Does your kitchen feel cramped, but you still crave the convenience of quick meals? Many of us love the speed a microwave offers, but standard models often hog precious counter space. Finding a small countertop microwave that actually fits your needs—without sacrificing power or features—can feel like a frustrating treasure hunt. You need something compact for your apartment, dorm room, or tiny kitchen, but you worry that “small” means “weak.”
This common struggle leads to kitchen frustration. We want efficiency, but we don’t want clutter. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best compact microwave ovens available today, focusing on models that deliver big performance in small packages. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which small countertop microwave fits your space and your budget perfectly.
Top Small Countertop Microwave Oven Recommendations
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 12.1 x 10.9 x 7.6 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
- 6 Preset Menus: This compact microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Mute function, settings, clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock, easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- One touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and plus30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time)
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizing 50% standby power by turning on ECO mode
- Bright digital display, easy-to-read control panel, interior light and 10 inch glass turntable
- One year limited warranty. Express cooking options & silent mode
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 700 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 0.7 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
- DIGITAL PANEL: Our microwave features a Digital Control Panel that makes it really easy to use and provides choices for express cooking, altering the power level, postponing the start, setting the time, and stop/cancel features.
- CONVENIENT: Utilize the two different defrost timers to have full control over how you want your food to be warmed. Cook your personalized meals and snacks in stages.
- SAFE: Keep your little ones safe by using the Child Safety Lock that prevents inadvertent usage or access. The large display provides a clear viewing of your meals for you to keep an eye on them to make sure it cooks perfectly.
- DIFFERENT SETTINGS: Intuitive cooking settings remove the complexity from daily cooking. There are six different auto cooking settings to choose from (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen dinner, reheat, beverage).
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : 110 Volts.Rated Input Power(Microwave):1050W
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 12.1 x 10.9 x 7.6 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
- 6 Preset Menus: This compact microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
Your Guide to Picking the Perfect Small Countertop Microwave
A small countertop microwave is a fantastic helper in any kitchen. It heats up leftovers fast. It pops popcorn perfectly. If you have limited space, these compact models are your best friend. This guide helps you choose the right one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, certain features make a microwave better. Think about what you need it to do every day.
- Wattage Power: This controls how fast your food cooks. For small microwaves, look for 700 to 1,000 watts. Higher watts cook faster.
- Size and Capacity: Small usually means 0.5 to 1.2 cubic feet. Measure your counter space first! Make sure the turntable fits your favorite small plate.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Good microwaves have buttons for common tasks. These include popcorn, defrost, and reheating. They take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Digital vs. Dial Controls: Digital touchpads are easy to clean and precise. Dials are simple and sometimes last longer. Choose what feels easiest for you.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The inner workings and outside materials greatly affect how long your microwave lasts and how well it works.
Materials Matter
The inside coating is very important. Ceramic enamel interiors are often the best. They resist scratches and clean up easily. Metal interiors are common but can sometimes rust if scratched deeply. The outside casing should be sturdy metal or strong plastic.
Quality Boosters and Reducers
- Improved Quality: Inverter technology is a big plus. It cooks food more evenly, avoiding hot spots. Quiet operation is also a sign of better build quality.
- Reduced Quality: Weak door latches break easily. Thin plastic buttons wear out fast. If the turntable wobbles when the microwave runs, the quality is likely low.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave dictates the best choice. Think about your daily routine.
Who Needs a Small Microwave?
Small microwaves fit perfectly in many spots. They are ideal for:
- Dorm Rooms: Limited space means small appliances are necessary.
- Small Apartments or Kitchenettes: They save precious counter space for food prep.
- Office Breakrooms: Quickly heating lunch without taking up much room.
- Secondary Heating: If you have a main oven but need a quick spot for tea or a mug cake.
A good user experience means the door opens smoothly. The beeping sound should not be too loud or annoying. Look for a model that lets you easily mute the end-of-cycle signal if you are heating food late at night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Small Countertop Microwaves
Q: What is the smallest size microwave I can buy?
A: The smallest usable microwaves usually start around 0.5 cubic feet. These are very compact and great for heating just a single mug or small bowl.
Q: Do small microwaves cook as well as big ones?
A: Yes, if they have similar wattage. A small microwave with 1000 watts will cook just as fast as a large one with 1000 watts. Capacity does not equal power.
Q: Is stainless steel better for the inside or outside?
A: Stainless steel on the outside looks nice and resists fingerprints better than black plastic. For the inside, ceramic enamel is easier to keep clean than stainless steel.
Q: What is inverter technology?
A: Inverter technology sends power in a steady stream. This cooks food gently and evenly, which is great for softening butter or defrosting meat without cooking the edges.
Q: How do I clean my small microwave effectively?
A: Place a bowl of water with a few slices of lemon inside. Heat it for two minutes. The steam loosens grime. Then, wipe the inside down easily with a cloth.
Q: Should I worry about energy use?
A: All microwaves use energy only when running. Small models generally use less power overall simply because they are smaller. Look for an Energy Star rating if saving electricity is a top concern.
Q: Are touchpads or dials more reliable?
A: Both can be reliable. Dials are less likely to fail due to liquid spills. Touchpads offer more precise time settings, like setting the time to 1 minute and 15 seconds exactly.
Q: What is the standard warranty period?
A: Most manufacturers offer a standard one-year warranty covering parts and labor. Some higher-end models offer longer warranties on the magnetron (the part that makes the waves).
Q: Can I use metal pans inside these small models?
A: Never put metal inside any microwave oven. Metal causes sparks and can damage the machine. Always use glass, ceramic, or microwave-safe plastic containers.
Q: How much counter space do I need to leave around the microwave?
A: You should leave a few inches of space on the sides and back for ventilation. Check the manual, but usually, 2 inches on the sides and 4 inches at the back prevents overheating.