Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, but your kitchen feels more like a puzzle than a convenient space. You want to heat up leftovers, pop some popcorn, or even defrost ingredients, but where do you even start? Choosing a small countertop microwave can feel surprisingly tricky. There are so many brands and sizes, and figuring out which one actually fits your needs and your limited counter space can be a real headache. It’s easy to get lost in all the features and prices.
But what if there was a way to make this decision a breeze? This blog post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a great small countertop microwave and guide you through the process. You’ll learn how to find a microwave that’s perfect for your kitchen, no matter how small it is. We’ll cover the important things to look for, from size and power to special features that can make your life easier.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in picking out a microwave that’s not just a kitchen appliance, but a helpful tool. Get ready to say goodbye to kitchen clutter and hello to easy, delicious meals!
Our Top 5 Small Countertop Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Countertop Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet your new kitchen helper: the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven. This compact 0.7 cu. ft. microwave is packed with features to make cooking and reheating a breeze. Its sleek black design fits perfectly on any countertop, and it’s powerful enough for all your daily needs.
What We Like:
- It cooks food super fast! You can pick from six special cooking buttons for things like popcorn, pizza, or veggies. Or, just press a number to set the minutes for cooking.
- It has 10 different power levels. This means you can melt butter gently or cook food quickly on high power.
- The digital controls are simple to use. You can easily set the time and power. The “+30 seconds” button is handy for a little extra cooking time.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings. This makes it super quick to start your go-to meals with just one touch.
- Safety is important. It has a child safety lock to stop the door from opening by accident. You can also lock the controls so no one messes with the settings.
- Hate loud beeps? You can turn off the sounds with the mute button. This is great if you need to be quiet or don’t want to wake anyone up.
- It looks good in your kitchen! The modern black finish goes with everything. The Eco Mode helps save power and turns off the display when you’re not using it.
- Cleaning is easy. The outside wipes clean with a damp cloth. The glass tray can even go in the dishwasher.
- Chefman stands behind its products. This microwave is cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- For a 0.7 cu. ft. microwave, it might be a bit small for very large dishes or multiple items.
- While it has presets, some users might prefer more advanced cooking options for complex meals.
This Chefman microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance for any kitchen. It offers a great balance of convenience, safety, and style.
2. Farberware Countertop 700 Watts
Rating: 8.8/10
The Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven in black is a fantastic addition to any kitchen or office space. It makes preparing meals quick and easy.
What We Like:
- It’s very powerful, with 700 watts of cooking power.
- It has ten different power levels and multi-stage cooking for lots of options.
- Six one-touch settings like popcorn, potato, and pizza are super convenient.
- You can defrost food by weight or time, which saves you time.
- Its 0.7 cu ft size is perfect for small spaces but still cooks like a bigger one.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- It has a clear LED display with a timer and clock.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock provides extra security.
- Farberware is a brand that helps families create meals and memories.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu ft size might be too small for some families or for cooking large dishes.
- While it has many features, some users might prefer more advanced cooking programs.
This microwave oven offers a great blend of convenience and functionality for everyday use. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly countertop microwave.
3. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the Farberware Countertop Microwave – your new best friend for quick meals and easy cooking. This 700-watt microwave is packed with power and smart features, all wrapped up in a compact 0.7 cubic foot size. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any counter and cleans up like a dream. It’s the perfect solution for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even your office break area, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s super convenient for making meals fast.
- You get 700 watts of power for quick cooking.
- It has ten different power levels, so you can cook just right.
- Six one-touch buttons make cooking popcorn, potatoes, or pizza super easy.
- Defrosting food by weight or time is a snap.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- It has a clear LED display with a timer and clock.
- Interior light lets you see your food cooking.
- A child lock adds extra safety.
- Farberware is a trusted brand for making memories with food.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size might be too small for cooking very large dishes.
- While powerful, 700 watts might not be as fast as higher wattage microwaves for some tasks.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly cooking appliance. It offers great value and smart features for everyday use.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact and user-friendly digital microwave that’s great for small kitchens or dorm rooms. Its stainless steel finish looks nice, and it has just enough power for basic reheating and cooking tasks. It’s easy to operate, making it a good option for anyone who wants a simple microwave.
What We Like:
- It has helpful pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cook button is super convenient for quick heating.
- The large LED display is easy to read.
- The child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The removable glass turntable makes cleaning simple.
- The push-button door is easy to open.
- It’s a good size at 0.7 cubic feet, fitting well in tight spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it’s not the most powerful microwave, so some cooking tasks might take a bit longer.
- The 110-volt voltage means it’s designed for North American outlets.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for basic needs. It offers convenience and safety features that make it a practical addition to any kitchen.
5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that makes cooking easy. It has a 1000-watt output, which is powerful enough for most tasks. The microwave is designed to be user-friendly with smart features that help you cook food perfectly. Its sleek black color and modern design will look good in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor cooks food just right. It stops guessing and prevents over or undercooking.
- It has 6 preset menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables. This makes cooking quick and simple.
- You get 10 power levels for total control over your cooking. You can even use it to get rid of smells.
- Defrosting is easy by weight or time. The one-touch start button cooks for up to 6 minutes at full power.
- The Mute Mode lets you turn off the annoying buzzer. Just press and hold the “8” button for a few seconds.
- The 12.4-inch glass turntable is removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, the description mentions 12 auto menus. This could be clearer.
- The internal dimensions are a bit smaller than the external dimensions, which is normal but worth noting for very large items.
This Toshiba microwave offers a great balance of smart features and simple operation. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly kitchen appliance.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Small Countertop Microwave
Looking for a microwave that fits your small kitchen or your simple needs? A small countertop microwave is a great choice. It saves space and quickly heats up your food. This guide helps you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a small microwave, some features make a big difference. Think about what you want your microwave to do.
- Wattage: This is how much power the microwave uses. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For small microwaves, 700 to 1000 watts is usually good.
- Capacity: This tells you how much food can fit inside. Small microwaves are usually between 0.7 and 1.0 cubic feet. Make sure it’s big enough for your plates.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn or pizza. This makes cooking easy.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Most small microwaves have one.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear screen and easy buttons make it simple to set the time and power.
- Child Lock: This safety feature stops kids from turning the microwave on by accident.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect how it works and how long it lasts.
- Exterior: Most small microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks nice and is easy to clean. Plastic is usually cheaper.
- Interior: The inside is often coated with a material that is easy to wipe clean. This coating helps the microwave last longer.
- Door: The door should feel sturdy. The glass window lets you see your food.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it worse.
What Makes a Microwave Better:
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks food all the way through. No cold spots!
- Easy to Use: Simple buttons and clear instructions make life easier.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter one is nicer to have.
- Durability: A well-made microwave will last for many years.
What Can Reduce Quality:
- Uneven Heating: If your food is cold in the middle and hot on the edges, the microwave isn’t good at heating.
- Flimsy Parts: Buttons that feel loose or a door that doesn’t close tightly can be a problem.
- Short Lifespan: Microwaves that break after a year or two are not a good value.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave matters. A small countertop microwave is perfect for many situations.
- Small Kitchens: If you don’t have much counter space, a small microwave is a lifesaver.
- Dorm Rooms: Students can quickly heat up meals and snacks.
- Office Break Rooms: A small microwave is great for heating lunches at work.
- Single Households: If you cook for one, a smaller size is all you need.
- Quick Reheating: For reheating leftovers or making a quick mug cake, a small microwave is fast and efficient.
Think about what you’ll be heating up most often. If it’s just a mug of tea or a small plate of food, a compact model works perfectly. If you plan to heat larger dishes, you might need to consider a slightly bigger one, even if it’s still considered “small.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a small countertop microwave?
A: For small microwaves, 700 to 1000 watts is a good range. It heats food quickly and evenly.
Q: How much space does a small countertop microwave take up?
A: Small microwaves are typically about 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet in size. They are designed to fit on most countertops without taking up too much room.
Q: Do I need a turntable in a small microwave?
A: Yes, a turntable is very helpful. It spins your food to make sure it cooks evenly.
Q: Are small microwaves hard to clean?
A: Most small microwaves have easy-to-clean interiors. A quick wipe down after use keeps them looking good.
Q: Can I fit a dinner plate in a small microwave?
A: Most small microwaves can fit a standard dinner plate. It’s a good idea to check the dimensions before buying if you have large plates.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for a microwave?
A: Cubic feet is a way to measure the inside space of the microwave. A larger number means more room for food.
Q: Are small microwaves good for cooking full meals?
A: Small microwaves are best for reheating, defrosting, and cooking simple meals or snacks. They might be too small for large dishes or complex recipes.
Q: How long do small countertop microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, a small microwave can last for many years, often 5 to 10 years or more.
Q: What is a “pre-set cooking option”?
A: These are buttons on the microwave that are already set for cooking specific foods, like popcorn or baked potatoes. You just press the button!
Q: Should I worry about the noise level of a small microwave?
A: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you are sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how quiet the microwave is.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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