The mug is already spinning, soup is bubbling, and dinner needs 30 seconds more before the meeting starts. A small countertop microwave can handle these everyday saves without taking over the worktop.
This roundup compares the best small countertop Microwaves across compact capacities, cooking power, controls, and useful extras. Keep reading to find the size and setup that fit your kitchen best.
Key Takeaways
- Choose 0.7 cubic feet for tight counters, dorm rooms, and simple reheating, while larger families may prefer 0.9 to 1.2 cubic feet.
- Select 700 watts for basic reheating and defrosting, or 900 to 1000 watts for faster, more even cooking.
- Check the turntable diameter against your plates, bowls, and microwave-safe containers before buying.
- Prioritize one-touch presets and clear controls if multiple people will use the microwave.
- Consider mute settings, ECO mode, and child locks when noise, energy use, or household safety matters.
| Best Overall |  |
Frigidaire Retro Countertop Microwave 700W | Compact 0.7-cubic-foot design | Eight auto-cook menus | Retro black-gold finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small-Space Specialist |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Compact countertop footprint | Ten power levels | Mute button included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Cooking Pick |  |
BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave | Compact countertop design | Stainless steel finish | 700-watt cooking power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Energy-Saving Essential |  |
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave 700W | Compact countertop design | Energy-saving ECO mode | Straightforward 700W cooking | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Roomy Countertop Choice |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft. | Generous countertop capacity | 1000-watt cooking power | Classic black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Kitchen Basic |  |
Frigidaire 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave | Compact 0.7-cubic-foot capacity | Versatile black finish | Suitable for small spaces | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Everyday Helper |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 700W | Compact 0.7-cubic-foot capacity | Simple countertop design | Black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Practical Power Pick |  |
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 900W | 900 watts of power | Compact countertop format | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Countertop Performer |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 900W | Compact 0.9-cubic-foot capacity | 900-watt cooking power | Black stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Kitchen Pick |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave 900W | Ten power levels | Six cooking presets | Mute button included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Frigidaire Retro Countertop Microwave 700W
Choose this model if you want a compact microwave with a distinctive retro look and straightforward controls. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity suits dorm rooms, offices, apartments, and smaller kitchens, while the eight auto-cook menus simplify common heating tasks.
The auto-defrost setting, five power levels, LED display, and glass turntable add practical flexibility without cluttering the countertop. The main limitation is its 700-watt output, which may require slightly longer heating times than more powerful microwaves, and the compact interior may not fit larger dishes comfortably.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black Gold
- Features:Auto defrost, LED display
- Additional Feature:Eight auto-cook menus
- Additional Feature:Five power levels
- Additional Feature:Glass turntable
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Chefman Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
For dorm rooms, offices, apartments, and compact kitchens, this microwave delivers practical everyday cooking in a small footprint. The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity suits individual meals, snacks, and reheating, while 700 watts and 10 power levels provide useful control for different foods.
Six cooking presets and one-touch express cooking simplify common tasks, and the mute button keeps alerts from becoming disruptive. The main limitation is its compact interior and moderate wattage, so larger dishes may not fit, and heating can take longer than with a full-size microwave.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Features:10 power levels, mute button
- Additional Feature:Six cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cook
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave
A practical fit for small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and guest spaces, this countertop microwave keeps its footprint modest while still handling everyday reheating and basic cooking. The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity suits single servings, mugs, bowls, and smaller plates.
Its 700-watt output covers common microwave tasks, while the stainless steel finish gives the exterior a clean, easy-to-coordinate look. The main limitation is interior space, so larger dinner plates and oversized containers may not fit comfortably.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Features:Compact countertop design
- Additional Feature:0.7-cubic-foot capacity
- Additional Feature:700-watt cooking power
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel finish
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COMFEE' Countertop Microwave 700W
The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity suits dorm rooms, offices, apartments, and kitchens where counter space is limited. Its 700-watt output handles everyday reheating and basic cooking, while the countertop format keeps placement straightforward.
An ECO mode can help reduce standby energy use, a useful touch for frequent microwave users. The compact interior limits how well it handles large plates or oversized dishes, and the 700W power level may take longer for some foods than higher-wattage models.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Type:Countertop Microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700W
- Finish:Black
- Features:ECO Mode
- Additional Feature:0.7 cubic-foot capacity
- Additional Feature:700W cooking power
- Additional Feature:ECO energy-saving mode
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Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft.
A practical fit for kitchens that need more interior room without moving to a built-in appliance, this Toshiba model offers 1.2 cubic feet of capacity in a straightforward countertop format. Its 1000-watt output suits everyday reheating, defrosting, and cooking tasks.
The black finish pairs easily with many kitchen appliances, while the larger capacity can accommodate bigger plates and serving bowls than ultra-compact models. The main caveat is that the available information does not list dimensions, presets, or sensor functions, so check the counter footprint and control features before choosing it for a tight space.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:1.2-cubic-foot capacity
- Additional Feature:1000-watt cooking power
- Additional Feature:Black countertop finish
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Frigidaire 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave
This model suits small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and other spaces where a full-size microwave would take up too much counter area. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity handles everyday reheating and smaller dishes without demanding much room.
The black finish gives it a simple, versatile look, while the compact capacity keeps the footprint manageable. The main limitation is interior space, so larger plates, casserole dishes, and family-size portions may not fit comfortably; the available information also does not identify any specialty cooking functions.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:0.7-cubic-foot capacity
- Additional Feature:Black exterior finish
- Additional Feature:Microwave cooking format
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Toshiba Countertop Microwave 700W
For small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, or any countertop where every inch matters, this Toshiba microwave offers a straightforward cooking setup. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity suits single portions, reheating leftovers, and quick snacks without taking up much room.
The 700-watt output handles everyday microwave tasks, while the black finish gives it a clean, easy-to-match appearance. The tradeoff is limited interior space and lower power than larger models, so family-size dishes and longer cooking times may require patience.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:0.7-cubic-foot capacity
- Additional Feature:700-watt cooking power
- Additional Feature:Black countertop finish
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BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 900W
For compact kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, or rental spaces, this model offers a useful balance of small-footprint design and 900 watts of cooking power. The 0.9-cubic-foot capacity gives you enough room for everyday reheating without taking over the counter.
The stainless steel finish fits neatly with many kitchen appliances and should be easy to coordinate with existing décor. Just keep in mind that the available information does not list preset programs, sensor cooking, or interior dimensions, so shoppers seeking advanced controls may want to verify those details before buying.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:0.9-cubic-foot capacity
- Additional Feature:900-watt cooking power
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel finish
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Toshiba Countertop Microwave 900W
The 0.9-cubic-foot capacity suits apartments, offices, dorm rooms, and kitchens with limited counter space. Its 900-watt output should handle everyday tasks such as reheating leftovers, warming drinks, and cooking standard microwave meals without taking up the room required by larger models.
The black stainless steel finish gives the exterior a polished, easy-to-coordinate look, while the moderate capacity keeps the footprint practical. However, the available information does not list specific presets, control details, or interior dimensions, and the compact cavity may not accommodate especially large dishes.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black stainless steel
- Additional Feature:0.9-cubic-foot capacity
- Additional Feature:900-watt power
- Additional Feature:Black stainless steel finish
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Chefman Countertop Microwave 900W
Choose this model if you need a compact microwave for an apartment, dorm, office, or smaller kitchen. Its 0.9-cubic-foot capacity and 900-watt output cover everyday tasks such as reheating leftovers, warming drinks, and preparing quick meals without taking over the counter.
The six cooking presets, one-touch express controls, and 10 power levels make routine cooking straightforward, while Eco Mode can reduce standby energy use. The interior may feel limiting for large plates or family-sized dishes, so shoppers who regularly heat broad casserole dishes should consider a roomier option.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black
- Features:10 power levels, six presets
- Additional Feature:Eco Mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cook
Frequently Asked Questions
What size microwave is best for a small kitchen?
A compact model between 0.5 and 0.9 cubic feet usually works well for apartments, dorms, offices, and narrow countertops. Measure the available space, then add room for ventilation clearance and the door to open fully. Also measure the dishes you use most often. A model with a 10-inch turntable may fit standard bowls and plates, while larger dinnerware may require a wider unit even if the stated capacity seems similar.
Is 700 watts enough for everyday use?
Yes, 700 watts can handle reheating, beverages, frozen meals, and basic cooking, but food will generally need more time than it does in a 900- or 1,000-watt microwave. Follow the appliance manual or adjust package directions for the lower output. Choose at least 900 watts if speed matters, you regularly cook raw ingredients, or several people will use the microwave throughout the day. Higher wattage is convenient, though it may increase price and electrical demand.
Do small microwaves heat food evenly?
They can, but even heating depends on wattage, turntable design, food shape, and cooking technique. Compact interiors leave less room for large or dense portions, so cold spots can occur with thick foods. Arrange food in an even layer, cover it when appropriate, stir halfway through, and allow a short standing time before eating. For dense meals, lower power for longer cooking can produce better results than maximum power for a short burst.
Can a countertop microwave go inside a cabinet?
Only if the manufacturer specifically approves built-in or enclosed-cabinet use. Most countertop models need open airflow around their vents, and placing one in a tight cabinet can cause overheating, damage, or a safety hazard. Check the installation instructions for top, side, and rear clearances before buying. A shelf with open sides and adequate space may work, but a closed cubby is usually unsuitable unless the microwave was designed for that setting.
Are inverter microwaves worth paying more for?
An inverter microwave delivers more consistent power at lower settings instead of cycling full power on and off. That can help with delicate foods, defrosting, melting, and preventing the edges of a dish from overheating while the center stays cold. For simple reheating, a standard microwave may be enough and usually costs less. An inverter model makes more sense if you often defrost meat, warm delicate foods, or want finer power control in a compact appliance.
