9 Best Microwaves for Small Spaces (October 2026)
The best compact microwaves for small spaces include the COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven for quieter compact cooking, the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. for a compact black finish, and the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven for stainless steel styling.
On this page (7 sections)
The best microwave for small spaces is usually a 0.7 cu. ft. countertop model with dimensions that fit your usable counter or shelf. The COMFEE' pick is especially compact, while the Sharp and TOSHIBA offer 0.9 cu. ft. capacity for buyers who can spare more width.
The outside dimensions matter as much as the capacity. Measure the space where the microwave will sit, including room for the door to open and any required ventilation clearance.
If you need a separate surface, compare microwave carts for small spaces.
For more options suited to a compact kitchen, see our best microwave for small kitchen guide and best small countertop microwave roundup. If you want a light finish, compare the best small white microwave picks.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for quieter compact cookingCOMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a compact black finishChefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for stainless steel stylingBLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itFarberware Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 cu.ft.
Best for six one-touch options - 5
Best for retro stylingCheck it - 6
Check itCOMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft
Best for a black compact option - 7
Check itSharp SMC0962KS 0.9 cu. ft. 900W Stainless
Best for more interior capacity - 8
Best for 900-watt cookingCheck it - 9
Check itSmad Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Best for six cooking programs
How we chose the best microwave for small spaces
The strongest small-space choice pairs a compact footprint with enough usable capacity and controls for routine cooking. We compared the stated dimensions, capacity, output power and features, then matched them to common space limits.
A 0.7 cu. ft. model is the smaller-capacity choice in this group. The 0.9 cu. ft.
Sharp and TOSHIBA models add room and output power, but their widths approach 19 in.
Compare these compact countertop microwaves
The 0.7 cu. ft. models are generally the first place to look when counter space is tight. The 0.9 cu. ft. models suit you if their wider dimensions fit and you want more capacity.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Size (W x D x H) | Output power | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven | quieter compact cooking | 0.7 cu. ft. | 17.3 x 12.7 x 10.2 in | 700 watts | 9.7 |
| Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. | a compact black finish | 0.7 cu. ft. | 17.52 x 12.93 x 9.53 in | 700 watts | 9.7 |
| BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven | stainless steel styling | 0.7 cu. ft. | 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 in | 700 watts | 9.6 |
| Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 cu.ft. | six one-touch options | 0.7 cu. ft. | 17.3 x 12.99 x 10.14 in | 700 watts | 9.5 |
| Frigidaire | retro styling | 0.7 cu. ft. | 18.9 x 13.27 x 11.52 in | 700 watts | 9.3 |
| COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft | a black compact option | 0.7 cu. ft. | 17.3 x 12.6 x 10.2 in | 700 watts | 9.1 |
| Sharp SMC0962KS 0.9 cu. ft. 900W Stainless | more interior capacity | 0.9 cu. ft. | 18.6 x 13.2 x 10.7 in | 900 watts | 9.0 |
| TOSHIBA Microwave Oven | 900-watt cooking | 0.9 cu. ft. | 18.7 x 13.3 x 10.7 in | 900 watts | 8.7 |
| Smad Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. | six cooking programs | 20 liters | 17.9 x 14 x 10.4 in | 700 watts | 8.6 |
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for quieter compact cooking
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
- 700 watts
- Mute function
- ECO mode
- 17.3 x 12.7 x 10.2 in
A compact white microwave with a mute function, one-touch cooking and ECO mode. Its stated dimensions help you check whether it fits your available counter space.
Pros
- Mute function
- ECO mode
- One-touch cooking and two defrost settings
Cons
- 700 watts of output power
- Measure the cabinet or counter before choosing
The COMFEE' is a good fit when quiet controls and a small footprint matter. It measures 17.3 in wide, 12.7 in deep and 10.2 in high, and its 0.7 cu. ft. capacity suits smaller dishes and everyday reheating.
The mute function turns off cooking beeps, while ECO mode can reduce standby power use. One-touch options cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and reheating.
Its two defrost settings let you choose by weight or time. The control panel also has express cooking for 1 to 6 minutes and a +30-second button.
Choose this model if you want those features in a white countertop microwave. Measure the actual shelf or counter before buying, especially if the space is enclosed.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.: Best for a compact black finish
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
- 700 watts
- 10 power levels
- Mute button
- 17.52 x 12.93 x 9.53 in
A short black model with 10 power levels, six presets and a mute option. Its dimensions can suit a low-clearance counter area.
Pros
- 10 power levels
- Mute option
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe turntable
Cons
- 700 watts of output power
- Confirm clearance and ventilation needs
The Chefman is the shortest model here at 9.53 in high, with a black finish that can blend into a compact kitchen setup. It has a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and 700 watts of output power.
Six presets cover popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes and leftovers. You can also choose among 10 power levels or add time with the +30-second button.
The mute option suits shared rooms where cooking beeps may disturb others. Its glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe, and the built-in child lock is on the handle.
Pick it when low height and digital controls matter more than extra capacity. Check its 17.52 in width and 12.93 in depth against your available space.
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for stainless steel styling
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
- 700 watts
- 10 power settings
- Push-button door release
- 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 in
This stainless steel option combines a compact capacity with a push-button door release, child lock and removable turntable.
Pros
- Stainless steel exterior
- 10 power settings
- Push-button door release
Cons
- 700 watts of output power
- Check the 13 in depth against your counter
The BLACK+DECKER offers a stainless steel exterior and standard controls in a compact 0.7 cu. ft. size. Its outside dimensions are 17.3 in wide, 13 in deep and 10.2 in high.
Ten power settings, a kitchen timer and a clock cover everyday use. Pre-programmed buttons handle popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and dinner plates.
A push-button door release may be useful where a pull handle would catch on nearby items. The removable 10 in glass turntable and child safety lock round out the practical features.
Choose it if a stainless steel finish is important and a 13 in depth fits your counter. For other finish options, compare the best small microwave stainless steel picks with the best small white microwave guide.
Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 cu.ft.: Best for six one-touch options
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
- 700 watts
- 10 power levels
- Six one-touch options
- 17.3 x 12.99 x 10.14 in
Six one-touch options and defrost by time or weight cover common tasks in a 0.7 cu. ft. countertop model.
Pros
- Six one-touch options
- 10 power levels
- Clock and kitchen timer
Cons
- 700 watts of output power
- Check the footprint and required clearances
Farberware combines a 0.7 cu. ft. cavity with six one-touch options and 10 power levels. It measures 17.3 in wide, 12.99 in deep and 10.14 in high, close to the size of several other compact picks.
The presets include popcorn, potato and pizza, and you can defrost by time or weight. A clock and kitchen timer help keep track of cooking, while interior lighting lets you see the dish.
Its child safety lock adds a useful control for households with children. The stainless steel model is a straightforward option if you want familiar buttons and a compact capacity.
Choose it for preset cooking flexibility in a small countertop footprint. Compare its depth with the best small microwave for office options if you're outfitting a shared break area.
Frigidaire: Best for retro styling
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
- 700 watts
- Eight auto-cook menus
- Retro black and gold design
- 18.9 x 13.27 x 11.52 in
A retro-inspired black and gold design brings a distinct look to a 0.7 cu. ft. microwave. Check its wider dimensions against your counter.
Pros
- Eight auto-cook menus
- Auto defrost
- Retro-inspired design
Cons
- Widest model in this group
- Only five selectable power levels
The Frigidaire brings a retro black and gold look to a 0.7 cu. ft. microwave. It measures 18.9 in wide, 13.27 in deep and 11.52 in high, so it needs more width and height than the smaller models in this group.
Eight auto-cook menus cover foods such as popcorn, pizza, beverages and frozen dinners. The model has 700 watts, five power levels, auto defrost and a rotating glass turntable.
This is the style-led option for a compact kitchen that has enough room for its wider cabinet. Its retro design may suit you if a plain black or stainless finish feels out of place.
If appearance is your deciding factor, also look at the best small microwave red and best small retro microwave roundups.
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft: Best for a black compact option
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
- 700 watts
- 11 power levels
- Two-step child lock
- 17.3 x 12.6 x 10.2 in
The black COMFEE' model has 11 power levels, express cooking and defrost by time or weight. Its 12.6 in depth may help where counter depth is limited.
Pros
- 11 power levels
- Two defrost settings
- Two-step child lock
Cons
- 700 watts of output power
- Check countertop depth and clearance
The black COMFEE' measures 17.3 in wide, 12.6 in deep and 10.2 in high, making it one of the shallower choices here. Its 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and 700 watts suit routine heating in a compact kitchen.
Eleven power levels give you more setting steps than many of the 0.7 cu. ft. models. The one-touch functions cover common foods, and you can defrost by time or weight.
The two-step child lock helps prevent unintended use. Express cooking and a 10 in glass turntable support simple daily tasks.
Choose it when black styling and a shallower footprint help with your layout. If you need a narrow unit for a smaller room or vehicle, compare the best small microwave for a camper and best replacement microwave for rv guides.
Sharp SMC0962KS 0.9 cu. ft. 900W Stainless: Best for more interior capacity
- 0.9 cu. ft. capacity
- 900 watts
- 10.6 in turntable
- 18.6 x 13.2 x 10.7 in
The Sharp offers the largest stated capacity in this group, with a 10.6 in turntable and 900 watts. Allow for its wider footprint.
Pros
- 0.9 cu. ft. capacity
- 900 watts
- Weight and time defrost
Cons
- Wider than the 0.7 cu. ft. picks
- Measure the full depth before placing it
The Sharp has 0.9 cu. ft. capacity and 900 watts, giving you more room and output power than the 0.7 cu. ft. picks. It measures 18.6 in wide, 13.2 in deep and 10.7 in high.
Its 10.6 in carousel turntable, 10 power levels and two-stage cooking make it the roomier choice for larger dishes. Auto-cook options and defrost by weight or time cover everyday jobs.
This is still a countertop microwave, so the space around it matters. A wider microwave can be a poor fit even if its depth seems manageable.
Choose the Sharp when extra capacity is useful and your counter has enough width. For narrower built-in layouts, our guide to what size is a standard over-the-range microwave? explains a different installation type.
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven: Best for 900-watt cooking
- 0.9 cu. ft. capacity
- 900 watts
- 11 power levels
- 18.7 x 13.3 x 10.7 in
A 0.9 cu. ft. model with 900 watts, 11 power levels and six preset menus. Compare its footprint with the roomier Sharp before deciding.
Pros
- 900 watts
- 11 power levels
- Weight and time defrost
Cons
- Largest width in this group
- Check the space behind and above the unit
The TOSHIBA pairs a 0.9 cu. ft. capacity with 900 watts, 11 power levels and a 10.6 in glass turntable. Its dimensions are 18.7 in wide, 13.3 in deep and 10.7 in high, nearly the same footprint as the Sharp.
Six presets cover popular foods, and defrost works by weight or time. A two-step child lock and one-touch start add practical controls for a shared kitchen.
Choose this model if you want a roomier cavity and can spare almost 19 in of width. Check the space needed between a microwave and the wall before settling on a counter position.
Smad Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft.: Best for six cooking programs
- 20-liter capacity
- 700 watts
- 10 power levels
- 17.9 x 14 x 10.4 in
This compact model lists 10 power levels, six programs, a child lock and a 9.6 in glass turntable. Its 14 in depth calls for careful counter measurement.
Pros
- 10 power levels
- Six programs
- Interior lighting
Cons
- Deepest model in this group
- Confirm available counter depth
The Smad is a 20-liter countertop model with 700 watts, 10 power levels and six programs. Its 17.9 in width and 14 in depth make careful counter measurement important.
A 9.6 in glass turntable, interior lighting, clock and timer support routine cooking. The child safety lock and easy-clean interior add practical features for a busy kitchen.
Its stated depth is the largest among these picks. Make sure the microwave won't crowd a wall, another appliance or the area where you prepare food.
Choose the Smad if you want its feature set and your counter can accommodate the depth. For compact-capacity comparisons, see our guides to the best 0.7 cu ft microwave and best 0.9 cu ft microwave.
How should you measure for a small microwave?
Measure width, depth and height at the spot where the microwave will sit, then compare those measurements with the unit's outside dimensions. Include the door swing and clearances stated in the microwave's instructions.
A countertop with just enough surface area for the cabinet may not leave room for ventilation. Check the manual before placing a microwave inside a shelf or cabinet, and keep its air openings clear.
Depth is easy to overlook because the microwave may extend beyond the front edge of a counter. Measure from the wall to the edge, and account for plugs or other obstacles behind the unit.
If you have a narrow counter, compare models by their actual dimensions rather than relying on labels such as compact or mini. A slightly wider model can still fit better if it is shallower or shorter.
Is 0.7 cu. ft. enough for a small kitchen?
A 0.7 cu. ft. microwave is often enough for reheating, drinks and common small plates, provided the turntable fits your dishes. Check the turntable diameter and cavity dimensions when you regularly heat wide bowls or dinner plates.
The 0.9 cu. ft. Sharp and TOSHIBA models offer more interior capacity and 900 watts of output power.
They are useful when you want more room and have the counter width for a cabinet close to 19 in wide.
Capacity does not tell you whether a specific plate will rotate freely. Compare the plate's diameter with the turntable and leave space around it for rotation.
What if countertop space is too limited?
A small countertop microwave may still take up too much of your only work surface. If you have a suitable cabinet and installation plan, an over-the-range model can free the counter, but it requires the right opening and mounting setup.
Measure the opening and check appliance instructions before buying an over-the-range unit. For another use of limited vertical space, a low profile microwave countertop guide can help you compare shallow designs.
If you're planning a kitchen refresh or gift setup alongside the appliance, our best plastic holiday food containers guide covers containers for storing leftovers.
More guides on this topic
- Best Small Microwaves for Dorm Rooms
Which small-space microwave should you choose?
Choose the COMFEE' if you want a compact 0.7 cu. ft. model with mute and ECO modes. Pick the Chefman for a short black design, or the Sharp if you need more capacity and have room for its 18.6 in width.
Measure the full space, including clearance and door access, before deciding. For more compact choices by capacity, compare the small 1200 watt microwave and best small 1000 watt microwave guides.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for quieter compact cooking
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a compact black finish
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for stainless steel styling
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best microwave for small spaces?
For a compact countertop fit, start with a 0.7 cu. ft. model and compare its outside dimensions with your usable space. The COMFEE' model measures 17.3 in wide, 12.7 in deep and 10.2 in high, and it has a mute function and ECO mode.
Choose a 0.9 cu. ft. model if extra capacity matters and you have room for the wider cabinet.
How do I know if a compact microwave will fit?
Measure the usable width, depth and height, then compare all three with the microwave's outside dimensions. Include room for the door to open and any clearance required by the manufacturer.
A cabinet opening or countertop that matches the unit's dimensions exactly may leave too little room for safe placement or airflow.
Is a 0.7 cu. ft. microwave big enough?
A 0.7 cu. ft. model can suit everyday reheating, drinks and common small dishes. Check the turntable size and the shape of your usual plates, since capacity alone doesn't show whether a dish will fit.
If you often use larger plates, compare them with the turntable before choosing.
Should I choose 700 or 900 watts?
A 700-watt microwave can handle basic reheating and common cooking tasks, while 900 watts gives you more output power. Cooking time and results still depend on the food, portion size and microwave settings.
Follow food directions and check that food is heated through.
Can I put a compact microwave in a cabinet?
Only if the microwave is approved for that placement and the cabinet provides the clearances and ventilation in its instructions. A compact footprint by itself doesn't confirm that enclosed installation is safe.
Check the manufacturer’s placement guidance and measure the full opening before you install it.
