Best Extra Small Microwave Ovens for Small Spaces and Quick Meals
Need a compact microwave that fits a tight kitchen, dorm, or office nook without compromising on essential features? These 0.7 cu. ft. (approximately 700W) models are designed for small spaces while delivering reliable performance. They’re ideal for students, singles, or anyone who prioritizes speed, simple controls, and space-saving design. Below are five top options, each with standout reasons to choose them and one practical limitation to consider.
Summary table of selected products:
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Speedy one-touch cooking | Ten power levels and six presets plus Eco mode |
| COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft | Quiet operation | Mute function and two defrost options |
| Frigidaire 0.7 Cu. Ft. Retro | Retro style with auto menus | Eight auto cook menus and 700W |
| TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft | Defrost efficiency | ChefDefrost and six auto menus |
| BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu.Ft | Budget-friendly features | Ten power levels and pre-programmed buttons |
Chefman Countertop Microwave: 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700W
Best for: Small households and desk-side setup that want quick one-touch options. This model offers six presets (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers) and a direct-cook time keypad, plus 10 power levels for precise control. It also includes Eco mode to reduce standby consumption and a child safety lock for shared spaces. A potential drawback is that, at 700W, it may take longer to heat denser meals compared with higher-wattage units.
COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W
Best for: Quiet cooking in shared spaces. This model adds a two-step Child Lock, a mute function to silence beeps, and easy one-touch presets (1–6 minutes and +30 seconds) along with two defrost settings. It’s a solid pick for dorms or offices where minimal noise matters. Limitation: The exterior design is compact, but some users may want more auto menus beyond the basics for a wider variety of foods.
Frigidaire Retro Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cu. Ft
Best for: Small kitchens that value a retro aesthetic with reliable auto cook options. This 0.7 cu. ft. unit delivers 700W and eight auto cook menus to handle popular foods at a touch. It includes a glass turntable and LED display. Limitation: While stylish, it lacks additional defrost modes beyond the auto options, which may require manual timing for some items.
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cu.Ft
Best for: Those who want faster defrosting and multiple auto options in a compact form. The ChefDefrost feature can speed thawing by up to 40% while preserving texture, and it includes six auto menus. A caveat is that compact dimensions mean slightly smaller interior space, which may affect larger snack plates or containers.
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cu.Ft
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want a solid range of controls. This unit offers 10 power levels and pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage, and dinner plate. It includes a 30-second express cook option and a removable 10-inch glass turntable. Limitation: The listed power input notes 700W with 1050W stated as input power elsewhere, which may reflect model variation; confirm the exact spec before purchase.
Buying Guide
- Size and capacity: All listed models are 0.7 cubic feet, ideal for tight counters. Check interior height if you need to fit tall mugs or plates.
- Power and cooking presets: More presets simplify quick meals, while higher wattage reduces heat-up time. Consider models with multiple power levels for better control.
- Defrost options: Quick-defrost (by weight or by time) saves meal prep time. ChefDefrost and similar features are useful for thawing meat or frozen foods evenly.
- Noise and alerts: If you share a space, mute or quiet modes help avoid disturbance. Consider a model with a clearly visible display for easier nighttime use.
- Safety features: Child locks are valuable in households with kids or shared spaces. Ensure the door and latch are easy to operate for all users.
- Durability and maintenance: Removable turntables simplify cleaning. Stainless or darker finishes resist fingerprints in busy kitchens.
- Aesthetics and placement: Retro styles blend with decor, while black or stainless options suit modern kitchens. Measure counter depth to ensure clearance for the door swing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What size microwave should I buy for a dorm room? A 0.7 cu. ft. model like these is typically ideal due to compact size and adequate power for simple meals and reheating.
- Do extra features like mute mode matter for small spaces? Yes, mute or quiet modes reduce noise in shared living areas, improving usability in dorms or offices.
- Is 700W enough for most tasks? For basic reheating and simple cooking, 700W is sufficient. Heavier or denser foods may take longer compared with higher-wattage models.
- Are defrost options important? Yes, two-way or weight-based defrost helps thaw foods more evenly, which is especially useful in small kitchens with limited prep space.
- Should I prioritize auto menus over manual controls? Auto menus offer quick presets for common items, while manual controls give more precise timing and power tweaks for varied foods.
- What maintenance helps extend a compact microwave’s life? Regularly wipe spills, use the turntable properly, and avoid overheating foods with metallic or foil materials that could damage the interior.