A good small microwave earns its counter space by matching usable interior room to the meals you actually heat. A poor pick can leave dinner crowded, unevenly warmed, or oddly slow, even when its outside footprint looks tidy.
This roundup of the best small Microwaves ovens compares compact countertop models across capacity, wattage, controls, and everyday convenience. The right choice should feel like a reliable kitchen shortcut, not another appliance demanding a tiny apartment's full attention.
Key Takeaways
- Choose capacity based on your usual dishes, since a compact exterior may still have limited room for wide plates or larger bowls.
- Prioritize wattage for faster heating, while remembering that lower-powered models may need longer cooking times.
- Check the power levels and presets so the microwave can handle more than reheating leftovers.
- Look for a child safety lock and mute function if the microwave will sit in a family kitchen, office, or shared living space.
- Compare the finish and controls with your available counter space, cleaning routine, and preference for tactile or digital operation.
| Compact Cooking Essential |  |
Farberware 700W Countertop Microwave | Compact 0.7-cu.-ft. size | Auto cook settings | Child safety lock | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Spacious Power Pick |  |
Toshiba 1000W Countertop Microwave | Generous 1.2-cu.-ft. capacity | Strong 1000-watt output | Simple black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Compact Classic |  |
BLACK+DECKER 700W Countertop Microwave | Space-conscious capacity | Stainless steel finish | Everyday 700W power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Kitchen Helper |  |
Chefman 700W Countertop Microwave | Six cooking presets | Ten power levels | Mute button included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Efficient Small-Space Choice |  |
COMFEE' 700W Countertop Microwave | Compact countertop design | Eco mode included | Straightforward black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Roomy Stainless Upgrade |  |
Toshiba 1000W Stainless Microwave | Roomy 1.2-cu.-ft. interior | Powerful 1000W output | Stainless steel exterior | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Family Performer |  |
Chefman 900W Countertop Microwave | Balanced size and power | Six cooking presets | Ten power levels | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Minimalist Countertop Fit |  |
Toshiba 700W Compact Microwave | Compact 0.7-cu.-ft. design | Practical 700W power | Simple black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Mid-Size Stainless Workhorse |  |
BLACK+DECKER 900W Countertop Microwave | Mid-size 0.9-cu.-ft. capacity | Strong 900W output | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Full-Capacity Countertop Pick |  |
BLACK+DECKER 1000W Countertop Microwave | Large 1.1-cu.-ft. capacity | Powerful 1000W output | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Farberware 700W Countertop Microwave
For compact kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and guest suites, this Farberware model keeps the footprint modest while providing 700 watts of cooking power. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity, auto-cook settings, and defrost function cover the everyday jobs most small microwaves handle.
The easy-clean interior helps simplify upkeep, while the child safety lock adds useful peace of mind in family kitchens. The main limitation is its lower wattage and smaller capacity, so larger dishes may require more time or may not fit comfortably.
- Brand:Farberware
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Power:700 watts
- Finish:Stainless
- Controls:Auto cook settings
- Additional Feature:Defrost function
- Additional Feature:Easy-clean interior
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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Toshiba 1000W Countertop Microwave
Choose this Toshiba if you want a larger 1.2-cubic-foot interior without moving to a full-size built-in appliance. Its 1000 watts of power should make reheating and cooking faster than lower-wattage compact models.
The black finish suits straightforward kitchen setups, and the extra capacity gives you more flexibility with bowls and plates. That added room can require more counter space, and the listed information does not identify specific presets, controls, or safety features.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Power:1000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
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BLACK+DECKER 700W Countertop Microwave
BLACK+DECKER keeps the formula simple here, pairing a 0.7-cubic-foot capacity with 700 watts for basic reheating, defrosting, and quick meal preparation. The compact format fits naturally in smaller kitchens, work areas, and apartments where every inch matters.
Its stainless steel finish gives the exterior a practical, appliance-friendly look. The trade-off is modest power and interior space, so this model is better suited to individual portions than oversized dishes or frequent batch cooking.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Power:700 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop format
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Chefman 700W Countertop Microwave
This Chefman model is a strong fit for shared kitchens, thanks to 10 power levels, six cooking presets, and one-touch express cooking. The 700-watt output and 0.7-cubic-foot capacity keep it suited to everyday portions without demanding much counter space.
An eco mode can help reduce standby energy use, while the mute button is useful in bedrooms, offices, or early-morning kitchens. Its smaller interior and 700-watt output are the clear limitations for larger cookware and faster cooking.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Power:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Controls:Ten power levels
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cook
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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COMFEE' 700W Countertop Microwave
COMFEE' focuses on compact daily use with a 0.7-cubic-foot interior and 700 watts of power. That combination suits reheating leftovers, warming drinks, and preparing individual meals in apartments, dorms, and office kitchens.
The black finish keeps the design understated, while Eco mode adds a practical efficiency feature for periods when the microwave is not running. Its limited capacity and lower wattage make it less suitable for large plates or high-volume cooking.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Power:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
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Toshiba 1000W Stainless Microwave
With 1.2 cubic feet of capacity and 1000 watts, this Toshiba gives you extra interior room and stronger output than many compact countertop models. It makes sense for households that regularly reheat full-size plates, prepare larger portions, or want more flexibility than a 0.7-cubic-foot oven allows.
The stainless steel finish works well with common kitchen appliances and gives the unit a polished appearance. Its larger capacity may take up more counter space, and the available listing does not specify presets, control details, or additional convenience features.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Power:1000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
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Chefman 900W Countertop Microwave
This Chefman strikes a useful middle ground with 0.9 cubic feet of capacity and 900 watts of power. The combination gives you more room and faster output than many 0.7-cubic-foot models, while the six presets and one-touch express cooking keep routine meals simple.
Ten power levels allow more control over delicate reheating, and the mute button helps keep operation discreet. The interior remains smaller than the 1.2-cubic-foot options, so especially large dishes may still be a poor fit.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Power:900 watts
- Finish:Black
- Controls:Ten power levels
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cook
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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Toshiba 700W Compact Microwave
For tight counters and light-duty cooking, this Toshiba offers a compact 0.7-cubic-foot capacity with 700 watts of power. It is best suited to single servings, beverages, snacks, and routine reheating rather than large family portions.
The black finish gives it a clean, uncomplicated appearance that can blend into office or apartment kitchens. Its smaller interior and moderate wattage limit cookware size and cooking speed, and the listed information does not identify presets or specialty functions.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Power:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop format
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BLACK+DECKER 900W Countertop Microwave
BLACK+DECKER adds useful headroom here with 0.9 cubic feet of capacity and 900 watts of power. That middle-size combination fits users who want more cooking flexibility than a compact 0.7-cubic-foot unit provides, without stepping up to the largest model in this group.
The stainless steel finish gives the microwave a versatile kitchen appearance, while the higher wattage supports quicker everyday heating. It still may not accommodate very large cookware, and the available listing does not specify presets, power-level controls, or safety functions.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Power:900 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
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BLACK+DECKER 1000W Countertop Microwave
This BLACK+DECKER is aimed at shoppers who want a larger 1.1-cubic-foot interior and 1000 watts of power for regular household cooking. It offers enough capacity for larger plates and portions, while staying in the countertop category rather than requiring built-in installation.
The stainless steel finish coordinates easily with other kitchen appliances, and the high wattage supports brisk reheating. Its larger body will need more counter space than compact models, while the listing does not identify specific presets or control features.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cu. ft.
- Power:1000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Microwave Is Considered Small?
A small countertop microwave usually has an interior capacity of 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet and an exterior width of roughly 17 to 20 inches. Compact models suit dorm rooms, offices, studio kitchens, and households that mainly reheat individual portions. Measure your available space and your largest regular dish, then compare those measurements with the product’s interior dimensions. Capacity alone can be misleading, much like judging a suitcase only by its advertised volume.
Is A 700-Watt Microwave Powerful Enough?
Yes, 700 watts is enough for reheating soup, cooking frozen meals, warming drinks, and handling most everyday tasks. Expect cooking to take a little longer than it would in a 1,000-watt model. Follow the package instructions as a starting point, then adjust the time based on portion size and food temperature. Stirring halfway through helps reduce cold spots, especially with thick foods.
Can A Small Microwave Fit A Dinner Plate?
Many can, but the answer depends on the turntable diameter, not just the advertised capacity. A 10-inch turntable may fit smaller plates, while a 12-inch turntable is a safer choice for standard dinnerware. Measure your widest plate and compare it with the microwave’s turntable size. Also check whether the plate can rotate freely, since a dish that barely fits may stop against the interior wall during cooking.
Do Small Microwaves Use A Lot Of Electricity?
Compact microwaves typically draw about 700 to 1,200 watts while operating, depending on their rated power and design. Because heating usually takes only a few minutes, total household energy use is often moderate. The appliance still needs a suitable outlet, and you should avoid sharing that circuit with high-power devices such as toasters or electric kettles. Standby power is generally small, but unplugging the microwave can eliminate it completely.
Are Microwaves Safe For Small Kitchens And Offices?
Yes, provided you follow the manufacturer’s clearance and electrical instructions. Keep the unit on a solid surface, leave ventilation space around it, and use containers labeled microwave-safe. Never heat sealed containers, metal cookware, or eggs in their shells, and avoid running the microwave empty. A child lock and mute setting can also make a compact model more suitable for shared spaces.
