Mini microwaves are a popular option for small kitchens, dorm rooms, and offices. These compact appliances offer all the features of a full-size microwave in a smaller package. Most mini microwaves have a capacity of about 0.7 cubic feet, making them ideal for reheating leftovers or preparing quick meals. Many models also come equipped with an automatic defrost function, which can be handy for thawing frozen food.
In addition, mini microwaves are much easier to store and transport, making them a great option for those with limited space. Thanks to their compact size, mini microwaves also use less energy than full-sized models, which can help to reduce your carbon footprint. In terms of price, mini microwaves are generally more affordable than full-size models.
The 10 Best Mini Microwaves In 2023
Contents
Best In Overall: Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven
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Best In Value: Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven
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Best With Preset Functions: COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven
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Best In Size: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven
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Best In Medium Capacity: Panasonic NN-SB438S Compact Microwave Oven
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Best With Recessed Turntable: Winia WOR07R3ZEL Retro Microwave
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Best In Compact Design: Commercial Chef CHM660 Counter Top Microwave
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Best In Stainless steel: Panasonic NN-SD372S Microwave Oven
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Best In Small Capacity: Impecca CM0674K Microwave Oven
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Best In Aesthetics: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
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Best In Overall: Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven
The Galanz retro microwave oven is a stylish and functional appliance that is perfect for any kitchen. With a sleek design and 700 watts of power, this oven can quickly and easily cook or reheat food. It provides 360°rotating and heating for evenly cooked food every time.
This oven has a 0.7 cubic feet capacity and has dimensions of 17.9 x 13.8 x 10.3 inches, making it compact enough to fit on most countertops. This product’s weight is 23.1 pounds and has a turntable that is 9.6 inches in diameter.
The control panel is user-friendly and the six power levels make it very easy to use. The LED display is bright and easy to read. The installation process is very simple as well. The unit also comes with a child safety lock function.
Pros
- Defrosting Is Very Easy
- Comes With Child Lock Safety Feature
- LED Display And Interior Lights Available
- Adjustable Power Levels
Cons
- Sometimes Doesn't Heat Well
Best In Value: Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven
The Toshiba microwave oven features 10 power levels and a 10.6 inches turntable that ensures even cooking. With 900 watts of power, it can quickly cook or reheat food.
The easy-to-use control panel makes it simple to select the desired cooking time and power level, and the defrost setting ensures that meats and vegetables are thawed safely and evenly.
It offers 0.9 cubic feet of cooking space and 9.2 x 16.1 x 11.5 inches dimension making it easy to find a place in even the smallest kitchens. It also has a child lock function that helps to keep little ones safe.
In addition to its power-saving eco mode, this microwave oven also has a sound on/off option so you can operate it in silence if desired.
The sleek black finish is sure to complement any kitchen décor.
Pros
- Automatically Switched Feature
- Comes With 10 Power Settings
- Power Saving Eco Mode Available
Cons
- Some Sparking Issues
Best With Preset Functions: COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven
The COMFEE’ countertop microwave oven has a capacity of 0.7 cubic feet, which should be more than sufficient for many users’ needs. It also has 700 watts of power, delivering quick and even cooking results. Additionally, there are 11 power levels available, so users can precisely control how much heat is applied to their food.
It is equipped with a kitchen timer, child safety lock, easy auto-cook functions, mute function, settings, clock, and an express cook feature that allows you to cook food in minutes.
In addition, it also has an interior light and a 10-inch glass turntable. Another great feature of this oven is that it comes with an ECO mode which can minimize 50% standby power consumption.
Pros
- Comes With 11 Power Levels
- Backed By 1 Year Warranty
- Two Defrost Setting Available
Cons
- Works A Bit Slow
Best In Size: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven
The BLACK+DECKER digital microwave oven has a 0.7 cubic feet capacity. The dimensions are 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches and it weighs 22.5 pounds. With 700 watts of cooking power, it can easily handle a wide variety of cooking tasks.
The digital controls are easy to use, and the 10 power levels give you plenty of control over the cooking process. Also, a 10 inch removable turntable that uses special wave technology to distribute heat evenly so your food comes out cooked evenly every time.
The digital controls are simple to use and the LED display provides a clear, visible interface for changing settings or programs. Plus, the child safety lock will keep little ones from using the microwave unsupervised.
Pros
- Push Button Door Release System
- Ul Approved
- Covered With One Year Warranty
- Pre-Programed Functions Available
Cons
- Difficult To Operate Control Panel
Best In Medium Capacity: Panasonic NN-SB438S Compact Microwave Oven
The Panasonic compact microwave oven is a high-powered device with 900 watts of cooking power. It has a 0.9 cubic feet capacity, making it perfect for small spaces.
This microwave oven has a dimension of 19.1 x 14.8 x 11.5 inches and a weight of 28.2 pounds, making it ideal for small kitchens.
It has seven preset auto cook menu options and three power level options, making it easy to cook a variety of food. The microwave also features a child lock function, so you can rest assured that your child will not be able to access the oven.
Pros
- 7 Auto Cook Menu Available
- Equipped With 3 Power Levels
- Quick 30 Seconds Button Available
Cons
- Little Bit Heavy
Best With Recessed Turntable: Winia WOR07R3ZEL Retro Microwave
The Winia retro microwave has a stylish design that has a 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power, making it ideal for reheating leftovers or cooking quick meals. The dimensions are 17.6 x 12.7 x 10.6 inches.
The unit comes with a turntable and 5 power levels, so you can customize the cooking time and temperature to suit your needs. There is also a child lock function to prevent accidental operation.
Additionally, the 2-way defrost function ensures that food is thawed quickly and evenly, without overcooking the edges.
Pros
- Space Saver
- Clean-up Is Very Easy
- Work With Dual Wave Technology
Cons
- Turntable Makes Noise
Best In Compact Design: Commercial Chef CHM660 Counter Top Microwave
The Commercial microwave has plenty of space to heat up your food with 0.6 cubic feet of capacity. It has dimensions of 17.75 x 12.5 x 10.25 inches with 23.1 pounds weight.
With up to 600 watts of power, it can handle even the most strenuous cooking tasks. Additionally, the six cooking levels give you plenty of options for tailoring your meals.
It features a removable 9.5″ glass turntable. The automatic shut-off feature ensures that the appliance will not overheat and will shut off when the food is done cooking.
Pros
- Included Removable Glass Turntable
- Easy To Use With 6 Power Cooking Levels
- Low Maintenance Required
Cons
- Customer Service Should Be Improve
Best In Stainless Steel: Panasonic NN-SD372S Microwave Oven
The Panasonic microwave oven is a high-quality appliance that comes with a 0.8 Cubic Feet capacity. It has 14.81 x 19.2 x 11 inches dimensions with 20.9 Pounds weight. This makes it a perfect choice for those who want a durable and reliable device for their kitchen.
The device also has a turbo defrost feature that speeds up the process even further. The unit is made of durable stainless steel and has a sleek design that will complement any kitchen décor.
The 11 1/4 inch turntable allows for even cooking of food items. Additionally, it has a built-in sensor that automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level to ensure your food comes out hot and delicious.
Pros
- Works With Inverter Technology
- Equipped With Built-in Automatic Sensor
- Noise Level Is Very Low
Cons
- Should Be More Sturdy
Best In Small Capacity: Impecca CM0674K Microwave Oven
The Impecca microwave oven is a great choice for those in need of a reliable and powerful microwave. This unit has a 0.6 cubic feet capacity which makes it perfect for small to medium-sized meals.
Additionally, the 700-watts of power make it more than capable of handling most cooking needs. The unit also comes with six different power levels which give you plenty of options when it comes to cooking your food.
It has a 9.65-inch turntable and 30-minute timer, making it perfect for preparing quick meals. Additionally, the defrost function ensures that your food is cooked evenly.
Pros
- Comes With Six Power Levels
- Equipped With 30 Minute Timer
- Easy To Operate
Cons
- Child Lock Feature Not Available
Best In Aesthetics: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
The Nostalgia Retro countertop microwave oven features 700 watts of power and 12 power levels, making it ideal for reheating leftovers or cooking quick meals.
The spacious 0.7 cubic foot interior can accommodate a variety of dishes, and the unit also features a convenient defrost function. With its retro design, it is sure to complement any decor.
It has an easy-to-read LED display and digital clock, so you can keep track of time while you’re cooking. The compact size is perfect for small spaces, and the removable plate makes cleaning a breeze.
Pros
- Very Easy To Operate
- 12 Pre Programme Settings Available
- Features Digital Clock System
Cons
- Loud Popping Noise
Features to Consider before buying mini microwaves
Power Levels
This is one of the features to take into consideration before buying a mini microwave. Microwaves/ mini Microwaves can be of different power levels. The lowest power level in a microwave is 100 Watts and the highest can go upto 1000 Watts. It’s up to your choice what type of microwave you want; low power level or high power level. Many microwaves also have 1400 watts or more, they usually fall in the expensive category. So, if you’re on a budget or don’t want to spend much on a mini microwave then don’t go for the ones with more power levels. Choose the moderate ones that can perform all functions without compromising your needs.Cooking Presets
This is also one of the important features to look for in a mini microwave. This makes doing the tasks a lot easier. All the functions are already set in the mini microwave and you don’t need to do the guesswork, all the things are done by the microwave with minimum of your efforts. The cooking presets can include the temperature and time required to cook or heat a certain dish or food so you don’t have to set all of that on your own by doing guesswork. So, don’t forget to check this feature before buying the microwave as it comes in quite handy at times.Turntable or No Turntable
This is also one of the features of a microwave. Turntable microwaves are the ones that have a rotating table or a base. The no turntables are the ones that don’t have a rotating base, often referred to as flatbeds. While many people believe that the turntable microwaves are more efficient, it is not always like that. The rotating table prevents the heat waves from heating the food evenly. So, we would recommend you to go for the no turntable ones.
The Most Important Factors to Consider
Size and Style
The size and style of mini microwave is one of the important factors to consider before buying a mini microwave as it affects your purchase decision. If you need it for personal use or for a small sized family, a small to medium size will do. But if you have a large family, don’t go for the mini microwave as it may not fulfill your requirements. The style of the mini microwave should also be according to your choice and preferences. The microwaves can be of different types like built-in, countertop, over the range, smart, convection, undercounter etc. So, you get a variety of options to choose from and also a wide range of options.
Wattage
Mini microwaves are available in different power levels, The highest being 1000 watts or more and the lowest being 100 watts. So, in this case also you get a wide variety of options to choose from. So, you can choose according to your preference and needs. Most people go for the medium ones as they do all the tasks skillfully without compromising your needs. Usually, the higher wattage microwaves are the more expensive ones. So, you need to consider your budget before buying a microwave.
Heating Method
Microwaves use electromagnetic waves in order to heat the food. It heats the microwave uniformly that helps in even heating of the food. It is an innovative and quick way of heating the food or steaming it. This is one of the most important factors to consider because the way of heating might concern you. You may be new to this concept and take some time to adapt it. So, it is always better to check this factor beforehand rather than later.
Control Panel
Control Panel is a panel used to give cooking instructions to the microwave. Microwave ovens are referred to as those appliances that use electromagnetic waves to cook and heat food. They are often equipped with control panels that are used to input the instructions for cooking food and also the output instructions. They make it a lot easier to cook or heat the food. You must check for the control panel in the mini microwave for your convenience. Hence, this is also one of the most important factors to look for in a microwave before buying it.
FAQs
What size is a compact microwave?
A compact microwave is the microwave that can be placed or installed in very less space. These are also referred to as small dimension microwaves. The size of a compact microwave can be between 15 to 19 inches in width and 10 to 11 inches in length. The compact microwaves can range between 600 watts to 1900 Watts. Depth of the space is measured with the door closed, and you have to make sure you have enough space for the door to fully open. If you want to buy a compact microwave, do check all over the web for a variety of available options to choose from.
Where do you put a microwave in a tiny kitchen?
If you have a tiny or a small kitchen, you should probably place/ put your microwave on a shelf or a cabinet or drawer. It saves space and also doesn’t make your kitchen messy. You must see that the space where you’ll put the microwave should be easily accessible and does not take up much space. You should not put the microwave in any closed spaces as it might make it difficult to use the microwave and it can be a hassle to work in the kitchen.
What is the best small microwave?
Although there are various small microwaves available all over the web, some may fit your needs and some may not. We say that the best small microwave is the one that perfectly fits your needs or requirements. The one that fits your kitchen and can also perform all the tasks efficiently at the same time. It also fits your budget and has all the functions without any compromising. It totally depends on your needs as to what is the best small microwave for your kitchen.
Can I put a countertop microwave in the cabinet?
While many people may suggest that it is not a good idea to put a countertop microwave in a cabinet, yes, you can always place/ put a countertop microwave in a cabinet. You need to follow some precautionary measures before that; like ensuring that there is enough space for keeping the microwave, it is not at a closed space, there is enough ventilation and the place is not consisted. If the place is upto these measures, you can put the countertop microwave in the cabinet without any worries.
How Much Does a Mini Microwave Cost?
This is a tricky one as it depends on what type and style of microwave you are buying. The cost of a mini microwave ranges in between $100 to $600. The average cost of the microwave on the web is about $350, although it can differ from site to site. This is just an estimate provided by us and not the actual figures so do your own research before buying the product. There are different types in microwaves; countertop, over the range and built-in ones. So, the cost is different for all of them. It can range in between $500 to $2000. The cost of these mini microwaves are more in comparison to normal ones. So,choose accordingly.
Conclusion
This was all you needed to know about a mini microwave or a mini microwave oven. We have told you the meaning of a mini microwave if you are new to this concept. You need to consider the features such as cooking presets, power level and turntable before buying a mini microwave.
These features will help you in selecting the perfect option for you. The factors also play an important role in choosing the correct mini microwave. So, do check out that part for some important factors to look for in a microwave. Furthermore, we’ve also answered a few questions that might be of use to you if you’ve some doubts to clear about a mini microwave. Lastly, it all depends on you what type of microwave you need for your kitchen.