For small kitchens, a microwave in the 700‑900 W range provides a good balance between size and cooking speed. Models like the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA (900 W) and Chefman 0.7 cu ft (700 W) both fit on a countertop while handling most everyday tasks. If you need faster reheating or larger dishes, consider stepping up to a 1000 W unit such as the Black+Decker EM031MB11.

A 700 W microwave will take slightly longer to heat the same volume of food, but many users find the difference negligible for popcorn, leftovers, or beverages. The higher‑wattage models (900‑1000 W) like the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA and Farberware 1.1 cu ft deliver quicker cooking and more even results on larger items. If speed is a priority, especially for frozen meals, the extra power can be worth the modest size increase.

Preset menus simplify cooking by automatically selecting time and power for common foods such as pizza, popcorn, or potatoes. Both the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA and the Farberware 0.7 cu ft include six to ten one‑touch presets, which can be convenient for beginners. However, if you prefer manual control, any of the listed microwaves will let you set time and power directly without the extra cost.

The Toshiba models (ML‑EM09PA and ML‑EM45P) use a two‑step child lock that requires a specific sequence to open, offering robust protection. Black+Decker EM031MB11 and Chefman 0.7 cu ft also include a child safety lock on the handle, but it is a single‑step lock. For families with young children, the two‑step lock is generally considered the safest option.

A larger turntable accommodates bigger plates and helps achieve more even heating, which is useful for family‑size meals. The Toshiba ML‑EM09PA offers a 10.6‑inch glass turntable, while the 700 W Chefman and Farberware models have 9.6‑inch or 12.4‑inch turntables respectively. If you frequently cook larger dishes, choose a model with a turntable of at least 10 inches; otherwise, a smaller turntable will save countertop space.

A 1.1 cu ft microwave, like the Farberware 1000 W models, lets you heat full‑size plates, casserole dishes, and even small roasts, which a 0.7 cu ft unit cannot accommodate. The trade‑off is a bigger exterior dimension (about 20.6 × 16.5 × 11.8 inches) that may crowd a tight kitchen. If you regularly prepare larger meals, the added capacity justifies the space; otherwise, a compact 0.7 cu ft model is more space‑efficient.

Sensor cooking, found in the Toshiba ML‑EM45P, automatically adjusts power and time for better texture, which can offset lower wattage by preventing over‑cooking. Convection and air‑fry features, like those in the GE 4‑in‑1 model, turn the microwave into a multi‑cook appliance, but they usually require higher power (around 1050 W) to be effective. If you want versatility beyond basic reheating, these advanced functions are worthwhile; otherwise, a standard microwave with good presets and power levels will meet most needs.