Imagine needing a warm meal but having no space for a bulky appliance. Or maybe you’re a college student in a tiny dorm room, or you just want a quick way to heat leftovers without taking over your kitchen counter. Finding a microwave that fits your needs and your limited space can feel like a treasure hunt, and not always a fun one!
The world of microwaves is huge, and when you’re looking for the *smallest* ones, it can get confusing. You might wonder about power, features, and if a tiny microwave can actually do a good job. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the choices and not know which one is the best fit for your specific situation. We get it – you want convenience without sacrificing precious space.
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help you navigate this compact world. We’ll break down what makes a great small microwave and highlight some of the top contenders. By the end, you’ll be a pro at spotting the perfect mini-marvel for your home, whether it’s for your desk, a small apartment, or even your RV. Get ready to discover the power of small!
Our Top 5 Smallest Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Smallest Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.3/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a compact, black countertop microwave oven that makes cooking and reheating quick and simple. Its 0.7 cubic feet size fits easily on your counter. It has lots of helpful features like easy one-touch buttons for popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. You can also choose to turn off the sound, which is great for quiet mornings or late nights. Plus, an ECO mode helps save energy.
What We Like:
- The mute function is a lifesaver for quiet kitchens.
- Easy one-touch buttons make cooking common foods simple.
- The ECO mode helps reduce electricity use when the microwave isn’t actively cooking.
- Express cooking with 1-6 minute options and a +30 second button is super convenient.
- It has two defrost settings, by weight or time, for better thawing.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read panel make it user-friendly.
- A child safety lock adds an extra layer of security.
- The 10-inch glass turntable handles most plates and bowls.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for larger families or bigger meals.
- While it has many features, the overall cooking power might not be as strong as larger models.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a compact, feature-rich appliance for everyday use. Its user-friendly design and energy-saving options make it a smart addition to any kitchen.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven, a sleek and practical addition to any kitchen, especially for apartment living. Its black stainless steel finish adds a modern touch. This 0.9 cu ft microwave packs a punch with 900 watts of power, making reheating and cooking a breeze. It’s designed for ease of use with helpful features that simplify meal prep.
What We Like:
- The **6 Auto Menus** make cooking popular foods like popcorn and potatoes super easy. Just select the menu and go!
- **Mute Mode** is a game-changer. You can silence the annoying beeping sounds by holding down the “8” button, perfect for late-night snacks.
- The **Two-Step Child Lock** offers peace of mind, preventing little hands from accidentally turning it on. Safety first!
- With **11 Power Levels**, you have lots of control. You can gently warm leftovers or quickly boil water.
- Defrosting is simple with **Easy Defrost** by weight or time. Plus, the **One-Touch Start** lets you cook for 1-6 minutes at full power instantly.
- The **LED lighting** inside makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
- The **10.6-inch removable turntable** fits most standard plates and is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, the external dimensions might be a bit snug for very small countertops.
Overall, the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a fantastic microwave for its size and features. It makes everyday cooking and reheating convenient and user-friendly.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a neat addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks good on the counter. This microwave is compact, with a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for smaller spaces. It’s easy to use and has helpful features for quick meals.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for when you’re in a hurry.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable glass turntable makes cleaning a breeze.
- Its push-button door release is simple to operate.
- The large LED display is easy to read.
What Could Be Improved:
- With 700 watts of power, it might take a bit longer to heat food compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic foot size might be too small for larger dishes or multiple items.
Overall, this BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for basic reheating and cooking tasks. It’s a good value for its price and features.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse perfect for any kitchen. With 700 watts of power and 10 different heat settings, you can cook or reheat food quickly and easily. It also comes with six handy cooking presets for common items like popcorn and potatoes, making meal prep a breeze. The sleek black design looks great on any counter.
What We Like:
- It cooks food very fast.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels.
- It has six easy-to-use cooking presets for things like popcorn and pizza.
- The digital controls are simple to understand.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- The mute button lets you turn off annoying beeps.
- Eco Mode helps save energy.
- It’s easy to wipe clean.
- The glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s a trusted brand with a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger meals or dishes.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers great features in a small package.
5. COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave with 11 power levels
Rating: 8.7/10
The COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its retro design brings a touch of charm, while its modern features make cooking a breeze. With 700 watts of power and 11 different power levels, you can perfectly cook or reheat a variety of foods. This compact microwave is ideal for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms, offering a 0.7 cubic-foot capacity that still fits a 10-inch glass turntable.
What We Like:
- The stylish retro design looks great in any kitchen.
- It has 11 power levels for precise cooking.
- The two-step child lock feature keeps little ones safe.
- One-touch express cooking offers quick meals in 1-6 minutes.
- Weight and time defrost options make thawing food simple.
- It includes easy auto-cook functions for popcorn, pizza, and more.
- The bright digital display and interior light make it easy to use.
- Its compact size is perfect for small spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic-foot capacity might be too small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has many features, some users might prefer more advanced cooking options.
Overall, this COMFEE microwave offers a great blend of retro style and modern convenience. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and good-looking microwave for everyday use.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Tiny Kitchen Hero
When you think of microwaves, you might picture big boxes that take up a lot of counter space. But what if you only need to heat a single mug of coffee or warm up a small snack? That’s where the smallest microwave ovens come in! These little wonders are perfect for dorm rooms, tiny apartments, RVs, or even just for a single person who doesn’t need a lot of cooking power.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re hunting for the smallest microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Compact Size: This is the most obvious one! Look at the dimensions carefully. Measure your available space before you buy. Even a few inches can make a big difference.
- Wattage: Microwaves use wattage to heat food. Smaller microwaves usually have lower wattage, often between 600 and 800 watts. This is fine for simple tasks like reheating, but it might take a bit longer to cook things.
- Capacity: This is measured in cubic feet. The smallest microwaves typically have a capacity of 0.5 to 0.7 cubic feet. This means they can usually fit a standard dinner plate or a small bowl.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a turntable that spins your food for even heating. Make sure it’s included and easy to remove for cleaning.
- Pre-programmed Settings: Some small microwaves have buttons for popcorn, pizza, or even defrosting. These can be super handy!
- Simple Controls: You don’t want a complicated panel for a simple task. Easy-to-use buttons and a clear display are best.
- Safety Features: Look for features like a child lock and an automatic shut-off.
Important Materials
Most microwave ovens are made with a few key materials:
- Stainless Steel and Plastic: The outside casing is usually a mix of durable plastic and sometimes stainless steel for a sleeker look. Stainless steel is tough and easy to wipe clean.
- Glass: The door window and the turntable are typically made of glass. Tempered glass is used for safety, so it won’t shatter easily.
- Ceramic or Enamel Interior: The inside of the microwave is often coated with ceramic or enamel. These materials are smooth, easy to clean, and resist scratching.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a small microwave great, and what can make it less so?
What Makes it Great:
- Sturdy Build: A microwave that feels solid and doesn’t wobble when you open or close the door is a good sign of quality.
- Even Heating: Even though they are small, a good microwave will heat your food evenly.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves can be noisy. A quieter one is more pleasant to use.
- Easy Cleaning: A smooth interior and removable parts make cleaning a breeze.
What Can Reduce Quality:
- Flimsy Door: A door that feels loose or hard to open and close can be frustrating.
- Uneven Heating: If your food is always hotter in some spots than others, the microwave might not be heating evenly.
- Short Cord: A very short power cord can limit where you can place your microwave.
- Cheap Materials: If the plastic feels thin or the buttons feel cheap, the microwave might not last very long.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a small microwave is usually very straightforward. You simply place your food inside, close the door, select your cooking time or setting, and press start. It’s designed for quick tasks.
Great for:
- Dorm Rooms: Perfect for students who want to heat up leftovers or make instant noodles.
- Small Apartments: Ideal when counter space is limited.
- Offices: A convenient way to reheat lunch without leaving your desk.
- Guest Rooms or Studios: Adds a handy appliance without taking up much space.
- RV’s and Campers: Great for quick meals on the go.
- Single Households: If you live alone, you probably don’t need a large microwave.
These tiny ovens are all about convenience and saving space. They might not be able to roast a chicken, but for heating drinks, melting butter, or warming up a bowl of soup, they are absolute lifesavers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Smallest Microwave Ovens
Q: What is the typical size of the smallest microwave ovens?
A: The smallest microwave ovens usually have a width of around 15-17 inches, a height of about 10-12 inches, and a depth of 12-14 inches. Their capacity is typically between 0.5 and 0.7 cubic feet.
Q: Are the smallest microwaves good for cooking meals?
A: They are best for reheating food, making popcorn, and simple cooking tasks like melting butter or warming drinks. They might take longer to cook full meals compared to larger microwaves.
Q: Do small microwaves heat food evenly?
A: Most small microwaves with a turntable will heat food evenly for basic tasks. However, very small, turntable-less models might have some hot and cold spots.
Q: What is the wattage of most small microwave ovens?
A: Most small microwaves operate with a wattage between 600 and 800 watts.
Q: Can I fit a standard dinner plate in the smallest microwaves?
A: Yes, most small microwaves with a 0.5 to 0.7 cubic feet capacity can fit a standard dinner plate, but it might be a tight fit depending on the plate’s diameter.
Q: Are small microwaves energy efficient?
A: Generally, smaller microwaves use less energy because they have lower wattage and a smaller cooking cavity to heat.
Q: What are the advantages of buying a small microwave?
A: The main advantages are their compact size, making them ideal for small spaces, and lower energy consumption compared to larger models.
Q: What are the disadvantages of buying a small microwave?
A: They have limited capacity, meaning you can’t cook large dishes or multiple items at once, and they may have less powerful heating capabilities.
Q: What should I do if my small microwave isn’t heating properly?
A: First, ensure the door is closed completely. Check if the power cord is plugged in securely. If it still doesn’t heat, there might be an internal issue, and you should consult the user manual or contact customer support.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with very small microwaves?
A: No, as long as they are certified by safety organizations like UL or ETL. Always ensure the microwave is placed on a stable surface and that the vents are not blocked.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
William has over three years of experience in building gazebos. He started AskGazebo.com to assist his clients.