Best Mini Microwave Countertop Ovens: Reviews

Shifting to an apartment with the tiniest kitchen was a real struggle. I had to furnish it from scratch. So, buying new appliances, especially the best small microwaves for limited and dedicated counter spaces took a lot of effort.

Food is my sole purpose of creation so I had to buy the smallest oven for my minuscule countertop. I did some research to look for the perfect compact microwave suitable for my kitchen.

 Surprisingly, mini microwaves are marking their presence in the big league of appliances. The smallest ovens can perform all the functions like defrosting, heating, and cooking, your conventional microwave can perform. 

Worth Reading: 10 Best Quiet Microwave Ovens 2023

Therefore, I will share my archive of mini microwave ovens to save you the discomfort I went through. I hope this will save you some time and effort while looking for a new appliance.    

Top picks

Our Best Recommendations for Small Kitchen Microwave Ovens

Small spaces in the kitchen call for a mini microwave to save up space as well as to serve the purpose. The following recommendations are through carefully reviewing the appliances best to fit on the countertop of the kitchen.

Commercial Chef CHM660B (Best Affordable Mini Microwave under 100$)

Specifications

BrandCommercial CHEF
ColorBlack
MaterialStainless Steel
Capacity0.6 Cubic Feet
Wattage600 watts
Special FeatureTimer, Defrost
Controller TypeTouch
Installation TypeCountertop
Recommended Uses for ProductsResidential
Product Dimensions12.5″ D x 17.75″W x 10.25″H
Included ComponentsOven, Glass turntable, Instruction Manual

Description

A friend of mine lent me her Commercial CHEF until I was able to buy mine. I was continuously struggling to find the balance between work and home life. But this countertop oven proved helpful.

Previously, I used button-based microwaves but I have become a fan of its dials. I do not have to press 5-10 separate buttons to set power levels and time anymore. Moreover, the worst part was if I touched the wrong button, I had to clear and do it again, which was somewhat of a headache for me. 

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The Commercial CHEF not only saves space on the countertops but sleekly adds value to your kitchen. When I had it, there was no wall to back it but it didn’t slide as well. 

The newer version is far better in terms of improved dial controls and electricity conservation. The heating was off in the older model, as the food was not evenly cooked even if you increased the time or temperature but this one gives you perfectly heated food to devour.

Moreover, you’ll not even have to worry if you spill your sauce while cooking, remove the glass turntable and toss it in your dishwasher, and voilà!! It’s clean and you just conveniently put it back to reuse. Moreover, appliances like these are luxury to have but it’s quite affordable so you do not have to go above and beyond your budget to have them.

Pros

  • The dials make it convenient to set time and temperature.
  • It is great for seniors and impaired people to operate.
  • It saves electricity as the light only turns on when the microwave is working.

Cons

  • There is no digital display on the oven which makes it difficult for you to know about the time or temperature.
  • There are chances of overheating or burning of food due to the inability to adjust the timers.

Galanz GLCMKA07RDR-07  (Best Retro Microwave)

Specifications

BrandGalanz
ColorRed
MaterialStainless Steel
Capacity0.7 Cubic Feet
Wattage700 watts
Special FeatureKitchen Timer/Clock, Defrost, Digital Control, Safety Lock
Controller TypeTouch
Installation TypeCountertop
Recommended Uses for ProductsVegetable, Meat
Product Dimensions13.8″ D x 17.9″W x 10.3″H
Included ComponentsMicrowave, Glass tray, Shaft, Roller ring, Power cord

Description

A little funk in the kitchen hurts no one. The idea of a pop of color through a microwave was quite amusing for me. So, I saw the red Galanz at a department store and it was a sight for sore eyes. I reviewed it after buying it as a gift for my friend. The well lit internal LED lighting gave a clear picture for the dishes I put to heat my leftover lasagna. Additionally, the control panel had a clock, digital control, and safety lock as well without carrying a lot of space and energy.

However, the similar yet different version Galanz GLCMKZ07RDR07 had quite a lot of issues like the timer was difficult to set and you had to read the whole manual to understand the appliance which requires a lot of time.

Worth Reading: 8 Best Ovens For Baking At Home

But, you have to be careful after using it, as a slight touch can turn it on and use up your power supply, and it might add up to a huge chunk of your bills. Especially if you have kids moving around don’t forget to put the safety on to be more cautious, as kids can’t be left unsupervised around these appliances.

Pros

  • The LED light helps you look inside through the door at your dish.
  • The turntable rotation evenly distributes the heat in food.
  • The child safety lock makes it a priority to prevent any unattended use by a child.

Cons

  • The settings are a bit confusing and incomprehensible while operating which usually mess up the food quality. 
  • It makes a loud noise while working and its ding is quite loud as well which is quite annoying.  

COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB (Best Eco-Mode Small Microwave)

Specifications

BrandCOMFEE’
ColorBlack
MaterialStainless Steel, Plastics
Capacity0.7 Cubic Feet
Wattage1050 watts
Special FeatureSafety Lock
Controller TypeTouch
Installation TypeCountertop
Recommended Uses for ProductsVegetable
Product Dimensions13″ D x 17.3″W x 10.2″H
Included ComponentsOven, Manual instruction book

Description

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB miniature oven in my office also seemed like a nice option. You can’t imagine the functions it provides you. The energy-saving eco-mode makes sure to use less power to work efficiently. I was amazed by the handful of options it offers you, literally it is the quietest with the possibility of turning the sound on or off at your convenience. The control panel has all the explicitly mentioned functions like auto-cook, kitchen timer, various settings, and a clock.

It uses 1050 watts of power to operate on 11 levels without making a loud noise with the mute function. The smart one-touch function gives you a 6 minutes option with an additional 30 seconds option if needed with 2 defrost settings as well. 

Another colleague bought its older version but that doesn’t offer as many features, and it was too loud there was a thud of shutting the door every time he opened it. He had to press the keypads very hard and every time he used it the microwave slid to the back. 

Pros

  • This microwave has Eco-mode which puts on 50% of energy on standby when turned on, which is great for saving electricity. 
  • It has an extensive internal capacity though the exterior is compact to fit in small spaces.

Cons

  • It requires more time to heat food evenly which is a waste of time and energy.

Farberware FMO07ABTBKA  (Best Countertop Microwave Oven)

Specifications

BrandFarberware
ColorBlack
MaterialStainless steel
Capacity0.7 Cubic Feet
Wattage700 watts
Special FeatureProgrammable
Controller TypeTouch
Installation TypeCountertop
Recommended Uses for ProductsResidential
Product Dimensions12.91″D x 17.75″W x 10.1″H
Included ComponentsMicrowave, Glass Turntable, User Guide

Description

I bought a Farberware microwave for its compact stainless-steel structure for my new hobby of soap making. This small microwave had everything that you could ever need. The energy consumption was low, and it not only reduced my bills but added profits as well for my small space. Its internal capacity perfectly fits my utensils without occupying a lot of external space. Moreover, you can easily program it. 

You can easily defrost your frozen foods in it according to weight and time. However, the former version was quite expensive with almost the same features but it had heating problems as well.

This mini microwave fits in perfectly if you have less space no matter if it’s an office, a dorm, or an apartment. I have been using it for years now and it does the job efficiently. 

Pros

  • It is very efficient and easily programmable.
  • You can easily clean it by taking out the glass turntable and putting it into the dishwasher, whereas cleaning the interior with a microfiber towel.  
  • It is lightweight as well so you can adjust it according to your own needs.

Cons

  • The power cord is very small, so you need an extension cord or an electric switch near your microwave.
  • The safety lock often breaks which compromises the quality of the product.

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 (Best Digital Oven) 

Specifications

BrandBLACK+DECKER
ColorStainless Steel
MaterialNot Available
Capacity0.7 Cubic Feet
Wattage700 watts
Special FeatureSafety Lock
Controller TypeTouch
Installation TypeCountertop
Recommended Uses for ProductsVegetable
Product Dimensions13″D x 17.3″W x 10.2″H
Included ComponentsMagnetron, Instruction Manual, Glass Turntable

Description

I am a food lover and use an oven most of the time. I was in search of a microwave that is compact, portable, and can keep my belly tight without compromising on the taste. My friend, knowing my condition, suggested the Black and Decker EM720CB7.

At a glance, I was a little disappointed because I was thinking that it might have the same power issues. But with each passing day, there was a love connection between me and my new baby oven. It was the connection of delicious food that the oven was serving. The fresh taste and the deep cooking just compelled me to love it unconditionally. As well as, it does not overheat even when used for a longer duration. Due to its small and compact size, it fitted perfectly in my limited kitchen arena.

Moreover, its 10-power setting enabled me to cook a variety of delicious food just at my fingertips. Having a large LED made everything simple by looking at it to confirm the input you have given. Also, the microwave does have a child safety lock. Therefore, it is a gem of my kitchen and I would highly recommend it to people who love the taste but are tight on space.

Pros

  • You don’t need to adjust it manually with its 10 preset power options.
  • It has a wide space that can fit a 10” pizza easily or can hold a family dinner.
  • You can preset buttons for pizza, frozen vegetables, popcorn, potato, beverage, and dinner plate.

Cons

  • One thing that I have noticed is the lingering smell that pops out when used and left closed.

Nostalgia ‎CLMO7WH  (Best Portable Microwave Oven) 

Specifications

BrandNostalgia
ColorWhite
MaterialGlass
Capacity0.7 cubic feet
Wattage700 Watts
Special FeatureSafety lock
Controller TypeTouch
Installation TypeCountertop
Recommended Uses for ProductsResidential
Product Dimensions14″ D x 18″W x 10.25″H
Included ComponentsMicrowave, Turntable, Instruction Manual

Description

I was redecorating my kitchen and went to buy a chopper instead I ended up buying the Nostalgia retro compact oven. It is chic, retro, stylish, and vintage at the same time. I fell in love with it immediately. It even perfectly fits on the countertop of my kitchen. 

It has a 10 inches glass turntable which rotates and heats the food evenly. The dial has a very simple program, you just easily turn and push to adjust the cooking time. Moreover, the digital clock is there for your convenience with LED lights to look at the cooking settings. The 10 inch rotating glass turntable makes sure that the food is perfectly heated without leaving any cold spots.

I made quite a lot of popcorn on our movie night with its pre-programmed settings. However, the former version had several issues. It made many loud noises and no matter how much you increased the temperature and time it didn’t heat the food.

Pros

  • With its transparent glass you can easily chThe microwave is easy to use.
  • It has knobs instead of push buttons to conveniently use.

Cons

  • The microwave has an issue with the timer and temperature.
  • While using it, sometimes it gives off a burning plastic smell.

TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS (Best Mute Function Microwave Oven)

Specifications

BrandToshiba
ColorBlack Stainless Steel
MaterialStainless Steel
Capacity0.9 Cubic Feet
Wattage900 watts
Special FeatureECO+Mute
Controller TypeTouch
Installation TypeCountertop
Recommended Uses for ProductsResidential
Product Dimensions16.1″ D x 19.2″W x 11.5″H
Included ComponentsOven, Manual, Glass Turntable

Description

Having smart appliances in a busy routine is itself a blessing. With so many options available, it gets confusing to select the one that best suits your choice. In my series of reviewing the smallest microwaves, the TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS countertop was also a part of it.

I used to visit people and restaurants to take a detailed review and hand on experience. So, it’s time for the TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS countertop oven. With so many years of excellence in different appliances, Toshiba also has marked its footprints right in the microwaves.

TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS countertop is one of their products to be looked at closely. EM925A5A-BS has quite a simple and compact design having a pre-programmed menu for popcorn, pizza, and others. Having enough internal space to accommodate a 10” pizza easily. The thing that I liked the most is its stainless-steel body, carefully manufactured handles, and bright controls. which are easy to access.

Moreover, the one downside with the control panel is that they are a little slippery when you try to use it in a hurry. Besides, having an ECO mode helps you in preventing major dents in your electricity bills. With a child lock, you can prevent your little chicks from using the microwave when it’s hot. All in all, you can afford it without breaking the bank. It’s the best in my recommendation.

Pros

  • You can activate the silent mode to turn off the beep sound.
  • It has an ECO mode that helps in the consumption of less power.
  • It is made of stainless steel, the smart handle can be gripped easily, and easy controls.

Cons

  • Its controls are a bit slippery and might be difficult to use when in a hurry.

Commercial CHEF CHM770SS  (Best Stainless-Steel Microwave Oven)

Specifications

BrandCommercial CHEF
ColorStainless Steel
MaterialStainless Steel
Capacity0.7 Cubic Feet
Wattage700
Special FeatureSafety Lock
Controller TypeTouch
Installation TypeCountertop
Recommended Uses for ProductsCommercial
Product Dimensions12.38″D x 17.81″W x 10.31″H
Included ComponentsMicrowave, Glass Turntable, User Manual Instruction

Description:

A friend of mine was telling me about her experience of using the Commercial CHEF countertop oven for the past 3 months. She was talking very highly about this appliance, that it only uses 700 watts of power to give 10 different levels for cooking. Moreover, she baked potatoes as a side dish for her steak and they turned out to be perfect by using the quick cook settings.

As she is a working single mom, it has proved to be a real helping hand by saving your time and energy as well. The time can be adjusted on the digital clock by using the kitchen timer while she does her other chores and food becomes ready to be served. The greatest plus for her is the safety lock as her 3 years old son always tries to mess things up in the kitchen. It ensures the security of the children.

The older version of Commercial CHEF lacked these features, as it overheated or burned the food a lot. The safety lock feature was also missing and the internal capacity was insufficient to fit a tray inside it. 

It sounded very efficient and functional, I will definitely check it out whenever I visit her. It seems very cool, if you are also looking for one.

Pros

  • It is easy to use with the controls and LED display.
  • You can fit in small spaces, even in a cabinet if you have power supply available.

Cons

  • The appliance is quite expensive for its size and power.
  • It can be loud while heating a certain dish.

 COMFEE’ AM720C2RA-R (Best Vintage Small Oven) 

Specifications

BrandCOMFEE’
ColorPassionate Red
MaterialStainless steel
Capacity0.7 Cubic Feet
Wattage700 watts
Special FeatureSafety Lock
Controller TypePush Button
Installation TypeCountertop
Recommended Uses for ProductsVegetable, Meat
Product Dimensions14.1″ D x 17.3″W x 10.2″H
Included ComponentsMicrowave, Glass turntable, Manual instruction

Description

I liked this chic appliance with a pop of color, the COMFEE Retro small microwave was my top choice. It is quite powerful with 10 power levels and up to 95 minutes of cooking time for a wide variety of dishes by adjusting the dial according to your desired temperature.

Though it is small in size and portable but doesn’t compromise on functionality. It easily fits in our cupboard. The 10 inches turntable stops where it starts at the beginning for your ease to lift your mug and plate without burning yourself. The safety lock feature is a cherry on top for your child’s safety. Moreover, the interior light and LED display are important features of the function keys.

In comparison, the old COMFEE’ one had some flaws with the heating and defrosting. Moreover, the confusion to operate the appliance was another issue as the time and temperature controls had to be reset every time you wanted to use it. 

Pros

  • It is compact and portable with a stylish stainless-steel body.
  • You can turn the sound on or off to avoid any disturbance.

Cons

  • The microwave is a bit expensive for the features it offers you.

Willz WLCMD207WE-07  (Best for Small Kitchen) 

Specifications

BrandWillz
ColorWhite
MaterialPainted Steel & Glass
Capacity0.7 Cubic Feet
Wattage700 watts
Special FeatureSafety Lock
Controller TypeTouch
Installation TypeCountertop
Recommended Uses for ProductsVegetable, Meat
Product Dimensions12.94″D x 17.56″W x 9.56″H
Included ComponentsOven, Glass tray, Roller ring, Shaft, Power cord

Description

The Willz countertop small oven only uses 700 watts of power to efficiently function. It set forth a kitchen timer, and safety lock with six one-touch cooking ways to make your culinary experience better. The glass turntable can be easily detached to clean the microwave easily. 

You can quickly reheat the leftover pasta from last night to fulfill your hunger pangs in this mini microwave. Moreover, if you are in a rush to cook your turkey this Thanksgiving, defrost and cook according to the time and weight as per your requirements by using the quick start function. You can even increase the temperature by 30 seconds if you want more precision in the temperature.

Whereas the older versions lack the precision of temperature controls. Moreover, they took longer to heat and even left cold spots in the food. I don’t think it’s worth buying if it can’t get the job done.

The 11 variable cooking levels give you a wide range of options to cook and heat your desired dishes at a much more affordable price, it surely is one of the top contenders in my top best smallest microwaves.

Pros

  • The microwave does not make loud noises.
  • It is very affordable and compact which is great for a small space.
  • The appliance doesn’t require a lot of electricity to run.

Cons

  • The oven gets heated up a lot.
  • The power cord of the microwave is too short

Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Small Microwave

The smallest portable microwave ovens have been generating a buzz for quite some time now. Undoubtedly, they are very convenient. Nonetheless, a few factors should be kept in mind to know about the performance of an oven. Therefore, when you decide to invest in a small microwave keep your eyes and mind open to these factors.    

Power

We should be well aware of the power consumption of a microwave before buying it. We purchase appliances like microwaves to make our lives easier, and not pile up our utility bills. So, we must know about the electricity our oven uses, more importantly, if it’s using electricity while not working or if it has an eco-mode to put it on standby. Smaller microwaves are usually efficient in this sense. 

The wattage is usually 600 to 1000 in mini microwaves, which gives us an idea of how quickly a microwave can heat or cook food. For instance, Commercial Chef CHM660B has the lowest wattage which is 600 watts in the list. The lower the wattage, the more time will be required to heat or cook the food. So, wattage should also be considered when buying a microwave.

Capacity

Internal capacity plays a huge role when buying a mini microwave for small spaces. Sometimes, we do not notice the capacity of a microwave after looking at its external structure. But the small microwaves mostly have 0.6 to 0.9 cubic feet capacity which fits a standard dinner plate. So, make sure to check for the internal capacity of the microwave you choose to buy. Similarly, the TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS has the greatest capacity to fit in the utensils.

Functions 

These days compact ovens come loaded with all the features at a very affordable price. Cooking, defrosting, and heating are basic functions in them. We should also notice the pre-programmed menu settings, various adjustable cooking temperatures and times for different cooking styles, and child safety locks for the price we pay to purchase an appliance. 

Conclusion

Sometimes looking for a smaller thing gives you a headache because it isn’t as easy as it seems. Mini microwaves, no doubt occupy less space but they can function to perfection. I have mentioned all my first-hand experiences with the appliances to facilitate your investment in a small oven.

You will surely find at least one microwave that will meet your demands amongst these 10 smallest microwaves. 

FAQs

Are small ovens safe to use?

Small microwaves are very much safe to use. They do not even catch fire if something is overheated. But try to turn it off when you spill or boil something in it until it’s cooled down. Clean it later.

How can we clean our ovens?

We should clean our microwave to prevent any kind of damage or smells coming from inside. Just take a damp paper towel or a rag and wipe the internal space with it.  

What size microwave should we buy?

Whenever you decide to buy a microwave, make sure to choose it based on the space available on your counter. Secondly, look for its internal capacity so that it can easily fit the dishes and your utensils. 

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