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5 Best Compact Microwaves 2025 in US

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An expert product reviewer with over a decade of experience reviewing the latest appliances and technology.
Updated

Main Features

  • Inverter technology for even cooking
  • One-touch sensor cook and reheat
  • Compact and sleek stainless steel design
  • 9 preset auto-cook menu items
  • Keep Warm feature

Product Overview

The Panasonic NN-SD372S compact microwave is designed for those who need a powerful yet small microwave oven. With its advanced inverter technology, it ensures even cooking and defrosting, which helps preserve the texture and flavor of your food.

The sleek stainless steel design not only looks elegant but also fits seamlessly into modern kitchens. Its compact size makes it perfect for dorm rooms, apartments, and small kitchens where space is at a premium.

This microwave also features a one-touch sensor cook and reheat function, making meal preparation simpler and faster.

PROS
  • Even cooking and defrosting
  • Compact size
  • Modern design
  • Easy-to-use controls
CONS
  • Higher price point
  • No interior light

Product Specifications

  • Capacity 0.8 cubic feet
  • Power 950 watts
  • Dimensions 14.8 x 19.2 x 11 inches
  • Weight 20.9 pounds
  • Color Stainless Steel

Main Features

  • Pre-programmed sensor menus
  • Power-saving Eco mode
  • Sound on/off option
  • Child safety lock
  • Black stainless steel exterior

Product Overview

The Toshiba EM925A5A-BS compact microwave is perfect for those who seek efficiency and reliability in a small kitchen appliance. This model comes with pre-programmed sensor menus for popular foods such as pizza, potatoes, and vegetables, making it easy to cook your favorite meals with just a few button presses.

The microwave features a sleek black stainless steel exterior that complements any kitchen decor. It also includes a power-saving Eco mode, sound on/off option, and a child safety lock, ensuring it meets the needs of every household.

PROS
  • Easy-to-use sensor menus
  • Sleek and modern design
  • Energy-efficient Eco mode
  • Safety features
CONS
  • Slightly heavier than other compact models
  • Buttons may be hard to read for some users

Product Specifications

  • Capacity 0.9 cubic feet
  • Power 900 watts
  • Dimensions 19.2 x 15.9 x 11.5 inches
  • Weight 27.3 pounds
  • Color Black Stainless Steel

Main Features

  • Retro design with chrome accents
  • 9 preset cooking functions
  • Compact size
  • Easy-to-use dial controls
  • 900-watt power output

Product Overview

The COMFEE' CM-M092AAT combines a retro aesthetic with modern convenience, making it a great addition to any kitchen with limited space. This compact microwave offers 9 preset cooking functions, allowing you to quickly prepare a variety of foods.

The retro design includes a round dial and chrome accents, adding a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen. Despite its compact size, it features a powerful 900-watt output that ensures your meals are cooked efficiently.

PROS
  • Stylish retro design
  • Multiple cooking presets
  • Compact and efficient
  • User-friendly controls
CONS
  • Limited capacity
  • No digital display

Product Specifications

  • Capacity 0.9 cubic feet
  • Power 900 watts
  • Dimensions 19.1 x 15.4 x 11.5 inches
  • Weight 25.8 pounds
  • Color Cream

Main Features

  • Pre-programmed buttons for easy cooking
  • 700-watt power output
  • Child safety lock
  • Compact and space-saving design
  • LED digital display

Product Overview

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 microwave oven is designed for those who need a reliable and straightforward microwave in a compact size. With 700 watts of power, it may not be the most powerful microwave on the market, but it gets the job done efficiently.

The unit features pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate, making it easy to cook or reheat your favorite foods. Its compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or office break rooms.

The microwave also includes a child safety lock, which ensures safe operation in homes with young children.

PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Easy-to-use pre-programmed buttons
  • Safety features
CONS
  • Lower power output
  • Basic features

Product Specifications

  • Capacity 0.7 cubic feet
  • Power 700 watts
  • Dimensions 17.3 x 13.0 x 10.2 inches
  • Weight 22.5 pounds
  • Color Black

Main Features

  • Convection cooking option
  • Sleek stainless steel design
  • Intuitive controls
  • Preset cooking options
  • Compact size

Product Overview

The GE JES1097SMSS compact convection microwave is perfect for those who want more than just a microwave. This model combines traditional microwave cooking with convection heating, allowing you to bake, roast, and brown your food to perfection.

Its sleek stainless steel design enhances any kitchen decor, while the intuitive controls make it easy to select the right cooking method for your meal. The microwave also features a variety of preset cooking options, ensuring that you can quickly and easily prepare a wide range of dishes.

Its compact size makes it suitable for kitchens with limited space, and the combination of convection and microwave cooking means you can achieve great results with minimal effort.

PROS
  • Multiple cooking options
  • Stylish and modern design
  • User-friendly controls
  • Compact but spacious interior
CONS
  • Heavier than other compact models
  • Higher price point

Product Specifications

  • Capacity 1.0 cubic feet
  • Power 1050 watts
  • Dimensions 20.5 x 16.5 x 13.25 inches
  • Weight 36.8 pounds
  • Color Stainless Steel

Introduction

Microwaves are essential kitchen appliances that make reheating, cooking, and defrosting food convenient and quick. For those with limited kitchen space, a compact microwave can be an excellent solution. This guide will help you navigate through the myriad options available to find the best compact microwave suited to your needs.

Understanding Compact Microwaves

Compact microwaves are smaller versions of standard microwaves, typically ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet in capacity. They are designed to fit into tight spaces, such as small kitchens, dorm rooms, or office break rooms, without compromising on essential functionality.

Key Factors to Consider

Size and Capacity

The primary consideration when choosing a compact microwave is its size and capacity. Measure the available space in your kitchen to ensure the microwave will fit. Capacity is usually measured in cubic feet; a smaller capacity might be sufficient for reheating meals and cooking simple dishes, while a slightly larger one may be better for those who cook more frequently.

Wattage

Wattage impacts how quickly and evenly food cooks. Compact microwaves generally come with a wattage range of 600 to 1000 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking times, but it also may use more energy. Consider your cooking habits and needs when selecting the appropriate wattage.

Features and Functions

Look for key features that enhance the microwave’s usability and convenience:

  • Preset Cooking Programs: These are pre-programmed settings for common foods like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables.
  • Defrost Function: This feature allows you to defrost frozen food by weight or time.
  • Turntable: A turntable ensures even cooking by rotating the food. Some microwaves have removable turntables, which are easier to clean.
  • Control Panel: Choose between digital and mechanical control panels. Digital panels offer more precise settings, while mechanical dials are straightforward and durable.
  • Child Lock: This is a safety feature that prevents accidental operation by children.

Design and Aesthetics

A compact microwave should complement your kitchen decor. Consider the color, finish, and overall design. Stainless steel models offer a modern look, while black or white finishes can blend seamlessly with most kitchen interiors.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Researching brand reputation and customer reviews can provide insights into the microwave’s reliability and performance. Brands like Panasonic, Toshiba, and GE are well-known for their quality appliances. Look for reviews that mention durability, performance, and customer service experiences.

Recommended Compact Microwaves

Panasonic NN-SD372S

This model is highly regarded for its Inverter Technology, which ensures even cooking and defrosting. With a 0.8 cubic feet capacity and 950 watts of power, it strikes a balance between size and performance. It also features a sleek stainless steel design.

Toshiba EM925A5A-BS

With a 0.9 cubic feet capacity and 900 watts of power, this microwave offers a good mix of functionality and compactness. It includes 10 power settings, a digital control panel, and a black stainless steel finish, making it both practical and stylish.

AmazonBasics Microwave

This 0.7 cubic feet microwave with 700 watts of power is a budget-friendly option. It integrates with Amazon Alexa, allowing for voice control. It’s a simple, no-fuss microwave that covers basic needs effectively.

GE JES1072SHSS

A 0.7 cubic feet microwave that packs 700 watts of power. It features a stainless steel exterior, making it a durable and attractive option. It includes essential features like preset cooking programs and a turntable, ensuring ease of use.

Conclusion

Choosing the best compact microwave involves balancing size, power, features, and aesthetics to suit your specific needs. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision that enhances your kitchen experience without taking up too much space. Whether you prioritize advanced features or a sleek design, there’s a compact microwave out there that’s perfect for you.