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10 Best Small Microwaves 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft., 900 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,141
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Control Panel and Features

Most important from
4120 reviews

Size and Capacity
Compact size fits perfectly in limited microwave spaces, ideal for small kitchens or dorm rooms.
Power (Wattage)
The microwave heats food efficiently and consistently, delivering reliable performance for everyday use.
Control Panel and Features
The door design is stylish and user-friendly, making it easy to open and operate.
Build Quality and Design
Build quality feels solid and durable, inspiring confidence in its longevity.
Noise Level
Quiet operation strikes a good balance—noticeable enough to signal when cooking is done without being disruptive.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a compact size with a 0.9 cubic feet capacity, making it suitable for smaller kitchens or limited counter space. Its 900-watt power ensures quick and efficient cooking for everyday tasks like reheating leftovers or popping popcorn. You get good flexibility with 10 power levels to handle everything from gentle warming to full-power cooking. The digital control panel is straightforward, featuring six popular preset options and a handy +30 seconds button for easy adjustments.

A standout feature is the memory function that lets you program your favorite settings for one-touch cooking. Safety is well-covered with a child lock on the handle and the ability to disable controls, plus a mute button to turn off beeps for quiet operation. The microwave’s modern black finish looks sleek and matches most kitchen styles, and it’s easy to clean thanks to a durable exterior and a dishwasher-safe glass turntable. At 28 pounds, it’s solidly built, which can mean stability but might make moving it around a bit harder.

This microwave is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a reliable, easy-to-use, and safe small microwave with several convenient features packed into a compact design.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,141
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Control Panel and Features

Most important from
4120 reviews

Size and Capacity
Compact size fits perfectly in limited microwave spaces, ideal for small kitchens or dorm rooms.
Power (Wattage)
The microwave heats food efficiently and consistently, delivering reliable performance for everyday use.
Control Panel and Features
The door design is stylish and user-friendly, making it easy to open and operate.
Build Quality and Design
Build quality feels solid and durable, inspiring confidence in its longevity.
Noise Level
Quiet operation strikes a good balance—noticeable enough to signal when cooking is done without being disruptive.
#2

TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4" Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS) A

Rating
9.7
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Control Panel and Features

Most important from
989 reviews

Size and Capacity
The 12.4-inch turntable provides ample space to accommodate larger dishes, supporting a variety of cooking needs from reheating to baking and air frying.
Power (Wattage)
The microwave delivers powerful and consistent heating, turning a simple mug of water boiling hot in just a minute—far surpassing expectations from older models.
Control Panel and Features
The ability to mute all beeping sounds adds a welcome layer of convenience and peace to the kitchen environment.
Build Quality and Design
Its sleek black stainless steel exterior not only looks modern and stylish but is also easy to clean and maintain.
Noise Level
Despite its versatility and features, the microwave operates quietly, making it less disruptive than previous models.

The Toshiba Combo 8-in-1 countertop microwave is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines several cooking functions including microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and more. It offers a solid 1000-watt microwave power, which is adequate for most everyday cooking and reheating tasks. Its capacity of 1 cubic foot is quite generous for a small microwave, thanks to the 12.4-inch turntable that can accommodate larger dishes like a whole roasted chicken or a 12-inch pizza. The turntable also features position memory, which helps evenly cook or heat food by remembering its last position.

In terms of controls, it has easy-to-use knobs and one-touch buttons for popular settings like popcorn, making it user-friendly even for those unfamiliar with more complex appliances. Additional features like a child lock, timer, mute function, and odor removal mode add convenience and safety, especially for families. The black stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek, modern look that is also easy to clean, and the stainless steel interior is durable.

The microwave is reasonably compact with dimensions of around 20.6 x 18 x 11.8 inches, fitting well on most countertops without taking too much space. It weighs about 39 pounds, which is typical for its size and features. The input power is 1600 watts, which may use more electricity compared to simpler models. This microwave is an excellent choice for users who want one appliance that can do much more than just reheat food, especially if air frying and baking are appealing. It may be more than needed if someone only wants a basic microwave, but for those looking to save space and utilize multiple cooking methods in one machine, this Toshiba model offers strong versatility.

Rating
9.7
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Control Panel and Features

Most important from
989 reviews

Size and Capacity
The 12.4-inch turntable provides ample space to accommodate larger dishes, supporting a variety of cooking needs from reheating to baking and air frying.
Power (Wattage)
The microwave delivers powerful and consistent heating, turning a simple mug of water boiling hot in just a minute—far surpassing expectations from older models.
Control Panel and Features
The ability to mute all beeping sounds adds a welcome layer of convenience and peace to the kitchen environment.
Build Quality and Design
Its sleek black stainless steel exterior not only looks modern and stylish but is also easy to clean and maintain.
Noise Level
Despite its versatility and features, the microwave operates quietly, making it less disruptive than previous models.
#3

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black

Rating
9.7
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Control Panel and Features

Most important from
4120 reviews

Size and Capacity
The microwave is compact but well-sized for small kitchens, fitting perfectly on limited counter space.
Power (Wattage)
While it performs well overall, the absence of adjustable power levels is a notable limitation for those accustomed to more control.
Control Panel and Features
Easy-to-use digital touch controls with adjustable finish sounds enhance user convenience and comfort.
Build Quality and Design
The sleek black design and clear time display add a modern and stylish touch to any kitchen.
Noise Level
This unit is quiet during operation, contrary to common concerns about noise in smaller microwaves.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave is a compact choice, with a 0.7 cubic feet interior that suits small kitchens or limited countertop space. Its 700-watt power is decent for everyday reheating and basic cooking, though it might be slower than higher-watt models for some tasks. You get 10 power levels and six preset cooking options like popcorn and pizza, which makes it easy to use even if you're not familiar with microwaving.

The digital touch controls are straightforward, and handy features like a mute button and child safety lock add convenience and peace of mind. The microwave includes a glass turntable that's dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple. It has a modern black design that blends well with most kitchens, and an eco mode to save power when not in use.

Its smaller size limits the amount of food you can cook at once, which might not be ideal for larger families or cooking bigger dishes. Some users might find it a bit noisy, as smaller microwaves can sometimes be louder. This microwave serves as a solid pick for individuals or small households looking for a reliable, easy-to-use appliance with useful safety and comfort features.

Rating
9.7
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Control Panel and Features

Most important from
4120 reviews

Size and Capacity
The microwave is compact but well-sized for small kitchens, fitting perfectly on limited counter space.
Power (Wattage)
While it performs well overall, the absence of adjustable power levels is a notable limitation for those accustomed to more control.
Control Panel and Features
Easy-to-use digital touch controls with adjustable finish sounds enhance user convenience and comfort.
Build Quality and Design
The sleek black design and clear time display add a modern and stylish touch to any kitchen.
Noise Level
This unit is quiet during operation, contrary to common concerns about noise in smaller microwaves.

Buying Guide for the Best Small Microwaves

When choosing a small microwave, it's important to consider your specific needs and the space you have available. Small microwaves are great for compact kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices where space is limited. They can handle most basic cooking tasks like reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen foods, and making simple meals. To find the best small microwave for you, focus on the key specifications that will impact its performance and suitability for your needs.
Size and CapacitySize and capacity refer to the external dimensions of the microwave and the internal space available for cooking. This is important because you need to ensure the microwave fits in your designated space and can accommodate the dishes you plan to use. Small microwaves typically range from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet in capacity. If you only need to reheat small meals or beverages, a microwave on the lower end of this range will suffice. For slightly larger dishes or more frequent use, aim for a capacity closer to 1.0 cubic feet.
Power (Wattage)Power, measured in watts, determines how quickly and evenly the microwave can cook food. Higher wattage means faster cooking times and more even heating. Small microwaves usually range from 600 to 1000 watts. If you primarily use the microwave for simple tasks like reheating and defrosting, a lower wattage (600-800 watts) will be adequate. For more versatile cooking, such as preparing meals or cooking raw ingredients, opt for a higher wattage (800-1000 watts).
Control Panel and FeaturesThe control panel and features of a microwave can greatly affect its ease of use and functionality. Look for a control panel that is intuitive and easy to navigate. Common features include preset cooking modes, defrost settings, and a timer. Some microwaves also offer advanced features like sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food's moisture levels. Consider your cooking habits and choose a microwave with features that will make your tasks easier and more efficient.
TurntableA turntable is a rotating glass plate inside the microwave that helps to cook food evenly by moving it around during the cooking process. This is important for ensuring that your food heats uniformly without cold spots. Most small microwaves come with a turntable, but the size and quality can vary. Ensure the turntable is large enough to accommodate your dishes and is easy to remove and clean. If you often use larger or oddly shaped dishes, look for a microwave with a removable or adjustable turntable.
Build Quality and DesignBuild quality and design refer to the materials and construction of the microwave, as well as its aesthetic appeal. A well-built microwave will be more durable and reliable over time. Look for a microwave with a sturdy door, solid buttons, and a robust interior. The design should also complement your kitchen or room decor. Consider the color, finish, and overall style to ensure it fits well with your existing appliances and furniture.
Noise LevelNoise level refers to how loud the microwave is during operation. This is important if you are sensitive to noise or if the microwave will be used in a shared or quiet space. Small microwaves can vary in noise levels, with some being relatively quiet and others producing more noticeable sounds. If noise is a concern for you, look for reviews or specifications that mention the microwave's noise level, and choose one that is known for quieter operation.

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