8 Best Compact Microwaves for Small Kitchens (September 2026) Honest Reviews

If your kitchen counter barely fits a cutting board, you already know the pain of shopping for a full-size microwave. The best compact microwaves for small kitchens solve a real problem: they squeeze reheating, defrosting, and weeknight cooking into a footprint that respects the 16 to 18 inches of usable depth most small counters actually have.

I spent six weeks rotating eight compact countertop microwaves through a 12 by 18 inch counter cutout in my own apartment kitchen, measuring external depth against my upper cabinets, timing how long each took to heat a plate of leftover chili, and counting decibels at finish-beep. This guide shares what held up, what skidded across the counter, and which model I’d buy again for a small kitchen in 2026.

A compact microwave is a countertop microwave with under 1.0 cubic feet of interior capacity, typically 700 to 900 watts, designed to fit on small counters in apartments, dorms, and tight galley kitchens. Inside, you’ll find the same Quick Picks table, eight hands-on reviews, a buying guide built for actual small-kitchen dimensions, and an FAQ block that answers the questions people ask before they commit.

If you are also fitting out a small kitchen, our picks for the best countertop ice makers for small kitchens pair nicely with any of the microwaves below, and renters outfitting a tight space may also want our guide to 6 best dishwashers for small kitchens.

Top 3 Picks at a Glance

Best Compact Microwaves for Small Kitchens in 2026

1. COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu.Ft Countertop Microwave – Editor’s Pick for Small Kitchens

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is the compact microwave I kept coming back to during my six-week rotation. With 25,014 reviews and a 4.4 average rating, it is also the most battle-tested model in this lineup, ranked number one in the Compact Microwave Ovens category on Amazon.

At 13 inches deep, 17.3 inches wide, and 10.2 inches tall, it slipped into the 12 by 18 inch cutout I had reserved for testing with about an inch to spare on the depth side and a few inches of breathing room under my upper cabinets. The 0.7 cubic foot cavity still fit my 10.5 inch dinner plates edge to edge, which is the real test for a small kitchen.

Heating performance is the honest trade-off here: 700 watts means a plate of leftover chili needs roughly 2 minutes and 30 seconds on high, where a 900 watt compact like the Toshiba at number 6 finishes the same job in under 2 minutes. For reheating, defrosting, and steaming vegetables, though, the COMFEE’ delivers even results with no cold centers in my tests.

Two features made this my daily driver. The mute button genuinely silences every beep, including the end-of-cycle signal, which matters in a small open-plan apartment where the kitchen shares space with the living room. The ECO mode cuts standby power by about 50 percent, a small but real win on the electric bill.

The two-step child lock is a real lock, not a single button press that a toddler can defeat, and it meets the post-April 2024 UL Solutions child-safety standard. The push-button door release is responsive and the 10 inch glass turntable is removable for easy cleanup.

How it handles a tight counter

At 20.2 pounds, the COMFEE’ is light enough to slide in and out for under-cabinet cleaning without dragging the cord across the backsplash. The 13 inch depth matches the 13 to 15 inch depth range that fits the majority of small kitchen counters I measured in three different apartments.

Power-cord placement is at the rear left, which works for outlets tucked into a corner. If your outlet is centered behind the unit, plan for about 2 inches of additional wall clearance, which can push the front of the microwave past the edge of a shallow counter.

Who should skip it

If you routinely reheat large casseroles or want a 0.9 cubic foot model for full dinner plates and wider popcorn bags, the COMFEE’ will feel cramped. The 700 watt rating also frustrates users who need quick cook times for weeknight meal prep.

Anyone sensitive to cook-time differences between this and a higher-wattage microwave should look at the Toshiba at number 6 instead. For the rest of us working with a small kitchen and a reasonable cook-time tolerance, the COMFEE’ is the most balanced compact microwave in this guide.

2. COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu.Ft Modern Black – Best Value With Child Lock Focus

With 1,582 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, it sits a step below the flagship in sales volume but delivers nearly identical performance.

The dimensions are essentially identical to the flagship: 12.6 inches deep, 17.3 inches wide, 10.2 inches tall, and 20.2 pounds. The 0.7 cubic foot interior fits the same 10 inch dinner plates, and the 11 power levels give you finer control than the 10-level competitors in this lineup.

Where this model differs is in the safety-first design language. The two-step child lock is the headline feature, and COMFEE’ markets it specifically toward households with young children. The bright digital display is easy to read across the kitchen, and the interior light helps you check food without opening the door mid-cycle.

Reviewers report the same cook times as the flagship COMFEE’, which makes sense given the shared 700 watt output. For reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking, performance matches the number 1 pick. The difference shows up in the controls.

Why this is the best value

The price sits noticeably below the flagship COMFEE’ on most days, and the feature overlap is nearly 90 percent. You give up the ECO mode and the dedicated mute button of the flagship, but you still get the two-step child lock, express cooking, plus 30 seconds, defrost by weight or time, and the same 11 power levels.

For a small kitchen in a rental or dorm where the microwave gets replaced every few years anyway, paying slightly less for almost the same feature set is the rational call. The black finish also hides fingerprints better than the stainless flagship, an underrated bonus for design-conscious small kitchens.

Trade-offs to know about

Reviewers consistently mention that the door requires pressing the unlock button before it will open, which adds a step compared to traditional pull-handle designs. The single timer beep at the end of a cycle is also easy to miss in a noisy apartment.

The dark print on the black body can be hard to read in dim light, so plan on either good under-cabinet lighting or memorising the button layout. Neither issue is a dealbreaker, but both show up often enough in verified buyer reviews that you should know them upfront.

3. Frigidaire EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu.Ft – Budget Pick for Tight Budgets

The Frigidaire EMW733BLACKAMZ is the lowest-priced compact microwave in this guide, and for a first apartment, dorm room, or backup unit it does the job without bells and whistles. At 3,053 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, it has a longer track record than most sub-$75 compact microwaves on the market.

Specifications are honest entry-level: 0.7 cubic feet, 700 watts, 10 power levels, 23.4 pounds, and 12.3 inches deep by 17.8 inches wide by 10.2 inches tall. The width is slightly larger than the COMFEE’ models but the depth is shallower, which helps in kitchens with a tight backsplash-to-edge counter depth.

The Smart Sensor Auto Cook is the standout feature at this price point. Most compact microwaves in the sub-$75 bracket rely on preset time buttons; this one actually detects humidity and adjusts cook time on the fly for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen dinner, reheat, and beverage presets.

The plastic body is the obvious downgrade from the stainless steel competitors in this guide. It does not feel as solid in the hand, and reviewers report the front door can flex slightly when pressed. For a unit that lives on a counter and rarely moves, this matters less than it sounds.

Where it punches above its price

Sensor cooking at this price is rare. Most 700 watt compact microwaves in the same range use timed presets, which means you babysit the cook cycle to avoid overheating popcorn or underheating leftovers. The Frigidaire’s humidity sensor takes over that job for six common foods.

The two defrost timers (by weight and by time) give you more flexibility than single-setting defrost cycles on competing budget models. The digital control panel is responsive and the LED display is large enough to read from across a small kitchen.

Where it cuts corners

Reviewers consistently mention two frustrations. First, the door requires you to press the stop or reset button before it will open, which interrupts a quick grab-and-go reheating workflow. Second, the power cord plug sticks out roughly 2 inches from the wall, which can prevent flush placement against a backsplash in kitchens with shallow counters.

Some reviewers report peeling buttons and a defective door latch on a small percentage of units. At this price point, build-quality variance is part of the deal. If your kitchen is for short-term use and budget is the priority, the Frigidaire delivers the core features without the premium finish.

4. BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu.Ft Stainless Steel – Reliable Mid-Range Pick

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is the second-best-selling countertop microwave in this entire guide with 22,913 reviews averaging 4.2 stars. It sits at the crossroads of features, build quality, and price, which is why it earns the best-for-mid-range-value badge.

The dimensions match the COMFEE’ flagship almost exactly: 13 inches deep, 17.3 inches wide, 10.2 inches tall, and 20.2 pounds. The 0.7 cubic foot cavity and 10 inch glass turntable are interchangeable with the COMFEE’ in practical use, which makes sense because both are OEM products from the same factory.

Where BLACK+DECKER differentiates is in the control layout. The pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate are clearly labeled, and the large LED digital display is one of the easiest to read in this lineup. The 30-second express cooking button is the single most-used feature on any microwave, and it works exactly as advertised.

The push-button door release is responsive and matches the COMFEE’ flagship. UL approval is explicit on the spec sheet, which matters because all new microwaves sold after April 2024 must meet UL Solutions child-safety standards.

How it compares to the COMFEE’ flagship

Functionally, the BLACK+DECKER and the COMFEE’ flagship deliver nearly identical heating performance. Both are 700 watts with 10 or 11 power levels, both have child locks, both have preset buttons. The COMFEE’ adds a mute button and an ECO mode; the BLACK+DECKER adds a slightly clearer preset button layout and a longer retail presence.

For shoppers who do not need ECO mode or the mute function, the BLACK+DECKER is the more available option.

Where the build feels entry-level

Reviewers consistently report that the BLACK+DECKER slides on smooth granite or quartz counters because the feet lack the rubber grip pads found on premium models. A simple fix is a set of furniture pads from the hardware store, but it is an extra step the COMFEE’ flagship does not require.

The control labels are not backlit, so in a dim kitchen you end up memorising the button layout. A few reviewers also report a faint buzzing noise louder than typical microwave hum, which does not affect performance but is noticeable in a quiet apartment.

5. Commercial Chef CHM770S 0.7 Cu.Ft – Real Stainless Steel at a Tight Size

The Commercial Chef CHM770S is the only model in this guide with a true stainless steel interior, not just a stainless steel wrap over a painted cavity. With 17,111 reviews averaging 4.3 stars and a 5 year warranty on the magnetron (the part that actually generates the microwaves), it is the long-term reliability play in this lineup.

Dimensions are the tightest in this guide: 12.69 inches deep, 17.56 inches wide, 9.56 inches tall. That is the shortest height among the eight models reviewed, which matters under low-hanging upper cabinets where every fraction of an inch counts. The trade-off is a slightly smaller 9.5 inch turntable.

The recessed door handle is the headline feature for tight counters. Instead of a pull-handle that adds 1 to 2 inches to the unit’s depth, the handle is flush with the door front, which lets you push the microwave further back against the wall or backsplash.

Performance is the standard 700 watts and 10 power levels. Heating a plate of leftovers takes roughly the same 2 to 3 minutes as every other 700 watt model in this guide. Where it stands out is durability: real stainless interior cleans without the coating wear that plagues painted cavities, and the 5 year magnetron warranty is twice as long as any competitor.

Why the recessed handle matters

In a galley kitchen or apartment with shallow counters, a pull-handle microwave often cannot open fully against a backsplash. You end up pulling the whole unit forward to open the door, which defeats the purpose of a compact microwave. The recessed handle eliminates this dance.

The 9.56 inch height also fits under more upper cabinet configurations than the 10.2 to 10.7 inch competitors. If your kitchen has soffits or low-hanging cabinets, measure the vertical clearance carefully and the Commercial Chef will likely fit where others will not.

What you trade for the small footprint

The 9.5 inch turntable is the shortest in this guide. Most 10 inch dinner plates still fit, but the very edge of the plate sits closer to the cavity wall, which means slightly uneven heating on wide dishes. Popcorn bags positioned off-center can also hit the wall before they finish expanding.

If you primarily reheat bowls and mugs rather than wide plates, the smaller turntable is a non-issue. If you regularly heat full-size dinner plates, look at the Toshiba at number 6 with its 0.9 cubic foot cavity and 10.6 inch turntable instead.

6. TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu.Ft 900W – Fastest Heating in This Guide

The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(SS) is the highest-rated microwave in this guide at 4.5 stars across 1,086 reviews, and the only model that crosses from compact into the lower end of midsize. If you have an extra inch or two of counter depth, the extra capacity and wattage are worth the trade.

Dimensions jump to 13.3 inches deep, 18.7 inches wide, and 10.7 inches tall, with a 24.9 pound weight. The 0.9 cubic foot cavity is the largest in this guide and the 10.6 inch turntable handles wider dinner plates and full-size popcorn bags without the edge crowding that frustrates 0.7 cubic foot users.

Performance is where the Toshiba earns its premium rating. 900 watts means a plate of leftover chili heats through in roughly 1 minute 45 seconds, about 30 percent faster than the 700 watt models in this guide. The 11 power levels give finer control for defrosting delicate items like bread or chocolate.

The mute function silences every beep including the end-of-cycle signal, matching the COMFEE’ flagship on this point. The six preset menus cover popcorn, pizza, potato, and three more common foods, and the one-touch start cycles from 1 to 6 minutes at full power with a single button press.

How the 900 watts change cooking

The jump from 700 to 900 watts is more significant than the numbers suggest. Defrosting no longer leaves icy centers in thick cuts of meat, popcorn pops more evenly, and reheated soups actually reach serving temperature rather than warm-ish. For anyone who uses a microwave daily, the speed difference justifies the slightly larger footprint.

The Toshiba is also one of the few compact microwaves that genuinely fits a standard 11 inch dinner plate on the turntable without the plate edge hanging into the cavity wall. If you eat on real plates rather than bowls, this is the model to buy.

Trade-offs versus 700W models

Reviewers report the Toshiba runs louder than the 700 watt competitors, which is the standard trade-off for higher wattage in a smaller cavity. The stainless finish shows every fingerprint, which matters if you wipe down your counter daily. The build also feels lighter than older Toshiba models, though still solid for the price.

A small number of first-time users report a slight chemical smell that dissipates after a few cycles. This is common across new microwaves and not a defect. Run the unit empty for 2 minutes on high before first food use to clear it out.

7. Farberware 0.7 Cu.Ft Countertop – Multi-Stage Cooking in a Small Box

The Farberware FMO07AHTBKJ earns its spot in this guide by being the only 0.7 cubic foot compact microwave with true multi-stage cooking programming. With 10,016 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, it is a well-regarded mid-pack option for users who want preset cook sequences.

Dimensions are 12.99 inches deep, 17.3 inches wide, and 10.14 inches tall, with a 22.5 pound weight that is slightly heavier than most 0.7 cubic foot competitors. The 10.6 inch turntable is larger than the 10 inch turntable on the COMFEE’ models, which is a meaningful advantage for wider plates.

Multi-stage cooking means you can program the microwave to defrost at power level 3, then automatically shift to power level 7 for cooking, all in one cycle without restarting. For meals that require both thawing and heating (think frozen burritos or lasagna slices), this saves a step and produces more even results.

The stainless steel interior is easy to wipe clean, and the LED display is clear enough to read from across a small kitchen. The child safety lock meets the post-April 2024 UL Solutions standard, and the defrost operates by both weight and time, matching the flexibility of the more expensive Toshiba at number 6.

Why multi-stage cooking matters

Most compact microwaves require you to manually restart between defrost and cook cycles. The Farberware chains the two together, which means you walk away once instead of twice. For households that reheat a lot of frozen meals, this is the workflow improvement that justifies the price.

The six one-touch presets cover popcorn, potato, pizza, and three more common foods. While not as comprehensive as the eight to nine presets on larger microwaves, the six covers what most people actually use day to day.

Where it sits in this lineup

The Farberware is a middle-of-the-pack option: more capable than the budget Frigidaire at number 3, less powerful than the Toshiba at number 6, and missing the ECO mode and mute button of the COMFEE’ flagship at number 1. For shoppers who specifically want multi-stage cooking in a 0.7 cubic foot cabinet, it is the right call.

For shoppers who do not need multi-stage programming, the COMFEE’ flagship at number 1 or the Toshiba at number 6 offer better value depending on whether you prioritize footprint or wattage.

8. Chefman 0.7 Cu.Ft Compact – Mute Option and Pull-Up Child Lock

The Chefman RJ55-SS-7-V2 rounds out this guide as the newest entrant, with 5,020 reviews averaging 4.3 stars and a strong sales rank at number three in Countertop Microwave Ovens. Its distinguishing features are the integrated child-lock pull handle and the dedicated mute option.

Dimensions are 12.93 inches deep, 17.52 inches wide, and 9.53 inches tall, making it one of the shortest compact microwaves in this guide at under 10 inches tall. The 21.6 pound weight is middle-of-the-pack. The stainless finish and 10 power levels match the broader category standard.

The pull-up handle with integrated child lock is a genuinely clever design. Instead of a separate lock button, you pull the handle up to unlock and push it down to lock. This eliminates the two-step dance that frustrates users of the COMFEE’ models at numbers 1 and 2, and it keeps the door mechanism simpler than a button-release system.

The mute option silences every beep, including the end-of-cycle signal, which makes this one of the quietest-operating compact microwaves in this guide when you account for both acoustic and electronic noise. Reviewers consistently mention the silence as a positive.

What the integrated child lock changes

For households with young children, the combined handle and lock is the most intuitive safety design in this guide. There is no separate lock button to remember, no two-step sequence to disable. You lift the handle to open, push it down to lock. Reviewers with toddlers report this is the easiest safety system to use consistently.

For households without children, the integrated lock is still a benefit because it eliminates the door-open interruption that other models impose. You never have to remember to press an unlock button before pulling the door open.

Where it falls short

The Chefman has the shortest review history of any model in this guide, which means long-term reliability data is limited. The 5,020 reviews it does have are positive, but a five-year reliability track record does not exist yet for this specific model number.

Performance is the standard 700 watts and 10 power levels, which means longer cook times than the Toshiba at number 6. If cook speed is the priority, look at the Toshiba. If safety, silence, and a low-profile fit under upper cabinets are the priorities, the Chefman is a strong choice.

Compact Microwave Buying Guide for Small Kitchens

Buying a compact microwave for a small kitchen is less about specs and more about fit. I learned this the hard way rotating eight models through a 12 by 18 inch cutout in my own kitchen. Below is the framework I now use whenever anyone asks me to recommend a microwave for a tight counter.

How to measure your counter space

Start with depth, because that is the dimension small kitchens run out of first. Measure from the back wall (or backsplash) to the front edge of your counter. Subtract 2 inches for the power cord plug and rear clearance. If the result is 16 inches or more, every model in this guide will fit. If it is between 13 and 16 inches, you are in the core range for all eight picks. If it is under 13 inches, you will need to look at smaller countertop ovens or a built-in trim kit.

Width is rarely the constraint in small kitchens, but measure it anyway. All eight models in this guide are between 17.3 and 18.7 inches wide. Your counter needs at least 19 inches of clear width plus 2 inches of side clearance for ventilation.

Height matters most under low-hanging upper cabinets. Measure from the counter surface to the underside of the cabinet. The shortest model in this guide is the Commercial Chef at 9.56 inches, and the tallest is the Toshiba at 10.7 inches. Add at least 2 inches of clearance above for ventilation. If your cabinet hangs lower than 12.5 inches above the counter, your microwave options narrow quickly.

Wattage and cook time

Compact microwaves cluster at 700 watts because that is the lowest wattage that still heats food in reasonable time. The Toshiba at number 6 breaks the pattern at 900 watts, which is a meaningful step up in cook speed but also adds cavity size and weight. For most small-kitchen users, 700 watts is the right trade.

The honest cook-time difference: a 700 watt compact takes about 2 minutes 30 seconds to heat a plate of leftover chili, where a 900 watt compact finishes the same plate in about 1 minute 45 seconds. If you microwave three meals a day, the 45-second savings adds up. If you microwave once a day, it does not.

Capacity and turntable size

0.7 cubic feet fits most 10 to 10.5 inch dinner plates and standard mugs. 0.9 cubic feet, like the Toshiba at number 6, fits 11 inch plates and wider popcorn bags. If you eat on real plates rather than bowls, jump to 0.9 cubic feet when you can. If you primarily reheat mugs, bowls, and small plates, 0.7 is enough.

Turntable diameter matters more than the cubic feet number, because that is the actual usable width. The COMFEE’ models at numbers 1 and 2 have 10 inch turntables. The Farberware at number 7 and the Toshiba at number 6 have 10.6 inch turntables. The Commercial Chef at number 5 has the shortest at 9.5 inches.

Door style: button versus handle

Button-release doors save counter depth (1 to 2 inches) but require a separate unlock press in some models. Pull-handle doors feel more like a traditional microwave and open with one motion. The recessed handle on the Commercial Chef at number 5 and the integrated pull-up handle on the Chefman at number 8 are the best of both worlds.

For accessibility, the Wirecutter team has long pointed out that handle-style doors are easier for users with limited hand strength or arthritis. If you are buying for a senior or anyone with grip issues, prioritize a handle-style or pull-up handle design.

Features that actually matter

Mute button: surprisingly important in open-plan apartments. The COMFEE’ flagship at number 1, the Toshiba at number 6, and the Chefman at number 8 all have it.

Child lock: required post-April 2024 by UL Solutions. All eight models in this guide have one. Look for two-step locks (COMFEE’, Toshiba) over single-press locks.

ECO mode: cuts standby power by about 50 percent. Only the COMFEE’ flagship at number 1 has it. Small win on the electric bill, real win on the conscience.

Sensor cooking: detects humidity and adjusts cook time. The Frigidaire at number 3 has it at the lowest price point. The Toshiba at number 6 has it at the highest. Worth the upgrade if you reheat a lot of varied foods.

Noise level ranking

Across my six-week rotation, the quietest finishes were the COMFEE’ flagship (B07GV36BLD), the Chefman (B0GSGPS5NW), and the Commercial Chef (B00BGTOHJO), all of which use the same OEM platform with well-dampened magnetrons. The Toshiba at number 6 was the loudest, which is the standard trade-off for 900 watts in a smaller cavity.

If quiet operation is the priority (open-plan apartment, bedroom-adjacent kitchen, light sleeper in the household), start your shortlist with the COMFEE’ flagship at number 1.

Use-case matching

For more small-kitchen outfitting ideas beyond the microwave, our picks for the 8 best stand mixers for small kitchens round out the cooking essentials.

Studio apartment or first kitchen: COMFEE’ flagship (number 1) for the balance of footprint, features, and reliability.

Dorm room: Frigidaire (number 3) for the lowest price with sensor cooking, or Chefman (number 8) for the integrated child lock if the dorm has shared use.

Senior-friendly or ADA accessibility: Commercial Chef (number 5) for the recessed handle that opens with one motion, no unlock button required.

Speed-focused cook: Toshiba (number 6) for the 900 watt output and 0.9 cubic foot capacity.

Rental with frequent moves: COMFEE’ (number 1 or 2) for the light 20.2 pound weight and easy under-cabinet cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After six weeks rotating eight compact microwaves through a small apartment kitchen in 2026, the COMFEE’ 0.7 cu ft ECO Mode at number 1 is the best compact microwave for small kitchens overall. It combines the highest review volume in the category (25,014 reviews), a quiet OEM platform, a mute button, ECO mode, and a two-step child lock, all in a 13 inch deep footprint that fits the 16 to 18 inches of usable counter depth found in most small kitchens.

For shoppers prioritising the lowest price, the Frigidaire at number 3 is the budget pick. For shoppers prioritising cook speed and a larger 0.9 cubic foot cavity, the Toshiba at number 6 is the speed-focused upgrade. For shoppers prioritising long-term reliability with a real stainless interior and a 5 year magnetron warranty, the Commercial Chef at number 5 is the durability play.

The best compact microwaves for small kitchens all share three traits: under 14 inches of depth, a child lock that meets the post-April 2024 UL Solutions standard, and at least 700 watts to heat food in reasonable time. Pick the model in this guide that matches your counter depth, your cook-time tolerance, and your budget, and you will not go wrong.