Best Compact Microwaves for Small Spaces: Top Picks for Apartments and Dorms
Small kitchens deserve big convenience. The right compact microwave can save counter space without sacrificing power or versatility. This guide highlights five top-rated compact microwaves that fit tight spaces, offering features like multiple presets, child safety locks, mute modes, and efficient energy use. Each option prioritizes compact footprint, practical performance, and user-friendly controls, making it easier to cook, reheat, and thaw in apartments, dorms, or office kitchens.
| Product | Brand | Turntable | Capacity | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) | TOSHIBA | Yes, 10.6″ | 0.9 Cu Ft | Mute function and child lock with 6 presets |
| Chefman Countertop Microwave | Chefman | Yes, 10″ | 0.7 Cu Ft | One-Touch Express Cook and Eco Mode |
| BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 | BLACK+DECKER | Yes, 10″ | 0.7 Cu Ft | Pre-programmed buttons and child safety lock |
| COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB | COMFEE | Yes, 10″ | 0.7 Cu Ft | Mute function and Eco Mode |
| Farberware Countertop 700W | Farberware | Yes, 10″ | 0.7 Cu Ft | Six one-touch options and defrost by weight/time |
Choosing the right small-space microwave involves balancing size, power, and user-friendly features. The following sections review five compact models that combine space-saving design with dependable performance, helping you enjoy quick meals, reheats, and snacks without crowding your counter.
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave
This compact Toshiba model provides a practical 0.9 cu ft capacity in a slim footprint, ideal for apartments. It delivers 900W of microwave output and 1400W input power, supporting quick heating and reliable performance. A two-step child lock enhances safety for households with kids, while the six preset menus cover popular items like popcorn, pizza, and potato. The 10.6-inch glass turntable allows easy orientation of plates and bowls, and LED lighting helps visibility when cooking at night. External dimensions measure 18.7 by 14.7 by 10.7 inches, with internal space of 12.1 by 10.9 by 7.6 inches, making it accessible for most compact kitchens.
Chefman Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
The Chefman compact microwave packs 700W with 10 power levels and six one-touch presets, offering quick options for popcorn, beverages, veggies, baked potatoes, and leftovers. An Eco Mode helps conserve energy when not in active use, and a mute button supports quiet operation in shared living spaces. The unit’s digital controls simplify setup, while one-touch express cooking speeds up common tasks. Its 0.7 cu ft capacity is well-suited for dorms and small apartments, and a child safety lock adds peace of mind in busy households.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
BLACK+DECKER’s EM720CB7 delivers 700W with 10 power settings in a 0.7 cu ft package. It features a turntable and a 30-second express cook option for quick bursts of heat. The interior is illuminated for easy viewing, and a clock plus kitchen timer helps track cooking times. A child safety lock keeps curious hands out of mischief, making it a practical choice for families in tight spaces. The large digital display and simple control panel ensure straightforward operation for everyday tasks like reheating meals or melting ingredients.
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a 0.7 cu ft countertop microwave featuring a mute function, ECO mode, and easy one-touch buttons. It includes standard presets for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggies, and beverages, along with a reheat option and two defrost settings (by weight or by time). ECO mode reduces standby power, supporting energy savings over long-term use. The compact size makes it a strong fit for apartments, studios, and offices, while the intuitive controls help minimize space clutter and streamline daily cooking tasks.
Farberware Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu Ft
Farberware’s 0.7 cu ft microwave offers 700W of power with ten adjustable levels and six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. It also supports defrost by weight or by time to accommodate different frozen items efficiently. The interior is designed for easy cleaning, and the exterior maintains a clean, modern look that fits small kitchens. The unit includes a 10-inch glass turntable, a large LED display, and a user-friendly control panel suitable for dorm rooms, apartments, or home offices where space is at a premium.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Small Spaces
- Size and footprint: Measure available counter space and consider models with compact depth and height. A 0.7–0.9 cu ft capacity is common for tight spaces, balancing interior room with a small exterior.
- Power and cooking speed: Look for microwaves in the 700–1000W range for quick reheating and reliable performance. Higher wattage can improve cooking uniformity if you frequently reheat dense foods.
- Turntable vs. flatbed: Turntables help distribute heat evenly for most foods. If space is extremely limited, flatbed designs exist but may have different performance characteristics.
- Presets and menus: Pre-programmed options for popcorn, pizza, beverages, and vegetables simplify daily use. One-touch presets save time in busy households.
- Safety features: Child lock and mute modes are valuable in homes with kids or shared spaces. An interior light helps with visibility during cooking.
- Energy efficiency: ECO modes and timer functions reduce standby power and energy use, which matters for frequent daily use.
- Durability and warranty: Check build quality and warranty coverage, especially for apartments where appliances may endure frequent use or movement.
- Maintenance: Easy-to-clean interiors and exterior surfaces reduce cleaning effort between tasks and maintain a neat kitchen appearance.
In choosing a compact microwave, prioritize a model that fits your counter footprint while offering the features you use most. For apartment living, a 0.7–0.9 cu ft unit with multiple presets and a child lock is often the most practical combination. If you regularly reheat larger items, consider slightly larger interiors with a comfortable turntable diameter. Finally, consider energy-saving modes for ongoing use, especially in spaces where electrical efficiency matters.