Compact living requires smart kitchen upgrades that don’t crowd counters. The best microwaves for small spaces balance footprint, power, and user-friendly features like presets, safety locks, and quiet operation. Below are five compact models that fit tight counters while delivering dependable everyday performance. Use the buying guide to compare capacity, wattage, presets, and safety features to choose the right fit for your routine.
| Product | Brand | Capacity (cu ft) | Power (W) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave | TOSHIBA | 0.9 | 900 | 6 Auto Menus; Mute Function; Child Lock |
| Chefman Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Chefman | 0.7 | 700 | 10 Power Levels; 6 Presets; One-Touch Express Cook; Eco Mode; Mute Button |
| BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave | BLACK+DECKER | 0.7 | 700 | Push-Button Door; 10 Power Settings; Pre-Programmed Buttons; Child Safety Lock |
| Farberware Countertop 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt | Farberware | 0.7 | 700 | Ten Power Levels; Six One-Touch Options; Defrost by Weight/Time |
| COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave | COMFEE | 0.7 | 700 | Mute Function; ECO Mode; Easy One-Touch Buttons; Two Defrost Options |
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave
Compact and practical, the Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) fits tight kitchen counters while delivering reliable cooking power. With 0.9 cubic feet of interior space and a 10.6-inch glass turntable, it handles standard dishes without crowding. It delivers 900 watts of microwave output (1400 watts input), enabling quick reheats and efficient cooking for everyday meals. A two-step child lock adds safety in homes with kids, and a mute function helps keep the kitchen quiet during late meals. Six preset menus simplify popular foods like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes.
Designed for apartment living, this model emphasizes straightforward operation and dependable performance. The exterior dimensions are compact (about 18.7 x 14.7 x 10.7 inches), leaving counter space for other essentials. While not the largest microwave, its six presets and simple controls offer everyday convenience without a steep learning curve. Users seeking a compact option that still covers common meals will appreciate the balance of size, power, and safety features.
Chefman Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Small but capable, the Chefman 0.7 cu ft microwave packs 700 watts into a compact footprint. It includes 10 power levels and six one-touch presets, enabling quick cooking for common items such as popcorn, beverages, and vegetables. The One-Touch Express Cook simplifies meal prep, while Eco Mode helps save energy when the appliance sits idle. A built-in child safety lock plus a mute button makes it suitable for shared spaces where quiet operation matters. Digital controls offer intuitive setup for time and power, enhancing day-to-day use.
Designed for tight kitchens, this model fits under cabinets or on dorm-room counters. The compact design accommodates standard dishes while remaining easy to clean and maintain. While it may not replace larger microwaves, its balance of power, presets, and energy-conscious features makes it a strong candidate for small living spaces where reliability matters.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
With a 0.7 cu ft interior and 700 watts, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 focuses on compact practicality. It offers ten power settings and pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates. The push-button door and large LED display simplify operation, while a child safety lock adds security in homes with kids. The 10-inch glass turntable helps fit plates and bowls, making everyday reheats straightforward in tight spaces. The simple control panel supports quick learning for first-time buyers.
Designed for quick, predictable results, this model emphasizes ease of use and reliability. Its compact footprint makes it a fit for college kitchens or studio apartments, and the interior light aids visibility during late-night snacks. While it lacks some high-end features, it delivers solid core performance and durability with a straightforward interface that reduces the learning curve for busy users.
Farberware Countertop 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt
Farberware’s 0.7 cubic foot microwave delivers dependable daily use in a compact frame. It offers 700 watts of microwave power with ten power levels and six one-touch options, enabling quick meals plus flexible defrosting. The interior is easy to clean, and the 10-inch glass turntable supports standard dinnerware without crowding countertops. This small-space microwave is well suited for apartments, dorm rooms, and offices where space is at a premium. Its practical feature set focuses on reliability and ease of use.
Defrost by weight or by time provides flexible thawing, while the straightforward control panel supports effortless operation for busy mornings or late-night snacks. Its compact size, reliable performance, and simple menu options make it a practical choice for individuals who need dependable heating without extra features that complicate use.
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave
COMFEE’s EM720CPL-PMB brings quiet operation and energy-conscious design to a compact 0.7 cu ft microwave. It includes a mute function, ECO Mode, and easy one-touch buttons for common tasks, plus two defrost options (by weight or time). The 700-watt power level is adequate for reheating and small meals, while the compact footprint helps maximize counter space in small kitchens or dorm rooms. The user interface emphasizes simplicity and efficiency, making it a practical choice for shared living spaces.
One-tap express cooking and a clean digital interface simplify daily use, and the ECO Mode helps reduce standby energy when the unit isn’t actively in use. The quiet operation and durable construction make this model a dependable option for households that value straightforward operation and energy efficiency in a compact form factor.
Buying Guide
Size, Capacity, And Space Considerations
In small spaces, every cubic inch matters. Microwaves around 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet offer enough interior room for standard plates and bowls while staying shallow enough to sit under most cabinets. Measure your counter depth, width, and available clearance to ensure the door and turntable won’t collide with nearby appliances. Look for models with compact external dimensions and a 10-inch (or close) turntable to maximize plate compatibility without crowding.
Power, Heating Performance, And Turntable Size
Wattage directly affects cooking speed. Compact microwaves commonly range from 700 to 900 watts for the microwave output, with 900 watts offering faster reheats. A larger turntable (like 10 inches) helps accommodate standard dinnerware. If you frequently reheat dense foods or cook frozen meals, prioritize models with higher power and a reliable turntable that distributes heat evenly.
Presets, Controls, And User Experience
Presets can save time for common foods (popcorn, pizza, beverages, potatoes). Easy-to-use digital controls and tactile buttons reduce learning curves, especially for first-time buyers. A one-touch express cooking function or a mute option can improve daily usability in shared living spaces. Consider whether you want an appliance with energy-saving modes to reduce standby power when idle.
Safety Features And Durability
Child safety locks, door safety mechanisms, and sturdy build quality are important, especially in households with children or shared kitchens. A lightweight unit may be easy to move but could feel less durable over time; aim for a model with solid construction and dependable door seals. Easy-to-clean interiors and accessible maintenance features also help extend the microwave’s lifespan.
Energy Efficiency, Maintenance, And Warranties
Eco or energy-saving modes can reduce standby consumption, which adds up over time. Routine cleaning of the interior and glass turntable preserves performance and extends life. Review warranty terms for the microwave’s magnetron, dial control, and overall workmanship. A reputable brand with readily available spare parts and service is advantageous for long-term reliability in a small kitchen.