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10 Best Compact Microwave 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,216
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Functions

Most important from
21902 reviews

Size and Capacity
Compact size fits perfectly on countertops without taking up too much space.
Power (Wattage)
The 700-watt power output is perfect for quickly and evenly heating meals.
Cooking Functions
Pre-programmed settings for common foods are incredibly convenient.
Control Panel
The digital display is easy to read, and the controls are intuitive.
Interior Material
Cleanup is a breeze with the easy-to-clean interior and exterior.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is designed to be a compact and efficient kitchen appliance. With dimensions of 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”, it fits well on countertops without taking up too much space, making it suitable for smaller kitchens or apartments. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity is modest but sufficient for reheating and preparing small meals. The 700-watt power level is adequate for basic cooking tasks, although it might take slightly longer to heat food compared to higher wattage models.

The microwave offers 10 power settings, which allows for some flexibility in cooking various dishes. The pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, and frozen vegetables are a convenient feature, simplifying the cooking process for users who might not want to manually adjust settings. The control panel is straightforward, complemented by a large LED display that is easy to read. The push-button door release enhances ease of use, and the child safety lock provides peace of mind for families.

The interior is equipped with a removable 10” glass turntable, which helps ensure even cooking. The stainless steel material gives the microwave a sleek, modern appearance and is generally easy to clean. While the product is UL approved and comes with a one-year limited warranty, some users might find the 700 watts somewhat limiting if they are used to more powerful microwaves. This microwave is best suited for users seeking a compact, basic model for light cooking and reheating tasks.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,216
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Functions

Most important from
21902 reviews

Size and Capacity
Compact size fits perfectly on countertops without taking up too much space.
Power (Wattage)
The 700-watt power output is perfect for quickly and evenly heating meals.
Cooking Functions
Pre-programmed settings for common foods are incredibly convenient.
Control Panel
The digital display is easy to read, and the controls are intuitive.
Interior Material
Cleanup is a breeze with the easy-to-clean interior and exterior.
#2

TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu Ft With 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & ECO Mode, Child Lock, LED Lighting, Black Stainless Steel

Rating
9.7
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Functions

Most important from
15300 reviews

Size and Capacity
Perfectly fits a large plate and is fairly lightweight.
Power (Wattage)
Heats very well with its 900-watt output.
Cooking Functions
Offers all essential presets like Beverage and Potato, with a convenient 30-second button for quick time additions.
Noise Level
This microwave is impressively quiet, making it easy to forget there's food inside.

The TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact yet powerful kitchen appliance, ideal for residential use. Its 0.9 cubic feet capacity and 10.6-inch removable turntable comfortably fit a 10-inch pizza, making it a great choice for small kitchens or limited counter space. With a 900-watt output and 10 power settings, this microwave offers decent cooking performance for various food items.

The six pre-programmed menus for popular foods like popcorn and pizza provide convenience for quick meals, while the defrost function by weight and time adds versatility. The one-touch start feature allows for easy operation, and the eco mode helps save power, making it an environmentally friendly option. The child safety lock feature enhances safety, especially in households with children.

The control panel is user-friendly, though it may take a bit of time for new users to get accustomed to all the functions. The black stainless steel exterior gives it a stylish look that fits well in any modern kitchen. At 27.3 pounds, it is relatively heavy for its size, and the noise level could be a bit higher than some might prefer. Despite these minor drawbacks, it is generally easy to clean.

Rating
9.7
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Functions

Most important from
15300 reviews

Size and Capacity
Perfectly fits a large plate and is fairly lightweight.
Power (Wattage)
Heats very well with its 900-watt output.
Cooking Functions
Offers all essential presets like Beverage and Potato, with a convenient 30-second button for quick time additions.
Noise Level
This microwave is impressively quiet, making it easy to forget there's food inside.
#3

Nostalgia NRMO7IVY6A Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu. Ft, Ivory

Rating
8.8
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Functions

Most important from
13148 reviews

Size and Capacity
The compact size is perfect for small office kitchens or personal spaces.
Power (Wattage)
Despite its 700 watts, it heats food efficiently and evenly.
Cooking Functions
The 12 pre-programmed settings make it easy to use, even for minimal effort.
Control Panel
Hit the big round button and it turns on for one minute, then rotate the button to quickly scale your time up or down.
Noise Level
The beeping is no louder than any other microwave owned.

The Nostalgia NRMO7IVY6A Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is a stylish and functional option for those looking for a compact microwave. With a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, it is suitable for small kitchens or limited counter space. Its 700 watts of cooking power provide adequate performance for quick cooking and reheating tasks.

The microwave features 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, a delay timer, and express cooking options, offering versatile and convenient cooking functions for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, and veggies. The digital clock and LED display make it easy to use and monitor cooking times, while the rotating glass carousel ensures even cooking results, which is a useful feature for consistent heating.

The retro design with chrome accents adds a fun and distinctive look to the kitchen, appealing to those who appreciate nostalgic aesthetics. The compact size may not be sufficient for larger dishes or families, and the 700-watt power might be less effective for more demanding cooking tasks. Despite these considerations, the Nostalgia NRMO7IVY6A has metal construction suggesting durability, and with a weight of 24.8 pounds, it is relatively easy to move or reposition. It is ideal for individuals or small households looking for a compact, stylish, and functional microwave for everyday use.

Rating
8.8
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Functions

Most important from
13148 reviews

Size and Capacity
The compact size is perfect for small office kitchens or personal spaces.
Power (Wattage)
Despite its 700 watts, it heats food efficiently and evenly.
Cooking Functions
The 12 pre-programmed settings make it easy to use, even for minimal effort.
Control Panel
Hit the big round button and it turns on for one minute, then rotate the button to quickly scale your time up or down.
Noise Level
The beeping is no louder than any other microwave owned.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Microwave

Choosing the right compact microwave involves understanding your specific needs and how different features can meet those needs. Compact microwaves are great for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices where space is limited. They offer the convenience of quickly heating or cooking food without taking up too much room. To make the best choice, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your requirements.
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 while also being large enough to accommodate the dishes you plan to use. Compact microwaves typically range from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. If you mostly reheat small meals or beverages, a smaller capacity will suffice. For larger plates or more frequent use, opt for a higher capacity within the compact range.
Power (Wattage)Power, measured in watts, determines how quickly and evenly the microwave can cook or reheat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking times and more even heating. Compact microwaves usually range from 600 to 1000 watts. If you need to quickly heat meals or cook more complex dishes, aim for a microwave with higher wattage. For basic reheating and simple tasks, a lower wattage will be adequate.
Cooking FunctionsCooking functions include preset programs and features like defrost, popcorn, pizza, and more. These functions are important for convenience and achieving better cooking results without guesswork. Basic models may have fewer presets, while more advanced ones offer a variety of options. Consider what you typically cook or reheat and choose a microwave with functions that match your needs. If you enjoy a variety of foods, look for a model with more presets.
Control PanelThe control panel can be either mechanical (knobs) or digital (buttons and touchpads). This is important for ease of use and precision. Mechanical controls are straightforward and durable, ideal for those who prefer simplicity. Digital controls offer more precise settings and additional features like timers and child locks. Choose based on your preference for simplicity versus advanced functionality.
TurntableA turntable is a rotating glass plate inside the microwave that helps cook food evenly. This feature is important for ensuring that your food heats uniformly. Most compact 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 even heating is a priority, this is a must-have feature.
Interior MaterialThe interior material of the microwave affects its durability and ease of cleaning. Common materials include stainless steel and enamel. Stainless steel interiors are more durable and resistant to stains, while enamel interiors are easier to clean. Consider how often you use the microwave and how much effort you want to put into cleaning it. For heavy use, a stainless steel interior might be more suitable.
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 quiet environment like an office. Noise levels can vary, with some models being quieter than others. If noise is a concern, look for models that are specifically noted for their quiet operation.

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