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Best Small Microwave For Dorm
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Navigating dorm life means mastering the art of maximizing limited space. A compact microwave is often the unsung hero of late-night study sessions and quick meals between classes, transforming a small corner into a functional kitchenette.

However, not all compact appliances are created equal. Finding the best small microwave for dorm living requires a careful balance of size, performance, and value.

A poor choice can lead to unevenly heated meals or a tripped circuit breaker, while the right one becomes a reliable daily companion. This guide is designed to help you navigate the options and identify the best small microwave for dorm rooms, ensuring you invest in a product that delivers both quality and convenience for your college years.

Top 10 Best Small Microwave For Dorm Compared

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

🏆 BEST OVERALL Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

  • Compact size is ideal for limited counter space.
  • User-friendly digital interface with helpful presets and a +30 second button.
  • Thoughtful features like a mute option, child lock, and memory function.
  • Ten adjustable power levels provide cooking flexibility.
★★★★
4.3/5 Check Price on Amazon
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off

🥈 2ND RUNNER UP COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off

  • Mute function to silence beeps and alerts.
  • Convenient one-touch express cooking and +30 second options.
  • Energy-saving Eco mode to reduce standby power usage.
  • Clear digital display and an easy-to-use control panel.
★★★★
4.4/5 Check Price on Amazon
TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven with 11 Power Levels

� BEST VALUE TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven with 11 Power Levels

  • Compact footprint is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
  • Multiple power levels and auto-menus provide versatile cooking options.
  • Advanced 'ChefDefrost' feature thaws food quickly and effectively.
  • User-friendly controls including one-touch start and a mute function.
★★★★
4.5/5 Check Price on Amazon
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door

  • Compact footprint is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.
  • User-friendly control panel with a clear digital display.
  • Six convenient pre-programmed cooking buttons for common items.
  • Includes a useful child safety lock feature.
★★★★
4.6/5 Check Price on Amazon
Galanz GLCMKZ07BER07 Retro Countertop Microwave Oven with Auto Cook & Reheat

Galanz GLCMKZ07BER07 Retro Countertop Microwave Oven with Auto Cook & Reheat

  • Stylish and unique retro aesthetic.
  • Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or apartments.
  • Includes helpful presets for auto-cooking, reheating, and defrosting.
  • Simple and intuitive controls with a useful +30-second function.
★★★★
4.7/5 Check Price on Amazon
Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven - 0.7 Cu Ft

Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven - 0.7 Cu Ft

  • Compact size is perfect for small kitchens and limited counter space.
  • Rotating turntable ensures even and consistent heating.
  • 10 distinct power levels provide excellent cooking flexibility.
  • Auto-cook programs and express settings offer added convenience.
★★★★
4.6/5 Check Price on Amazon
COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave with 11 power levels

COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave with 11 power levels

  • Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, apartments, or offices.
  • Multiple auto-cook presets and express functions for convenience.
  • Bright, easy-to-read display and intuitive control panel.
  • Features 11 distinct power levels for more precise cooking control.
★★★★
4.5/5 Check Price on Amazon
TOSHIBA ML4-EM09PA(BS) Small Countertop Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus

TOSHIBA ML4-EM09PA(BS) Small Countertop Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus

  • Multiple preset menus and 11 power levels offer excellent cooking flexibility.
  • Helpful user features like a mute mode, memory function, and two defrost options.
  • A two-step child safety lock is included to prevent accidental use.
  • Compact external dimensions make it suitable for smaller kitchens or apartments.
★★★★
4.7/5 Check Price on Amazon
Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting

Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting

  • Compact footprint is ideal for small apartments, dorms, or offices.
  • Multiple one-touch presets and 10 power levels offer cooking versatility.
  • Intuitive controls with a clear LED display and clock/timer function.
  • Includes a child safety lock for added security.
★★★★
4.5/5 Check Price on Amazon
Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts

Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts

  • Powerful 1000-watt output with 10 adjustable power levels.
  • Convenient one-touch presets for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
  • Compact 1.1 cu. ft. size is ideal for small kitchens or offices.
  • Includes useful safety and convenience features like a child lock and kitchen timer.
★★★★
4.7/5 Check Price on Amazon

Detailed Reviews of the Best Small Microwave For Dorm

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. - Compact size is ideal for limited counter space.

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

This Chefman 700W microwave is a solid, compact appliance that's well-suited for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or office breakrooms. The digital controls are intuitive, and the six presets for common items like popcorn and pizza are genuinely useful for quick meals. I particularly appreciate the simple quick-start number keys and the handy +30 seconds button for extending cooking time.

While 700 watts means it might take slightly longer to heat things compared to more powerful models, it handles daily reheating and defrosting tasks without any issues. The inclusion of features like a child lock and a mute option for the beeps are very thoughtful additions. Cleaning is also straightforward, thanks to the wipe-clean exterior and the dishwasher-safe glass turntable.

It’s a reliable and practical machine for its size and power class, offering good value and functionality for everyday needs.

Pros

  • Compact size is ideal for limited counter space.
  • User-friendly digital interface with helpful presets and a +30 second button.
  • Thoughtful features like a mute option, child lock, and memory function.
  • Ten adjustable power levels provide cooking flexibility.
  • Easy-to-clean exterior and a dishwasher-safe turntable.

Cons

  • The 700W power level may result in slightly longer cooking times than higher-wattage models.
  • Its smaller internal capacity might not accommodate large dinner plates or casserole dishes.

COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off - Mute function to silence beeps and alerts.

COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off

This microwave has proven to be a solid and dependable appliance for daily use. The control panel is intuitive, and the bright digital display makes it easy to see the remaining time. I've found the one-touch express cooking options for 1-6 minutes to be particularly convenient for quick heating tasks.

The various auto-cook presets, like popcorn and potato, perform reliably and take the guesswork out of timing. A significant highlight is the mute function, which allows you to silence the beeps – a small feature that makes a big difference. The energy-saving Eco mode is another thoughtful addition for reducing standby power.

The 10-inch turntable accommodates standard dinner plates, making this a well-rounded unit for most common reheating and defrosting needs. It's a functional, user-friendly microwave with several useful quality-of-life features that enhance the overall experience.

Pros

  • Mute function to silence beeps and alerts.
  • Convenient one-touch express cooking and +30 second options.
  • Energy-saving Eco mode to reduce standby power usage.
  • Clear digital display and an easy-to-use control panel.
  • Includes essential features like a child safety lock and multiple auto-cook presets.

Cons

  • The 10-inch turntable might be too small for larger casserole dishes or platters.
  • Lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or convection capabilities.

TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven with 11 Power Levels - Compact footprint is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.

TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven with 11 Power Levels

This 700W microwave is a capable and well-designed appliance, particularly suited for those with limited counter space. Its compact exterior houses a decent internal capacity, fitting a standard 9.6-inch turntable. The 11 distinct power levels and 6 auto-cook menus provide good flexibility for a range of common tasks, from reheating coffee to cooking a potato.

A standout feature is the 'ChefDefrost' function, which claims to thaw food up to 40% faster while preserving texture, a noticeable improvement over basic defrost settings. The control panel is intuitive, with one-touch start options and practical additions like a child lock and ECO mode. The ability to mute the beeping sounds is a particularly thoughtful feature that many users will appreciate.

While it may not be the fastest oven due to its 700W power, it performs reliably for everyday use and offers a solid set of features for its size.

Pros

  • Compact footprint is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
  • Multiple power levels and auto-menus provide versatile cooking options.
  • Advanced 'ChefDefrost' feature thaws food quickly and effectively.
  • User-friendly controls including one-touch start and a mute function.
  • Includes a child safety lock for households with young children.

Cons

  • The 700W power output means cooking and reheating may take longer than higher-wattage models.
  • Internal capacity is not suitable for very large plates or family-sized dishes.

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door - Compact footprint is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door

This is a solid, no-frills microwave that's well-suited for smaller spaces like dorm rooms, office breakrooms, or studio apartments. At 700 watts, it handles basic reheating and defrosting tasks effectively, though it may take slightly longer than more powerful units. The six pre-programmed buttons for items like popcorn and pizza are convenient for quick, one-touch cooking, and the 30-second express button is a welcome feature.

The control panel is intuitive, with a large, easy-to-read LED display. The 10-inch turntable accommodates a standard dinner plate without issue. Its compact dimensions are a major advantage for those with limited counter space.

The inclusion of a child safety lock is a thoughtful addition for households with young children. Overall, it performs its core functions reliably and offers good value for its category.

Pros

  • Compact footprint is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.
  • User-friendly control panel with a clear digital display.
  • Six convenient pre-programmed cooking buttons for common items.
  • Includes a useful child safety lock feature.
  • Quick 30-second express cooking option.

Cons

  • At 700 watts, it may heat food slower than higher-wattage models.
  • The 10-inch turntable might be small for larger plates or cookware.

Galanz GLCMKZ07BER07 Retro Countertop Microwave Oven with Auto Cook & Reheat - Stylish and unique retro aesthetic.

Galanz GLCMKZ07BER07 Retro Countertop Microwave Oven with Auto Cook & Reheat

This retro microwave is a great fit for a small kitchen or office space. Its main appeal is the vintage design, which adds a nice decorative touch compared to standard appliances. In terms of performance, it handles basic tasks effectively.

The defrost options, by weight or time, are accurate, and the auto-cook and reheat programs are convenient for simple meals and drinks. The +30-second quick-start button is also a useful feature for quick warming. The interior is compact, as expected for a 0.7 cu.

ft. model, and the 9.6-inch glass turntable heats food evenly. It's easy to operate and the removable turntable simplifies cleaning.

While not the most powerful unit, it's a solid, functional appliance for everyday use, especially if space and style are your primary concerns.

Pros

  • Stylish and unique retro aesthetic.
  • Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or apartments.
  • Includes helpful presets for auto-cooking, reheating, and defrosting.
  • Simple and intuitive controls with a useful +30-second function.
  • Removable glass turntable makes cleaning easy.

Cons

  • Small 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and 9.6" turntable will not accommodate larger dinner plates or cookware.
  • May have slightly longer cooking times than larger, higher-wattage models.

Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven - 0.7 Cu Ft - Compact size is perfect for small kitchens and limited counter space.

Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven - 0.7 Cu Ft

This 700-watt microwave is a functional and straightforward appliance that handles daily tasks effectively. Its 0.7 cubic foot capacity is quite compact, making it an ideal choice for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or office breakrooms where counter space is at a premium. The rotating glass turntable does a good job of ensuring food is heated evenly, preventing the common issue of cold spots.

I found the 10 adjustable power levels to be particularly useful, offering more precise control for tasks like melting butter or gently reheating delicate foods. The 8 auto-cook presets and express cooking options are convenient for quick meals when you're short on time. While it's not designed for heavy-duty cooking, it's a reliable machine for reheating, defrosting, and preparing single-serving meals.

It performs exactly as you would expect for a microwave of this size and power level, making it a solid, practical choice.

Pros

  • Compact size is perfect for small kitchens and limited counter space.
  • Rotating turntable ensures even and consistent heating.
  • 10 distinct power levels provide excellent cooking flexibility.
  • Auto-cook programs and express settings offer added convenience.
  • Simple and intuitive to operate for everyday tasks.

Cons

  • The 700-watt power can be slower for cooking or heating larger food items.
  • Small 0.7 cu. ft. interior cannot accommodate large plates or casserole dishes.

COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave with 11 power levels - Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, apartments, or offices.

COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave with 11 power levels

This 0.7 cubic-foot, 700-watt microwave is a solid choice for smaller spaces like apartments, dorm rooms, or office kitchens. It handles basic reheating and cooking tasks effectively with its 11 power levels and various pre-programmed settings for items like popcorn, potatoes, and frozen vegetables. The one-touch express cooking for 1-6 minutes is particularly convenient for quick jobs, and the defrost options (by weight or time) add to its versatility.

The control panel is straightforward, and the bright digital display is easy to read. One feature to note is the two-step child lock, a new safety standard. While it effectively prevents accidental use by children, it does add an extra step to operation that takes some getting used to.

Overall, it's a capable and compact unit that performs well for everyday, light-duty use, fitting standard dinner plates on its 10-inch turntable without issue.

Pros

  • Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, apartments, or offices.
  • Multiple auto-cook presets and express functions for convenience.
  • Bright, easy-to-read display and intuitive control panel.
  • Features 11 distinct power levels for more precise cooking control.
  • Includes a two-step child safety lock feature.

Cons

  • The 700-watt power level may result in slightly longer cooking times than more powerful models.
  • The small capacity is not suitable for large family-size dishes or cookware.

TOSHIBA ML4-EM09PA(BS) Small Countertop Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus - Multiple preset menus and 11 power levels offer excellent cooking flexibility.

TOSHIBA ML4-EM09PA(BS) Small Countertop Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus

This microwave serves as a capable and versatile kitchen appliance, well-suited for daily use. The 900-watt output is sufficient for most reheating, defrosting, and cooking tasks. Its standout feature is the degree of control it offers; with 11 distinct power levels and 6 preset menus, it's easy to tailor the cooking process for different types of food, from beverages to frozen dinners.

The defrost function, which operates by either weight or time, is quite effective. Additional thoughtful features like the mute mode to silence beeps and a memory function for favorite settings are genuinely useful. The two-step child lock provides essential peace of mind for households with young children.

While its compact exterior is a space-saver, it's wise to consider the internal dimensions to ensure your typical cookware will fit comfortably. Overall, it's a solid, feature-packed unit for its size.

Pros

  • Multiple preset menus and 11 power levels offer excellent cooking flexibility.
  • Helpful user features like a mute mode, memory function, and two defrost options.
  • A two-step child safety lock is included to prevent accidental use.
  • Compact external dimensions make it suitable for smaller kitchens or apartments.
  • The 10.6-inch turntable accommodates standard dinner plates.

Cons

  • The 900-watt power output may be slightly slower for certain tasks compared to higher-wattage models.
  • Its compact internal capacity might not be large enough for bigger casserole dishes or cookware.

Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting - Compact footprint is ideal for small apartments, dorms, or offices.

Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting

This countertop microwave is a solid performer for its compact size. At 0.7 cubic feet and 700 watts, it's clearly designed for smaller kitchens, dorms, or office break rooms. It handles basic tasks well, from reheating leftovers to making popcorn using the one-touch presets.

The 10 power levels offer good control, and the defrost options (by weight or time) are a convenient feature that works as expected. The digital LED display is easy to read, and the 9.6-inch turntable is standard for this size. While it won't cook a large family meal, it's perfectly adequate for daily, single-person use.

The interior is simple to wipe down, and the inclusion of a child safety lock is a thoughtful touch for households with young children. It does what it promises without taking up a significant amount of counter space, making it a practical choice for those with limited room.

Pros

  • Compact footprint is ideal for small apartments, dorms, or offices.
  • Multiple one-touch presets and 10 power levels offer cooking versatility.
  • Intuitive controls with a clear LED display and clock/timer function.
  • Includes a child safety lock for added security.
  • Defrost by weight or time provides useful convenience.
  • Easy-to-clean interior simplifies maintenance.

Cons

  • The 700-watt power level may result in slightly longer cooking times than higher-wattage models.
  • Its small internal capacity limits the size of plates and containers that can fit inside.

Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts - Powerful 1000-watt output with 10 adjustable power levels.

Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts

This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for everyday use, offering a good balance of power and size. With 1000 watts and ten adjustable power levels, it handles tasks from reheating to cooking with decent control. The one-touch preset buttons for common items like popcorn and potatoes are convenient for quick jobs, and the dual defrost options (by weight or time) add practical versatility.

Its 1.1 cubic foot capacity makes it a great fit for smaller kitchens, apartments, or office break rooms where counter space is limited. Additional features like the clear LED display, kitchen timer, and child safety lock are thoughtful inclusions. While it doesn't boast high-end functions like convection or sensor cooking, it reliably covers all the essential bases for a standard microwave, making it a functional and straightforward appliance for daily meal preparation.

Pros

  • Powerful 1000-watt output with 10 adjustable power levels.
  • Convenient one-touch presets for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
  • Compact 1.1 cu. ft. size is ideal for small kitchens or offices.
  • Includes useful safety and convenience features like a child lock and kitchen timer.
  • Offers flexible defrosting options by either weight or time.

Cons

  • The 1.1 cu. ft. interior may be too small for larger dinner plates or family-sized dishes.
  • Lacks advanced features such as sensor cooking or convection capabilities.

Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Small Microwave For Dorm

No buying guide available.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Small Microwave For Dorm

No FAQs available.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. this is a feature-rich and practical microwave that performs well for its size and power. it's highly recommended for individuals, students, or anyone needing a reliable appliance for basic cooking and reheating tasks in a compact space.