Ever feel like your kitchen is shrinking by the day? You’re not alone! Many of us dream of spacious kitchens, but reality often means making the most of what we have. When it comes to everyday appliances, finding something that fits your limited counter space can feel like a treasure hunt, especially with microwaves. You want convenience, but you don’t want it to take over your entire kitchen.
Choosing a microwave for a small space can be frustrating. You might worry about it being too bulky, too small to actually heat your food properly, or just not having the features you need. It’s a common challenge, but the good news is, there are fantastic options out there that are perfectly designed for tighter living. This guide will help you cut through the confusion.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for when shopping for a small space microwave. We’ll explore the key features, different types, and what makes a microwave a great fit for cozy kitchens. Get ready to find a microwave that works for you, not against you, and makes your kitchen feel a little more functional and a lot less cluttered.
Our Top 5 Small Space Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Space Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.4/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and feature-rich appliance designed for your kitchen. Its sleek black finish and 0.7 cubic feet capacity make it a great fit for smaller spaces. This microwave makes cooking and reheating simple with its easy one-touch buttons and smart functions.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off annoying beeps, perfect for early mornings or late nights.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power by 50%.
- One-touch express cooking buttons (1-6 minutes and +30 seconds) make heating food super fast.
- Auto-cook options for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen veggies, beverages, and reheating take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) ensure your food is thawed perfectly.
- The child safety lock adds an extra layer of security.
- A bright digital display and interior light make it easy to see and use.
- The 10-inch glass turntable rotates food for even cooking.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for larger families or for cooking very big dishes.
- While it has many features, some users might prefer more advanced cooking options.
This COMFEE microwave offers a good balance of convenience and energy efficiency. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly countertop microwave.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact and powerful kitchen helper designed for your busy life. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave packs 700 watts of power and offers 10 different power levels. You can quickly heat up snacks or prepare meals with ease thanks to its handy cooking presets and simple digital controls. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen counter.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
- You can choose from 10 power levels, from low to high, for perfect results every time.
- Digital controls make it easy to set the time and power, and the +30 seconds button adds extra time easily.
- The memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts.
- A child safety lock keeps the door secure, and you can lock the control panel too.
- The mute option lets you turn off beeps for a quieter kitchen.
- Its modern black design looks great in any kitchen, and Eco Mode saves power.
- Cleaning is a breeze; the exterior wipes clean, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year Chefman assurance for trusted quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- While it has a mute button, some users might prefer more advanced sound control options.
This Chefman microwave offers a great balance of features and convenience for everyday use. It’s a reliable and user-friendly appliance that makes cooking and reheating simple.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact microwave oven that brings convenience and smart features to your kitchen. Its sleek Black Stainless Steel finish looks great in any apartment or small living space. With 0.9 cubic feet of capacity, it’s just the right size for reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, or quickly cooking meals. This microwave makes cooking simple with its 6 auto menus and 11 power levels, giving you lots of control.
What We Like:
- It has a practical size, fitting well in small kitchens.
- The 6 preset menus simplify cooking common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- You can adjust the cooking power with 11 different levels for better results.
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sound, which is great for quiet mornings or late nights.
- A two-step child lock adds an important safety feature to prevent accidents.
- The interior LED light makes it easy to see your food while it cooks.
- Defrosting is easy, either by weight or time.
- One-touch start lets you quickly cook for up to 6 minutes at full power.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit wider than some other compact microwaves.
- While it has many features, some users might find the interface takes a little getting used to.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers a good balance of features and size for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It’s a smart addition to any modern kitchen.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.3/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper for quick meals and snacks. Its compact size and stainless steel finish look great on any countertop. This microwave makes heating up food simple with its easy-to-use features.
What We Like:
- It has special buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels for precise cooking.
- The 30-second express cook button is super fast for busy moments.
- A clear LED display shows the time and settings easily.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands out of harm’s way.
- A glass turntable inside spins your food for even heating.
- The push-button door opens easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- While it’s a good microwave, some users might want more advanced features.
This microwave is a solid choice for simple reheating and cooking tasks. It offers convenience and safety in a stylish package.
5. Farberware Countertop 700 Watts
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Farberware Countertop Microwave, your new kitchen helper! This black microwave is small but mighty, perfect for whipping up meals fast. It has 700 watts of power and lots of easy settings to make cooking simple.
What We Like:
- It’s super convenient for quick meals.
- It has powerful cooking settings, like for popcorn and pizza.
- The size is just right for small kitchens or offices.
- It has a clear display, timer, and clock.
- The interior light lets you see your food cooking.
- A child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- Farberware is a trusted brand that helps families make memories.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity might be too small for large dishes.
- While powerful, 700 watts might be slower than some higher-wattage microwaves.
This Farberware microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. It brings convenience and good cooking to your countertop.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Small Space Microwaves
Finding the right microwave for a small kitchen can feel like a puzzle. You need something that cooks your food well but doesn’t take up all your counter space. This guide helps you pick the perfect compact microwave.
Why Choose a Small Space Microwave?
Many kitchens are cozy. Small microwaves fit perfectly. They save valuable counter space. You can still reheat leftovers or make popcorn. They are great for dorm rooms, small apartments, or even as an extra microwave in a larger home.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a small microwave, check these important things.
Size and Dimensions
- External Size: Measure your counter space before you buy. Make sure the microwave fits easily. Look at the width, depth, and height.
- Internal Capacity: This is how much food the microwave can hold. It’s measured in cubic feet. For small spaces, 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet is usually enough.
Wattage
- Cooking Power: Wattage tells you how fast the microwave cooks. Higher wattage (around 700-1000 watts) means faster cooking. Lower wattage might take a bit longer.
Presets and Functions
- Convenience Buttons: Many small microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These make cooking easy.
- Defrost Options: Being able to defrost frozen food is very useful. Look for weight or time defrost settings.
Ease of Use
- Simple Controls: You want controls that are easy to understand. Digital displays are often clearer than old-fashioned knobs.
- Door Opening: Some doors open with a button push, while others have a handle. Choose what feels best for you.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its look and how it lasts.
- Exterior: Most small microwaves have a metal or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
- Interior: The inside is usually coated with a non-stick material. This makes cleaning simple. Ceramic or enamel coatings are common.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it less good.
Quality Boosters
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make better products. They usually have good warranties.
- Build Quality: A microwave that feels sturdy and well-made will last longer. Check that the door closes securely.
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks food evenly. This means no cold spots.
Quality Reducers
- Cheap Materials: If a microwave feels flimsy or uses very thin plastic, it might not be very durable.
- Poorly Designed Controls: Confusing buttons or a hard-to-read display can be frustrating.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews for this.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave matters.
Everyday Heating
- Reheating Meals: Small microwaves are perfect for warming up last night’s dinner.
- Making Snacks: Popcorn, heating up soup, or melting cheese for nachos are easy tasks.
Specific Needs
- Dorm Rooms: Students need compact appliances that can handle basic cooking.
- Small Apartments: Every inch of space counts in a tiny apartment.
- Office Break Rooms: A small microwave can be handy for quick lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about small space microwaves.
Q: What is the best wattage for a small microwave?
A: For most small microwaves, 700 to 1000 watts is a good range. This provides enough power for quick heating and cooking.
Q: How do I measure my counter space correctly?
A: Measure the width, depth, and height of the area where you plan to put the microwave. Also, remember to leave some space around the sides and back for ventilation.
Q: Are small microwaves as good as bigger ones?
A: They can be just as good for basic tasks. Small microwaves are designed for efficiency in smaller spaces. They might have fewer fancy features than larger models.
Q: How much food can fit inside a small microwave?
A: Small microwaves typically have a capacity between 0.5 and 1.0 cubic feet. This is enough for a dinner plate or a small casserole dish.
Q: Is stainless steel better than plastic for a microwave?
A: Stainless steel is usually more durable and looks sleeker. Plastic is lighter and often less expensive. Both can work well.
Q: Do I need a microwave with presets?
A: Presets are handy for quick cooking of common items like popcorn. They make using the microwave easier. You can live without them, but they add convenience.
Q: How do I clean a small microwave?
A: Most small microwaves have non-stick interiors. You can usually wipe them clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some interiors are dishwasher safe.
Q: What does “even cooking” mean?
A: Even cooking means the microwave heats your food all the way through. There are no cold spots left. Good microwaves have turntables that help with this.
Q: Can I put a microwave on a shelf?
A: You can, but make sure the shelf is strong enough. Always leave space around the microwave for air to flow. This is important for safety and to prevent overheating.
Q: What if my microwave is too loud?
A: Some microwaves are noisier than others. Before buying, check online reviews for comments about the noise level. If it’s too loud, you might need to exchange it.
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!