Best Microwave For Small Kitchen: Small Kitchen Essentials

The best microwave for small kitchen is a compact 0.7–1.0 cu.ft model.
When counter space is tight, every inch counts. I know the feeling of juggling a cutting board, coffee maker, and a microwave on a skinny countertop. You want fast reheats, easy presets, and safe controls—without a bulky box stealing your prep space.

The right compact microwave can turn a tiny kitchen into a faster, cleaner, happier place to cook. In this guide, I break down the best microwave for small kitchen setups, plus smart accessories that keep your unit clean and efficient so you can cook more and stress less.

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 0.7 cu ft, 700W Microwave

This compact BLACK+DECKER is a go-to pick for tiny kitchens. It runs at 700 watts, which is enough for coffee, oatmeal, leftovers, and quick snacks. The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity fits a standard dinner plate while staying slim on the counter. It has a simple keypad, a bright display, and a smooth push-button door.

One-touch presets speed up daily use, and time/weight defrost works well for meat or bread. The glass turntable heats food more evenly than flat plates. The child lock helps when little hands explore buttons. This is a steady, low-stress choice if you want the best microwave for small kitchen tasks on a budget.

Pros:

• Small footprint fits dorms, RVs, and galley kitchens
• 700W is efficient for basic reheats and snacks
• One-touch presets cut guesswork and save time
• Child safety lock adds peace of mind
• Turntable improves heat distribution

Cons:

• Slower than 1000W models for dense foods
• Smaller turntable limits oversized plates
• Basic features, no sensor cooking

My Recommendation

If you want a reliable starter unit, this one hits the sweet spot. It is ideal for studio apartments or shared spaces. It is also a safe pick for seniors who want simple keys and a bright display. If you are shopping for the best microwave for small kitchen needs under tight budgets, this earns a top spot. It is widely available and offers steady value for daily use.

Best for	Why
Tiny apartments	Very compact size without losing plate capacity
Students and seniors	Simple controls and easy presets reduce mistakes
Budget buyers	Low price for daily reheats and light cooking

Farberware 0.7 cu ft 700W Countertop Microwave

The Farberware 0.7 cu. ft. microwave is made for tight corners. It offers 700 watts of power with auto-cook settings and simple defrost modes. The interior wipes clean fast, which matters when your sink is small. Its compact body slips under cabinets and leaves room for prep tools.

There is a child safety lock for peace of mind. Auto-cook buttons handle popcorn, beverages, and common meals. The keypad is clear, and the clock is large enough to read at a glance. For the best microwave for small kitchen buyers who want efficiency and an easy-clean body, this is a smart pick.

Pros:

• Compact size frees counter space
• Auto-cook and defrost modes simplify daily tasks
• Wipes clean with minimal effort
• Child lock adds safety in small homes
• Good plate clearance for a 0.7 cu. ft. unit

Cons:

• No sensor cooking for advanced reheats
• Lightweight body can slide if not stabilized
• Basic display compared to premium models

My Recommendation

This Farberware is a tidy, no-drama performer. I like it for renters, break rooms, and cabins. It handles daily reheats and basic meals without crowding your counter. If you want the best microwave for small kitchen setups where cleaning is a pain, the smooth interior is a gift. It is usually in stock and priced right.

Best for	Why
Small rentals	Compact size and easy-clean interior
Shared break rooms	Simple presets reduce user errors
New owners	Great starter microwave at a low price

Toshiba ML-EM45PIT 1.6 cu ft Inverter Microwave

If you need power and even heat, this Toshiba stands out. It uses inverter technology to keep heat steady at lower power levels. That helps with soups, eggs, and fish, where hot spots are a pain. At 1.6 cu. ft. and 1250W, it cooks fast and handles larger dishes.

It includes a smart sensor for one-touch reheats. The unit looks sharp in black stainless, and the door feels solid. You get auto defrost and a removable 13.6″ turntable for easy cleaning. If you have a small kitchen but want big performance, this is a top contender.

Pros:

• Inverter tech gives smoother, more even heating
• Smart sensor takes guesswork out of reheating
• High power cooks faster than 700–1000W units
• Large turntable fits big bowls and meal prep containers
• Modern look upgrades small kitchens

Cons:

• Larger footprint than 0.7–1.0 cu. ft. models
• Higher price for advanced features
• Heavier and needs more clearance

My Recommendation

Choose this when you want “small kitchen, big results.” It suits food lovers who reheat often and want even results. It is also good for families who share a tiny space but cook more. If your goal is the best microwave for small kitchen versatility with fewer cold spots, this is hard to beat. Check dimensions first to be sure the fit works.

Best for	Why
Power users	Inverter tech and 1250W cook faster and smoother
Meal preppers	Large turntable fits bowls and containers
Design-forward kitchens	Black stainless finish looks premium

Nostalgia Retro 0.7 cu ft Microwave (Yellow)

This yellow Nostalgia adds sunshine to small spaces. It is a 0.7 cu. ft., 700W unit with a cute retro body. The LED display and chrome accents give it a vintage vibe. It keeps things simple with easy buttons and a glass turntable.

The interior cleans fast with a damp cloth. It has a child lock and helpful presets for quick snacks. The handle is sturdy and easy to grip. If you want the best microwave for small kitchen charm that still works hard, this is a fun pick.

Pros:

• Bright retro look boosts small kitchen style
• Compact body fits tight counters
• Simple controls with handy presets
• Easy-clean interior and glass turntable
• Child lock improves safety in busy homes

Cons:

• 700W cooks slower than high-power models
• Handle clearance needs space to open fully
• Color may limit decor flexibility

My Recommendation

Pick this if you want function with personality. It is perfect for tiny kitchens that need a pop of color. It works well for quick meals, snacks, and drinks. If you want the best microwave for small kitchen spaces that also looks great in photos, this one delivers. Stock can sell fast due to the color.

Best for	Why
Style lovers	Retro design makes a small space feel unique
Small studios	0.7 cu. ft. saves counter space
Quick snacks	Presets for popcorn, drinks, and basics

Galanz Retro 0.7 cu ft Microwave (Blue)

Galanz nails the throwback look with modern ease. This 0.7 cu. ft. unit has LED lighting and a pull handle design. It offers 700W of power for fast snacks and simple meals. The compact body makes it ideal for van life, dorms, and tiny homes.

The controls are straightforward and easy to learn. Child lock and quick-start options keep things safe and fast. The finish wipes clean, which helps after saucy reheats. It may be the best microwave for small kitchen setups when style and size both matter.

Pros:

• Classic retro style in a compact form
• Pull handle feels sturdy and easy to use
• LED lighting helps you see food clearly
• Child lock adds security in tight spaces
• Great fit for dorms and small homes

Cons:

• 700W is slower for dense foods
• No sensor cooking for advanced reheats
• Beep volume may feel loud at night

My Recommendation

Choose the Galanz if you want dependable function with retro flair. It suits college students, renters, and anyone short on space. It handles coffee reheats and frozen meals without fuss. If your goal is the best microwave for small kitchen layouts with a playful look, this blue model hits the mark. It is often priced well for gift buyers.

Best for	Why
Dorm rooms	Small size and simple controls
Retro fans	Stylish design elevates tight spaces
Budget shoppers	Good value for daily reheats

Nostalgia Retro 0.7 cu ft Microwave (Pink)

This pink Nostalgia brings warmth to small counters. It offers 700W of power with 8 auto-cook programs. The glass turntable keeps heat moving while you cook or reheat. The digital clock and child lock add daily ease and safety.

It is light and easy to shift for cleaning. The finish resists smudges better than you might expect. Presets make popcorn night and mug meals simple. For the best microwave for small kitchen decor and convenience, this is a cheerful choice.

Pros:

• Eye-catching color brightens tight spaces
• 8 auto-cook programs speed up cooking
• Lightweight and easy to reposition
• Child safety lock for peace of mind
• Turntable helps reduce hot and cold spots

Cons:

• Lower power slows dense foods
• Not ideal for large bakeware
• Design may not match all kitchens

My Recommendation

Get this if your kitchen needs a feel-good upgrade. It is ideal for small apartments, craft rooms, and tiny offices. It shines for snacks, instant oats, and coffee reheats. If you are after the best microwave for small kitchen charm that works every day, put this on your list. Watch for stock swings on the color.

Best for	Why
Style-first buyers	Pink retro look adds personality
Small kitchens	Compact size with helpful presets
Gift giving	Fun color and simple features

Vented Microwave Splatter Cover and Colander

A good splatter cover keeps a small microwave clean. This model doubles as a colander, which saves drawer space. It has vent holes that let steam out while it shields sauces. The build is BPA-free and dishwasher safe for easy care.

The hook hole makes hanging storage simple in tight spaces. It fits most plates and bowls used in 0.7–1.0 cu. ft. units. The rigid shape stays put while you lift it off hot food. For the best microwave for small kitchen upkeep, this tool is a win.

Pros:

• Prevents messes and cuts cleaning time
• Vented design controls steam build-up
• Doubles as a colander for fruits and veggies
• BPA-free and dishwasher safe
• Hook hole saves drawer space

Cons:

• Not collapsible for ultra-compact storage
• Condensation can drip when lifting
• May not fit very small turntables

My Recommendation

I always pair a compact microwave with a cover. It keeps the interior fresh and reduces odors. This one’s colander function adds real value in a tight kitchen. If you want the best microwave for small kitchen cleanliness, add this to your cart. It is a low-cost upgrade with big benefits.

Best for	Why
Mess-free reheats	Stops splatter before it starts
Tiny storage	Hang it by the hook hole
Multi-use tools	Cover plus colander saves space

Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover

Storage is gold in a small kitchen. The Tovolo collapsible cover flattens when not in use. It pops up to shield plates and bowls during reheats. It has a center handle and vented lid to control steam.

The silicone body is BPA-free and easy to clean. It is light, so it lifts without strain. The size works for many 0.7–1.0 cu. ft. microwaves. If you want the best microwave for small kitchen accessories, this cover is a smart pick.

Pros:

• Collapsible body saves cabinet space
• Vented design helps prevent soggy food
• Easy-grip handle for safe lifting
• BPA-free materials for peace of mind
• Fast clean-up by hand or dishwasher

Cons:

• Can collapse if squeezed when hot
• Not for use in a regular oven
• May touch food if plate is too full

My Recommendation

I like this for anyone living small. It stores thin, so it never hogs space. It keeps the microwave clean and the food tidy. For the best microwave for small kitchen setups, a collapsible cover feels essential. It is a small buy with a big payoff.

Best for	Why
Minimalist kitchens	Collapses flat for easy storage
Daily reheats	Vents reduce splatter and sogginess
Quick clean-ups	Dishwasher safe and lightweight

Angry Mama Microwave Steam Cleaner

The Angry Mama makes cleaning quick and almost fun. Fill with vinegar and water, then microwave. Steam blasts baked-on gunk from the walls and roof. Wipe it out, and your unit looks fresh again.

It is reusable and compact, so it fits anywhere. The steam softens messes without harsh chemicals. It is a simple tool that keeps your small space smelling better. For the best microwave for small kitchen maintenance, this helps a lot.

Pros:

• Steam loosens stuck-on messes fast
• Uses vinegar and water, not chemicals
• Reusable and compact for small kitchens
• Easy to fill and operate
• Saves time on deep cleaning

Cons:

• Vinegar smell can linger briefly
• Body gets hot; allow to cool
• Small capacity needs refilling for heavy jobs

My Recommendation

I lean on steam cleaners to keep tiny microwaves fresh. It is great for renters and busy families. It beats scrubbing and saves elbow grease. If you need the best microwave for small kitchen cleanliness without chemicals, this one works. It is cheap, cheerful, and effective.

Best for	Why
Quick clean-ups	Steam loosens grime in minutes
Eco-minded users	Vinegar and water solution
Small homes	Compact size, easy storage

 

 

 

FAQs Of best microwave for small kitchen

What size microwave is best for a small kitchen?

Look for 0.7 to 1.0 cu. ft. This size fits plates but saves space. It is the best microwave for small kitchen counters.

What wattage should I pick?

700–900W works for basic reheats. 1000W+ cooks faster. Higher power helps with dense foods.

Do I really need a sensor or inverter?

Sensor helps with one-touch reheats. Inverter gives smoother heat at low power. Both are nice, not required.

Is a child lock important?

Yes, in small homes. It prevents button presses and door pulls. It is a smart safety feature.

How do I keep a compact microwave clean?

Use a splatter cover. Steam clean with vinegar and water weekly. Wipe spills right away.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want a compact workhorse, pick the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 or the Farberware 0.7 cu ft. Both are simple, safe, and fit tight counters. They each make a strong case for the best microwave for small kitchen duties.

Need more power and even heat? Choose the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT with inverter technology. Add a splatter cover and Angry Mama to keep the best microwave for small kitchen fresh and fast.