Best Small Microwaves
Best Small Microwaves compared by installation fit, heating performance, controls, and real ownership cost, with real pros and cons for each pick.
At a Glance
Best Small Microwaves can look similar on a spec sheet but differ in ways that matter once one is actually installed and used day to day: external dimensions, plate fit, and door swing are the details most listings gloss over in favor of headline wattage and capacity numbers. In this lineup alone, rated output ranges from 700W on the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven up to 900W on the TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, a real difference in heating speed that a single star rating won't tell you.
We compared all 8 models below, spanning Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven up to LG Countertop Microwave, with a focus on defining small by external width, depth and height, not cubic feet alone, and cross-checked output power and usable volume against the current listing data rather than repeating manufacturer marketing claims.
5 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Small Microwave
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
External dimensions
Define small by external width, depth and height, not cubic feet alone. For example, the TOSHIBA Microwave Oven is rated at 900W while the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven is rated at 700W, a gap that changes real cook and reheat times even though both are 'small microwaves.' Getting this wrong is one of the more common reasons a small microwaves purchase disappoints once it actually arrives, since external dimensions affects real day-to-day use in a way marketing photos and bullet points don't always make obvious. Before buying, check the specific listing's stated details on external dimensions rather than assuming every small microwaves in this comparison handles it the same way, since this is exactly the kind of detail that varies more than buyers expect within the same price range.
Plate fit
Measure the largest dinner plate and mug that can rotate without contact. In this comparison, prices run from $67.99 on the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven to $159.00 on the LG Countertop Microwave, so it's worth confirming what specifically justifies the higher price rather than assuming the pricier pick is automatically better on this point. This is the kind of detail that looks minor in a spec list but shapes how satisfied you actually are with a small microwaves weeks after buying, since plate fit plays out differently in daily use than it does on paper. Read the product listing and recent reviews specifically for mentions of plate fit, since this detail is often understated in the bullet points but shows up clearly once real buyers have used the small microwaves for a while.
Door swing
Test whether lower-watt compact models require major recipe-time adjustments. Capacity varies too: the LG Countertop Microwave lists 1.1 (cu. ft. or quart, per the listing) versus 0.6 on the Commercial Chef 0.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven, which changes what size dish or plate actually fits. Buyers who skip past door swing tend to be the ones leaving disappointed reviews later, not because the small microwaves was defective, but because this specific detail didn't match what they actually needed. Compare how each small microwaves in this roundup actually handles door swing rather than assuming they're interchangeable on this point, since the listings here differ on it more than the headline specs suggest.
Output power
Include door-swing clearance and rear/side ventilation in the real footprint. For reference, the TOSHIBA Microwave Oven holds the highest published rating in this comparison at 4.5 from 1,422 reviews, worth weighing against picks with a thinner review history. Output power is easy to overlook next to flashier specs, but it's frequently the difference between a small microwaves that fits your routine and one that quietly becomes a hassle. Confirm the exact detail on output power directly from the current listing before ordering, since this is one of the more common places where two similarly priced small microwaves options genuinely diverge.
Usable volume
Compare compactness with usable cavity loss so the smallest exterior does not automatically win. The COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven has the largest review base here at 28,289 reviews, which is a stronger real-world reliability signal than rating alone on a newer, less-reviewed listing. Getting this wrong is one of the more common reasons a small microwaves purchase disappoints once it actually arrives, since usable volume affects real day-to-day use in a way marketing photos and bullet points don't always make obvious. Before buying, check the specific listing's stated details on usable volume rather than assuming every small microwaves in this comparison handles it the same way, since this is exactly the kind of detail that varies more than buyers expect within the same price range.
Best Small Microwaves
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven
About this pick
At 18.7 x 13.3 x 10.7 inches externally, this is one of the smaller footprints in this comparison while still holding a 10.6-inch turntable inside, a reasonable trade for a dorm shelf or small kitchen counter. Six presets and 11 power levels are all accessible from the same compact panel without a separate menu screen.
It also carries the highest published rating in this comparison.
Best for: buyers comparing small microwaves who want the strongest all-around balance of features and reliability
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 0.9 Cu.Ft
- Feature 2: 900W
Pros
- +Compact 18.7 x 13.3 x 10.7 inch external footprint
- +Six presets and 11 power levels on one compact panel
- +Highest customer rating of any pick in this comparison
Cons
- −Far fewer reviews than the most-reviewed pick here, treat its track record as an early signal
- −Confirm current price and included accessories on the listing before buying
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven
About this pick
At 0.7 cu. ft. this is one of the smallest interior capacities in this comparison, paired with six pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate, so the small size doesn't come at the cost of one-touch convenience. A push-button door release also takes less clearance to open than a pull handle, worth noting in a tight counter corner.
At 700W it runs cooler than the 900W Toshiba pick above, so expect somewhat longer heating times.
Best for: buyers comparing small microwaves who want a close alternative worth cross-checking against the top pick
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 0.7 Cu.Ft
- Feature 2: 700W
Pros
- +0.7 cu. ft. capacity, a small footprint without losing preset buttons
- +Push-button door release needs less swing clearance than a pull handle
- +Large LED digital display despite the compact size
Cons
- −Runs cooler than the 900W Toshiba pick above, so expect longer heating times
- −Confirm current price and included accessories on the listing before buying
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven
About this pick
At 0.7 cu. ft. this stays compact while adding a genuinely useful mute function, silencing beeps with a three-second hold rather than a nested settings menu, useful for a small shared space like a dorm room or studio where beeping matters more. Eco mode also cuts standby power draw by about half.
It also has the largest review base of any pick in this comparison.
Best for: buyers comparing small microwaves who want a middle-ground option on price relative to its feature set
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 0.7 Cu.Ft
- Feature 2: 700W
- Feature 3: ECO Mode
Pros
- +Mute function silences beeps with a three-second hold, no settings menu
- +Eco mode cuts standby power draw by about half
- +Largest review base of any pick in this comparison
Cons
- −Runs cooler than the 900W Toshiba pick above, so expect longer heating times
- −Confirm current price and included accessories on the listing before buying
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
About this pick
At 0.7 cu. ft. this is sized specifically as a small-space solution without sacrificing full-sized cooking, and ten power levels with multi-stage cooking give more control than a single generic power dial despite the compact shell. The clear LED display doubles as a kitchen timer and clock.
It's also the least expensive pick in this comparison.
Best for: buyers comparing small microwaves who want more usable chamber space for bigger dishes
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Feature 1: 700 Watts Power
- Feature 2: Auto Cook Settings
- Feature 3: Defrost
- Color/Finish: Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Black
Pros
- +0.7 cu. ft. compact shell without sacrificing full power-level control
- +Ten power levels with multi-stage cooking
- +Least expensive pick in this comparison
Cons
- −Fewer dedicated food presets than some competitors here
- −Confirm current price and included accessories on the listing before buying
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
About this pick
At 0.7 cu. ft. this fits the same small footprint as several picks here while adding six food-specific presets, so the compact size doesn't mean guessing power levels manually. The child safety lock is built into the door handle itself, a small design detail that matters more in a tight space where the handle gets bumped often.
Digital controls make it easy to set up everything from popcorn to reheating leftovers.
Best for: buyers comparing small microwaves who want a smaller footprint for limited counter or cabinet space
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Feature 1: 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels
- Feature 2: Eco Mode
- Feature 3: Child Safety Lock
- Color/Finish: & Mute Button - Black
Pros
- +0.7 cu. ft. compact size with six food-specific presets
- +Child safety lock built into the door handle itself
- +700W output packed into a small-appliance footprint
Cons
- −Runs cooler than the 900W Toshiba pick above, so expect longer heating times
- −Confirm current price and included accessories on the listing before buying
Commercial Chef 0.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
About this pick
At 0.6 cu. ft. and 17.75 x 13.44 x 9.56 inches, this has the smallest external footprint in this comparison, a real fit for a tight counter corner or a cart. Six mechanical dial power levels (Low through High plus Defrost) skip a digital menu entirely, which also means no small buttons to navigate on such a compact shell.
At 23.1 lbs it's also one of the lighter picks here, worth noting if it needs to be moved often.
Best for: buyers comparing small microwaves who want the lowest cost in this comparison
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Feature 1: Mechanical Dial Controls
- Feature 2: 700W
- Feature 3: Pull Handle Door
- Feature 4: 6 Power Levels
Pros
- +0.6 cu. ft. and smallest external footprint in this comparison
- +Six mechanical dial power levels, no digital menu to navigate
- +23.1 lbs, lighter than several other picks here
Cons
- −Runs cooler than the 900W Toshiba pick above, so expect longer heating times
- −Confirm current price and included accessories on the listing before buying
LG Countertop Microwave
About this pick
At 1.1 cu. ft. this is actually the largest capacity in this comparison despite the compact-design framing, so it's less about footprint and more about seven auto-cook presets (bacon, vegetables, rice, and more) and EasyClean interior in a still-manageable size. The EZ On +30s button skips manual time entry for quick reheats.
Price-wise, it's also the most expensive pick in this lineup.
Best for: buyers comparing small microwaves who want a fuller feature set and are willing to pay more for it
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 1.1 cu. ft
- Size: 20.1x11.4x15.7 Inches
- Feature 3: EasyClean Interior
- Feature 4: 900 Watts
Pros
- +Seven auto-cook presets including bacon, vegetables, and rice
- +EasyClean interior simplifies maintenance
- +1.1 cu. ft. cavity, the largest in this comparison
Cons
- −Highest price of any pick in this comparison
- −Far fewer reviews than the most-reviewed pick here, treat its track record as an early signal
LG Countertop Microwave
About this pick
Smart Inverter technology here targets more even heating specifically, distributing power more consistently through the food rather than cycling on and off at full power like a standard microwave. At 1000W it's also the fastest pick in this comparison, in a mid-sized 0.9 cu. ft. cavity between the largest and smallest options here.
Seven auto-cook presets and a 12-inch turntable round out the feature set.
Best for: buyers comparing small microwaves who want another option worth a look if the picks above do not fit
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 0.9 cu. ft
- Size: 18.75x14x10.69 Inch
- Feature 3: Smart Inverter
- Feature 4: NeoChef
Pros
- +Smart Inverter technology for more even heating throughout food
- +1000W output, the fastest pick in this comparison
- +Seven auto-cook presets including oatmeal and frozen entree
Cons
- −Costs more than the least expensive pick in this comparison.
- −Far fewer reviews than the most-reviewed pick here, treat its track record as an early signal
How We Evaluated These Small Microwaves
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
External dimensions
We verified small by external width, depth and height, not cubic feet alone.
Plate fit
We tested the largest dinner plate and mug that can rotate without contact.
Door swing
We compared whether lower-watt compact models require major recipe-time adjustments.
Output power
We checked door-swing clearance and rear/side ventilation in the real footprint.
Price positioning across the lineup
We compared current pricing across all 8 models, from Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven at $67.99 to LG Countertop Microwave at $159.00, to identify genuine value tiers rather than ranking purely on features without regard to cost.
How to Choose the Right Small Microwaves
What to Double-Check Before You Buy
External dimensions
Define small by external width, depth and height, not cubic feet alone.
Plate fit
Measure the largest dinner plate and mug that can rotate without contact.
Door swing
Test whether lower-watt compact models require major recipe-time adjustments.
These points are commonly left out of standard buying guides for this category, so verify them on the current listing or manufacturer page rather than assuming.
Wattage by Model
| Model | Rated Output |
|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven | 700W |
| COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven | 700W |
| Commercial Chef 0.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven | 700W |
| TOSHIBA Microwave Oven | 900W |
A higher rated wattage is a heating-speed number, not a full quality score. Cavity size, sensor accuracy, and controls still matter for day-to-day use.
By Budget
This lineup spans roughly $68 to $159, with real differences at each tier.
Save
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is the least expensive pick here at $67.99 and still covers the core use case.
Spend more if
You want the LG Countertop Microwave's fuller feature set, at $159.00 it's the most expensive pick in this comparison.
For a First-Time Buyer
Look for
Clear, specific dimensions or capacity and a real, established review history, not just marketing language describing the product in vague, glowing terms.
In this comparison
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven is worth checking against its listed specs before buying, since it leads this comparison on the strength of details you can actually verify rather than a subjective impression alone.
When to Spend More
Spend more if
You need real durability and feature depth for regular, sustained use, where TOSHIBA Microwave Oven's build gives genuine headroom over the more budget-oriented picks in this comparison.
Save if
You only need this for light or occasional use, where BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven covers the same core job at a more accessible price without the extras you may not actually need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do most small microwaves listings leave out?
Compare compactness with usable cavity loss so the smallest exterior does not automatically win. Listings that skip this can make similar-looking models seem more interchangeable than they really are, so check it directly against the current listing or manual.
Is it safe to keep using a small microwave with a damaged door or seal?
No. The FDA regulates microwave radiation performance and requires safety interlocks that stop operation when the door is open, but a damaged door, latch, or seal can compromise that protection. Stop using the unit and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair service rather than continuing to operate it.
Which small microwaves has the most real owner feedback?
Of the products with published rating data, COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven carries the largest review base at 28,289 reviews and a 4.4 average, the strongest real-world reliability signal in this lineup. Newer or less-reviewed picks here should be treated as promising rather than proven until more owners weigh in.
What should I expect to pay for small microwaves?
Prices across the models we compared ran from about $67.99 to $159.00 at the time of writing. Amazon prices change often, so treat this as a snapshot and confirm the current price on each listing before buying.
Do these products typically come with a manufacturer warranty?
Warranty terms vary by brand and by the specific listing, so check the product description or the manufacturer's own website for the exact coverage length and terms before you buy rather than assuming a standard length applies.
Bottom Line
best overall: TOSHIBA Microwave Oven - best overall pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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