10 Best Countertop Microwaves for Small Spaces

So, you’re in the market for a microwave, but you’re having trouble finding an effective option that will fit into your tight kitchen space?

Well, worry not because we’ve got you covered with everything you’ll need to know on the best available countertop microwaves for small spaces.

What to Consider When Buying a Microwave for a Small Space?

Overall Space It Takes Up

The number one most important thing to consider when buying a microwave for a small space is… well, space. This may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised the amount of people who go shopping for an appliance with absolutely no measurements taken. So, if you’re looking specifically to fill a tight space, then yes, the overall space the unit will take up is 100% the most vital aspect to consider. Take into account the individual height, width, depth, and any other dimensions you see tagged on to a specific model. The last thing you want to do is forget 1 dimension, and then have to deal with a return/refund because it doesn’t fit.

Microwave Capacity

Another essential factor to consider is the capacity of the microwave. Once you have the dimensions down, the next step is to find the unit that will provide the most capacity (in cubic feet), within the dimensions of the space you’re looking to fill. Much of this will depend on what you cook in the microwave, and how often to use it. For example, if you’re only ever going to use it to re-heat small amounts of leftovers, then you probably don’t need a ton of space. But if you’re hoping to heat up an entire meal for 4 somewhat regularly, then space (interior capacity) is going to become vital.

How Much Power It Uses

Also take into account the amount of power it uses. In microwaves, watts is the amount of energy that’s used to cook the food. With the lower wattage resulting in a longer cooking process, and a higher wattage resulting in a faster cooking process. Also, the amount of power that the unit consumes can play a role for those concerned about overall efficiency, or budget. Even though a more powerful microwave will heat up your food quicker, it will also eat through way more of your electricity. In general, small microwaves wattage will range from 600-1100 (most falling between 700-900). Typically, capacity and watts combined will determine the price for a microwave.

Features

The final worthy point to consider if you’re in the market for a small microwave are the features that come with the unit. Most smaller units will have relatively standard features, like turntables, express cooking, defrost options, and varying power levels. Understand that some of these features are going to be more essential for certain people than others. This is where it’s important that you take the time to understand your individual needs, habits, and desires. As nobody’s going to understand the features you need better than you.

10 Best Countertop Microwaves for Small Spaces

1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven

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  • Size: 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”
  • Capacity: 0.7 Cu.ft

The Black and Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven easily presents the most value on the market in terms of the best countertop microwaves for small spaces. This exceptional model carries some of the most innovative features available including 700 watts with over 10 power settings, multiple convenient cooking options, and an easy-to-read control panel for smooth access. Plus, this beautiful stainless-steel design is backed with a reliable 1-year warranty and carries one of the most reputable brand names in the industry. With thousands of 5-star reviews, and a reasonably low price, the Black and Decker Digital Microwave Oven is undoubtedly the #1 option amongst countertop microwaves built for small spaces.

2. Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS) 4-in-1 Microwave Oven (Best Features)

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  • Size: 20.47” x 20.0” x 12.83”
  • Capacity: 1.0 Cu.ft

The Toshiba 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is another tremendous option for filling a small space, and illustrates an amazingly compact yet powerful design for any homeowner. One of the shining features with this model is it’s size, and interior capacity, as it’s one of the few designs on this list with over 1.0 Cu.ft of interior space. This stylish model comes with a gorgeous black stainless-steel exterior, with an easy operation control panel and a variety of convenience features (one-touch popcorn, speedy cooking, mute function, etc.). With over 1000 watts and 10 power settings, this is without a doubt one of the stronger and more efficient designs on our list as well. And with the space to fit an entire roasted chicken, a 12” pizza, or an 8”x 4” casserole, the size, strength, and cooking power of this design are not to be questioned. The Toshiba 4-1 Microwave Oven is perfect for those who need (or want) the additional space, and are fine spending the extra money to do so.

3. Commercial Chef Countertop Small Microwave Oven (Compact Option)

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  • Size: 17.75” x 12.5” x 10.25”
  • Capacity: 0.6 Cu.ft

The Commercial Chef Countertop Small Microwave Oven is a surprisingly affordable, yet efficient alternative for those looking to fill a tight kitchen space. Even though this is one of the smaller items on our list (both in terms of size and capacity), it is also one of the less expensive options that still presents tremendous value. This microwave oven carries many of the same features from previous models, such as the multiple power cooking levels, and over 600 watts of power. And it’s another product that’s designed with convenience in mind, with a simple dial operation, and a conveniently placed timer with time intervals between 1-30 minutes. The Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave Oven may not be the flashiest unit on the market, but considering the price, efficiency, and convenience, it’s still one heck of a bargain.

4. Amazon Basics Microwave

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  • Size: 17.3” x 10.1” x 14.1”
  • Capacity: 0.7 Cu.ft

Amazon Basics provides us with yet another wonderful choice for anyone in search of an affordable yet reliable countertop microwave, specifically built for small spaces. Not only does this model carry many of the same convenience features listed with previous units, but it also features Amazon’s patented Alexa voice control. This design is built to make cooking easier by letting you microwave whatever you want via voice command, as well as the variety of quick-cook pre-sets to remove any guessing from the equation. The Amazon Basics Microwave includes perhaps one of most convenient designs without you having to break the bank to acquire it. It falls right in the middle of the pack in terms of price, and you’ll also get 10 power settings, a convenient child lock, turntable, and smart settings. A pretty sweet deal considering all of it’s components.

5. GE Appliances JES1072DMBB Countertop Microwave Oven

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  • Size: 17.31” x 12.75” x 10.18”
  • Capacity: 0.7 Cu.ft

Sliding into our 5th spot we’ve got the GE Countertop Microwave Oven, a model that perfectly showcases GE’s exceptionally innovative wave of technology they’ve implemented into their products. This unit in particular is one of the most user-friendly to date, with a plethora of new convenience features designed to make cooking easier for the average person. Also, this unit carries a reasonably sized interior space with over 0.7 Cu.ft of room, as well as over 700 watts of raw power. The auto and time defrost levels that are programmed into this model are exceptionally easy to follow, and convenient to use as well. Plus, this powerful yet compact design comes available in a variety of colour and design patterns. So, not only do you have more flexibility with this model, but you’ll also be investing in a product from one of the most reputable brands in the North America, GE Appliances.

6. Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven

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  • Size: 19.2” x 15.9” 11.5”
  • Capacity: 0.9 Cu.ft

Another wonderful choice is the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven, a stylish model that carries some of the highest ratings in the industry, and outstanding customer reviews. This affordable model features a stunning black stainless-steel exterior, with over 900 watts of power and 0.9 Cu.ft of interior space, including 10 different power settings. This popular Toshiba model is also fully equipped with a power-saving Eco mode, a sound on/off option, a child safety lock, and a bright digital display with an easy-to-read control panel. With over 6 different pre-programmed quick-cook options, and one of the more powerful heating processes on the market. The Toshiba EM925A5A-BS is another unit that presents real value for those looking to fill a small countertop space.

7. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven

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  • Size: 17.3” 13” x 10.2”
  • Capacity: 0.7 Cu.ft

Stealing the show with our 7th spot on the list we have the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with a convenient One-Touch cooking tool, a mute button, and a removable turntable. Don’t let this model’s compact size fool you either, as this microwave has over 700 watts of power, and a ridiculous 11 different power settings! The COMFEE’ Microwave Oven also features a massive LED display (that can be turned off) with a multitude of convenience features scattered throughout. However, one of the shining features for this model is without a doubt the mute function. With this feature, you can turn off all the annoying microwave noises by pressing the sound on/off button, and the child safety locks help to ensure that no curious hands find their way into the mix. Plus, this exceptional microwave also comes with an energy-saving Eco mode which minimizes 50% standby power. All in all, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven has everything anyone could want in a compact countertop microwave (and it’s one of the cheaper options available as well).

8. Willz WLCMV807BE-07 Countertop Microwave Oven

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  • Size: 17.6” 12.9” x 9.6”
  • Capacity: 0.7 Cu.ft

Another stunning countertop microwave is the Willz WLCMV907BE-07 Countertop Microwave Oven, standing strong as a unit with over 0.7 Cu.ft of space, and a plethora of unique convenience features. One of this model’s glowing aspects is unquestionably the intriguing colour, and design combinations. This trendy build comes in 6 different colours (blue, black, green, red, white, stainless-steel), and illustrates one of the more fun ways to decorate your kitchen with stylish appliances. With that being said, this unit still carries immense power, and world-class customer reviews. Not only does this relatively small unit pack a serious punch (700 watts), but it also comes with 11 different power settings! Plus, this design features 6 one-touch start cooking programs, as well as a reliable child safety lock, and a visible LED display to make things easier for everybody. Not to mention the fact that this microwave is trendy, stylish, as well as affordable. So, there’s really no going wrong with this choice.

9. Farberware Classic FM09SSE 900-Watt Microwave Oven

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  • Size: 15.9” x 19.1” x 11.5”
  • Capacity: 0.9

Farberware slides in with another magnificent option for those looking for a more premium countertop microwave, with industry-leading performance. Even though this isn’t the largest option on this list, it still illustrates an exceptionally powerful design considering the dimensions, and interior space of the unit. Although, with 0.9 Cu.ft of space, I doubt that capacity will ever be an issue with this model. The Farberware Classic FM09SSE Microwave Oven is one of the most powerful microwaves on the market, with over 900 watts of power and 10 different power settings! And this product is amazingly easy to use as well, with 6 one-touch cooking programs, and a large light-up display for top-notch convenience. This item also comes with speed cooking settings, and is finished off with a classic stainless-steel exterior for a more elegant, long-lasting look.

10. Galanz ExpressWave Sensor Microwave Oven

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  • Size: 21.86” 17.69” 12.25”
  • Capacity: 1.6 Cu.ft

Rounding out our top 10 we have the Galanz ExpressWave Sensor Microwave Oven with a massive 1.6 Cu.ft of interior space, and a ridiculous 1100 watts of power. As if the pure wattage wasn’t enough, this unit also comes with 10 variable power levels, a touch-sensitive, yet user-friendly, control panel, and a variety of unique convenience features. ExpressWave makes it exceptionally quick and easy to cook with their 6 different sensor cook programs, 7 different sensor re-heat programs, and a build-in humidity sensor to ensure that the food is never over (or under) cooked. Plus, the Galanz ExpressWave Sensor Microwave Oven features patented inverter technology that provides faster cooking, re-heating, and de-frosting. Creating a more fluid, continuous heating system to allow for a more accurate cooking process. If price is not an issue, and you’re simply in the market for the best available countertop microwave for small spaces. Then look no further than the Galanz ExpressWave Sensor Microwave Oven.

Small Countertop Microwaves FAQs

Are Small Microwaves Difficult to Clean?

Any microwave (no matter the size) will need to be cleaned consistently if it endures regular use. However, this becomes even more important with smaller microwaves because the limited space will cause the unit to get dirtier much faster. So, it’s essential to clean small microwaves (as well as larger microwaves) regularly so that bacteria doesn’t build up and potentially contaminate whatever you’re looking to cook up. The good news is that small microwaves are (typically) far easier to clean than larger microwaves because there is less ground to cover, and fewer components involved.

How Deep Are Small Microwaves?

Microwaves can range quite heavily in terms of shear size, weight, and capacity. But when it comes down to small microwaves, they will all have a capacity that is less than 1.0 Cubic foot, and will generally carry the fewest watts, the lowest prices, and the least amount of features. With the depth of a small microwave ranging anywhere from 14”- 16”.

How Much Should I Expect To Pay for a Small Microwave? –

As with the general size of a unit, the price is another variable which is going to change greatly depending on the item. With that being said, you can easily find a small microwave for less than $50.00. Although, keep in mind that you often get what you pay for, so a $50 microwave will certainly be on the lower end of the scale in terms of things like features, power, and overall reliability. For a good-quality small microwave, you can expect to pay anywhere between $70-100 (still a pretty wicked deal though).

Final Thoughts

All in all, nobody can argue with the number of options you have at your disposal when it comes to the best countertop microwaves for small spaces.

No matter whether you’re looking to prioritize size, style, convenience, or budget, there’s an option available for you on this list.