7 Best Compact Microwaves Perfect for Small Spaces in 2026
If you want to save space in your small kitchen or workspace, a compact microwave is a good choice. There are many models available, so picking the right one can be tricky. You need a microwave that fits your space and still heats food well.
Whether you care most about size, features, or price, there is a microwave that works for you. Keep these top options in mind. They are the best for small spaces in 2026.
These microwaves are simple to use, stylish, and do the job well.
Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13 Auto Menus
- Compact Design: With external dimensions of 20.6x16.3x11.8 inches (WxDxH) and internal dimensions of 13.9x14.1x10 inches...
- Versatile Cooking: Featuring 10 unique power levels and 13 preset menus for effortless sensor cook of various dishes, snacks,...
If you want a microwave that looks good and saves space, the Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven is a great choice. It has a sleek black stainless steel outside that suits modern kitchens. The glass turntable is 12.4 inches wide, so your food heats evenly. It’s small enough to fit in tiny spaces like dorm rooms or apartments, measuring just over 20 inches wide.
This microwave has 1000 watts of power and 13 auto menus. These menus make cooking quick and easy. The smart sensor adjusts cooking times on its own, so your snacks, drinks, or meals turn out just right without guesswork.
Some people find the control panel small and dim, making it hard to read. It also doesn’t have backlighting. There have been reports that the control panel may wear out over time, so durability might be a concern. Also, the manual instructions are not very clear, which can make operation tricky at first.
TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the...
- Specification: With output power 1250 watts, input power 1350 watts. External dimensions 21.8x 19.2x 12.9 inches (WxDxH);...
The TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven is a good choice for small kitchens. It has a sleek black stainless steel look that matches modern style. Its 1.6 cubic feet space and 1250 watts power help heat food quickly and evenly. Using inverter technology, it defrosts and cooks food smoothly and thoroughly. The easy-to-read LCD screen makes it simple to control. This microwave also comes with handy auto programs, a quick-start button, and safety features like a child lock and sound control. Its compact size fits easily on most countertops, perfect for small spaces. You don’t have to give up features or reliability to save space.
Best For: Home cooks who want a stylish, dependable countertop microwave. It works well for reheating and cooking everyday meals with advanced features.
Pros:
- Uses inverter technology for even heating and fast defrost.
- Easy controls with an LCD screen, auto programs, and safety lock.
- Small size with a sleek black stainless look that suits modern kitchens.
Cons:
- The kitchen timer can’t run while the microwave is on, which might be annoying.
- The control panel has a protective film that needs peeling before use.
- Limited sound options, but it does have a mute button for quiet operation.
BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven with Turntable and Child Safety Lock
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : 110 Volts.Rated...
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 microwave is a good pick if you need a small oven. Its size is 0.7 cubic feet, so it fits well in tight spaces. It has 700 watts of power, which helps heat food quickly. There are 10 levels to adjust how hot it gets. You can easily reheat or cook different foods with simple controls. The microwave also has pre-set buttons for popcorn, pizza, and other common snacks. A big LED display shows the time and cooking countdown clearly. The child safety lock gives extra security for families with kids. The glass turntable spins evenly for better heating. Some users say the interior might peel or rust after a while. The control labels are small and not backlit, so they can be hard to read in low light. Also, the microwave might not stay perfectly steady during use. Overall, this microwave is a handy, space-saving choice for basic cooking needs in small kitchens or on limited counter space.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal...
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring...
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS microwave has a sleek black exterior with a shiny stainless steel finish. It’s a good choice if you have a small kitchen, office, or studio. It doesn’t take up much space but still works well. The microwave measures 23.3 inches long, 18.4 inches wide, and 15 inches tall. Its inside is 1.2 cubic feet, so it can fit a pizza up to 12 inches wide.
This microwave has 1000 watts of power. It offers ten heat levels, so you can choose the right setting for your food. The digital display is easy to read. It has auto menus and lets you save your favorite settings for quick use. It also has a mute button, ECO mode to save energy, and a sturdy, easy-to-clean interior.
Best For: small families, tiny kitchens, offices, and music studios that want a dependable and space-saving microwave with useful features.
Pros:
- Large enough for a 12-inch pizza, suitable for different foods
- Clear digital display with auto menus and saved settings
- Quiet operation with a mute button and energy-saving ECO mode
Cons:
- No special button for drinks, so you must set it manually
- The kitchen timer only works when the microwave is off, which can be inconvenient
- Slightly big for very tight spaces, despite being small overall
This microwave works fast, fits in small spaces, and is simple to use. It’s a great choice if you want a reliable microwave that doesn’t take up a lot of room.
Farberware Countertop Microwave 700W, 0.7 Cu. Ft
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 700 of output power and...
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with...
If you need a reliable microwave that fits well in small spaces, the Farberware Countertop Microwave 700W, 0.7 Cu. Ft. is a good choice. It has a sleek black look that gives your kitchen a retro feel. Its compact size saves space but still offers enough room to cook many meals. With 700 watts of power and ten different settings, it can handle cooking, reheating, and more. You can choose multi-stage cooking for different food types. Six one-touch buttons make it easy to pop popcorn, cook a potato, or heat pizza quickly. The microwave also has an LED display, interior light, and a child safety lock. These features add convenience and keep your family safe.
This microwave works best for people living in small apartments, dorm rooms, or office kitchens. It is simple to use and reliable.
Pros:
- Small size but still offers enough space to cook most foods
- Easy to use with ten power levels and six quick preset buttons
- Comes with interior lighting and a child safety lock for convenience and safety
Cons:
- 700W may take a little longer to cook some foods than higher power models
- The 0.7 Cu. Ft. interior might be too small for larger dishes
- The black retro look might not match every kitchen style
This microwave gives you everything you need for quick meals in a small space. It’s easy to operate and keeps your family safe.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven (0.7 Cu. Ft., 700W, 10 Power Levels)
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies,...
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a...
Looking for a small microwave that saves space but still works well? The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven fits nicely on your countertop. It has a size of 0.7 cubic foot and uses 700 watts to heat food. This microwave has six preset buttons for popcorn, pizza, drinks, veggies, potatoes, and leftovers. It also has a one-touch button for quick cooking, so you can prepare meals fast. There are 10 power levels to choose from. That way, you can melt things gently or heat quickly. The digital controls make it easy to set and change options. The memory feature lets you save your favorite settings. Safety is important, so it has a child lock and a quiet mode. The sleek design adds a modern look to your space.
Best for: people who want a small, simple microwave with helpful presets and safety features. It works well in small kitchens or shared rooms.
Pros:
- Small size fits in tight spaces
- Easy-to-use preset buttons and memory function
- Safe and quiet operation with child lock and quiet mode
Cons:
- Might be too small for big families or huge meals
- 700 watts may take a little longer to cook some foods
- Lacks features like grilling or convection that more expensive models might have
Black+Decker Countertop Toaster Oven
- 8 ONE-TOUCH PRESETS + CONVECTION BAKING - Hot air is circulated throughout the oven for fast, even baking; Bake, broil,...
- EXTRA-DEEP INTERIOR - Forget about heating up the large oven - This countertop oven is designed to fit 12” pizzas, and...
The Black+Decker Countertop Convection Toaster Oven is a good choice if you need a small, versatile oven. It has a shiny stainless steel look and fits easily on any kitchen counter that is about 15.5 inches deep, 22.8 inches wide, and 13.4 inches high. This oven comes with 8 one-touch buttons. You can use them to bake, broil, toast, and more. The big inside can hold 12-inch pizzas and bigger dishes, making it useful for many meals. It has features like convection baking, two rack positions, a removable crumb tray, and a glass door. These make cooking easier and help you watch your food. However, the oven may not always toast evenly or heat perfectly. The rack height does not change much because of fixed positions. The instructions and customer support are simple but might require searching online for tips. Overall, this oven is compact and good for daily use. It’s great for people who want a small, multi-purpose oven that doesn’t take up much space.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Microwaves for Small Spaces
When picking a microwave for a small space, size is very important. It should fit easily on your countertop without taking up too much room. You also want a microwave that heats food quickly and reliably. Check how powerful it is to make sure it can do the job well.
Ease of use matters too. Look for simple controls so you can operate it without trouble. Safety features, like door locks or automatic shut-off, make sure it’s safe to use. Durability is important as well. Choose a microwave that is built to last so it can serve you well for many years.
Compact Size
When choosing a microwave for a small space, size matters. Look for models that are less than 20 inches wide. These fit easily on tight countertops or small cabinets. The inside space usually ranges from 0.7 to 1.2 cubic feet. This is enough room for a standard dinner plate or small dishes. Many small microwaves have simple controls and preset buttons. This helps save space but still offers useful features. The turntable is usually about 12 inches. This size fits most meal sizes well. Lighter and smaller microwaves are easy to move if needed. They help you make the most of limited kitchen space. Focus on these size features to find a microwave that saves space but works well for your needs.
Power and Performance
Choosing a microwave with the right power and features helps you get your food ready fast and evenly. Look for models with at least 1000 watts. Higher wattage cooks faster and reheats leftovers quickly. Power levels usually range from 10 to 12. These let you control how strong the microwave is, so you don’t overcook delicate foods. Some microwaves have inverter technology. This feature gives steady power at lower settings, which helps heat food evenly and defrost properly. Smaller microwaves, around 0.7 to 1.2 cubic feet, may be compact, but they can still handle everyday tasks well. To get good results in a small space, choose a microwave with enough wattage, adjustable power levels, and auto-cooking options. These features will make sure your microwave works efficiently and reliably.
Ease of Use
A microwave with an easy-to-use interface makes cooking simple. Look for a control panel that is clear and easy to understand. Labels should be large and easy to read, preferably backlit or high contrast so they are visible in any light. Choose a microwave with simple buttons and preset options. These make it faster and easier to reheat or defrost food. Features like one-touch auto menus, quick-start buttons, and shortcut keys help you get things done quickly. Safety features such as child lock and mute should be simple to turn on and off. This keeps your home safe without extra hassle. Overall, pick a microwave that allows you to operate it quickly and easily. This helps you learn how to use it fast and makes daily chores easier, especially in small kitchens.
Safety Features
Safety features are very important when choosing a small microwave. They keep your home safe and help you feel at ease. Child locks prevent kids from accidentally using the microwave, keeping everyone safe. The automatic shut-off turns off the microwave if it gets too hot or if food is overcooked, reducing fire hazards. Silent or mute modes make the microwave quiet so it doesn’t disturb others. Digital locks and control panel safeguards protect against accidental changes while the microwave runs. Safety interlocks on the door make sure the microwave won’t run if the door isn’t fully closed, stopping radiation from leaking out. These safety features work together to create a safe cooking environment. Picking a microwave with these features helps keep your home secure and gives you peace of mind.
Durability Concerns
When buying a small microwave, durability is important. A durable microwave lasts longer and works well over time. Sometimes, control panels can get damaged, like blistering or pocking after months of use. The interior coating may peel or rust within a year, especially at the corners and bottom. Low-quality parts can cause features like the vent fan or door lock to stop working. Because small microwaves are lightweight and compact, they can slide or move during use. This can cause damage or safety problems. Also, if customer support is slow or unclear, fixing problems can be hard. To choose a durable microwave, look for models with strong build quality. Read reviews about how well they last. Picking a well-made microwave can save you money and trouble in the long run.
DK Jacks is a passionate food enthusiast, recipe developer, and culinary explorer. With a love for both traditional and innovative flavors, DK brings a fresh perspective to the kitchen. When not experimenting with new ingredients, you’ll find DK capturing food moments through the lens or sharing cooking tips with fellow foodies.🍽️📸✨
Last update on 2026-01-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
