A small (mini) microwave (0.7-0.9 Cu. Ft.) is a cost-effective choice for any small space, including small kitchens, small apartments, dorms, camping, caravans, offices, vacation homes, and more.
A compact microwave quickly heats your meal or beverage while saving a lot more space and electricity than the average microwave oven.
We’ve spent 22 hours of research to find how to choose the best mini microwaves for the money in 2025.
What's In Here
- 1 Top Pick
- 2 What Size Is a Mini Microwave?
- 3 How We Chose the Best Small Microwave
- 4 The 8 Best Mini Microwaves for Saving Space
- 4.1 1. Best Value – Toshiba 0.9 Cu. Ft. Small Microwave
- 4.2 2. Smallest Microwave – Whirlpool 0.5 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
- 4.3 3. Best Countertop – Panasonic 0.8 Cu. Ft. Small Microwave
- 4.4 4. Best for Dorm – Comfee 0.7 Cu. Ft. Mini Microwave
- 4.5 5. Best Preset Functions – BLACK+DECKER Mini Microwave
- 4.6 6. Best Retro – Comfee Retro Microwave
- 4.7 7. Cutest – Galanz Retro Microwave
- 4.8 8. Budget Friendly – Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Mini Microwave
- 5 What is the Smallest Size Countertop Microwave?
- 6 Is a 700-watt Microwave Powerful Enough?
- 7 How Much Do Small Microwaves Cost?
- 8 Where Can I Find Microwave Accessories?
Top Pick
The Panasonic 0.8 Cu. Ft. microwave is a small yet mighty classic microwave. Here’s why it’s our top pick:
- The only 0.8 Cu. Ft. Microwave with 950W power
- Inverter technology delivers consistent, evenly cooked food and speeds up defrosting
- The automatic Genius Sensor adjusts power and cooking time automatically
- Established, well-known brand
The runner-up is the smaller Comfee 0.7 Cu. Ft. Mini Microwave, with 11 power levels, 6 programs, eco-mode, and a sound-off option – for a lower price, and perfect for dorms.
👉 Don’t forget to check out the 10 most practical microwave accessories you need!
What Size Is a Mini Microwave?
A small microwave typically has around 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet of interior space. Width is usually 15-19 inches, and height ranges from 10-11 inches.
Depth is measured with the door closed, and you have to make sure you have enough space for the door to fully open.
How Much Does a Mini Microwave Weigh?
See our short comparison table, and below you’ll find our small microwave reviews.
This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
How We Chose the Best Small Microwave
1. Size – Size does matter when it comes to mini microwaves. Make sure you measure the space available for the microwave and its dimensions before you buy. Add 1-2 inches to the space you have for clearance.
2. Capacity – small microwaves’ capacity ranges from 0.5 Cu. Ft. to 0.9 Cu. Ft. The larger the capacity, the more power (in watts).
The amount of food you can cook is determined by both the capacity and the turntable size and design.
3. Power – Power is measured in watts. The more watts, the faster your food will cook. Small microwaves’ power ranges from 700W to 950W.
4. Pre-set cooking options – most mini microwaves come with pre-set programs to help you determine how much heating time you need for various foods and beverages.
👉 Want to save precious counter space? See the pros & cons of the Microwave Air Fryer Combo!
The 8 Best Mini Microwaves for Saving Space
The 8 cost-effective compact microwaves below range from 0.5 Cu. Ft to 0.9 Cu. Ft. in capacity, making them perfect for tiny homes, small kitchens, dorms, mobile homes, vacation homes, offices, and more.
1. Best Value – Toshiba 0.9 Cu. Ft. Small Microwave
Powerful and energy-efficient with a quiet mode – though it’s a basic model compared to other Toshibas.
VIEW ON AMAZON $81-$152
- Dimensions – 19″ x 14″ x 11″
- Programs – 6
- Power – 900W
✅ Pros – small but powerful, with eco mode, quiet, easy to clean, large capacity, with a handle
❌ Cons – basic model compared to other Toshiba microwaves
The compact size of the Toshiba mini microwave is ideal for small apartments, vacation homes, dorms, and offices – yet it has enough space for the average dish.
The electricity-saving eco-mode of the Toshiba reduces standby power by 50% and comes with a wonderful buzzer-disabling mode for a quiet operation.
The 6 auto menus are pre-programmed to cook 6 types of food (popcorn/pizza/potatoes and more), and it has 10 power levels to choose from.
This mighty little microwave has a 13.6-inch glass turntable inside and can run for 6 minutes straight at full power.
It has LED lighting inside the cavity and an easy-to-use control panel.
We highly recommend the Toshiba compact microwave and agree with the high ratings it receives on Amazon.
Available on Amazon ($81-$152)
2. Smallest Microwave – Whirlpool 0.5 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
The smallest microwave that still fits a dinner plate – at a price that’s not so tiny.
- Dimensions – 14″ (H) x 15″ (W) x 14″ (D)
- Programs – None, 10 power levels
- Power – 750W
✅ Pros – Powerful, control buttons are uncluttered and easy to use, 1-push button for adding 30 seconds
❌ Cons – relatively expensive considering the size
The Whirlpool (USA-Made) compact countertop microwave is the smallest microwave on the market and will only take 15 inches of width, 14 inches of depth, and 14 inches of height from your space.
However:
With only 0.5 Cu. Ft. capacity, it still accommodates a standard dinner plate (cavity size is 11.5″).
You can quickly set this small Whirlpool microwave to cook for 30 seconds at 100% power with the “Add 30” option or choose from 1-10 power levels.
The important control lock feature helps you avoid unintended use or other changes to your cooking settings by disabling the control panel with the touch of a button.
It cooks fast (1-2 minutes to evenly cook a frozen meal) and easily fits corners to save maximum space.
It’s small but mighty, and it has everything you need from a space-saving microwave.
Available at ABT Electronics ($188)
👉 For a car, you’ll need a travel oven for cars
3. Best Countertop – Panasonic 0.8 Cu. Ft. Small Microwave
Small but mighty with 950W power and even cooking – just don’t expect a bright display in sunlight.
VIEW ON AMAZON $203
- Turntable size – 11.25 inches
- Dimensions – 15″ (D) x 19″ (W) x 11″ (H)
- Programs – 9
- Power – 950 W
✅ Pros – A quick minute timer, a delayed start, a child safety lock, dependable and easy to use, powerful
❌ Cons – Weak display light that disappears in sunlight, expensive
The Panasonic microwave is small but mighty (950W), and the stainless steel microwave won’t take up much of your space. It cooks your food fast and evenly, with some unique smart features that make it a great buy.
The automatic Genius sensor instantly adjusts the power and cooking based on different foods (but also has 9 preset menu items to choose from), and the Keep Warm button maintains the heat until you are ready to eat (without overcooking!)
This Panasonic high-power microwave (with inverter technology) delivers consistent, evenly cooked food (simmer without overcooking), and the advanced inverter turbo speeds up defrosting time.
Available on Amazon ($203)
4. Best for Dorm – Comfee 0.7 Cu. Ft. Mini Microwave
A budget-friendly dorm essential with easy one-touch buttons – just be patient with the lower power.
VIEW ON AMAZON $80-$113
- Dimensions – 19’’ (W) * 16″ (D) * 11.5’’ (H)
- Programs – 6
- Power – 700W
✅ Pros – Easy one-touch buttons, affordable, reliable, with eco mode
❌ Cons – Lower power output – Food may take longer to heat up, some problems with the door jamming
The Comfee mini microwave is very popular and highly rated on Amazon, and we believe it’s because it has all the great features of the Toshiba microwave reviewed above, for a lower price.
With the easy one-touch button, sound on/off, eco mode, 11 power levels, and 6 auto cooking functions, this 0.7 Cu. Ft. stainless steel microwave is perfect for small spaces.
It is small, but the turntable plate size (10 inches) is big enough for standard plates, which makes it perfect for student dorms.
(👉 See the must-have student kitchen essentials in 2025)
Of course, it is a 700W microwave, so the food takes a bit longer to cook/heat, but the price, space-saving design, and quality make it a great buy.
Available on Amazon ($80-$113)
5. Best Preset Functions – BLACK+DECKER Mini Microwave
Best-in-class preset functions for quick meals – if you can tolerate the loud beeping.
VIEW ON AMAZON $84
- Dimensions – 17” x 13” x 10”
- Programs – 6
- Power – 700W
✅ Pros – Easy to use, most accurate pre-programmed functions (popcorn, potatoes, and frozen vegetables), multiple defrost options
❌ Cons – low power, loud beeping sound that can not be turned off, may need stickers under legs for stability
For a 700W microwave, the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. microwave sure comes with a variety of cooking options – at the press of a button – including popcorn and pizza.
The 6 pre-programs are designed to save you time and work as advertised, with accurate cooking time.
It has 10 power settings, an express heating option, and a removable 10-inch glass turntable, making this microwave super easy to use.
Solid construction and accuracy for a lower price? We love it.
We also love that it’s quiet and compact, and dinner plates fit in just fine.
Available on Amazon ($84)
6. Best Retro – Comfee Retro Microwave
A stylish vintage touch with modern energy efficiency – though it may overheat if you push it too hard.
VIEW ON AMAZON $87-$111
- Dimensions – 15.4″ D x 19″ W x 11.5″ H
- Programs – 9
- Power – 900W
✅ Pros – relatively sturdy, easy to clean, energy-efficient, intuitive, easy to use, child safety lock, mute option
❌ Cons – It may shut off when overheated, the door handle doesn’t open easily, cooks slowly
The Comfee super cute small microwave comes in 3 colors – including mint green and red, and a retro design that upgrades any countertop (and will look great next to a mini retro refrigerator!)
It has 9 auto-cooking options, defrosting by time or weight, eco mode, 5 power levels (up to 900W), and a position memory function (so you’ll always get the coffee mug handle facing towards you when it’s hot)
It’s a great little vintage microwave with all the basic functions, but it cooks a little slow and may shut itself off from overheating after 4 minutes.
For example, the potato baking test found that it takes 2 auto-cook rounds to get it nearly done.
Available on Amazon ($87-$111)
7. Cutest – Galanz Retro Microwave
A stunning retro look at an affordable price – just don’t expect to fit a large dinner plate inside.
VIEW ON AMAZON $64-$90
- Dimensions – 18″ x 14″ x 10.5″
- Programs – 10 power levels
- Power – 700W
✅ Pros – Beautiful design and colors, budget-friendly option for those who want a retro microwave
❌ Cons – low cooking power, less-than-average turntable size – dinner plate may not fit in, no turn off for the beeping sound
The Galanz Retro vintage-style microwave goes all the way retro with its turn-and-push dial, a sleek chrome door handle (easier to open), aqua colors (but also black and red if you’d like), and a round LED display light that looks gorgeous in any kitchen.
It has 10 power levels, a defrost by time/weight button, and a child safety lock, and is adorable and functional, for a low price.
Available on Amazon ($64-$90)
8. Budget Friendly – Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Mini Microwave
Affordable and compact for small kitchens
VIEW ON AMAZON $79
- Dimensions – 17.75” (W) x 12.9” (D) x 10.1” (H)
- Programs – 6 auto-cooking functions
- Turntable Size – 10 inches
- Power – 700W
✅ Pros – Compact and lightweight, budget-friendly, easy-to-clean stainless steel, child safety lock, LED display with kitchen timer
❌ Cons – Lower power output means longer cooking times, no sound-off option
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Mini Microwave is a great option for those looking for an affordable yet functional microwave for small spaces like dorms, apartments, and offices.
Despite its 700W power, it offers 6 auto-cook functions for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates – making meal prep quick and easy.
The stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek look while also being easy to clean. A child safety lock ensures peace of mind for families, and the bright LED display with a kitchen timer adds convenience.
While the lower wattage means slightly longer heating times, it still gets the job done efficiently.
Available on Amazon ($79)
What is the Smallest Size Countertop Microwave?
The Smallest Microwave on the Market is the Whirlpool 0.5 Cu. Ft. microwave, taking up just 213.1 square inches of counter space.
It has a unique, rounded back, so it will fit nicely in corners too.
Is a 700-watt Microwave Powerful Enough?
When it comes to microwaves, wattage equals power. A 700W power is decent enough when it comes to small mini microwaves.
It will cook/heat food a bit slower than the average-size 1000W microwave (but saves space and electricity costs).
How Much Do Small Microwaves Cost?
A mini microwave (countertop) costs $65 to $180, depending on the brand, features, type, and wattage.
Surprisingly, the size does not affect the price significantly.
The main factors influencing the price are the brand (reliability, warranty, etc.) and the features included.
For example, the well-known Whirlpool offers the smallest microwave on the market (0.5 Cu. Ft) for about $180, while the less-known Commercial Chef brand sells their popular 0.6 Cu. Ft. microwave for only about $75 on Amazon.
Power levels and pre-programming options also influence the cost of small microwaves.
For example, the Toshiba 0.9 Cu. ft. has 10 power levels and 6 auto programs and costs about $110, while the Panasonic 0.9 Cu. ft. microwave has 9 preset programs and includes inverter technology, costing about $185.
Where Can I Find Microwave Accessories?
We’ve covered the 10 best and most practical microwave accessories, including microwave plate covers, rice steamers, pasta cookers, bacon/fries crispers or grillers, egg poachers, potato bags, and even mac and cheese cookers.
All of them can help you make the best of your microwave.
The KM Team