7 Best Apartment Microwaves of 2025

This workhorse of a microwave delivers serious cooking muscle in a compact frame, making it perfect for apartment dwellers who don’t want to compromise on meal size. With 1000 watts of power and a generous 1.1 cubic foot capacity, it handles family-sized dishes like casseroles or large plates with ease—no more awkwardly spinning or uneven heating. The six one-touch presets (popcorn, pizza, potato) and multi-stage cooking turn tedious reheating into a seamless, almost intuitive experience, solving the all-too-common problem of soggy leftovers or exploded containers.

In real-world use, this Farberware model shines when multitasking—reheating leftovers while simultaneously defrosting meat using precise defrost-by-weight settings. The 10 power levels allow fine-tuned control, whether you’re gently warming milk or rapidly boiling water. However, its larger footprint may strain smaller countertops, and the interior turntable occasionally wobbles on uneven surfaces, which can lead to slight noise during operation. Still, the bright interior light and LED display make monitoring meals effortless, even in dim lighting.

Compared to compact 0.7 cu ft models like the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB, this Farberware unit trades some space efficiency for significantly better performance on larger dishes. It’s ideal for singles or couples in studios who cook full meals regularly, not just snacks. While it lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or eco mode, it outperforms budget models in raw power and consistency—offering better cooking precision and capacity than most under-$80 microwaves, making it a smart upgrade for those who cook daily.

For budget-conscious apartment renters, the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a stealth powerhouse—packing essential features into a no-frills, space-saving design. With 700 watts of power and 0.7 cu ft capacity, it’s engineered for efficiency, handling everything from morning oatmeal to late-night ramen without hogging counter space. The standout ECO mode cuts standby power by 50%, a rare and thoughtful inclusion that appeals to eco-aware users, while the mute function silences beeps—a godsend for shared living spaces or late-night use.

During testing, the one-touch auto-cook settings (beverage, popcorn, reheat) delivered consistent results, minimizing guesswork for common tasks. The 10-inch glass turntable ensured even heating, and the bright digital display made navigation simple, even in low light. However, the 700W output struggles with dense foods like thick soups or frozen entrees, often requiring manual power adjustments or extra time. It’s not built for large families or heavy-duty cooking, but for solo users or couples, it’s a reliable, quiet, and energy-smart companion.

When stacked against the Chefman B0DY95T5HB, both offer similar wattage and compactness, but the COMFEE pulls ahead with its genuine energy-saving ECO mode—a feature others merely advertise without real impact. It’s best suited for students, singles, or minimalists who prioritize low noise, energy efficiency, and simplicity over raw power. While not the most powerful, it delivers better long-term value than similarly priced models thanks to its smart design and thoughtful extras.

The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ is the microwave equivalent of a reliable diner breakfast—nothing flashy, but it gets the job done, every time. With a no-nonsense digital panel and 0.7 cu ft footprint, it’s built for small kitchens where simplicity wins. The six auto-cook presets (popcorn, pizza, reheat) are responsive and practical, while the two defrost modes (by weight or time) offer flexibility without complexity—perfect for users who just want to heat, not experiment.

In daily use, it performs admirably for light cooking: reheating coffee, steaming veggies, or defrosting a burger patty. The large display is easy to read, and the child safety lock works reliably to prevent accidental starts. However, it lacks modern touches like a mute button or eco mode, and the 700W power feels underwhelming when tackling frozen meals or dense foods. There’s no express 30-second add-on button, forcing users to manually adjust time—a small but noticeable friction point.

Compared to the COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH, it’s nearly identical in specs but falls short in user convenience, missing features like memory function or retro styling that add personality. It’s best for first-time renters or college students who need a bare-bones, dependable unit without bells and whistles. While it doesn’t innovate, it holds its own against pricier models by delivering core functionality with zero learning curve, making it a solid pick for those who value reliability over features.

With its vintage-inspired design and modern functionality, the COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH stands out in a sea of black boxes—proving small microwaves can have big personality. Don’t let the retro looks fool you: it packs 11 power levels and 700 watts of precision cooking, giving users more control than most budget models. The two-step child lock meets new safety standards, and the memory function lets you save frequent settings, turning repetitive tasks into one-touch routines.

Real-world testing shows it excels at consistent reheating and defrosting, thanks to time- and weight-based defrost options and a smooth-turning 10-inch turntable. The bright digital display and interior light make monitoring food easy, and the compact 0.7 cu ft size fits snugly on tight countertops. However, like other 700W units, it struggles with thick or frozen meals, requiring manual power cycling for even results. The retro style is a bonus, but the plastic exterior shows fingerprints easily, requiring frequent wiping.

Against the Chefman B0DY95T5HB, both offer mute and eco modes, but the COMFEE wins on aesthetic appeal and extra power level (11 vs 10). It’s ideal for apartment dwellers who want style without sacrificing functionality—especially those in open-concept spaces where design matters. While performance is on par with other budget models, it offers better visual integration in modern or vintage kitchens than utilitarian alternatives, making it a standout for design-minded renters.

The Chefman B0DY95T5HB redefines compact convenience with a sleek, modern design that blends seamlessly into minimalist apartments and dorm rooms. At just 0.7 cu ft and 700 watts, it’s built for efficiency, yet offers 10 power levels and six one-touch presets—giving users surprising control for a microwave in this class. The mute button and eco mode are standout features, letting you operate silently at night or reduce energy waste when idle—perfect for shared walls or eco-conscious living.

In practice, it handles everyday tasks with quiet confidence: reheating soup, popping popcorn, or warming baby bottles. The +30 seconds express button is intuitively placed, and the memory function allows programming of favorite settings, reducing repetitive input. The glass turntable is dishwasher-safe, a rare convenience that simplifies cleanup. However, the 700W power limits performance on frozen or dense foods, often requiring manual stirring or extended time. It’s not for heavy cooks, but for light users, it’s a beautifully balanced blend of form and function.

When compared to the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB, both have eco and mute modes, but the Chefman edges ahead with better build quality and a more premium feel. It’s best for young professionals or students who want a compact, quiet, and stylish microwave that doesn’t look like an afterthought. Though similarly priced, it delivers better long-term usability and cleaning convenience than most budget models, making it a top contender for space-constrained kitchens.

This Toshiba EM131A5C-SS is the gold standard for apartment microwaves, combining 1000 watts of power, a 1.2 cu ft cavity, and Smart Sensor Technology into a single, intelligent package. The humidity-sensing auto cook adjusts time and power in real time, eliminating guesswork and preventing overcooked noodles or rubbery leftovers—a game-changer for busy urbanites who hate monitoring food. With 12 auto menus and 10 power levels, it’s as versatile as full-sized kitchen appliances, yet fits neatly on most countertops.

In real-world use, the sensor reheat function outperforms manual settings, reviving pizza with crisp crust and melted cheese instead of a soggy mess. The 12.4-inch removable turntable accommodates larger plates, and the easy-clean interior resists stains and splatter. However, the unit is heavier and wider than compact models, making it less ideal for micro-kitchens. The beep cannot be fully disabled, only muted via a workaround, which may frustrate noise-sensitive users.

Compared to the Farberware B01EIZSF6I, both offer 1000W, but the Toshiba adds smart cooking intelligence and a larger turntable, justifying its higher price. It’s perfect for professionals or small families who want restaurant-quality results without a full oven. While it costs more than budget picks, it delivers superior automation, capacity, and consistency compared to non-sensor models, making it the best overall investment for performance-driven apartment dwellers.

Engineered with apartment living in mind, the Toshiba ML-EM09PA(SS) strikes a masterful balance between size, power, and smart features. Its 0.9 cu ft capacity and 900 watts offer more cooking flexibility than 0.7 cu ft models, yet it remains compact enough for tight spaces—ideal for studio apartments or dorm rooms. The 11 power levels and 6 auto menus (popcorn, potato, pizza) deliver restaurant-style convenience, while the mute function silences beeps with a long press, a subtle but vital perk for shared walls.

During testing, it reheated meals evenly and defrosted chicken breasts accurately using weight-based defrost, reducing manual guesswork. The 10.6-inch removable turntable is easy to clean, and the LED lighting illuminates food clearly. However, the 900W output, while strong, isn’t as rapid as 1000W models, especially with frozen entrees. It also lacks sensor cooking, so you lose the automatic adjustments found in higher-end Toshibas.

Against the COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH, it trades retro style for better power and a slightly larger cavity, making it more functional for daily use. It’s best for students, singles, or young renters who need a quiet, reliable, and space-efficient microwave with premium touches. Though not the most powerful, it offers better sound control and cooking precision than most sub-$100 models, making it the top pick for true apartment optimization.