The Best Small Microwaves for Areas With Limited Counter Space

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Cook or reheat food quickly and efficiently—without losing too much counter space—with the best small microwave.

The first commercially available microwave oven, known as the “Radarange,” was introduced in 1947. While it was impressive, it was almost 6 feet tall and weighed 750 pounds, so it could not fit in the average American kitchen. Today, compact microwaves have shrunk considerably, and compact models are available that are suited to small kitchens.

While choosing the best small microwave might seem simple, there are a number of considerations to weigh. This guide will explore several essential features to look for as you shop and some choices by category for some of the top products on the market.

1. BEST OVERALL: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS 1.2-Cubic-Foot Microwave Oven
2. RUNNER-UP: Panasonic NN-SN67K Compact Microwave Oven
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Black+Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
4. UPGRADE PICK: Toshiba EC042A5C-SS Convection Microwave Oven
5. BEST BASIC: Comfee’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven
6. BEST SMART: GE JES1097SMSS Smart Countertop Microwave Oven
7. BEST WITH INVERTER: LG 0.9-Cubic-Foot NeoChef Countertop Microwave
8. BEST DESIGN: GE JES1072SHSS Countertop Microwave Oven
9. BEST RETRO: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
10. BEST FOR FAMILIES: Galanz GLCMKA07BKR-07 Retro Microwave Oven

How We Chose the Best Small Microwaves

Anyone who has a busy schedule or relies on a microwave for daily use knows that the best options come with easy-to-use features, high power outputs, and are offered in multiple colorways.

We researched the most sought-after compact microwaves in their respective categories and discovered that the best options come with auto or programmable defrosts, multiple preprogrammed settings, turntables, digital clocks, child locks, and express cooking. While many compact microwaves in the above list come with one or more of these features, they also have ample cooking power, ranging from 700 to 1,100 watts for fast reheat or cooking times.

Some options also include ample functionality and operate as a microwave, air fryer, broiler, and convection oven. Many compact microwaves are also offered in multiple colorways or sizes to fit into your current kitchen seamlessly.

Our Top Picks

The top picks take into account the features to consider when shopping for the best small microwave, which we discuss below, in addition to overall quality and value. Read on to discover some of the top options on the market in a variety of categories.

Best Overall

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven

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Product Specs

• Size: 12.8 inches high by 20.5 inches wide by 17.2 inches deep
• Watts: 1,100
• Special features: Add-30 seconds button and 1-touch express controls

Pros

• Includes a mute button; great for heating up midnight snacks without waking others
• Allows flexible reheating with 2 defrost settings: auto and custom
• Child-safety feature comes in handy and adds peace of mind

Cons

• Weighing in at 39 pounds, it’s quite heavy for such a small unit
• Stainless steel parts are prone to fingerprints; can be tiresome to clean constantly

Toshiba’s EM131A5C-BS model is compact, affordable, and has a 1,100-watt capacity with a number of additional features that set it apart from other microwaves on the market. The add-30-seconds button and one-touch express controls from 1 to 6 minutes allow for quick cooking. Use the mute setting to prevent beeping when a button is pressed and when the cycle ends. Choose from two defrost settings: custom defrost and 1 auto defrost. It features a door handle rather than a button, which many users find easier to keep clean.

This Toshiba microwave has a 1.2 cubic-foot capacity, with external dimensions of 12.8 inches high by 20.5 inches wide by 17.2 inches deep, and internal dimensions of 9.5 inches high by 13.07 inches wide by 15 inches deep. The turntable has a 12.4-inch diameter. Choose from two colors: brushed stainless steel or black stainless steel. As an added safety feature, a lock function prevents children from using the microwave unsupervised.

Get the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS small microwave at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

Runner-Up

Panasonic NN-SN67K Compact Microwave Oven

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Product Specs 

• Size: 12.2 inches high by 20.6 inches wide by 15.7 inches deep
• Watts: 1,200
• Special features: Inverter microwave technology and turbo defrost

Pros

• Custom settings can accommodate 3 different popcorn bag sizes; great for families
• Very flexible options for heating a range of items, with 15 sensor reheat options
• Available in 3 colorways; can easily match existing kitchen appliances in the user’s home

Cons

• Interior can be prone to rusting if not cleaned regularly

While many compact microwaves have reduced power capacities, this Panasonic compact microwave oven is an impressive 1,200 watts. Not only that, but it also uses inverter technology, ensuring that heating is even and consistent across all power levels. This functionality allows for a powerful turbo defrost setting to thaw frozen foods quickly.

Along with the standard cooking presets, this model is a great pick for popcorn lovers because it provides specific settings for three standard popcorn bag sizes. The 15 sensor reheat options provide settings for oatmeal, omelets, quinoa, fresh or frozen vegetables, and more.

This compact microwave oven has a 1.2 cubic-foot capacity with external dimensions of  12.2 inches high by 20.6 inches wide by 15.7 inches deep and a turntable measuring 13.4 inches in diameter.

Get the Panasonic small microwave at Amazon. 

Best Bang for the Buck

Black+Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave

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Product Specs

• Size: 10.2 inches high by 17.3 inches wide by 13 inches deep
• Watts: 700
• Special features: 30-second express cooking and 6 auto-cook presets

Pros

• Includes 10 power levels; suitable for cooking a wide range of foods
• Comes in multiple sizes to suit user needs; great for both small and large kitchen spaces
• Budget-friendly compared to similar models without sacrificing any additional features

Cons

• Compact microwave has limited internal capacity; may not fit a large dinner plate

This Black+Decker compact microwave oven is affordable and ultra compact, making it perfect for small apartments and college dorm rooms. It features a 700-watt power capacity, 10 power settings, and 30-second express cooking process. Defrost by either time or weight. Choose from six auto-cook presets for popcorn, pizza, potatoes, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates.

While this basic microwave has a 0.7-cubic-foot capacity, larger models with 0.9-, 1.1-, and 1.4-cubic-foot capacities are also available. The smallest model has external dimensions of 10.2 inches high by 17.3 inches wide by 13.0 inches deep, and internal dimensions of 8.11 inches high by 12.05 inches wide by 11.97 inches deep. It also includes a removable 10-inch glass turntable.

Get the Black+Decker small microwave at Amazon, Lowe’s or The Home Depot.

Upgrade Pick

Toshiba EC042A5C-SS Convection Microwave Oven

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Product Specs

• Size: 12.83 inches high by 21.73 inches wide by 21.38 inches deep
• Watts: 1,000
• Special features: 3-in-1 capability, Genius Sensor Cook, Turbo Defrost

Pros

• Highly versatile appliance; users can microwave, bake, and roast a variety of foods
• Heats to an impressive 425 degrees Fahrenheit; suitable for most cooking needs
• Helpful features including built-in safety lock and silent mode

Cons

• Additional features makes this model a little pricier relative to similar options
• Some users report that the convection oven cooks quite slowly

Toshiba’s three-in-one countertop appliance functions as a microwave, convection oven, or combination oven. This combination model offers four auto-bake and four auto-roast menus, and the convection oven heats at temperatures up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

The functions can be used independently or in conjunction with one another to cook a wide variety of dishes. The microwave uses an inverter and includes Genius Sensor Cook, Turbo Defrost, and settings for specific foods. A safety lock and silent mode are also available. Its capacity is 1.5 cubic feet, with external dimensions of 12.83 inches high by 21.73 inches wide by 21.38 inches deep, and it has a 13.6-inch glass turntable.

Get the Toshiba countertop microwave at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot. 

Best Basic

Comfee’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven

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Product Specs

• Size: 10.2 inches high by 17.3 inches wide by 13 inches deep
• Watts: 700
• Special features: 11 power levels and 1-touch express operation

Pros

• Available in multiple colors to fit a range of kitchen decors
• Includes mute button, digital clock, kitchen timer, and child-safety lock
• Easy 1-touch heat settings for heating up popular foods

Cons

• Small internal capacity; may not fit a large dinner plate
• Turntable can often be knocked off track during use when heating bulky items

Comfee’s affordable microwave comes in black or white, with heavy-duty plastic and stainless steel construction. With a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, it operates at 700 watts and offers 11 power levels. No need to guess how much time or power you’ll need: Just select one of the easy auto-cook functions for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, veggies, beverages, and reheating leftovers. It also has a one-touch express operation and two defrost settings.

Other features include a mute button, digital clock, kitchen timer, and child safety lock. The glass turntable is 10 inches in diameter, and bright interior lights allow you to monitor food. Like other premium-grade microwaves, Comfee’s small microwave comes with an energy-saving eco mode, allowing you to save up to 50 percent of standby power consumption. The external dimensions are 10.2 inches high by 17.3 inches wide by 13 inches deep.

Get the Comfee’ small microwave at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Smart

GE JES1097SMSS Smart Countertop Microwave Oven

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Product Specs

• Size: 11.5 inches high by 19 inches wide by 14.5 inches deep
• Watts: 900
• Special features: Wi-Fi connectivity; compatible with Google Home and Alexa

Pros

• Voice-activated via Google Home or Alexa; suitable addition to the home for smart-tech enthusiasts
• Includes ultra high-tech scan-to-cook technology; automatic temperature and time settings
• Lockable buttons are a useful safety feature in homes with young kids

Cons

• Buttons are not backlit; can be difficult to see in the dark

The GE JES1097SMSS smart microwave connects to a Wi-Fi network and pairs with Google Assistant or Alexa for voice activation. It also features scan-to-cook technology, letting users scan the barcodes from prepackaged foods to set the time and temperature automatically.

The microwave has a 900-watt power capacity, a variety of presets, and it allows users to defrost by time or weight. Lock the controls by pressing the “off” button for 3 seconds. Its capacity is 0.9 cubic feet with exterior dimensions of 11.5 inches high by 19 inches wide by 14.5 inches deep.

Get the GE smart s