mug of soup or a small plate. A slightly larger one (around 0.9 cubic feet) might fit a small frozen meal.
2. Wattage (Power)
Microwaves use wattage to heat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For tiny microwaves, you’ll usually see them between 700 and 1000 watts. A 700-watt microwave will take a little longer to heat things up compared to a 1000-watt one. For most simple tasks, 700 watts is usually fine.
3. Turntable or No Turntable
Most microwaves have a turntable that spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Some tiny microwaves skip the turntable to save space or make cleaning easier. If you choose one without a turntable, make sure it has good internal design to still heat your food well.
4. Preset Cooking Options
Many tiny microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or drinks. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking. You just press a button, and the microwave knows how long to cook it.
5. Easy-to-Clean Interior
A smooth interior surface makes cleaning up splatters a breeze. Look for models with wipeable surfaces.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it works.
- Exterior: Most tiny microwaves have a metal or plastic exterior. Metal is generally more durable.
- Interior: The inside is usually coated with a non-stick material or enamel. This makes it easier to wipe clean.
- Door: The door has a glass window so you can see your food. The handle should feel sturdy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a tiny microwave better or worse.
What Makes it Good:
- Even Heating: Does it cook your food all the way through without cold spots? This is a sign of good design.
- Simple Controls: Is it easy to set the time and power level?
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter one is more pleasant to use.
- Durable Build: Does it feel solid and well-made?
What Makes it Less Good:
- Uneven Cooking: If your food is still cold in the middle, the microwave isn’t working well.
- Flimsy Parts: A wobbly door or cheap-feeling buttons can mean it won’t last long.
- Difficult Cleaning: A sticky or hard-to-reach interior makes cleanup a chore.
- Confusing Controls: If you can’t figure out how to use it easily, it’s not a good choice.
User Experience and Use Cases
Tiny microwaves are all about making your life easier in small spaces.
Who Needs One?
- Students in Dorms: Perfect for late-night snacks or reheating meals.
- Apartment Dwellers: Ideal when kitchen space is limited.
- Office Workers: Keep one at your desk for quick lunches.
- Elderly Individuals: Simple to use for heating up food.
- Anyone Needing a Second Microwave: Great for reheating a drink while the main oven is in use.
Common Uses:
- Reheating leftovers.
- Making instant oatmeal or soup.
- Heating up a mug of coffee or tea.
- Cooking microwave popcorn.
- Defrosting small items.
Tiny Microwave FAQs
Q: What is the best wattage for a tiny microwave?
A: For most everyday tasks, 700 to 1000 watts is a good range for tiny microwaves. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
Q: Do I need a turntable in a tiny microwave?
A: A turntable helps food cook evenly. Some tiny microwaves don’t have them, but they usually have special designs to heat food well.
Q: How much food can a tiny microwave hold?
A: Tiny microwaves usually hold less than 1 cubic foot. This is good for single servings or small snacks.
Q: Are tiny microwaves hard to clean?
A: Many tiny microwaves have smooth interiors that are easy to wipe down. Look for models that are simple to clean.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a tiny microwave?
A: Tiny microwaves are best for reheating or cooking simple meals. They aren’t usually big enough for large dishes.
Q: Are tiny microwaves energy efficient?
A: They use less energy than full-sized microwaves because they are smaller and have lower wattage. This makes them quite efficient.
Q: What should I do if my tiny microwave isn’t heating food evenly?
A: Check if the turntable is working. If not, try rearranging your food halfway through cooking. If the problem continues, the microwave might have a problem.
Q: Can I put metal in a tiny microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in any microwave, including tiny ones. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How long do tiny microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, a tiny microwave can last for several years, often between 5 to 10 years.
Q: Are there any safety features I should look for?
A: Look for features like a child lock to prevent accidental use, and a door that seals tightly to keep heat inside.
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!