Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, but your tiny kitchen counter is already overflowing with appliances. Where will a microwave even fit? Many of us know this feeling all too well. Finding the perfect microwave for a small kitchen can feel like a treasure hunt, leaving you frustrated with bulky models or ones that just don’t have the features you need.
This is where we come in. We understand the struggle of maximizing every inch of space without sacrificing convenience. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll explore the best microwaves that are designed to be compact, efficient, and stylish, making them ideal companions for any cozy cooking space.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for. We’ll break down the key features, share some top picks, and offer practical tips to help you find a microwave that fits your kitchen and your life perfectly. Get ready to reclaim your counter space and enjoy effortless cooking!
Our Top 5 Microwave For Small Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave For Small Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.2/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot oven is compact and black, fitting easily on your countertop. It’s designed for convenience with easy one-touch buttons and useful features like a mute function and ECO mode to save energy.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sounds, which is super helpful if you don’t want to wake anyone up.
- The ECO Mode cuts standby power use by half, saving you money and helping the environment.
- Easy one-touch buttons and express cooking (1-6 minutes and +30 seconds) make heating food quick and simple.
- It has helpful auto-cook options for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands from turning it on accidentally.
- The bright digital display and interior light make it easy to see and use.
- It comes with a 10-inch glass turntable that’s easy to clean.
- A one-year limited warranty offers peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be a bit small for larger families or for cooking big meals.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking presets or a digital interface that offers more customization.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a simple, energy-efficient, and user-friendly appliance for everyday reheating and cooking needs.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven. It’s a compact, 0.7 cubic feet microwave that fits easily on your countertop. This stainless steel microwave is designed for simple cooking and reheating. It has a push-button door and a clear digital display, making it user-friendly for everyone in the family. Plus, a child safety lock adds peace of mind.
What We Like:
- It has easy-to-use pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 10 power settings give you control over how your food cooks.
- A 30-second express cook button is great for quick heating needs.
- The removable glass turntable is 10 inches wide and makes cleaning simple.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- It’s compact, measuring 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”, so it won’t take up too much space.
- The child safety lock helps keep little hands safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook some foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The interior capacity of 0.7 cubic feet might be small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for basic kitchen tasks. Its helpful features and simple design make it a practical addition to any home.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact, 0.9 cubic foot microwave oven designed for modern living. Its sleek Black Stainless Steel finish adds a touch of style to any kitchen, especially in apartments or smaller spaces. This microwave packs a punch with 900 watts of cooking power and offers user-friendly features like auto menus, a mute function, and essential safety locks.
What We Like:
- The 6 preset menus make cooking common foods like popcorn and potatoes super easy.
- You can adjust the cooking power with 11 different levels for more control.
- The mute function is a lifesaver for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- The two-step child lock provides peace of mind for families with young children.
- It has a handy one-touch start for quick cooking needs.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
- The removable 10.6-inch turntable fits most standard dishes and is easy to clean.
- The Black Stainless Steel design looks really nice.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some other compact microwaves, so measure your space carefully.
- While it has many features, some users might prefer a digital display for more precise time settings.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance in a small package. It balances convenience with safety, making it a smart addition to your kitchen.
4. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the Farberware Countertop Microwave, your new best friend for quick and easy meals. This 700-watt, 0.7 cu. ft. microwave packs a punch, fitting perfectly into apartments, dorm rooms, or any small kitchen space. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great and is super easy to clean, making meal prep and cleanup a breeze. Plus, helpful features like LED lighting and a child lock keep things safe and convenient.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful with 700 watts, so your food heats up fast.
- You get lots of cooking options with ten power levels and multi-stage cooking.
- Six one-touch settings for popcorn, potatoes, and pizza make cooking simple.
- Defrosting by weight or time is quick and easy.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces but still cooks like a bigger microwave.
- The interior and exterior are easy to wipe clean.
- A clear LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock gives you extra peace of mind.
- Farberware is a trusted brand known for helping families make memories around meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for small spaces, it might be too small for large families or cooking big dishes.
- The 700-watt power is good, but some might prefer a higher wattage for even faster cooking.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for their compact living space. It delivers convenience and performance without taking up too much room.
5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a compact and powerful solution for your kitchen needs. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power make it ideal for quick meals and reheating. With 10 power levels and 6 cooking presets, you can easily prepare a variety of foods. The intuitive digital controls and handy +30 seconds button make cooking simple.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six popular presets (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers) get your food ready fast. You can also set the time by simply pressing the number keys for minutes.
- Low to High Power: Ten power levels let you melt butter gently or cook food rapidly. The 700W digital microwave packs a punch in a small appliance.
- Digital Controls: Easily set cooking times and power levels. The +30 seconds button adds extra time when you need it.
- Memory Function: Program your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access. Your daily go-to meals are now simpler to start.
- Safety First: A child safety lock on the handle prevents accidental openings. Lock Mode disables the control panel for added security.
- Mute Option: Turn off beeps with the Audio Button. This is great for quiet kitchens or when kids are sleeping.
- Modern Design: The sleek black finish and compact size fit well with any kitchen decor. Eco Mode saves power and turns off the display when not in use.
- Easy to Clean: The durable exterior wipes clean easily with a damp cloth. The glass turntable is also dishwasher safe.
- Trusted Quality: This microwave is cETL approved and comes with advanced safety features and a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- While powerful for its size, the 700 watts may take slightly longer to cook than higher-wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for those seeking convenience and simplicity in a small package. It’s a reliable appliance that makes everyday cooking tasks a breeze.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Small Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Finding the right microwave for a small kitchen can feel like a puzzle. You need something that cooks your food well, doesn’t take up too much counter space, and fits your budget. This guide will help you choose the perfect microwave for your cozy culinary space.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a microwave for a small kitchen, a few things really matter.
- Size and Dimensions: This is number one! Measure your counter space carefully. Look for microwaves that are compact, often labeled as “countertop” or “small capacity.” Pay attention to both the width and depth.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For most small kitchens, 700-1000 watts is a good range. It’s enough to heat food quickly without using too much energy.
- Capacity: Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet. For a small kitchen, you’ll likely want something between 0.7 and 1.3 cubic feet. This is usually enough for a plate of food, a small bowl of soup, or to reheat leftovers.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These can be super handy and save you time guessing cooking times.
- Turntable: A turntable is a rotating glass plate inside the microwave. It ensures your food cooks evenly by moving it around. Most microwaves have this, but it’s good to check.
- Digital Display and Controls: Easy-to-read digital displays and simple buttons make using the microwave much less confusing. Look for controls that are intuitive.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave can affect its durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Exterior: Most microwave exteriors are made of plastic or stainless steel. Plastic is lighter and cheaper. Stainless steel looks sleek and is more durable, but it can show fingerprints.
- Interior: The inside of the microwave is usually coated with enamel or a ceramic material. These are chosen because they are easy to wipe clean and can withstand high temperatures.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one microwave better than another?
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should have a satisfying click. A flimsy microwave might not last as long.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and a removable turntable is much easier to clean. Stubborn food splatters can be a real pain, so anything that makes cleaning simpler is a plus.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud when they run. If your kitchen is open to your living area, a quieter model might be a better choice.
- Reliability: Look for brands that have a good reputation for making reliable appliances. Reading reviews from other buyers can give you a good idea of how long a microwave typically lasts.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you actually use your microwave?
- Reheating Leftovers: This is a common use for most microwaves. A compact model is perfect for quickly heating up last night’s dinner.
- Cooking Simple Meals: You can cook things like baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, or even mug cakes in a microwave. Pre-set buttons can make these tasks even easier.
- Defrosting: Need to thaw some chicken quickly? A defrost setting is a lifesaver.
- Making Popcorn: A classic microwave use! Many small microwaves have a dedicated popcorn button.
- Small Apartments or Dorm Rooms: These microwaves are ideal for people living in tight spaces where every inch counts.
- Second Microwave: Some people like to have a small microwave in their office or craft room for quick snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the smallest microwave size I can find?
A: You can find microwaves with a capacity as small as 0.5 cubic feet. These are very compact and perfect for the tiniest kitchens.
Q: Do I need a powerful microwave in a small kitchen?
A: Not necessarily. While higher wattage cooks faster, a 700-watt microwave is usually sufficient for basic reheating and cooking tasks in a small kitchen.
Q: How much counter space does a typical small microwave take up?
A: Small microwaves usually measure around 15-20 inches wide and 10-12 inches deep. Always check the exact dimensions before buying.
Q: Can I put a microwave on a shelf instead of the counter?
A: Yes, if the shelf is sturdy and has enough space. Ensure there is proper ventilation around the microwave.
Q: What does “countertop microwave” mean?
A: It means the microwave is designed to sit on a flat surface like your kitchen counter, rather than being built into a cabinet.
Q: Are microwaves with more features more expensive?
A: Generally, yes. Microwaves with many pre-set functions, digital displays, and special cooking modes tend to cost more than basic models.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can usually clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, microwave a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes; the steam will loosen the grime.
Q: What is a good wattage for reheating food?
A: For reheating, 700-1000 watts works well. It heats food evenly and quickly.
Q: Should I worry about ventilation for a small microwave?
A: Yes, it’s important. Microwaves need airflow to prevent overheating. Make sure there’s space around the vents, usually at the back and sides.
Q: Can I use my small microwave to cook full meals?
A: You can cook simple meals and sides. For more complex recipes, a conventional oven might be better, but a microwave is great for quick cooking and reheating.
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!