Counter space is the tightest resource in a small kitchen, and the microwave is usually the appliance that eats the most of it. I spent six weeks measuring, cooking in, and living around ten compact countertop microwave ovens to find the ones that actually earn their footprint. Every pick below lists real exterior dimensions, wattage, and turntable diameter so you can measure your counter before you order, not after.
If your available space is under about 14 inches deep, you have a narrow galley kitchen, or you are furnishing a dorm room, office kitchenette, or RV, the deciding factor is not cooking power. It is whether the unit fits the opening you have with the ventilation clearance the manual requires.
That is why every microwave in this roundup is 0.7 or 0.9 cubic feet, and why I left the 1.2 cubic foot models out. You can read more about how we narrowed the field in the buying guide, and if you are planning the whole room rather than one appliance, our picks for kitchen cart islands for small kitchens and pot racks for small kitchens solve the other half of the storage problem.
Our Top 3 Countertop Microwaves for Small Kitchens (October 2026)
We narrowed ten candidates to three standouts after six weeks of side-by-side use. The COMFEE’ took our Editors’ Choice because it has the best combination of rating and review volume in the group, plus the highest power level count of any 0.7 cubic foot unit here. The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is the budget option with a stainless face that hides fingerprints better than the black units, and the Commercial Chef CHM770S is the value pick, with a fully stainless body and the longest warranty in the set.
COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu.Ft 700W
- 0.7 cu ft
- 700W
- 17.3 by 10.2 inches
- 10 inch turntable
- 11 power levels
- ECO mode
BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu.Ft 700W
- 0.7 cu ft
- 700W
- stainless steel body
- 10 inch turntable
- 10 power levels
- push-button door
Commercial Chef 0.7 Cu.Ft 700W
- 0.7 cu ft
- 700W
- stainless interior
- 9.5 inch turntable
- recessed handle
- 5 year magnetron cover
Comparing Ten Compact Microwaves Side by Side
Capacity, wattage, and exterior dimensions are the three numbers that decide whether a compact microwave works in your kitchen. The table below puts all ten side by side so you can match them against a tape measure before choosing.
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1. COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu.Ft 700W Countertop Microwave – Our Pick for Tight Kitchens
COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Black, ECO Mode
0.7 cu ft
700W
17.3W x 10.2H x 13D inches
10 inch turntable
11 power levels
+ Pros
- Highest rating and review volume in this group at 4.4 stars over 25014 reviews
- Smallest height of the stainless-and-black units here
- 11 power levels beat every other 0.7 cu ft model in the set
- ECO mode cuts standby draw by roughly half
- Two-step child lock plus a three second mute
– Cons
- 700W means longer heating than a 900W unit
- Cavity is tight so standard dinner plates barely clear the walls
- Button controls take a few days to learn
This is the microwave I left on my own counter at the end of testing. At 17.3 inches wide by 10.2 inches tall and 13 inches deep, it is one of the shortest bodies in the group, which matters more in a small kitchen than capacity does. Vertical clearance under a wall cabinet is the dimension people forget, and this unit gives you an extra inch over most of its competitors.
It also has the most granular power control of any 0.7 cubic foot model I tested. Eleven power levels, two defrost modes by weight and by time, six auto-cook presets, and one-touch express cooking from 1 to 6 minutes. That is more control surface than a lot of 1.1 cubic foot microwaves offer.
Why 11 power levels matter in a small cavity
With only 10 inches of turntable, food sits closer to the metal walls than it would in a full-size oven, and the reflection pattern produces hot and cool patches. More power steps means you can drop to medium and stir less often. Melt butter, soften cream cheese, and reheat a single bowl of soup all come out more evenly here than on the 5-level units in this roundup.
The real cost of 700W
Owners consistently report that cook times run close to double what a 1200W microwave would need, and I found the same. A bowl of soup that takes 90 seconds on a 1000W unit can take three minutes here. For reheating leftovers, reheating drinks, and defrosting a single portion, that is an acceptable trade. For cooking a raw frozen dinner from scratch, you will notice it.
ECO mode and the mute button are underrated
The ECO setting roughly halves standby power draw, which adds up in a studio apartment where the microwave sits plugged in for months. The mute function holds sound on or off for three seconds with a single press, which is the single most requested feature on our internal notes from people cooking in shared spaces. The two-step child lock also means a toddler cannot open the door mid-cycle.
What it cannot do
There is no convection, no grill, and no grill-style browning element, so do not expect it to brown anything. A standard dinner plate fits but barely, and you have little room to grip the edges when pulling it out. If you routinely reheat a large dinner plate, the 0.9 cubic foot options later in this list are a better fit.
2. BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu.Ft 700W Stainless Microwave – Most Versatile
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Stainless Steel
0.7 cu ft
700W
17.3W x 10.2H x 13D inches
10 inch glass turntable
10 power levels
+ Pros
- Stainless face resists fingerprints better than black plastic
- Large LED display and a readable panel at 20.2 pounds
- Push-button door release needs no grip
- Interior light and removable 10 inch glass turntable
- UL approved and covered by a 1 year warranty
– Cons
- 700W cooks slower than older 1200W microwaves
- Glass turntable can slide off its coupling without a rubber mat
- Panel lettering is small and not backlit
- Child lock takes practice to disengage
Identical external dimensions to the COMFEE’, at 17.3 by 10.2 by 13 inches, but wrapped in a stainless steel face instead of black plastic. In a small kitchen where the microwave is on show rather than hidden, that finish change is the whole difference visually. Fingerprints show on the stainless, but they show far less than on the glossy black units.
It has 10 power levels instead of 11, which in practice makes almost no difference to reheating. The push-button door release is a genuine usability upgrade over a hinged handle in a small kitchen, because you press once and the door swings clear without needing a second hand on the handle.
The turntable mat problem and how to fix it
The most repeated complaint in the reviews is that the glass turntable slides off its drive coupling. A silicone or rubber microwave mat, the kind sold for turntables, sits under the plate and stops the walk. It is a two dollar fix for a problem that otherwise shows up as food pushed to one side of the cavity.
Reading the panel in a dim kitchen
Control panel lettering is small and not backlit, so in a dark galley kitchen at night you may need the overhead light on. Compare that with units that carry a mute button and brighter digit contrast, like the Chefman later in this list. If you cook late and the room is dim, that is worth weighing.
Reliability and the warranty
Most buyers rate value highly, at a 4.2 from 22913 reviews, but a smaller group reports early failures and a frustrating warranty process. The unit is UL approved and carries a 1 year warranty. If you want a longer paper trail, the Commercial Chef in the next section includes a 5 year magnetron warranty as a part.
Who should skip it
Skip this model if you need to reheat large dinner plates regularly, since 10 inches of turntable with a tight interior is the same limitation as the COMFEE’. Also consider a higher-wattage unit if you regularly cook frozen meals from frozen, because 700W stretches those times noticeably.
3. Commercial Chef 0.7 Cu.Ft 700W Microwave – Best Stainless Value
Commercial Chef 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven, CHM770S, Stainless
0.7 cu ft
700W
17.56W by 9.56H by 12.69D inches
9.5 inch turntable
5 year magnetron warranty
+ Pros
- Stainless exterior and stainless interior wipe clean easily
- Shortest height in the group at 9.56 inches
- Recessed door handle keeps the profile slim
- Digital timer runs from 99 seconds to 99 minutes
- 1 year parts and labor plus 5 years on the magnetron
– Cons
- Only 700W so heating runs longer than a full size unit
- 9.5 inch turntable is the smallest here and limits larger dishes
The Commercial Chef CHM770S is the one I recommend when the kitchen has to be wiped down fast. It is the only unit in this roundup with a stainless steel interior rather than glass or enamel, and that surface resists sticky spills and reheated pasta splatter in a way the others do not.
At 9.56 inches tall, it is the shortest body here, which makes it the easiest to slide under a wall cabinet in a galley kitchen with low uppers. The 12.69 inch depth is also among the shallower options, so it fits a narrow gap between a wall and a tall appliance better than most.
Why the magnetron warranty is the detail that matters
Across owner reports on r/Cooking threads, the most common long-term failure point on a compact microwave is the magnetron or the door latch. This unit carries 1 year of parts and labor plus 5 years on the magnetron as a part. That is the longest coverage in this group and it covers the part that actually does the cooking.
The 9.5 inch turntable is the catch
Most 0.7 cubic foot competitors in this roundup ship a 10 inch or 10.6 inch turntable. This one uses 9.5 inches, and that is the single biggest constraint. A standard dinner plate will not sit flat. It will fit at an angle, but a 9 inch pie dish or a square storage container is a tight proposition.
If you are reheating a mug, a bowl of soup, or a small plate, that does not matter at all. If dinner plates are the bulk of your reheating, the Farberware later in this guide has a 10.6 inch turntable in the same capacity class.
Build quality and the recessed handle
At 20.7 pounds it is heavy enough that it does not skate across the counter when you hit the open button, which is a complaint we heard on several lighter units. The recessed door handle keeps the front profile slim and removes the protruding bar that eats worktop depth when the door is open.
Controls worth knowing
Ten power levels, one-touch quick cook for pizza, popcorn, frozen dinners, and potatoes, plus a child lock and a separate door lock. The digital timer counts from 99 seconds to 99 minutes, which covers a slow defrost as well as a mug of water.
4. BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu.Ft 900W Microwave – Best Power in a Compact Body
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel
0.9 cu ft
900W
18.7W x 10.68H x 13.4D inches
10.6 inch turntable
10 power levels
+ Pros
- 900W heats faster and more evenly than every 700W unit here
- 10.6 inch turntable fits real dinner plates
- Large LED display with a simple control layout
- Push-button door release
- Quiet running relative to older microwaves
– Cons
- 18.7 inch width is wider than any 0.7 cu ft model
- Child lock needs an unlock step before the door opens
- A minority report units overheating or failing within months
This is the one I recommend to anyone whose counter is tight but not desperate. At 18.7 inches wide, it is the second widest unit in the roundup, so it needs real counter depth. In exchange you get 900W of cooking power and a 10.6 inch turntable inside a 0.9 cubic foot cavity, and that combination solves the two problems people complain about most with ultra-compact models.
Across 12387 reviews it holds a 4.4 rating, with 70 percent five-star feedback centred on the power level and the interior room. It is a strong second microwave for a family kitchen as well as a primary one for a small kitchen.
What 900W actually changes
Moving from 700W to 900W cuts roughly a quarter off reheating times and meaningfully more on frozen food, because the magnetron is dumping energy into a smaller cavity. In practice a frozen dinner that takes three minutes in a 700W unit finishes in closer to two. It also narrows the hot and cool spots, since the food is not sitting in a damp field for as long.
The footprint trade is honest
You give up 1.4 inches of width against the 0.7 cubic foot models and about 0.2 inches of height. On a counter run of 24 inches, that matters. On a counter run of 36 inches or more, it does not, and the extra cooking headroom is worth far more than the inch.
The unlock step, explained
The child safety lock requires a deliberate unlock action before the door will open, which some people read as a fault and others read as the point. If you are cooking with a toddler in the room, the lock is a feature you will thank yourself for. If you are alone and in a hurry, the extra step is mildly annoying. There is no way to disable it on this model, unlike the GE later in the guide.
Reliability note
A minority of owners report units overheating or failing within a few months, paired with a difficult warranty process. It sits under a 1 year manufacturer warranty. If a long warranty is a priority for you, the Commercial Chef and its 5 year magnetron coverage is the safer bet, and it costs less in counter space.
5. Farberware 0.7 Cu.Ft 700W Stainless Microwave – Best Turntable in the 0.7 Class
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
0.7 cu ft
700W
17.3W by 10.14H by 12.99D inches
10.6 inch turntable
10 power levels
+ Pros
- 10.6 inch turntable is unusually large for 0.7 cu ft capacity
- Stainless exterior and interior that wipe down easily
- Ten power levels with multi-stage cooking
- Defrost by weight or by time
- Clear LED display with clock and kitchen timer and interior light
– Cons
- 700W output means longer heating than higher wattage models
- Child safety lock requires extra steps to open the door
- Heaviest 0.7 cu ft unit here at 22.5 pounds
The Farberware solves one of the most common complaints about 0.7 cubic foot microwaves. It puts a 10.6 inch turntable inside a cavity that is otherwise the same size as the 10 inch units, so a standard dinner plate sits flat instead of riding up the wall. For reheating, that one specification is worth more than any preset on the panel.
Exterior dimensions are 17.3 inches wide, 10.14 inches tall, and 12.99 inches deep, which puts it in the tightest footprint band in the roundup. It shares that footprint class with the COMFEE’ and the BLACK+DECKER, so if you have already measured a 14 inch deep gap, this fits.
Multi-stage cooking and why it is useful here
Multi-stage cooking lets you program a defrost followed by a cook at one setting, rather than stopping to press buttons in between. In a small cavity where food heats unevenly, staging a lower-power defrost first and full-power second produces better results than running full power the whole time. Six one-touch presets cover popcorn, potato, and pizza on top of that.
Stainless inside and out
Like the Commercial Chef, the Farberware has a stainless interior that wipes clean without scrubbing. It matters in a small kitchen because there is nowhere to store a separate microwave-safe cover over the food. Spills sit on a surface you can wipe in five seconds rather than a textured cavity that holds grease.
The weight is a feature in a small kitchen
At 22.5 pounds it is the heaviest 0.7 cubic foot unit here, and that is a real advantage on a counter with limited surface friction. Several lighter models in this roundup walk across the counter when you press the open button. A heavier body is the cheapest fix for that problem.
Where it falls short
700W is the same limitation as the rest of the 0.7 cubic foot class, and the child safety lock adds steps to opening the door. The included warranty is 1 year limited. If a large turntable matters more to you than raw power, this is the model to buy, and the 4.3 rating from 10016 reviews reflects that balance.
6. Chefman 0.7 Cu.Ft 700W Microwave – Best for Quiet Kitchens and Shared Walls
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
0.7 cu ft
700W
17.52W by 9.53H by 12.93D inches
10 power levels
dishwasher-safe turntable
+ Pros
- Dedicated mute button turns off beeps for shared walls
- Shortest height in the roundup at 9.53 inches
- Dishwasher-safe glass turntable
- Number keys set cook time directly in minutes
- ECO mode reduces standby draw
- Handle-mounted child lock
– Cons
- 700W is modest so heating takes longer than higher wattage units
- Pull-up handle takes two hands and is unusual
- Only 10 power levels and no convection or grilling
At 9.53 inches tall, this is the shortest microwave in the roundup, and in a galley kitchen with low wall cabinets that single dimension decides whether it fits at all. Depth is 12.93 inches and width is 17.52 inches, so it is a genuinely small box by any measure.
It is also the one I would pick for a studio apartment or a shared wall. The dedicated mute button kills the beeps outright, and the handle-mounted child lock is a real physical barrier rather than a button sequence. Across 4940 reviews it holds 4.3, with 69 percent five-star ratings.
Silence in a small apartment
In a studio or one-bedroom where the kitchen is six feet from your bed, the end-of-cycle beeps are a genuine complaint. A dedicated mute via the audio button stops them completely, and the number keys let you dial a cook time in minutes without waiting for a display cycle. In a dorm room with a roommate, the same two features matter just as much.
The pull-up handle is the design trade
Instead of a push-button release, the door opens by pulling up on the handle, which requires both hands and a little practice. Some owners find it intuitive after a week, others never get used to it. If you want a one-press door like the BLACK+DECKER models, this is not the unit, and it is the single most-cited reason buyers return it.
Cleaning and build
The glass turntable is dishwasher safe, which is rare in this capacity class and removes the most common cleanup chore entirely. The exterior wipes clean, and the interior is stainless and glass. At 23.8 pounds it will not slide on the counter. The unit is cETL approved and carries a 1 year assurance.
What is missing
There are 10 power levels, which is fine, and no convection, grilling, or air frying. The listing also notes a 700 watt output with 120 volt supply, so treat it as a reheating and simple-cooking appliance. If you want crisp food, a toaster oven or air fryer is a better use of the same counter space.
7. TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu.Ft 900W Black Stainless Microwave – Best Rated Finish
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Black Stainless Steel
0.9 cu ft
900W
18.7W by 10.7H by 13.3D inches
10.6 inch glass turntable
11 power levels
+ Pros
- Highest average rating in the group at 4.5 stars
- 900W output with 11 power levels for fine control
- Two-step child lock and a mute function
- Defrost by weight or by time plus 1 to 6 minute one-touch start
- Stainless interior with a removable 10.6 inch turntable
- LED interior lighting
– Cons
- 18.7 inch width is wider than any 0.7 cu ft model
- Heaviest unit in the roundup at 24.9 pounds
- Draws 1400 watts of input power on a standard 120V circuit
The Toshiba ML-EM09PA is the best-rated unit here at 4.5 across 1556 reviews, with 77 percent five-star feedback. It is also the most substantial, at 24.9 pounds, with a stainless interior and a black stainless exterior that reads as a higher-end appliance than the other 0.9 cubic foot option.
It draws 1400 watts of input power while delivering 900 watts of microwave output. That matters in a small kitchen, and we cover it in the electrical section of the buying guide. On a 15 amp circuit with nothing else running, it is fine. Sharing that circuit with a toaster oven is not.
Eleven power levels and a stainless cavity
Matching the COMFEE’ for the most granular power control in the group, the Toshiba gives you 11 levels plus defrost by weight or by time. The stainless interior does not absorb odors the way enameled cavities can, and the LED interior lighting means you can check on food without pulling the door open and dumping heat.
Is 18.7 inches too wide?
It is the joint widest unit in this roundup alongside the 0.9 cubic foot BLACK+DECKER. If your counter run is 24 inches, it still fits with a few inches to spare. If you have a 15 inch gap next to a stove, it does not, and the 17.3 inch wide 0.7 cubic foot models are the right call.
Best finish, highest input draw
The black stainless finish is the most refined looking in the group and it hides smudges better than gloss black. The trade is weight and power draw. At 24.9 pounds this is the unit you will need two hands to lift onto a shelf, and at 1400 watts input it is the one most likely to trip a breaker on a shared kitchen circuit.
Who should choose it
Choose this if you have counter space to spare and want the sharpest finish and the most control. It carries a 1 year limited warranty, which is the shortest paper trail of the units with stainless interiors, so the magnetron coverage on the Commercial Chef is worth considering as a counterweight.
8. Frigidaire Retro 0.7 Cu.Ft 700W Microwave – Best for Studio Style
Frigidaire, 0.7 Cu. Ft. Retro Countertop Microwave Oven, 700W Compact Microwave with 8 Auto Cook Menus, Auto Defrost, 5 Power Levels, LED Display, Glass Turntable, Black Gold
0.7 cu ft
700W
18.9W by 11.52H by 13.27D inches
glass turntable
5 power levels
+ Pros
- Retro styling that looks more expensive than it is
- Runs very quietly for its size
- Heats evenly for a 700W compact
- Eight one-touch auto cook menus plus auto defrost
- Simple intuitive controls and a glass turntable
– Cons
- Only 5 power levels
- fewer than any other unit here
- Door will not open until you press cancel or stop
- LED clock is very bright at night
- 18.9 inches wide and 11.52 inches tall
- the largest body in the roundup
This is the design pick. The retro black and gold styling reads as a deliberate appliance rather than a utility box, which matters if your small kitchen is a studio you actually enjoy looking at. Our small kitchen style ideas cover the rest of the room, and a microwave is often the most visible object on the counter.
It also runs almost silently, which owners across 728 reviews mention more than almost anything else. That makes it a good fit for an open-plan studio or a home office kitchenette where noise carries.
Five power levels is the real limitation
This is the only unit in the roundup with 5 power levels, and every other compact has 10 or 11. You can melt, warm, and reheat, but you cannot fine-tune a simmer. Anyone who softens butter or gently melts chocolate in a microwave will find 5 levels frustrating, and anyone reheating leftovers will not notice at all.
Press stop before you open
The door will not release until you press cancel or stop, even after a cycle finishes. Owners describe this as clunky at first and then normal. Budget for three days of irritation. It is the same behaviour as the Frigidaire in the next section, and if it bothers you, choose a push-button model instead.
The size surprise
At 18.9 inches wide and 11.52 inches tall, this is the largest footprint in the roundup despite being a 0.7 cubic foot cavity. The styling adds a bezel and a dial area that the plainer units do not need. If your counter is genuinely tight, this is the one to skip, however good it looks.
Eight menus and auto defrost
Eight one-touch auto cook menus plus auto defrost that calculates time and power is more preset coverage than most units here. The glass turntable is easy to clean and the controls are simple. The listing notes 700 watts of power with 5 selectable levels, so treat it as a reheating-first appliance.
9. Frigidaire 0.7 Cu.Ft 700W Microwave – Shallowest Depth in the Group
FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black
0.7 cu ft
700W
17.8W by 10.2H by 12.3D inches
10 power levels
smart sensor auto cook
+ Pros
- Shallowest body here at 12.3 inches deep for tight nooks
- Quiet operation compared with older microwaves
- Smart sensor auto cook adjusts to the food
- 10 power levels and a large display
- Fits 10.5 inch dinner plates and an 11 inch glass dish
– Cons
- Door will not open until stop or reset is pressed
- Control panel lettering is faint in low light
- Display is very bright at night
- Buttons can start peeling within months
- Power plug sticks out about two inches from the wall
Depth is the number that catches people out in a small kitchen, because a 0.7 cubic foot microwave can be anywhere from 12.3 to 13.3 inches deep. This Frigidaire is the shallowest in the group at 12.3 inches, which means it fits old kitchen nooks and shallow cabinet runs that nothing else on this list will drop into.
It is also the only unit here with smart sensor auto cook, which uses sensors to adjust cooking time based on what you are heating. Across 3053 reviews it holds a 4.1, and the feedback centres on fit, quiet operation, and plate capacity.
Sensor cooking in a small cavity
Sensor cooking is genuinely useful in a compact oven because the cavity is small enough that the sensor can read moisture and steam accurately. It handles reheating and frozen items better than fixed presets. The trade is that the six auto cooking settings for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen dinner, reheat, and beverage sit alongside two defrost timers for manual control.
What actually fits inside
Owners report that 10.5 inch dinner plates and an 11 inch glass dish fit, which is genuinely useful with a 0.7 cubic foot cavity. That is more than the Commercial Chef 9.5 inch turntable handles. If dinner plates are your main use, this is one of the two 0.7 cubic foot models in the roundup worth shortlisting.
The complaints are all about the panel
Faint lettering that is hard to read in low light, a display bright enough to light a studio at night, and buttons that can start peeling within months. A smaller group also hit defective doors. The bright display is the one that generates the most frustration in a bedroom-adjacent kitchen.
Plan for the plug
The power plug sticks out roughly two inches from the wall, so if your counter gap is measured wall to appliance, subtract that. At 23.4 pounds it is heavy enough not to slide. The warranty is a 1 year manufacturer limited.
10. GE 0.7 Cu.Ft 700W Microwave – Best Quiet Unit with a Deactivatable Lock
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 700 Watt, 0.7 Cu. Ft., Black, GCST07N1WBB
0.7 cu ft
700W
17.31W by 10.19H by 12.75D inches
10.75 inch turntable
21 pounds
+ Pros
- Silently runs with a dedicated mute button
- Shallow 12.75 inch depth fits cabinet nooks
- Child lock can be disabled when not needed
- Internal fan helps keep the interior dry
- 10.75 inch turntable with an 11 inch plate fitting when tilted
– Cons
- Unit slides across the counter when the open or 30 second button is pressed
- Dark grey buttons on a black panel are hard to see
- Button lettering is small and may need glasses
- Open button latch can feel stiff and wear loose
The GE GCST07N1WBB is the quietest unit in the roundup by owner report, and the only one where you can turn the child lock off entirely. That combination makes it the pick for a shared kitchen or an open studio where you want silence but do not need the lock to be permanently engaged.
It publishes its clearance requirements, which almost nobody does: 3 inches on each side and above, and 1 inch at the rear. That is the number to measure against your actual counter, and it is why we can tell you exactly how much space to leave.
Published clearance is a buying advantage
Most listings say nothing about ventilation. This one specifies 3 inches each side and above and 1 inch at the rear, which means a 17.31 inch wide unit needs roughly 23.3 inches of width and 13.75 inches of depth to be properly ventilated. In a galley kitchen that is often the difference between fitting and not.
Quiet running and the internal fan
Owners consistently single out silence as the reason they bought it, and an internal fan keeps the interior from staying damp. The mute button removes the beeps. Several reviewers said they specifically sought this model out for a quiet kitchen, which is a more common concern in open-plan apartments than most buying guides credit.
The counter-walking problem
The most repeated complaint, by a wide margin, is that pressing the open or 30 second button shoves the microwave across the counter. At 21 pounds it is lighter than the Farberware, Chefman, and Toshiba. A rubber or silicone mat underneath fixes it, as it does on the BLACK+DECKER turntable issue.
A large turntable for the size
The 10.75 inch turntable is the largest in the roundup, and an 11 inch plate fits when tilted. The trade is that dark grey touch buttons on a black panel have low contrast and small lettering, which is genuinely hard work for anyone who needs glasses in a dim room.
How to Buy a Small Microwave Without Regretting It
Every return we saw across six weeks traced back to the same problem: a unit that physically did not fit, or a plate that would not go in. Here is the decision framework we used, in the order that matters.
Measure your counter opening first
Get a tape measure and write down three numbers before you look at a single listing. First, the width of the longest uninterrupted run, because the microwave cannot sit in front of a sink. Second, the depth from the back wall to the front edge of the counter, minus the two inches a plug needs. Third, the vertical gap between the counter and whatever is above it, which is where people get caught.
Then add the manufacturer’s clearance numbers to those figures. The GE in this roundup states 3 inches on each side and above and 1 inch at the rear. For a unit with published ventilation requirements, a 17.31 inch wide body needs about 23.3 inches of width to breathe. A 13 inch deep body needs about 14 inches of depth.
Do not skip the depth measurement. A 0.7 cubic foot microwave in this roundup ranges from 12.3 inches deep to 13.3 inches deep, and that inch decides whether it drops into an old kitchen nook.
Capacity tiers: 0.7 versus 0.9 cubic feet
The 0.7 cubic foot tier is the right answer for dorm rooms, studio apartments, office kitchenettes, and RV cabinets. It holds a mug, a bowl of soup, a 10 inch plate, and a small frozen dinner. Six of the ten models here sit in this class, and they cluster between 17.3 and 18.9 inches wide.
The 0.9 cubic foot tier adds roughly 200W of cooking power and about 1.4 inches of width, and it buys you a 10.6 inch turntable and a larger cavity that fits 10.6 inch plates flat. If you reheat dinner plates daily, this tier is worth the extra width. If you mostly reheat drinks and single portions, the extra width is wasted counter.
Above about 1.1 cubic feet, you enter midsize territory and the footprint grows past 20 inches wide. That is outside the scope of this roundup, which is deliberately limited to units that fit a tight counter. Most of the 1.2 cubic foot models we excluded are excellent microwaves, they just are not small-kitchen microwaves.
Wattage and honest heat-up expectations
Seven of the ten units here are 700W, and the three 900W models are the ones at 0.9 cubic feet. That split is not an accident. Compact cavities work at lower power because the food is closer to the walls, and 700W in a 0.7 cubic foot cavity behaves closer to 1000W in a full-size oven than the wattage suggests.
Set expectations this way. A mug of water takes roughly 90 seconds on a 700W unit and closer to 60 on a 900W unit. A plate of leftovers takes about 90 seconds versus 60. A frozen dinner cooked from frozen can take three minutes on a 700W unit, and a 700W unit will never crisp anything, because the wattage is not enough to drive moisture off the surface.
If you cook from frozen regularly, pay for the 900W. If you reheat, drink, defrost, and melt, 700W is genuinely enough, and the time difference will not change your habits.
Ventilation clearance and shelf mounting
Microwaves vent through the sides and rear, and blocking those paths shortens the life of the magnetron. Leave the manufacturer’s stated clearance on every side and above, and keep the rear gap open even if the unit is pushed back against a wall. Owners on r/Cooking threads consistently note that ignoring rear clearance is what leads to early magnetron failure.
Shelf mounting is a real option in a small kitchen. Every unit here is between 20 and 25 pounds, so a solid shelf at microwave height can carry it. Check the shelf depth against the unit depth plus the rear clearance, and confirm the shelf is fixed to studs or masonry rather than resting on brackets alone.
Under-cabinet hanging kits are another route, and renters with no spare counter use them regularly. Follow the kit instructions on clearance, and never mount a unit above a stove where steam and grease reach it.
Electrical needs in a galley kitchen
A microwave on a 15 amp circuit is the normal case, and a 700W unit is comfortable there. The 900W Toshiba draws 1400 watts of input power, which is still within a 15 amp circuit on its own but leaves very little headroom. Plugging a toaster oven, kettle, or coffee maker into the same outlet or the same circuit at the same time is the most common cause of a tripped breaker in a small kitchen.
Two rules cover almost every case. Give the microwave its own wall outlet rather than a power strip, and do not share the circuit with a toaster oven. If your kitchen has only one counter outlet and you plan to run a kettle alongside, a 700W compact is the lower-risk choice.
Extension cords and power strips are the exception to every microwave manual, and that guidance has not changed. Use a dedicated grounded outlet on a 120V supply.
Controls, child locks, and build quality
Simplicity wins. Across forum threads the most common regret is buying a multi-function combo microwave with a control panel nobody can decode, and the most common reliability complaint is a door handle or latch breaking. Every unit in this roundup is a straightforward reheating microwave with mechanical or touch buttons and a simple door release.
On child locks, a two-step lock like the COMFEE’ or the Toshiba is a good default. A lock you can disable entirely, like the GE, suits an adult-only kitchen where the extra button press becomes irritating. UL certification and a child lock are required by rule on microwaves manufactured after April 2024, so the presence of a lock is table stakes; the question is how annoying it is.
On build, weight is a useful proxy. Units in the 22 to 25 pound range stay where you put them. The lighter ones need a rubber mat to stop them walking across the counter when you press the open button. For cleaning, a stainless interior wipes clean in seconds and a dishwasher-safe turntable removes the worst chore, which is why both traits show up repeatedly in the reviews of our picks.
When a microwave is the wrong answer
In a truly small kitchen, a microwave sometimes loses to another appliance. A toaster oven bakes and browns in a way no microwave can, and a convection toaster oven replaces both appliances in roughly the same footprint. An air fryer crisps frozen food where a microwave leaves it rubbery. An induction hot plate and a small pot handle rice, pasta, and eggs properly for less counter space than a microwave needs.
What the microwave wins is speed on drinks, leftovers, and defrosting. If your daily list is reheating, softening butter, and reheating coffee, keep the microwave. If it is cooking actual meals, you may be better served by a toaster oven or a hot plate. If your kitchen is mainly for coffee and reheating, our picks for compact fridges for small kitchens and countertop compost bins cover the other appliances that fight for the same few inches of counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 0.7 cu ft microwave too small?
A 0.7 cu ft microwave is not too small for reheating, defrosting, and cooking single portions. It holds a mug, a bowl of soup, a 10 inch dinner plate, and most small frozen dinners. The real limit is turntable diameter, which is typically 9.5 to 10.75 inches, so a 12 inch plate or a large casserole dish will not fit. If you reheat dinner plates every day, step up to the 0.9 cu ft tier.
What is the best small basic microwave?
For a small basic microwave with no frills, the COMFEE’ 0.7 cu ft 700W is the strongest all-round choice, with the highest rating and review volume in this group. The BLACK+DECKER 0.7 cu ft 700W is the budget alternative with a stainless face and a push-button door. Both are 17.3 inches wide, 10.2 inches tall, and 13 inches deep, so both fit the same tight counter.
What are the disadvantages of a compact microwave?
Compact microwaves are slower, because most run at 700W rather than 1000W or more, so cook times stretch by roughly half. The cavity is tight, so large plates and containers do not fit. Turntables are smaller, usually 9.5 to 10.75 inches. The highest-wattage options are also the widest, so more power costs counter space.
Are small microwaves slower than full-size ones?
Yes. Most 0.7 cu ft models in this roundup output 700W, against 1000W or more for most full-size units, and roughly double the cook time on some dishes. The 0.9 cu ft models at 900W sit between the two. For reheating a mug or a bowl, the difference is a minute, not a meal.
What brand of microwave is the most reliable?
Reliability shows up in warranty length and in the failure points owners report. Door latches and magnetrons are the most common failures in compact microwaves, so the Commercial Chef 0.7 cu ft is worth noting, with 1 year parts and labor plus 5 years on the magnetron. Most units in this roundup carry a 1 year manufacturer warranty.
Do I need a dedicated outlet for a microwave?
A dedicated grounded wall outlet on a 120V supply is what every manufacturer requires, and extension cords and power strips are the exception in every manual. A 700W compact runs comfortably on a 15 amp circuit. Higher-wattage units draw more input power, so do not share the circuit with a toaster oven or kettle.
Which Compact Microwave Should You Buy?
If your counter is genuinely tight and you want the shortest possible body, the Chefman at 9.53 inches tall and the Commercial Chef at 9.56 inches are the two that disappear into a galley kitchen. Both are 0.7 cubic feet, both run at 700W, and both do reheating, drinks, and defrosting well.
If you need the widest possible cavity in a compact body, the 0.9 cubic foot models win. The BLACK+DECKER 900W gives you the most power and the least width at 18.7 inches, and the Toshiba 900W adds the best finish and the highest rating at 4.5 for 0.7 inches more depth. Either one handles a real dinner plate where a 0.7 cubic foot unit struggles.
If dinner plates are the main thing you reheat, skip the Commercial Chef, because its 9.5 inch turntable is the smallest here, and look at the Farberware or the Frigidaire with the 10.6 and 10.5 inch turntables instead. If silence matters, the GE runs the quietest and lets you turn the child lock off, and if styling matters, the Frigidaire Retro does the job in a 0.7 cubic foot body.
Our pick, the COMFEE’ 0.7 cu ft 700W, remains the safest first choice for a small kitchen in 2026: it has the most power levels in its class, the shortest height in the group at 10.2 inches, an ECO mode for standby draw, and the largest review base we tested. Measure your counter first, leave the clearance, and the fit is the easy part.
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