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If there’s one kitchen appliance most people can’t live without, it’s the microwave. Today’s countertop models do more than make popcorn or warm up a cup of coffee, they include features like smart controls and there are even microwave air fryer combos! But if you have limited countertop space, it can be tough to find the best small microwaves that offers a compact design without compromising on features or efficiency.
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We love them for throwing together healthy dinners like Blair’s Four Ingredient Microwave Rice Bowls or whipping up some Three Ingredient Microwave Fudge to satisfy your sweet tooth on a whim.
After researching multiple popular brands to find the best microwave for small apartments, offices, or dorm rooms, Blair and I narrowed down the list to the 6 best options. Below, you’ll find more details on the best small microwaves that are designed to fit easily on countertops and are suitable for individuals, small households, or kitchens with limited space.
Our Top Picks:
- Blair’s Top Pick: Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven – $99.97 at Amazon
- Best Small Microwave Air Fryer Combo: Toshiba 8-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Combo – $189.98 at Amazon
- Best Small 1000-Watt: LG NeoChef Microwave – $149.99 at Best Buy
- Best Small Smart Microwave: GE Smart Countertop Microwave – $138.16 at Amazon
- Best Budget: Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave – $99.86 at Amazon
- Best Compact Microwave: Black and Decker Digital Microwave – $111.54 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Small Microwaves
1. Blair’s Top Pick: Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven
The Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse that checks all the boxes. It has 900 watts of power and a long list of features like easy defrosting by weight and time, 10 power levels, express one-touch cook buttons, an energy-saving mode, a mute button, and a memory function so you can reheat your cup of coffee to a precise temperature every time.
The control panel is easy to read and the LED digital display is bright, so it’s even easy to use at night. Some of the best things about this 0.9-cubic foot, countertop microwave are its large capacity with a small footprint and its black stainless that matches many different kitchen styles.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 16.1 x 19.2 x 11.5 inches
- Capacity: .9 cubic feet
- Power: 900 watts
- Turntable Size: 10.6 inches
The Pros:
- Compact footprint
- Large capacity
- Powerful
- Easy-to-read digital display
- Sleek design
The Cons:
- The door can be hard to open
- Door shuts loudly
What Others are Saying:
The Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon from more than 17,000 reviews.
Buy the Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven:
2. Best Small Microwave Air Fryer Combo: Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is the Swiss army knife of microwaves with eight different cooking settings bundled into one space-efficient appliance. The list includes air fryer, grill, convection, broil, bake, toast, and pro defrost. Not to mention its “combi” cook setting, which combines some of the cooking options.
The best part about this model is its “sensor cook” feature that uses a smart sensor to gauge the humidity and automatically adjusts the power level and cooking time, so your food is never undercooked or overcooked.
Its auto menus have 10 power levels, 6 auto menus, 10 air fry presets, 5 sensor cook presets, and 6 defrost presets, so it’s as versatile as they come. This microwave also has an inverter, it reheats and defrosts evenly, with no cold spots or overcooked bits for perfectly crispy chicken nuggets every time.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 20 x 20.5 x 12.8 inches
- Capacity: 1 cubic foot
- Power: 1000 watts
- Turntable Size: 12.4 inches
The Pros:
- Doubles as an air fryer
- Fits a whole casserole dish
- Versatile
- Heats evenly
- Includes baking rack and tray
The Cons:
- Presets are listed inside the unit
What Others are Saying:
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven was named the most versatile microwave air fryer by Good Housekeeping. Additionally, it has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon from more than 51,000 reviews.
Buy the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven:
3. Best Small 1000 Watt: LG NeoChef Microwave with EasyClean
The LG NeoChef made our list of the best small microwaves because it combines 1,000 watts of power with innovative technology and user-friendly operation — while still being small enough for tight spaces. One of the standout features is its inverter technology, which ensures consistent cooking for even cooking whether you are defrosting something from the freezer or reheating leftovers. It also includes sensor cooking technology, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture levels.
The NeoChef has a stylish design with a sophisticated touchscreen control panel and its EasyClean interior, which makes it easy to wipe down any splatters or spills. The turntable is shaped like a hexagon with six wheels, so it rotates smoothly for even cooking.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 11 x 18 x 14.5 inches
- Capacity: .9 cubic feet
- Power: 1000
- Turntable Size: 11.5 inches
The Pros:
- Large interior capacity
- Stylish
- Heats evenly
- Intuitive cook time and power
The Cons:
- Heavy
What Others are Saying:
The LG NeoChef Microwave with EasyClean has a 4.5-star rating on Best Buy from more than 3,600 reviews.
Buy the LG NeoChef Microwave with EasyClean:
4. Best Smart: GE Smart Countertop Microwave
Tech fans, this smart microwave is for you! The GE Smart Countertop Microwave works through WiFi with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and can be controlled by your voice. As if that wasn’t cool enough, another jaw-dropping feature is its scan-to-cook technology, which allows you to scan a barcode on a package with your phone app and your microwave oven will automatically cook it to the recommended settings. This machine is so smart that it will alert you if you push start before you’ve placed your food inside.
If you’re an analog user, you aren’t left out with this small countertop microwave oven. You can still use the 6 program buttons for common settings like reheating, cooking veggies, reheating, and defrosting. It’s still a great choice if you want something practical and easy to use.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 19 x 11.5 inches
- Capacity: .9 cubic feet
- Power: 900 watts
- Turntable Size: 10.5 inches
The Pros:
- Smart connectivity
- Voice control
- Scan-to-cook technology
- Easy to use
The Cons:
- Must download the app
- Heavy
What Others are Saying:
CNN named the GE Smart Countertop Microwave to be the best compact microwave they tested.
Buy the GE Smart Countertop Microwave:
5. Best Budget: Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave
For a budget buy, the Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave looks pretty sharp with its black and stainless exterior. It also packs quite a bit of power into its small size at 900 watts.
This model has 10 heating settings, including 6 one-touch menus for things like popcorn or baked potatoes, plus a defrost button that is customizable by weight and speed. These digital controls are intuitive to use, easy to spot, and easy to clean.
The push-button design is great for super tight spaces because the front is flush and no handle sticks out and gets in the way.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 12.38 x 17.81 x 10.31 inches
- Capacity: .9 cubic feet
- Power: 900 watts
- Turntable Size: 9.65 inches
The Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Simple to clean
- Simple to use
- Compact
The Cons:
- Noisy
What Others are Saying:
The Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon from more than 27,000 reviews.
Buy the Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave:
6. Best Compact: Black + Decker Digital Microwave Oven
If you have really limited counter space or want to save a few dollars, this basic Black + Decker Digital Microwave Oven is a great choice. At 900 watts of power, it’s a lot more powerful than you’d think it would be for its .7 cubic foot size! The 10-inch turntable is on the smaller side, making it great for reheating or cooking small amounts of food like popcorn or a baked potato, but it won’t fit large mixing bowls or oversized plates.
It has pre-programmed modes with easy-to-read buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggies, beverages, and dinner plates. Plus, it has 10 different power settings, a clock, and a kitchen timer. The 30-second express cook button is handy for quickly reheating a cup of coffee.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 13 x 17.3 x 10.2 inches
- Capacity: .7 cubic feet
- Power: 900 watts
- Turntable Size: 10 inches
The Pros:
- Compact
- Inexpensive
- Quiet operation
- Sleek design
- Flush push-button door
The Cons:
- No mute button
- Small turntable
What Others are Saying:
Good Housekeeping named the Black + Decker Digital Microwave Oven the best small countertop microwave, and Women’s Health named it the best value microwave. Additionally, it has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon from more than 27,000 reviews.
Buy the Black + Decker Digital Microwave Oven:
Other Small Microwaves I’ve Researched
It has an eye-catching design and comes in a few colors, which makes it a fun addition to a dorm room, but the controls are confusing to use and at 700 watts, it’s a pretty basic option. The Insignia Compact Microwave is available at Best Buy for $89.99.
Galanz Retro Countertop Microwave
The Galanz takes top prize for design with its retro look, an array of available colors, and cool-looking turn-style knobs and buttons. We also love how the enamel exterior conceals fingerprints, which keeps it looking nice. That said, the vintage design might not be a fit for every kitchen. The Galanz Retro Countertop Microwave is available at Amazon for $80.72.
Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave
The quietest microwave on our list is also the most expensive. You can hardly hear it while it’s working and you can set it to mute all beeps. It even has a soft-close door, proving it was engineered to be as quiet as possible, but we don’t think that feature alone merits spending the extra money. The Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave is available at Williams-Sonoma for $249.95.
Why You Can Trust Me
I’m Belle DuChene, an award-winning digital content producer and professor of communications who has a passion for all things lifestyle including fashion, food, and French culture. (And wine, of course!) Over 20 years, I’ve held almost every position imaginable in various restaurants, and my writing and on-camera work can be seen on the Better Homes & Gardens website.
As a busy home cook and mother of three, Blair started The Seasoned Mom to help simplify meal time and focus on quick prep meals that bring families together. Blair’s culinary journey is fueled by her belief that cooking great dishes for your family doesn’t have to be too complicated, as demonstrated by recipes that can be cooked in a snap in a microwave like her Three Ingredient Microwave Fudge and Four Ingredient Microwave Rice Bowls.
To make this list, I worked with Blair to leverage her personal experience with microwaves for her recipes. I then deeply researched the market to pick the best compact microwave ovens based on reviews about performance and overall value.
What to Know About Small Microwaves
What to Consider Before Buying a Small Microwave
When buying a microwave, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you choose a model that suits your needs and preferences. Here are some key features and considerations to look for:
- Size: Consider the available space in your kitchen and choose a small countertop microwave that fits comfortably on your countertop or in a designated microwave space. You’ll want to be exact while measuring to ensure the model you choose will work, and double-check the turntable size as well to ensure you can pop those dinner plates in without an issue.
- Capacity: Microwaves are measured in cubic feet. Larger families may prefer a higher capacity, while individuals or small households might opt for a compact model. All of the microwaves on this list are .9 cubic feet or less.
- Power: Microwave wattage determines how quickly the appliance can cook or heat food. Higher wattage generally means faster cooking times. Compact microwaves typically range from 600 to 1,000 watts of power.
- Cooking modes: Look for microwaves with essential cooking features such as preset programs for common foods (popcorn, pizza, etc.), and defrosting options. You might also consider upgrading to one with sensor cooking technology that adjusts cooking time based on food moisture levels or one that can even air fry!
- Features: Fancier countertop microwaves come with a long list of features, like smart connectivity, customizable presets, voice control, smart sensors, and child safety locks. It’s up to you to choose the best model for your kitchen, based on how you want to use it and what you want to spend.
Where to Put a Microwave in a Small Kitchen
Placing a small microwave on the countertop is the most common and straightforward option. If you have a corner in your kitchen, consider placing your microwave in that spot to utilize the space.
If you don’t have counter space, you could consider installing a shelf underneath your cabinets to hold the microwave. This frees up valuable countertop space and keeps the microwave within easy reach.
If those two options fail and you have the floor space, consider a moveable microwave cart or stand that provides a dedicated space for the appliance and often includes additional storage for kitchen items. You should be able to easily find a compact cart that fits well within your available space.
What is the Size of a Small Microwave
Both the interior and exterior size of a small countertop microwave can vary. The interior generally falls within the range of 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. The exterior typically measures around 12 inches tall, 18-20 inches wide, and 13-15 inches deep.
How Many Watts Does a Small Microwave Use
Compact microwaves typically range from 600 to 1,000 watts of power. If you’re trying to keep close tabs on electricity use, you’ll want to make sure that you choose a lower-wattage option that can still perform well.
How to Clean a Microwave
Cleaning a microwave is a simple task that, when done regularly, helps maintain its appearance and performance for the long haul.
Pro tip: To clean the interior of a microwave, fill a microwave-safe bowl or container with equal parts water and white vinegar. Heat it for 3-5 minutes until it starts to boil. The steam will loosen any grime so you can wipe it away with a cloth.
To prevent future buildup, avoid letting food particles dry out inside the microwave. Wipe up spills as soon as they occur. I would aim to do a deep cleaning once a month or as needed.
Blair’s Best Microwave Recipes
Once you’ve selected the best small microwave oven for your counter, dig into these recipes by Blair. They only take a few ingredients and are done in just minutes!
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
