10 Best Small Countertop Microwaves (November 2026)

The best small countertop microwaves include the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave for everyday meals, the Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave for shared living spaces, and the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave for snack stations.

On this page (9 sections)

1. How we chose small countertop microwaves
2. The best small countertop microwaves for different spaces
3. Should you choose a 0.7 or 0.9 cu ft microwave?
4. What measurements should you take before buying?
5. Is 700 or 900 watts better for your meals?
6. Which controls are worth choosing?
7. How should you set up and use a compact microwave?
8. What care and buying mistakes should you avoid?
9. Which small countertop microwave should you buy?

The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave is the best small countertop microwave for most kitchens here because it balances everyday meal capacity with useful cooking power. Choose a smaller model if preserving prep space matters more than heating larger portions.

Start with your dishes and available counter space. A compact appliance is only useful if your plate turns freely, its door opens fully and its vents have the required gaps.

Our countertop microwave buying guide covers the wider buying decisions. For the measurements to record before ordering, use our countertop microwave sizes and dimensions guide.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for everyday meals

   BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave

   8.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for shared living spaces

   Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave

   8.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for snack stations

   BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave

   8.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Sharp 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave

   Best for planned cooking steps
   Check it
5. 5

   Chefman 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave

   Best for repeat meal routines
   Check it
6. 6

   BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Child Lock Microwave

   Best for shallow counters
   Check it
7. 7

   Chefman Compact 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave

   Best for late-night snacks
   Check it
8. 8

   GE 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave

   Best for occasional reheating
   Check it
9. 9

   GE Compact 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave

   Best for GE kitchen setups
   Check it
10. 10

    Farberware 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave

    Best for small-portion meal prep
    Check it

How we chose small countertop microwaves

We compared dish capacity, exterior size, cooking power and daily controls to find useful choices for compact kitchens. Door operation, mute options and programmable cooking help separate models with similar dimensions.

The first pick suits regular meal reheating, while the others solve narrower needs such as shallow counters or quiet control beeps. None earns its place just by having more preset buttons.

The best small countertop microwaves for different spaces

Choose the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft for a main kitchen microwave, then consider the alternatives when space or a particular control changes your decision. Each write-up explains who should buy it and when to choose something else.

1

BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for everyday meals

8.6/10Our score

• 0.9 cu ft capacity
• 900 watts
• 18.7 in wide
• 10.6 in glass turntable

The first choice for daily reheating when you have room for a little more capacity. Its push-button door and quick-start controls suit a mix of meals, snacks and drinks.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Six food presets
• Push-button door release
• Removable glass turntable

Cons

• Needs more counter width than the smaller picks
• No mute option specified

The BLACK+DECKER is the first choice for someone who reheats dinner as often as snacks. Its 900 watts and 10.6 in turntable make it a sensible step up from the smallest options without moving to a much larger appliance.

Six presets cover common foods, but the manual power settings matter more when warming a delicate sauce or a dense portion of leftovers. The 30-second express control lets you add time in small steps instead of restarting a full program.

The push-button door release suits buyers who prefer pressing a control to pulling a handle. Check that you can reach it comfortably from the microwave's planned position.

Choose it when the microwave handles a broad mix of daily meals. Skip it if drinks and small bowls are your main use, or if a narrower appliance would preserve valuable chopping space.

2

Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for shared living spaces

8.4/10Our score

• 0.7 cu ft capacity
• 700 watts
• 17.52 in wide
• Mute button

A compact choice for reheating near bedrooms or shared work areas, with an option to silence control beeps. The turntable can go on the dishwasher's top rack.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Mute button
• Six cooking presets
• Top-rack dishwasher-safe turntable

Cons

• Allow extra time for higher-wattage meal instructions
• Small interior needs a dish-fit check

This Chefman suits a studio apartment, shared kitchen or office where control beeps carry into nearby rooms. Its mute button silences those sounds, though you should still expect normal appliance operation sounds.

The six food presets cover more tasks than the stainless compact Chefman farther down this list. Number-key express cooking and the +30 seconds button also suit people who usually enter a time themselves.

Its handle uses an upward pull at the top edge as part of the child safety lock. Make sure everyone who will use it understands that action, especially when several people share the kitchen.

Choose it for small portions and muted controls, with the bonus of a top-rack dishwasher-safe glass turntable. Skip it if large bowls dominate your routine or you want more power for frequent frozen meals.

3

BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for snack stations

8.3/10Our score

• 0.7 cu ft capacity
• 700 watts
• 17.3 in wide
• 10 in glass turntable

A narrower push-button model for drinks, snacks and smaller portions. Six food presets and express cooking keep common tasks within easy reach.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Six food presets
• Push-button door release
• Time and weight defrost

Cons

• Less room for wide cookware
• Lower cooking power than the larger picks

This BLACK+DECKER makes sense for a snack corner where you want a push-button door without a larger cabinet. Its controls cover quick drinks, small meals and defrosting without requiring saved cooking programs.

The removable 10 in glass turntable is worth comparing with your plates before ordering. A plate's diameter is only the start: handles, raised rims and square corners also need room as the dish turns.

Time and weight defrost give you a choice between entering a duration and setting the food's weight. Follow the instructions for the food type, and stop to separate or turn portions when needed.

Choose it if its smaller interior fits your everyday dishes and the door style appeals to you. Skip it if muted beeps are a priority, since the compact Chefman models offer an explicit mute control.

4

Sharp 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for planned cooking steps

8.1/10Our score

• 0.9 cu ft capacity
• 900 watts
• 18.6 in wide
• Two-stage cooking

Choose the Sharp when you want a compact meal-size microwave with two-stage cooking. Weight and time defrost give you separate ways to handle frozen portions.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two-stage cooking
• Weight and time defrost
• Express Cook up to 6 minutes

Cons

• Wider than the 0.7 cu ft picks
• Stage programming adds a learning step

The Sharp is the better match for someone who wants two-stage cooking alongside the roomier capacity in this group. That function lets you program successive cooking stages rather than manually entering each one.

Its white LED display and LED interior lighting suit buyers who want clear views of the controls and food. The 10.6 in removable turntable provides a useful starting point for checking dinner-plate fit.

Weight and time defrost support different frozen-food routines, while Express Cook starts up to 6 minutes with a single press. For a short warm-up, use the +30 seconds key rather than choosing a longer shortcut.

Choose the Sharp when you expect to use its stage programming. Skip it if you mainly warm a mug or small bowl, since a smaller appliance can leave more counter available for food prep.

5

Chefman 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for repeat meal routines

7.9/10Our score

• 0.9 cu ft capacity
• 900 watts
• 18.9 in wide
• Memory, Eco mode and mute

Memory settings suit people who heat similar portions each day. Mute controls and an Eco mode that turns off the idle display add useful choices for an open kitchen.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Memory function
• Mute button
• Eco mode disables idle display

Cons

• Taller than the leading pick
• Extra functions take time to learn

This Chefman fits someone who heats similar meals on a regular schedule. The memory function saves frequently used settings, which can reduce repeated button presses for familiar portions.

Mute controls help in shared spaces, and Eco mode switches off the display while the microwave is idle. Pick those features for the way they fit your kitchen routine rather than expecting a stated amount of energy savings.

The door has a child safety lock, and Lock Mode can disable the control panel. Learn both controls during setup so another household member can use the microwave without confusion.

Choose it when saved settings and display control will get regular use. Skip it if clearance above the appliance is tight: its taller body needs more vertical room than the top pick, before adding any ventilation gap.

6

BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Child Lock Microwave: Best for shallow counters

7.6/10Our score

• 0.7 cu ft capacity
• 700 watts
• 17.1 in wide
• 12.3 in deep

The smallest appliance body in this group helps when counter depth is limited. Keep the required ventilation space in your plan, even with its shorter cabinet.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Shallow appliance body
• Multi-stage cooking
• Six one-touch presets

Cons

• Limited room for larger dishes
• Low height doesn't remove ventilation needs

This BLACK+DECKER is the first model to examine when counter depth is your main limit. Its body is the narrowest, shallowest and shortest among the models here with clear, consistent dimensions.

That smaller footprint can leave more usable counter around the appliance, but the feet still need full support. Don't plan to balance the front of a microwave near the counter edge to gain space behind it.

Multi-stage cooking and six food presets add flexibility for snacks and small meals. BLACK+DECKER describes the black surface as fingerprint resistant, which may appeal if the appliance sits in a busy shared area.

Choose it when its body dimensions solve a real space problem and your dishes fit. Skip it if you need larger cookware, and don't treat its low height as permission to tuck it into a closed cubby.

7

Chefman Compact 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for late-night snacks

7.5/10Our score

• 0.7 cu ft capacity
• 700 watts
• Stainless finish
• Mute option

A stainless-finish option for small portions and muted control beeps. Three food presets suit a routine built around popcorn, beverages and leftovers.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Mute option
• +30 seconds button
• Time and weight defrost

Cons

• Three food presets rather than six
• Small interior limits cookware choices

The compact stainless Chefman suits someone who wants muted beeps and a stainless finish for a small snack station. Its exterior dimensions match the black compact Chefman, so color won't change the counter footprint.

The main control difference is the food menu: this version has three presets for popcorn, beverages and leftovers. That's enough if those are your usual tasks, especially when you normally set cooking time manually.

The Sound Button silences beeps, while the +30 seconds control offers a quick way to extend warming. Its child safety handle uses an upward pull at the top edge, so show that action to other users.

Choose it for finish preference and a simple snack routine. Skip it if you want dedicated potato, pizza and vegetable buttons, since the black compact Chefman offers the broader preset selection.

8

GE 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for occasional reheating

7.2/10Our score

• 0.7 cu ft capacity
• 700 watts
• Four convenience cook settings
• Manual and auto defrost

A compact GE for occasional meals, drinks and defrosting. Its stated ventilation gaps make it easy to calculate the open space you need before choosing a location.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• One-touch express cooking
• Manual and auto defrost
• Child lock can be disabled

Cons

• Side clearances increase total space needed
• Less suitable for large meal portions

The small GE suits a buyer who wants occasional reheating with straightforward controls. Four convenience cook settings, express cooking and manual or auto defrost cover common tasks without making preset count the main attraction.

Its ventilation requirements make a useful planning example. Add the required gaps to its body and you need a space about 23.31 in wide and 13.19 in high, with at least 13.75 in of depth including the rear gap.

Those figures describe the body plus ventilation, so you still need working room for the door and hot dishes. A narrow shelf that holds the appliance itself may therefore be unsuitable.

Choose it if that open area fits your kitchen and you prefer GE's controls. Skip it if the side gaps crowd your prep zone; our small-kitchen microwave placement ideas can help you find another location.

9

GE Compact 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for GE kitchen setups

7.0/10Our score

• 0.9 cu ft capacity
• 900 watts
• Seven convenience cook settings
• Child lock

A larger-capacity choice for buyers who prefer GE's keypad layout and convenience controls. Confirm the cabinet measurements before reserving a tight counter space.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Seven convenience cook settings
• Manual and auto defrost
• One-touch express cooking

Cons

• Conflicting cabinet dimensions need clarification
• Requires open ventilation space

This GE is an option for buyers who prefer GE's keypad layout with more meal capacity. Seven convenience cook settings and express cooking support common tasks, while manual and auto defrost give you a choice for frozen portions.

The main buying issue is fit: cabinet measurements for this model conflict, so confirm width, depth and height with GE before choosing a tight location. Don't build a shelf or reserve a narrow opening around an uncertain measurement.

Once the body size is clear, add GE's required ventilation gaps and check door access. The child lock can be disabled when it isn't needed, which gives households a choice about daily operation.

Choose it if the controls suit you and the fit is confirmed. Skip it if you need to make an immediate decision around a fixed, narrow counter space.

10

Farberware 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for small-portion meal prep

7.0/10Our score

• 0.7 cu ft capacity
• 700 watts
• Multi-stage cooking
• Memory function

Memory and multi-stage cooking suit repeat meals in smaller containers. Choose it for those functions rather than for the narrowest possible cabinet.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Multi-stage cooking
• Memory function
• Defrost by weight or time

Cons

• Wider than several compact alternatives
• Lower cooking power than the larger picks

The Farberware suits repeat meals in small containers, especially when you want memory settings and multi-stage cooking together. Those functions are more useful for a regular meal routine than for an occasional cup of tea.

Its weight or time defrost controls let you choose the approach that matches the food and instructions. Six one-touch options cover common foods, with manual power levels available when a preset isn't appropriate.

The easy-grip door handle offers another choice for buyers who dislike push-button releases. Check whether a pull handle works comfortably in your planned location, including when your other hand holds a dish.

Choose it if saved settings and staged cooking matter more than the smallest exterior. Skip it if width is the deciding factor, since several other compact models here take up less counter span.

Should you choose a 0.7 or 0.9 cu ft microwave?

Choose 0.7 cu ft for smaller portions and 0.9 cu ft for more flexible meal space, provided the appliance fits your counter. Interior capacity describes volume, so it can't replace a check of your actual dishes.

A single person warming oatmeal, soup and drinks may get everything needed from the smaller size. Someone reheating a full dinner plate or using deeper meal containers has more reason to consider the larger group.

Household size alone isn't a good shortcut. Two people who heat separate bowls may need less interior space than one person who regularly warms a wide serving dish.

Match a small countertop microwave to your dishes

Check your widest plate, tallest mug and usual leftovers container before choosing. Measure handles and lids too, since they can be the part that catches an interior wall.

A square container needs room through its full rotation, including the corners. A turntable diameter tells you about the tray, but it doesn't describe every usable interior dimension or prove a tall bowl will clear the roof.

If your favorite cookware won't fit either size comfortably, consider a larger model from our best countertop microwaves roundup. Changing your regular dishes just to save a little appliance width can be a poor trade.

What measurements should you take before buying?

Measure the full operating space, including ventilation, door movement and room to lift out food. The appliance's exterior dimensions are only one part of that space.

Record these before narrowing your choices:

• Width: Measure between nearby walls, appliances or cabinet panels, then allow the required side gaps.
• Depth: Include the rear clearance and keep every foot supported on the counter.
• Height: Measure to the lowest shelf or cabinet above, then subtract the required top gap.
• Door access: Leave room for the door to open without hitting a wall, faucet or neighboring appliance.
• Dish handling: Keep a clear landing spot close by for a hot bowl or plate.

Use a paper rectangle to mark the appliance body on the counter, then mark its ventilation boundary. This makes it easier to see how much prep area remains beside it.

Don't apply GE's clearances to the other brands. Read the instructions for the exact model, and check where its vents and cord will sit before settling on a location.

Is 700 or 900 watts better for your meals?

Choose 900 watts for frequent meal reheating and accept 700 watts for lighter use where space comes first. Every smaller-capacity pick here uses the lower output, while the larger-capacity picks use the higher output.

Packaged meal directions may assume a different microwave wattage. Follow any adjustment guidance on the package, and don't expect the same heating time when moving between appliances with different cooking power.

Higher output doesn't remove the need to stir, turn or let food stand. A deep bowl can still heat unevenly if the outside becomes hot before the center.

For a wider look at cooking power, our countertop microwave wattage guide explains how to match output to your routine. Remember that cooking output and electrical input are different figures when checking power requirements.

Which controls are worth choosing?

Prioritize door operation, readable buttons and quick time entry before counting presets. These are the parts you use every day, including while carrying a dish.

A mute option suits nearby bedrooms or a shared work area, but it silences beeps rather than all appliance sound. Memory settings make sense for repeat portions, while multi-stage cooking suits people who will learn to program separate steps.

Presets are shortcuts for certain foods, not a reason to ignore portion size or package instructions. If you usually press a time and Start, extra food buttons should carry little weight in your decision.

Child locks also differ in how they work. Learn whether the lock affects the handle, control panel or both, and show other household members the correct steps.

For someone with limited grip strength or vision, check reach and control operation carefully. Our microwaves for seniors guide covers more of those buying needs.

How should you set up and use a compact microwave?

Set it on a stable, level surface with open vents, then follow the model's setup instructions. Check that you can reach inside without stretching across a hot stove or lifting a bowl above a comfortable height.

Remove packing materials and install the turntable parts correctly before use. Keep the cord away from heat and water, and follow the electrical connection instructions rather than choosing a location that depends on an unsuitable extension cord.

For everyday heating, use microwave-safe dishes and a vented cover when appropriate. Never seal food in an airtight container, and follow the manual's restrictions on metal and other materials.

Spread dense food into a shallower layer when possible. Stir partway through, allow the stated standing time and check the center before eating.

Use lower power for foods that need gentler heating, such as butter or sauces. For raw foods, follow reliable cooking instructions and use a food thermometer rather than judging safety by steam alone.

What care and buying mistakes should you avoid?

Keep the cavity, turntable and door contact surfaces clean so spills don't build up. Let the appliance and glass tray cool before cleaning, and unplug it as directed in the manual.

Wipe food splashes with a soft damp cloth and mild cleaner approved for the surface. Clean the roller area too, then put the dry turntable parts back in their proper positions.

Only use the dishwasher for parts specifically approved for it. The black Chefman models here allow top-rack cleaning of their glass turntables, but that permission shouldn't be assumed for every other model.

Avoid these common buying and use mistakes:

• Choosing by capacity alone: A roomy interior can still come in a cabinet that crowds your counter.
• Treating low height as cabinet approval: Ventilation and permitted placement decide whether a space works.
• Expecting every plate to fit: Handles, square corners and tall lids can block rotation.
• Using full power for everything: Gentler settings can help prevent sauces from splattering or delicate foods from overheating.
• Ignoring damage: Stop using an appliance with a damaged door, hinge or seal, and seek qualified service.

If the turntable stops moving, switch the microwave off and check for a misplaced tray or trapped food before using it again. Our guide to how long countertop microwaves last explains more about care and replacement decisions.

Which small countertop microwave should you buy?

Pick the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft when this will be your main microwave and your meals justify the extra interior room. Choose the smaller push-button BLACK+DECKER for snacks, or a compact Chefman when muted beeps matter in shared living space.

For a shallow counter, start with the BLACK+DECKER Child Lock model and check its ventilation needs. Choose the Sharp for staged cooking, the larger Chefman for saved routines, or the Farberware for those programming features in a smaller-capacity unit.

Your final decision on a small countertop microwave should come down to dish fit, usable counter space and controls you'll use. Make one final check with our countertop microwave sizes and dimensions guide, then choose the model that fits both your counter and your meals.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for everyday meals

   BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave

   8.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for shared living spaces

   Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave

   8.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for snack stations

   BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave

   8.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What size is a small countertop microwave?

Small countertop microwaves in this roundup have 0.7 or 0.9 cu ft of capacity. That measures interior volume, so you still need to check the appliance's width, depth and height.

Add the model's ventilation gaps and leave space to open the door and lift out a hot dish.

Is a 0.7 cu ft microwave big enough?

A 0.7 cu ft microwave is enough for drinks, snacks and individual meals if your dishes fit and rotate freely. Check your widest plate, tallest mug and usual food container before choosing.

A compact interior is less useful when you regularly heat large serving bowls or several portions together.

Should I choose a 0.7 or 0.9 cu ft microwave?

Choose 0.7 cu ft for smaller portions and tighter counters, or 0.9 cu ft for more interior room and the higher cooking power available in this group. Compare the actual appliance dimensions before deciding.

The best size leaves enough ventilation space while fitting the dishes you use most.

How much clearance does a countertop microwave need?

Use the clearance requirements for your exact model rather than a general rule. Both GE models here require 3 in on each side and above, 1 in at the rear, and an unobstructed bottom.

Other models may need different gaps, so read their installation instructions before choosing a location.

Can a countertop microwave go in a cabinet?

Use a cabinet only when the microwave's instructions allow that placement and you can meet every ventilation requirement. A small appliance body doesn't make a countertop microwave suitable for an enclosed space.

Read our guide on putting a countertop microwave in a cabinet before planning shelves, doors or surrounding panels.