Countertop real estate is a precious commodity in any modern kitchen, especially in smaller living spaces like apartments, dorms, or RVs. While the convenience of a microwave is undeniable, a bulky, full-sized model can be an impractical choice.
This is where the search for the best compact microwave begins, offering powerful functionality in a space-saving design. However, not all compact models are created equal.
Choosing wisely means investing in an appliance that delivers consistent performance, long-term reliability, and excellent value. This guide is dedicated to helping you navigate the options and identify the best compact microwave to suit your specific needs, ensuring your purchase is both smart and satisfying.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 10 Best Compact Microwave Compared

🏆 BEST OVERALL TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Compact footprint is ideal for small kitchens or apartments.
- Mute function allows you to silence the end-of-cycle beeps.
- Convenient one-touch express cooking and multiple preset options.
- Versatile defrost functions that operate by weight or time.

🥈 2ND RUNNER UP TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Smart Sensor technology helps prevent overcooking by adjusting time automatically.
- Convenient mute function to silence buzzer sounds.
- Versatile cooking with 10 power levels and multiple presets.
- One-touch quick start for common cook times.

� BEST VALUE BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens and apartments.
- User-friendly interface with large display and one-touch presets.
- Convenient 30-second express cooking button.
- Includes a child safety lock for added security.

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
- User-friendly digital controls with multiple presets and 10 power levels.
- Includes thoughtful features like a mute option and a child safety lock.
- Modern, sleek design that is easy to wipe clean.

Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven
- Exceptionally quiet operation with a soft-close door.
- Compact footprint is ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
- Convenient one-touch shortcuts for common foods and beverages.
- Heats and defrosts food evenly without creating hot spots.

- Compact size is ideal for apartments or limited counter space.
- Modern design with stainless steel finish and bright LED lighting.
- Intuitive one-touch controls like 'Express Cook' and '+30 seconds'.
- Turntable system promotes even heating and cooking.

COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
- Mute function allows for silent operation.
- Convenient one-touch express cooking and +30 second button.
- Useful pre-programmed settings for common foods.
- Energy-saving Eco mode helps reduce standby power consumption.

BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- User-friendly control panel with clear digital display.
- Convenient one-touch presets and a 30-second express cook button.
- Compact footprint is ideal for smaller kitchens or limited counter space.
- Includes a child safety lock for added security.

GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
- Combines four functions: microwave, air fryer, convection, and broiler.
- Compact 1.0 cu. ft. size is ideal for saving counter space.
- Preset controls make it easy to cook popular items quickly.
- Convection and air fry modes provide crisp, evenly-cooked results.

Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
- Compact 0.7 cu. ft. size is ideal for small spaces.
- Features 12 convenient pre-programmed cooking settings.
- Unique retro design with chrome accents adds stylistic flair.
- Rotating glass carousel helps to cook food evenly.
Detailed Reviews of the Best Compact Microwave
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft - Smart Sensor technology helps prevent overcooking by adjusting time automatically.

This 1000-watt countertop microwave offers a solid set of features for everyday kitchen tasks. With a 12.4-inch turntable, it comfortably fits standard dinner plates. The standout feature is its Smart Sensor technology, which is designed to automatically adjust cooking time by detecting food humidity, which can be very helpful for reheating without guesswork.
In addition to the sensor, it includes six common presets, 10 distinct power levels, and a useful one-touch start for 1 to 6 minutes at full power. The defrost function operates by either weight or time, adding flexibility. A particularly thoughtful detail is the mute function, allowing you to silence the end-of-cycle beeps, which is great for quiet environments.
Overall, it's a capable and user-friendly appliance for a modern kitchen. Be sure to check the external dimensions to ensure it fits your available counter space.
Pros
- Smart Sensor technology helps prevent overcooking by adjusting time automatically.
- Convenient mute function to silence buzzer sounds.
- Versatile cooking with 10 power levels and multiple presets.
- One-touch quick start for common cook times.
- Flexible defrost options, either by weight or by time.
Cons
- Does not include advanced functions like convection or grilling features.
- The 1600-watt input power consumption is notably higher than its 1000-watt cooking output.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. - Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.

This Chefman 700W microwave offers a solid set of features in a compact package, making it well-suited for smaller kitchens, dorms, or office spaces. The digital controls are straightforward, with six common presets and 10 adjustable power levels that handle tasks from melting butter to reheating leftovers. The +30 seconds button is a convenient touch for quick time additions.
What stands out are the thoughtful extra features, such as the ability to mute the beeps and a child safety lock, which are not always found on models in this class. While 700 watts is on the lower end of the power spectrum, it's perfectly adequate for daily reheating and defrosting tasks. The sleek black design is modern and unobtrusive, and the easy-to-clean exterior and dishwasher-safe turntable make maintenance simple.
Overall, it’s a functional and user-friendly appliance for basic microwave needs.
Pros
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
- User-friendly digital controls with multiple presets and 10 power levels.
- Includes thoughtful features like a mute option and a child safety lock.
- Modern, sleek design that is easy to wipe clean.
- Memory function allows for programming frequently used settings.
- Quick-start number keys for one-touch cooking.
Cons
- At 700W, it may take longer to heat food compared to more powerful microwaves.
- The smaller interior capacity may not accommodate larger dishes or cookware.
Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven - Exceptionally quiet operation with a soft-close door.

The Breville Compact Wave Soft Close is a well-designed appliance that excels in smaller kitchens. Its 25L (0.9 cu.ft.) capacity is adequate for daily tasks like reheating meals, defrosting meats, or making popcorn for one or two people. The most notable feature is its quiet performance; the soft-close door is a premium touch that eliminates slamming, and the overall operational noise is impressively low.
The one-touch shortcuts and food menu are intuitive and genuinely useful for quick tasks. With 900 watts of power, it heats food evenly and reliably, and the specific reheat and defrost cycles prevent food from becoming rubbery or overcooked at the edges. While it won't handle large family-sized casserole dishes, its combination of a compact footprint, user-friendly interface, and quiet operation makes it a solid choice for those who value thoughtful engineering in their appliances.
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet operation with a soft-close door.
- Compact footprint is ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
- Convenient one-touch shortcuts for common foods and beverages.
- Heats and defrosts food evenly without creating hot spots.
- Helpful extra features like a child lock and a mute button.
Cons
- The 900-watt power level may be slightly slower than larger, more powerful models.
- Its compact 0.9 cu.ft. capacity is not suitable for large dishes or families.
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off - Mute function allows for silent operation.

This microwave handles all the essential day-to-day tasks with ease. The performance is consistent, whether reheating leftovers or using one of the auto-cook functions. The one-touch express buttons and the +30 seconds feature are particularly convenient for quick use.
I especially appreciate the thoughtful additions like the ability to mute the beeps and the energy-saving Eco mode, which are features not always found at this price point. The control panel is intuitive and the digital display is bright and easy to read. The 10-inch turntable is adequate for standard dinner plates and bowls.
It's a solid, functional appliance that focuses on practical features that genuinely improve the user experience. Overall, it's a very capable machine for a small kitchen, dorm room, or office breakroom, offering a good balance of performance and smart features.
Pros
- Mute function allows for silent operation.
- Convenient one-touch express cooking and +30 second button.
- Useful pre-programmed settings for common foods.
- Energy-saving Eco mode helps reduce standby power consumption.
- Clear display and an easy-to-navigate control panel.
- Includes a child safety lock for peace of mind.
Cons
- The 10-inch turntable might be too small for larger casserole dishes or family-sized cookware.
GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven - Combines four functions: microwave, air fryer, convection, and broiler.

This is a highly versatile countertop appliance that effectively combines several cooking functions into one compact unit. The main draw is its ability to act as a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler. For its size, the performance is quite impressive; the air fry and convection modes produce genuinely crispy and evenly cooked results, especially for frozen items like fries and nuggets using the presets.
The 1.0 cubic foot capacity is well-suited for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices, though it might be limiting for larger households. The glass turntable ensures food is heated through consistently. I also appreciate the two-step child lock feature, which provides peace of mind for families, with the convenient option to disable it if not needed.
It successfully saves counter space by consolidating multiple gadgets, making it a practical choice for anyone looking to simplify their kitchen setup without sacrificing functionality.
Pros
- Combines four functions: microwave, air fryer, convection, and broiler.
- Compact 1.0 cu. ft. size is ideal for saving counter space.
- Preset controls make it easy to cook popular items quickly.
- Convection and air fry modes provide crisp, evenly-cooked results.
- Includes a thoughtful and deactivatable child-lock safety feature.
- Glass turntable and convection rack promote even heating.
Cons
- The 1.0 cu. ft. interior may be too small for large dishes or family-sized meals.
- As a multi-function unit, its dedicated modes might not be as powerful as standalone appliances.
Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven - Compact 0.7 cu. ft. size is ideal for small spaces.

This 0.7 cubic foot microwave offers 700 watts of power, making it a suitable choice for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or office breakrooms. Its functionality is straightforward, highlighted by 12 pre-programmed cooking settings for common items like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables, which simplifies daily use. The rotating glass turntable aims to provide even heating, a standard but necessary feature.
A bright, easy-to-read LED display shows the digital clock and cooking settings clearly. The unit's most prominent feature is its retro aesthetic, complete with a chrome door handle and control panel accents that offer a distinct vintage style. While its power is on the lower side, it is generally sufficient for basic reheating and simple cooking tasks.
The express cooking and delay timer functions add a welcome layer of convenience for meal preparation. It effectively balances fundamental microwave functionality with a unique, style-conscious design.
Pros
- Compact 0.7 cu. ft. size is ideal for small spaces.
- Features 12 convenient pre-programmed cooking settings.
- Unique retro design with chrome accents adds stylistic flair.
- Rotating glass carousel helps to cook food evenly.
- Clear and easy-to-read digital LED display.
Cons
- At 700 watts, it may cook or reheat food slower than higher-powered models.
- The small internal capacity is not suitable for large dinner plates or family-sized dishes.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Compact Microwave
No buying guide available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Compact Microwave
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Conclusion: The Final Verdict
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus this microwave is a feature-rich and reliable option for anyone with limited counter space. its combination of user-friendly shortcuts, safety features, and a mute function makes it an excellent choice for individuals, couples, or small families.