· countertop microwave ovens · 13 min read
Ultimate Guide to Compact Microwaves: Enhance Your Kitchen Space
Discover the best compact microwaves that optimize your kitchen space without compromising power and functionality. Explore our comprehensive reviews and expert insights to find the perfect appliance for your needs!
In today's space-conscious homes, compact microwaves have become an essential kitchen appliance. These sleek and efficient devices deliver impressive cooking capabilities without cluttering your countertops. Join us as we unveil the top-rated compact microwaves in the market, highlighting their features, benefits, and suitability for various lifestyles.
Overview

PROS
- Space-saving design fits effortlessly into any kitchen corner
- Spacious 0.9 Cu Ft capacity accommodates your daily cooking needs
- 10.6 Inch removable turntable ensures even heating for perfectly cooked meals
- 900W power delivers quick and thorough heating
- Six auto menus simplify cooking tasks for stress-free meal preparation
CONS
- Interior space may be limiting for larger dishes
- Limited advanced features compared to higher-end models
The Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is an exceptional choice for kitchens with limited space. Its compact size allows for easy placement on countertops, while its generous 0.9 Cu Ft capacity provides ample room for your everyday cooking needs. The removable 10.6 Inch turntable rotates food evenly, ensuring thorough heating for mouthwatering results.
With 900W of power, this microwave delivers fast and efficient cooking performance. Six pre-programmed auto menus simplify meal preparation, offering one-touch access to popular dishes. Additional features like the mute function and ECO mode enhance convenience and energy efficiency. The sleek black stainless steel finish adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen decor.

PROS
- Space-saving compact design ideal for smaller kitchens or limited counter space.
- Turntable ensures even cooking and heating of food.
CONS
- Capacity of 0.7 cubic feet may be limiting for larger families or frequent cooking.
- Push-button door requires a bit more force to open compared to a traditional handle.
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great choice for those seeking a compact and efficient kitchen appliance. Its small footprint makes it suitable even for the smallest of spaces, while its 700 watts of power provide enough heat for most everyday cooking tasks. The turntable ensures that food is cooked evenly, eliminating cold spots or overcooked edges.
With its digital controls and LED display, this microwave is incredibly user-friendly. The push-button door opens easily, although it may require a bit more force than a traditional handle. The child safety lock adds an extra layer of protection, making it a safe option for families with little ones. Overall, this compact microwave offers a great balance of functionality and convenience, making it a smart choice for smaller kitchens or those with limited counter space.

PROS
- Slim design effortlessly fits on countertops, in dorm rooms, or apartments
- 0.7 cubic ft. capacity provides ample space for everyday reheating and cooking
- Versatile 6 auto-cooking settings simplify meal preparation
- 700-watt power ensures fast and even cooking
- Stainless steel exterior adds a modern touch to any kitchen décor
CONS
- May not accommodate larger dishes or bulky items
- Fewer features compared to larger counterparts
The GE Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and practical solution for small spaces. Its sleek stainless steel exterior complements any kitchen aesthetic, while its 0.7 cubic ft. capacity offers ample room for daily meal preparation. Enjoy the convenience of six pre-programmed auto-cooking settings that streamline reheating, cooking, and defrosting. With 700 watts of power, this microwave delivers efficient and evenly cooked meals. While its compact size makes it ideal for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms, it may not be the best choice for accommodating larger dishes or bulky items.
With the GE Countertop Microwave Oven, you'll appreciate its user-friendly interface and quick cooking times. Its compact dimensions make it a perfect fit for space-conscious environments, without sacrificing cooking performance. Whether you need to reheat leftovers, prepare snacks, or defrost frozen foods, this versatile appliance has you covered.

PROS
- Ideal for compact spaces such as apartments and dorm rooms.
- Easy-to-use electronic control panel with LED display.
- Generous 0.7 cubic feet capacity accommodates most cookware.
- Retro black finish adds a touch of style to any kitchen décor.
CONS
- The turntable is a little small, making it difficult to heat larger items evenly.
- Some users have reported that the microwave is not as powerful as they expected.
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and efficient microwave. It’s perfect for small kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms. It has a generous 0.7 cubic feet capacity, which is large enough to accommodate most cookware. The electronic control panel with LED display is easy to use, and the retro black finish adds a touch of style to any kitchen décor.
One downside of this microwave is that it does not have a lot of features. It doesn’t have a sensor cook option or a turntable, so you’ll need to manually adjust the cooking time and rotate your food halfway through cooking. Additionally, the turntable is a bit small, which can make it difficult to evenly heat larger items.

PROS
- Space-saving 0.7 cubic feet capacity, ideal for small kitchens or dorms
- Convenient ECO mode reduces energy consumption
- Easy-to-use one-touch buttons for quick reheating and cooking
- Sound on/off option for discreet operation
- Stylish black finish complements any kitchen décor
CONS
- Relatively small capacity may not be suitable for large families
- Limited preset cooking options compared to larger microwaves
The Comfee EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and efficient choice for small spaces or those seeking a space-saving kitchen appliance. With its 0.7 cubic feet capacity, it's perfect for reheating leftovers, preparing quick meals, or defrosting frozen items. One of its notable features is the convenient ECO mode, which helps reduce energy consumption when the microwave is not in use.
The user-friendly one-touch buttons make it easy to navigate cooking functions, including popcorn, pizza, and defrost. The sound on/off option is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to operate the microwave quietly as needed. Additionally, the sleek black finish adds a touch of style to any kitchen décor. While it may not have the capacity or advanced features of larger microwaves, the Comfee EM720CPL-PMB is a solid and practical choice for those prioritizing space and convenience in their kitchens.

PROS
- Nostalgic design evokes fond memories of the past
- Compact size fits effortlessly on any kitchen counter, maximizing space utilization
CONS
- Relatively small capacity may not be suitable for large families
- LED display may not be as visible in brightly lit environments
Step into a delightful fusion of retro aesthetics and contemporary functionality with the Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave. Its charming design, adorned in a vibrant shade of orange, transports you back to the golden era of the 1950s. The compact size of 0.7 cubic feet makes it an ideal fit for space-conscious kitchens, providing ample room for your favorite snacks, drinks, and small meals. The easy-clean interior ensures effortless maintenance, saving you time and hassle.
Equipped with a reliable 700-watt power output, this microwave delivers efficient heating, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection in minutes. The intuitive LED digital display simplifies operation, making it a breeze to set cooking times and adjust power levels. Additionally, the thoughtful inclusion of a child lock provides peace of mind, preventing accidental activation and ensuring safety in your kitchen. If you're seeking a compact microwave that combines retro flair with modern convenience, the Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave is an excellent choice. Its charming design and practical features will undoubtedly make it a cherished addition to your kitchen.

PROS
- Space-saving design, ideal for small kitchens and countertop placement
- Quiet operation, thanks to the soft-close door mechanism
CONS
- Relatively small capacity compared to larger models
- Fewer customizable options as compared to higher-end microwaves
The Breville Compact Wave BMO650SIL Silver Microwave is a compact kitchen solution, particularly well-suited for space-conscious environments. Its smaller footprint makes it ideal for countertops in smaller kitchens or for those who seek a microwave that doesn't occupy a lot of space. One of its notable features is the soft-close door, which ensures quiet and gentle operation, minimizing noise during kitchen use.
In terms of performance, the Breville Compact Wave BMO650SIL Silver offers a 1.1 cubic feet capacity, which, while smaller than some larger models, still provides a reasonable amount of space for most daily heating and cooking tasks. It features a range of standard microwave functions, including defrost, reheat, and popcorn presets, making it easy to handle common kitchen tasks. While it may not have the extensive feature set or customizable options found in higher-end models, it delivers reliable performance for everyday use.

PROS
- Space-efficient design fits perfectly on countertops
- Versatile cooking options with 10 power levels and 6 pre-programmed menus
- ECO mode conserves energy when not in use
- Convenient memory function remembers your frequently used settings
- Child safety lock ensures safe operation
CONS
- Slightly smaller capacity compared to larger microwaves
- May not accommodate oversized dishes
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a game-changer for kitchens with limited space. Its sleek stainless steel design and compact size make it a perfect fit for countertops, freeing up valuable space for other kitchen essentials. Despite its compact footprint, it packs a punch with 700 watts of power, ensuring efficient and thorough cooking. The 10 power levels provide precise temperature control, while the 6 auto menus offer convenience for common cooking tasks.
One standout feature is the ECO mode, which automatically reduces power consumption when the microwave is not in use, promoting energy efficiency. Additionally, the memory function allows you to store your preferred settings, saving time and effort. Safety is also prioritized with a child safety lock, preventing accidental operation. The Chefman Compact Microwave Oven is a remarkable combination of functionality, convenience, and space-saving design, making it an ideal choice for compact kitchens, apartments, and small spaces.

PROS
- Space-saving design fits on any countertop
- LED lighting illuminates your food while it cooks
- Child lock provides peace of mind
- 700-watts of power for quick and efficient cooking
CONS
- Smaller size may not be suitable for large households
- No additional features like a turntable or sensor cooking
The BLACK+DECKER Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is the perfect solution for small apartments, dorm rooms, or anyone looking to save space in their kitchen. With a compact design that measures only 18.1 x 13.2 x 10.1 inches, this microwave can fit easily on any countertop, leaving you with plenty of room for other appliances or food preparation. Despite its small size, this microwave is still powerful, with 700-watts of power and 10 power levels to choose from. It also has a large 0.7 cubic feet capacity, so it can fit a standard-size dinner plate with ease.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its LED lighting. This bright light illuminates your food while it cooks, so you can easily see how it's progressing without having to open the door. The microwave also has a child lock, which is an important safety feature for families with young children. Additionally, the microwave is easy to use, with simple and intuitive controls. Overall, the BLACK+DECKER Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is a great choice for anyone who wants a space-saving, powerful, and easy-to-use microwave for their kitchen.

PROS
- Space-saving design, perfect for small kitchens or limited counter space.
- Retro-inspired design adds a touch of nostalgia to your decor.
CONS
- Capacity may be limiting for larger families or those who cook in bulk.
- Some users may find the power output to be a bit low for certain tasks.
With its charming retro vibe and space-conscious design, the COMFEE Compact Microwave will bring convenience and style to any kitchen. Measuring just 0.7 cubic feet, it fits snugly on countertops or in small spaces, making it an ideal choice for apartments, dorm rooms, or cozy kitchens. Despite its compact size, it packs a punch with 700 watts of power and nine preset menus, ensuring effortless meal preparation.
The COMFEE Compact Microwave is not just a functional appliance; it's a delightful addition to your kitchen decor. Its retro-inspired design, complete with pastel green accents, adds a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to your cooking space. The position-memory turntable ensures even cooking, while the mute function allows you to enjoy your cooking in peace. Its sleek and ergonomic design makes it a joy to use and complements any kitchen style.
From versatile countertop models to retro-styled microwaves, our comprehensive guide covers a wide range of options to suit every taste and need. Whether you're heating up leftovers, defrosting meals, or cooking quick snacks, a compact microwave offers the perfect solution. With our in-depth reviews and detailed comparisons, finding the ideal appliance for your kitchen has never been easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of compact microwaves?
Compact microwaves offer several advantages, including space-saving design, energy efficiency, and affordability. They are ideal for smaller kitchens, apartments, and even RVs, providing convenient and efficient food preparation without compromising functionality.
What features should I look for when choosing a compact microwave?
When selecting a compact microwave, consider features such as power output (wattage), capacity, preset cooking options, defrost settings, and user-friendly controls. Additionally, consider the size and design to ensure it fits your kitchen space and style.
How do I maintain my compact microwave to ensure optimal performance?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for your compact microwave's longevity. Wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces frequently to remove food particles and spills. Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges for cleaning.
Can compact microwaves be used for cooking?
Yes, compact microwaves can be used for cooking a variety of foods. They are particularly suitable for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen meals, and preparing quick snacks. Some models offer additional features like grilling or convection cooking, expanding their cooking capabilities.
What are some popular brands of compact microwaves?
Leading brands in the compact microwave market include Toshiba, BLACK+DECKER, GE, Farberware, Comfee, Nostalgia, Breville, Chefman, and COMFEE.