top 10 Best Small Countertop Microwave In 2024 (Reviews & Buying Tips)

Microwave ovens have been with us since the late 1940s. From a six feet tall commercial giant appliance known as a Radarange to today’s tiny, sleek 0.5 cubic microwaves, we cannot deny the fact that the oven has evolved significantly. The modern skinny designs can now fit the tiniest kitchen space and still perform even more than the old-fashioned Radarange design.

But it is not always easy to pick a perfect match for your needs as the market offer hundreds of small countertop microwaves. Many more designs are evolving, with the latest being the talking microwave! Who knows what will come next? They will probably serve you on your couch, thanks to the evolving technology.

Our guide will dive deeper into the best countertop microwave for small spaces. We will also reveal to you several unique features to consider when purchasing a small microwave.

At A Glance! Our Top Picks & Their Comparison Table

Title
Best Overall
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2...40
Best Affordable
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with...40
Best Smarat
Panasonic NN-SN936W Countertop Microwave with...40
Preview
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2...40
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with...40
Panasonic NN-SN936W Countertop Microwave with...40
Material
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Aluminum
Color
Black Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
White
Installation Type
Countertop
Countertop
Countertop
Capacity
1.2 Cubic Feet
0.7 Cubic Feet
2.2 Cubic Feet
Power
900 Watts
700 watts
1250 watts
Product Dimensions
17.14 x 20.51 x 12.83 inches
17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches
19.44 x 23.88 x 14 inches
Weight
34.6 Pounds
22.5 Pounds
37 Pounds
Human Interface Input
Keypad, Buttons
Buttons
Touchscreen
Preset Recipes
6
Keypad-controlled (6)
14
Prime
Reviews
-
-
-
Ratting
-
-
-
Best Overall
Title
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2...40
Preview
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2...40
Material
Stainless Steel
Color
Black Stainless Steel
Installation Type
Countertop
Capacity
1.2 Cubic Feet
Power
900 Watts
Product Dimensions
17.14 x 20.51 x 12.83 inches
Weight
34.6 Pounds
Human Interface Input
Keypad, Buttons
Preset Recipes
6
Prime
Reviews
-
Ratting
-
Best Affordable
Title
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with...40
Preview
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with...40
Material
Stainless Steel
Color
Stainless Steel
Installation Type
Countertop
Capacity
0.7 Cubic Feet
Power
700 watts
Product Dimensions
17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches
Weight
22.5 Pounds
Human Interface Input
Buttons
Preset Recipes
Keypad-controlled (6)
Prime
Reviews
-
Ratting
-
Best Smarat
Title
Panasonic NN-SN936W Countertop Microwave with...40
Preview
Panasonic NN-SN936W Countertop Microwave with...40
Material
Aluminum
Color
White
Installation Type
Countertop
Capacity
2.2 Cubic Feet
Power
1250 watts
Product Dimensions
19.44 x 23.88 x 14 inches
Weight
37 Pounds
Human Interface Input
Touchscreen
Preset Recipes
14
Prime
Reviews
-
Ratting
-

Our FAQ section tackles your concerns on this small kitchen appliance that gives you freedom and makes your life more convenient.

But wait!

What size is a small countertop microwave?

A small countertop microwave comes in a range of sizes. Modern microwaves range between 0.5 and 2.2 cubic feet. The heavy-duty commercial sizes are too large to fit perfectly in small kitchens.

If you have a small family unit, these remain irrelevant in your kitchen. We would say that the smallest countertop microwave is 0.5 cubic feet. This one will fit in your tiny kitchen counter without consuming your space.

Any range between 0.5 and 1.3 cubic feet, we consider it as a small countertop microwave. The wattage may differ, with some small microwaves consuming 700W while others take up to 1000W. To guide you effectively, we will focus more on 700W and the small 1000-watt countertop microwave.

What is the best small countertop microwave?

To pick out the best small countertop microwave, features matter most.  A reputable brand that offers modern and top-range features is a plus when making your decision.

We have ten reputable microwave designs that offer you a modern lifestyle in your small world. Although the size matters, we consider the weight, model, power consumption, cost, material, and aesthetic factors to be the most important.

All the microwaves on our list remain outstanding and a perfect choice for your tiny kitchen, but we have the best pick:

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven:

This microwave comes with a turntable push-button door, 700W, a child safety lock, and is stainless steel. Its LED features allow you to peep in and monitor your food in the oven. EM720CB7 is also easy to read and control, and has an Express Cook, Defrost, and 10-Inch diameter glass turntable.

The Top 10 Best Small Countertop Microwave Ovens Reviews

1. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven

Check the Latest Price On Amazon

Pros
  • Easy to clean.
  • Rustproof and scratch-resistant.
  • Many smart features.
  • Convenient buttons.
Cons
  • Slow heating.

Overview

Toshiba is 1.2 cubic feet and comes to you with a unique feature, the pre-programmed smart sensor. You can heat food like rice, veggies, potatoes, and many more. Making snacks like popcorn and pizza is also easy.

The custom defrost function enables easy defrosting of all foods, including frozen vegetables. You can even key in the food weight and wait for the microwave to do the rest. Another option is defrosting 1 pound. The oven adjusts the power and time automatically.

If you got cheese, chocolate, or honey to soften or melt, there is a function to perform that. Toshiba is an easy-maintenance microwave. Let’s suppose you accidentally spill food in the interior, you have the Easy Clean Interior for express cleaning.

In addition, the easy-to-clean coating makes it easy to wipe clean without staining and scratching. The exterior is black stainless steel, which is scratch-resistant, rustproof, and easy to clean.

This 1100W microwave also comes with an Eco mode, a feature known to cut power consumption by 50%.  It is easy to use the energy-saving feature. Just turn it on and cut the operation cost by half.

If you find the buzzer too irritating, you have an option of muting the feature by long-pressing the button “8” for 3-5 seconds. That will automatically switch off the buzzer after a long beep.

Other features

  • Sound On/Off
  • Stainless Steel Exterior dimensions(w x d x h): 20.5 x 17.1 x 12.8 inch
  • Interior dimensions(w x d x h): 13. 07 x 15 x 9.5 inch
  • Turntable diameter: 12.4 inch
  • 10 power settings:10
  • Wattage: 1100W
  • Clock and kitchen timer
  • LED digital display

Why buy?

Convenient buttons and consistent heating are what crowns Toshiba EM131A5C-BS. Buy this oven as it saves you on power. In addition, it is small and compact.

2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven

Check The Latest Price On Amazon

Pros
  • Low power consumption
  • Rustproof
  • Varied features
  • Easy to use
  • One-year warranty
Cons
  • Disappointing speed.

Overview

If you desire a microwave with quiet and compact features, Black+ Decker fits the description. This best rated small countertop microwave oven is made for reheating and cooking food. You can use the Time Cook and select from the 10 power levels, whichever fits your needs.

You have the Defrost and the weight Defrost features for frozen veggies, meat, and any other kind of food.  The Weight Defrost avoids partial cooking of your food, with the feature sensing the weight and the type of food.

This reputable brand has a One Touch Pizza that cooks pizza, popcorn, potatoes, beverages, and many more foods with only a touch of a button. An additional feature is the sensor technology that ensures excellent results delivery every time you cook your food.

You automatically adjust the cooking time and power levels when you press any of the six pre-programmed buttons.

The Express Cook works for one to six minutes at 100% power to heat or cook your food. As food is turning in the oven, the LED allows you to monitor the process. The display has a clock, countdown, and other convenient buttons to select and match up with your cooking needs.

Stopping the microwave is effortless. Just press STOP and quickly push the opening button to get your food out. Black + Decker Microwave has a 10-inch diameter turntable, is 0.7 cubic feet, and consumes 700 watts.

Other features

  • Stainless Steel Microwave
  • Power levels: 10
  • Turntable: 10“(glass and removable)
  • Wattage: 700-watt power capacity  
  • Display: LED
  • Clock and countdown timer
  • 30 Seconds Express Cooking
  • External dimensions: 17.3 x 13.0 x 10.2 inch(W x D x H)
  • Internal dimensions: 12.05 x 11.97 x 8.11 inch(W x D x H)

Why Buy?

Black + Decker is a trusted model that comes with superior and convenient features. The microwave comes in a stainless-steel material which is long-lasting, rustproof, and easy to clean. The miniature design is perfect for small spaces.

3. Panasonic NN-SN936W Countertop Microwave

Check The Latest Price On Amazon

Pros
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Works as specified
  • Variety of features
  • Large turntable
Cons
  • Unclear warranty policy

Overview

This Panasonic microwave comes with a 1250-watt high power for efficient cooking and heating of your leftovers. The high-power controls ensure your food is evenly heated or cooked.

With 2. 2 cubic feet, you have able space for large-sized plates. The turntable has a 16-and-a-half-inch diameter. Whether your family is medium or large, this is the ideal size.

The first feature that you will love is the Inverter technology. This one combines with the Turbo defrost to generate enough stream of power to work on your food without undercooking or overcooking. 

The Turbo defrost feature simmers food appropriately and at the same time speeds up the defrosting time. With a power source of 120V/ 60Hz. SN936W’s power consumption is 1460W.

With the intelligent cooking settings, you have a genius sensor that is in-built-in and automatic. It adjusts power and times depending on the type of food that you place on the turntable.

14 food preset menu items are available for you so that you are not limited to a few meals. Once the microwave finishes warming or cooking your food and you are not ready to serve, you can activate the Keep Warm Feature whenever you are prepared to set up your table.

For more efficient energy consumption, you have control features that ensure the oven uses less power. The exteriors are compact, but the interiors are generous in space to accommodate your needs.

Other features

  • Turbo defrosts
  • Smart Inverter Technology 
  • Sleek Controls
  • Keep Warm Feature
  • Quick minute timer
  • Child safety lock
  • External dimensions:19.44 x 23.88 x 14 inches
  • Turntable diameter: 16.5″

Why buy?

Panasonic NN-SN936W is indeed a small-sized microwave. It will fit well in your limited space and still offer you ultra-modern features.

4. Panasonic NN-SN67KS Compact Microwave Oven

Check The Latest Price On Amazon

Pros
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Compact
  • Plenty of turntable room
  • Sleek exterior
Cons
  • Poor warranty polic

Overview

Panasonic NN-SN67KS is a stylish stainless-steel door and with a superb exterior design. The countertop microwave oven comes with an Inverter technology plus a genius sensor that makes cooking effortless, modern, and convenient.

If you live in an apartment or condo, you will find the size perfect for small spaces. The capacity is 1.2 cubic feet with a 13.4-inch turntable. This diameter fits most dinner plates; thus, no worries that the turntable is too small.

An exceptional 1200W drives this capacity microwave. With this wattage, you will cool and heat your leftovers evenly professionally. Panasonic does not lag when it comes to innovation in home appliances.

The company invests heavily in a feature known as patented Inverter technology that relies on the pulse on/pulse off, which power at any given low temperature. This feature is not present in traditional microwaves. Its benefit is constant cooking temperatures from the edges to the core of your food.

With Panasonic NN-SN67KS, there is no guesswork. The oven’s genius sensor cooking button requires only a tap to set the power levels automatically.

Whether it is cooking or defrosting, the adjustments setups have added time-saving convenience. The sensor has microprocessors that calculate cooking times by measuring the amount of steam your food emits.

A 16 auto cook selection enables quick pasta, soups, pizza, popcorn, oatmeal, and many more dishes.

Other features

  • External dimensions: 12 1/4 “x 20 11/16” x 15 13/16” (W x D x H)
  • Internal dimensions: 9 15/16” x 13 15/16” x 14 ⅜” (W x D x H)
  • Capacity: 1. 2 cubic feet.
  • Wattage: 1200W
  • Material: stainless steel
  • Power levels: 11
  • Smart controls
  • LED display
  • Popcorn button: three level
  • Turntable: 13. 4”
  • Inverter Turbo

Why buy?

Panasonic remains an industry leader when it comes to home appliances. There is no doubt that this best compact countertop microwave oven will remain on your kitchen countertop for decades.

You May Also Like:

5. Toshiba EM925A5A-SS Microwave Oven

Check The Latest Price On Amazon

Pros
  • Compact design
  • Large capacity
  • More features
  • Easy to operate
  • Energy saver
Cons
  • Poor customer servic

Overview

Toshiba EM925A51 is a timeless design with an external dimension (w x d x h): 19. 215. 911. 5 inches and internal dimension (w x d x h): 12. 3613. 668. 7 inches. It comes with a pre-programmed menu for up to six most popular foods, including veggies, popcorn, pizza, desserts, potato, etc.

The rated voltage is 120V- 60Hz. This microwave-rated input power is 1350W, also has an inbuilt power-saving mode. The ovens powers settings total up to ten, which are sufficient to allow you to cook or reheat a variety of foods.

But the most outstanding feature is the One-touch start – quick access. This feature starts the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking and at full power. That means a single press of the button when you are in a hurry and set your dining table within a short time.

When you are away, you don’t have to worry about unauthorized persons interfering with your oven. The child lock system bars your kid and mentally disabled persons from opening or operating the appliance without close supervision. Thanks to the child lock system. The clock and kitchen timer ensure you have the correct time allocation for different food.

 The oven’s bright digital display and an easy-to-read control panel make life easier for you. You can observe and monitor food as it cooks on the turntable. Thanks to the LED cavity light.

You can place your dinner plate or food on the 10.6-inch glass turntable. The diameter is able enough to allow a standard dinner plate to turn freely without touching the walls.

For the annoying buzzing noise, long-press the 8 buttons to mute the buzzer. Enjoy your serenity by pressing the button for 5 seconds.

This Toshiba microwave is easy to operate and keep clean. Its black stainless-steel body and finish give the appliance a timeless look that matches your kitchen style. 

Other features

  • Easy-to-read control panel
  • Shockproof bar
  • Child safety lock
  • 6 preset menus
  • One-touch start
  • Weight defrost
  • Time defrost
  • Cooking power levels: 10
  • Bright LED cavity
  • Mute Option
  • Energy-saving Eco Mode

Why buy?

Toshiba is another microwave that will bring convenience to your kitchen. You have a variety of pre-heating and cooking options. Buying the microwave oven means taking home an energy-saving appliance.

6. Toshiba EC042A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven

Check The Latest Price On Amazon

Pros
  • Large turntable
  • Eco mode is a plus
  • Superfast
  • A bunch of features
Cons
  • There are no sufficient user instructions for microwave-convention combination

Overview

This oven is yet another Toshiba model whose capacity of 1. 5 cubic feet makes it perfect for small places. We would say that it is our top pick for the best 1000W countertop microwave oven. Its stainless-steel body finish gives the microwave a timeless look to fit in your kitchen design.

Toshiba ECO42A5C-SS features a convection function with 4 auto bake menus. Additionally, four auto roast menus, a one-touch popcorn button, a sensor function with 13 auto menus, and easy defrosting by weight/time fits all your cooking needs.

Toshiba microwave has 10 power levels and a 1 to 6 minutes express cook button. You can warm hold your food until you are ready for a munch. 

You don’t have to squint to monitor your food on the turntable. The bright LED cavity light is sufficient enough to let you monitor every grain that’s cooking. The display is LED for easy reading of all the convenient buttons.

In the interior is a glass turntable, 13.6 inches diameter, and fits most standard dinner plates. When you get this microwave, you have an appliance with an inbuilt energy-saving ECO mode. The mode saves you up to 50% power.

You do not have to endure buzzing noise as the oven has a mute button to keep off the beeping timer reminder. The kitchen timer ensures that you set the most appropriate time for heating or cooking your food.

Opening this Toshiba model is easy because the door is easy-to-grip. The door handle further improves your user experience. Overly, the body of this small countertop microwave is easy to maintain. It is all stainless steel.

Further, the cavity is scratch and rustproof. Spills are easy to wipe and leave no stains on the stainless-steel cavity.

Other features

  • Rated Voltage: 120V – 60Hz
  • Material: Stylish Stainless Steel
  • External dimension (w x d x h): 21.77” x 21.5” x 12.99”
  • Internal dimension (w x d x h): 15.5” x 15.35” x 10.2”
  • Auto bake
  • Auto roast
  • Pre-programmed sensor 
  • One-touch popcorn
  • Warm-hold function
  • Eco-mode
  • Sound on/off
  • Child safety lock

Why buy?

Toshiba ECO42A5C-SS is a small countertop microwave with many features that promise to heat, bake, roast, and cook your food effectively. Go for this magical warm hold appliance that does not compromise its size with features.

7. GE JES1097SMSS Countertop Microwave Oven

Check The Latest Price On Amazon

Pros
  • Super powerful microwave oven.
  • Alexa technology offers convenience.
  • Sleek design.
  • Easy to use and clean.
Cons
  • Random beeping
  • Alexa feature works in some regions

Overview

Undoubtedly, innovative technology is overtaking the modern kitchen. The latest is Google Assistant and Alexa technology. GE brings you this technology via the JES1097SMSS countertop microwave oven.

The oven comes with a WIFI Connect, which works perfectly with Google Assistant and Alexa. That means you can instruct your microwave from any corner of your house to perform tasks for you.

The intelligent feature extends further to the scan-to-cook technology, which eliminates assumptions out of thawing and microwaving frozen foods. This feature works by scanning frozen food’s barcode.

With the scan-to-cook technology, you can also set the power levels to your liking. If you want to extend cooking time, just add it with the Alexa feature.

The feature eliminates physical presence and allows you to perform other tasks in your kitchen. In addition, you don’t have to be around to turn off the oven as the intelligent features do that for you.

You will find this GE model easy to operate. There are no complicated functions. The Turntable is 10.5 inches wide and accommodates a 10-inch dinner plate comfortably. GE’s door opens at 90°, allowing you to place your food on the turntable appropriately.

Cleaning is easy. The body is stainless steel, anti-scratch, and rust-resistant. The cleaning procedure includes wiping the interiors and exteriors with a clean wet cloth.

Other features

  • Alexa technology
  • Turntable:10.5″
  • Scan to cook technology
  • Material: stainless steel
  • Power consumption: 900W
  • External dimensions: 19 x 14.5 x 11.5 inches
  • Internal dimensions: 13.7 x 8.7 x 12.4 inches
  • WIFI connectivity
  • Stainless steel finish

Why buy?

There is no doubt that the millennial generation treasures smart technology, even in its kitchen. GE appliances know that and have bent its designs towards innovative technology. The company brings this first-ever Alexa technology that talks in your kitchen. Purchase the oven and make your kitchen a smart hub.

8. Walsh WSCMSR09BK-09 Countertop Microwave Oven

Check The Latest Price On Amazon

Pros
  • Plenty of power
  • Affordable price
  • Variety of features
  • Speedy defros
Cons
  • Uneven heating

Overview

This Walsh is a 0.9 Cu. Ft countertop microwave oven and its body is black. The color complements perfectly with most kitchen styles. With 11 variable power levels, you can adjust the cooking power between 0% to 100%.

Walsh is a multi-stage for cooking at multiple power settings. You can also set time settings automatically so that you cook smoothly without interruption.

Available are the 6 cooking functions & defrost features. The six one-touch start cooking programs allow a quick start for several foods like pizza, veggies, Potato, Popcorn, Beverage, reheats, and frozen food. It is easy to defrost by weight too. In Addition, there is a jet defrost for speedy action on frozen food.

Walsh offers you a push-button door for easy opening and closing. Still, there is a child safety lock to restrict kids’ access and the mentally challenged persons in your home. With the interior light and the led lighting, you can see through the glass door and monitor food without opening.

The 10.6 inches glass turntable is spacious enough for placing food. The plate is removable and easy to clean.

Walsh is 0.9 Cubic feet in capacity, thus a small compact design for tiny houses, offices, and vacation homes. It will fit on countertops without consuming much of your kitchen space.

Other features

  • Power levels: 11
  • LED display
  • One-touch cooking
  • Child lock
  • Push-button door
  • Glass turntable 10.6.”
  • Cooking functions: 6
  • Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
  • Wattage: 1000W
  • Exterior dimension: 19” x 14.25” x 11.06”

Why buy?

Walsh microwave is an extemporary design that offers powerful appliances for heating and cooking food. The most outstanding feature is the 1000W power consumption. This power will no way not leave your food uncooked.

Check The Latest Price On Amazon

Pros
  • Compact size.
  • Heats food evenly.
  • Nice design.
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Light goes off when you open the door

Overview

Sharp’s capacity is 1.1 cubic feet and comes with 1000W. This wattage powers the oven to make your food’s heating process even from the edges to the core.

The microwave oven’s power makes the appliance an ideal choice for cooking and reheating. With sharp, you have a medium footprint that allows flexible placement options.

Its intelligent features and auto controls are a convenience as they save you on time. The oven has a carousel turntable system to make cooking and reheating foods and beverages easier.

This smallest 1000 watt microwave eliminates guesswork when it comes to thawing foods like meat and beans. The quick and Accurate Defrosting feature is perfect for the purpose.

The one-touch cook feature lets you prepare simple meals and snacks like potatoes, popcorns, beverages, fresh veggies, and thaw frozen pizza and vegetables. Re-heating all kinds of food is super-fast.

With this 1000 watt microwave countertop, you have an auto-defrost feature for taking care of your frozen meats, fish, and poultry. Cleaning the oven is not a back ripping affair. The glossy black finish is easy to maintain, and it requires an effortless wipe with a wet cloth. You can also monitor food while cooking to avoid spills.

Other features

  • External dimensions: (W x D x H) 20.3″ x 12.0 x 14.8″       
  • Internal dimensions: 14.0″ x 9.4″ x 14.1”
  • One-touch cook
  • +30 Sec Key
  • Auto defrost
  • 30 second button
  • Material: stainless steel
  • Power: 1000W
  • Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet
  • Turntable: glass

Why buy?

Sharp microwave’s capacity is 1.1 cubic feet with a turntable glace plate wide enough to carry a standard meal and rotate effectively. Buying Sharp also gives you a robust mini microwave that will heat food evenly with its 1000W power.

10. Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave Oven

Check The Latest Price On Amazon

Pros
  • Mechanical dials for senior citizens.
  • Variety of features.
  • Space saver design.
  • Inexpensive
Cons
  • No quick-cook button.

Overview

Ever desired a multipurpose microwave oven that can heat, cook, melt, and make snacks? The Commercial Chef CHM660B microwave oven is your solution.

Although kitchen microwaves are traditionally known for sorting out last night’s leftovers, the Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave oven is a modern appliance with plenty of options.

The oven comes with multi dials that allow you to cook a variety of meals and also heat your leftovers. With a 600 watts microwave, you have plenty of cooking power and space in the 0.6 cubic feet interior. The oven is also compact on the exteriors, making it great for small areas like condos.

The easy-to-use features range from a timer to six cooking power levels make life more accessible and convenient. You can use this small 1000W countertop microwave for cooking snacks like pizza and popcorn.

Commercial Chef countertop mini microwave is durable. It is made of rust-resistant stainless-steel material that is not only scratch-proof but easy to clean.

A large black front display makes it easy to read. It has rotary dial controls that give it a plus when it comes to simple and basic operations. Even senior citizens and vision impaired persons find this oven easy to operate. The handle will not give you trouble as the grip is easy to open and close. 

But this is no ordinary microwave when it comes to energy consumption. When you are not using the oven, it goes to sleep and does not glow. That saves you on power.

The Jet and Weight Defrost feature offers you options for defrosting large meals. In addition, you can reheat or defrost your veggies on any power level, including the middle one. No worries, as all your heavy-duty cooking procedures have their settings on this best mini countertop microwave.

 Other features

  • Removable turntable
  • Mechanical dial controls
  • Melt/soften feature
  • Jet/Weight defrost
  • Power: 1000W
  • Material: stainless steel
  • External dimensions: 17.75 x 12.5 x 10.25 inches
  • Turn Dial

Why buy?

Commercial Chef is known for its passion for making top-range microwaves ovens. Though its hands are mainly felt in commercial kitchens like restaurants and hotels, this brand takes its mantle to small houses, apartments, and condos.

This best countertop microwave for small spaces is also powerful. The mechanical dials are a plus for vision impaired persons and senior citizens. 

You May Also Like:

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Small Microwave

Looking around for a compact microwave oven that will perfectly fit your condo or small apartment is not easy.  Your countertop space remains a big challenge, thus the quest for the best small microwave.

These appliances, whether small or large, offer you almost the same functionalities. Therefore, looking for a small microwave doesn’t mean you compromise on features.

The oven should give you top-notch and modern features.  Although the modern functionalities appear the same, there are more factors to weigh before making a pick.  The model, power consumption, aesthetics, features, material, external and internal dimensions, among other details, should be on your list.

Read through to brace yourself with the most critical factors to look for in the best countertop microwave for small spaces.

  • Size and weight

The core reason you are on a hunting mission for the best small microwave is probably because of the limited counter space in your kitchen countertops. A large size microwave may mean placing the appliance in the wrong places in your house.

If you are looking for a compact design to carry around during vacations, keep size and weight as a top consideration and strike on the perfect dimensions. An extremely heavy oven should be a turn-off for you too.

Microwaves’ external and internal dimensions come in cubic feet. We have the tiniest capacities measuring 0.5 cubic feet, and others up to 2.2 cubic feet. You can consider anything below 1.2 cubic feet capacity microwave as small and compact.

Depending on how small your countertop is, you play in between 0.5 and 1.2 cubic feet sizes. If you are worried that this is too small, even the most miniature microwave oven or the 0.5-cubic-foot has a turntable of 10-inch diameter and thus can accommodate a standard plate. 

A typical small countertop microwave should allow space in the internals to allow your food to rotate freely without touching the walls. So, in every internal dimension’s consideration, check the width, depth, and height as well as the turntable diameter. As for the external dimension, a slim does not necessarily mean that the internal capacity is enough. 

  • Models

Microwaves come in several models. The choice depends on your preferred style. We have the standard countertop design, convention, over the range, under cabinet, and built-in.

Have a look;

Convection microwaves:

This is an advanced oven that works by circulating hot air to reduce cooking times. The appliance makes your food brown and crispy and may come at higher costs than the other types of microwaves.

Countertop microwaves:

These are in almost every household. The style is easy to install, just requiring a plug-in and operation process. Countertop microwave designs are easily moved around and are also readily available in the market.

Under-cabinet microwaves:

Although some countertop designs come with extra features for under the cabinet suspensions, we have these specific designs. They come with modifications to allow them to fit in your cabinets. Besides giving your kitchen an aesthetic look, an under-cabinet microwave saves you on countertop space, thus a perfect design for small spaces.

Over-the-range microwaves:

Also, OTR microwaves have a unique design that allows mounting above your oven top. The main features include an inbuilt design and a compact size that allows you space on the cooking and countertop area. 

Built-in microwaves:

Like the OTR, these microwaves have a super-smart design where they are built to flush with your kitchen cabinets. If you are looking to match aesthetics, go for the built-in microwave. They are flashy and add beauty to your kitchen, but you have to dig deeper into your pockets. 

Over to you, so make an informed choice!

  • Power consumption

Power expenses are crazy. Each additional appliance in your home increases unit consumption. If you don’t want to increase your bills, opt out of power-hungry appliances. Contrary, you want efficiency. Going for an inefficiently low-wattage microwave means that your food will take longer to warm. Features like express cooking and defrosting will not function well.

As you consider power consumption, go for a microwave that will not leave you biting your tongue at the end of the month when the power bill comes. Consider the wattage, so you don’t go for a power guzzler that brings crazy monthly power bills.

  • Features

Like any other appliance, a microwave oven comes with distinct features. The model determines the features, with some offering more while others come with just the standard features. Going for more expounded features like the intelligent ones gives you freedom and comfort. Some of the features to watch out for are;

  • Interior LED
  • Auto-Defrost
  • Express cooking
  • Alexa intelligent technology
  • Timer
  • Turntable
  • Racks
  • Glassdoor
  • Cooking presets
  • Child lock
  • Eco Mode
  • Silent mode
  • Temperature probe, and many more.

The features are not limited. As you get the smallest countertop microwave, consider one with the most special features.

  • Material

The type of material that makes an appliance is a factor that you should never ignore. When purchasing a microwave, look out for stainless steel oven as it will never rust. The material is also easy to clean and does not lose its sheen. Stainless steel appliances last forever in your kitchen because they are hardy and durable. They also add beauty to modern kitchens.

  • Aesthetics

Nowadays, aesthetic looks are a priority when it comes to kitchen designs. Flashy and sleeky designs are overtaking the flat, dull traditional kitchen look. The best rated small countertop microwave ovens appliances contribute to these fancy designs.

If you have a spot for fashion and designs, you could consider modern designs that match your kitchen. The built-ins are extra beautiful as they flash with your kitchen cabinet and make your cooking space overly admirable.  

  • Cost

Finally, you need a budget that fits into your wallet. What have you set aside to procure a microwave? Best small microwaves may cost you from $70 to $400, depending on the model.

Compact countertop microwaves are inexpensive, while the OTR costs up to $400 and over. The choice is upon you. But remember to consider all factors to go home with an appliance that makes your life smooth, convenient, and classy!

You May Also Like:

Final thoughts

A listicle of the 10 best small countertop microwave ovens will increase your chance of falling in love with a perfect appliance and narrow down your selection. You have a criterion for selection with you.

The best smallest countertop microwave will not only make your life easier but fit in your small space. When selecting a microwave, factors like aesthetics, model, size, weight, and other factors matter most.

Whatever amount you have set aside for upgrading your kitchen, a microwave should be top on the priority list. Pick from our best small countertop microwave and get a gadget to take care of your leftovers. You will also be taking home a modern appliance with superior features that can defrost your meats in seconds.

Modern microwaves will not limit you to only a few functions, as you can even make your cup of coffee, cook, and prepare snacks like popcorn and pizza for you. Other functions include roasting garlic, disinfecting your kitchen items, proofing yeast-making fruits juicier, and many more.

Leave a Comment