Choosing a compact microwave can feel like a kitchen puzzle, but don’t worry—we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. In this guide we’ll break down the top models, spotlighting power, size, features, and price, so you can match a microwave to your countertop space and cooking style. Whether you’re a busy professional, a dorm‑dweller, or simply love a tidy kitchen, our trusted review will help you pick a reliable, space‑saving oven without compromise and enjoy faster meals in your day.
Key Takeaways
- The top pick delivers 1000W power for fast, even cooking in a compact design.
- Smart sensor technology automatically adjusts cooking time for optimal results.
- A 1.2 cu ft capacity fits most dishes while saving counter space.
- Choose a model with a removable turntable for easier cleaning and flexibility.
- Prioritize wattage and sensor features for best performance in compact microwaves.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Smart Sensor Power
- 1000W cooking power
- Smart sensor technology
- Spacious 1.2 cu ft
- BEST FOR MEMORY FUNCTION MICROWAVE: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SMART SENSOR POWER: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PUSH-BUTTON DOOR: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ELEVEN POWER LEVELS: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus Read More ↓
- BEST FOR CHEFDEFROST SPEED: TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven with 11 Power Levels Read More ↓
- BEST FOR AUTO COOK COMPACT: Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT 0.9CUFT: GE Countertop Microwave Oven Read More ↓
- BEST FOR INSTANT ON EXPRESS: GE Countertop Microwave Oven Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SOFT CLOSE QUIET: Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DIGITAL PANEL CONTROL: FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Compact Microwave Oven
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
The Chefman Countertop Microwave packs 700 watts of power into a sleek, 0.7‑cu‑ft cabinet that fits neatly on any kitchen counter. It offers ten adjustable power levels and six one‑touch presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, and leftovers, making everyday cooking fast and effortless.
The digital control panel includes a handy +30‑second button and a memory function for your most used settings. A built‑in child safety lock prevents accidental door openings, and the compact design frees up valuable counter space while delivering reliable, quick results.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Ten power levels
- Six cooking presets
- Child safety lock
- Compact footprint
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No turntable
- Limited interior space
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
Toshiba’s EM131A5C‑BS microwave brings a generous 1.2‑cu‑ft interior and 1000 W of cooking power to compact countertops. Smart Sensor Technology reads food humidity and automatically tweaks time and power for perfectly cooked meals, while six preset menus cover pizza, vegetables, sensor reheat, and more.
Ten power levels, a built‑in clock, and a kitchen timer give you precise control, and the removable 12.4‑inch glass turntable ensures even heating. Defrost functions let you choose by weight or time, and a one‑touch start simplifies quick meals.
Though larger than some mini models, it offers ample space for family cooking.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- 1000W cooking power
- Smart sensor technology
- Spacious 1.2 cu ft
- Removable glass turntable
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Larger countertop footprint
- No child lock
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact digital microwave that packs a punch for small kitchens. With 700 watts of power across ten adjustable levels, it handles everything from popcorn to a full dinner plate.
The intuitive LED display and pre‑programmed buttons make cooking fast and fool‑proof, while the push‑button door and child safety lock add peace of mind. A removable 10‑inch glass turntable ensures even heating, and the built‑in kitchen timer and 30‑second express cook shortcut keep meals on schedule.
Its sleek 17.3‑by‑13‑inch footprint fits neatly on countertops without sacrificing performance.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Easy preset buttons
- Child safety lock
- Clear LED display
- Removable turntable
- Compact countertop size
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited power output
- No grill function
- Plastic interior may stain
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, Perfect for Apartment, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Black Stainless Steel
Toshiba’s ML‑EM09PA is a small yet capable microwave designed for busy households. Delivering 900 watts of cooking power, it offers eleven power levels and a full kitchen timer for precise control.
Six one‑touch preset menus cover popular foods like pizza, popcorn, and potatoes, while the two‑step child lock keeps younger users safe. The 10.6‑inch glass turntable rotates evenly, and the mute function lets you cook without beeping distractions.
Its dimensions of just under 19 inches wide make it ideal for tight spaces, providing flexibility without compromising on features.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Six handy presets
- Two‑step child lock
- Mute function available
- Eleven power levels
- Compact yet spacious interior
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Higher energy consumption
- No convection option
- Control panel can be stiff
TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven with 11 Power Levels, ChefDefrost, Sound On/Off & Eco Mode, 0.7 Cu Ft, 700W, Black, MM-EM07PA(BK)
Meet the Toshiba 0.7‑cu ft countertop microwave, a sleek solution for tight kitchens. Its compact 17.1 × 12.2 × 9.5‑inch exterior houses a 9.6‑inch glass turntable and 700 W output, delivering fast, even heating.
The ChefDefrost technology thaws foods up to 40 % quicker while preserving texture, and six auto‑menu presets simplify popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and more. Eleven power levels let you fine‑tune cooking for anything from reheating coffee to preparing full meals.
An intuitive panel features One‑Touch Start, child lock, ECO mode, clock and timer for effortless daily use.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact countertop footprint
- 11 power level flexibility
- ChefDefrost saves time
- One‑Touch start simplicity
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No grill option
- Small interior space
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
Farberware offers a 0.7‑cu ft countertop microwave that blends power and portability for apartments or office spaces. With 700 W output and ten adjustable power levels, you can fine‑tune heating for soups, leftovers, or frozen meals.
Six one‑touch presets—popcorn, pizza, potato, and more—speed up common tasks, while the multi‑stage cooking option handles complex recipes. The interior and exterior are easy to wipe clean, and a bright LED display shows timer and clock at a glance.
Added safety features include a child lock and clear interior lighting, making it a reliable everyday companion.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Strong 700‑watt power
- Ten power levels
- Six one‑touch menus
- Easy‑clean interior surface
- Child safety lock
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No sensor cooking
- No stainless steel exterior
- Limited defrost precision
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 0.9 Cubic Ft., 900-watt Capacity, 7 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, White
The GE Countertop Microwave Oven packs a robust 900‑watt output into a sleek 0.9‑cubic‑foot chassis, making it ideal for tight kitchens or dorm rooms. Its glass turntable spins evenly, ensuring consistent heating for leftovers, popcorn, and quick meals.
A two‑step child lock adds peace of mind, while the intuitive one‑touch controls let you select from seven auto‑cooking presets or manually set power and time. The microwave fits comfortably on a countertop or open shelf, and the 39‑inch cord provides flexible placement.
Defrost functions are both automatic and manual, delivering reliable results for frozen foods.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact footprint saves space
- Powerful 900‑watt output
- Child lock safety feature
- One‑touch cooking controls
- Easy‑clean interior surface
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No sensor cooking
- Limited interior capacity
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 0.7 Cubic Ft., 700-watt Capacity, 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, White
GE’s Compact 0.7‑cubic‑foot microwave offers 700 watts of cooking power in a space‑saving design perfect for apartments or office break rooms. The glass turntable rotates smoothly, delivering even heating for reheating, defrosting, and quick meals.
It features a two‑step child lock for added safety and an Instant On button that starts cooking with a single press. Six auto‑cooking presets simplify common tasks, while manual power and time adjustments give you full control.
The freestanding unit sits neatly on a countertop, and the 39‑inch cord allows flexible positioning. Both auto and manual defrost options help you handle frozen foods efficiently.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact 0.7‑ft interior
- 700‑watt power
- Instant On button
- Child lock safety feature
- Simple one‑touch controls
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No convection mode
- Small cooking space
Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven, Silver
The Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave blends sleek design with smart functionality, perfect for kitchens where space is at a premium. Its 25‑liter interior offers enough room for everyday meals while the soft‑close door operates 80% quieter than traditional models, reducing kitchen noise.
One‑touch shortcuts like Reheat, Defrost, Popcorn, and Beverage let you start cooking with a single press, and the Food Menu adds specific presets for pizza, vegetables, and potatoes. Features such as a child lock, mute button, and Breville Sound Suite keep the experience quiet and safe, making it an ideal compact countertop companion for busy households.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact 25L capacity
- One‑touch cooking shortcuts
- Soft‑close quiet door
- Precise defrost & reheat
- Child lock safety
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Higher price point
- No turntable
- Limited interior space
FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black
Frigidaire’s EMW733BLACKAMZ delivers reliable performance in a compact 0.7‑cubic‑foot footprint, ideal for apartments or secondary kitchens. Its digital control panel offers intuitive navigation with express cooking, power level adjustments, and a convenient start‑delay timer.
Six auto‑cook presets—including popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen dinner, reheat, and beverage—simplify meal preparation, while two dedicated defrost timers give precise control over thawing. Safety is prioritized with a child lock and a clear display that lets you monitor cooking progress.
Though modest in size, this microwave packs essential features for everyday convenience without sacrificing ease of use.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Digital control panel
- Six auto‑cook presets
- Child safety lock
- Two defrost timers
- Easy start‑delay timer
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Small interior volume
- No soft‑close door
- Basic interior lighting
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What size and capacity should I choose for a compact microwave?
Compact microwaves typically range from 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet, which fits well on a countertop or in a small kitchen nook. Choose a capacity that can accommodate your most common dishes, like a 12‑inch plate or a small casserole. If you often reheat multiple items at once, lean toward the higher end of the compact range.
How important is wattage when comparing compact models?
Wattage determines how quickly and evenly food cooks; most compact microwaves offer 600‑900 watts. Higher wattage provides faster heating and better browning, but may consume more electricity. For everyday reheating, 700‑800 watts is a solid middle ground.
What features differentiate premium compact microwaves from budget options?
Premium models often include sensor cooking, inverter technology, and multiple preset programs for popcorn, pizza, and defrost. These features improve cooking precision and reduce hot spots. Budget models may lack these extras but still deliver basic reheating and defrost functions.
Is a turntable necessary, or are flat‑bed designs better?
A turntable rotates food for even heating, which is useful for irregularly shaped items. Flat‑bed (or grill) designs provide more usable interior space and are easier to clean, but they rely on inverter technology for uniform cooking. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize convenience or interior space.
How do I evaluate value for money in compact microwaves?
Compare the price against the combination of wattage, feature set, and brand reputation. A slightly higher price may be justified if the unit includes sensor cooking and a longer warranty. Look for sales or bundle deals that bring premium features within your budget.
Which brands are known for reliability in compact microwaves?
Brands such as Panasonic, Toshiba, and Breville consistently receive high marks for durability and performance in compact models. They often provide longer warranties and better customer support. Reading user reviews can also reveal any recurring issues specific to a model.
Should I consider energy‑efficiency ratings when buying a compact microwave?
Yes, energy‑efficient microwaves use less power and can lower your electricity bill over time. Look for models with an Energy Star label or those that advertise low standby power consumption. While the savings per use are modest, they add up with frequent use.