9 Best Small Microwaves for Countertops 2025

This workhorse of a compact microwave delivers surprising power in a space-conscious design, making it a go-to for tight quarters like dorms and studio apartments. With 950 watts of cooking power and a 1.1 cubic foot capacity, it outpaces many smaller 0.7 cu.ft models, handling full-sized plates and deeper dishes with ease. The glass turntable ensures even heating, while the two-step child lock adds peace of mind—especially in shared living spaces where safety matters. It’s engineered to maximize utility without hogging counter real estate, solving the perennial struggle of fitting essential appliances into minimalist kitchens.

In real-world use, this GE model shines when reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals, thanks to its six auto-cook presets that take the guesswork out of meal prep. The weight and time defrost functions are particularly useful for thawing meat or frozen veggies without partial cooking. While it lacks inverter technology, the power levels still allow for decent control, though delicate tasks like melting chocolate can require close monitoring. At 17.3 x 13.0 x 10.2 inches, it fits neatly under most cabinets, but the stainless steel finish shows fingerprints, demanding more frequent wiping to keep it looking sharp.

Compared to smaller 0.7 cu.ft models like the Chefman or COMFEE’ options, this GE microwave offers superior interior volume and stronger wattage, making it a smarter pick for anyone beyond solo snacking. It doesn’t have eco mode or mute features, but its reliable performance and dorm-ready durability make it a standout. For users who need a balance between size and capability—without stepping up to full-sized units—this model strikes a near-perfect equilibrium of power, convenience, and footprint. It outperforms entry-level minis while costing only slightly more than mid-tier compact models.

The Chefman 0.7 cu.ft microwave punches well above its weight class, delivering budget-friendly functionality with premium touches rarely seen at this price point. Its 700-watt output and 10 power levels give users precise control, from gentle warming to rapid reheating, while the one-touch express cook and six smart presets streamline daily use. What truly sets it apart is the mute button, a small but game-changing feature for late-night snacks or early mornings when beeps could disturb others—ideal for dorms, offices, or small homes.

In testing, this microwave consistently handled popcorn, coffee, and frozen dinners with reliable results. The memory function lets you save favorite settings, turning repeated tasks into a single press—perfect for reheating lunch at the same time every day. The eco mode reduces standby power, appealing to energy-conscious buyers, and the cETL certification confirms safety and durability. However, the 0.7 cu.ft interior limits plate size, and the lower wattage means longer cook times for dense foods like baked potatoes. Still, for simple tasks, it’s impressively efficient.

When stacked against other compact models like the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, the Chefman offers identical wattage and capacity but adds memory programming and a more responsive control panel. It’s the best value for budget-focused buyers who don’t want to sacrifice convenience. While it can’t match the power of 900W or 1000W models, its feature-rich design and quiet operation make it a top contender for students, renters, or anyone needing a reliable secondary unit. It delivers more utility per dollar than nearly any other mini microwave in the lineup.

Sleek, efficient, and thoughtfully designed, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM is a quiet achiever in the compact microwave category, blending minimalist aesthetics with practical innovation. Its 700-watt performance and 0.7 cu.ft capacity are standard for the class, but the three-second sound-off function—which silences all beeps—is a standout for noise-sensitive environments. The easy one-touch express buttons (1–6 minutes) make it effortless to use, while dual defrost modes (by weight or time) add surprising versatility for such a small unit.

During daily use, the microwave excelled at reheating beverages and frozen meals, with the auto-cook presets for popcorn, pizza, and veggies delivering consistent results. The eco mode cuts standby power by 50%, a subtle but meaningful touch for eco-minded users. However, the lack of a memory function means you can’t save custom settings, and the interior lighting is dim compared to rivals. The pearl white finish resists smudges better than stainless, but the control panel feels slightly less responsive than higher-end models.

Against the Chefman B0DY95T5HB, this COMFEE’ model trades memory programming for a cleaner interface and superior noise control. It’s the ideal pick for buyers who prioritize simplicity, quiet operation, and energy efficiency over advanced customization. While it doesn’t offer extra power or space, its refined user experience and elegant design make it a strong match for apartments, offices, or minimalist kitchens. It balances features and affordability better than most 0.7 cu.ft competitors, just shy of premium functionality.

With its vintage-inspired Bebop Blue finish and retro pull handle, the Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 is the showstopper of small microwaves, turning a utilitarian appliance into a kitchen statement piece. Beyond looks, it packs 700 watts and six power levels, delivering reliable performance for everyday tasks like reheating coffee or cooking instant noodles. The 360° rotating turntable ensures even heating, while the LED display clearly shows countdown time, enhancing usability. It’s a design-forward choice that doesn’t skimp on core functionality.

In real-world testing, the microwave handled standard meals without issue, though dense foods required occasional stirring due to power limitations. The defrost-by-weight feature works accurately, and the interior light makes it easy to monitor food without opening the door. However, it lacks modern conveniences like mute mode, eco mode, or preset memory—features found on similarly priced models. The retro aesthetic demands attention, but users seeking smart features may find it under-equipped. Still, for those who value style as much as substance, it’s a compelling option.

Compared to the COMFEE’ CMO-C20M1WH, the Galanz offers a more authentic retro look but fewer programmable options. It’s best suited for users who want a colorful, nostalgic accent in a dorm, studio, or retro-themed kitchen. While it doesn’t match the tech specs of Chefman or Toshiba models, its unique design and solid build justify its place in the lineup. It trades advanced features for visual flair, making it the most stylish 0.7 cu.ft microwave under $90.

The COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH is where vintage charm meets modern convenience, offering a stylish retro look without sacrificing smart functionality. Its 700-watt output and 11 power levels provide greater control than most compact models, and the memory function allows you to save frequently used settings—a rare gem in this size class. The turntable reset feature is a subtle but useful addition, ensuring smooth rotation after cleaning or jostling. With one-touch express cooking and dual defrost modes, it’s built for efficiency.

In daily use, this microwave proved highly responsive, with quick startup times and accurate preset execution for popcorn, pizza, and beverages. The bright digital display and interior light enhance visibility, and the 10-inch turntable handles most plates comfortably. However, the 0.7 cu.ft capacity still restricts larger dishes, and the retro design, while eye-catching, doesn’t offer cabinet clearance advantages. It’s slightly wider than some models, so countertop space should be measured carefully.

Against the Galanz retro model, this COMFEE’ unit is clearly the more functional choice, adding memory programming, more power levels, and better usability. It’s the best pick for style-conscious users who also want real utility—perfect for Instagram-ready kitchens that still need to cook real meals. While it doesn’t have inverter tech or higher wattage, its feature set outshines other retro designs, offering the most balanced blend of aesthetics and performance in the compact segment.

The Chefman 0.9 cu.ft microwave is the sweet spot in the compact category, delivering noticeably more power and space than 0.7 cu.ft models without bloating the footprint. With 900 watts and 10 power levels, it heats food faster and more evenly, making it ideal for users who regularly cook more than just snacks. The one-touch presets and +30 seconds button streamline operation, while the mute function and eco mode enhance user comfort and efficiency—features that elevate it beyond basic budget units.

In real-world testing, this microwave reheated full meals in under two minutes and handled frozen entrees without cold spots. The larger cavity accommodates 9-inch plates, a meaningful upgrade over smaller models, and the glass turntable is dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup. However, it lacks inverter technology, so delicate tasks like warming sauces can still result in splatters if not monitored. The black finish resists smudges, but the control panel can be overly sensitive at times.

Compared to the GE 1.1 cu.ft model, it offers slightly less interior space but a more modern feature set, including mute and eco modes. Against the 700W Chefman mini, it’s a clear step up in performance and capacity, justifying the modest price bump. It’s perfect for singles or couples needing reliable, feature-rich performance in a compact form. It delivers the best balance of power, size, and functionality among mid-tier compact microwaves, outperforming similarly priced rivals.

The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) is a powerhouse built for serious kitchen demands, offering 1250 watts and 1.6 cubic feet of cooking space—a rare combination in countertop models. Its inverter technology ensures precise, even heating, eliminating the on-off pulsing of traditional microwaves, which means no more rubbery leftovers or unevenly defrosted chicken. The smart sensor auto-menus adjust cooking time and power based on moisture, delivering restaurant-quality results with zero guesswork.

In testing, it reheated large casseroles evenly, cooked potatoes thoroughly, and defrosted a pound of ground beef in under 10 minutes—tasks that strain smaller models. The 13.6-inch removable turntable fits wide dishes, and the black stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than standard stainless. However, its size and weight (33 lbs) make it impractical for small kitchens or dorms, and the higher price reflects its premium positioning. It’s overkill for solo users but perfect for families.

Next to the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, it offers more power, a larger cavity, and a bigger turntable, making it better for large households. While it lacks some eco features, its inverter tech and smart sensors justify the investment. It’s ideal for users who regularly cook full meals or batch-prepare food. It outperforms every compact model in speed, capacity, and consistency, standing as the undisputed king of large-capacity countertop microwaves.

The Toshiba EM131A5C-SS earns its title as the best overall microwave by blending smart technology, thoughtful design, and reliable performance in a mid-size footprint. Its 1000-watt inverter-powered engine and smart humidity sensor work together to automatically adjust cooking time and power, ensuring meals come out perfectly every time—no more dry leftovers or soggy vegetables. The 12 auto menus and mute function add convenience, while the eco mode and easy-clean interior enhance long-term usability.

In real-world use, it excelled at sensor reheat, auto-defrost, and cooking frozen meals with minimal input. The 12.4-inch turntable rotates smoothly, and the interior wipes clean effortlessly, a plus for busy households. It fits under most cabinets and handles 10-inch plates with room to spare. While it doesn’t have the sheer capacity of the 1.6 cu.ft Toshiba, it’s more than sufficient for most families and far more versatile than compact models.

Compared to the GE 1.1 cu.ft model, it offers smarter cooking tech, better energy efficiency, and a more refined user experience. It lacks the raw power of the 1250W ML-EM45PIT but compensates with greater precision and ease of use. It’s perfect for users who want a do-it-all microwave without overspending on unnecessary size. It delivers the best overall balance of intelligence, power, and design, outshining both budget and specialty models.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is the master of compact efficiency, engineered for maximum usability in minimal space. Its 700-watt output and 0.7 cu.ft interior are standard, but the push-button door release sets it apart—no more pulling handles in tight corners or with full hands. The 30-second express cook and pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and beverages make it incredibly user-friendly, while the removable 10-inch turntable simplifies cleaning. It’s built for small kitchens, RVs, or office breakrooms where every inch counts.

In testing, it reheated coffee and frozen snacks quickly, though dense foods took longer due to wattage limits. The large LED display is easy to read, and the child safety lock works reliably. However, it lacks eco mode and mute functionality, and the stainless steel finish shows smudges easily. The control layout is intuitive, but the pre-sets aren’t as customizable as higher-end models. It’s a no-frills workhorse focused on core performance.

Against the Chefman 700W model, it offers a more convenient door mechanism and cleaner look, but fewer advanced features like memory or eco mode. It’s ideal for users who prioritize space-saving design and ease of access over smart tech. It delivers reliable, straightforward performance in the smallest possible footprint, making it the most compact and practical 0.7 cu.ft microwave for tight spaces.