In modern kitchens where counter space is a premium commodity, a compact microwave is no longer a luxury but a necessity. However, the market is saturated with options, making it difficult to distinguish a high-performing appliance from one that simply takes up space.
This guide is dedicated to navigating that landscape, helping you find the best small microwaves for countertops. We focus on the crucial balance between a minimal footprint and powerful performance, ensuring you don't have to sacrifice functionality for size.
Our evaluation prioritizes quality, user-friendly design, and overall value to help you make an informed investment. Join us as we explore the top contenders and identify the best small microwaves for countertops to suit your specific needs and elevate your kitchen's efficiency.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 10 Best Small Microwaves For Countertops Compared

🏆 BEST OVERALL TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Smart Sensor technology helps prevent overcooking.
- Convenient one-touch start for 1-6 minutes.
- Mute function to silence beeps is a great quality-of-life feature.
- Flexible defrost options by either weight or time.

🥈 2ND RUNNER UP Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- Compact design is ideal for limited counter space.
- Includes useful features like a mute function and child lock.
- Versatile cooking with 10 power levels and 6 one-touch presets.
- Easy to clean with a wipe-down exterior and dishwasher-safe turntable.

� BEST VALUE TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Compact footprint is ideal for limited counter space.
- Mute function allows for silent operation.
- One-touch start and multiple presets simplify common cooking tasks.
- Includes a two-step child lock for enhanced safety.

COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
- Multiple one-touch and auto-cook presets for convenience.
- Energy-saving Eco Mode to reduce standby power.
- Silent mode option to mute beeps and alerts.
- Includes a child safety lock for added security.

- Compact size is ideal for smaller kitchens and apartments.
- Convenient one-touch cooking functions like '+30 seconds' and 'Express Cook'.
- Modern aesthetic with stainless steel finish and an easy-to-clean gray interior.
- Bright and clear white LED display and interior lighting.

Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven
- Very quiet operation with a soft-close door.
- Compact footprint is ideal for smaller kitchens.
- Intuitive one-touch shortcuts for common tasks.
- Thoughtful features like a child lock and mute button.

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, offices, or dorm rooms.
- Easy-to-read digital display and intuitive control panel.
- Convenient one-touch presets and a 30-second express cook button.
- Includes a child safety lock for added security.

BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Intuitive control panel with a clear LED digital display.
- Helpful one-touch presets for common food items.
- Includes essential features like a child safety lock and a 30-second express cook button.
- Compact external dimensions are well-suited for smaller kitchens or limited counter space.

- Solid 1000W power provides quick and even heating.
- Intuitive one-touch controls like '+30 seconds' and 'Express Cook'.
- Modern design with a clean stainless steel finish and bright LED lighting.
- Good capacity for standard dinner plates and containers.

TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Stylish Design As Kitchen Essentials
- Compact, space-saving design is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.
- Versatile cooking with 10 power levels and 13 preset menus.
- User-friendly features like a mute function, memory setting, and child lock.
- Sleek black stainless steel finish provides a modern aesthetic.
Detailed Reviews of the Best Small Microwaves For Countertops
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft - Smart Sensor technology helps prevent overcooking.

This 1000-watt countertop microwave is a capable and well-rounded appliance for daily kitchen use. The standout feature is its Smart Sensor technology, which effectively adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, helping to prevent overcooked or dry results, especially with reheating leftovers. The control panel is straightforward, offering six common presets and convenient one-touch start buttons for 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
The 10 power levels provide good cooking flexibility. A particularly nice feature is the mute function, which silences the operational beeps—a welcome option in a busy household. Its external dimensions are fairly standard for a unit of this capacity, but it’s always wise to measure your counter space.
Overall, it’s a reliable microwave that combines core functionality with some very practical, user-friendly features that enhance the everyday experience.
Pros
- Smart Sensor technology helps prevent overcooking.
- Convenient one-touch start for 1-6 minutes.
- Mute function to silence beeps is a great quality-of-life feature.
- Flexible defrost options by either weight or time.
- 10 distinct power levels for customized cooking.
Cons
- The countertop footprint might be too large for very small kitchens.
- Only includes six preset menus, which is fewer than some competing models.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. - Compact design is ideal for limited counter space.

The Chefman 700W countertop microwave is a capable and compact appliance, well-suited for smaller living spaces like apartments, dorms, or office kitchens. It offers a good range of functionality for its size, including 10 distinct power levels and six convenient presets for common items. The digital controls are intuitive, and the inclusion of a '+30 seconds' button and a memory function adds to its ease of use.
Thoughtful features like the mute option to silence beeps and a child safety lock are genuinely useful for daily life. While its 700-watt power output means it may not cook as quickly as larger, more powerful models, it handles standard reheating and cooking tasks reliably. The unit is also easy to maintain, with a wipeable exterior and a dishwasher-safe glass turntable, making cleanup straightforward.
Pros
- Compact design is ideal for limited counter space.
- Includes useful features like a mute function and child lock.
- Versatile cooking with 10 power levels and 6 one-touch presets.
- Easy to clean with a wipe-down exterior and dishwasher-safe turntable.
- Memory function allows for saving custom cooking programs.
- Straightforward digital controls and a quick +30 second button.
Cons
- The 700W power level may lead to slightly longer cooking times than higher-wattage units.
- Interior capacity is limited, which might not accommodate larger plates or cookware.
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off - Multiple one-touch and auto-cook presets for convenience.

This microwave offers a comprehensive set of features that make it a practical choice for everyday kitchen needs. The control panel is straightforward, and the bright digital display is easy to read. The one-touch express cooking for 1-6 minutes and the +30 seconds button are very convenient for quick heating.
The specialized auto-cook functions for common items like popcorn, potatoes, and beverages help take the guesswork out of cooking times. A standout feature is the Eco Mode, which helps reduce standby power consumption, and the mute function is a great addition for households wanting to minimize noise. The dual defrost options (by weight or time) add to its versatility, and the child safety lock provides peace of mind.
While the 10-inch turntable is a standard size, it reliably handles most basic reheating and cooking tasks for average-sized plates.
Pros
- Multiple one-touch and auto-cook presets for convenience.
- Energy-saving Eco Mode to reduce standby power.
- Silent mode option to mute beeps and alerts.
- Includes a child safety lock for added security.
- Clear digital display and user-friendly controls.
- Flexible defrosting options by weight or time.
Cons
- The 10-inch turntable may be too small for larger dinner plates or cookware.
- The one-year limited warranty is standard but may feel short for a key appliance.
Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven - Very quiet operation with a soft-close door.

The Breville Compact Wave microwave is a well-designed appliance, particularly for those with limited counter space. Its 0.9 cu.ft (25L) capacity is suitable for reheating dinner plates, defrosting smaller items, and handling everyday tasks. The standout feature is its quiet performance; the soft-close door is a significant improvement over traditional microwaves, reducing noise considerably.
The one-touch shortcut buttons for popcorn, beverages, and reheating are intuitive and convenient for quick use. The 900-watt power level is adequate for most daily needs, though it may not be the fastest on the market. The various food menu options and the precise defrost and reheat functions work as described, helping to heat food more evenly without drying it out.
Thoughtful additions like the mute button and child lock add to its overall user-friendly appeal, making it a solid choice for small kitchens, apartments, or anyone who values quiet operation in their home.
Pros
- Very quiet operation with a soft-close door.
- Compact footprint is ideal for smaller kitchens.
- Intuitive one-touch shortcuts for common tasks.
- Thoughtful features like a child lock and mute button.
- Effective defrost and reheat functions heat food evenly.
Cons
- At 900 watts, it may be slightly less powerful than larger models.
- The compact capacity may not suit large families or oversized dinnerware.
TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Stylish Design As Kitchen Essentials - Compact, space-saving design is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.

This black stainless steel microwave offers a solid balance of functionality and a compact footprint, making it a suitable choice for smaller living spaces like apartments or dorm rooms. With external dimensions of 20.6x16.3x11.8 inches, it won't overwhelm your counter. The 1000W output and 10 power levels provide ample cooking flexibility, which is further enhanced by 13 preset menus for common items.
The user-friendly features are a nice touch, particularly the mute function to silence beeps, a memory setting for favorite dishes, and both time and weight defrost options. The design is modern and clean, fitting well with various kitchen styles. The inclusion of a two-step child lock is a thoughtful safety measure for households with young children.
While the internal capacity is modest, it’s perfectly adequate for reheating meals, preparing snacks, and handling everyday microwave tasks for one or two people.
Pros
- Compact, space-saving design is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.
- Versatile cooking with 10 power levels and 13 preset menus.
- User-friendly features like a mute function, memory setting, and child lock.
- Sleek black stainless steel finish provides a modern aesthetic.
- Sufficient 1000W power for common cooking and reheating tasks.
- Offers both weight and time-based defrosting for convenience.
Cons
- Internal capacity might be too small for large dishes or family-sized meals.
- The 1600W input power could be demanding for older electrical circuits.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Small Microwaves For Countertops
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Frequently Asked Questions about Best Small Microwaves For Countertops
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Conclusion: The Final Verdict
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft this is a solid and user-friendly microwave that performs its essential functions reliably. with thoughtful additions like the smart sensor and a mute button, it's a highly recommended choice for anyone seeking a practical countertop model with modern conveniences.