7 Best Microwaves for Small Spaces 2025

This retro-chic powerhouse brings vintage charm without sacrificing modern functionality, making it a standout for those who want style and substance in tight kitchens. With 700 watts of cooking power and 12 pre-programmed settings, it excels at reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, or preparing simple meals—no guesswork needed. The LED digital display is bright and intuitive, while the rotating glass carousel ensures even heating, solving the common pain point of cold spots in compact microwaves.

In real-world testing, the Nostalgia microwave handles everyday tasks with ease, though it’s best suited for solo users or couples due to its 0.7 cu. ft. capacity. It quickly warms beverages and reheats small plates, but struggles slightly with larger containers or dense foods like baked potatoes, where higher wattage models perform better. The delay start feature adds convenience for meal prep, and the easy-clean interior resists splatters well—though deep cleaning requires manual wiping since the turntable isn’t dishwasher-safe.

Compared to the Chefman 0.9 cu. ft. model, this one trades interior space and power for nostalgic flair and kitchen personality. It’s ideal for studio apartments, dorm rooms, or offices where aesthetics matter as much as performance. While it doesn’t offer the wattage or presets of pricier units, its abundance of pre-programmed options gives it an edge over basic budget models—delivering more smart cooking features than the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB at a similar size and power level.

Packing a serious 900-watt punch in a compact frame, the Chefman microwave is a game-changer for small kitchens that demand big performance. Its 10 power levels and one-touch express cook make it incredibly versatile—whether you’re gently melting chocolate or rapidly reheating last night’s curry. The memory function lets you save favorite settings, turning routine meals into one-button affairs, which is perfect for busy mornings or late-night snacks.

During testing, this microwave consistently outperformed smaller 700W units, especially when dealing with frozen meals or larger portions. The 0.9 cu. ft. interior comfortably fits standard dinner plates and taller mugs, a real upgrade over 0.7 cu. ft. models like the Galanz or COMFEE’. It heats evenly thanks to the rotating glass turntable, though some shadowing occurs with irregularly shaped dishes. The mute button is a quiet hero—ideal for shared living spaces—while Eco Mode reduces standby power, appealing to eco-conscious users.

When stacked against the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS), it offers nearly identical specs but lacks the Toshiba’s 11 power levels and slightly more refined preset programming. Still, it’s the best larger capacity option for small spaces, striking a sweet spot between size and output. For those upgrading from a mini microwave, this delivers noticeably faster cooking and greater flexibility than the Nostalgia or BLACK+DECKER models—without taking over the countertop.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) earns its title as the best overall microwave for small spaces by blending precision, power, and thoughtful design into a sleek 0.9 cu. ft. package. With 900 watts of output and 11 unique power levels, it offers unmatched control for delicate tasks like softening butter or simmering sauces—far beyond the basic high/low settings on most compact models. The 10.6-inch removable turntable enhances cooking uniformity, while the two-step child lock adds a layer of safety that’s rare at this size.

In daily use, this microwave shines with frozen meals, reheating, and defrosting—especially thanks to its weight-based defrost function, which adjusts time automatically for more accurate results. The 6 auto menus are well-calibrated, requiring minimal tweaking, and the bright LED lighting makes it easy to monitor food without opening the door. It fits neatly in cramped kitchens, but the black stainless steel finish resists smudges better than cheaper plastics, maintaining a premium look over time.

Compared to the Chefman 0.9 cu. ft. model, it offers more granular power control and a superior child lock, though it lacks a dedicated mute button (silencing requires a button combo). It’s a step up in refinement from budget 700W models like the COMFEE’ or Nostalgia, offering better performance and build quality—justifying its higher cost for users who prioritize reliability and precision in a compact footprint.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a budget-savvy standout that delivers essential features without cutting corners on convenience. At just 700 watts, it won’t win speed contests, but its one-touch express cooking and six auto-cook presets make daily use effortless—perfect for students, bachelors, or secondary kitchens. The ECO Mode slashes standby power by 50%, a rare and welcome feature in this price range, appealing to energy-conscious buyers.

Real-world testing shows it reheats small portions reliably, though dense foods take longer and may need manual rotation for even results. The interior light and bright digital display enhance usability, while the mute function keeps nighttime snacks quiet—ideal for shared apartments. It’s compact enough for tight shelves, but the 0.7 cu. ft. capacity limits it to single servings or small dishes. The glass turntable is easy to clean, though it must be hand-washed.

Against the Nostalgia retro model, it offers similar power and size but with better energy efficiency and simpler controls. While it lacks the charm of the Galanz or the wattage of the Chefman, it’s the best budget-friendly pick for those who want reliability and smart features without overspending. It undercuts the TOSHIBA and Chefman by $40+ while still delivering core functionality that outperforms bare-bones microwaves.

The Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 is a style-first statement piece that proves small appliances can be both functional and fun. Dressed in vibrant Bebop Blue with a pull handle design and retro chrome accents, it instantly elevates any kitchen’s vibe—making it perfect for renters or design lovers who can’t remodel. Behind the flair, it packs 700 watts and six power levels, offering solid performance for reheating, defrosting, or cooking simple meals.

In practice, it handles everyday tasks competently, with the LED display clearly showing time and settings, and the 360° rotating turntable promoting even cooking. The child lock adds safety, though it’s basic compared to Toshiba’s two-step system. It’s best for light use—think coffee reheating or frozen burritos—but lags behind 900W models when tackling thicker foods. The pull handle saves space by eliminating push-button protrusion, a subtle win for ultra-tight counters.

Next to the Nostalgia retro model, it’s nearly identical in specs but wins on color options and aesthetic boldness. While it doesn’t offer the pre-programmed variety of the Nostalgia or the wattage of the Chefman, it’s the best retro style pick for those who value kitchen personality. For design-focused users, it delivers more visual impact than the Emerson or BLACK+DECKER models—proving that in small spaces, looks can be a legitimate feature.

The Emerson MW7601SL is a sleek, modern minimalist that blends into contemporary kitchens like a high-end appliance, not a budget microwave. Its mirrored glass door and silver finish reflect light beautifully, creating the illusion of more space—an ideal trick for cramped studios or galley kitchens. Underneath the polish, it offers 10 power levels and six pre-programmed settings, giving it more versatility than most 700W models, especially for nuanced heating tasks.

Testing reveals it reheats food evenly and responds well to manual adjustments, though it can’t match the speed of 900W units. The defrost-by-weight function is accurate and convenient, reducing guesswork when thawing meat or frozen veggies. The LED display is crisp and viewable from multiple angles, and the child safety lock works reliably. However, the interior is average in depth, so tall containers may not fit.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, it offers a more premium look and better preset logic, though both share similar dimensions and wattage. It’s not as flashy as the Galanz, but for those who prefer understated elegance over retro drama, it’s the best sleek design option. It delivers more visual sophistication than the COMFEE’ or Nostalgia models—making it a smart choice for design-conscious users who still want solid, no-fuss performance.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is the most space-smart compact microwave available, engineered for users who need maximum function in minimal footprint. Measuring just 17.3” wide, it slips into narrow countertops, dorm shelves, or RV kitchens where every inch counts. Despite its size, it packs 700 watts, 10 power settings, and six pre-programmed buttons, making it surprisingly capable for reheating meals, melting ingredients, or brewing instant soups.

In real use, it performs reliably for light-duty tasks, with the push-button door release offering smooth, space-saving operation—no handle swing required. The 30-second express cook is a frequent-use favorite, and the removable 10” turntable simplifies cleaning. However, it struggles with larger bowls and uneven heating occurs with dense foods, common limitations at this power level. The UL approval and child lock add peace of mind for families.

Next to the Emerson MW7601SL, it’s nearly identical in power and capacity but wins on compact depth and ergonomic door design. While it lacks the mirrored elegance of the Emerson or the wattage of the Chefman, it’s the best compact design for ultra-tight spaces. For users in dorms, offices, or micro-apartments, it delivers better space efficiency than any 0.9 cu. ft. model—proving that sometimes, smaller really is smarter.