8 Best Small Countertop Microwaves of 2025

This no-nonsense workhorse delivers reliable performance in a compact body, making it a standout for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on core functionality. With 700 watts of power, a 10-inch glass turntable, and six smart auto-cook presets, it handles everyday reheating and light cooking with surprising consistency. The ECO Mode slashes standby power by 50%, a rare feature at this price point, while the mute function adds a thoughtful touch for late-night snacks without disturbing the household.

In real-world use, the COMFEE’ shines in simplicity—pressing ‘+30 seconds’ delivers instant heat, and the one-touch reheat and popcorn settings respond accurately without guesswork. The digital display is bright and legible, even in low light, and the interior light lets you monitor food without opening the door. However, it struggles with larger plates due to the smaller 0.7 cu.ft. cavity, and defrosting unevenly occurs on dense meats—common limitations in this size class. Still, for solo users or couples, it’s impressively efficient across toast, oatmeal, and frozen meals.

Compared to the feature-packed Chefman B0DY95T5HB, this model trades memory functions and 10 power levels for rock-solid basics and a lower entry cost. It’s the ideal pick for students, office kitchens, or secondary units where dependability and energy savings matter most. While it lacks advanced programming, it outperforms many rivals in ease of use and silent operation—making it a quiet champion among budget microwaves.

Packed with kitchen-smart features, the Chefman B0DY95T5HB redefines what a budget microwave can do—delivering 10 power levels, memory programming, and six one-touch presets in a sleek, compact frame. Its 700-watt output may match others, but the granular control over cooking intensity sets it apart, letting you gently melt chocolate or rapidly reheat soup with precision. The mute button and Eco Mode cater to noise- and energy-conscious users, while the child safety lock adds peace of mind in family or shared spaces.

During testing, the memory function proved invaluable—saving custom cook times for coffee reheats or oatmeal made mornings seamless. The +30 seconds button is responsive, and the digital interface is intuitive, avoiding the cluttered feel of pricier models. It breezes through frozen burritos, popcorn, and beverages, though thicker foods like baked potatoes require mid-cycle rotation for even cooking. The black finish resists fingerprints, and the dishwasher-safe turntable simplifies cleanup—small wins that add up in daily use.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, this model offers greater customization and smarter daily utility, justifying its slight premium. It’s perfect for young professionals, dorm rooms, or minimalist kitchens where versatility and modern touches matter. While the 0.7 cu.ft. size limits family use, its feature density makes it the most capable compact microwave in its class.

With 900 watts of power and a spacious 0.9 cu.ft. interior, the Toshiba ML-EM09PA(SS) is a game-changer for small households that need more room without sacrificing counter space. Its 11 power levels offer exceptional control—from delicate simmering to rapid boiling—while the 10.6-inch removable turntable accommodates wide dishes that won’t fit in smaller models. The six auto menus deliver consistent results for popcorn, pizza, and frozen veggies, and the LED lighting ensures clear visibility during cooking.

Real-world testing revealed faster reheating and more even defrosting than 700W competitors, thanks to the higher wattage and optimized cavity design. It handled family-sized meals, mugs of soup, and even small casseroles with ease—something the 0.7 cu.ft. models can’t match. However, the long-press mute function is unintuitive, and the control panel beeps loudly until disabled, which can be jarring at night. Despite this, it maintains cool exterior surfaces, a plus in dorms or tight kitchens.

When compared to the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu.ft. model, the Toshiba offers more power levels and a more intuitive preset layout, though it lacks the push-button door. It’s the top choice for couples or small families who cook varied meals and value performance over flashy design. With better heating and smarter controls, it justifies its position as the best upgrade for those outgrowing tiny microwaves.

The Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 isn’t just a microwave—it’s a bold style statement wrapped in retro charm, boasting a vibrant Bebop Blue finish and vintage pull-handle design that turns heads in any kitchen. Beneath its eye-catching exterior, it packs 700 watts, six power levels, and a 360° rotating turntable that promotes even heating—making it as functional as it is fashionable. The LED display is crisp, and the child lock ensures safety, appealing to parents and design lovers alike.

In daily use, it performs solidly on standard tasks: reheating coffee, cooking popcorn, and defrosting by weight or time. The interior light allows monitoring without opening, preserving heat, and the compact 0.7 cu.ft. size fits snugly on crowded countertops. However, it lacks express presets beyond basic functions, and the absence of Eco Mode or mute options feels like a missed opportunity for modern convenience. While it heats evenly, dense foods still need manual rotation for best results.

Stacked against the Chefman B0DY95T5HB, the Galanz wins on aesthetic appeal but lags in smart features. It’s ideal for renters, college students, or anyone who values kitchen personality and retro flair without sacrificing core performance. For those who want a joyful pop of color and reliable basics, it’s the most stylish microwave that still cooks with confidence.

The Chefman B0CCGFGLVG is a power-packed upgrade that blends 900 watts, 10 power levels, and multi-phase cooking into a sleek stainless steel body—making it the smart middle ground between performance and value. Its 0.9 cu.ft. cavity fits larger plates and bowls, while the memory function saves favorite settings, eliminating repetitive input for daily routines. The +30 seconds express start is lightning-fast, and the mute option ensures quiet operation, perfect for nighttime use.

Testing revealed superior reheating speed and defrost accuracy, especially with frozen entrees and thick cuts of meat. The 6 presets take the guesswork out of cooking, and the two-stage programming is a rare gem—allowing you to defrost then cook automatically. It handled full meals with ease, though the interior light is dimmer than rivals, and the door release isn’t as smooth as push-button models. Still, its UL certification and solid build inspire confidence in long-term use.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EM09PA(SS), it offers multi-phase cooking and memory settings but fewer power levels. It’s the best value for those stepping up from basic models, offering near-premium features at a mid-range cost. For users wanting smarter cooking without overspending, it’s the most intelligent 0.9 cu.ft. microwave available.

The BLACK+DECKER B07HG9YGZY stands out with its sleek stainless steel finish and push-button door release, delivering a premium feel uncommon in its class. Boasting 900 watts and a roomy 0.9 cu.ft. interior, it handles full meals and oversized containers with ease, while the removable 10.6” turntable simplifies cleaning. The large LED display and intuitive presets—popcorn, pizza, beverage—make daily use effortless, and the child safety lock adds essential protection.

In real-world scenarios, it reheats leftovers quickly and evenly, thanks to high wattage and consistent cavity design. The 30-second express cook is handy for coffee or oatmeal, and the 10 power settings allow fine-tuning for delicate tasks. However, the plastic trim shows scratches over time, and the interior light turns off during cooking, limiting visibility. While it lacks memory programming, its build quality and ease of access make it a joy to use daily.

Versus the Chefman B0CCGFGLVG, it trades memory and multi-phase cooking for a smoother door mechanism and bolder design. It’s ideal for modern kitchens where style and usability are top priorities. With its refined aesthetics and strong performance, it’s the best stainless steel microwave for design-forward homes.

The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ is the barebones champion, offering essential microwave functionality at the lowest price—perfect for tight budgets or backup units. With 700 watts, six auto-cook settings, and a child safety lock, it covers the basics without bells and whistles. The digital panel is straightforward, allowing easy time and power adjustments, and the large display ensures visibility during cooking.

In practice, it reheats coffee and frozen snacks reliably, though defrosting is slow and uneven on larger items. The lack of Eco Mode or mute function means constant beeping and higher standby power—downsides for eco-minded users. It fits in cramped spaces and works well for single users, but the plastic build feels less durable than metal-finished rivals. Still, for a dorm or office, it’s dependable in the simplest way possible.

Compared to the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, it lacks ECO Mode and sound-off, making it less refined. It’s best for those who only need heat and time control without extras. As the most affordable entry point, it’s the go-to for no-frills, low-cost heating.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 earns its Best Overall title by balancing performance, design, and usability in a way few microwaves can. With 700 watts, 10 power levels, and a push-button door, it combines convenience and reliability in a sleek stainless steel package that fits any kitchen. The removable 10” turntable and bright interior light make cleaning and monitoring easy, while the child safety lock ensures household safety.

It excels in daily tasks—reheating leftovers, popping corn, warming baby bottles—with consistent results and minimal noise. The 30-second express cook is a frequent lifesaver, and the large LED display is easy to read from a distance. While it lacks Eco Mode or memory functions, its UL certification and durable build suggest long-term reliability. It’s slightly pricier than basic models, but the push-button door alone justifies the upgrade for many users.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, it offers better build and easier access, though at a higher cost. It’s ideal for first-time homeowners, small families, or anyone wanting a dependable, stylish workhorse. With its perfect blend of form and function, it’s the most well-rounded 0.7 cu.ft. microwave available.