Imagine this: you’re craving a warm snack, but your kitchen counter is already overflowing. Or maybe you live in a cozy apartment where every inch of space counts. Finding a microwave that fits your small kitchen and your needs can feel like a puzzle! You want something that heats food quickly, but you don’t want it to take up all your precious counter space. It’s a common problem, and many people feel overwhelmed when they start looking.
Choosing a small microwave oven isn’t just about size; it’s about finding the perfect balance. You need to consider wattage for cooking power, features that make your life easier, and of course, how it will look in your home. Don’t worry, though! This post is here to help you navigate all those choices. We’ll break down what makes a great small microwave and guide you toward the one that’s just right for you.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in your decision. We’ll explore different types, discuss important features, and even share some tips for using your new compact kitchen helper. Get ready to discover how a small microwave can make a big difference in your kitchen!
Our Top 5 Small Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.9/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a compact and handy microwave oven. It’s designed for your kitchen countertop and offers useful features for quick meals. This black microwave is 0.7 cubic feet in size and has 700 watts of power, making it suitable for smaller spaces and basic cooking tasks.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off the annoying beeps, which is great for late-night snacks or when others are sleeping.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing power when the microwave isn’t in use.
- Easy one-touch buttons and auto-cook options for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Express cooking gives you quick 1-6 minute options, plus a 30-second button for fast heating.
- It has two defrost settings, by weight or by time, making it easier to thaw frozen foods.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel are user-friendly.
- A child safety lock prevents little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The 10-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700W, it might take a little longer to cook or heat larger portions compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cu.ft. capacity is good for small households but may be too small for larger meals or dishes.
Overall, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a practical microwave with smart features. Its quiet operation and energy-saving mode make it a solid choice for everyday use.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.9/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for any kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave offers 700 watts of cooking power and 10 different power levels. It makes heating up snacks and meals super easy with its six handy cooking presets. Plus, it has cool features like Eco Mode and a Mute Button for quiet operation.
What We Like:
- It cooks food very quickly. You can choose from six presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies. You can also just press the number keys for minutes of cooking.
- You have lots of control over cooking. There are 10 power levels, from melting butter to fast cooking.
- The digital controls are simple to use. You can easily set the time and power. The +30 seconds button is great for extra time.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings. This makes starting your usual meals a breeze.
- It has a child safety lock. This keeps the door from opening by accident. You can also lock the control panel.
- The Mute Button lets you turn off the beeping sounds. This is useful if you need to be quiet.
- Its modern black design looks good in any kitchen. It’s also compact.
- Cleaning is easy. The exterior wipes clean, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and built to last. Chefman also offers a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger dishes or family meals.
- While powerful for its size, 700 watts may not be enough for very fast cooking compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It balances convenience with thoughtful features for everyday use.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking for a simple and effective microwave for your kitchen? The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great choice. It’s a compact 0.7 cubic foot oven with a stylish stainless steel finish that fits easily on your countertop. This microwave is designed for everyday use, making reheating leftovers or cooking quick meals a breeze.
What We Like:
- It has handy pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. Just press a button, and it cooks your food perfectly.
- The 700-watt power with 10 different settings gives you control over how your food cooks.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super fast for when you’re in a hurry.
- A large, easy-to-read digital display shows the time and timer clearly.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- It comes with a removable glass turntable that’s easy to clean.
- The push-button door opens easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 0.7 cubic foot capacity a bit small for larger dishes or cooking for a big family.
- While it has many features, it doesn’t have advanced cooking options like convection.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers essential features that make daily cooking quick and convenient.
4. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power
Rating: 9.1/10
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy appliance for any kitchen or office. It offers 700 watts of power, making it great for heating up leftovers or cooking quick meals. This microwave is designed to be user-friendly with helpful features like auto cook settings and a defrost option.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful enough to cook food quickly.
- You get six one-touch cooking options for popular foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The defrost feature works by weight or time, making it easy to thaw frozen items.
- Its compact size is perfect for small spaces.
- Cleaning the inside and outside is simple.
- The LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- A child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity microwave for bigger meals.
- The 700-watt power might be a bit slower than higher-wattage microwaves for certain tasks.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for everyday cooking needs. It balances convenience with safety features, making it a good addition to your home or workspace.
5. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power
Rating: 9.2/10
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy appliance for your kitchen. It’s designed to make cooking fast and easy. This microwave has 700 watts of power, which is strong enough for most everyday tasks. It also has special settings to help you cook different foods with just a push of a button.
What We Like:
- It’s a powerful microwave that cooks food quickly.
- It has ten power levels and special one-touch buttons for popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The defrost feature lets you thaw food by weight or time.
- Its compact size is perfect for small kitchens or offices.
- The inside and outside are easy to wipe clean.
- It has a clear LED display for the clock and timer.
- The child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- The interior light lets you see your food while it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find 700 watts a bit less powerful than higher-wattage microwaves for certain tasks.
- While compact, it might be too small for very large dishes or multiple items at once.
This Farberware microwave offers a good balance of features and convenience for its size. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable countertop microwave.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Small Microwave Oven
Are you looking for a handy appliance to reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, or quickly cook small meals? A small microwave oven can be a game-changer for dorm rooms, small apartments, RVs, or even as a secondary appliance in a larger kitchen. Let’s dive into what makes a good small microwave and how to pick the best one for your needs.
Why Choose a Small Microwave?
Small microwaves are fantastic because they don’t take up much counter space. They are also usually lighter and easier to move around. If you only need to heat up a mug of soup or defrost a small portion of food, a big microwave is overkill. A small one gets the job done efficiently.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
This is the most important feature for a small microwave. They typically range from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. Think about what you’ll be heating. A 0.7 cubic foot microwave is great for a plate of food or a standard mug. If you plan to heat larger items like a small casserole dish, you might need closer to 1.0 cubic foot. Measure your counter space before you buy!
2. Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most small microwaves have between 700 and 1000 watts. For everyday reheating, 700-800 watts is usually enough. If you want to cook things faster or more evenly, aim for 900 watts or higher.
3. Cooking Presets and Functions
Many small microwaves come with helpful presets. These are buttons for things like popcorn, pizza, baked potato, or defrosting. Some also have special functions like sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts cooking time based on the food’s moisture. Simple controls are often best for small microwaves, but a few useful presets can save you time.
4. Turntable Size
The turntable is the glass plate that spins inside. Make sure it’s big enough for your common dishes. A 10-inch turntable is standard for small microwaves and fits most dinner plates. Some models might have a removable turntable if you need to fit something a bit larger.
Important Materials
The inside of a microwave is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is more durable and easier to clean. The exterior can be plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks sleeker and lasts longer, but plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great:
- Even Heating: The microwave heats food all the way through, without cold spots.
- Easy Controls: Buttons are clear and simple to understand.
- Quiet Operation: It doesn’t make a lot of loud noise when running.
- Durability: The appliance feels sturdy and well-built.
- Simple Cleaning: The interior wipes down easily.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Good:
- Uneven Cooking: Some parts of the food are hot, while others are cold.
- Confusing Controls: It’s hard to figure out how to use the different settings.
- Noisy Operation: The microwave hums or rattles loudly.
- Flimsy Build: The appliance feels cheap and might not last long.
- Difficult Cleaning: Food splatters are hard to remove.
User Experience and Use Cases
A small microwave should be a joy to use. You want to be able to pop in your food, press a few buttons, and have a perfectly heated meal in minutes. It should fit seamlessly into your life, whether you’re a busy student, a single person, or someone who just needs a quick way to heat things up.
Common Uses:
- Reheating leftovers
- Making popcorn
- Heating up frozen meals
- Melting butter or chocolate
- Cooking simple snacks like baked potatoes
- Warming up drinks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the average size of a small microwave?
A: Small microwaves typically range from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet in capacity.
Q: How much wattage do I need for a small microwave?
A: For most small microwaves, 700 to 1000 watts is common. 700-800 watts is fine for reheating, while 900+ watts cooks faster.
Q: Can I fit a dinner plate in a small microwave?
A: Yes, most small microwaves with a 10-inch turntable can fit a standard dinner plate.
Q: Are small microwaves good for cooking full meals?
A: They are best for reheating, cooking small portions, and simple snacks. They are not ideal for cooking large or complex meals.
Q: How do I clean a small microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” mean?
A: Sensor cooking uses built-in sensors to detect the moisture released from food and automatically adjust the cooking time and power level for you.
Q: Is stainless steel interior better than painted metal?
A: Stainless steel is generally more durable, rust-resistant, and easier to clean than painted metal.
Q: How long does a small microwave oven typically last?
A: With proper care, a small microwave oven can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
Q: Should I worry about the noise level?
A: Some microwaves are louder than others. If noise is a concern, read reviews to see what other users say about the sound.
Q: What is the best wattage for defrosting?
A: Many microwaves have a specific defrost setting. If not, using a lower power setting (around 30-50%) is usually best for defrosting.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!