7 Best Low Profile Microwaves of 2025

This slim powerhouse redefines what a low-profile over-the-range microwave can deliver. With 1000 watts of cooking power and 11 precise power levels, it handles everything from reheating leftovers to steaming vegetables with impressive consistency. The smart sensor technology is a game-changer—automatically adjusting cook time based on moisture levels—so you’re no longer guessing when your food is ready. For homeowners tight on vertical space but unwilling to compromise performance, this model eliminates the trade-off between size and strength.

In real-world testing, the COSMO shines in kitchens where headroom is limited but cooking demands aren’t. Its 30-inch width fits standard cabinetry, and the 1.2 cu. ft. cavity accommodates dinner plates with ease. The 7 one-touch presets, including sensor reheat and popcorn, deliver fast, reliable results—especially useful during busy weeknights. While the exterior lighting could be brighter for checking food through the vent grille, the glass turntable ensures even heating, and the 10.3-inch height keeps it truly low-profile. It struggles slightly with ultra-thick foods like whole chickens, but for everyday meals, it’s more than capable.

When compared to the KoolMore KM-MLPOT-1SS, the COSMO trades a slightly weaker ventilation system (unspecified CFM vs. 400 CFM) for a more intuitive control layout and slightly lower cost. It’s ideal for urban apartments, galley kitchens, or modern remodels where sleek integration and smart cooking matter most. For those prioritizing sensor accuracy and ease of use over maximum ventilation, the COSMO offers better overall value than premium competitors.

Don’t let its tiny footprint fool you—this Farberware packs a punch for compact living. At just 700 watts, it’s tuned for efficiency, not brute force, making it perfect for dorm rooms, studio apartments, or office breakrooms where space is at a premium. The six one-touch presets, including pizza and potato, deliver consistent results with zero guesswork, while the defrost-by-weight function takes the stress out of thawing frozen meals. For anyone tired of bulky microwaves dominating countertops, this model is a space-saving savior that still handles daily cooking with confidence.

During testing, the Farberware proved its worth in small-space scenarios: heating coffee, popping popcorn, and reheating takeout all happened quickly and evenly. The 0.7 cu. ft. interior fits standard dinner plates and mugs without crowding, though larger dishes may overhang the turntable. The LED display is bright and legible, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind in shared environments. However, it lacks sensor cooking, so you’ll need to manually adjust times for best results—especially with dense or layered foods.

Against the Chefman B0DY95T5HB, it’s nearly identical in size and power, but Farberware edges ahead with a slightly more durable build and cleaner interface. It’s not as feature-rich as higher-end models, but for budget-conscious buyers who want reliability without clutter, this microwave hits the sweet spot. It delivers solid performance, simple controls, and full-sized results in a fraction of the space—making it a smarter pick than bulkier, pricier alternatives.

Meet the ultra-compact champion for minimalist kitchens and tight budgets. With 700 watts of power and a 0.7 cu. ft. cavity, this Chefman microwave is built for efficiency, not extravagance. What sets it apart is its one-touch express cooking and eco mode, which cuts power when idle—ideal for eco-conscious users or those in off-grid setups. The mute button is a quiet hero, silencing beeps for late-night snacks without disturbing others, while the memory function lets you save favorite settings for instant access. For renters or students, it’s a no-fuss, no-mess cooking companion.

In daily use, the Chefman handles reheating, defrosting, and quick-cook tasks with ease. The 10 power levels allow fine-tuning, from gentle warming to rapid boiling, and the 6 presets (popcorn, veggies, beverages) respond quickly with minimal input. The glass turntable is dishwasher-safe—a rare perk at this price—and the black finish hides fingerprints better than stainless steel. That said, the interior lighting is dim, and without sensor cooking, some trial and error is needed for optimal results. It’s not meant for large families or heavy-duty use, but for solo cooks, it’s surprisingly capable.

Compared to the Farberware B07VS476X8, it offers more smart features—mute mode, eco mode, memory function—at a lower price, though the build feels slightly less robust. It’s the go-to for ultra-affordable, feature-packed compact cooking where space and noise matter. If you want maximum functionality in a mini frame, this Chefman outperforms rivals with smarter design and quieter operation.

This engineering marvel sets the benchmark for low-profile OTR performance, blending 1000 watts of cooking power with a 400 CFM ventilation system in a sleek 13.5-inch depth. The advanced air vent and heat circulation don’t just remove smoke—they actively improve cooking efficiency by managing humidity and odors in real time. With 10 power levels, express cooking, and a 13.5” glass turntable, it’s built for serious kitchen multitaskers who demand both speed and precision. For renovators or modern homeowners, this microwave maximizes function without dominating the space.

Real-world testing confirms its dominance: it vents steam from boiling pots faster than most range hoods under 400 CFM, and the sensor-defrost and express 30-second boost make weekday cooking seamless. The rotating turntable can be disabled for large dishes, a rare flexibility in slim models. The touch panel is responsive, and the premium stainless-steel finish resists smudges better than competitors. However, the control layout takes a moment to learn, and the fan can be loud on high—though that’s the price of powerful extraction.

Against the COSMO COS-3012ORLP1SS, it offers superior ventilation and a more robust motor, making it better for serious cooks who fry or sauté often. It’s pricier, but for those who prioritize air quality and kitchen efficiency, the upgrade is worth it. This isn’t just a microwave—it’s a complete cooking ecosystem that outperforms in both food prep and environmental control, beating rivals in versatility and long-term value.

This multi-cooking dynamo redefines what a compact microwave can do. With 1050 watts, air fry, convection, and broil modes, it replaces multiple appliances in small kitchens, dorms, or RVs. The built-in crisper pan and elevated rack deliver crispy fries, golden chicken, and even broiled fish—tasks most microwaves can’t touch. For health-conscious users who want crispy results without deep frying, this model is a revelation. It solves the pain point of limited counter space without sacrificing culinary variety.

In action, the GE shines with air fry and convection modes—cooking frozen fries to perfection in under 15 minutes and roasting vegetables with even browning. The preset controls for nuggets and fries simplify operation, while the 1.0 cu. ft. cavity fits most standard dishes. The glass turntable ensures even microwave heating, but convection cooking works best when the turntable is removed. It’s not as fast as a dedicated air fryer, and preheating adds time, but the space-saving integration of four cooking methods makes it a powerhouse for minimalist setups.

Compared to the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, it lacks sensor cooking but offers far more cooking versatility. It’s the best choice for cooks who want oven-like results without a full appliance. While it costs more than basic models, its multi-function design delivers unmatched flexibility, making it a smarter long-term investment than single-mode microwaves.

This sensor-smart workhorse is the gold standard for effortless, precision cooking in a countertop format. With 1000 watts and smart humidity sensing, it automatically adjusts time and power—no more dry burritos or cold centers. The 12 auto menus, including sensor reheat and veggie cook, take the guesswork out of daily meals, while the 12.4-inch removable turntable fits large dishes with room to spare. For families or busy professionals, it’s a time-saving powerhouse that consistently delivers restaurant-quality results.

In real use, the Toshiba excels at reheating and defrosting. The sensor reheat function warms leftovers evenly without overcooking edges, and the mute and eco modes add quiet, energy-efficient operation—perfect for open-concept homes. The interior is easy to wipe clean, and the external dimensions fit most kitchen counters without crowding. However, the control panel beeps loudly by default (though it can be muted), and the preset list lacks air fry or convection options, limiting it to microwave-only tasks.

Against the GE GCST10A1WSS, it wins on sensor accuracy and simplicity but loses on cooking variety. It’s ideal for users who prioritize consistent, hands-off microwave performance over multi-functionality. For sensor-driven precision at a mid-range price, this Toshiba outperforms competitors with smarter automation and superior usability.

This micro marvel proves big features can come in small packages. At just 0.9 cu. ft. and 900 watts, it’s tailor-made for dorms, tiny homes, or secondary kitchens where every inch counts. Despite its size, it packs 11 power levels, 6 auto menus, and a mute function—features usually found in larger models. The 10.6-inch turntable rotates smoothly, and the two-step child lock adds real safety in shared spaces. For students or singles, it’s a compact powerhouse that doesn’t skimp on essentials.

Testing shows it handles everyday tasks with surprising finesse: reheating ramen, popping popcorn, and defrosting chicken all work reliably. The LED lighting is bright, and the stainless finish resists scratches. However, the interior is snug for large plates, and without sensor cooking, you’ll need to monitor longer cooks manually. The mute function requires a 3–5 second press—easy to miss for first-time users.

Compared to the Chefman B0DY95T5HB, it’s slightly larger and more powerful but lacks eco mode and memory function. It’s the best budget pick for compact, durable performance with essential smart features. For small-space dwellers who want reliability and safety, this Toshiba delivers more value than similarly priced rivals.