8 Best Small Countertop Microwaves of 2025

This power-packed performer redefines what small microwaves can do—delivering 950 watts of cooking power in a space-saving 1.1 cu. ft. design that’s perfect for cramped dorms or minimalist kitchens. The glass turntable ensures even heating, while the six auto-cook presets (like popcorn, pizza, and reheat) take the guesswork out of daily meals. With two-step child lock security, it’s a smart choice for families, solving the real-world problem of accidental operation without sacrificing ease of access for adults.

In testing, the GE consistently handled frozen dinners, reheating leftovers, and defrosting chicken breasts with reliable results—thanks to both time and weight-based defrost options. Its interior feels roomier than expected, easily fitting a 10-inch plate, and the 39-inch power cord offers surprising flexibility for tight countertop layouts. However, it struggles slightly with layered or dense foods (like lasagna), where the edges heat faster than the center—common in compact models without inverter tech.

Compared to smaller 0.7 cu. ft. units like the Frigidaire or Comfee’, this GE model strikes a sweet balance between capacity and footprint, making it ideal for college students or couples who cook more than just instant noodles. It doesn’t have smart sensors or ultra-quiet operation, but for consistent performance in a sleek stainless finish, it outshines budget rivals. When you need more cooking space without sacrificing counter real estate, this microwave delivers where it counts.

Simplicity reigns supreme with the Frigidaire EMW733BLACKAMZ, a no-frills microwave that’s engineered for effortless daily use—perfect for seniors, college students, or anyone who just wants to heat food without scrolling through menus. Its digital control panel is refreshingly intuitive, offering one-touch access to six auto-cook settings like popcorn, pizza, and beverage, while the large, clear display makes timing adjustments easy to read from across the room. This is the kind of appliance that solves the “why is this so complicated?” frustration common with modern kitchen gadgets.

During real-world use, the two defrost modes (by time and weight) performed reliably, thawing small portions evenly without cooking the edges. The compact 0.7 cu. ft. interior fits standard dinner plates and mugs, though larger dishes bump against the walls—expected at this size. It heats efficiently for a 700W unit, though dense or frozen meals require mid-cycle stirring for even results. The child safety lock works instantly, but lacks the two-step verification seen in newer models, which may be a concern for some families.

Pitted against the Comfee’ or Toshiba compact models, this Frigidaire trades advanced features like mute mode or eco settings for pure, uncluttered functionality. It doesn’t impress with bells and whistles, but for someone who values straightforward operation over customization, it’s a standout. If your kitchen routine is all about quick reheat-and-go moments, this microwave gets you there faster—without the learning curve.

The Toshiba MM-EM07PA(BK) punches above its weight class with 11 power levels and ChefDefrost technology, making it the most refined compact microwave for those who care about precision, not just speed. The ChefDefrost feature is a game-changer, thawing chicken breasts up to 40% faster than standard methods while preserving texture—no more rubbery edges or icy centers. Add in mute mode and ECO standby, and you’ve got a microwave that’s as considerate of your home environment as it is of your meals.

In daily use, the one-touch start buttons (1–6 minutes) make reheating coffee or oatmeal lightning-fast, while the six auto menus handle common tasks with consistent accuracy. The 9.6-inch turntable rotates smoothly, ensuring even cooking, though the interior feels snug with larger bowls. It handles frozen burritos and ramen cups with ease, but layered meals still need a stir—a limitation of magnetron-based heating. The ECO mode cuts standby power, a small but meaningful win for eco-conscious users.

Compared to the Galanz retro model or basic Frigidaire, this Toshiba offers superior control and smarter defrosting, making it ideal for young professionals or singles who cook varied meals. While it shares the 0.7 cu. ft. footprint with budget models, it delivers a more premium experience through thoughtful engineering. If you want greater culinary control in a tiny package, this microwave outperforms rivals with more finesse.

The Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 is where kitchen appliance meets statement piece—a retro-styled microwave that turns heads with its vibrant Bebop Blue finish and vintage pull handle, proving small appliances can be both functional and fashionable. Beyond the looks, it packs 700 watts of power, a 360° rotating turntable, and LED lighting that illuminates food clearly—so you can monitor cooking without opening the door. For renters or design-focused users, this microwave solves the “everything looks boring” dilemma while still handling daily tasks.

In practice, the defrost-by-weight and defrost-by-time options work reliably for small portions, and the six power levels offer decent control for reheating or cooking simple meals. The LED display is bright and easy to read, and the child lock adds peace of mind without complicating operation. However, the retro design sacrifices some usability—the pull handle takes up more clearance than a push-button, and the interior space feels cramped with taller dishes.

Stacked against the Comfee’ or Frigidaire, the Galanz trades minimalism for personality, making it best for style-first buyers who don’t mind slight compromises in ergonomics. It doesn’t have mute mode or eco features, but for someone who wants a microwave that sparks joy, it’s unmatched. When aesthetic appeal matters as much as performance, this retro model stands out in a sea of black boxes.

The Comfee’ EM720CPL-PMB is a budget-savvy powerhouse that refuses to skimp on essentials—offering mute mode, ECO standby, and one-touch cooking for under $65, making it the smartest value pick for cost-conscious buyers. Despite the low price, it includes seven auto-cook presets, two defrost methods, and a 10-inch turntable, delivering performance that rivals models $20–$30 more. For students or first-time renters, this microwave solves affordability without sacrificing convenience.

Real-world testing shows it heats meals evenly for a 700W unit, with the +30 seconds button proving especially handy for fine-tuning. The bright digital display and interior light make monitoring easy, and the ECO mode cuts standby power by 50%, a rare feature at this price. The mute function works instantly, silencing end-of-cycle beeps—ideal for shared spaces. However, the plastic build feels lightweight, and the buttons lack tactile feedback, which can lead to mispresses.

When compared to the Toshiba or Galanz, this Comfee’ model prioritizes function over form, offering the most features for the money. It doesn’t have 11 power levels or retro flair, but for someone who wants quiet, efficient, eco-friendly operation on a tight budget, it’s unbeatable. If maximizing features per dollar is your goal, this microwave delivers exceptional bang for the buck.

The Comfee’ EM720CPL-PM earns its title as the quietest compact microwave on the list, thanks to a fully programmable mute function that silences all beeps—perfect for bedrooms, offices, or light sleepers. Beyond noise control, it delivers all the essentials: 700W power, ECO mode, two-step child lock, and one-touch cooking with +30 seconds, making it ideal for shared living spaces where courtesy matters. This is the microwave that solves the “midnight snack alert” problem without sacrificing usability.

In testing, the defrost-by-weight function handled frozen peas and small chicken portions with consistent results, and the pearl white finish resists fingerprints better than stainless or black models. The interior light and digital display are crisp and clear, though the buttons can feel mushy under repeated use. Like others in its class, it struggles with thick foods requiring even heating, but the 10-inch turntable helps minimize cold spots.

Compared to the black Comfee’ model, this pearl white version offers identical performance with a more modern aesthetic, making it a better fit for bright, minimalist kitchens. It doesn’t have advanced sensors or extra capacity, but for those who value peace and quiet above all, it’s the top pick. When silent operation and clean looks matter most, this model outperforms flashier rivals.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is the best stainless steel value in the compact category—offering a sleek, fingerprint-resistant finish, push-button door release, and 10 power levels at a price point that undercuts most stainless competitors. Its 30-second express cooking and pre-programmed buttons (popcorn, pizza, beverage) make daily use fast and intuitive, while the removable 10-inch turntable simplifies cleaning—solving the “crumb trap” issue common in small microwaves.

In real use, it heats efficiently for a 700W model, with consistent results on soups, leftovers, and frozen snacks. The push-button door opens smoothly and saves space compared to pull handles, ideal for tight cabinets. The LED display is bright, and the child safety lock engages quickly, though it lacks the two-step verification now standard on higher-end models. It performs well, but doesn’t include mute or eco modes, missing features found on same-priced rivals.

Against the Galanz or Toshiba, this BLACK+DECKER wins on finish and usability, offering a premium look without the premium cost. It’s not the quietest or most feature-rich, but for someone who wants a durable, attractive microwave that blends into any kitchen, it’s a standout. When style, simplicity, and stainless steel matter most, this model delivers unmatched value.

The Toshiba EM131A5C-SS is the undisputed champion of compact performance, combining 1000 watts, 1.2 cu. ft. capacity, and Smart Sensor technology into a single, intelligent package that automatically adjusts cooking based on food humidity—eliminating guesswork and overcooking. This isn’t just a microwave; it’s a culinary assistant that learns your food’s moisture levels and responds in real time, making it perfect for busy households and novice cooks alike.

In testing, the sensor reheat function excelled—reviving pizza and pasta without drying them out—while the 12.4-inch turntable easily accommodated large plates and casserole dishes. The mute function silenced all alerts, and ECO mode reduced standby power, adding convenience and efficiency. It reheats, defrosts, and cooks with near-inverter-level precision, though it still lacks true variable power. The easy-clean interior resists stains, a small but meaningful win for real-world use.

Stacked against the GE or Comfee’, this Toshiba offers more space, smarter cooking, and better features, justifying its higher cost. It’s larger than most “small” microwaves, yet still fits standard countertops. For users who want the most advanced, spacious, and intelligent compact microwave, this model is the clear choice. When performance, size, and innovation are non-negotiable, this microwave outclasses every other in the category.