You’re standing in your apartment or dorm room, staring at your limited counter space and wondering if you can actually fit a microwave anywhere. The good news: today’s small microwaves pack serious functionality into a footprint that won’t overwhelm your kitchen. Whether you need to reheat leftovers, defrost chicken, or make late-night snacks, a compact microwave can handle it all without eating up valuable real estate. This guide walks you through the best small microwaves on the market, helping you find the perfect fit for your space and lifestyle.
We’ve reviewed ten top-performing models from leading brands including Toshiba, Farberware, COMFEE, BLACK+DECKER, and Chefman. Our focus: finding microwaves that deliver real cooking power, reliable safety features, and intuitive controls in compact sizes. Whether you’re furnishing your first apartment, setting up a dorm room, or upgrading your office break room, this breakdown will help you make an informed choice. Let’s dive into the options.
Pros
- Reliable 900W power with 10 settings provides flexibility for different cooking needs and food types
- Six convenient auto cook presets eliminate guesswork for everyday meals and snacks
- Excellent value at the price point with proven durability backed by thousands of positive reviews
- Child safety lock and interior light add important safety and convenience features
- Removable turntable and easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior make maintenance simple
Cons
- 0.9 cubic foot capacity may feel tight for larger families or cooking multiple items simultaneously
- No sensor cooking or advanced features found in premium models, requiring manual time and power adjustments
- Push-button controls lack the modern touch panel interface of newer microwave designs
The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cubic foot countertop microwave is a practical, no-frills cooking appliance designed for budget-conscious consumers, students, and anyone needing reliable everyday microwave functionality. With its stainless steel finish and compact footprint, it fits seamlessly into apartments, dorms, small kitchens, and as a secondary microwave in larger homes.
The standout feature is its combination of accessible power and convenience. The 900W heating element with 10 power levels gives you precise control for defrosting, reheating, and cooking, while the six pre-programmed auto cook buttons handle popcorn, pizza, potatoes, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates with a single touch. The 30-second express cooking button is perfect for quick tasks, and the LED display shows cooking time, countdown timer, and clock functionality.
Build quality reflects its price point. The stainless steel door frame and black enclosure look clean and professional, while the removable 10.6 inch glass turntable and interior light add practical touches. The push-button door release is smooth and reliable. The child safety lock provides important protection for households with young children, and the compact 18.7 by 13.4 by 10.7 inch dimensions won't dominate counter space.
The main limitation is the 0.9 cubic foot capacity, which is on the smaller side for families or cooking larger items. Additionally, this microwave lacks sensor cooking and advanced features, meaning you'll manually set cooking times and power levels rather than relying on automatic adjustments. The interface is straightforward but dated compared to newer models with touch controls.
Overall, this BLACK+DECKER microwave delivers solid performance for everyday cooking needs at an accessible price. It's ideal for anyone prioritizing reliability and simplicity over advanced features, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers and those seeking a dependable secondary microwave.
Capacity and Power: 0.9 cubic feet, 900 watts with 10 power levels
Cooking Features: 6 auto cook presets (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, dinner plate), 30-second express cooking, removable 10.6 inch glass turntable
Display and Controls: Large LED digital display with clock, countdown timer, cooking time display, push-button door release, easy-to-read control panel
Safety and Convenience: Child safety lock, interior light
Dimensions: External: 18.7 inches W x 13.4 inches D x 10.7 inches H, Internal: 12.36 inches W x 13.66 inches D x 8.70 inches H
Design: Stainless steel door frame with black enclosure
Who Should Buy This Microwave: This model is perfect for individuals, students, small families, apartment dwellers, and anyone needing a dependable secondary microwave. It's ideal if you prioritize affordability and straightforward functionality over advanced features.
Best Uses: Reheating leftovers, cooking frozen meals, defrosting, making popcorn, and heating beverages. The pre-programmed buttons make quick meals and snacks effortless.
Kitchen Fit: The compact 0.9 cubic foot size works well in dorms, small kitchens, RVs, offices, and as a second microwave in larger homes. The stainless steel finish complements most kitchen decor styles.
Maintenance Tips: The removable turntable makes cleaning simple. The stainless steel exterior wipes clean easily with standard stainless steel cleaner. The interior light helps you monitor cooking progress and spot spills.
Cooking Tips: Use the 10 power levels to customize cooking intensity for different foods. Start with lower power settings for defrosting to prevent uneven heating. The express cooking button is convenient for quick 30-second tasks.
Buying Guide for Small Microwaves
Capacity and Dimensions
Small microwaves typically range from 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet. A 0.7 cu ft model works well for individuals or couples who mainly reheat and defrost, while 0.9 cu ft gives you more flexibility for larger plates and cooking multiple items. Check the external dimensions carefully—even a few inches matter when counter space is precious. Most compact models measure around 18-19 inches wide, so measure your available space before purchasing.
The internal dimensions tell you how much usable cooking space you actually have. A removable turntable (typically 10-10.6 inches) should fit standard dinner plates and microwave-safe containers. If you frequently cook for guests or meal-prep in batches, consider the larger 0.9 cu ft options available from brands like our cookware category.
Power Output and Cooking Flexibility
Wattage matters more than you might think. Models range from 700 watts to 900 watts—the higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly your food cooks. Look for microwaves with at least 10 power levels, giving you precise control from gentle defrosting to rapid reheating. Preset menu buttons for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables save time and remove guesswork from everyday cooking.
A dedicated defrost function that works by weight or time is invaluable if you cook with frozen ingredients. Express cooking buttons (typically 1-6 minutes plus a +30 second function) let you start cooking instantly without scrolling through menus. These features transform a basic microwave into a genuinely useful kitchen tool.
Safety Features and Convenience Controls
A two-step child lock is now standard on all quality microwaves and prevents accidental operation by young children. Look for a mute function if you’re sensitive to beeping sounds—many models let you silence notifications with a single button press. LED interior lighting helps you monitor cooking progress without opening the door and losing heat.
Digital displays with clock and timer functions keep you organized in the kitchen. Easy-to-clean exteriors and dishwasher-safe turntables reduce maintenance hassle. When shopping, prioritize models with intuitive control panels—you want to start cooking quickly, not spend five minutes deciphering buttons. Check out our guide on kitchen appliances for more space-saving options.
Build Quality and Brand Reputation
Established brands like Toshiba, Farberware, and BLACK+DECKER offer proven reliability and solid warranty coverage. Read verified customer feedback to understand real-world durability—pay special attention to comments about longevity and how well the microwave performs after months of daily use. Stainless steel finishes resist fingerprints better than black plastic, though both are durable when properly maintained.
Compact microwaves from reputable manufacturers typically include one-year limited warranties and accessible customer support. Avoid ultra-budget models that skimp on safety certifications or build materials. A microwave that lasts three to five years will cost far less per use than one that fails after eighteen months.
Final Thoughts
The best small microwave balances compact size with genuine cooking power and safety features that matter in real kitchens. If you want a reliable workhorse with proven durability, the Toshiba Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu.Ft 900W Black Stainless Steel delivers 900 watts of power with six preset menus and an easy-to-use interface. For budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize efficiency, the COMFEE Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft 700W offers excellent value with an eco mode that cuts standby power consumption and one-touch cooking buttons that make everyday tasks effortless. Either choice will serve you well for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size microwave is considered small? Small microwaves typically range from 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet in capacity. These compact models fit easily on apartment counters or dorm desks while still accommodating standard dinner plates and microwave-safe containers. They’re ideal for individuals, couples, or anyone with limited kitchen space who doesn’t need to cook for large groups.
Can a small microwave defrost food effectively? Yes, modern small microwaves include defrost functions that work by weight or time, allowing you to safely thaw frozen ingredients without cooking the outer edges. However, defrosting works best with smaller portions—a whole chicken might require a full-size model. For everyday frozen vegetables and individual portions, small microwaves perform just as well as larger ones.
Are 700-watt microwaves powerful enough? Absolutely. A 700-watt microwave heats food adequately for most household tasks like reheating, defrosting, and cooking vegetables. The difference between 700 and 900 watts is mainly speed—900-watt models cook slightly faster, but 700-watt models still get the job done. Choose based on your cooking frequency and patience level rather than wattage alone. For more kitchen solutions, explore our best products section.
What should I look for in a microwave for dorm or apartment use? Prioritize safety features like two-step child locks and mute functions, plus convenient preset buttons for popular foods. Compact dimensions that fit your specific space are essential—measure before buying. Energy-saving eco modes help reduce electricity costs in shared living situations. Finally, choose a brand with solid customer reviews and warranty support in case something goes wrong.
