10 Best Dorm Room Microwave 2025 in the United States

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is a solid choice for a dorm room. It has a large interior with a 1.2 cubic feet capacity, which can fit a 12-inch pizza, making it ideal for larger meals. The 1100W power provides quick and efficient cooking, and the pre-programmed sensor menu takes the guesswork out of heating common foods like pizza and veggies. There are 10 power settings, defrost options, and a kitchen timer, making it versatile for various cooking needs.

The large digital display and easy-to-read control panel enhance usability, while the mute function is a considerate feature for a shared dorm environment. The ECO mode helps save energy, which is a nice bonus for both environmental and budget concerns. However, at 34.6 pounds, it’s relatively heavy and may be cumbersome to move around. Its dimensions (18.4 x 23.3 x 15 inches) require a fair amount of countertop space.

The stainless steel material is durable and easy to clean, but the black color may show fingerprints more easily. The microwave includes safety features such as a child lock, and the 1-year warranty provides some reassurance. While its modern design might appeal to many, the somewhat large footprint might be a drawback in smaller dorm rooms.

The Farberware Countertop Microwave, with its 1000 watts of power and 1.1 cubic feet capacity, is a solid choice for dorm rooms and small apartments. Its powerful settings include ten power levels and six one-touch options for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, making it highly versatile. The defrost by weight or time feature is also handy for quick food preparation.

The microwave’s compact size (16.54 x 20.2 x 12.03 inches) ensures it fits well in tight spaces while still offering ample cooking capacity. The easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior and interior save time on maintenance, which is crucial for busy students. Additionally, the LED display with a kitchen timer and clock, interior lighting, and child safety lock enhance user convenience and safety.

However, at a weight of 0.01 ounces (likely an error), the actual weight might be more substantial, which could affect portability. Some may find the stainless steel design prone to fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning. Despite these minor drawbacks, this microwave stands out as a reliable and practical choice for small living spaces.

The Farberware Countertop Microwave with 1000 watts of power and a capacity of 1.3 cubic feet is a great option for dorm rooms. It’s compact yet offers full-sized cooking capabilities. One of its main strengths is the powerful 1000-watt output, which ensures quick and efficient cooking. The microwave comes with ten power levels and multi-stage cooking, providing a lot of flexibility. The six one-touch options, such as settings for popcorn, potato, and pizza, make it very convenient for quick meals.

Additionally, the defrost settings by weight or time are handy for thawing food efficiently. The LED display, kitchen timer, and easy-to-view interior lighting add to its ease of use, and the child safety lock is a valuable safety feature, especially in shared living spaces like dorms. The microwave's stainless steel design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also easy to clean, which is essential for busy students.

However, considering its size, it might occupy a bit of counter space, which could be a drawback in very small dorm rooms. While it’s great for most residential uses, those who need very specific or advanced cooking features might find it lacking. For students or anyone in need of a reliable and straightforward microwave for small spaces, this Farberware model is a solid choice.