Does your kitchen feel more like a crowded puzzle than a place to cook? Many of us dream of a spacious gourmet kitchen, but the reality often involves a tiny apartment or a cluttered countertop. If you are tired of sacrificing precious prep space just to heat up a bowl of soup, you are certainly not alone. Finding the perfect small microwave can feel like a headache because you have to balance limited power, awkward dimensions, and those bulky designs that take over your entire workspace.
Choosing the right appliance shouldn’t feel like a chore. You deserve a microwave that fits your lifestyle and your kitchen layout without compromising on performance. We understand the frustration of scrolling through endless product pages only to find models that are either too weak to cook your food or too large to fit your shelf. It is time to stop guessing and start cooking with confidence.
In this guide, we break down the best compact options on the market today. We highlight which models offer the most power for their size and which designs save you the most counter space. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which microwave fits your needs perfectly. Let’s dive into our top picks and reclaim your kitchen counter once and for all!
Top Small Microwave Ovens Countertop Recommendations
- 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.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally. Just pull upwards on the top edge of the handle to open the microwave.
- MUTE OPTION: Silence this counter top microwave with the Audio Button, turning off any annoying beeps if you’re trying to stay quiet or not wake up your kids.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Feature: For extra protection and prevent misuse, all microwave oven manufacturers are asked to follow the new safety standard and add this 2-step child lock function
- Mute Function: Turn off all the microwave beeps by pressing the sound on/off button for 3 seconds, for a quiet cooking experience
- Easy one-touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time). With easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizes 50% standby power by using ECO mode
- Included Components: 1 Microwave Oven and 1 Manual Instruction Book
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Small Countertop Microwave
A small microwave is a must-have for any kitchen with limited space. Whether you live in a tiny apartment, a dorm room, or just want to save counter space, these compact appliances get the job done. Here is how to pick the right one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a small microwave, look for these helpful features:
- Wattage: Most small microwaves range from 600 to 900 watts. Higher wattage means your food heats up faster.
- Control Panels: You can choose between simple dials or digital touchpads. Touchpads offer more precision for timing your meals.
- Presets: Look for buttons that automatically set the time for popcorn, pizza, or frozen veggies. These save you time and guesswork.
- Child Safety Locks: This feature keeps kids from starting the microwave by accident.
Important Materials
The materials inside and outside your microwave matter for cleaning and durability. Most interiors are made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is the best choice because it resists stains and does not rust easily. The exterior should have a heat-resistant finish. Glass turntables are standard, and you should ensure they are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality depends on how the microwave is built. High-quality models have sturdy doors that latch firmly. They also have consistent heating patterns, which means you won’t find cold spots in your food. Poorly made microwaves might rattle when they run or have loud, annoying fans. Check online reviews to see if other users complain about noise or uneven cooking.
User Experience and Use Cases
Small microwaves are perfect for quick tasks. They excel at reheating leftovers, popping a bag of popcorn, or defrosting a single portion of meat. Because they are compact, they fit easily into tight corners. If you mainly cook for one or two people, a small microwave is much more efficient than a large, bulky unit. They are also very easy to move if you are a student or someone who moves apartments often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much counter space do I need?
A: Most small microwaves are about 17 to 18 inches wide. Always measure your counter before you buy. Leave at least an inch of space on all sides for proper airflow.
Q: Can a small microwave cook a full chicken?
A: No. Small microwaves have limited interior height. They are best for bowls, plates, and mugs, not large roasts.
Q: Do I need a professional to install it?
A: No. Countertop microwaves are “plug and play.” Just place it on your counter and plug it into a standard wall outlet.
Q: What is the benefit of a turntable?
A: The turntable rotates your food. This ensures that heat reaches all sides of your meal evenly.
Q: Are these microwaves energy efficient?
A: Yes. Because they have lower wattage, they use less electricity than large, heavy-duty ovens.
Q: How do I clean the inside?
A: Place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside and heat it for three minutes. The steam will loosen food spots, making them easy to wipe away.
Q: Can I use metal in these microwaves?
A: Never put metal in any microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How long should a small microwave last?
A: With good care, most small microwaves last between five and seven years.
Q: Is a dial or digital timer better?
A: Digital timers are better for exact cooking times. Dials are better if you want a simple, “set it and forget it” experience.
Q: Why is my microwave making a loud buzzing sound?
A: A light hum is normal. If the noise is very loud or grinding, it could be a sign of a failing motor or a loose turntable ring.