8 Best Small Microwave Ovens of 2025

This compact powerhouse delivers far more than its budget-friendly status suggests. With 700 watts of cooking power and a 0.7 cu.ft. interior, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB punches above its weight, handling everything from reheating leftovers to defrosting frozen proteins with surprising consistency. The ECO Mode stands out as a smart, often overlooked feature—slashing standby power by 50%—making it a quiet hero for energy-conscious households. Whether you’re in a dorm or a tiny kitchen, this microwave solves the space-vs-functionality dilemma with aplomb.

In real-world use, the one-touch express cooking (1–6 minutes) and +30-second boost make daily meals feel effortless. The 10-inch turntable ensures even heating, though larger plates may bump the walls. It handles popcorn and beverages reliably, but dense foods like thick soups or dense casseroles can develop hot spots—common in this wattage class. The mute function is a game-changer for late-night snacks without disturbing others, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind. While it lacks advanced sensors or presets, it nails the essentials with dependable simplicity.

Compared to the Farberware and Chefman models, this COMFEE’ holds its ground with nearly identical specs but a slightly more intuitive control layout. It’s not as feature-rich as the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, but you’re not paying for extras you might never use. Ideal for students, singles, or anyone needing a no-fuss, space-saving microwave, it’s the go-to for budget-conscious buyers who still want modern touches like ECO Mode and mute functionality. It matches the Chefman’s value but edges ahead with a cleaner design and better button responsiveness.

Step into effortless simplicity with the FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ, where clean digital controls make cooking feel intuitive, not overwhelming. This microwave shines with its crisp, responsive keypad and six smart auto-cook presets—popcorn, pizza, reheat, and more—delivering consistent results without guesswork. The two-stage defrost option (by time or weight) is a standout, letting you thaw meat evenly without cooking the edges. For users who hate cluttered panels or cryptic symbols, this model is a refreshing return to clarity.

During testing, the digital interface proved highly reliable—even with greasy fingers—and the large display made time tracking easy in dim kitchens. The 700W output heats meals adequately, though dense dishes require stirring halfway. The interior light is bright, and the 10-inch turntable rotates smoothly, but it struggles slightly with tall mugs or oversized bowls. While it lacks ECO Mode or mute options, its straightforward functionality means fewer buttons to fail over time. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable for daily basics.

Pitted against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, this Frigidaire trades eco and sound features for a cleaner user experience. It’s less feature-packed than the Chefman but feels more robust in button feedback. Best for older adults, minimalists, or secondary kitchens where simplicity wins, it’s a no-nonsense workhorse. While it doesn’t offer the energy savings of ECO Mode, it matches the COMFEE’ in core performance with a more polished control layout.

Sleek, modern, and surprisingly sophisticated, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM in pearl white transforms a basic appliance into a design-forward kitchen statement. Beyond its elegant finish, it packs 700 watts of power, a 10-inch turntable, and the same ECO Mode as its black sibling, making it as functional as it is stylish. The two-step child lock meets updated safety standards, offering real peace of mind—perfect for homes with curious toddlers. If you’re tired of black boxes on your counter, this model is a breath of fresh air.

In daily use, the one-touch express cooking and +30-second boost make reheating coffee or snacks a breeze. The mute function is a quiet luxury—silence the beeps with a 3-second press, ideal for late-night use. It handles standard meals well, though, like most 700W models, it can’t match the speed of higher-wattage units. The interior is easy to wipe down, but fingerprints show more on the white finish. Still, it’s a strong performer for its size, especially in apartments or modern kitchens where aesthetics matter.

Compared to the black COMFEE’ model, it’s functionally identical—same wattage, same features—just wrapped in a more upscale look. It’s less utilitarian than the Farberware but more visually appealing than the Chefman. For those who value design as much as function, this is the clear pick. It doesn’t offer sensor cooking like the Toshiba, but it matches the black COMFEE’ in performance while elevating your countertop style.

Meet the cleanup champion—the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, designed for those who hate scrubbing stubborn splatters. Its easy-clean interior features a smooth, non-porous coating that wipes clean in seconds, a rare win in the small microwave world. With 700 watts, 10 power levels, and six one-touch presets, it balances simplicity with customization, making it ideal for quick meals and office kitchens. The LED display is bright, and the interior light keeps food visible—no more guessing if your soup is done.

Real-world testing shows it heats evenly for a compact unit, though stirring is needed for thicker foods. The defrost-by-weight function works well, taking the guesswork out of thawing chicken or ground beef. The child safety lock is reliable, and the express 30-second button is handy for quick reheat jobs. However, it lacks mute mode or ECO Mode, missing two features now common in similarly priced models. Still, if low-maintenance living is your goal, this microwave delivers with quiet confidence.

Against the COMFEE’ and Chefman, it trades eco and sound features for superior cleanability. It’s not as tech-forward as the Toshiba, but it’s more durable-feeling than budget plastics. Best for college students, offices, or busy parents, it’s the go-to for hassle-free maintenance. While it doesn’t have mute functionality, it beats the COMFEE’ in clean-up ease and feels sturdier than most in its class.

The push-button door on the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a game-changer for accessibility and convenience. No more fumbling with handles; a simple thumb press releases the door smoothly, ideal for users with limited grip strength or cluttered countertops. Behind this clever design lies 700 watts of power, a 10-inch turntable, and 10 power levels, making it both user-friendly and capable. The large LED display is easy to read, and the child safety lock adds essential protection.

In practice, the express 30-second cook and six preset buttons streamline daily use. The push-button mechanism feels durable and eliminates door sag over time—a common issue with budget hinges. Heating performance is standard for 700W: fine for beverages, leftovers, and frozen meals, but slow for larger dishes. The stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than white models, and the interior light is bright. However, it lacks ECO Mode and mute function, missing features found in cheaper models.

Compared to the COMFEE’ and Chefman, it sacrifices eco and sound features for a superior door mechanism. It’s not as feature-rich as the Toshiba, but the push-button design sets it apart. Ideal for seniors, small kitchens, or ADA-friendly setups, it’s the only model with this unique access feature. While it doesn’t offer energy savings, it beats the Farberware in usability and offers a more premium feel than most sub-$80 microwaves.

If you’re looking for the best overall small microwave, the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is the clear winner—a perfect blend of power, capacity, and smart features. With 900 watts and a 0.9 cu.ft. cavity, it heats faster and more evenly than 700W models, handling larger plates and deeper dishes with ease. The 10.6-inch turntable spins smoothly, and the 11 power levels offer precise control, from gentle warming to rapid boiling. Add mute mode, two-step child lock, and six auto menus, and you’ve got a fully loaded compact microwave.

In real use, it reheats meals 20–30% faster than 700W units, with fewer cold spots. The defrost-by-weight function is accurate, and the one-touch start (1–6 minutes) makes quick tasks effortless. The LED lighting is bright, and the digital panel is responsive. It fits in tight spaces but feels roomier inside—ideal for apartments, dorms, or small families. While it lacks sensor cooking, it outperforms most in its size class. The only downside? It’s taller and deeper than 0.7 cu.ft. models, so measure your space.

Against the COMFEE’ and Farberware, it’s in a different league—more power, more space, more features. It doesn’t have the smart sensor of the larger Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, but it delivers 90% of the performance in a smaller footprint. Best for anyone who wants more cooking power without sacrificing counter space, it’s the sweet spot between size and capability. It justifies its higher cost with faster cooking and greater versatility.

The Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave is a hidden gem of value, packing ECO Mode, mute function, and memory settings into a sub-$70 package. With 700 watts, 10 power levels, and six one-touch presets, it matches pricier models in functionality. The memory function lets you save favorite settings—perfect for daily oatmeal or coffee routines. The mute button silences beeps instantly, and ECO Mode reduces standby power, making it a smart pick for eco-minded users.

Testing reveals solid, consistent performance: even heating, responsive controls, and a smooth-turning 10-inch turntable. The black finish hides smudges, and the dishwasher-safe turntable simplifies cleanup. The child safety lock works reliably, though the digital panel can feel a bit plasticky. It doesn’t heat as fast as the 900W Toshiba, but for basic tasks, it’s more than capable. Where it truly shines is in feature density for the price.

Compared to the COMFEE’, it offers memory function and better ECO integration, making it the best value with energy-saving features. It’s not as stylish as the pearl white COMFEE’ or as accessible as the BLACK+DECKER, but it beats both in feature count. Ideal for budget-savvy buyers who want extras, it’s the smartest all-rounder under $70. It matches the COMFEE’ in power but adds memory and cleaner eco integration.

When capacity and intelligence matter most, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS stands tall—literally and figuratively. With a spacious 1.2 cu.ft. interior and a 12.4-inch turntable, it handles large plates, family-sized meals, and deep casseroles with ease. The Smart Humidity Sensor is the star—automatically adjusting time and power for perfect results, whether you’re reheating lasagna or steaming veggies. At 1000 watts, it’s the most powerful model here, cutting cooking time significantly.

In real use, the sensor reheat function eliminates guesswork, delivering evenly warmed food every time. The 12 auto menus include niche options like “veggle” and “sensor reheat,” showing thoughtful design. The interior is easy to clean, and the ECO Mode saves energy when idle. However, its size demands counter space—it won’t fit in dorms or tiny kitchens. The digital panel is intuitive, but the price reflects its premium status. It’s overkill for singles but perfect for families.

Against the smaller Toshiba ML-EM09PA(SS), it offers more space and smarter cooking, but at a larger footprint and higher cost. It’s not as portable as the 0.7 cu.ft. models, but it outperforms them all in versatility. Best for small families, home cooks, or anyone upgrading from a basic microwave, it’s the ultimate upgrade path. It costs more than the 900W model but justifies it with sensor tech and extra capacity.