The Best Small Microwave of 2025, High Performance

Our pick: Farberware Countertop Microwave

The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 cu ft is a reliable kitchen companion for anyone living in a small space like an apartment, dorm, or office. During testing, it consistently delivered fast, even heating across various foods. Its compact footprint doesn’t sacrifice functionality, offering multiple cooking options while remaining simple to operate.

The stainless steel exterior gives it a modern, clean look that fits into most kitchen décors. Inside, the cavity is easy to wipe down, and the LED lighting helps monitor food without having to open the door. For a microwave in this price range, it balances power, versatility, and design remarkably well.

Pros

• Multiple one-touch cooking presets

• Effective 1000-watt heating performance

• Compact size with ample 1.1 cu ft capacity

• Easy-to-clean stainless steel interior and exterior

Cons

• Beeping sound is loud and cannot be muted

• LED display can be hard to read at certain angles

The Farberware 1.1 cu ft microwave is a solid pick for anyone needing a powerful, space-saving appliance. It offers efficient cooking with a user-friendly design and is especially well-suited for students, singles, or office kitchens.

Source: Amazon

Also great: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave

The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) 0.9 cu ft microwave is a compact yet capable appliance that fits easily into apartments, dorms, or office kitchens. After testing, it proved to be efficient for daily use, especially for reheating, defrosting, and simple meal prep. With 900 watts of output power and 11 power levels, it offers plenty of flexibility for its size class.

Despite being smaller than standard microwaves, it includes a surprising number of features, including a mute function, preset menus, and a safety-oriented child lock. The black stainless steel finish also adds a stylish, modern touch. Its operation is straightforward, and the LED lighting inside makes food monitoring easy.

Pros

• Mute mode for silent operation

• 6 auto-cook presets for convenience

• Compact design with a 10.6-inch turntable

• Two-step child lock for safety

Cons

• Slightly lower power at 900 watts

• Limited internal height may not fit taller containers

The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) is an excellent choice for small households or secondary kitchen use. It delivers strong everyday performance, helpful features, and quiet operation—all in a sleek, space-saving package.

Also great: GE Countertop Microwave Oven

The GE 0.7 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven offers a simple, no-fuss solution for those in tight living spaces like dorms, offices, or studio apartments. During testing, it handled light-duty heating tasks such as warming beverages, reheating leftovers, and cooking small frozen meals efficiently, though its 700-watt power output naturally means longer cook times compared to higher-wattage models.

This microwave prioritizes simplicity, with straightforward one-touch buttons and express cook options. The stainless steel and black glass exterior gives it a polished, modern look, while its lightweight build and compact size make it especially easy to place or move. It doesn’t have many advanced features, but for the price and size, it fulfills basic cooking needs reliably.

Pros

• Ultra-compact footprint fits in small spaces

• Simple one-touch controls and express cooking

• Sleek stainless steel and glass design

• Manual and auto defrost options

Cons

• Lower 700-watt power means longer cook times

• Limited interior space restricts dish size

The GE 0.7 cu ft microwave is a practical, affordable pick for users with minimal space and modest cooking needs. While it's not ideal for full meal prep, it's dependable for quick reheats and simple tasks, making it a solid addition to any small kitchen setup.

In the world of today, Microwaves have come to be a necessity in every modern kitchen due to their unmatchable convenience as well as the efficiency they provide that is used for quick meal preparations. But then again, the availability of numerous options in the market comes in to make it a challenging job to select the right one among a great number of small microwaves on the market. These days wattage, size, and the different features are just a few of the important factors that you have to consider if you want to make an informed decision that will be suitable for you.

1. Assess Your Needs

Before diving into the list of the options comprising the market, it is very important to assess your specific requirements. From the following questions, measure the applicability:

• How much space do you have available for the microwave?
• What cooking tasks do you primarily intend to use the microwave for?
• How many people will typically be using the microwave?
• Are there any specific features or functionalities you prioritize?

Grasping your needs means you can bring your options into dimension and instead of having them all, you will just be having models that will satisfy your unique requirements.

2. Size and Capacity

Small microwaves available in many sizes and capacities come in the form of a compact model that is suitable for tight spaces or a slightly larger model that offers more cooking space. While determining the size, both external dimensions to ensure it fits within the area of your kitchen should be considered as well your typical meal sizes that will fit into the internal capacity one.

And then, think also of the turntable size plus the interior height since all of these specifications will affect the types of dishes and containers that you can use in the microwave.

3. Wattage

Wattage is the major thing that determines how quickly and powerfully a microwave can cook food. The more the watts, the quicker the cooking. The usual wattage in a small microwave oven is for 600 to 1200 watts. Faster and greater the wattage, the more energy it would require to be safe. So, I would suggest you think of the food you intend to cook and the time you want it to be cooked for when choosing the wattage.

4. Features That Help With Cooking

The convenience technology of today is preventing more kids from spending time in the kitchen than ever before. They look at it now as a way to live as their parents have, i.e., "Mom did this, so I can do that." In today's market, there are many features combined into one device, which is not only simple but also convenient and more flexible than a stove or a hot plate. For example:

• Pre-set programs: Just one push of a button or you can cook or warm multiple food items. No need to worry about cooking time or heat needed for it.
• Defrost settings: The microwaves with various food definitions are the ones you should watch out for. No need to worry about cooking your food already while defrosting it.
• Sensor cooking: Modern microwaves with sensing systems are available that can feel the moisture present in the food and adjust the power and time automatically for proper cooking.

The most important thing is to find a microwave that has the features you need based on your cooking skills and habits.

5. Easy to Use and Keep Clean

It is crucial that your microwave is very simple to control and clean. This makes using and maintaining the microwave very uncomplicated. Look for clear buttons and features. Check how easy it is to clean inside and out, as cleaning is important for keeping your microwave looking and working its best.

6. Dollars Matter

Have a budget always in mind, according to your needs and wants. Well, high-quality microwaves appear expensive at first. But, often, they give back in durability, function, and top-tier traits making the investment worth it.

In conclusion, choosing the right small microwave consists of six key principles. Size, capacity, the power of the micro, special features, how simple it is to use, and finally, cost are the factors. You can sit down and go through this checklist with what you need in mind and then make the right decision. This will make you a better cook and completely fulfill that kitchen gap. Choose a small microwave and introduce innovation in your kitchen with a variety of cooking methods.

Read More:

• The Best Countertop Microwave Oven In 2025 - A Comprehensive Review
• The Best Small Countertop Microwave For Compact Kitchens
• 10 Best Combination Microwave Convection Oven
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The evaluators of the microwave had a great deal of experience, and so we evaluated the mini microwave ovens. Our efforts were directed at their capacities, energy consumption, and ease of use as well as we would attempt to answer the following questions that guide us. The major attributes to be assessed were the mini microwave oven's dimensions and wattage output as well as its design ergonomics and the involvement of the design elements. It is as a result of our evaluation of these very elements that we have arrived at the conclusion that the compact microwaves, these gadgets can blend with modern kitchen arrangements, heat is distributed uniformly, and the very choices to present to the users of these units are so easy and comfortable to use, are the ingredients, technology, and knowledge that microwave manufacturers can now offer people to convince them to buy their products. We are committed to providing the populace with the information that is needed for a comprehensively informed choice, and acquisition, that they will be satisfied with the energy-saving and the reliability of the compact microwave that the users are looking for. The purpose of our thorough and coherent disclosure to be the basis of public selection also has a side that talks about the importance of the various components of the genetic makeup of a person in being able to adapt his lifestyle to the new changes in the environment such as the mini microwaves and their practical designs and the cooking time that was still going to deliver the food quickly and easily.

A microwave should have a volume of 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet (20 to 28 liters) to be good for a single person. These small models are perfect for rewarming leftovers, preparing tiny meals, or making small snacks. The microwave being used should have an output of 700 to 900 watts to make the cooking process more efficient by using less energy.

If you only use the microwave for drinks, defrosting, or meals warming, then a microwave of 0.7 cubic feet (20 liters) capacity will be just perfect for you. But if you want to occasionally cook or create bigger dishes, then a 1.0 cubic feet (28-liter) microwave might be a better choice.

Do Small Microwaves Work Well?

Yes, small microwaves, as per your specs can efficiently work, though it entirely depends on your specific demands. Tiny version microwaves are quite suitable for a person, dorms, small kitchens, or making some food in an RV. They can heat food items, reheat drinks, and defrost food. However, the following are some limitations:

• Lower Wattage - The majority of smaller microwaves range from 600 to 900 watts which means, mostly they are slow to cook food compared to a big-power high standard of models.
• Limited Interior Space - a small microwave probably won?t take a big plate, tall mug, or big food storage containers. If you want to heat a big meal then a mid-sized one may fulfill your needs.
• Basic Features - Most compact microwaves only have simple switches or functions. If you want some advanced cooking options then you will have to check out some bigger microwaves.

In general, smaller microwaves are ideal for occasional use, cooking simple meals, and using little space, but they might not be the right choice for large meal preparations or more elaborate recipes.

Is a 17-Liter Microwave Small?

Indeed, a 17-liter (0.6 cubic feet) microwave is really tiny. This size is perfect for simple chores like warming leftovers, preparing instant noodles, or thawing small amounts of food. However, it may not accommodate large dinner plates or bigger food sizes.

A 17-liter microwave is best suited for single users, especially if you have a small kitchen or office. It is also great for students living in dorms or for people in compact areas like RVs. When you only use a microwave infrequently and do not need to cook large meals, this size should be just right for you. But if you want to have more options, upgrading to a 20-25 liter (0.7-0.9 cubic feet) model would provide more flexibility.

When it comes to finding the best small microwave, it’s all about balancing size, performance, and features that suit your daily needs. Whether you’re tight on counter space, living in a dorm, or just want a compact option for quick meals, there’s a model out there that fits perfectly into your routine. From reliable reheating to smart presets and sleek designs, the right small microwave can make a big difference in your kitchen. No matter which option you choose from our list, you’ll be getting a convenient, space-saving appliance that doesn’t compromise on functionality.