4 Best Corner Microwave Ovens of 2025

This compact powerhouse brings retro charm without sacrificing modern convenience, making it a standout among budget-friendly corner microwaves. With 700 watts of cooking power and a 0.7 cu ft cavity, it handles everyday reheating and defrosting with surprising efficiency. The 8 auto-cook presets—from popcorn to pizza—take the guesswork out of meal prep, while the rotating glass turntable ensures even heat distribution, eliminating cold spots in leftovers. It’s a smart pick for dorm rooms, small kitchens, or anyone needing a no-fuss microwave that fits snugly in a corner.

In real-world use, the Nostalgia microwave shines during quick reheat cycles and simple cooking tasks. The digital interface is intuitive, and the express cooking function lets you blast food at full power with just a few taps. While the interior is on the smaller side—best suited for plates under 10 inches—it maximizes space with thoughtful design. The child safety lock adds peace of mind, and the built-in clock doubles as a kitchen timer. However, it lacks sensor cooking or inverter technology, so delicate tasks like melting chocolate can result in uneven results if not monitored.

Compared to feature-rich models like the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, this Nostalgia unit trades advanced smarts for affordability and style. It doesn’t offer humidity-sensing or eco mode, but for users prioritizing simple operation and retro aesthetics, it delivers. It’s ideal for students, apartment dwellers, or secondary kitchens where space and budget are tight. Against the similarly sized BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, it offers more auto-cook options at a slightly lower price, making it a stronger value for basic cooking needs.

With its vibrant Bebop Blue finish and retro-modern flair, the Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 isn’t just a microwave—it’s a kitchen statement piece. Don’t let the color fool you: this 700-watt workhorse packs practical features like six power levels, LED display, and 360° rotating turntable that ensure food cooks evenly and efficiently. The pull-handle design feels sleek and modern, while the interior light lets you monitor meals without interrupting the cycle—perfect for late-night snacks or quick defrosts. It’s a top contender for those who want style and substance in a compact footprint.

During testing, the Galanz proved reliable for everyday reheating and basic cooking. The defrost-by-weight function handled frozen chicken breasts with better accuracy than expected for its class, and the LED display clearly shows countdown timing with audible alerts. The child lock is responsive, making it safe for homes with young kids. However, the absence of pre-programmed menus (like pizza or popcorn) means more manual input, which can be a hassle for busy users. While the 0.7 cu ft capacity fits most dinner plates, larger dishes bump against the walls, limiting versatility.

When stacked against the Nostalgia model, the Galanz trades some automation for superior aesthetics and a brighter interior. It doesn’t have as many auto-cook presets, but its build quality and visual appeal elevate it above basic budget units. It’s best suited for renters, studio apartments, or kitchens where design matters as much as function. Compared to the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, it offers a more unique look and smoother handle operation, though it lacks one-touch start convenience—making it a slight step behind in usability despite its standout style.

Step into the future of countertop cooking with the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, a high-performance microwave that redefines what a corner-friendly unit can do. Boasting 1000 watts of power and a spacious 1.2 cu ft cavity, it effortlessly handles full meals, large plates, and family-sized portions—rare in compact designs. The star feature? Smart Sensor Technology, which detects food humidity and automatically adjusts cook time and power, eliminating guesswork and preventing overcooking. Whether you’re reheating lasagna or steaming veggies, results are consistently spot-on.

In real-world testing, the sensor reheat function outperformed competitors, preserving moisture in leftovers without soggy edges. The 12 auto menus—including pizza, soup, and beverage—deliver one-touch precision, while the mute and eco modes cater to noise-sensitive and energy-conscious users. The 12.4-inch removable turntable accommodates larger dishes, and the easy-clean interior resists stains and wipes down effortlessly. That said, its larger footprint means it won’t fit in ultra-tight corners, and the control panel layout can feel crowded at first. Still, for its class, it offers exceptional versatility.

Against the Galanz and Nostalgia models, the TOSHIBA is in a different league—more powerful, smarter, and significantly roomier. It’s the ideal upgrade for small families or anyone tired of compromising on capacity. While pricier than compact 0.7 cu ft units, it delivers far more value through automation, power, and smart cooking. Compared to the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, it offers double the cooking space and sensor intelligence, making it the clear choice for users who want premium features without a full-size footprint.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a space-saving marvel engineered for tight kitchens and minimalist lifestyles, earning its title as the best compact microwave for efficiency and ease. With 700 watts of power and a 0.7 cu ft interior, it fits perfectly in corners, under cabinets, or on crowded countertops without sacrificing core functionality. What sets it apart is the one-touch start and six pre-programmed buttons—for popcorn, pizza, beverages, and more—that get meals going in seconds. The push-button door release adds a touch of modern convenience, while the removable 10-inch turntable simplifies cleaning and improves accessibility.

In daily use, this microwave excels at speed and simplicity. The 30-second express cook is a game-changer for quick reheats, and the large LED display remains readable from a distance. It handles frozen dinners and mug meals with ease, and the child safety lock ensures secure operation. However, the lack of sensor cooking or defrost-by-weight means you’ll need to manually adjust settings for best results. While the stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than most, the interior cavity is prone to splatter buildup, requiring frequent wiping.

Compared to the Nostalgia and Galanz retro models, the BLACK+DECKER offers a more utilitarian, kitchen-ready design with better button layout and faster access. It doesn’t have the retro flair of the Galanz or the menu variety of the Nostalgia, but its push-button door and one-touch start give it an edge in usability. It’s perfect for college students, office break rooms, or secondary kitchens where reliability and space-saving matter most. Against the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, it’s less powerful and smaller, but far more corner-friendly and intuitive for basic tasks.