The 8 Best Small Microwaves for Saving Space

best small mini microwaves

A small (compact) microwave is a cost-effective choice for any small space, including small kitchens, small apartments, dorms, camping, caravans, offices, vacation homes, and more.

A mini 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 (o.5 – 0.9 Cu Ft) – for the money – in 2023.

👉 Don’t forget to check out the 10 most practical microwave accessories!

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How to Pick 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.

What Size is a Small Microwave?

A small microwave typically has around 0.5 to o.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.

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 range 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.

👉 In a Hurry?

See our short comparison table and below you’ll find our small microwave reviews.

Mini MicrowaveBottom LineCapacity/Power/SizeBottom Line/Price
Toshiba Small Microwave
Best Value
0.9 Cu. Ft.
900W
Check Price on Amazon
Whirlpool Compact Microwave
Smallest Microwave
0.5 Cu. Ft.
750W
$188 at abt Electronics
Or $183 at Appliances Connection
Panasonic Mini Microwave
🥇Best Overall
0.8 Cu. Ft.
950W

Check Price on Amazon
Amazon Smart Microwave

Voice Controlled
Best "Smart" Microwave
0.7 Cu. Ft.
700W
Check price on Amazon
Comfee Compact Microwave
Best for Dorm
0.7 Cu. Ft.
700W
Check price on Amazon
BLACK+DECKER Mini Microwave
Small yet Versatile
0.7 Cu. Ft.
700W
Check Price on Amazon
Galantz Retro Microwave

Cutest Mini Microwave
0.7 Cu. Ft.
700W
$69 at Walmart
Comparing the best mini microwaves according to capacity, best uses, and price

How Much Do Small Microwaves Cost?

A mini microwave (countertop) costs $65 to $180 on average, depending on the brand, features, type, and wattage. The main factors influencing the price are the brand (reliability, warranty, etc.) and the features included. The size does not affect the price significantly.

For example, the well-known Whirlpool offers the smallest microwave on the market (0.5 Cu. Ft) for about $185, while the less-known Commercial Chef brand sells their popular 0.6 Cu. Ft microwave for only about $75 on Amazon.

mini microwave black
Commercial Chef mini microwaveview 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 $155, while The Panasonic 0.9 Cu. Ft microwave has 9 preset programs and includes inverter technology – costing about $180.

👉 Want to save precious counter space? see the pros & cons of the Microwave Air Fryer Combo!

How Much Does a Mini Microwave Weigh?

Compared with average-size microwaves, which weigh about 55 pounds, a mini microwave (0.7-0.9 Cu.Ft.) weighs from 20 pounds to 32 pounds.

The 8 Best Small Microwaves for Saving Space

The 7 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 

compact microwave stainless steel 0.9 cu. ft.
Toshiba small 0.9 Cu. Ft. – with sound-off option – view on Amazon 
  • Dimensions: 19.2″ (W) x 15.9″ (D) x 11″ (H)
  • Weight: 27.3 pounds
  • Power: 900W

The compact size of the Toshiba mini microwave is ideal for small apartments, vacation homes, dorms, and offices – yet has enough space for the average dishes.

The electricity-saving eco-mode reduces standby power by 50%, and it comes with a wonderful buzzer disabling mode, for quiet operation.
toshiba 900 w micorwave review
6 programs and sound on/off option

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 10. 6 inches glass turntable inside and can run for 6 minutes straight at full power, 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 has on Amazon.

Available on Amazon ($115)

2.  Smallest Microwave – Whirlpool 0.5 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave 

whirlpool small countertop microwave
Whirlpool countertop microwave – the smallest microwave – available at abt Electronics or Appliances Connection
  • Dimensions: 13.75 (H) x 15.38 (W) x 14.13 (D) inches
  • Weight: 32.6 pounds
  • Power: 750W
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″).

whirlpool compact dishwasher review

You can quickly set this small 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.

The Whirlpool microwave cooks fast (1-2 minutes to evenly cook a frozen meal), and easily fits corners to save maximum space.

It’s small but mighty, everything you need from a space-saving microwave.

Available at abt Electronics ($188 with free shipping), at Appliances Connection ($188)

👉 For a car – you’ll need a travel oven for the car

3.  Best Overall – Panasonic 0.8 Cu. Ft. Small Microwave 

panasonic small microwave
Panasonic 0.8 Cu. ft. microwave – view on Amazon
  • Turntable size: 11.25 inches
  • Dimensions: 14.8 (D) x 19.2 (W) x 11 (H) inches
  • Weight: 20.9 pounds
  • Power: 950 W
The Panasonic microwave small but mighty (950W) stainless steel microwave won’t take up much of your space but 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.

panasonic mini microwave
Small yet powerful

Other pros are the quick minute timer, delay start, and the child safety lock.

The only con is the display light seems a bit dim and disappears in sunlight.

✅ Available on Amazon ($183)

👉 Larger Option

The Panasonic larger mini microwave (0.9 Cu. Ft.), has 7 preset cooking settings, and 3 power levels for popcorn popping. See this small black microwave below:

panasonic compact microwave

It doesn’t have the automatic genius sensor, and the turntable is smaller, but it costs much less.

Available on Amazon ($117)

4. Alexa Enabled – AmazonBasics Voice-Controlled Microwave 

Amazon voice-controlled small microwave
Amazon voice-controlled small microwave – view on Amazon
  • Dimensions: 17.3″(W). x 10.1″ (H). x 14.1″ (D).
  • Weight: 21.9 pounds
  • Power: 700W

The Amazon Basics small microwave has a unique feature no other microwaves on this list have.

Instead of choosing from the many confusing setting and options – you can use your voice to start the microwave – using an Alexa device.

After connecting it to the app, simply say “Alexa, microwave popcorn”, or “Alexa, reheat one cup of coffee” – and the microwave will set the right power level and time to get the job done.

small black microwave

The second option is to press the Alexa button on the keypad and just say the type of food you want to cook (“frozen vegetables”), or the cooking time (“2 minutes”).

Otherwise, you can use the buttons just like with every normal microwave.

👉 If you are a popcorn fan, Amazon offers a 10% discount on popcorn orders (choose from the popcorn brands on the app), and Alexa will know when to reorder for you when you run low.

The 10″ turntable size is a bit smaller than average for compact microwaves, but users say it fits a standard dinner plate.

It also has 10 power levels, a kitchen timer, and a child lock.

Available on Amazon

Want to save more space in your kitchen? see the best compact dishwashers in 2023!

5. Best for Dorm – Comfee 0.7 Cu. Ft. Mini Microwave 

Comfee countertop microwave review
Comfee small microwave – view on Amazon
  • Dimensions: 19.2’’ (W) * 15.9″ (D) * 11.5’’ (H)
  • Weight: 20.3 pounds
  • Power: 700W
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.

Of course, it is a 700W microwave so the food takes a bit longer to cook/heat, but the price, space-saving, and quality –  make it a great buy.

Available on Amazon ($72)

👉 See the must-have student kitchen essentials in 2023

6. Small Yet Versatile – BLACK+DECKER Mini Microwave

black and decker small microwave
BLACK+DECKER Mini Microwave – view on Amazon
  • Dimensions – 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”
  • Weight – 22 lbs.
  • Power – 700W

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 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 for a lower price – we love it.

We love that it’s quiet and compact, and dinner plates fit in just fine.

The only cons we found are the loud beeping sound that can not be turned off (even after you open the door), and the whole microwave tends to move when pushing the button lever to open it. It may need stickers under the legs to make it fully stationary.

Available on Amazon ($86)

7. Best Retro – Daewoo Countertop Microwave 

daewoo small retro microwave review
Daewoo Retro Microwave – 0.7 Cu. Ft. – view on Amazon
  • Dimensions: 12.7 (D) x 17.6 (W) x 10.6 (H) inches
  • Weight – 23.4 pounds
  • Power – 700W

The Daewoo super cute small microwave comes in 3 colors – including mint green and red, and a retro design that upgrades any countertop.

It has 4 auto-cooking options, two-way defrosting, zero standby function, 5 power levels (up to 700W), and a recessed turntable (10 inches) to free up space for large dishes.

daewoo countertop retro microwave review

It’s a great little vintage microwave will all the basic functions, yet cooks fast thanks to the CRS system inside – that uses dual waves to cook/heat evenly and thoroughly.

Available on Amazon

8. Cutest – Galanz Retro Microwave 

Galantz retro microwave
Galanz Retro Microwave – super cute with 6 power levels – view on Amazon
  • Dimensions: 17.9″ x 13.8″ x 10.3″
  • Weight: 23 lbs.
  • Power: 700W

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.

galanz mini retro microwave review

It has 6 power levels pre-programmed cooking settings, a defrost by time/weight button, and a child safety lock, and is adorable and functional – for a low price.

However:

The turntable size is less-than-average for small microwaves (9.63 inches) and a standard dinner plate may not fit in. There is no option to turn off the beeping sound.

Available at Walmart ($69), and on Amazon ($90)

Mini Microwaves FAQ

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 that 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 Does a Mini Microwave Cost?

Prices for small microwaves range from as low as $40 to as high as $300, depending on the heating technology, power (in watts), extra features, and more.

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

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