Then, a countertop microwave was a plain box built for reheating leftovers. Now, compact models bring more thoughtful design and easier everyday control to small kitchens, offices, dorms, and apartments.
This roundup compares the best small Microwaves countertop options across several capacities and power levels. Keep reading to see how these compact ovens differ where it counts.
Key Takeaways
- Choose 0.7 cubic feet for tight counters, mugs, plates, and modest portions.
- Select 900 to 1,000 watts for faster heating and more even everyday cooking.
- Check the external dimensions, not just capacity, before committing valuable counter space.
- Look for multiple power levels when reheating delicate foods, melting, or defrosting.
- Prioritize one-touch presets, mute controls, and child locks if convenience or household safety matters.
| Retro Kitchen Pick |  |
Frigidaire Retro Microwave 700W | Retro black-and-gold design | Eight auto-cook menus | Glass turntable | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Straightforward Steel Compact |  |
BLACK+DECKER Compact Microwave 700W | Compact countertop footprint | Stainless steel finish | Suitable for small spaces | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Control Specialist |  |
Chefman Compact Microwave 10-Level | Ten power levels | Mute button included | Six cooking presets | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Eco Mode Value |  |
COMFEE' Compact Microwave 700W | Eco mode included | Compact countertop size | Simple black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Family Size Power |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1000W | Roomiest listed capacity | Higher 1,000-watt output | Convenient for larger dishes | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small Space Basic |  |
Toshiba Compact Microwave 700W | Compact cooking cavity | Neutral black finish | Fits smaller counters | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Faster Compact Cooking |  |
Chefman Compact Microwave 900W | Higher 900-watt output | Ten power levels | Mute button included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Steel Capacity Upgrade |  |
BLACK+DECKER Compact Microwave 900W | Roomier 0.9-cubic-foot cavity | 900-watt power | Stainless steel exterior | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Mid-Size |  |
Toshiba Stainless Microwave 900W | Balanced size and power | Stainless steel finish | Practical everyday capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Dark Stainless Style |  |
Toshiba Black Stainless Microwave 900W | Black stainless steel finish | 900-watt output | Mid-size countertop design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Frigidaire Retro Microwave 700W
For a countertop microwave with personality, this Frigidaire model pairs a retro black-and-gold finish with a compact 0.7-cubic-foot capacity. Its eight auto-cook menus, auto defrost, and glass turntable simplify everyday tasks such as reheating leftovers, defrosting ingredients, and preparing quick snacks.
The 700-watt output suits smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and light daily use. Its main limitation is capacity, since 0.7 cubic feet leaves less room for wide plates and larger serving dishes.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black gold
- Power Levels:Five
- Additional Feature:Auto defrost
- Additional Feature:LED display
- Additional Feature:Glass turntable
-
BLACK+DECKER Compact Microwave 700W
If you prefer a simple appliance without extra visual fuss, this BLACK+DECKER microwave keeps the focus on compact cooking and a stainless steel finish. The 0.7-cubic-foot interior fits smaller kitchens, workspaces, dorms, and apartments where counter space is limited.
Its 700-watt power rating is suited to routine reheating and basic microwave cooking. The tradeoff is modest capacity, so larger bowls, broad dinner plates, and family-size portions may require more careful positioning.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Compact interior
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
-
Chefman Compact Microwave 10-Level
Chefman gives you more control than a basic compact model, with 10 power levels and six cooking presets in a 0.7-cubic-foot body. One-touch express cooking makes quick heating convenient, while the mute button helps keep beeps from interrupting a quiet kitchen, office, or dorm room.
The 700-watt output fits everyday reheating and smaller portions, and the child safety lock adds a useful household safeguard. Its compact capacity remains the main constraint, particularly for large plates and multi-serving dishes.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Power Levels:Ten
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cook
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
-
COMFEE' Compact Microwave 700W
For a small kitchen that benefits from simpler energy management, the COMFEE' combines a 0.7-cubic-foot capacity with an eco mode. Its black finish keeps the appearance understated, making it easy to fit into apartments, office break rooms, dorms, and other space-conscious settings.
The 700-watt power level is appropriate for standard reheating and light cooking, though it may take longer than higher-wattage models for some foods. The compact interior also limits the size of plates and containers you can use comfortably.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Compact interior
-
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1000W
Toshiba takes a roomier approach here, offering a 1.2-cubic-foot capacity and 1,000 watts of power. That combination suits households that regularly reheat larger portions or use wider dishes, and it gives you more cooking headroom than the compact 0.7-cubic-foot models in this roundup.
The black finish is easy to coordinate with other appliances, while the higher wattage can shorten everyday heating tasks. Its honest drawback is size: this model needs more counter space, so it may feel oversized in a very small kitchen.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Larger cooking cavity
- Additional Feature:Black exterior
-
Toshiba Compact Microwave 700W
Toshiba keeps this version focused on the essentials, with a 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 700 watts of power in a compact countertop format. It makes sense for small apartments, dorm rooms, office kitchens, and anyone who mainly needs straightforward reheating.
The black finish gives it a neutral look, and the smaller cavity helps conserve counter space. That same compact design limits dish size, while the lower wattage may require more time than a 900- or 1,000-watt microwave for certain meals.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Compact interior
- Additional Feature:Black exterior
-
Chefman Compact Microwave 900W
This Chefman model adds extra speed without moving far beyond the compact category, pairing a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity with 900 watts of power. You also get 10 power levels, six cooking presets, and one-touch express cooking, giving you more flexibility for reheating, defrosting, and quick meals.
The mute button and child safety lock are especially useful in shared homes, offices, and family kitchens, while eco mode supports lower-power standby operation. Its limitation is still interior space, since 0.9 cubic feet is roomier than 0.7 but not designed for oversized cookware.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black
- Power Levels:Ten
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cook
- Additional Feature:Six cooking presets
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
-
BLACK+DECKER Compact Microwave 900W
BLACK+DECKER expands the usable interior here to 0.9 cubic feet, while the 900-watt output provides a step up from the brand's smaller 700-watt option. The stainless steel finish suits kitchens that already use metal-toned appliances, and the added capacity gives you more flexibility with everyday dishes.
This model is a practical middle ground for apartments and compact family kitchens, offering more room without moving into the largest countertop class. It still may not accommodate very wide plates or large casserole-style containers with ease.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Compact cooking cavity
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
-
Toshiba Stainless Microwave 900W
Toshiba offers a useful balance here, with a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity and 900 watts of power. That places it between the smallest compact microwaves and larger countertop units, making it a sensible fit for routine reheating, snacks, and smaller prepared meals.
The stainless steel finish gives the appliance a polished, easy-to-coordinate appearance, while the moderate capacity preserves a relatively compact footprint. The main compromise is that it may still feel cramped for extra-wide dishes or larger family portions.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Mid-size cooking cavity
-
Toshiba Black Stainless Microwave 900W
Choose this Toshiba when appearance matters alongside everyday function. Its black stainless steel finish gives the countertop a darker, more modern look, while the 0.9-cubic-foot capacity and 900-watt output cover common reheating and cooking needs.
The size offers a practical compromise for kitchens that need more room than a 0.7-cubic-foot model but lack space for a larger unit. The limitation is familiar for this category: the cavity may not suit oversized plates, broad cookware, or large portions.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Dark exterior finish
- Additional Feature:Mid-size cooking cavity
Frequently Asked Questions
What size microwave is considered small for a countertop?
A small countertop microwave usually measures about 17 to 20 inches wide and holds roughly 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet. Exact dimensions vary, so compare the product’s exterior measurements with your available counter space. Check the turntable diameter as well. A model can fit neatly under a cabinet yet struggle with a standard dinner plate, which is a charming surprise nobody needs.
Can a small microwave fit a dinner plate?
Many compact models fit a standard plate, but the usable space depends on the turntable size and interior shape. Look for a turntable measuring at least 10 inches if you regularly reheat dinner plates. Square or oversized dishes may require a 12-inch turntable or a model with a removable turntable that allows rectangular containers. Always compare your largest frequently used dish with the listed interior dimensions.
Is 700 watts enough for a small microwave?
700 watts is sufficient for reheating leftovers, warming drinks, cooking oatmeal, and preparing many frozen meals. Cooking may take longer than it would in a 900- or 1,000-watt unit, so follow package directions with the microwave’s wattage in mind. Choose 900 watts or more if you often cook raw ingredients, heat dense foods, or serve several people. Higher power can shorten cooking times, but stirring and standing times still matter for even results.
How much ventilation does a countertop microwave need?
Follow the clearance instructions supplied by the manufacturer, since requirements differ by model. Many countertop microwaves need about 3 inches of open space around the sides and rear, plus enough room above to prevent heat buildup. Keep the microwave on a flat, stable surface and never block its vents. Avoid placing it directly beside a sink, cooktop, or heat-producing appliance, and make sure the door can open fully without hitting a wall or cabinet.
Are small microwaves safe for dorm rooms and offices?
A small microwave can suit a dorm room or office if the space permits it and the building’s rules allow personal cooking appliances. Choose a unit with UL or ETL certification, a child lock where appropriate, and a power cord that reaches a properly grounded outlet without an extension cord. Check the appliance policy before purchase, especially in shared housing. Use only microwave-safe containers, keep the interior clean, and never operate the microwave empty or leave food unattended for long cooking cycles.
