7 Best Compact Countertop Microwave Ovens of 2025

This compact powerhouse delivers impressive usability in a space-saving design, making it ideal for dorms, offices, or minimalist kitchens. With 700 watts of cooking power and a digital control panel, it offers precise cooking adjustments, six auto-cook settings (including popcorn, pizza, and reheat), and convenient defrost timers that take the guesswork out of meal prep. The child safety lock adds peace of mind in homes with little ones, while the large LED display ensures you can monitor cooking progress without squinting—perfect for users prioritizing simplicity and safety in a small footprint.

In real-world use, the EMW733BLACKAMZ handles everyday tasks like reheating leftovers or brewing coffee with reliable consistency. Its 0.7 cubic foot capacity fits most standard dinner plates and mugs, though larger dishes may feel cramped. While the 700W output isn’t the strongest in its class, it heats food evenly thanks to the internal turntable, and the express cook function lets you start with just a press—ideal for quick snacks. However, it lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or mute mode, and the absence of ECO mode means higher standby energy use over time.

Compared to other budget models like the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, this Frigidaire unit holds its own with a more responsive interface and clearer display, though it misses out on sound-off functionality. It’s best suited for students, singles, or secondary kitchen setups where basic, dependable performance matters most. While not as feature-rich as pricier models, it offers solid value under $70, outperforming many in its price range when it comes to user-friendly operation and build quality.

If you’re after culinary versatility in a single appliance, the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA is a game-changer—offering microwave, air fry, convection, bake, and roast functions in one compact 0.9 cu. ft. unit. With 900 watts of power and 11 preset air fry menus, it crisps fries, cooks chicken wings, and bakes small batches of cookies with surprising precision, eliminating the need for multiple countertop gadgets. The combi mode (grill + convection) elevates browning and texture, a feature rarely seen at this size or price point, making it perfect for those craving restaurant-quality results without oven use.

During testing, the microwave function heated food quickly and evenly, while the air fry setting delivered golden, crispy results on frozen nuggets and sweet potato fries—no preheating required. The 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus (like oatmeal and vegetables) ensure flexibility, and the 30-second express start is a boon for busy mornings. However, its interior is compact, so large meals or family-sized portions won’t fit, and achieving consistent browning on thicker cuts of meat requires manual rotation. It also runs slightly louder than standard microwaves during convection cycles.

Against the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, this model trades smart sensor cooking for multi-function dominance, making it better for adventurous cooks versus those seeking set-and-forget convenience. It’s ideal for small households, bachelors, or anyone short on counter space who still wants to air fry, bake, or roast. While pricier than basic models, its feature density justifies the cost—delivering performance that punches well above its size.

The BLACK+DECKER B07HG9YGZY stands out as a high-capacity workhorse in the compact microwave category, offering a spacious 0.9 cu. ft. interior and a generous 10.6-inch turntable—perfect for full dinner plates and deeper dishes. With 900 watts of power and 10 adjustable settings, it delivers strong, consistent heating across a range of foods, from soups to casseroles, while pre-programmed buttons (popcorn, pizza, veggies) streamline daily use. The push-button door release is a surprisingly elegant touch, allowing one-handed access—ideal for users juggling trays or toddlers in tight kitchens.

In practice, this microwave excels at reheating larger meals without cold spots, thanks to the rotating turntable and even wave distribution. The large LED display is easy to read, and the child safety lock provides essential security. However, it lacks sensor cooking or mute functionality, which feels like a missed opportunity at this price point. While it handles standard tasks with ease, it doesn’t offer energy-saving ECO mode or preset defrost by weight, making it less intuitive than some rivals for precision cooking.

When compared to the TOSHIBA MM-EM07PA(BK), this model wins on capacity and usability, but loses on compactness—its footprint is noticeably larger. It’s best for small families or individuals who cook full meals and need room to spare. Though not the most feature-packed, it strikes a strong balance between size, power, and ease of use, outperforming many in its class when space and plate size matter.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) earns its title as Best Overall by blending precision, safety, and smart design into a sleek 0.9 cu. ft. package. With 900 watts of power, an 11-level power control system, and six intuitive auto menus, it handles everything from delicate fish to frozen burritos with impressive accuracy. The two-step child lock is more secure than standard versions, preventing accidental starts—perfect for homes with curious kids—while the mute function lets you silence end-of-cycle beeps, a rare and welcome feature in this segment.

Real-world testing shows consistent, even heating, with the 10.6-inch removable turntable accommodating most standard bowls and plates. The one-touch start for 1–6 minutes simplifies quick tasks, and the easy defrost by weight or time preserves food texture far better than guesswork methods. It performs reliably across daily use cases—reheating, defrosting, cooking frozen meals—though it doesn’t offer air frying or sensor cooking like higher-end models. The stainless steel finish also resists fingerprints better than many competitors.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, this Toshiba model delivers superior build quality, better controls, and added features like mute mode, making it worth the modest price bump. It’s ideal for professionals, couples, or college students who want a durable, quiet, and versatile microwave without cluttering the counter. With few compromises and standout usability, it offers the best all-around package in the compact category.

For budget-conscious buyers, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a quiet achiever—delivering essential features like 700 watts of power, one-touch cooking, and a mute function at a price that undercuts nearly every competitor. Its 0.7 cu. ft. interior is compact but efficient, fitting mugs, bowls, and small plates with ease, while the 10-inch turntable ensures even heating. The ECO mode reduces standby power by 50%, a rare inclusion at this price, making it an eco-smart pick for dorms or offices where the microwave stays plugged in 24/7.

In daily use, the express cook buttons (1–6 minutes) and plus-30-second boost make reheating coffee or oatmeal effortless. The auto-cook presets (popcorn, pizza, beverage) are accurate, and the two defrost options—by weight or time—add flexibility. However, the lower wattage means slower heating for dense foods, and the digital display, while bright, can feel cramped when programming. It lacks sensor cooking and advanced power customization, limiting its appeal for serious cooks.

Compared to the FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ, it offers identical capacity and power but adds ECO and mute modes, making it the smarter budget buy. It’s perfect for students, renters, or secondary kitchens where low cost and energy efficiency are top priorities. Though basic, it maximizes value without sacrificing core functionality, outperforming expectations for under $65.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS redefines smart cooking in compact form with its intelligent humidity-sensing technology, which automatically adjusts time and power for flawless results—no more dry leftovers or undercooked pasta. With a generous 1.2 cu. ft. capacity and 12.4-inch turntable, it comfortably fits 10-inch pizzas and family-sized meals, while the 1000-watt output ensures fast, even heating. The 12 auto menus, including sensor reheat and veggie steam, cater to health-conscious users, and ECO mode reduces energy consumption when idle—ideal for eco-minded households.

In real-world testing, the Smart Sensor consistently nailed reheating tasks, detecting moisture levels and shutting off before food dried out—a game-changer for busy users who forget to monitor timers. The easy-clean interior resists splatters and wipes down effortlessly, and the mute function eliminates disruptive beeps. However, its larger size may not fit in ultra-tight spaces, and the control panel, while intuitive, has a slight learning curve for first-time sensor users.

Against the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1, this model trades air frying for superior reheating intelligence and larger capacity, making it better for families than food experimenters. It’s ideal for small families or home chefs who prioritize precision, convenience, and capacity. With smarter automation and better performance, it justifies its position as the premium smart choice—even without multi-cooking functions.

The TOSHIBA MM-EM07PA(BK) is the ultimate space-saver, designed for those who demand maximum function in minimum footprint. At just 17.1 inches wide, it fits snugly in dorm rooms, RVs, or studio apartments, yet still packs 700 watts of power and a 9.6-inch turntable—enough for most single servings. Its standout ChefDefrost feature defrosts food up to 40% faster than conventional methods while preserving texture, a rare advantage in compact models. Add in 11 power levels, mute mode, and ECO mode, and you’ve got a feature-dense tiny titan.

In practice, the ChefDefrost shines when thawing chicken breasts or frozen bread—no soggy edges or raw centers. The one-touch start simplifies quick heating, and the silent mode is perfect for late-night snacks without disturbing roommates. However, the smaller turntable limits plate size, and the lower wattage means longer cook times for dense foods. It doesn’t offer sensor cooking or air frying, so it’s not for power users—but for compact living, it’s unmatched.

Compared to the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, it offers similar features but superior defrost performance and build quality, making it worth the extra cost for those who defrost often. It’s perfect for college students, minimalist kitchens, or travel trailers where size and smarts matter most. With best-in-class compact engineering, it sets the standard for small-space efficiency.