8 Best Rated Small Countertop Microwaves (November 2026)
The best best rated small countertop microwaves include the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven for everyday meals, the COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven for tight counters, and the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave for small kitchens.
On this page (7 sections)
The best rated small countertop microwave for most kitchens is the TOSHIBA 1.2 cu ft, because its humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of reheating and its 1000W output matches a full-size oven in a compact cabinet. The COMFEE' 0.7 cu ft is the better fit when counter space is the limiting factor.
Small does not have to mean basic. The models here range from 0.7 to 1.6 cu ft, and the gap between them matters more than any badge or spec sheet number.
A 700W cabinet warms a mug of coffee in about the time a 1000W model needs for a plate of leftovers. The trade-off is depth, weight and plate clearance.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. We compared each cabinet's capacity, output, turntable size and control type against the jobs a small kitchen asks of a microwave.
That means quick reheats, popcorn, defrosting and the occasional full meal.
If you're replacing an old unit rather than buying your first, our countertop microwave small guide covers the size basics. For the wider category, including larger cabinets and inverter models, read the countertop microwave roundup.
Our picks at a glance
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Check itFarberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 cu.ft. 1000
Best for multi-stage cooking - 5
Check itChefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
Best for quiet apartments - 6
Check itTOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
Best for sensor cooking - 7
Check itBLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave
Best for families - 8
Best for big portionsCheck it
The best rated small countertop microwaves, compared
The TOSHIBA 1.2 cu ft leads on sensor cooking and everyday power. Each pick below is the best choice for a named need, from the smallest footprint to the biggest family portions.
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for everyday meals
- 1.2 cu ft
- 1000W output
- Humidity sensor
- 6 preset menus
A humidity sensor adjusts time and power for six popular foods. The 1000W output and 12.4-inch turntable handle full dinner plates.
Pros
- Humidity sensor cooking
- Six preset menus
- Mute and ECO modes
Cons
- 34.8 lb cabinet
- Deeper than the 0.7 cu ft picks
The TOSHIBA 1.2 cu ft suits a kitchen that needs one oven to do everything, from reheating coffee to cooking a full dinner plate. Its humidity sensor adjusts time and power as food cooks, which takes the trial and error out of leftovers that used to dry out.
Six preset menus cover pizza, vegetables and sensor reheat. Ten power levels give you room to soften butter at a low setting or boil water at full output.
The 1000W output and 12.4-inch glass turntable handle most dinnerware without rotating against the walls. A one-touch start runs 1 to 6 minutes at full power when you just want the plate hot.
The cabinet measures 20.6 x 14.6 x 11.8 inches and weighs 34.8 lb. That is heavier than the compact 0.7 cu ft picks, so plan for a solid counter and a second set of hands on delivery day.
The extra weight comes with a sturdier cabinet and more interior room than the small units.
Toshiba includes an ECO mode and a mute option, which help in open-plan homes where the beep carries. The removable glass turntable and roller ring make cleanup a quick wipe.
Buy it for the sensor cooking at a mid-size footprint. Skip it if your counter is measured in inches rather than feet.
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for tight counters
- 0.7 cu ft
- 700W output
- Two-step child lock
- Mute function
The 0.7 cu ft cabinet takes up little counter space while covering popcorn, potato and pizza presets. The ECO mode cuts standby draw.
Pros
- Smallest cabinet here
- Mute and ECO modes
- Two-step child lock
Cons
- 700W heats slower
- Little room for large plates
The COMFEE' 0.7 cu ft is the pick when every inch of counter counts. It measures 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches and weighs about 20.2 lb, so it lifts onto a shelf or a spare corner with less effort than the larger cabinets here.
The 700W output covers one-touch express cooking from 1 to 6 minutes and a +30 seconds key. Six auto-cook functions handle popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggies and beverages.
The two-step child lock adds a layer of safety for households with young children. Two defrost settings let you thaw by weight or by time, so frozen food is covered either way.
ECO mode cuts standby power by about 50%, and the mute button silences the beeps. The enameled steel interior and removable turntable make cleanup quicker after a splatter.
The button keypad keeps the control panel simple, with no extra dials to set.
The trade-off is plate size. A 700W oven heats dense food more slowly than the 1000W models, and the compact interior fits bowls and side plates more easily than a wide dinner plate.
Choose it for a dorm, office or small apartment where space wins over speed.
BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for small kitchens
- 0.9 cu ft
- 900W output
- Six auto cook presets
- 10.6 in turntable
A 900W mid-size cabinet with six pre-programmed buttons and a push-button door. It fits small kitchens without dropping to a 0.7 cu ft footprint.
Pros
- 900W output
- Six auto cook presets
- Push-button door release
Cons
- 10.6 in turntable is the smallest here
- Stainless front, black enclosure
The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft sits between the compact and mid-size picks. It measures 18.7 x 13.4 x 10.7 inches, so it fits a narrow counter slot while adding more room than a 0.7 cu ft cabinet.
The 900W output and ten power settings handle most reheats and defrosts. Six pre-programmed buttons cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.
A 30-second express key speeds up the morning routine. Quick defrost works on frozen meat and bread without you setting a time.
The push-button door release is easier for some hands than a pull handle, and the child safety lock helps in family kitchens. The interior light and large LED display keep the controls readable.
The stainless door frame with a black enclosure gives it a modern look on an open counter.
Its 10.6-inch turntable is the smallest in this group, so wide dinner plates may not fit flat. That makes it better suited to bowls, mugs and side plates than full-size dinnerware.
Pick it if you want a step up in power without a step up in footprint.
Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 cu.ft. 1000: Best for multi-stage cooking
- 1.2 cu ft
- 1000W output
- Multi-stage cooking
- Six one-touch presets
Ten power levels with multi-stage cooking let you chain defrost and cook steps. A memory function saves your favorite time and power combo.
Pros
- Multi-stage cooking
- Memory function
- Child safety lock
Cons
- Large 20.5 in width
- No humidity sensor
The Farberware 1.2 cu ft suits cooks who use the microwave as a second oven rather than a reheating box. Multi-stage cooking lets you chain a defrost step straight into a cook step, so frozen chicken thaws and then cooks in one program.
Ten power levels and six one-touch options cover popcorn, potato, pizza and more. The memory function saves your favorite time and power combination for one-touch recall later.
A child safety lock and easy-clean interior round out the everyday features. A clear LED display with a kitchen timer keeps track of the countdown.
The 1000W output matches the top TOSHIBA. The difference is in the cabinet: 20.5 x 17.3 x 12.8 inches makes this one of the deeper and wider units here.
That extra depth comes from a deeper cavity, not just thicker walls.
The extra depth buys interior room and multi-stage flexibility. It costs you counter space and leaves less clearance for a coffee maker alongside.
Choose it if programmed cooking matters more than squeezing into a tight corner.
Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for quiet apartments
- 0.7 cu ft
- 700W output
- Mute button
- 10 power levels
The audio button silences beeps for late-night reheating. A 12.93-inch depth and dishwasher-safe turntable make it easy to place and clean.
Pros
- Mute button
- 10 power levels
- Dishwasher-safe turntable
Cons
- 700W output
- Compact interior size
The Chefman 0.7 cu ft is built for shared walls and sleeping households. Its mute button turns off the beeps, so a late-night reheat won't carry through an apartment.
The audio control is the feature that sets it apart in the compact class.
The 700W output and ten power levels cover melting butter at a low setting up to rapid reheating at full power. Six presets handle popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes and leftovers.
The +30 seconds key adds time without resetting the cook cycle. The number keys also set cook time in whole minutes when you want to skip the presets.
The cabinet measures 17.52 x 12.93 x 9.53 inches, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe. That combination makes it easy to place on a small counter and keep clean.
The child safety lock sits on the handle, so the door stays shut when little hands reach for it.
Its compact interior limits what fits inside, and 700W takes longer on dense food. Choose it for a quiet studio, office kitchen or apartment where the beep is the bigger annoyance than the extra minute of heating.
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor: Best for sensor cooking
- 1.2 cu ft
- 1000W output
- Smart sensor
- 13 auto menus
Thirteen preset menus work with the smart sensor for hands-off cooking. Black stainless steel and a memory function round out the package.
Pros
- 13 auto menus
- Smart sensor cooking
- Memory function
Cons
- Black stainless finish only
- Slightly deeper than the top pick
The TOSHIBA Smart Sensor 1.2 cu ft takes the sensor idea further with 13 auto menus. That is the widest preset list here, and the smart sensor works with the menus to adjust cooking without you picking a time.
The 1000W output and 12.4-inch turntable match the top pick's core hardware. The memory function saves settings you use often, and defrost works by weight or by time.
A two-step child lock is included for family kitchens. The mute function and keep-warm program cover quiet operation and holding food at serving temperature.
The black stainless steel finish sets it apart from the silver models here. The cabinet measures 20.6 x 14.8 x 11.8 inches, close in size to the top TOSHIBA.
Its depth is a touch deeper than the top pick's 14.6 inches, so it sits slightly further out from the wall.
The trade-off against the top pick is the finish and menu count rather than raw power. If you want a darker appliance look with more preset coverage, this is the sensor model to choose.
Buy it for the finish and the longer menu list.
BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for families
- 1.1 cu ft
- 1000W output
- Six auto cook presets
- 12.4 in turntable
The 1000W output and 12.4-inch turntable suit larger portions. Six pre-programmed buttons cover the basics without a sensor.
Pros
- 1000W output
- Six auto cook presets
- Child safety lock
Cons
- 20.6 in wide footprint
- No sensor cooking
The BLACK+DECKER 1.1 cu ft is the family-size option without the widest footprint. 1000W output and a 12.4-inch turntable handle full plates and larger containers.
Six auto cook presets cover the standard foods, and the 30-second express key helps with quick reheats.
The cabinet measures 20.6 x 14.8 x 11.8 inches, matching the TOSHIBA units here. It weighs about 31.2 lb, lighter than the top pick but heavier than the 0.7 cu ft models.
A push-button door release and child safety lock suit busy households. The interior light lets you watch food without opening the door and losing heat.
What it leaves out is sensor cooking. You choose the time and power yourself, so a little attention during reheating goes further.
The 12.4-inch turntable is the win for anyone who plates full dinners. The 1.1 cu ft cabinet splits the difference between compact units and the 1.2 cu ft models.
Choose it when power and plate size matter and you don't need automatic sensor adjustment. It's a solid fit for a family kitchen that reheats several plates a day.
GE Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for big portions
- 1.6 cu ft
- 1150W output
- Sensor cooking controls
- Eight convenience settings
The largest cabinet in this group, with sensor controls that adjust time by moisture. It trades counter space for family-size capacity.
Pros
- 1150W output
- Sensor cooking controls
- Eight convenience settings
Cons
- 21.3 in wide footprint
- Needs 3 in clearance on each side
The GE 1.6 cu ft is the largest cabinet here and the only one built for big family portions. Its 1150W output and 1.6 cu ft interior leave room for large containers and full meals.
Sensor cooking controls monitor moisture and adjust time automatically.
Eight convenience settings and one-touch express controls cover everyday jobs. Manual and auto defrost modes thaw meat and poultry more evenly.
A child lock adds confidence in shared kitchens. A removable glass turntable and roller ring sit inside a stainless steel cavity.
The size is the trade-off. At 21.3 inches wide and 39 lb, it needs more counter and more clearance: GE calls for 3 inches on each side and above, plus 1 inch at the rear.
That footprint is close to a full-size oven's. The 1.6 cu ft cavity is what lets it take a whole casserole dish rather than a single plate.
Buy it when capacity and power beat compactness, such as a family kitchen or a break room. Skip it if your counter is tight, since the smallest picks here do the same everyday jobs in far less space.
How these small microwaves were compared
We started with cabinet size and set a ceiling near 1.6 cu ft. Anything larger competes in the full-size category, so the picks here all fit a short counter run.
From there we scored each model on four things.
Power and plate clearance carried the most weight. Output between 700W and 1150W decides how fast a meal heats, and the turntable size from 10.6 to 12.4 inches decides what fits.
A 1000W oven with a 12.4-inch turntable is the practical sweet spot for most homes.
Controls came next. Sensor cooking, auto menus, mute and ECO modes change daily use more than an extra button does.
We noted which models adjust time on their own and which ask you to set it. Sensor models cover a fixed food list, while the manual units leave the time to you.
Footprint and clearance decided the rest. Weight matters when you lift the oven onto a shelf, and depth matters when the counter is shallow.
We kept the cabinet dimensions in each write-up so you can match them to your space.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Output | Turntable | Our score |
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| TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven | everyday meals | 1.2 cu ft | 1000W | 12.4 in | 9.7 |
| COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven | tight counters | 0.7 cu ft | 700W | 9.6 | |
| BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave | small kitchens | 0.9 cu ft | 900W | 8.6 | |
| Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 cu.ft. 1000 | multi-stage cooking | 1.2 cu ft | 1000W | 12.4 in | 8.5 |
| Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | quiet apartments | 0.7 cu ft | 700W | 8.4 | |
| TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor | sensor cooking | 1.2 cu ft | 1000W | 12.4 in | 8.3 |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave | families | 1.1 cu ft | 1000W | 12.4 in | 8.2 |
| GE Countertop Microwave Oven | big portions | 1.6 cu ft | 1150W | 7.9 |
Which size small countertop microwave fits your kitchen?
The right size is the one that clears your plate and your counter. A 0.7 cu ft model handles mugs and bowls, a 1.1 to 1.2 cu ft cabinet takes standard dinner plates, and a 1.6 cu ft unit fits family-size containers.
What fits in a 0.7 cu ft microwave?
A 0.7 cu ft cabinet takes a mug, a bowl or a side plate. The COMFEE' and Chefman models sit in this class.
They suit one or two people who reheat portions rather than plate full dinners. A standard 10-inch dinner plate may fit, but check the interior before you count on it.
For most singles and couples, this size covers the daily routine and takes the least counter space. The Chefman is actually the wider of the two at 17.52 inches, though it is shallower at 12.93 inches deep against the COMFEE's 13 inches.
How big is a 1.2 cu ft microwave?
A 1.2 cu ft cabinet is the practical mid-size pick. The Toshiba and Farberware models here both offer 1.2 cu ft with a 12.4-inch turntable.
That turntable size takes most dinner plates flat. The cabinets measure about 20.6 inches wide, so they need a clear counter run of roughly 2 ft.
Pick this size when you cook full meals rather than just reheating coffee. The Toshiba is the shallower of the pair at 14.6 inches deep, and the Farberware runs 17.3 inches deep for more cavity room.
When is a 1.6 cu ft microwave still small?
A 1.6 cu ft model counts as small only when your kitchen can spare about 2 ft of width. The GE unit measures 21.3 inches wide.
Its extra interior room suits family portions and large containers. Choose it when capacity is the priority and you have the clearance to match.
For a tight counter, the 0.7 to 1.2 cu ft picks make more sense. The GE's 1150W output also means it heats faster than the smaller cabinets.
How much power does a small microwave need?
For most homes, 900W to 1000W is the useful range. It heats leftovers fast enough without pushing the cabinet size or the electrical draw too high.
A 700W model works well for drinks and snacks but takes longer on dense food. The wattage figure you see is output power, the heat that reaches the food, not the input draw from the wall.
Is 700W enough for a small kitchen?
Yes for drinks, popcorn and small portions. The COMFEE' and Chefman models run at 700W.
Reheating a plate of leftovers takes longer than on a 1000W oven, and thick food can heat unevenly. If your microwave is mainly a coffee and snack tool, 700W covers it in a smaller cabinet.
The lower output also pairs with a smaller cabinet, so the whole unit takes less counter depth.
Is 1000W better for everyday cooking?
A 1000W oven heats plates and full meals faster and more evenly. The Toshiba, Farberware and BLACK+DECKER 1.1 cu ft models all run at 1000W.
The difference shows up on dense leftovers and frozen meals. The GE goes further at 1150W, though its larger cabinet costs counter space.
Pick 1000W when the microwave cooks real meals, not just drinks. The 1000W units here also offer the 12.4-inch turntable that takes a full plate.
Do you need sensor cooking in a small microwave?
Sensor cooking is worth it if you reheat mixed plates and don't want to guess times. The oven measures humidity and adjusts, so a plate of leftovers is less likely to dry out or stay cold in the middle.
It's a convenience feature rather than a must-have.
How does a humidity sensor work?
A sensor tracks moisture as food heats. Toshiba's version adjusts time and power based on food humidity.
The GE model monitors moisture and changes cooking time automatically. In practice, you choose a food category and the oven takes over.
A sensor helps most on uneven loads, like a plate with rice and vegetables that heat at different rates. It also means you don't have to convert a recipe's cook time to your oven's wattage.
When is sensor cooking not worth it?
Skip it when you mostly use express keys or set times yourself. The BLACK+DECKER 1.1 cu ft has no sensor and costs less control effort per cook.
If you reheat the same mug at the same time every morning, a sensor adds little. Choose it when your loads vary, not when they repeat.
The manual models here also tend to put more buttons in reach for the times you do want to set a time.
What else should you check before you buy?
Check clearance, turntable size and the door style before you commit. These three decide whether the oven fits your counter and your plates, and whether it's comfortable to use every day.
How much clearance does a countertop microwave need?
The GE model asks for 3 inches on each side and above, plus 1 inch at the rear. Smaller models need less, but airflow still matters.
Leave room for the door to swing open and for the vents to breathe. A tight cabinet surround can trap heat and shorten the oven's life.
Measure the opening before you buy, not after the box arrives.
Pull handle or push button door?
A push-button door opens with one finger press. The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 and 1.1 cu ft models use one.
A pull handle gives a firmer grip and suits hands that find small buttons awkward. The Toshiba models use a large handle.
Try the motion you'd use daily before choosing between the two. A handle also gives you something to grab when the door sticks, while a button needs a clean press.
Which small microwave works best for older users?
A model with large buttons, a clear display and a pull handle is easier to use. The Toshiba 1.2 cu ft meets those points, and the handle gives a firm grip.
Our countertop microwave for seniors guide covers control layouts in more detail. A simple keypad and readable display matter more than extra menus for many older users.
The sensor models cut steps too, since you press one button instead of setting time and power.
Verdict
The best rated small countertop microwave for most kitchens is the TOSHIBA 1.2 cu ft, with sensor cooking and 1000W output at a footprint that still leaves counter space. Pick the COMFEE' 0.7 cu ft for the tightest counters, the Chefman for quiet apartments, or the GE 1.6 cu ft when family portions matter more than space.
If you set a time and walk away, skip the sensor models and take the BLACK+DECKER 1.1 cu ft for its 1000W output and 12.4-inch turntable. Whatever you choose, measure your counter and your widest plate first.
Our countertop microwave buying guide walks through the fit checks in order.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What size counts as a small countertop microwave?
Most small countertop microwaves fall between 0.7 and 1.2 cu ft. The 0.7 cu ft models suit tight counters and single servings, while 1.1 to 1.2 cu ft cabinets fit full dinner plates.
Is a 700W microwave enough for everyday cooking?
Yes for reheating leftovers, popping popcorn and warming drinks. A 700W oven heats slower than a 1000W one, so dense foods and full meals take longer and cook more unevenly.
Do small microwaves fit a standard dinner plate?
A 12.4-inch turntable handles most standard dinner plates. The 0.9 cu ft BLACK+DECKER uses a 10.6-inch turntable, which suits side plates and bowls better than wide dinnerware.
What does sensor cooking do on a countertop microwave?
A humidity sensor tracks moisture as food cooks and adjusts time and power to match. Toshiba puts it in its 1.2 cu ft ovens, and the GE model uses sensor controls across eight settings.
