We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Compact Microwave 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, and Convection Cooking, 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, Child-Lock, ES9P032NA

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,240
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Functions

Most important from
22343 reviews

Size and Capacity
This all-in-one appliance saves counter space while offering multiple cooking options like microwaving, air frying, baking, and roasting with reliable performance.
Power (Wattage)
With 900 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly, avoiding cold spots and speeding up meal prep compared to lower-powered microwaves.
Cooking Functions
The air fryer function delivers convenient crispiness without needing a separate device, making it especially handy for quick snacks.
Turntable
The 11-inch turntable fits most plates and bowls comfortably, ensuring even cooking and accommodating larger containers without scraping.
Control Panel
Touch controls are intuitive and responsive, with useful preset menus that simplify cooking common foods without guesswork.
Interior Material
The stainless steel interior is durable and easy to clean, providing a premium feel compared to typical plastic interiors.

The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile and compact appliance perfect for those who want multiple cooking options without taking up much counter space. Its 0.9 cubic feet capacity is ideal for small to medium meals, fitting well in most kitchens. With 900 watts of power, it offers decent cooking speed and efficiency for everyday use.

What sets this microwave apart is its 5-in-1 functionality: you can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and use a combination of grill and convection cooking. This versatility makes it great for users who want one device to handle a variety of cooking styles, including healthier air frying. The 11.3-inch turntable is a good size for most plates and bowls, ensuring even cooking. The interior is made of stainless steel, which is durable and easy to clean compared to plastic interiors.

The control panel uses touch buttons and includes 10 power levels plus several preset menus for common foods, which simplifies cooking without needing much guesswork. It also has a handy child-lock feature to prevent accidental use. Although it is not smart home compatible and lacks remote control or app integration found in some newer models, its noise levels are typical for a microwave with air frying capabilities, which may be a bit louder than basic microwaves but expected given its multiple functions. For those seeking a compact microwave that offers cooking flexibility beyond simple reheating and defrosting, this BLACK+DECKER model is an excellent choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,240
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Functions

Most important from
22343 reviews

Size and Capacity
This all-in-one appliance saves counter space while offering multiple cooking options like microwaving, air frying, baking, and roasting with reliable performance.
Power (Wattage)
With 900 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly, avoiding cold spots and speeding up meal prep compared to lower-powered microwaves.
Cooking Functions
The air fryer function delivers convenient crispiness without needing a separate device, making it especially handy for quick snacks.
Turntable
The 11-inch turntable fits most plates and bowls comfortably, ensuring even cooking and accommodating larger containers without scraping.
Control Panel
Touch controls are intuitive and responsive, with useful preset menus that simplify cooking common foods without guesswork.
Interior Material
The stainless steel interior is durable and easy to clean, providing a premium feel compared to typical plastic interiors.
#2

BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft

Rating
9.1
Power (Wattage)
Size and Capacity
Cooking Functions

Most important from
22343 reviews

Power (Wattage)
This microwave delivers commercial-grade 1000W heating power, quickly and evenly warming food without cold spots or overcooked edges.
Size and Capacity
The spacious 1.1 cubic feet interior easily fits full-sized 11-inch plates and large containers, making meal prep convenient and versatile.
Cooking Functions
Express one-touch controls and sensor presets for popcorn, potato, and pizza simplify cooking and prevent overcooking.
Control Panel
The digital control panel is intuitive and responsive, making it easy to learn and operate for everyday use.
Noise Level
The push-button door has a firm, reassuring latch that seals tightly and keeps operation quiet, though it may take a moment to get used to the opening mechanism.

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact microwave with good cooking power. Its 1.1 cubic feet capacity fits well in most kitchens without taking up too much space, making it ideal for small families or individuals. With 1000 watts of power and 10 power settings, it offers enough versatility for everyday cooking tasks, from reheating leftovers to defrosting and cooking frozen meals. The push-button door makes it easy to open, and the child safety lock is a helpful feature for households with kids.

This microwave includes convenient pre-programmed buttons for common items like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, which simplifies cooking for those who prefer quick, no-fuss options. The control panel features a large, clear LED display that’s easy to read, and the button controls are straightforward. The 12.4-inch removable glass turntable provides even cooking and is convenient for cleaning. It also has a stainless steel interior which is durable and easy to wipe clean.

Weighing over 30 pounds, the unit is sturdy but not very lightweight, and its dimensions are reasonably compact. This BLACK+DECKER microwave balances power, size, and user-friendly features well, making it a dependable countertop option for regular kitchen use. While it lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models, it covers all the basics with ease and convenience.

Rating
9.1
Power (Wattage)
Size and Capacity
Cooking Functions

Most important from
22343 reviews

Power (Wattage)
This microwave delivers commercial-grade 1000W heating power, quickly and evenly warming food without cold spots or overcooked edges.
Size and Capacity
The spacious 1.1 cubic feet interior easily fits full-sized 11-inch plates and large containers, making meal prep convenient and versatile.
Cooking Functions
Express one-touch controls and sensor presets for popcorn, potato, and pizza simplify cooking and prevent overcooking.
Control Panel
The digital control panel is intuitive and responsive, making it easy to learn and operate for everyday use.
Noise Level
The push-button door has a firm, reassuring latch that seals tightly and keeps operation quiet, though it may take a moment to get used to the opening mechanism.
#3

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

Rating
8.5
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Functions

Most important from
22343 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
8.5
Size and Capacity
Power (Wattage)
Cooking Functions

Most important from
22343 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.

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.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now