A perfect small-space solution for quick heating. It’s the promise of every compact microwave oven, but does it actually deliver? You need something that fits on a cramped countertop, heats your lunch reliably, and doesn’t complicate your life. Finding that balance is trickier than it seems, especially when you’re short on space and patience.
We tested a popular model to see if it truly lives up to the hype. This review will walk you through the real-world pros and the few cons, from its surprisingly roomy interior to it’s simple controls. Let’s see if this little appliance can become your kitchen’s new best friend.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Compact Microwave Oven
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TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4″…
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9.8 |
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TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with…
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9.6 |
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BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door,…
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9.4 |
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BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake,…
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9.3 |
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Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts…
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9.1 |
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COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO…
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8.9 |
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TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus,…
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8.7 |
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TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus,…
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8.6 |
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Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700…
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8.4 |
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FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black
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8.2 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Compact Microwave Oven
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact, 1.2 cubic foot appliance designed to simplify your kitchen tasks with smart technology and straightforward controls. Its 1000-watt cooking power provides the speed you need for daily heating and cooking, all housed in a sleek black cabinet that fits neatly on most countertops. The interior is surprisingly spacious for its category, with a 12.4-inch removable glass turntable that ensures even cooking and is a breeze to clean.
A standout feature is the built-in Smart Humidity Sensor. This technology takes the guesswork out of cooking by automatically detecting moisture levels from your food and adjusting the time and power accordingly. It aims to give you consistently good results, whether you’re reheating leftovers or cooking a fresh meal, without constant checking. For added convenience, the microwave includes several preset menus.
You’ll find options for popular items like pizza, vegetables, and a dedicated sensor reheat function, which provide a reliable starting point for good results. Flexibility is key with ten distinct power levels. This allows you to precisely tailor how the microwave cooks, perfect for gently defrosting, simmering sauces, or simply warming something without making it tough. Defrosting is also made easy with options to program by time or by the weight of your frozen food.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact, full-featured appliance designed to make your daily cooking tasks simpler and more reliable. With its 1.2 cubic foot capacity and 1000 watts of cooking power, it provides a spacious interior for dinner plates and medium-sized cookware while delivering the strength needed for quick, efficient heating. The 12.4-inch removable glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to take out for cleaning.
A standout feature is the Smart Sensor Technology. This function automatically detects the humidity levels released from your food and adjusts the cooking time and power accordingly. It takes the guesswork out of reheating leftovers or cooking preset items, aiming to prevent those common mishaps of dried-out or still-cold food. You get consistant results with less button-pushing. For added convenience, this model includes 12 auto menus.
These one-touch settings are programmed for everyday items like pizza, vegetables, and sensor reheat. It also offers 10 distinct power levels, giving you the flexibility to gently warm a sauce or quickly boil water. The defrost function is straightforward, allowing you to thaw frozen food by either weight or time, which is a real time-saver when you forget to plan ahead. Practical touches make this microwave user-friendly.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed for straightforward, everyday cooking. With 700 watts of power and a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, it fits well in smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices, providing a practical solution for heating meals, snacks, and beverages without taking up to much counter space. Its stainless steel finish offers a clean, modern look that resists fingerprints and blends with most decors.
You’ll find operation is simple thanks to the large LED digital display and clear control panel. The microwave includes several convenient, pre-programmed buttons for common items like popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, a beverage, and a dinner plate. These settings take the guesswork out of cooking times, so you can get consistent results with just one touch. For more control, there are 10 adjustable power levels and a separate kitchen timer function.
The 30-second express cooking button is perfect for when you need to quickly reheat a drink or soften butter. Safety and ease of use are key features here. The child safety lock gives you peace of mind by preventing accidental operation. Opening the door is smooth and quiet with the push-button release mechanism, a nice alternative to the traditional handle.
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, and Convection Cooking, 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, Child-Lock, ES9P032NA
The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is designed to be a versatile kitchen helper that saves valuable counter space. Instead of needing seperate appliances, this compact 0.9 cubic foot unit combines five essential cooking functions into one sleek stainless steel design. It operates as a standard 900-watt microwave, but it’s also an air fryer, a combi oven (using grill and convection together), a baker, and a roaster.
This flexibility means you can handle a much wider range of meals without cluttering your kitchen.
You get precise control with ten different cooking power levels, which is great for gently defrosting or simmering. For everyday convenience, there are seven auto menus for items like popcorn, potatoes, oatmeal, and frozen pizza. These take the guesswork out of getting consistent results. The air frying capability is a standout feature, with eleven dedicated presets for popular foods.
You can easily cook frozen french fries, chicken wings, fish sticks, vegetables, and more to a crispy finish using little to no oil, which is a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Operation is straightforward. The interface is clean, and for quick heating, you can simply press the start button for 30 seconds of full-power cooking, and press it again to add more time.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts is a compact and thoughtfully designed appliance for everyday kitchen tasks. Its 0.7 cubic foot capacity is ideal for smaller households, dorm rooms, or offices, providing enough space to heat plates, cook sides, or reheat a meal without taking up much of your counter space. The 700-watt power is efficient for its size, offering a good balance of speed and gentler heating options.
You have significant control over how your food is cooked. The microwave offers ten distinct power levels, letting you choose from a low defrost setting all the way up to full power for boiling water quickly. This flexibility helps you avoid the rubbery textures or cold spots that simpler models can cause. For ultimate convenience, there are six one-touch presets for common items like popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes, and leftovers.
These presets take the guesswork out of timing and power, giving you consistant results every time. Plus, the handy +30 seconds button is perfect for adding a bit more heat without restarting the whole process. This model includes several features that make it adapt to your lifestyle. The memory function allows you to program your most-used custom settings for instant access. If you need quiet, the mute button silences all the beeps—great for late nights or early mornings.
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and thoughtfully designed appliance for everyday cooking and reheating. Its 0.7 cubic foot capacity and 700 watts of power are well-suited for smaller households, dorm rooms, offices, or as a secondary kitchen unit. Finished in a classic black, it fits neatly on most countertops without taking up to much space. A standout feature is the sound on/off option, which allows you to mute the beeps.
This is perfect for late-night snacks or open-plan living areas where you don’t want to disturb others. For saving a bit on energy, the ECO mode cuts standby power consumption by half, which is a simple way to be a little more efficient. The control panel is straightforward, with a bright digital display and clearly labeled buttons. You get easy one-touch buttons for popular items like popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggies, and beverages.
These auto-cook functions take the guesswork out of settings times and power levels. For speed, the express cooking function lets you start heating with one press for 1 to 6 minutes. The handy +30 seconds button is there for those quick extra bursts. Defrosting is flexible to, with two methods: you can defrost by weight or by time, which helps preserve food quality. Safety is covered with a child lock function to prevent accidental operation.
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Countertop, Black Stainless Steel
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven is a compact, feature-rich appliance designed for everyday convenience and safety. With its black stainless steel finish, it offers a sleek look that fits well on most countertops without taking up to much space. Its 0.9 cubic foot capacity is ideal for individuals, couples, or small families, handling everything from a plate of leftovers to a medium-sized dish. You get 900 watts of cooking power, which heats food quickly and efficiently.
The interior is lit by bright LED lighting, so you can easily check on your food’s progress. A key feature is the 10.6-inch removable glass turntable. It ensures even cooking and, because it’s removable, makes cleaning up any spills a simple task—just lift it out and wash it. For everyday cooking, the six preset menus are a real time-saver. You can cook popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and other common foods with the press of a single button, taking the guesswork out of settings.
When you need more control, there’s 11 unique power levels. This lets you gently defrost, simmer a sauce, or reheat something without making it tough. The separate kitchen timer is also handy for general use around the kitchen. Safety and quiet operation are thoughtfully included. The two-step child lock requires a specific button sequence to operate, helping prevent accidental use by curious kids.
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Countertop, Stainless Steel
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven is a compact and thoughtfully designed countertop appliance that balances power with practical features for everyday use. With a 0.9 cubic foot capacity and a 900-watt output, it’s sized right for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices, providing substantial cooking power without taking over your counter. The stainless steel finish offers a clean, durable look that fits with most decors. This microwave is built to simplify your routine.
Its six preset auto menus handle the guesswork for common items like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and more—just press a button for reliable results. You also get fine control with 11 distinct power levels, letting you adjust for delicate tasks like softening butter or gently reheating leftovers. The defrost function is flexible, allowing you to thaw by weight or by time, which is a real time-saver.
For quick heating, the one-touch start lets you begin cooking at full power for 1 to 6 minutes instantly. Safety and convenience are central to its design. The two-step child lock is a crucial feature for families, requiring a specific button sequence to operate, helping prevent accidental use by curious kids. If you find the beeps annoying, the handy mute function lets you silence the audible signals with a simple long press of a button—perfect for late-night snacks or quiet environments.
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and powerful kitchen helper designed to simplify your daily routine. With 700 watts of cooking power, it heats meals, snacks, and beverages quickly and efficiently, saving you valuable time when you need it most. Its straightforward design and range of features make it a practical choice for small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, or as a secondary microwave.
You get a lot of control over your cooking with this model.
It offers ten adjustable power levels, allowing you to gently warm a sauce or reheat leftovers at full power. The six one-touch Auto Cook settings handle the guesswork for common items like popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, frozen vegetable, and reheat.
Need to thaw something? The defrost function can be set either by time or by weight, which is a handy feature that helps ensure even thawing.
Its 0.7 cubic foot capacity is its real strength, providing enough space for most dinner plates and bowls without monopolizing your counter. The interior is roomy enough for everyday tasks but keeps the overall footprint small. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the smooth interior surfaces and the easy-wipe exterior finish.
FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black
The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed to fit into smaller kitchens or spaces without giving up on smart features. Its 0.7 cubic foot capacity is perfect for heating plates, making popcorn, or warming up a personal meal. The sleek black finish helps it blend right in with your other countertop essentials. You’ll find the digital control panel straightfoward and intuitive.
It gives you clear choices for express cooking, adjusting power levels, or setting a specific time. You can even delay the start of cooking if your schedule changes. The stop and cancel button is prominant, making it easy to pause or reset things if needed. For daily tasks, the six auto-cook settings take the guesswork out of heating common items. Just press one button for popcorn, potato, pizza, a frozen dinner, reheating leftovers, or a beverage.
It’s a real time-saver when you just want a predictable result. This microwave also gives you notable control for defrosting. It offers two different defrost timers, allowing you to thaw food in stages. This means you can better control how your food is warmed, helping to prevent those unevenly cooked edges while the center is still frozen. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference in preparing meals. Safety, especially for families, is well considered.
Compact Microwave Oven Buying Guide
Maximize a small kitchen with the perfect compact microwave oven using our tips. These space-saving appliances are ideal for dorms, offices, or apartments, but choosing the right one means looking beyond just size. Let’s break down the key factors to consider.
Size and Capacity
How much space do you really have? Measure your countertop or shelf carefully. Capacity, measured in cubic feet, typically ranges from 0.5 to 0.9 cu. ft. in compact models. A 0.7 cu. ft. oven is often the sweet spot—it can fit a standard dinner plate but still keeps a tiny footprint. Think about what you’ll heat most often.
Power and Performance
Don’t assume small means weak. Wattage is key for speed and even cooking. Look for at least 700 watts; 800-900 watts is excellent for a compact. Higher power defrosts and reheats leftovers much faster. A lower-wattage model might save a few dollars upfront, but you’ll pay for it in longer cook times.
Ease of Cleaning
Spills are inevitable. An interior with a ceramic enamel coating is far easier to wipe clean than a traditional stainless steel one, which can show every splatter. Also, check if the turntable and its ring are removable for washing in the sink. A simple, flat control panel wipes down easier than one with lots of crevices.
Control Panel Style
Do you prefer simplicity or precision? Basic models with a dial and mechanical timer are straightforward and often cheaper. Digital touchpads offer precise time entry and pre-programmed settings for things like popcorn or potatoes. Consider which you’ll use more: the one-touch buttons or the manual number pad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Compact Microwave Oven
What is a compact microwave oven?
A compact microwave is a smaller version of a standard model. It’s designed to save counter space. They’re perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, or RVs.
How much smaller is it than a regular microwave?
Capacity is teh main difference. Compact microwaves usually have 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet of space inside. Full-size models are often over 1.0 cubic feet. The outside dimensions are smaller, too, which frees up your counter.
What can I cook in a compact microwave?
You can heat leftovers, make popcorn, or cook frozen meals just fine. It can handle mugs of soup and small plates. For larger dishes like a full casserole, you might need to check it fits first.
Is the power lower in a compact microwave?
Not necessarily. Many compact models have 700 to 900 watts of power. That’s similar to many full-size units. They heat food quickly, but the smaller cavity size can sometimes effect cooking times.
What features should I look for?
Look for simple controls you like. Sensor cooking and auto-defrost are handy. A turntable helps cook food evenly, but some space-saving models omit it. Decide what’s important for you.
Where is the best place to put one?
Anywhere with a standard electrical outlet and enough ventilation! They’re great on a kitchen counter, in a break room, or on a sturdy shelf. Just leave a few inches of space around it for air flow.
Are they less expensive?
Often, yes. Their smaller size and sometimes simpler features can make them more budget-friendly. You can find good options at various price points, so it’s worth comparing.
Can it replace my regular microwave?
For a single person or couple, usually yes. If you regularly heat large plates or family-sized meals, the smaller interior might feel limiting. Think about what you cook most days.
Wrapping Things Up
Fit a full-featured oven into your cozy kitchen. It’s easier than you think. Modern models pack in all the power and settings you need. You can quickly heat a meal, steam vegetables, or even make popcorn for movie night. The right choice saves you precious counter space without giving up on performance. It’s a simple way to make your daily routine smoother and more efficient.
When you’re ready to choose, focus on what matters most to you. Think about the size that fits your spot and the power level for your usual tasks. A good compact microwave oven becomes a reliable helper. It proves you don’t need a giant appliance to get the job done well. With your new addition, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it’s convenience.