Photo: Farberware
A small kitchen or living space should not hinder you from fitting in various convenience appliances such as a microwave.
Though it may have a small cooking capacity, a compact microwave is usually lighter and consumes less electricity, but still, retains the original functionality of cooking or warming up your food.
However, there are many different varieties to pick from in the market, which might complicate the selection process. To help you in this, the review below looks at 10 of the best small microwaves, from which you can take your pick.
In this post:
- 10 Best Small Microwaves – Review
- 1. Small Microwave with ECO Mode: Toshiba EM925A5A-BS
- 2. Small Commercial Microwave: Panasonic NE-1025F
- 3. Small Microwave with Multiple Keypad Presets: Nostalgia RMO7AQ
- 4. Voice-Controlled Microwave: AmazonBasics Microwave
- 5. Small Microwave with Mechanical Dials: Commercial Chef CHM660W
- 6. Most Affordable Small Microwave: Sharp Microwaves ZSMC0710BB
- 7. Small Microwave with Child Lock Safety: Hamilton Beach Microwave Oven
- 8. Highly Efficient Small Microwave: Daewoo KOR-7LREW
- 9. Small Microwave with a Large Capacity: Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB
- How to Buy the Best Small Microwaves
- Conclusion
10 Best Small Microwaves – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Toshiba EM925A5A-BS (With ECO Mode) |
| |
 | 2. Panasonic NE-1025F (For Commercial) |
| |
 | 3. Nostalgia RMO7AQ (With Multiple Keypad Presets) |
| |
  | 4. AmazonBasics Microwave (Has Voice-Controlled) |
| |
 | 5. Commercial Chef CHM660W (With Mechanical Dials) |
| |
 | 6. Sharp Microwaves ZSMC0710BB (Most Affordable) |
| |
 | 7. Hamilton Beach Microwave Oven (With Child Lock Safety) |
| |
 | 8. Daewoo KOR-7LREW (Highly Efficient) |
| |
 | 9. Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB (Large Capacity) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Toshiba EM925A5A-BS (With ECO Mode)
|
2. Panasonic NE-1025F (For Commercial)
|
3. Nostalgia RMO7AQ (With Multiple Keypad Presets)
|
4. AmazonBasics Microwave (Has Voice-Controlled)
|
5. Commercial Chef CHM660W (With Mechanical Dials)
|
6. Sharp Microwaves ZSMC0710BB (Most Affordable)
|
7. Hamilton Beach Microwave Oven (With Child Lock Safety)
|
8. Daewoo KOR-7LREW (Highly Efficient)
|
9. Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB (Large Capacity)
|
1. Small Microwave with ECO Mode: Toshiba EM925A5A-BS
Photo: Toshiba
- Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 19.2 x 15.9 x 11.5 inches
- Power Rating: 900 watts
- Number of Presets: 6
- Power Levels: 10
With a 900-watt power rating and 10 power levels, this microwave from Toshiba features an ECO mode that helps in power conservation, which ultimately helps to reduce your power bills and conserve the environment.
That said, the unit is still reasonably sized, featuring a 0.9 cubic feet cavity with a 10.6-inch glass turntable. This turntable rotates when heating your food so as to cook more evenly and prevent hotspots.
A digital control panel at the side makes it easy to use the microwave, and it features start-and-stop buttons, a numbered keypad and an LED display among many others.
Other features include 6 presets (popcorn, pizza, potato, beverage, frozen vegetable, and dinner plate), an interior LED light, memory function for storing and recalling cooking settings, and defrost by time or weight.
On the downside, this unit lacks a convenient voice control feature and a grill for roasting meat.
Pros:
- ECO mode for power conservation
- Large 10.6-inch rotating turntable for even cooking
- Easy-to-use digital control panel
- Memory function for storing and recalling cooking settings
Cons:
- Lacks a convenient voice control feature
- No grill
2. Small Commercial Microwave: Panasonic NE-1025F
Photo: Panasonic
- Capacity: 0.8 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 20.1 x 16.5 x 12 inches
- Power Rating: 1000 watts
- Number of Presets: 0
- Power Levels: 1
Though it lacks presets and has a dial control panel with no LED display, Panasonic’s NE-1025F is designed as a commercial microwave, with a powerful 1000-watt output across a single power level, which cooks very quickly.
Additionally, it comes with a cooking guide below the 6-minute dial timer, showing you the time required to cook up common types of foods with different weights.
You also get a relatively large 0.8 cubic feet cooking area with an oven light inside and a see-through door for easy monitoring of the food being cooked inside. However, the microwave is very expensive.
Pros:
- Powerful 1000-watt output cooks quickly
- Comes with a cooking guide that shows common foods with their cooking times
- 6-minute dial timer for adjusting the cooking time
- Oven light and see-through door for easy monitoring of the cooking process
Cons:
- Expensive
- No presets
3. Small Microwave with Multiple Keypad Presets: Nostalgia RMO7AQ
Photo: Nostalgia
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 13.5 x 10.25 inches
- Power Rating: 700 watts
- Number of Presets: 12
- Power Levels: 5
Nostalgia’s RMO7AQ is equipped with 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, which are quite many, and these provide easy and convenient cooking controls for multiple foods.
The unit has a maximum output of 700 watts with 5 power levels, which is quite enough to quickly cook and reheat food on its 0.7 cubic feet capacity.
Another important feature is the microwave’s retro design, with sleek chrome accents, a sleek chrome handle, chrome buttons and a chrome dial that give it a ‘50s look.
More features include a digital clock on the LED display, an easy-to-clean interior, and availability in aqua and red colors so as to fit into different kitchen décor.
However, you get no grill for cooking up your meat or a convenient voice control feature.
Pros:
- 12 presets give convenient cooking controls for multiple foods
- Vintage retro design with sleek chrome accents
- LED display with a digital clock and shows other settings
- Easy-to-clean interior
- Available in aqua and red colors for matching different interior décor
Cons:
- No grill
- No voice control capability
4. Voice-Controlled Microwave: AmazonBasics Microwave
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 17.3 x 10.1 x 14.1 inches
- Power Rating: 700 watts
- Number of Presets: 24+
- Power Levels: 10
Though it only has a popcorn preset on the keypad, AmazonBasics’ microwave features Alexa for voice control, which comes with 24 presets as a start. These are very many and Alexa learns from the internet so as to add more presets with continued use.
This machine also features Amazon Dash Replenishment Technology, which automatically reorders popcorn for you when you run low, and saves you 10% on the orders. You just need to sign up to Amazon and let the microwave do the rest.
Other features include a 700-watt power rating with 10 power levels, a kitchen timer, child lock and a 10-inch turntable that can fit a large dinner plate or bowl while rotating for even heating.
However, you need the Alexa app to use this voice feature and an echo device for hands-free voice control.
Pros:
- Alexa voice control with 24 presets
- Learns new presets from the internet
- Amazon Dash Replenishment Technology automatically reorders popcorn for you
- Child safety lock feature
Cons:
- Requires the Alexa app to use
- Requires an echo-device for hands-free voice control
5. Small Microwave with Mechanical Dials: Commercial Chef CHM660W
Photo: Commercial Chef
- Capacity: 0.6 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 17.75 x 12.5 x 10.25 inches
- Power Rating: 600 watts
- Number of Presets: 0
- Power Levels: 6
If you want a small simplistic microwave with fewer settings and mechanical dials on the control panel, Commercial Chef’s CHM660W is a good option to consider.
The unit actually has 2 dials, one being for selecting your preferred power level (low, defrost, medium-low, medium, medium-high and high), and the other for setting the time between 0 – 30 minutes.
Other features include speed and weight defrost, an easy-to-grasp grip handle and a strong, durable construction for long-lasting use. However, the unit has no presets and no LED screen to show the remaining cooking time.
Pros:
- Simplistic design with mechanical control dials
- Speed and weight defrost functions for handling your frozen foods
- Easy-to-grasp grip handle
- Strong and durable construction
Cons:
- No presets
- No LED display
6. Most Affordable Small Microwave: Sharp Microwaves ZSMC0710BB
Photo: Sharp
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 17.3 x 10.2 x 12.8 inches
- Power Rating: 700 watts
- Number of Presets: 6
- Power Levels: 11
Sharp Microwaves ZSMC0710BB is both compact and affordable, thereby giving you two key benefits in one. That said, it is still very well equipped, featuring 6 presets and a 700-watt power rating with 11 power levels.
You also get 0.7 cubic feet of cooking space with a 10-inch diameter rotating turntable for even heating, which is big enough to fit a full-size dinner plate.
On the outside, a glossy black finish with a scratch-resistant glass door gives an overall modern look. Other features include a kitchen timer, clock, time defrost and auto defrost for warming up frozen food.
On the downside, this unit does not have a power-saving mode or a grill for cooking up meat.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 6 one-touch presets for convenient cooking
- Large 10-inch diameter rotating turntable for even heating
- Durable scratch-resistant glass door
Cons:
- No power-saving mode
- Grill not included
7. Small Microwave with Child Lock Safety: Hamilton Beach Microwave Oven
Photo: Hamilton Beach
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 20 x 13 x 16 inches
- Power Rating: 700 watts
- Number of Presets: 6
- Power Levels: 10
Hamilton Beach’s microwave oven is characterized by a child lock safety feature, which is ideal for protecting your child against accidentally opening the door or starting the cooking process.
Other than that, this unit is equipped with 6 presets for convenient one-touch cooking/heating of your favorite meals. You also get 10 power levels with a maximum of 700 watts for manual control over the cooking process.
More features include time and weight defrost, which give you some versatility when warming up your frozen food, a kitchen timer, and clock, which are displayed on the LED screen, and an easy-grip handle for quick opening.
On the downside, no grill is included and there is no power saving mode for energy conservation.
Pros:
- Child safety lock protection
- 6 one-touch presets for easy use
- Time and weight defrost for handling your frozen food
- Clock and kitchen timer
- Easy-to-grasp grip handle for quick opening
Cons:
- No grill
- Lacks a power-saving mode
8. Highly Efficient Small Microwave: Daewoo KOR-7LREW
Photo: Daewoo
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 17.6 x 12.7 x 10.6 inches
- Power Rating: 700 watts
- Number of Presets: 4
- Power Levels: 5
Daewoo’s KOR-7LREW is a highly efficient unit because it is fitted with a concave reflex system. Basically, this system emits microwaves more efficiently so as to cook food faster and more evenly.
The product also has 4 presets (baked potato, soup, fresh/frozen vegetable and beverage) while a two way defrost feature helps you to unfreeze frozen food.
Another benefit you get is a stylish retro design that looks straight from the ‘50s. If you prefer this kind of look, then this is a good option to look into.
Other features include 5 power levels up to 700 watts, a zero-standby function, which is basically a power-saving mode, child safety lock and 3 color options (mint, red and cream white).
However, you get no grill and no convenient voice control presets.
Pros:
- Highly efficient concave reflex system
- 4 convenient presets for easy use
- Stylish retro design
- Zero-standby function (power saving mode)
- Child lock safety
Cons:
- No voice control presets
- No grill
9. Small Microwave with a Large Capacity: Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB
Photo: Farberware
- Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 20.2 x 16.9 x 12 inches
- Power Rating: 1000 watts
- Number of Presets: 6
- Power Levels: 10
Small doesn’t necessarily mean that you get limited space. With Farberware’s microwave, you get a 1.1 cubic feet capacity, which is quite large, but the entire unit still fits comfortably on kitchen counters.
With this large size, the microwave features 10 power levels up to 1000 watts, which results in very fast cooking at the maximum level.
Also included are 6 convenient one-touch cooking settings while a memory function stores and recalls your cooking settings instantly.
Other features include a removable rotating glass turntable for easy cleaning, time and weight defrost and a +30 second control button for increasing the cooking time while running.
However, there is no grill or grilling function for cooking meat and no ECO power-saving mode.
Pros:
- Large 1.1 cubic feet capacity
- 10 power levels up to 1000 watts for fast cooking
- 6 convenient one-touch cooking settings
- Memory function for keeping and retrieving all your cooking settings
- Easy-to-clean removable glass turntable
Cons:
- No grill or grilling function
- Lacks a power-saving mode
How to Buy the Best Small Microwaves
Photo: Toshiba
1. Your Needs and Your Kitchen Space
Although they may look the same, microwaves are very different from each other and you can tell by the different features of each above. Therefore, you have to consider your needs first before doing the selection.
For instance, if you need multiple presets, then a voice-activated microwave would be best for you. If you want a large cooking space that can fit large bowls, then Farberware’s unit is your best bet.
Another thing to consider is the available kitchen space that you have for the unit. Of course, the microwave must fit on the countertop or wherever you will place it. Therefore, ensure you check its outer dimensions for perfect fitting.
2. Power Rating
Measured in watts, the higher the watt rating, the faster the microwave will heat your food because it has more power.
Therefore, for fast cooking or commercial use, powerful 1000-watt microwaves are recommended. For home use, avoid buying units with less than a 700-watt rating. They will end up being too slow to use.
3. Number of Presets
Presets are meant for convenience when heating up certain foods. Basically, the manufacturer fine-tunes these setting to have the right power level and cooking time for that specific food so that you do not have to do it manually.
That said, the more they are, the better because you will have an easier time heating up the most common foods such as pizza, potatoes, veggies, beverages, etc.
4. Power Levels
In contrast to presets, power levels give you manual control so that you can set the heating level and the heating duration.
Some microwaves come with a single level, others 5-6 and others even go up to 11. Ideally, the more the power levels, the better because they give you the flexibility to prepare different types of food.
For instance, a low power level would be ideal for defrosting meat, softening butter and simmering rice while high power levels are ideal for cooking soup, fish, ground beef, etc.
With a single power level, you only get the highest heat output, which limits the microwave’s functionality.
5. Utility Features
Utility features are also meant for convenience. They include things such as an interior LED light for easy monitoring of the cooking process.
A memory feature is also convenient for storing and retrieving all the cooking settings while child lock safety protects against accidental opening or starting by your curious little one.
Generally, the more they are, the better.
6. Ease of Use and Cleaning
The ease of use factor generally depends on the user. There are those that prefer digital control panels while others find mechanical rotary dials easier to use.
Even though digital control panels give you more options and more controls, if you prefer rotary dials, go for it.
Another option is the voice-controlled microwave, which may be a bit complicated to set up first, but very easy to use later. Selection between all these though should be based on personal preference.
However, regardless of the one you pick, it must be easy to clean. This means having a removable turntable for quick washing and to give enough room for wiping the microwave’s cavity.
7. Budget
Though small, some of these microwaves can be very costly. That said, after considering the features that you want, you should identify the units that meet your needs, then pick the most affordable one from that lot.
Read More: The Best Microwaves under $100
Conclusion
After going through this list of small microwaves, it is quite clear that there are different varieties of them, some with modern appearances while others bear vintage retro designs.
For proper selection, you have to consider your requirements and this article points out all the important features to look for so that you can pick the best small microwave that suits your needs.