14 Best Small Compact Microwaves
Nowadays, small compact microwave ovens are gaining popularity due to their amazing ability and space-saving features to cook up a meal. Getting one can last you for more than 5 years as long as you properly maintain it.
In this article, we discuss 14 top compact microwaves to help you find the best small microwave that suits your lifestyle.
Read here for information on the best over the range microwaves.
What to Look for in Small Compact Microwaves?
There are various factors to consider when you are finding the best and most suitable microwave for your home. Here’s a quick breakdown of the important features to look at first before purchasing your first small compact microwave oven:
Size
Not having enough space at home? Worry no more before compact microwaves are designed to save space but still provide features just like traditional microwaves. Do not forget to measure the area in your kitchen that you want to use as an area to place your small microwave.
Design
Normally, microwave ovens come with a stainless steel finish. However, there are compact design microwave ovens that have different colors and designs such as retro styles that you can choose from.
Cooking Performance
The cooking performance of small microwaves is often the same as the one you experience with standard-sized ovens. Thus, you can experience the same features that a normal microwave oven with your compact type at home.
Reliability
Just like your home appliances, known brands are more reliable and durable. They offer longer life span for your appliances and you can see the value of your money. There are also other brands that even if they are not as famous as the ones you can see in most stores, they still offer great functionality.
Wattage
The wattage of a microwave determines how quickly it can heat or cook your food. Higher wattage can help you cook your food faster but watch out for possible burning of your if you ever left it longer.
Also, you have to ensure that the wattage and time settings are based on the amount of food you are cooking or heating.
Heating Method
Most compact microwaves use electromagnetic waves to heat or cook food which is now a modern feature for home appliances.
Control Panel
The control panel has alot of buttons and touch controls. It has a digital display that shows the progress of your food and the time remaining. Some microwaves also offer smart features or voice control for added convenience in your kitchen.
What is the Smallest Compact Microwave Size?
A compact microwave size can vary among different models and brands, but generally, they tend to have external dimensions ranging from 10″ to 18″, 10″ to 14″, 12″ to 14″ or 25.4 to 45.7, 25.4 to 35.6, and 30.5 to 35.6 cm.
What Size is Considered a Small Compact Microwave?
A small compact microwave often has a capacity of around 0.5 to 1.2 cubic feet only.
Can You Put Small Compact Microwaves in Cabinets?
Small compact microwaves can be installed in cabinets, but there are certain considerations to keep in mind. You may need to measure the dimensions of your microwave and determine if you have enough space in the cabinet to accommodate the unit.
Do not forget to allow enough ventilation when using it. This will keep the unit in mint condition even if you use it every day.
What Type of Microwave Can Go in a Cabinet?
Countertop microwaves can go in a cabinet as long as there is sufficient room for ventilation. Often you will require to use a trim kit to ensure you cover the gap and seamlessly incorporate it into your cabinet.
Can I put a Microwave in a Cabinet Without a Trim Kit?
No, it is not recommended. If you have a small compact microwave without a trim kit, it is not advisable for you to install it in a cabinet. Microwaves generate heat during operation, and proper ventilation is essential to keep them running properly.
Without proper ventilation, the microwave may not operate efficiently or may be at risk of experiencing functionality problems along the way if not fixed as soon as possible.
Does a Small Compact Microwave in a Cabinet Need to be Vented?
Yes, even small microwaves need to have proper ventilation. The specific ventilation requirements can vary depending on the microwave model that you are planning to get for your home needs.
How Much Ventilation Does a Microwave Need?
To ensure proper ventilation, all microwaves have their own specifications regarding the clearance space and how much ventilation is needed. With this, a well-vented microwave has a minimum clearance of 3” or 8 cm on the top and sides with at least 1” or 2.5 cm by the rear.
Top 14 Small Compact Microwaves
Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Compact Microwave
Pros:
Searching for a compact-size microwave that is within your budget? This microwave is known for its size and functionality. It is easy to use and a good value for your money.
Cons:
The downside of Toshiba EM925A5A-BS is its Limited capacity. Some users reported that they experience reliability issues with the product.
Dimensions:
The dimensions of this product are as follows: 19.2″ x 15.9″ x 11.5″ or 48.8 x 40.4 x 29.2 cm.
Capacity:
It has a capacity of 0.9 cu. ft.
Finishes:
This microwave has a black stainless steel finish.
Toshiba EM131A5C Compact Microwave
Pros:
You will have enough space to reheat your meals every day because of its spacious interior. It also comes with convenient cooking features that your family will love such as sensor cooking which helps you have great meals every day and avoid burning them.
Additionally, you can explore the express cook buttons that can give you quick meals within minutes.
Cons:
This product may experience reliability issues when using it and it does not come with other color options.
Dimensions:
The Toshiba EM131A5C typically measures approximately 20.5″ x 17.1″ x12.8″ and 52.1 x 43.4 x 32.5 cm which can be suitable in your counter space.
Capacity:
This product has a capacity of 0.9 cu. ft.
Finishes:
The Toshiba EM131A5C has a stainless steel finish.
Panasonic NN-SB458S Compact Microwave
Pros:
Considering its size, this product has an amazing cooking performance. Also, it is easy to clean with a decent amount of space for your food.
Cons:
This Panasonic microwave oven only has limited features. It does not have any voice recognition features.
Dimensions:
This particular model has a dimension of 19.1″ x 11″ x 14.8″ or 48.5 x 27.9 x 37.6 cm.
Capacity:
It has a bigger capacity of 0.9 cu. ft.
Finishes:
This compact microwave oven has a Stainless steel finish.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Compact Microwave
Pros:
Not having enough space on your countertop? This BLACK+DECKER is known for its compact build and very lightweight.
Cons:
One issue with this product is its limited capacity. Some users have found that it takes longer to heat things up. There are some users who also experienced problems with its functionality over time.
Dimensions:
This 17.3″ x 13″ x 10.2″ or 43.9 x 33 x 25.9 cm.
Capacity:
It has a capacity of 0.7 cu. ft.
Finishes:
This microwave oven has a stainless steel finish.
COMFEE' AM720C2RA Retro Small Compact Microwave
Pros:
Known for its compact size, affordable price, and multiple power levels to suit your family’s needs.
Cons:
Some users found the interior light dim compared to other brands.
Dimensions:
This microwave has the following dimensions: 17.3″ x 13″ x 10.2″ or 43.9 x 33.02 x 25.9 cm which fits perfectly if you only have a small room for a microwave oven in your kitchen.
Capacity:
It only has a capacity of 0.7 cu. ft.
Finishes:
Stainless steel finish.
Panasonic NN-SD372S Small Microwave
Pros:
This microwave is easy to clean. You can just use a kitchen cloth and wipe away any excess dirt. It is compact and very durable.
Cons:
The downside of this product reported by some users is they are experiencing difficulty in reading the display.
Dimensions:
This product has the following dimensions: 19.2″ x 15.9″ x 11″ or 48.8 x 40.4 x 27.9 cm.
Capacity:
It has a capacity of 0.8 cu. ft.
Finishes:
The Panasonic NN-SD372S has a Stainless steel finish.
Daewoo KOR-7LREW Small Microwave
Pros:
Looking for a unique and minimalist designed microwave? This model is a good option for you. It comes in smaller sizes than the standard ones but still offers multiple power levels for cooking.
Cons:
However, the problem with the microwave is the limited capacity compared to the Panasonic models in this list.
Dimensions:
The Daewoo KOR-7LREW has dimensions of 12.7″ x 17.6″ x 10.6″ or 32.3 x 44.7 x 26.9 cm.
Capacity:
It has a capacity of 0.7 cu. ft.
Finishes:
This microwave has a Cream White finish.
AmazonBasics Compact Microwave
Pros:
This compact-sized microwave works with Alexa voice control which is a good feature if you want to incorporate a modern touch into your kitchen.
Cons:
If you want to have a microwave oven that offers various features, the AmazonBasics Microwave may not be the right unit for you because it only has limited features. Also, there are reported problems with regard to the voice control feature of this model.
Dimensions:
It has the following dimensions: 17.3″ x 10.1″ x 14.1″ or 43.9 x 25.7 x 35.8 cm.
Capacity:
It has a capacity of 0.7 cu. ft.
Finishes:
This microwave has a Black finish.
Panasonic NN-SN67KS Compact Microwave
Pros:
This product has a powerful performance with multiple cooking presets.
Cons:
The Panasonic NN-SN67KS compact microwave is included among the higher price range units. Some users found the controls less intuitive and may encounter issues along the way.
Dimensions:
The dimensions of this microwave oven are 12.2″ x 15.8″ x 20.7″ or 31 x 40.1 x 52.6 cm.
Capacity:
It has a capacity of 1.2 cu. ft. which is one of the best small microwaves today considering its capacity size.
Finishes:
This product has a stainless steel finish.
RCA RMW733-BLACK Compact Microwave
Pros:
This microwave is made up of compact and lightweight features. It also comes with multiple power levels which allows you to adjust the heat that goes off in your microwave oven. It is affordable too.
Cons:
This product has limited features compared to the Panasonic NN-SN67KS and other brands with various features. You may hear noisy sounds whenever you press the buttons of this microwave and when you are using it. Hence, it can be disturbing for other people in your household.
Dimensions:
The RCA RMW733-BLACK has the following dimensions: 17.8″ x 13.5″ x 10.2″ or 45.2 x 34.3 x 25.9 cm.
Capacity:
It has a capacity of 0.7 cu. ft.
Finishes:
This product has a Black finish. Which is perfect for your minimalist home design.
Westinghouse WM009 Compact Microwave
Pros:
It has innovative features with great durability. The glass turntable is removable which allows you to clean it easily.
Cons:
This is a heavyweight product and more expensive compared to other brands.
Dimensions:
The Westinghouse WM009 has the following dimensions: 17.6″ x 13.4″ x 10.2″ or 44.7 x 34 x 25.9 cm.
Capacity:
It has a bigger capacity which is 0.9 cu. ft.
Finishes:
This product has a Stainless steel finish.
Kenmore 70713 Compact Microwave
Pros:
The Kenmore 70713 is known for its versatile cooking options and made up of good materials.
Cons:
This microwave oven is more expensive than the other compact microwaves.
Dimensions:
It has the following dimensions: 19.1″ x 14.8″ x 11.2″ or 48.5 x 37.6 x 28 cm.
Capacity:
It has a capacity of 0.7 cu. ft.
Finishes:
It has a stainless steel finish.
Whirlpool WMC20005YW Compact Microwave
Pros:
The Whirlpool WMC20005YW Microwave is easy to use and does not take up too much space in your kitchen.
Cons:
It only has 750 watts which is lower compared to higher-end models. It will eventually take more time to reheat your meals. Also, it has the smallest capacity among the listed brands of compact microwave ovens in this article.
Dimensions:
The Whirlpool WMC20005YW has the following dimensions: 13.8″ x 15.4″ x 14.1″ or 35.1 x 39.1 x 35.8 cm.
Capacity:
The microwave has a capacity of 0.5 cu. ft.
Finishes:
It comes with a white finish.
Galanz GLCMKA07GNR-07 Retro Compact Microwave Oven
Pros:
It has a unique design with user-friendly features compared to other brands. When you buy this product, it often comes with a turntable for even cooking and heating.
Cons:
This type of microwave cannot accommodate larger dishes or plates for reheating and cooking purposes.
Dimensions:
This product typically measures approximately 17.6″ x 12.9″ x 10.3″ or 44.7 x 32.8 x 26.2 cm.
Capacity:
The microwave has a capacity of around 0.7 cu. ft.
Finishes:
The Galanz GLCMKA07GNR-07 Retro Microwave Oven is available in various retro-inspired colors such as red, blue, and green.
Choose the Best Small Microwave That Works for You
Having a small compact microwave that is functional is a game changer when it comes to convenience at home. It provides the power level of a regular-sized microwave ovens. It also takes up less space due to its size.
US Food and Drug Association encourages to follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual to ensure safety and protection of your household from potential electricial issues.
You can easily defrost your frozen food and heat up meals in just a matter of seconds or minutes, making cooking simple.
You can also read up on other countertop microwaves here.