8 Best Small Microwave Ovens of 2026

This retro-chic stunner turns heads while delivering reliable performance in a compact form. The 700W power and 6 power levels offer solid control for reheating, defrosting, or simple cooking tasks, making it ideal for small kitchens or dorm rooms where style meets function. Its pull-handle design and vibrant Bebop Blue finish stand out in a sea of generic stainless steel, giving your countertop a playful yet functional upgrade—perfect for those who want their appliances to reflect personality without sacrificing usability.

In real-world use, the 360° rotating glass turntable ensures even heating, though dense foods like thick lasagnas may still need manual rotation halfway through. The LED display is bright and legible, and the interior light lets you monitor food without interrupting the cycle—a small but meaningful convenience. While it handles beverages, popcorn, and leftovers with ease, the 0.7 cu ft cavity can feel tight when trying to fit larger plates or bowls, limiting its utility for families or meal preppers.

Compared to the no-frills Frigidaire EMW733BLACKAMZ, the Galanz model trades some automation for bold aesthetics and smoother ergonomics. It’s best suited for style-conscious singles, students, or secondary kitchen users who value design as much as daily function. While it lacks advanced presets or mute options, it delivers where it counts—offering dependable, even heating with a personality that most budget microwaves sorely lack.

If you’re after no-nonsense reliability, the Frigidaire EMW733BLACKAMZ is a workhorse of simplicity—designed for users who want to heat food fast without fumbling through menus. Its digital panel is intuitive, with six auto-cook settings (popcorn, pizza, frozen dinner, etc.) that eliminate guesswork, making it a go-to for teens, seniors, or anyone who values effortless operation. The child safety lock and large display add practicality, ensuring safe, stress-free use in busy households.

During testing, the 700W output proved adequate for reheating coffee, steaming veggies, or cooking instant meals, though it lags slightly behind 900W models in speed. The dual defrost timers (by time and weight) are a standout, offering precision that cheaper models often skip. However, the interior lacks a light, making it hard to check food without opening the door—a surprising omission at this price point. While it handles everyday tasks well, it struggles with larger dishes due to the small turntable alignment and cramped 0.7 cu ft space.

Pitted against the Chefman B0DY95T5HB, this Frigidaire model offers similar basics but falls short on features like mute mode or eco settings. It’s the best pick for minimalists or first-time buyers who want a straightforward, durable microwave without frills. In the basic microwave arena, it wins on usability but loses on modern conveniences—delivering simplicity at the cost of innovation.

This power-packed compact redefines what a small microwave can do—900W of cooking muscle in a 0.9 cu ft body makes it a top-tier performer for its size. With 10 power levels and six one-touch presets, it handles everything from delicate fish to frozen burritos with precision, giving users restaurant-level control in a budget-friendly package. The mute button and eco mode are standout features, catering to light sleepers and eco-conscious households alike—small touches that elevate daily usability.

In real-world testing, it reheated a bowl of soup 30 seconds faster than 700W models, and the larger cavity comfortably fits 10-inch plates, reducing spills and rotation needs. The memory function lets you save favorite settings—perfect for morning oatmeal or nightly leftovers—while the +30 seconds button adds flexibility on the fly. However, the bezel around the door collects grime easily, and the digital display remains lit even in standby unless eco mode is manually enabled.

When compared to the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS), this Chefman model offers nearly identical specs but at a lower cost, trading Toshiba’s refined build for better value. It’s ideal for college students, young professionals, or small families who need speed, smart features, and space efficiency. For those upgrading from an older microwave, it delivers premium functionality without the premium price tag.

Don’t let its tiny footprint fool you—this 700W powerhouse punches above its weight with 10 power levels and six smart presets, making it the best budget bet for those who want feature-rich performance without overspending. The mute button is a godsend for late-night snacks, and the eco mode cuts standby power, appealing to both noise-sensitive and environmentally aware users. Its sleek black finish and digital precision give it a premium feel that belies its sub-$70 price.

In daily use, it reheats coffee and leftovers efficiently, though thicker foods take longer than in 900W models. The one-touch express cook and +30 seconds button streamline operation, while the child safety lock adds peace of mind in homes with kids. The glass turntable is dishwasher-safe, a rare perk that simplifies cleanup. Still, the 0.7 cu ft interior limits plate size, and the buttons can feel stiff after repeated use.

Stacked against the Galanz retro model, this Chefman offers more functionality at a lower cost, including mute and eco features the Galanz lacks. It’s perfect for dorm rooms, tiny kitchens, or office breakrooms where space and budget are tight but convenience still matters. For feature density and value, it outshines most rivals in the entry-level segment.

The push-button door release is this microwave’s game-changer, offering a smooth, modern opening mechanism that feels more upscale than typical pull handles. Combined with a clean stainless steel design and large LED display, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 brings a touch of sophistication to the countertop—ideal for users tired of wrestling with flimsy latches. With 10 power settings and pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and beverages, it balances ease and control better than most in its class.

Performance-wise, the 700W output heats evenly thanks to the 10” turntable, though dense or layered meals may require stirring. The 30-second express cook is a time-saver for quick reheat jobs, and the interior light helps monitor food without opening the door. However, the lack of a mute function means end-of-cycle beeps can be jarring in quiet environments, and the control panel layout feels slightly dated despite the modern door.

Compared to the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, it offers a more premium door mechanism but misses out on eco mode and sound-off features. It’s best for professionals or couples who appreciate convenience and clean design in a compact package. While not the most feature-packed, it nails the essentials with a modern twist—especially that satisfying push-to-open door.

This apartment-ready powerhouse blends 900W performance, 11 power levels, and a spacious 0.9 cu ft cavity into a sleek stainless steel body—making it the best overall small microwave for serious cooks in compact spaces. The two-step child lock adds extra safety, while the mute function silences beeps with a long press, a subtle but crucial perk for dorms or bedrooms. Its one-touch start and defrost-by-weight features streamline daily use, turning tedious tasks into seamless routines.

In real-world testing, it reheated a full plate of leftovers evenly and quickly, thanks to the 10.6-inch turntable and intelligent power distribution. The 6 auto menus handle popcorn, pizza, and frozen dinners without guesswork, and the LED lighting provides excellent visibility. However, the control panel icons are small, which can be hard to read for older users, and the door release button is sensitive, occasionally triggering accidentally.

Versus the Chefman 900W model, this Toshiba offers superior build quality, more power levels, and better safety features, justifying its higher cost. It’s perfect for college students, urban dwellers, or remote workers who need reliable, quiet, and fast performance. For overall balance of power, features, and durability, it outperforms every other small microwave in this lineup.

This space-savvy giant redefines capacity with a 1.2 cu ft interior and 12.4-inch turntable, making it the best choice for families or meal preppers who need room to cook more. The Smart Humidity Sensor is its crown jewel—automatically adjusting time and power based on moisture levels, so you never overcook mashed potatoes or dry out leftovers. With 12 auto menus and eco mode, it’s packed with intelligent features that simplify cooking while saving energy.

In daily use, the 1000W output reheats large dishes in minutes, and the sensor reheat function adapts perfectly to varying food types. The easy-clean interior resists stains and wipes down effortlessly, a major plus for messy kitchens. However, its larger footprint may overwhelm small countertops, and the menu system takes time to learn, especially for tech-averse users. Also, the “sensor” functions aren’t always accurate with dense or layered foods.

Compared to the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS), this model trades portability for smarts and space, making it better for full kitchens than dorms. It’s ideal for families of three or more, home chefs, or anyone tired of two-stage reheating. While it’s the most expensive, it delivers unmatched automation and capacity—making it worth the investment for serious users.

The pearl white finish and energy-saving ECO mode make this COMFEE’ model a hidden gem for eco-conscious minimalists who want quiet, efficient operation in a cheerful package. Its 50% reduced standby power is a rare feature at this price, appealing to those reducing phantom energy loads. The sound on/off button silences beeps instantly, and the one-touch 1–6 minute cook simplifies daily use—perfect for quick coffee reheat or oatmeal prep.

In practice, the 700W power delivers consistent results for small meals, though it lags behind 900W units in speed. The defrost-by-weight function works reliably, and the auto-cook presets cover essentials like pizza, popcorn, and veggies. However, the interior is on the smaller side, and the buttons lack backlighting, making them hard to see at night. Also, the turntable removal process is fiddly, requiring precise alignment.

Against the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, it wins on energy efficiency and mute functionality but loses on build and door convenience. It’s best for apartment dwellers, students, or secondary kitchens where quiet, green operation matters most. For eco-performance in a stylish, understated body, it stands out in a crowded budget field.