Best Small Microwaves For Compact Kitchens: Budget-Friendly Options

The best small microwaves save counter space yet still heat fast.

Tiny kitchens demand smart tools. A small microwave keeps your counter clear and your meals hot. I know how cramped apartments, RVs, dorms, and studio kitchens can feel. You still want quick meals, simple reheats, and defrost that works. The Best Small Microwaves for Compact Kitchens offer the right balance of size, power, and price.

In this guide, I compare top compact models I trust for daily use. You’ll find quiet doors, simple controls, and designs that fit tight spaces. I’ll help you pick the right capacity, wattage, and features so you cook better in less space.

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 0.7 cu ft, 700W

This BLACK+DECKER compact microwave hits the sweet spot for tiny kitchens. The 0.7 cu ft cavity handles mugs, bowls, and a 10-inch plate. At 700 watts, it warms leftovers, melts butter, and makes popcorn without hogging power. The stainless finish looks clean and fits most decor.

I like the push-button door and large display. The presets are simple and reliable for quick tasks. The child safety lock adds peace of mind in busy homes. If you need a dependable small unit, this one covers the basics well.

Pros:

• Small footprint for dorms, offices, and studio kitchens
• Simple presets for popcorn, beverages, and more
• Child lock for extra safety
• Stainless look hides smudges fairly well
• Turntable helps even heating for bowls and plates
• Clear, easy-to-read control panel

Cons:

• 700W cooks slower than 900–1000W units
• Not ideal for large dishes or big casseroles
• Beep volume may feel loud in very quiet spaces

My Recommendation

The EM720CB7 is a solid pick if you want a small, trustworthy microwave for light daily use. It suits students, renters, and office break rooms. It is an easy entry into the Best Small Microwaves for Compact Kitchens thanks to its compact size and low price.

Choose it if you reheat leftovers and make quick snacks more than you cook full meals. The controls are intuitive, and the design is tidy. Overall, it offers dependable value and is widely available.

Nostalgia Retro 0.7 cu ft Microwave, Ivory

The Nostalgia Retro microwave brings charm without eating space. The ivory finish and chrome-style accents look great in vintage or farmhouse kitchens. At 0.7 cu ft and 700W, it is sized for quick snacks, single meals, and reheats. The LED display and simple presets keep it friendly for daily tasks.

I like the easy-clean interior for spills and splatters. The child lock is a helpful touch in homes with kids. The door handle feels sturdy for the size. If you want style and function in one small package, this one shines.

Pros:

• Stylish retro design with an ivory finish
• Compact size fits tight counters
• Simple controls and clear display
• Easy-clean interior speeds up cleanup
• Child lock for extra safety
• Good for mugs, bowls, and 10-inch plates

Cons:

• 700W cooks slower than larger units
• Retro style may not match modern decor
• Limited space for bulky dishes

My Recommendation

If you want a small microwave that also looks great, this Nostalgia model fits the brief. It is perfect for renters and anyone who loves retro design. It still meets the core needs of the Best Small Microwaves for Compact Kitchens with easy controls and a tidy size.

Pick it for light cooking and frequent reheats in small spaces. It adds visual pop without losing function. The price is fair for the style you get and stock is usually steady.

GE 0.9 cu ft Countertop Microwave, 900W

This GE compact microwave boosts power to 900W and gives you 0.9 cu ft of space. That extra headroom matters for full dinner plates and quick steam-cook jobs. The 7 auto settings help with simple tasks like popcorn, beverage, and potato. It still fits well on small counters in apartments and dorms.

I like the balanced mix of size and speed. Foods warm faster than 700W units, which saves time. The stainless look feels modern and clean. If you need more muscle without going big, this GE is a standout.

Pros:

• 900W power for faster cooking
• 0.9 cu ft fits a standard dinner plate
• 7 auto cook settings for ease
• Child lock for safety
• Clear display and intuitive keypad
• Solid value in the compact class

Cons:

• Footprint is larger than 0.7 cu ft models
• Heavier than many small units
• Finish may show fingerprints

My Recommendation

Choose the GE 0.9 cu ft if you want a fast, compact workhorse. It suits busy couples and small families who need quick meals. It earns a top spot among the Best Small Microwaves for Compact Kitchens thanks to its power and size balance.

It’s ideal when you want more speed than 700W but still need to save space. The controls are simple, and the cooking is consistent. Expect strong availability and good long-term value.

Nostalgia Retro 0.7 cu ft Microwave, White

This white Nostalgia Retro matches clean, bright kitchens. It offers the same compact 0.7 cu ft space and 700W power. The LED display is easy to read and the presets cover daily basics. The handle and trim give a classic look without losing modern convenience.

Cleanup is quick thanks to a smooth interior. The child lock is handy for families. If your decor leans light and airy, the white finish blends in well. It proves that the Best Small Microwaves for Compact Kitchens can also be stylish.

Pros:

• Retro design in a fresh white finish
• Compact and counter-friendly
• Simple controls for quick tasks
• Easy to wipe clean
• Child lock for peace of mind
• Good choice for small plates and bowls

Cons:

• Lower power than 900–1000W units
• White finish may show stains if not cleaned
• Limited space for larger dishes

My Recommendation

Pick the white Nostalgia if you want a bright, retro accent that works well. It suits singles, students, and design lovers who value looks and simplicity. It remains a practical entry in the Best Small Microwaves for Compact Kitchens with its small size and easy care.

Use it for quick reheats and simple snacks. It keeps counters open and adds a touch of charm. Pricing is usually reasonable and stock is steady.

Farberware 0.7 cu ft Microwave, 700W, Black

The Farberware 0.7 cu ft microwave is a no-fuss daily driver. It has 700W of power, a simple keypad, and a bright display. The black finish looks sharp and hides wear well. It’s a good size for mugs, oatmeal bowls, and small plates.

I like the one-touch cooking and weight/time defrost. The child safety lock is a useful standard. The interior is easy to wipe after a spill. If you need a tough, affordable small unit, this one is hard to beat.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly without feeling cheap
• Clean black finish resists scuffs
• Easy one-touch cooking
• Weight and time defrost options
• Child lock adds safety
• Compact footprint suits tiny counters

Cons:

• Slower than 900–1000W models
• Smaller interior limits dish size
• Basic beep tone can be loud for some

My Recommendation

The Farberware 0.7 is perfect if you want simple, durable, and cheap. It is great for students, new renters, and spare rooms. It earns its spot among the Best Small Microwaves for Compact Kitchens with a low price and steady performance.

It handles everyday reheats and quick meals fine. The controls stay simple and the clean-up is fast. Stock is widespread and it often goes on sale, which boosts value.

Breville Compact Wave Microwave, Soft Close

The Breville Compact Wave stands out for its soft-close door and calm operation. In shared spaces, a quiet door is a big win. The shortcuts panel is very handy for reheat, defrost, and drinks. The overall feel is premium, with a clean silver finish that elevates the counter.

It is compact yet roomy enough for most plates. The controls show careful thought and reduce guesswork. I appreciate the smooth interior for quick wipe downs. If you value quiet, quality, and ease, this is a top-tier compact pick.

Pros:

• Soft-close door reduces noise and slams
• Thoughtful shortcuts for common tasks
• Refined design with a premium look
• Quiet operation suits shared homes
• Easy-clean interior
• Great control over reheats and defrost

Cons:

• Higher price than basic 0.7 cu ft units
• May be overkill for very light use
• Silver finish can show smudges

My Recommendation

The Breville Compact Wave is for buyers who want quiet and quality in a small footprint. It is ideal for early risers, parents with sleeping kids, and roommates. It is one of the Best Small Microwaves for Compact Kitchens if you care about sound and control.

Choose it if you reheat often and want smoother results with less noise. It looks great and feels built to last. You pay more, but the experience and availability justify the step up.

Magic Chef 1.1 cu ft Microwave, 1000W, White

The Magic Chef 1.1 cu ft gives you the most room on this list while staying compact. With 1000W power, it cooks faster and handles bigger plates and bowls. The white finish is clean and bright. One-touch cooking, a timer, reheat, defrost, and 10 power levels make it versatile.

This is a good fit if you meal prep or share a kitchen. It can tackle quick steam-cook jobs and family leftovers better than 700W units. The controls are easy, and the cavity is comfortable for standard dinnerware. If you want speed in a small form, this is it.

Pros:

• 1000W cooks fast and evenly with careful use
• Largest capacity here at 1.1 cu ft
• Simple one-touch and defrost modes
• Bright white look suits many kitchens
• Great for families and meal prep
• 10 power levels for better control

Cons:

• Bigger footprint than 0.7–0.9 cu ft units
• Higher power needs more attention to avoid overcooking
• May be more than needed for very small counters

My Recommendation

Pick the Magic Chef if you want compact size with real cooking speed. It is fantastic for couples and small families. It stands tall among the Best Small Microwaves for Compact Kitchens because it blends power and convenience.

Use it for quick meals, bulk reheats, and defrost. It saves time and reduces repeat cycles. Availability is good and it offers strong value for the performance.

FAQs Of Best Small Microwaves for Compact Kitchens

What size works best for a compact kitchen?

Look for 0.7 to 0.9 cu ft for the tightest spaces. If you have room, 1.1 cu ft adds plate clearance.

Is 700W enough power?

Yes for snacks, drinks, and light reheats. For faster meals and bigger plates, 900–1000W helps.

Will a small microwave fit a dinner plate?

Many 0.9–1.1 cu ft models fit standard plates. In 0.7 cu ft units, smaller plates fit best.

How much clearance do I need?

Leave a few inches on each side and the back for airflow. Check the manual for exact gaps.

Do compact microwaves use less energy?

They often use less power and run shorter times. Choose the lowest power that still meets your needs.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

The Best Small Microwaves for Compact Kitchens balance size, speed, and ease. For the tiniest counters, try the BLACK+DECKER or Farberware. For more power without bulk, the GE is a smart step up.

Want quiet and premium? Pick Breville. Need speed and room? Magic Chef wins. The Best Small Microwaves for Compact Kitchens should fit your space, your plates, and your pace.