5 Best Small Microwaves of 2023 (Tested and Ranked)

A small microwave can offer a full range of cooking functions in a low-profile form factor that requires minimal counter space. However, finding a compact microwave that’s up to the task of larger, more powerful units is easier said than done.

To help you find the best small microwave for your home, office, or dorm room, we thoroughly researched and conducted in-person testing on the most reputable countertop models available today. Here’s how we evaluated the microwaves in this review and why each one made the final cut. Also, be sure to check out our guide to buying microwaves to learn even more about the most critical factors when buying a microwave.

In This Guide: Our Testing Experience | Top 5 | Buyer’s Guide | FAQs | How We Selected | Our Testing Process | Why Trust This Old House

Our Testing Experience

Our reviews team performed rigorous research and personally tested four out of the five microwaves in this review. Our goal is always to recommend units that provide our readers with the best overall user experience in a fair, balanced, and transparent way. To accomplish this, we prioritized the following factors:

• Performance: During testing, we evaluated each microwave for speed, cooking and defrosting evenness, and accuracy of its preset functions.
• User experience: This is perhaps the most important factor we consider when testing and recommending products. In scoring each unit for user experience, we looked at how easy it was to set up, how many preset options it offered, and how easy it was to clean.
• Physical aspects: We measured each microwave’s size to ensure it was appropriate for smaller living spaces and looked at the available finishes.
• Warranty and return policy: This part of our selection process is straightforward—the longer and more comprehensive the warranty and return policy, the higher the score.

Overall, our winner for best small microwave was the Toshiba Smart Sensor Microwave. Though not as compact as some of the other models in this review, the Toshiba stood out due to its heating efficiency, preset function accuracy, quiet operation, and signal-muting option.

Top 5 Small Microwaves

• Best Small Microwave Overall: Toshiba Smart Sensor Microwave
• Most Accurate Microwave: BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave
• Best Budget Microwave: COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave
• Best Design Options: Galanz Retro Microwave Oven
• Best Medium-Capacity Microwave: Panasonic Compact Microwave

*Our team has personally tested every model in this review except for the Panasonic Inverter Microwave. Data and ratings for the Panasonic model are based on manufacturer information and detailed feedback from verified buyers.

Best Small Microwave Overall: Toshiba Smart Sensor Microwave

Performance: 4/5 | User Experience: 5/5 | Physical Aspects: 3/5 | Price and Warranty: 3/5

Our Testing Experience

This medium-capacity model from Toshiba was the highest-performing, most consistent, and quietest microwave tested by our team. In addition to its superior heating performance, it outperformed all but one microwave in preset accuracy and was just one of two units in our lab that comes with a signal-silencing mute feature.

Pros and Cons

✔ 1.1 cubic foot interior capacity
✔ Quiet operation (52 dBA)
✔ ECO+ signal mute option

✘ Larger footprint than most small microwaves
✘ Not available in other finishes

Good for: People looking for a powerful but quiet medium-capacity countertop microwave.

What Customers Are Saying

We found that numerous customers complimented the accuracy of the Toshiba’s one-touch settings, remarked on how easy it was to use, and were impressed with its ECO+ mute setting. Some critical buyers we found said the user manual was difficult to understand, while others thought the control panel backlight was too dim.

Most Accurate Microwave: BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave

Performance: 4/5 | User Experience: 2/5 | Physical Aspects: 4/5 | Price and Warranty: 4/5

Our Testing Experience

This microwave from BLACK+DECKER boasted the best preset functionality out of all the models our reviews team tested. We found that the popcorn, express cooking, and beverage settings were true to the manufacturer’s claims. We thought its control panel was the most straightforward and intuitive to navigate.

Pros and Cons

✔ Flush push-button door is ideal for small spaces
✔ Preset functions performed as advertised
✔ Quiet operation (~54 dBA)

✘ No signal muting option
✘ Relatively few preset functions

Good for: People with limited time to spend selecting cook settings and anyone looking for a low-profile, effective microwave.

What Customers Are Saying

We noted that satisfied customers remarked on the BLACK+DECKER microwave’s power-to-size ratio and ease of use. They found the one-touch settings met or exceeded their expectations. A few buyers we saw did experience issues with a short in the button pad and the door jamming.

Best Budget Microwave: COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave

Performance: 2/5 | User Experience: 3/5 | Physical Aspects: 5/5 | Price and Warranty: 4/5

Our Testing Experience

This 700-watt microwave offers some desirable muting and power-saving features not often seen at this price point. Our testing team liked the COMFEE’ microwave’s easy-to-read control panel and signal muting. However, we found that the black plastic finish made fingerprints and grime highly visible and looked cheap next to stainless and metal alternatives. We quickly learned that this model’s preset functions underperformed across the board. On the plus side, our tests showed that the COMFEE’s manual and express cooking settings performed adequately and within the expected amount of time.

Pros and Cons

✔ Flush door handle is ideal for small spaces
✔ Signal muting option
✔ ECO mode reduces power consumption by 50%

✘ Preset functions did not meet manufacturer claims
✘ Plastic finish looks cheap and attracts fingerprints

Good for: Energy-conscious users who want a variety of preset options.

What Customers Are Saying

Positive reviews we saw frequently mentioned the COMFEE’ microwave’s affordability, convenient size, and reliable performance. A couple of reviewers we noticed, however, claimed that their microwave arrived broken and expressed frustration with the return process.

Best Design Options: Galanz Retro Microwave Oven

Performance: 1/5 | User Experience: 1/5 | Physical Aspects: 4/5 | Price and Warranty: 4/5

Our Testing Experience

Galanz’s 0.7-watt countertop microwave was the most visually unique out of the units we tested. The enameled exterior concealed fingerprints and normal grime better than its competitors. It adequately cooked a frozen Hot Pocket in the time expected. However, our testers found that the Galanz microwave significantly underperformed in defrosting, popping, and beverage modes. We struggled to make sense of its settings and control panel and had to consult the user manual prior to each use.

Pros and Cons

✔ Available in four colors and two styles
✔ Manual timed settings work as expected
✔ Small footprint is ideal for tiny spaces

✘ Preset functions did not meet manufacturer claims
✘ Operation and controls are unintuitive

Good for: Price-conscious consumers with a specific aesthetic in mind and limited kitchen space.

What Customers Are Saying

Satisfied buyers we found were impressed with the speed at which the Galanz microwave heated frozen food, liked the retro aluminum aesthetic, and its affordable price point.

We did also see some critical customers that expressed issues with shipping damages and indicated that customer service was extremely difficult to reach.

Best Medium-Capacity Microwave: Panasonic Inverter Microwave

Performance: 3/5 | User Experience: 5/5 | Physical Aspects: 3/5 | Price and Warranty: 2/5

Pros and Cons

✔ Inverter technology cooks evenly at all power levels
✔ Genius smart sensor auto-adjusts during operation
✔ 11 power settings

✘ Footprint may be too large for some spaces
✘ More expensive than many similar models

Good for: Precision-oriented users who want top-of-the-line functionality.

What Customers Are Saying

We found that positive reviews frequently mentioned the microwave’s cooking precision, preset accuracy, and quiet noise output. We also noticed that some critical buyers claimed their Panasonic microwave arrived damaged or defective and found the brand’s customer service to be inadequate.

Buying Guide for Small Microwaves

Microwaves are an essential cooking appliance. However, they can take up more space than you have to spare. We put together this buying guide that will help you select the best small microwave to save space in your kitchen.

Size

If you’re looking for a small countertop microwave, exterior and interior dimensions are two of the biggest factors to consider.

• External footprint: Externally, most compact microwaves measure 12-16 inches deep (front to back), 15-19 inches wide (side to side), and 10-12 inches tall. Consider the amount of counter space you can dedicate to a microwave and look for options that fit neatly within that space.
• Interior capacity: Internally, most small microwaves have between 0.5 and 0.9 cubic feet of capacity.

Power

We measure the power output of a microwave in watts (W). Small countertop models have a power output between 600W and 1,000W. A microwave’s physical dimensions dictate how large—and, therefore, powerful—its motor is. The smaller the microwave, the lower its maximum possible wattage will be. The lower a microwave’s wattage, the longer it will take to heat food and beverages.

Preset Modes and Buttons

Most microwaves, even small ones, feature several buttons to provide customizable cooking and reheating options. Some common preset functions include defrost, express cook, and popcorn.

Noise Level

When in operation, we found that most microwave ovens are about as loud as conversational speech—around 55-60 decibels (dB). Some newer models offer sound-muffling technology, volume control for the keypad and signal, and mute options.

Design

Small microwaves are available in a variety of designs and finishes. Modern microwaves have a sleeker appearance with square viewing screens and one-touch buttons. Retro microwaves have vintage features, such as circular viewing windows, dials, and antennae.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Microwaves

Where should I put my small microwave?

We found that most small microwaves are designed to be placed on countertops or tabletops. Keep at least one inch of ventilation space between the unit and the wall behind it. To prevent tipping, ensure that the front of the microwave sits two or three inches back from the counter’s edge.

How can I clean my small microwave?

To clean your microwave, steam the interior by boiling one cup of clean water, then immediately wipe it down with a sponge or rag and dish soap. More stubborn particles may require a scrub with a non-scouring brush.

Do small microwaves have enough power to heat my food?

Yes, small microwaves have enough power to heat your food. While they are generally less powerful than larger models and will take longer to achieve the same temperature, small microwaves have enough power to heat food. When in doubt, refer to the recommended cooking times provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Who This Guide Is For

This tested buying guide is for anyone who’s looking for a small but effective microwave that takes up minimal counter space.

How We Selected Small Microwaves

To provide our readers with the best product recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.

Initial research: Our research process began by generating a list of small microwaves with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4-5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.

We also took into account how durable each product type should be to serve its intended purpose for several years or more. Finally, we used that information to help us evaluate whether each manufacturer’s warranty coverage was adequate and trustworthy.

Expert insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.

Final product selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature-set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.

Our Testing Process

Our reviews team rigorously tested each small microwave in our final lineup to recommend products that provide our readers with the best overall user experience in a fair, balanced, and transparent way.

During testing, we evaluated each item for the following:

• Size and suitability for small spaces
• Overall performance and accuracy of preset modes
• Bonus features
• Areas for improvement and potential deal-breakers
• Warranty coverage and limitations

Why You Can Trust Us

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.

Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and dining room decor to circular saws and snow blowers.

Once we conclude the research and testing phases, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

Questions or Comments?

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.