9 Best Small Microwave Ovens of 2025

This 950-watt powerhouse redefines what a small microwave can do—delivering robust cooking performance in a space-saving design that’s perfect for tight quarters. With a spacious 1.1 cubic foot cavity, it comfortably fits larger plates and bowls, making it a rare find among compact models. The two-step child lock adds peace of mind, while the weight-based defrost function takes the guesswork out of thawing—ideal for busy students or young professionals who need reliability without complexity.

In real-world testing, the glass turntable ensures even heating, eliminating cold spots in leftovers and frozen meals. It handles a full 10-inch dinner plate with room to spare, and the 6 auto-cook presets (including popcorn and pizza) respond accurately with minimal input. While it excels on countertops in dorms or studio apartments, the slightly deeper footprint may challenge ultra-minimalist setups. Still, the 39-inch power cord offers flexible placement near outlets.

Compared to smaller 0.7 cu ft models like the Farberware or COMFEE’, this GE unit stands out for those needing more interior volume without sacrificing counter space. It’s a smarter pick than budget micros when you regularly heat full meals. Though not as feature-rich as pricier options like the Breville, it delivers better power and capacity than most compact rivals, striking a sweet balance between performance and footprint—making it a top-tier choice for dorms where space and function are at odds.

Packing a 900-watt punch in a sleek 0.9 cu ft frame, the Chefman microwave is a speed demon for fast meals, engineered for users who value efficiency over extravagance. Its 10 power levels and one-touch express cooking make it a standout for precise reheating—whether you’re gently warming sauce at 30% power or blasting leftovers at full blast. The mute button is a game-changer for late-night snacks, silencing beeps without losing functionality, and the eco mode shuts off the display when idle, cutting phantom energy use.

During daily use, the six smart presets—popcorn, pizza, beverages—consistently delivered reliable results, and the +30 seconds button proved invaluable for quick top-offs. The memory function lets you save favorite settings, a small but meaningful touch for routine meals. The interior lighting is bright, and the dishwasher-safe turntable simplifies cleanup. However, the black finish shows fingerprints easily, and the fan noise is noticeable at high power, though not disruptive.

When stacked against the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft model, the Chefman holds its own with superior quiet operation and eco-conscious features, though it lacks a dedicated kitchen timer. It’s a better fit than larger or noisier models for studio apartments or home offices where discreet, rapid cooking matters most. While the Breville offers quieter performance, this Chefman delivers more bang for the buck with thoughtful extras, making it a prime pick for quick cooking where convenience and control go hand in hand.

Don’t let its tiny 0.7 cu ft size fool you—the Farberware microwave delivers surprisingly full-featured performance in a minimalist shell, making it a stealthy champion for ultra-small spaces like dorm desks, RVs, or office nooks. With 700 watts of power and ten adjustable levels, it handles everyday tasks with ease, from reheating coffee to cooking frozen burritos. The six one-touch presets and defrost-by-weight function add smart convenience, while the LED display and interior light keep operations clear and visible.

In practice, it heats evenly for its class, though larger items require repositioning due to the compact turntable. The stainless steel exterior resists smudges better than black models, and the easy-clean interior wipes down effortlessly after splatters. It’s lightweight and unobtrusive, perfect for tight shelves. However, the lower wattage means longer cook times compared to 900W models, and it struggles with dense foods like thick casseroles.

Compared to the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, it offers similar capacity but lacks a mute function, making it less ideal for quiet environments. Yet, it beats the Chefman 0.7 cu ft model in build quality and finish, offering better value for users prioritizing durability and aesthetics in a tiny footprint. If you need a no-frills, dependable mini microwave that fits anywhere, this Farberware model punches above its weight—delivering essential features without clutter or compromise.

For budget-conscious buyers who refuse to sacrifice smarts, the Chefman 0.7 cu ft microwave is a compact powerhouse that proves small doesn’t mean simple. Despite its modest 700-watt output, it offers 10 power levels and six smart presets, giving you granular control over everything from melting chocolate to reheating soup. The mute button and eco mode are rare in this price range, making it a stealthy winner for dorm rooms or guest suites where quiet and energy efficiency matter.

Real-world use confirms it’s fast for small portions, though it takes longer on dense or large meals—expected at this wattage. The +30 seconds button and memory function streamline daily use, and the dishwasher-safe turntable is a cleaning win. The black finish hides spills well, but attracts fingerprints over time. While it heats evenly for its size, the small cavity limits plate diameter, requiring smaller dishes.

Against the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 cu ft model, it trades the push-button door for quieter operation and eco perks, though the B&D has a slightly roomier turntable. It’s not as polished as the Farberware, but it offers more tech for less cash, making it the best budget-friendly option for students or second homes. While the Toshiba ML-EM09PA offers more power, this Chefman delivers maximum features per dollar in a tiny body, excelling where price and practicality collide.

The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft microwave hits the sweet spot between simplicity and sophistication, offering 900 watts of reliable power in a design that’s as user-friendly as it is efficient. Its one-touch start is a standout—perfect for users who want to heat without scrolling through menus—while the 10 power levels and memory function add precision for more involved tasks. The 6 auto menus (including frozen veggies and dinner plates) deliver consistent results, making it a strong contender for first-time buyers or families.

In testing, it reheated meals evenly with minimal dryness, and the removable 10-inch turntable accommodated most plates without issue. The digital panel is bright and intuitive, and the two-step child lock adds essential safety. It fits neatly in small kitchens, though the fan noise is moderately loud during extended use. The kitchen timer doubles as a convenience tool, useful beyond microwave tasks.

Compared to the GE 1.1 cu ft model, it offers slightly less space but more intuitive controls and better menu customization. It lacks the mute function of Chefman models, making it less ideal for bedrooms. Yet, for users seeking a no-hassle, mid-range microwave with solid performance, this BLACK+DECKER delivers more polish than budget picks without approaching premium pricing. It’s a balanced, dependable workhorse—ideal for those who want smart features without complexity or clutter.

The Breville Compact Wave isn’t just quiet—it’s engineered for serenity, with an 80% quieter soft-close door and 50% reduced operational noise, making it the undisputed king of quiet microwaves. Its 900-watt output and 0.9 cu ft capacity deliver strong performance, but the real magic lies in thoughtful details: the Reheat and Defrost functions use adaptive power to avoid overcooking, and the one-touch food menu makes reheating pizza or potatoes effortless. The Breville Sound Suite and mute button eliminate beeps, perfect for late-night use in shared spaces.

In real-life scenarios, it reheated meals without drying edges, a common flaw in cheaper models. The interior lighting is bright, and the compact 25L footprint fits snugly on crowded counters. The child lock is easy to engage, and the controls are responsive. However, the price is steep compared to peers, and the lack of eco mode feels like a missed opportunity for an otherwise premium build.

Versus the Toshiba ML-EM09PA, it offers superior noise reduction and build quality, though both share similar wattage and presets. It’s not the most powerful, but it’s the best choice for bedrooms, offices, or apartments where peace is paramount. While the Chefman offers mute function at a fraction of the cost, the Breville delivers luxury-level quietness and precision, justifying its premium tag for those who value silence as much as speed.

The Toshiba ML-EM09PA earns its title as best overall by blending power, precision, and polish in a single, sleek package. With 900 watts, 11 power levels, and a massive 10.6-inch turntable, it handles everything from mug meals to full dinners with confidence. The mute function—activated by a long press on button ‘8’—eliminates end-of-cycle beeps, a rare and welcome feature, while the two-step child lock ensures safety without hassle. The LED lighting and clear display make operation effortless, even in dim kitchens.

In testing, it defrosted evenly by weight, and the one-touch start (1–6 minutes) sped up routine tasks. The 6 auto menus performed reliably, and the interior resisted stains thanks to a smooth coating. The black stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than standard black, a subtle but appreciated upgrade. It’s slightly wider than some rivals, so measure your space.

Against the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft model, it offers more power levels and a larger turntable, though both lack eco mode. It doesn’t match Breville’s quietness but delivers broader functionality at half the price. For users who want top-tier performance, smart features, and premium looks, this Toshiba strikes the ideal balance of innovation, power, and value—making it the most complete small microwave on the market.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM shines brightest where others overlook: energy efficiency. Its ECO mode cuts standby power by 50%, a small but meaningful win for eco-conscious users or those leaving the microwave on 24/7. With 700 watts and 0.7 cu ft capacity, it’s built for light-duty tasks, but the mute function and two defrost modes add surprising sophistication. The easy one-touch buttons—popcorn, pizza, reheat—respond quickly, and the +30 seconds feature is a daily lifesaver.

In use, it reheated small portions efficiently, though larger meals required stirring. The pearl white finish adds a modern touch to any kitchen, and the two-step child lock meets safety standards without complexity. The interior is simple to wipe down, but the lack of a light makes monitoring food harder than in lit models. It’s not the fastest or largest, but for low-power environments or secondary kitchens, it excels.

Compared to the Chefman 0.7 cu ft model, it offers better energy savings but fewer power levels. It lacks the memory function of pricier units, trading smarts for sustainability. Yet, for users prioritizing eco impact and quiet operation, this COMFEE’ is unmatched. While the Toshiba offers more power, this model proves that true value isn’t just about speed—it’s about smart, sustainable design.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a masterclass in compact efficiency, designed for those who want maximum accessibility in minimal space. Its push-button door release is a standout—no more pulling handles, just a tap and the door swings open, a small luxury in tight spots like RVs or under-cabinet installs. With 700 watts and 10 power settings, it handles basic tasks reliably, and the 30-second express cook speeds up quick reheat jobs. The removable 10-inch turntable is larger than expected for a 0.7 cu ft unit, enhancing usability.

In real use, the LED display is bright and legible, and the interior light helps monitor cooking without opening the door. The stainless steel finish resists fingerprints, and the child safety lock works reliably. However, the lack of mute function means beeps can’t be silenced, a drawback in quiet homes. It’s also limited to basic presets, missing the memory or eco features of competitors.

Against the Farberware 0.7 cu ft model, it trades auto-cook depth for superior door mechanics and slightly better turntable size. It doesn’t offer the tech of Chefman models, but its push-button door and clean design make it the best compact design for users who value ease of access and space-saving elegance. While not the most advanced, it’s the most thoughtfully designed for tight spaces, proving that sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest difference.