Finding the perfect compact microwave can feel like hunting for a needle in a kitchen drawer, but we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. In this guide we compare top‑rated small microwaves that blend power, space‑saving design, and smart features without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a dorm‑dweller, a tiny‑apartment chef, or just need a countertop sidekick, our trusted reviews and real‑world tests will help you pick the model that fits your lifestyle and budget perfectly and reliable performance daily.
Key Takeaways
- The top pick offers 1000-watt power and 1.2 cu ft capacity for fast, efficient cooking in compact spaces.
- Smart Sensor technology automatically adjusts cooking time and power for optimal results.
- Six preset menus simplify common tasks like reheating, defrosting, and popcorn.
- Choose a model with a removable turntable for easier cleaning and maintenance.
- Prioritize wattage and capacity to match your cooking needs and available space.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Smart Sensor Cooking
- 1.2 cu ft capacity
- 1000‑watt power
- Smart Sensor auto‑adjust
- BEST FOR COMPACT POWER: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SMART SENSOR COOKING: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SLEEK STAINLESS POWER: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SENSOR PRECISION: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor Read More ↓
- BEST FOR FAMILY FRIENDLY POWER: Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ECO SILENT COOK: COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SPACE-SAVING POWER: GE Countertop Microwave Oven Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT ECO DESIGN: GE Countertop Microwave Oven Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Top Rated Small Microwaves
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
Chefman’s Countertop Microwave packs 0.7 cubic feet of space and 700 watts of power into a sleek, space‑saving design perfect for dorm rooms or small kitchens. Six handy presets—popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, and leftovers—let you start cooking with a single touch, while the 10 power levels give fine control from gentle defrost to rapid heating.
The intuitive digital panel includes a +30‑second shortcut and a memory function for your favorite settings. A built‑in child safety lock keeps the door secure, and the compact footprint fits neatly on any countertop.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Six one‑touch presets
- 10 adjustable power levels
- Compact countertop footprint
- Child safety lock
- Memory function for favorites
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited interior capacity
- No turntable
- No convection feature
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 offers a roomy 1.2‑cubic‑foot interior and a robust 1000‑watt output, making it a versatile addition to any small kitchen. Smart Sensor Technology reads food humidity and automatically tweaks time and power for consistently even results, whether reheating pizza or steaming vegetables.
Six preset menus simplify common tasks, while ten power levels and a built‑in clock provide precise control for everything from defrosting to boiling. The removable 12.4‑inch glass turntable clears space for larger dishes, and the intuitive one‑touch start gets meals underway in seconds.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- 1.2 cu ft capacity
- 1000‑watt power
- Smart Sensor auto‑adjust
- Six preset menus
- Removable turntable
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Larger footprint
- No child lock
- No convection feature
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus, 10 Power Levels, Eco Mode, Memory, Mute Function, Child Safety Lock, Easy Clean
Chefman’s Countertop Microwave offers a sleek stainless‑steel look and 1.1‑cubic‑foot capacity, perfect for small kitchens or dorms. With 1000 watts of power across ten levels, it handles everything from quick reheats to full‑scale cooking.
Six one‑touch presets—popcorn, potato, pizza, veggies, beverages, and leftovers—remove guesswork, while the Multi‑Phase feature lets you combine power levels for complex dishes. A convenient memory button stores your favorite settings, and the mute option silences beeps for quieter operation.
Compact yet versatile, this microwave balances performance with space‑saving design.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Six one‑touch presets
- 10 power levels
- Memory function saves settings
- Mute option for quiet
- Compact stainless steel
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited interior capacity
- No grill function
- Controls not backlit
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver
Toshiba’s EM131A5C-SS delivers 1.2 cu ft of cooking space within a modern stainless‑steel frame, ideal for compact kitchens. Powered by 1000 watts, it features Smart Sensor Technology that reads food humidity and automatically fine‑tunes time and power for consistent results.
Six preset menus—including pizza, vegetables, and sensor reheat—simplify everyday meals, while ten power levels and a built‑in clock give full control. The removable 12.4‑inch glass turntable ensures easy cleaning, and the one‑touch defrost lets you thaw by weight or time.
Reliable performance meets user‑friendly design in this versatile countertop microwave.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Smart Sensor adjusts cooking
- Six preset menus
- 10 power levels
- Removable glass turntable
- One‑touch defrost
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No convection function
- No grill element
- Interior not stainless interior
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
The Farberware 1.1‑cu‑ft countertop microwave delivers 1000 watts of power in a compact footprint, making it perfect for kitchens, dorms, or offices. Ten power levels and multi‑stage cooking let you fine‑tune heating, while six one‑touch presets—popcorn, potato, pizza, and more—handle common meals instantly.
Defrost by weight or time adds flexibility, and the clear LED display with timer and clock keeps you on schedule. Interior lighting lets you watch food without opening the door, and a child‑safety lock ensures peace of mind.
Easy‑to‑clean surfaces round out a practical, space‑saving design.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact yet powerful
- Ten power levels
- Six one‑touch presets
- Clear LED display
- Child safety lock
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No grill function
- Heavy for small kitchens
- Limited interior capacity
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
COMFEE’ EM720CPL‑PB offers a sleek 0.7‑cu‑ft countertop microwave packed with convenient features for busy households. The mute function silences the fan for quiet operation, while ECO mode cuts standby power by up to 50 percent, saving energy.
One‑touch express cooking provides 1‑6 minute intervals plus a 30‑second boost, and dedicated presets cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and reheating. Defrost can be set by weight or time, and the bright digital display with a clear control panel makes settings easy to read.
A 10‑inch glass turntable ensures even heating, and a child‑safety lock adds security.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Silent mute function
- Energy‑saving ECO mode
- One‑touch express cooking
- Multiple preset menus
- Bright digital display
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Small cooking cavity
- No stainless steel interior
- Limited warranty period
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 1.1 Cubic Ft., 950-watt Capacity, 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
The GE Countertop Microwave Oven offers a compact 1.1‑cubic‑foot interior that fits neatly on tight countertops while still providing ample space for plates, bowls, and larger dishes. Powered by 950 watts, it delivers quick, even heating, and the glass turntable ensures food rotates for consistent results.
One‑touch controls simplify everyday cooking, and six auto‑cook programs handle popcorn, pizza, reheating, and more. A two‑step child lock adds safety, and the weight‑or‑time defrost feature automatically sets the perfect defrost cycle.
With a 39‑inch cord, it’s ready to plug in and use right away.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact yet spacious interior
- 950‑watt rapid heating
- One‑touch auto programs
- Child lock safety feature
- Easy setup plug‑in
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No sensor reheating
- Limited exterior colors
- No turntable removal
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 with a 0.9‑cubic‑foot cavity is ideal for studios, dorm rooms, or small kitchens where space is at a premium. Its 900‑watt output provides fast, even cooking, while the glass turntable rotates dishes for uniform heating.
Seven auto‑cook presets cover popcorn, pizza, beverages, and more, simplifying everyday meals. A two‑step child lock safeguards curious youngsters, and the flexible defrost system lets you choose weight‑based or manual timing for precise thawing.
The sleek, freestanding design and 39‑inch power cord make installation a breeze.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Space‑saving compact design
- 900‑watt quick heating
- Seven auto‑cook presets
- Flexible defrost options
- Child lock safety
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No convection feature
- Limited interior capacity
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 should I choose for a small microwave?
Look for a countertop model with an interior capacity of 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet, which comfortably fits a single plate or a bowl. Smaller units are easier to store on a kitchen counter or in a pantry, but ensure the interior dimensions match the dishes you plan to heat. Also check the external dimensions to confirm it fits your available space.
Which power level is ideal for a compact microwave?
A wattage between 600 and 800 watts provides quick heating while keeping the unit compact. Higher wattage cooks food faster but may increase energy consumption, whereas lower wattage can result in uneven heating. Choose a model with adjustable power settings so you can fine‑tune cooking for different foods.
How important are preset cooking programs?
Preset programs such as popcorn, pizza, and beverage reheating add convenience, especially for users who want one‑button operation. They can also help achieve consistent results without guessing times and power levels. However, if you prefer manual control, a microwave without many presets may be simpler and sometimes cheaper.
What features differentiate top‑rated small microwaves?
Key differentiators include a turntable versus flat‑bed cooking, sensor cooking technology, and interior lighting. A turntable ensures even heating, while sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power based on moisture levels. Flat‑bed designs can accommodate larger plates but may require more careful placement of food.
Is it worth paying more for a stainless‑steel finish?
Stainless‑steel exteriors add a premium look and are more resistant to fingerprints and scratches than plastic. The price premium is usually modest for small microwaves, so if aesthetics matter in your kitchen, it can be a worthwhile upgrade. Functionally, the finish does not affect cooking performance.
How do I evaluate value for money?
Compare the microwave’s price against its wattage, feature set, and warranty length. A model that offers sensor cooking, multiple power levels, and a solid warranty for a slightly higher price often provides better long‑term value than a cheaper, feature‑light version. Read user reviews to see if the extra cost translates into reliable performance.
Should I consider a microwave with a child lock?
A child lock prevents accidental activation, which is especially important in households with young children. This safety feature is typically inexpensive to add and does not impact cooking efficiency. If safety is a priority, choose a model that includes an easy‑to‑activate lock function.