Compact and Powerful: The 6 Best Small Microwaves of 2023

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Microwaves have become an essential appliance in modern kitchens. They are efficient, convenient, and time-saving. However, not everyone has ample kitchen space to accommodate a bulky microwave.

Fortunately, there are many compact microwaves available in the market today that pack a punch despite their small size.

In this article, we will review the 6 best small microwaves of 2023 that are perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms.

Short on time? Check out our Quick Pick section!

Smallest Microwave


โœ”๏ธ Capacity: 0.6 Cubic Feet

โœ”๏ธ Power: 600 watts

โœ”๏ธ Installation TypeCountertop

โœ”๏ธ Dimensions: 12.5โ€ณD x 17.75โ€ณW x 10.25โ€ณH

โœ”๏ธ Special FeatureTimer, Turntable

Small & Powerful


โœ”๏ธ Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet

โœ”๏ธ Power: 700 Watts

โœ”๏ธ Installation TypeCountertop

โœ”๏ธ Dimensions: 12.75โ€ณD x 17.31โ€ณW x 10.19โ€ณH

โœ”๏ธ Special FeatureAuto and Time Defrost, Control Lockout, Kitchen Timer, Turntable

Best Overall


โœ”๏ธ Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet

โœ”๏ธ Power: 700 Watts

โœ”๏ธ Installation TypeCountertop

โœ”๏ธ Dimensions: 13โ€ณD x 17.3โ€ณW x 10.2โ€ณH

โœ”๏ธ Special FeatureSafety Lock, Two Removable Legs, Kitchen Timer, Child Lock, Interior Light

Camparsion Table:

Hereโ€™s a comparison table for the 6 best small microwaves of 2023:

Brand/ModelCapacityPowerInstallation TypeDimensionsSpecial Features
Commercial Chef CHM6600.6 cu. ft.600 WCountertop12.5โ€ณD x 17.75โ€ณW x 10.25โ€ณHTimer, Turntable
GE Countertop Microwave Oven0.7 cu. ft.700 WCountertop12.75โ€ณD x 17.31โ€ณW x 10.19โ€ณHAuto and Time Defrost, Control Lockout, Kitchen Timer, Turntable
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB70.7 cu. ft.700 WCountertop13โ€ณD x 17.3โ€ณW x 10.2โ€ณHSafety Lock, Two Removable Legs, Kitchen Timer, Child Lock, Interior Light
COMFEEโ€™ EM720CPL-PM0.7 cu. ft.700 WCountertop13โ€ณD x 17.3โ€ณW x 10.2โ€ณHKitchen Timer, Interior Light, Child Lock, Mute Function, Turntable
Farberware Classic0.7 cu. ft.700 WCountertop12.99โ€ณD x 17.3โ€ณW x 10.14โ€ณHOne-Touch Preset Menu, Defrost by Weight & Time, 1-6 Minute Quick Start & +30 Seconds, Child Safety Lock
Commercial Chef CHM7700.7 cu. ft.700 WCountertop13.13โ€ณD x 17.75โ€ณW x 10.26โ€ณHSpeed Defrost, Safety Lock, Removable Turntable
Best small microwave

Commercial Chef CHM660 Counter Top Microwave

โœ”๏ธ Capacity: 0.6 Cubic Feet

โœ”๏ธ Power: 600 watts

โœ”๏ธ Installation TypeCountertop

โœ”๏ธ Dimensions: 12.5โ€ณD x 17.75โ€ณW x 10.25โ€ณH

โœ”๏ธ Special FeatureTimer, Turntable

The Commercial Chef CHM660 Counter Top Microwave is the perfect choice for individuals who live in small spaces such as dorm rooms, and apartments, or for those who have limited countertop space in their kitchen. With its small, compact design, this microwave offers a great solution for heating up your meals quickly and easily.

The microwave is compact, with dimensions of 12.5 inches in depth, 17.75 inches in width, and 10.25 inches in height, it takes up minimal space on your countertop, making it a great addition to any small kitchen. Despite its small size, the microwave boasts a capacity of 0.6 cubic feet, providing ample space for heating up your favorite foods.

This microwave is easy to operate with its mechanical dials that control 6 cooking power levels and a timer. Its 6 cooking levels with up to 600 watts of power make it suitable for a variety of cooking tasks, from reheating leftovers to defrosting veggies or preparing frozen dinners. The timer can be set for intervals between 1 to 30 minutes, and the microwave will automatically shut off when the timer is complete.

Another feature worth noting is the removable 9.5โ€ณ turntable, which allows you to heat up a variety of microwave-safe plates, bowls, and containers. The turntable is also easy to clean and is dishwasher safe.

Overall: This is one of the best and smallest microwaves available on the market, and it is definitely worth considering if youโ€™re looking for a small microwave.

Pros

  • Small and compact design
  • Mechanical dials for simple operation
  • 6 cooking power levels with up to 600 watts of power
  • Up to 30-minute timer for flexible cooking needs
  • Removable 9.5โ€ณ glass turntable for easy cleaning
  • Suitable for small living spaces such as dorm rooms and apartments
  • Ideal for small kitchens with limited countertop space
  • Affordable and excellent value for money

Cons

  • Takes a bit longer to heat compared to larger microwaves
  • No clock and the controls are manual, so it may not be suitable for precision cooking

GE Countertop Microwave Oven

โœ”๏ธ Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet

โœ”๏ธ Power: 700 watts

โœ”๏ธ Installation TypeCountertop

โœ”๏ธ Dimensions: 12.75โ€ณD x 17.31โ€ณW x 10.19โ€ณH

โœ”๏ธ Special FeatureAuto and Time Defrost, Control Lockout, Kitchen Timer, Turntable 

The GE Countertop Microwave Oven is a great option for those looking for a small yet powerful microwave. With 700 watts of power and a 0.7 cubic feet capacity, this microwave is perfect for those who want to save valuable kitchen space without sacrificing cooking power.

One of the standout features of this microwave is its auto and time defrost capabilities. Defrosting times and power levels can be programmed automatically or manually for optimal results, making it easy to defrost meat and other frozen foods quickly and efficiently.

The instant controls also make it easy to cook and reheat food with just one touch, and the kitchen timer helps you keep track of your cooking. Additionally, the control lockout feature helps prevent accidental activation, which is particularly useful for those with children.

Installation is a breeze with the GE Countertop Microwave Oven, as it fits easily on any countertop or open shelf. The glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking, ensuring that your food is cooked evenly every time.

Its compact design makes it easy to store and saves valuable kitchen space. Itโ€™s solid construction and convenient features make it a great addition to any kitchen.

Pros

  • Auto and Time Defrost for Optimal Results
  • Instant on Controls for Quick and Easy Cooking
  • Kitchen Timer to Keep You on Track
  • Control Lockout to Prevent Accidental Activation
  • Easy Installation on Any Countertop or Open Shelf
  • Sleek and Modern Stainless Steel Design
  • Glass Turntable Rotates for Even Cooking
  • 700 Watts of Power for Effective and Efficient Cooking
  • Child Lock Controls for Added Safety
  • Compact Design Perfect for Small Spaces

Cons

  • If you are a popcorn lover, you may face some difficulty in achieving the perfect standard-sized popcorn bag every time due to its small size

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven

โœ”๏ธ Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet

โœ”๏ธ Power: 700 watts

โœ”๏ธ Installation TypeCountertop

โœ”๏ธ Dimensions: 13โ€ณD x 17.3โ€ณW x 10.2โ€ณH

โœ”๏ธ Special FeatureSafety Lock, Two Removable Legs, Kitchen Timer, Child Lock, Interior Light

The BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave has a compact design, measuring 13 inches in depth, 17.3 inches in width, and 10.2 inches in height. With its stainless steel finish and 0.7 cubic feet capacity, it is perfect for small kitchens.โ€

One of the standout features of this microwave is its pre-programmed buttons, which include options for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverages, and dinner plates. This makes it easy to quickly heat up your favorite foods without having to guess at the cooking time and power level.

With 700 watts and 10 power settings, this microwave is also quite powerful for its size. The large LED digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to operate, and the interior light and removable 10โ€ glass turntable make it easy to clean.

For added safety, the microwave also includes a child safety lock and push-button door release for easy access. And if you need to cook something quickly, the 30-second express cooking option is a real lifesaver.

Pros

  • Compact and Space-saving Design
  • Pre-programmed Buttons for Various Food Items
  • 700 Watts of Power with 10 Power Settings
  • Clock and Kitchen Timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
  • Large Led Digital Display and Easy-to-read Control Panel
  • Child Safety Lock and Interior Light
  • Removable 10-Inch Glass Turntable
  • Push-button Door Release for Easy Access
  • Two Removable Legs for Easy Cleaning Underneath
  • Ul Approved and Comes with a One-year Limited Warranty

Cons

  • No handle to open it, only a button.
  • The microwave does not have a reminder sound when the cooking is done, which may cause people to forget that they have food in the microwave.

COMFEEโ€™ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave

โœ”๏ธ Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet

โœ”๏ธ Power: 700 Watts

โœ”๏ธ Installation TypeCountertop

โœ”๏ธ Dimensions: 13โ€ณD x 17.3โ€ณW x 10.2โ€ณH

โœ”๏ธ Special FeatureKitchen Timer, Interior Light, Child Lock, Mute Function, Turntable

With its sleek stainless steel finish and compact size, this COMFEE countertop microwave oven seamlessly fits into any countertop space. It boasts a 0.7 cubic-foot capacity and 700 watts of power, with 11 different power levels, making it the perfect choice for cooking small meals or reheating food.

The control panel is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, with one-touch buttons for popular functions such as popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggies, beverages, and reheating. Additionally, this microwave oven includes a mute function, settings, clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock, and a 10-inch glass turntable, making it versatile and safe for any kitchen.

Reheating or defrosting food is made quick and easy thanks to the one-touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds options, along with two defrost settings.

What sets this microwave oven apart is its energy-saving Eco mode, which can reduce standby power consumption by up to 50%. This feature is ideal for those who are mindful of their energy consumption and want to save on their electricity bills.

Pros

  • Stylish Stainless Steel Finish
  • Compact Size
  • 11 Power Levels to Choose from
  • Easy-to-read Digital Display
  • Interior Light and 10-Inch Glass Turntable
  • User-friendly Control Panel with One-touch Buttons for Popular Functions
  • Eco Mode Minimizes Standby Power by 50%
  • Safety Lock to Prevent Accidental Use by Children
  • Mute Function and Express Cooking Options
  • Two Defrost Settings, by Weight or by Time
  • Included One-year Limited Warranty.

Cons

  • The โ€œeasyโ€ presets for more commonly used foods or beverages require specific volumes or weights for each setting, which can be time-consuming and require preparation before using the microwave.

Farberware Classic Microwave Oven

โœ”๏ธ Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet

โœ”๏ธ Power: 700 Watts

โœ”๏ธ Installation TypeCountertop

โœ”๏ธ Dimensions: 12.99โ€ณD x 17.3โ€ณW x 10.14โ€ณH

โœ”๏ธ Special FeatureOne-Touch Preset Menu, Defrost by Weight & Time, 1-6 Minute Quick Start & +30 Seconds, Child Safety Lock

The Farberware Classic Microwave has a 0.7 cubic feet capacity and a 700-watt output power, which enables you to quickly and easily prepare meals and snacks.

It is equipped with 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking, allowing you to fully customize your cooking experience. Additionally, it has 6 one-touch cooking programs, such as popcorn, potato, and pizza. You can defrost by weight or time settings, making any cooking task fast and easy.

Moreover, the memory function lets you store your most frequently used customized settings. Plus, the 30-second button and 1-6 minute express cooking options provide simple press-and-go speed.

The LED display with a kitchen timer and clock enables you to keep track of time while cooking. The easy-view interior LED lighting allows you to keep an eye on your food as well.

In conclusion, the Farberware Classic Microwave Oven is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a small, stylish, and functional microwave oven.

Pros

  • 700-watt output for powerful cooking
  • Stylish brushed stainless steel exterior
  • Safety lock function for added security
  • LED display with kitchen timer and clock for easy tracking of time
  • Easy-view interior LED lighting to keep an eye on cooking
  • 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking for the customizable cooking experience
  • 6 one-touch cooking programs for quick and easy cooking
  • Defrost by weight or time settings for efficient cooking
  • Full-sized cooking in a compact space

Cons

  • The sound it makes when it finishes is too loud.
  • The handle latch design is not very good enough and should be improved.

Commercial Chef CHM770 Counter Top Microwave

โœ”๏ธ Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet

โœ”๏ธ Power: 700 Watts

โœ”๏ธ Installation TypeCountertop

โœ”๏ธ Dimensions: 13.13โ€ณD x 17.75โ€ณW x 10.26โ€ณH

โœ”๏ธ Special FeatureSpeed Defrost, Safety Lock, Removable Turntable

If youโ€™re looking for a small microwave thatโ€™s easy to use, and affordable the Commercial Chef CHM770 might be the right choice for you. With a capacity of 0.7 cubic feet, it is perfect for single servings or small families, and it includes all the features necessary for quick and effortless microwave cooking.

One of the microwaveโ€™s best features is its push-button controls with an LED display, which enable quick and easy operation. You can easily adjust the cooking timer to any desired duration and start the cooking process.

Moreover, the six one-touch quick cook menu buttons provide a preset operation that automatically adjusts power and timer for optimized settings. The six quick cook options include popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, reheat, and frozen food presets.

The microwave also boasts ten cooking power levels, with a maximum power output of 700 watts, making it suitable for a variety of cooking needs, from microwave popcorn to frozen dinners.

The included glass turntable can hold a range of microwave-safe plates, dishes, bowls, and containers while providing an easy-to-clean surface. Additionally, the turntable is removable for easy cleaning in a dishwasher.

Pros

  • Compact design
  • Easy-to-use push button controls with LED display
  • 6 one-touch quick-cook menu options
  • 10 cooking power levels with up to 700 watts of power
  • Removable glass turntable for easy cleaning
  • Safety lock feature for households with children
  • Ideal for small kitchens or living spaces such as dorm rooms or apartments
  • Suitable for a variety of cooking needs from microwave popcorn to frozen dinners.

Cons

  • The microwave keeps beeping if you donโ€™t open the door even after it finishes cooking, which can be really annoying.
  • The plastic carousel device and glass plate are tiny and lightweight, and the plate wonโ€™t stay on the carousel and slides all over bumping against the inside walls, which is a design flaw.

Before Buying a Small Microwave, Consider the Following Factors:

When it comes to buying a small microwave, there are a few key things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here is a buying guide to help you make an informed decision:

Size: One of the main reasons for buying a small microwave is to save space, so itโ€™s important to measure the area where you plan to put it and make sure the microwave you choose will fit. Consider the microwaveโ€™s width, height, and depth to ensure it will fit comfortably in your designated space.

Power: Small microwaves typically have less power than larger models, so itโ€™s important to consider how you will be using the microwave. If you plan to use it for heating up large meals or cooking food, you will want to look for a microwave with at least 700 watts of power.

Features: Consider the features that are important to you, such as defrost setting, a cooking timer, or a turntable. Some small microwaves also come with additional features like grill or convection cooking, which can be useful if you plan to use the microwave for more than just heating up food.

Brand and Customer Reviews: Always check the brand and customer reviews, it can give you an idea about the productโ€™s quality, performance, and durability.

Price: Finally, consider the price. Small microwaves can range from budget-friendly to high-end, so decide on a budget and stick to it. Keep in mind that a higher price doesnโ€™t always guarantee better quality or features.

By considering these factors, youโ€™ll be able to find the best small microwave to suit your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Is the Smallest Size for a Microwave?

The smallest size for a microwave is typically around 0.5 cubic feet. These microwaves are designed to save space and are often called โ€œcompact microwavesโ€ or โ€œcountertop microwaves.โ€

What Are Small Microwaves Called?

Small microwaves are also referred to as โ€œcompact microwavesโ€ or โ€œcountertop microwaves.โ€ These types of microwaves are designed to save space and are typically smaller in size than traditional microwave ovens.

Are Smaller Microwaves Better?

Smaller microwaves have the advantage of being more space-efficient, making them a great choice for small kitchens or apartments. However, itโ€™s important to consider the power of the microwave and its features to determine if it will meet your needs.

Can You Put a Small Microwave in a Cabinet?

Yes, you can put a small microwave in a cabinet. Many homeowners choose to install small microwaves in a cabinet to save counter space. However, you will need to ensure that the cabinet is large enough to accommodate the microwave and that there is adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.

Can Small Microwaves Cook Large Meals?

It depends on the power of the microwave. Small microwaves typically have less power than larger models, so they may not be as effective at cooking large meals or multiple dishes at once.

However, many small microwaves have a variety of cooking settings and features that can help you cook a variety of foods. Itโ€™s important to consider your cooking needs and choose a small microwave with enough power and features to meet those needs.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, compact microwaves are an essential appliance for modern kitchens, especially for those who have limited space. In this article, we reviewed the 6 best small microwaves of 2023 that are perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms.

These microwaves offer a great solution for heating up your meals quickly and easily. Each model has its unique features, such as pre-programmed buttons, automatic defrost, and mechanical dials, that make cooking or reheating your food a breeze.

These microwaves are also affordable, with sleek designs that complement any kitchen decor. Whether youโ€™re living in a small apartment, or dorm room, or simply want to save counter space in your kitchen, these compact microwaves are definitely worth considering.

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