9 Best Small Microwave Ovens (November 2026)

The best small microwave ovens include the COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven for quiet, compact kitchens, the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven for simple preset controls, and the TOSHIBA Microwave Oven for extra interior capacity.

On this page (6 sections)

1. The best small microwave ovens for different kitchens
2. What should you measure before buying a small microwave oven?
3. Is a 0.7 cu. ft. microwave large enough?
4. Which microwave wattage suits a compact kitchen?
5. Which small microwave features are useful day to day?
6. Which small microwave oven should you choose?

The COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven is the best small microwave oven for most kitchens with limited counter space, with a compact 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, mute function and ECO mode. Choose the Chefman if low cabinet clearance is your main limit, or the 0.9 cu. ft.

Toshiba if you want a little more room inside.

A small microwave oven can save counter space, but the outer dimensions and the cavity size both matter. For another size-focused comparison, see small countertop microwave ovens.

Measure the place where it will sit, then compare your regular plates and containers with the turntable and interior before you choose.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for quiet, compact kitchens

   COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for simple preset controls

   BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for extra interior capacity

   TOSHIBA Microwave Oven

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven

   Best for sensor reheating
   Check it
5. 5

   Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

   Best for a low counter clearance
   Check it
6. 6

   Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 cu.ft.

   Best for multi-stage cooking
   Check it
7. 7

   BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft

   Best for a black, compact finish
   Check it
8. 8

   Frigidaire

   Best for retro styling
   Check it
9. 9

   Emerson Compact Countertop Microwave Oven

   Best for time and weight defrost
   Check it

The best small microwave ovens for different kitchens

The COMFEE' is the most balanced pick for compact kitchens, while the other small microwave ovens add useful differences in power, capacity, controls or design. If freeing counter space is the priority, compare over-the-range microwave ovens.

Compare the exact footprint with your available counter area before settling on a model.

We compared the stated dimensions, capacity, output power and features against the needs of kitchens with limited available space. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

How does the best small microwave oven work for your space?

The best small microwave oven for you is the one that fits your counter while holding the dishes you actually use. Capacity is a useful guide, but it does not replace checking plate diameter, door swing and the oven's required clearance.

COMFEE' has a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and measures 17.3 inches wide, 12.7 inches deep and 10.2 inches tall. Its mute function can turn off beeps, and ECO mode can reduce standby power.

If you want to understand the basic heating method, see How Does A Microwave Oven Work?. For help choosing output power, read What Wattage Microwave Oven Is Best?.

1

COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for quiet, compact kitchens

9.7/10Our score

• 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
• 700 watts
• Mute function
• ECO mode
• Two-step child lock

The compact capacity and mute function suit a small kitchen where beeps could disturb others. ECO mode can reduce standby power, and the two-step child lock helps prevent unintended use.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Mute function
• ECO mode
• Defrost by time or weight

Cons

• 700 watts of output power
• 0.7 cu. ft. capacity may limit larger dishes

The COMFEE' is a strong fit for a small kitchen shared with roommates, family or coworkers. Its 0.7 cu. ft. capacity keeps the interior modest, and the 17.3-inch width is easy to compare with a narrow counter or shelf.

A one-touch express function starts cooking for 1 to 6 minutes, with a +30-second option for quick adjustments. Presets cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and reheating.

The mute function turns off the beeps, while ECO mode can minimize standby power by 50 percent. Its two-step child lock is also useful in homes where younger children might reach the controls.

Choose it when quiet operation, basic presets and a compact footprint matter. Measure your dishes first if you regularly heat wide dinner plates or large containers.

2

BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for simple preset controls

9.6/10Our score

• 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
• 700 watts
• Six preset buttons
• Removable 10 in glass turntable
• Push-button door release

Six one-touch presets cover common foods, while 10 power settings allow more control over reheating and defrosting. The push-button release and removable glass turntable are useful everyday details.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Six one-touch presets
• Removable glass turntable
• Child safety lock

Cons

• 700 watts of output power
• Interior width should be checked against your dishes

The BLACK+DECKER 0.7 cu. ft. microwave suits a kitchen where simple controls and a removable turntable matter. Its six pre-programmed buttons cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and dinner plates.

It has 10 power settings, time and weight defrost, and a push-button door release. The removable 10-inch glass turntable can be taken out for cleaning, and a child safety lock is included.

Its dimensions are 17.3 inches wide, 13 inches deep and 10.2 inches high. Compare the depth carefully if your counter is shallow, and leave clearance as directed in the manual.

Pick it for recognizable presets and a stainless steel exterior. The 700-watt output is a fit for everyday reheating, though higher-wattage options are available in this group.

3

TOSHIBA Microwave Oven: Best for extra interior capacity

9.6/10Our score

• 0.9 cu. ft. capacity
• 900 watts
• Six preset menus
• 11 power levels
• Two-step child lock

The 0.9 cu. ft. cavity offers more room than the 0.7 cu. ft. models while keeping a compact countertop footprint. It also adds 900 watts of output power and 11 power levels.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Largest capacity among the first three picks
• Defrost by time or weight
• One-touch start

Cons

• Wider and taller than the 0.7 cu. ft. options
• Measure counter depth and overhead clearance

The 0.9 cu. ft. Toshiba makes sense when the smallest cavity feels restrictive but you still need a countertop model.

It offers 900 watts of output power and a 10.6-inch glass turntable.

Six preset menus and 11 power levels give you several ways to handle routine cooking and reheating. The oven also has a clock and kitchen timer, one-touch start, and defrost by time or weight.

At 18.7 inches wide, 13.3 inches deep and 10.7 inches high, it is larger than the 0.7 cu. ft. picks. Check the full footprint and the clearance requirements before placing it under cabinets.

Choose this Toshiba for a middle ground between the smallest cavities and the larger 1.2 cu. ft. model. Its two-step child lock can help prevent unintended use.

4

TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for sensor reheating

9.5/10Our score

• 1.2 cu. ft. capacity
• 1000 watts in title
• Smart humidity sensor
• 12.4 in glass turntable
• ECO and mute features

This is the roomiest pick here, with a humidity sensor that adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity. Its larger footprint may suit you if compact means smaller than a full-size oven rather than the smallest available.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Smart humidity sensor
• Mute and ECO features
• 12.4 in glass turntable

Cons

• Widest and deepest option in this group
• Measure the available counter space carefully

The 1.2 cu. ft. Toshiba is the roomiest pick here, so it suits kitchens where counter space is limited compared with a full-size setup, but not where every inch is scarce.

Its smart humidity sensor adjusts time and power based on food humidity.

The oven measures 20.6 inches wide, 14.6 inches deep and 11.8 inches high, with a 12.4-inch glass turntable. That footprint is noticeably larger than the 0.7 cu. ft. models, so measure before you choose it.

ECO and mute features add convenience, and the oven offers 10 power levels. The title gives 1000 watts, while the description gives a different wattage figure, so confirm the exact output specification before you buy if that detail affects your choice.

This is the better fit when you need extra capacity and sensor reheating. Skip it if you need the narrowest possible counter footprint.

5

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.: Best for a low counter clearance

9.5/10Our score

• 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
• 700 watts
• 10 power levels
• Mute button
• Top-rack dishwasher-safe turntable

Its listed height is under 10 inches, which may help when space below cabinets is tight. The mute button, 10 power levels and six presets support flexible daily use.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Shortest listed height in this group
• Mute button
• Turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe

Cons

• 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
• Check clearance for ventilation and door access

The Chefman is a compact option for counters with limited height. Its 9.53-inch listed height is the shortest among the models with clearly stated dimensions here.

It has a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, 700 watts and 10 power levels. Six presets cover common foods, and the +30-second button makes it easy to add a short interval without resetting the cook time.

A mute button silences beeps, and the child safety lock is built into the handle. The glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe, which may simplify cleanup after spills.

Choose it if a low overhead clearance is your main space constraint. Its width is 17.52 inches, so compare that measurement and the required ventilation space with your counter.

6

Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 cu.ft.: Best for multi-stage cooking

9.1/10Our score

• 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
• 700 watts
• 10 power levels
• Six one-touch options
• Multi-stage cooking

Multi-stage cooking and 10 power levels give you more ways to set a cooking sequence in a compact 0.7 cu. ft. oven. It also offers defrost by time or weight.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Multi-stage cooking
• Defrost by time or weight
• Interior light and child safety lock

Cons

• 700 watts of output power
• 0.7 cu. ft. cavity

The Farberware 0.7 cu. ft. oven offers multi-stage cooking in a compact size. You can combine cooking stages, and its 10 power levels let you choose settings for different foods.

Six one-touch options include popcorn, potato and pizza. Defrost by time or weight, an LED display, kitchen timer and clock cover common daily tasks.

It measures 17.3 inches wide, 12.99 inches deep and 10.14 inches high. The child safety lock and interior light are useful additions, especially when the microwave sits in a shared kitchen.

Choose it if you want more control over cooking sequences than a basic express button provides. Compare the 700-watt output with your usual cooking instructions and timing needs.

7

BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft: Best for a black, compact finish

8.5/10Our score

• 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
• 700 watts
• Six preset menus
• 10 power levels
• Multi-stage cooking

A black finish and a height of 9.5 inches make this a compact option for kitchens with low overhead space. Six presets, express cooking and multi-stage cooking cover common reheating needs.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Short listed height
• Six one-touch presets
• 10 power levels

Cons

• 700 watts of output power
• Confirm the stated measurements fit your counter

This BLACK+DECKER model pairs a 9.5-inch listed height with a black exterior, which may work well under low cabinets or in a dark appliance setup. It has a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and measures 17.1 inches wide by 12.3 inches deep.

Six preset menus cover familiar foods, while express cooking and 10 power levels give you alternatives to the presets. The multi-stage function can sequence cooking steps, such as defrost followed by reheating.

Its child safety lock and easy-clean interior support routine use. At 700 watts, it shares the output level of most 0.7 cu. ft. picks here.

Choose it when a low profile and black finish fit your counter plan. Confirm clearance around the oven and the room needed to open the door fully.

8

Frigidaire: Best for retro styling

8.3/10Our score

• 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
• 700 watts
• Eight auto-cook menus
• Five power levels
• Retro-inspired design

The retro-inspired black and gold design gives this compact microwave a distinct look. Eight auto-cook menus add options, though its five power levels offer fewer choices than several other picks.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Eight auto-cook menus
• Auto defrost
• Retro-inspired design

Cons

• Only five power levels
• Taller and wider than several 0.7 cu. ft. options

The Frigidaire stands out for its retro-inspired black and gold design and eight auto-cook menus. The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and 700-watt output are suited to everyday reheating in a smaller kitchen.

Its controls include five power levels, auto defrost, express cooking, a digital clock and a glass turntable. The turntable rotates during cooking and can be removed for cleaning.

At 18.9 inches wide, 13.27 inches deep and 11.52 inches high, it is larger externally than several other 0.7 cu. ft. models. Check the width and height against shelves or cabinets before choosing it for a tight space.

Pick it for its distinct look and extra preset menu choices. Consider another model if you want more than five power levels or the shortest footprint.

9

Emerson Compact Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for time and weight defrost

8.0/10Our score

• 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
• 700 watts
• 10 power levels
• Six cooking presets
• 99-minute, 99-second timer

Time and weight defrost provide two ways to thaw food, while 10 power levels suit varied reheating tasks. Confirm the dimension orientation before using these figures to plan a counter fit.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Time and weight defrost
• 10 power levels
• Six cooking presets

Cons

• Dimension labels need confirmation before measuring space
• 0.7 cu. ft. capacity

The Emerson offers 10 power levels and two defrost options in a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity. It has six cooking presets, express cooking, a kitchen timer and a child safety lock.

Its stated measurements are 17.3 inches wide, 13.2 inches deep and 10.2 inches high in the description. Another dimensions field presents those numbers in a different order, so verify the orientation before using them to plan a tight counter fit.

Time and weight defrost give you a choice based on the food and your routine. The glass turntable is removable, which helps with cleaning.

Choose this model if you want precise power adjustments and both defrost modes. Confirm the dimensions before buying, especially if the available space is close to the oven's stated size.

What should you measure before buying a small microwave oven?

Measure counter width, depth and overhead clearance, then check the door swing and ventilation space in the manual. A microwave that fits the shelf dimensions may still be awkward if the door cannot open or the controls are hard to reach.

The listed widths here range from 17.1 inches for the BLACK+DECKER black model to 20.6 inches for the larger Toshiba. Depths range from 12.3 inches to 14.6 inches among models with consistent dimension labels.

Also measure the dishes you use most often. A wide plate can be a poor fit for a small turntable even when the microwave's outer case fits the counter.

Is a 0.7 cu. ft. microwave large enough?

A 0.7 cu. ft. microwave is often enough for reheating, snacks and smaller dishes, but your plates and containers decide the practical fit. Look at turntable size and interior dimensions if you use broad dinner plates or meal-prep containers.

Several picks here have 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and around 700 watts. The Toshiba 0.9 cu. ft. gives you more interior room, while the 1.2 cu. ft.

Toshiba offers the most capacity and the largest footprint in this roundup.

Which microwave wattage suits a compact kitchen?

For a compact microwave, 700 watts can handle many everyday reheating tasks, while 900 or 1000 watts may suit you if you want more output. Cooking times vary by food and recipe, so follow the package directions and adjust when needed.

The compact COMFEE', BLACK+DECKER, Chefman and Farberware models each list 700 watts. Read What Wattage Microwave Oven Is Best? for a closer look at how wattage affects your choice.

Which small microwave features are useful day to day?

Choose features that match your routine, such as mute controls for quiet rooms, a child lock for shared homes, or presets for foods you heat often. Extra buttons matter less if they make the control panel harder for you to use.

For simpler access, compare the controls and door operation with our guide to the best microwave oven for the elderly. If you want another appliance type for a compact kitchen, see Best Steam Oven For Small Kitchens.

Which small microwave oven should you choose?

Choose the COMFEE' for a compact 0.7 cu. ft. microwave with mute and ECO modes, the Chefman for a particularly short listed height, or the 0.9 cu. ft. Toshiba for more interior room.

If space allows, the 1.2 cu. ft. Toshiba adds a humidity sensor and the largest capacity here.

Measure your counter and dishes before deciding, then check clearance and door access. Keep the microwave lifespan guide handy for care and replacement planning.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for quiet, compact kitchens

   COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for simple preset controls

   BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for extra interior capacity

   TOSHIBA Microwave Oven

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What size is a small microwave oven?

A small microwave oven often has about 0.7 to 0.9 cu. ft. of capacity. These models take less counter space than the 1.2 cu. ft.

Toshiba, but capacity alone does not tell you whether your usual plate or container will fit.

Check the interior and turntable dimensions against the dishes you use most.

How much counter space does a compact microwave need?

Measure the oven's width, depth and height, then follow its manual for required ventilation clearance. The smallest listed height here is 9.5 inches, while widths range from 17.1 to 20.6 inches among models with clearly stated dimensions.

Leave room to open the door and reach the controls.

Is 700 watts enough for a small microwave?

A 700-watt microwave can reheat meals, prepare common preset foods and defrost food. It may take longer than a higher-output model, so follow cooking directions and adjust time as needed.

The Toshiba 0.9 cu. ft. pick offers 900 watts if you want more output in a compact format.

What features matter most in a small microwave?

Start with exterior dimensions, capacity and output power, then consider controls you will use often. Preset buttons, defrost options, a mute function, a child lock or an easy-clean turntable can help with daily tasks.

Choose the features around your routines rather than counting buttons.

How long do small microwave ovens last?

Lifespan varies with use, care and the model, so there is no single reliable number for every compact microwave. Keep vents clear, clean spills and follow the manual for safe use.

See our guide to how long microwave ovens last for signs that it may be time to replace one.