Once, small microwaves were mostly plain boxes with one dial and a very patient user. Today, the best small Microwaves bring compact designs, clearer controls, and useful cooking programs to counters that cannot spare an inch.
This roundup compares 10 compact models across familiar brands, capacities, power ratings, finishes, and everyday functions. Keep reading to see which options fit different kitchens, offices, dorms, and tight spaces.
Key Takeaways
- Capacity matters most for fit, so check the microwave’s exterior dimensions and turntable size before buying.
- Choose 700 watts for basic reheating and snacks, or select 900 watts for faster cooking and more even results.
- Look for multiple power levels if you plan to soften butter, simmer foods, or defrost delicate items.
- Prioritize one-touch presets and express-cook buttons if quick, repeatable operation matters in a busy kitchen.
- Consider mute, eco, and child-lock controls when noise, energy use, or household safety affects your decision.
| Retro Cooking Pick |  |
Frigidaire Retro Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Retro black-and-gold finish | Eight auto cook menus | Auto defrost function | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Kitchen Choice |  |
Chefman Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Ten power levels | Mute button included | Child safety lock | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Compact |  |
BLACK+DECKER Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Compact countertop size | Stainless steel finish | Familiar BLACK+DECKER brand | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Energy-Saving Essential |  |
COMFEE' Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Eco mode included | Compact 0.7-cu.-ft. size | Simple black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Minimalist Meal Maker |  |
Toshiba Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Compact countertop format | Clean black finish | 700-watt output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Basic Space Saver |  |
Frigidaire Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Compact countertop design | Black exterior | 700-watt power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Faster Family Portions |  |
Toshiba Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Larger 0.9-cu.-ft. capacity | Higher 900-watt output | Black stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Steel Performer |  |
Toshiba Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Roomier compact capacity | 900-watt cooking power | Classic stainless finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Feature-Rich Family Fit |  |
Chefman Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Ten power levels | Six cooking presets | Child safety lock | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Steel Classic |  |
Frigidaire Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Stainless steel exterior | Compact countertop size | 700-watt output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Frigidaire Retro Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
The Frigidaire Retro Microwave suits compact kitchens where distinctive styling matters as much as everyday function. Its eight auto cook menus, auto defrost setting, and glass turntable simplify common meals, snacks, and reheating tasks.
At 700 watts, it fits modest countertop spaces without taking over the room. The tradeoff is a 0.7-cu.-ft. capacity, which may feel limiting for large dishes or family-sized portions.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:700W
- Finish:Black and gold
- Key Features:Eight auto cook menus
- Additional Feature:Auto defrost
- Additional Feature:Five power levels
- Additional Feature:Glass turntable
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Chefman Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Choose this Chefman model for a compact footprint with more control than basic reheating requires. Its 10 power levels help fine-tune cooking, while six presets and one-touch express cooking keep routine tasks quick.
The mute button and eco mode are useful in bedrooms, offices, and shared kitchens, especially where noise and standby power matter. Its limitation is the 700-watt output, which can take longer than higher-powered microwaves.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:700W
- Finish:Black
- Key Features:Six cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cook
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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BLACK+DECKER Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
The BLACK+DECKER model keeps the focus on simple countertop utility, making it a practical fit for apartments, dorms, offices, and smaller kitchens. Its 0.7-cu.-ft. capacity saves space, while the stainless steel finish gives the exterior a cleaner, more polished look.
The 700-watt rating is suitable for standard reheating and smaller meals. Still, the compact interior and moderate power level are less suited to large cookware or rapid batch cooking.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:700W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Compact interior
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:700-watt cooking power
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COMFEE' Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
COMFEE' keeps this microwave straightforward, compact, and suited to space-conscious kitchens. The 700-watt output covers everyday reheating, while the eco mode adds a useful way to reduce standby energy use.
Its black finish blends easily with other appliances and counters. The main limitation is the 0.7-cu.-ft. interior, which favors mugs, bowls, and smaller plates over oversized dishes.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:700W
- Finish:Black
- Key Features:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Compact interior
- Additional Feature:700-watt output
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Toshiba Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
This Toshiba microwave makes sense for buyers who want a small, uncomplicated appliance from a familiar kitchen brand. The 700-watt power rating is appropriate for reheating leftovers, warming drinks, and preparing modest portions.
Its black finish has a clean, understated appearance that works in many kitchens. Because the listed capacity is only 0.7 cubic feet, larger plates and casserole dishes may not fit comfortably.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:700W
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Small-footprint design
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Everyday reheating capacity
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Frigidaire Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
For a no-frills compact microwave, this Frigidaire model keeps the choice uncomplicated. Its 0.7-cu.-ft. capacity is well suited to tight counters, small households, office break rooms, and dorm-style kitchens.
The black exterior should coordinate easily with other appliances, while the 700-watt rating handles routine reheating and warming. The sparse listed feature set is also the key limitation, since you may want more cooking presets or controls.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:700W
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Small kitchen footprint
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Everyday microwave function
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Toshiba Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft.
The larger 0.9-cu.-ft. capacity gives this Toshiba more room than the compact 0.7-cu.-ft. models in this roundup. Its 900-watt output should also make routine reheating and cooking more efficient for small households and shared kitchens.
The black stainless steel finish adds a darker, contemporary look. It still may not accommodate very large serving dishes, and its larger body requires more counter space than a true compact model.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Wattage:900W
- Finish:Black stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Roomier cooking interior
- Additional Feature:Higher-power cooking
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Toshiba Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft.
Select this Toshiba when you want more interior room without moving into a full-size microwave. The 0.9-cu.-ft. capacity works well for larger bowls and plates than the smallest models, while 900 watts supports faster everyday cooking.
Its stainless steel finish delivers a classic appliance look that pairs easily with other kitchen hardware. The additional capacity does bring a larger countertop footprint, so measure the available depth and width first.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Wattage:900W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Larger cooking interior
- Additional Feature:Higher wattage
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Chefman Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft.
This Chefman model is a strong match for households that want compact size with flexible controls. Its 10 power levels, six cooking presets, and one-touch express cooking cover a wider range of daily tasks than a bare-bones microwave.
The 900-watt output pairs well with the roomier 0.9-cu.-ft. capacity, while eco mode, a mute button, and a child safety lock add practical touches. It still needs more counter space than a 0.7-cu.-ft. unit.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Wattage:900W
- Finish:Black
- Key Features:Six cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cook
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
- Additional Feature:Mute button
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Frigidaire Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
This Frigidaire model fits buyers who prefer a stainless steel exterior in a compact format. Its 0.7-cu.-ft. capacity takes up less room than larger countertop units, making it suitable for apartments, offices, and smaller kitchens.
The 700-watt rating covers basic reheating and warming needs without demanding a large electrical footprint. Its limitation is straightforward: the smaller interior leaves less room for wide plates and larger food containers.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:700W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Small-footprint design
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Compact cooking cavity
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. Exact dimensions vary, so measure the full appliance, including depth and door clearance. For tight spaces, focus on the turntable size as well as the cubic-foot rating. The usable cooking area matters more than the number on the product box.
Is 700 watts enough for everyday cooking?
Yes, 700 watts is enough for reheating leftovers, warming drinks, steaming vegetables, and cooking many packaged foods. It will usually take longer than a 1,000-watt model, so follow the package directions and add time in short intervals. Lower wattage can also heat food less evenly. Stir or rotate food halfway through cooking, then allow a brief standing period so the heat can spread.
Can a small microwave fit a full-size dinner plate?
It depends on the turntable diameter and interior shape. Many compact models accommodate plates around 10 to 11 inches, but some smaller ovens fit only narrower dishes. Measure your largest regularly used plate before buying. Leave enough room for the plate to rotate without touching the walls.
How much ventilation does a countertop microwave need?
Follow the manufacturer’s clearance instructions, since vent locations differ by model. Many countertop units need several inches of open space around the sides, back, or top, and the ventilation openings must remain uncovered. Do not place the microwave inside a closed cabinet unless it is specifically designed for built-in installation. Trapping heat can affect performance and create a safety concern.
Are compact microwaves safe for dorm rooms and offices?
A compact microwave can suit a dorm room, office, or kitchenette if the location allows it and the building rules permit personal appliances. Check for a child lock, stable footing, and a power cord that reaches a properly rated outlet without an extension cord. Use microwave-safe containers and keep the oven away from sinks, crowded shelves, and flammable materials. Avoid running several high-power appliances from the same outlet, because circuit breakers have a famously limited sense of humor.
