Where counter space is at a premium, a small microwave might be the right choice for your kitchen. While they’re typically less powerful than their full-size counterparts, a small microwave can be a great budget-friendly option for fast and convenient cooking. You can find small microwaves starting at about $60, compared to $150 for an entry-level full-size model.
To help you find the best microwave for your apartment, office, or dorm room, we put the most popular models on the market to the test. Overall, our winner for the 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 for its efficient heating, and we loved how quiet it was during operation.
Compare Top Small Microwaves
Based on our tests, are our selections for the best small microwaves.
- Best Small Microwave Overall: Toshiba Smart Sensor Microwave
- Most Accurate Microwave: BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave
- Best Inverter: Panasonic SD372SR Microwave
- Best Budget Microwave: COMFEE Countertop Microwave
- Best Design Options: Galanz Retro Microwave Oven
Compare the best small microwaves according to our testing in the table below.
| Product | Wattage | Capacity | Dimensions | Weight | Finish Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1,100 watts |
1.2 cubic feet |
20.5 x 17.1 x 12.8 inches |
34.6 pounds |
Black stainless steel |
|
|
700 watts |
0.7 cubic feet |
17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches |
22.5 pounds |
Stainless steel |
|
|
950 watts |
0.8 cubic feet |
19.5 x 14.8 x 11 inches |
21 pounds |
Stainless steel |
|
|
700 watts |
0.7 cubic feet |
17.9 x 13.8 x 10.3 inches |
23.1 pounds |
Black, blue, green, red |
|
|
1,050 watts |
0.7 cubic feet |
17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches |
20.3 pounds |
Black |
Our Reviews of the Best Small Microwaves
Best Overall
Toshiba Smart Sensor Microwave
Good for: People looking for a powerful but quiet medium-capacity countertop microwave.
We loved this microwave’s wide range of preset cooking functions and power levels, which allow for fast, customized heating for nearly any item. We were also wowed by how whisper-quiet it was during operation, and its powerful wattage heated foods quickly and effectively.
Pros and Cons of Toshiba Smart Sensor Microwave
- Large interior capacity; the most among the models we tested
- Quiet operation
- ECO+ signal mute option, which allows you to silence the buzzer of the microwave when it’s done cooking
- Larger footprint than most small microwaves
- Is only available in black
Key Features
- Wattage: 1,100
- Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 17.1 x 12.8 inches
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.
| Review Category | Score(Out of10) | What We Found |
| Performance | 9/10 | This microwave performed excellently in most of our tests. It heated up water quickly, left only a few popcorn kernels unpopped, and heated a Hot Pocket fully. However, it did leave our mac and cheese unevenly cooked, with one side colder than the other. |
| User Experience | 10/10 | This microwave is easy to set up and use and has a variety of preset functions for easy cooking. It also conveniently came with a mute option. |
| Physical Aspects | 7/10 | We like the look and design of this microwave, however, it does have a larger footprint than other, smaller microwaves and may not fit into very compact spaces. |
| Price and Warranty | 5/10 | This microwave is considerably more expensive than others we tested. It comes with an unremarkable one-year warranty. |
| Overall Rating | 9.6/10 | When combined with all of our tests, this microwave achieved the highest overall score due to its excellent performance and design. |
Best For Even Heating
Panasonic SD372SR Microwave
Good for: Customers seeking a stylish microwave with inverter technology and are OK with a non-traditional button setup.
This 950-watt microwave uses powerful inverter technology to evenly heat foods and reduce cold spots. It has a stylish silver design and enough space for standard plates and bowls. Additionally, we like that this microwave features nine different preset cooking functions and an easy-to-read digital display, and its “keep warm” function was unique and missing from a lot of other, similar models.
Pros and Cons of Panasonic SD372SR Microwave
- Uses inverter technology to ensure even and full heating of foods
- Has a “keep warm” function, which is missing from many other small microwaves
- Heats items quickly and efficiently
- Has non-traditional setup with no buttons for setting the time
- Lacks preset functions for specific foods; only has one for popcorn
Key Features
- Wattage: 950 watts
- Capacity: 0.8 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 19.5 x 14.8 x 11 inches
Overall, we found this microwave to be highly efficient due to its inverter technology. However, the setup was confusing because it was lacking traditional buttons for setting the cooking timer.
| Review Category | Score(Out of10) | What We Found |
| Performance | 10/10 | This microwave passed all of our performance tests with flying colors. It made our Hot Pocket piping hot and popped nearly all of the popcorn kernels. It also ranked first in our hot water test. |
| User Experience | 6.5/10 | This microwave lacked the preset buttons found in several of the other models we tested, and it did not have a mute function. Additionally, we struggled with the setup of this microwave, and adding time can be confusing until you get used to it. |
| Physical Aspects | 8.5/10 | This is a well-designed microwave with a sleek finish that will look good in any kitchen, but it is not available in other finish options. It has an average size for a compact microwave. |
| Price and Warranty | 5/10 | Due to its inverter technology and high performance, this microwave was significantly pricier than other models we tested. It comes with a standard one-year warranty. |
| Overall Rating | 9/10 | This is a high-performing microwave that will ensure your food is evenly heated. However, it’s expensive and has a strange design that might throw off some customers. |
Most Eco-Friendly
COMFEE Countertop Microwave
Good for: Energy-conscious users who want a variety of preset options.
This 0.7-cubic-foot microwave features nine preset modes, one-touch express cooking, and two defrost settings. With this small microwave, we like that users can choose to turn on ECO mode, which consumes 50% less power than the standard setting.
Pros and Cons of COMFEE Countertop Microwave
- Flush door handle is ideal for small spaces
- Has signal muting option
- ECO mode reduces power consumption by 50%
- Preset functions didn’t work as advertised
- Plastic finish looks cheap and attracts fingerprints
Key Features
- Wattage: 1,050
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches
Energy-conscious users who want a variety of preset options.er
| Review Category | If applicable: Score(Out of10) | What We Found |
| Performance | 6.5/10 | This microwave needs extra time to heat most basic food items. It didn’t do a great job of thawing out frozen mac and cheese or a Hot Pocket, although it did pop most popcorn kernels and did a serviceable job of heating up water. |
| User Experience | 9/10 | This microwave has a lot of preset cooking options, is easy to program, and also features a mute button. |
| Physical Aspects | 10/10 | We scored this microwave the highest out of any of our models when it came to design. It comes in multiple finish options and has a compact design that can fit onto small countertops. |
| Price and Warranty | 9/10 | This microwave comes at an affordable price and also includes a standard one-year limited warranty. |
| Overall Rating | 8.6/10 | While this microwave lacked the overall performance of some of the other models we tested, it makes up for it with its excellent value and strong design. |
Best Design Options
Galanz Retro Microwave Oven
Good for: Price-conscious consumers with a specific aesthetic in mind and limited kitchen space.
This unique, 700-watt microwave comes in retro or modern designs and in a black, blue, green, or red finish. Use the turn-style knob and buttons to choose between timed cooking options, defrosting, and seven preset functions.
Pros and Cons of Galanz Retro Microwave Oven
- 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’s claims
- Operation and controls are unintuitive
Key Features
- Wattage: 700 watts
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 17.9 x 13.8 x 10.3 inches
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.
| Review Category | If applicable: Score(Out of10) | What We Found |
| Performance | 5/10 | This microwave struggled in several of our tests, as it was unable to fully defrost the macaroni or pop most of the popcorn kernels. However, it adequately heated the hot pocket in the time estimated on the package. |
| User Experience | 6/10 | This microwave has an average amount of preset cooking options, but we found it difficult to program and properly use the settings. |
| Physical Aspects | 9/10 | With its retro design and variety of finish options, this microwave will stand out more than any other in this review. It is medium-sized for a small microwave and should fit on all but the smallest of counters. |
| Price and Warranty | 9/10 | For its specialty design, this product still comes at an affordable price for those looking for a basic small microwave. It also comes with a one-year warranty. |
| Overall Rating | 7.5/10 | This microwave has a unique design that will turn heads, but its performance is lacking. If you don’t often use your microwave and don’t mind having your food heat for some extra time, it could become a centerpiece of your kitchen decor. |
How We Rate Small Microwaves
Our team performed rigorous research and personally tested four out of the five microwaves in this review. Our goal is 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: We evaluated each microwave for speed, evenness in cooking and defrosting, and accuracy of its preset functions.
- User experience: We looked at how easy the microwave 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: The longer and more comprehensive the warranty and return policy, the higher the score.
Read more about how we tested small microwaves below.
Why Trust the This Old House Team
- 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, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
How We Tested Small Microwaves
We ran each of these models through a variety of tests to see how they would stack up.
First, before we did any performance testing, we noted how easy it was to set up the microwave, including if it required any installation and how long the cord was. We also measured how much counter space it takes up, a particularly important factor for compact microwaves that need to fit in small areas. We also examined the number of preset cooking options and the finishes available for each model.
When it came time to actually examine the products, we ran several tests. First, we put in a cup of room temperature water for one minute and measured what temperature it was after heating. Next, we took a frozen Hot Pocket and ran it through the microwave for the suggested time on the package (1 minute and 30 seconds) to see how well it heated the product all the way through, noting if there were any unthawed sections. We also ran a similar test with frozen macaroni and cheese to see how well it defrosted frozen foods. Next, we took a bag of unpopped popcorn kernels and noted the percentage of kernels that were popped after using the popcorn setting on the machine.
Other factors we tested included how easy it was to program the unit, what the overall noise level was, and whether it came with a mute option.
Other Best-Selling Small Microwaves We Like
In addition to the products above that our team tested in the lab, here are some other highly-reviewed small microwaves worth considering for your home.
- LG NeoChef Compact Microwave: ($150 at Best Buy): This LG microwave provides even, precise cooking and defrosting with its smart inverter technology. Its turntable features six wheels, ensuring it can handle any size dish without becoming unbalanced. Additionally, its easy-clean interior makes wiping it down after messes easy and fast.
- GE Spacemaker Countertop Microwave Oven ($177 at Best Buy): This GE model comes with an optional hanging kit, so you can save even more counter space. It has one-touch controls for express cooking and heating options for defrosting and reheating popcorn and beverages. This microwave also features automatic defrost times, which reduce guesswork when thawing meat.
- Panasonic Cyclonic Countertop Microwave Oven ($300 on Amazon): This sleek microwave has 1,250 watts of cooking power and 1.6 cubic feet of cooking space. It includes 15 different preset cooking options, a turbo defrost setting, and sensor reheating with a compact design that can fit on your countertop.
- Breville Countertop Soft-Close Microwave Oven ($243 on Amazon): This compact microwave from Breville is perfect for RVs, dorm rooms, or small kitchens. It has one-touch cooking options for reheating, defrosting, popcorn and beverages, as well as a child lock and soft closing door.
Buying Guide for Small Microwaves
Microwaves are an essential kitchen appliance, but they can take up more space than you have to spare. We put together this microwave buying guide that will help you select the best small microwave to save space in your kitchen.
What sizes should you look for in a small microwave?
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 to 16 inches deep (front to back), 15 to 19 inches wide (side to side), and 10 to 12 inches tall. For contrast, a standard-sized built-in microwave is typically around 21 to 24 inches wide, and around 13-14 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. Built-in and over-the-range microwaves typically have a larger capacity of around 1-2.5 cubic feet.
What power levels do small microwaves have?
We measure the cooking power output of a microwave in watts (W). Small countertop models have a power output between 600W and 1,100W. 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.
What preset modes and buttons should you look for in a small microwave?
Most microwaves, even small ones, feature several buttons to provide customizable cooking and reheating options. Some common preset functions include defrost, express cook, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and popcorn.
What is considered a low noise level for a small microwave?
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.
What design elements and finishes should you look for in a small microwave?
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.
What other features should I look for in a small microwave?
Some other features that may stand out in particular models of small microwaves, include sound control, quick keys, convection cooking, child locks, extra racks, smart features, and sensor cooking.
What are the most trusted brands for microwaves?
When buying a microwave, it’s essential you buy from a trusted brand to ensure you’re receiving a high-quality appliance. Some of the best brands for small microwaves on the market are:
- Amana
- Amazon Basics
- Black & Decker
- Bosch
- Breville
- Electrolux
- Farberware
- Frigidaire
- GE
- Haier
- Hamilton Beach
- Hotpoint
- Kenmore
- KitchenAid
- LG
- Magic Chef
- Maytag
- Panasonic
- Samsung
- Sharp
- Whirlpool
Types of Microwaves
Most small microwaves would be categorized as countertop microwaves, meaning they are portable and plug directly into your wall. However, there are also small microwave options available in other configurations.
Built-in microwaves are microwave ovens that are built into a recessed cavity of your wall or cabinetry. These microwaves help create a seamless, sleek look in your kitchen that blends the microwave in with the rest of your appliances and cabinets. Most built-in microwaves run larger, but some have a small capacity and dimensions that can fit into smaller spaces.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTR) are another type of microwave. These models are designed to be mounted over the top of your range to create a blended design. OTR microwaves typically have a smaller wattage than built-in models but might be an excellent option for those looking for a slim, small microwave that won’t take up counter space.
The Bottom Line: Our Top Small Microwave Picks
Just because you have limited space doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice on performance when it comes to your microwave. Small microwaves can still be highly effective at heating, reheating, and defrosting foods, and most models also have a variety of preset cooking functions as well.
When making your pick about the right small microwave for you, consider what you primarily use your microwave for. If you just reheat last night’s leftovers, you might be able to save a few bucks by getting a lower-wattage microwave. However, if you typically need to defrost meats or cook larger meals, you may want a more powerful model. Also consider what other settings are most important to you, such as the preset functions, inverter cooking technology, noise level, finish options, or price point.
FAQs 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.
