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Are you still thinking over if you really need a microwave? They are very handy kitchen appliance that can be trusted with a lot of kitchen tasks. Small kitchen space isn’t supposed to be an excuse if you really want to have one at home. A small microwave oven that doesn’t take up lots of space and still lets you enjoy all the benefits. It would also be practical to get the best small microwave than to buy a full-sized one if you are living by yourself or living with just one more person. You will save a lot of space and money if you go for a smaller version instead.
You can buy the smallest 1100 watt microwave or you can even go down further. A cheap small microwave can be all you need to save you from cold food. Read on for the best compact models in 2023. These models have all measured to our stringent standards, so whichever you choose for yourself is a sure winner.
The 10 Best Small Microwaves
AmazonBasics Microwave Works With Alexa
AmazonBasics Microwave Works With Alexa
Farberware Classic FMO07ABTBKA
Black+Decker Digital EM925AB9
Farberware Classic FMO07ABTBKA
Black+Decker Digital EM925AB9
BEST OVERALL: PANASONIC NN-SB438S COMPACT MICROWAVE OVEN
Panasonic NN-SB438S is a 900W countertop microwave oven with 0.9 cubic ft. internal capacity and an 11.2-inch turntable. It features inverter technology to have a consistent stream of energy that prevents food from overcooking. Keep Warm Function uses low-pulse to keep food warm without cooking it.
Why We Like It
- 900 watts with 0.9 cubic ft. interior capacity
- 10.6-inch turntable
- Compact size: 19.1 x 14.9 x 11.5 inches at 28.2 pounds
- Equipped with child lock mechanism for safet
Sale
BEST RUNNER-UP: NOSTALGIA RMO4AQ MICROWAVE
Nostalgia RMO4AQ is an 800w countertop microwave type that has a stylish retro appearance but modern features. It’s equipped with an LED screen that displays the cooking setting in use and the current time. You’ll have no difficulty operating it because the controls are straightforward. This small kitchen microwave is specially designed for frozen entrees, rice, potatoes, dinner plates, pizza, bread, popcorn, chicken, beef, vegetables, fish, and beverages.
Why We Like It
- 800 watts with 0.9 cubic ft. interior capacity
- Compact size: 19 x 17.9 x 11 in at 30.66 pounds
- 9.625-inch round
- 5 power levels and 12 pre-installed cooking settings
- Control panel features a turn-and-push dial to adjust the cooking time and select a cooking setting and buttons for express cooking
- Lockout mode for child safety
SMALL COMMERCIAL MICROWAVE: PANASONIC NE-1054F
Panasonic NE-1054F is a 1000w microwave with 0.8 cubic ft. interior capacity and a 10’’ and no turntable. It’s a heavy-duty model that can be used in the office pantry, fast-food restaurants, convenience stores and more. The digital interface is easy to use and has 10 programmable settings for more convenience. This microwave's keypads are equipped with braille to make things a lot easier for people who are visually impaired.
Why We Like It
- 1000-watt with 0.8 cubic ft. interior capacity
- Compact size: 16.6 x 20.1 x 12 inches at 34 pounds
- 6 power settings and up to three stage cooking
- Keypad control with programmable settings
- Features grab-and-go handle type for more convenience
SMART MODEL: AMAZONBASICS MICROWAVE WORKS WITH ALEXA
This microwave is voice-activated with help from Amazon Echo device. You don’t have to push any buttons if you call out to Alexa. It’s a compact 700-watt tabletop model that only weighs 21.9 pounds. It features 10 power level settings. It’s easy to use, simply plug it in, connect with Alexa app via wifi, and ask away to start heating your food.
Pros
- 700-watt with 0.7 cubic ft. interior capacity
- Compact size: 17.3 x10.1 x 14.1 at 21.9 pounds
- 10-inch turntable
- 10 power levels
Cons
- This unit is covered by a one-year warranty, but you can pay more for an extended warranty
Sale
FOR FAMILY OF 2: TOSHIBA MICROWAVE EM131A5C-SS
Toshiba EM131A5C-SS is 1100w microwave oven with 1.2 cubic ft. interior capacity and a 12.4’’ turntable. It has a total of 10 power settings and pre-programmed buttons for potato, rice and veggies. Long press “8” and the buzz to be on mute mode. It looks very chic with a black stainless-steel body.
Pros
- 1100-watt with 1.2 cubic ft. interior capacity
- 12.4-inch turntable
- Ideal size: 20.5 x 17.1 x 12.8 inches inches
- Digital control panel with 10 power settings
- One-touch buttons
- Mute setting
Cons
- This unit is covered by a one-year warranty only
Sale
FOR FREQUENT USE: FARBERWARE CLASSIC FMO07ABTBKA
Farberware microwave is designed for convenievce. It has the power of 700 watts with an interior capacity of 0.7 cubic ft. This good small microwave is equipped with 10 power levels and 6 quick-set buttons for easy operation. The LED Display also shows the time aside from the timer.
Pros
- 700-watt with 0.7 cubic ft. interior capacity
- Compact size: 19.1 x 15.9 x 11.5 inches at 21.4 pounds
- Add 30 more seconds to cook time by pushing the start button
- Features child-safe lockout
- Very budget-friendly
Cons
STAINLESS STEEL MODEL: BLACK+DECKER DIGITAL MICROWAVE EM925AB9
BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 is a 900w microwave oven with 0.9 cubic ft. internal capacity and a 10.6’’ removable turntable. The door easily opens with one push of the button for more convenience. This stainless steel microwave gives you two options when thawing frozen food: weight defrost, or time defrost. Find the perfect heat to reheat or cook your food among the 10 power levels.
Pros
- 900-watt microwave oven with 0.9 cubic ft. interior capacity
- Compact design: 19.1” x 14.8” x 11.5” at 31.5 pounds
- 10.6-inch turntable
- 10 pre-programmed power settings
- 30-second express cooking
Cons
- This unit is covered by a one-year warranty only
Sale
BUDGET-FRIENDLY MICROWAVE MODEL: RCA RMW733-WHITE
RCA 700 Watts microwave sports a stainless steel exterior with electronic touchpad controls. It features a child lock function so you don`t need to worry about a safety for kids. It’s easy to use with one-touch buttons. This really small microwave model has express cook function which allows you to choose from 1-minute to 6-minute setting plus a convenient +30 seconds button. This microwave comes with 2 defrost options.
Pros
- Compact size: 17 x 12 x 9 inches at 24.1 pounds
- Digital interface with 10 power settings
- One-touch buttons for dinner plate, beverage, frozen vegetable, pizza, potato, and popcorn
Cons
- This unit is covered by a one-year warranty only
Sale
FOR BEGINNERS COMFEE MICROWAVE EM720CPL-PMB
Comfee EM720CPL-PMB is a 700w microwave oven with 0.7 cubic ft. internal capacity. It requires open space to its right side, 3-inch minimum clearance each on the back and on the left side, and 12-inch space above the unit. It beeps five times to notify you that it has finished preparing your food. Comfee is a manufacturer that specializes in small kitchen appliances.
Pros
- 700-watt with 0.7 cubic ft. interior capacity
- Compact size: 17.3” x 13” x 10.2” at 20.3 pounds
- One-touch buttons on the control panel make it easy to operate
- 11 cooking settings
Cons
- This unit takes time to heat food
- This unit is covered by a one-year warranty only
FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE ALONE: COMMERCIAL CHEF CHM660B
Commercial Chef CHM660B is a 600w countertop microwave with a 0.6 cubic ft. internal capacity. The dial lets you set the timer up to half an hour. It has 6 power levels: high, medium-high, medium, medium-low, defrost, and low. With a grip handle type, the door is easy to open. The controls are mechanical dials which are very intuitive and couldn’t be more straightforward.
Pros
- 600 watts with 0.6 cubic ft. interior capacity
- Compact size: 17.8 x 12.5 x 10.2 inches at 24.4 pounds
- Ease of operation; dial controls
Cons
- This model doesn’t have a digital display
Buyer’s Guide: Best Small Microwave
How To Choose The Best Small Microwave?
Here’s a laundry list of what to look for to get the best model that suits your needs:
- Internal capacity. Compact models usually have one cubic foot interior capacity at maximum. You should check how big or small the turntable is if it has one.
- External dimensions. Where will you be placing your microwave? If you already have a placement in mind, it will be easier to find the right model in the right size. Typically, a smaller exterior would also mean smaller interior, but small versions are designed to maximize the space inside.
- Power. Higher wattage means shorter cooking time. Compact microwave models usually have 700 to 1000 watts, but only a few can be used on maximum power setting. When max power isn’t appropriate, having a wide range of power levels should suffice.
- Preset programs. If you are not well-versed in using microwaves, it will help you a lot if you go for a model that already has present settings. One push of a button might be all you need to cook or heat your food. You might not have to fiddle around and make guesses which power level is appropriate.
- Ease of use. Nowadays there are many different types of control panels. Some microwave models are equipped with LED displays with keypads while some still have dials. It will be up to your personal preference which is best. Some models also have programmable buttons which can make it easier to use.
- Ease of cleaning. Getting kitchen appliances that are easy to clean will help you save lots of time. There shouldn’t be too many nooks and crannies that can collect food debris. Removable turntable should be making cleaning less troublesome.
Best Small Microwave Types
Small Countertop Microwave
This is the most common type and getting one doesn’t cost much. It is preferred because you don’t have to prepare or do anything to install it. Simply, take it out of the box and place it on the countertop. When you have to move, you can carry them with you.
Smallest Built In Microwave
Built-in microwave types are more expensive and need to be installed by a professional. This type frees up your countertop and upgrades the looks of your kitchen. You can also stick with a countertop type and get trim kits to have it look like it’s built into one of your kitchen cabinets.
Small Under Cabinet Microwave
Under-cabinet types are installed using trim kits. This method is sure to free up countertop space but requires planning and possibly help from a professional. You might want to consider this type if you don’t live with small kids.
Small Convection Microwave
Convection types offer quicker cooking features plus crisping and browning like a traditional oven. Microwaves heat your food from the inside, but convection types also cook the outside. It means that you can also roast and bake. They are more expensive but if you love baking, this type is ideal for you.
Small Over The Stove Microwave
These models are expensive but even gets more expensive when you add the professional fee to have it installed in the equation. They draw and filters odors and smoke from the stove. A small model of this microwave type might not be very effective in siphoning out smoke and heat.
Small Stainless Microwave
Appliances that feature stainless steel bodies are extremely durable aside from looking sleek. The small stainless steel microwave gives your kitchen a touch of modernity, but it also require frequent cleaning as smudges and watermarks can be easily seen. If you are looking for a microwave that will last a long time, you might want to consider getting one from these models. They might cost a bit more, but they are the best choice if you want to get a long-term appliance.
Our Recommendation For 2023
This small Panasonic microwave gets our recommendation for the best small microwave 2023. With 950 watts this kitchen equipment can heat up your meals in no time. A lot can fit into the 0.8 cubic feet interior. This model also uses inverter technology, so your food will not be overcooked. It doesn’t take much space in your kitchen, so you can still afford the benefits of having microwave oven.
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