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(Last Updated On: January 2, 2023)

Best small countertop microwave Review

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Countertop microwave oven is an essential element for the kitchen. If you will find thousands of regular microwaves as well reviews of those. But when it comes to small or compact microwaves there are lacings of available information on the web. Small microwaves require a small place as well as it consumes less electricity and cooks faster. Best small countertop microwave also known as dorm microwave because it can be used in a dorm.

As because you are searching for the best small countertop microwave oven, in this article we will review the most famous and durable small countertop microwaves based on real user reviews. We will focus on the pros and cons and the people’s experience of those ovens. Finally, we will give our expert opinion which will help you to achieve a happy purchase. 

So let’s start.

Tiny Buying guide

Before starting we want to offer you some tips, which will be helpful for you to understand the reviews as well as making a purchase decision.

  • Budget: For a small countertop microwave oven you should spend 60 to 500 USD based on features.
  • 0.4 to 0.9 cubic feet size is considered a small microwave oven. As you are searching for these, you should buy them over this capacity.
  • 600 to 1000 watts are good enough for a small countertop microwave.

We have selected the best small microwaves from the marketplace, then we have tested. As because we have selected the best one. So you can buy any one from the reviews. But if you want to know more details then read the full review. It will help you select the best one defending on your demand.

Our Top Pick based on user review

Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave

Best Budget friendly

Commercial Chef CHM660W Countertop Small Microwave Oven

Small Countertop microwave oven featuring Knobs System

Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave

Small Countertop microwave oven featuring Keypad System

SMETA Small Compact Countertop Microwave Oven

NameCapacityWattsCooking
presets
Operating methodBeep soundPrice
1 Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave0.9 Cubic Feet900 Watts4KnobMute button availablePrice on Amazon
2 Nostalgia RMO4AQ Retro Countertop Microwave Oven0.9 Cubic Feet800
Watts
12Knob3 beep, no mute button availablePrice on Amazon
3 Commercial Chef CHM660W Countertop Small Microwave Oven0.6 Cubic Feet600 Watts0KnobNo BeepPrice on Amazon
4 Frigidaire 1.1 Cu. ft. Countertop Microwave1.1 Cubic Feet1100 Watts0Key PadHas Mute menuPrice on Amazon
5 SMETA Small Compact Countertop Microwave Oven0.7 Cubic Feet700 Watts6Key PadNo mute optionPrice on Amazon

Description and Good side

A very compact and small size microwave oven filled with great features. Reheat, defrost, popcorn, and heating beverage without overcooking are the presets which are added here. Food menu functions offer to create quick and easy snacks. Cooking potatoes is so easy now. 

Here you will get the defrost function which can be used to gently defrost foods without drying the edges. This function requires less power.

The soft close door feature is engineered in such a way where it is 80% quieter. You can mute the beeps which is a significant feature if you need a quiet environment in your home. The child lock buttons help you to protect your cooking from your child as well protect your child. 

The reheat pizza, defrost vegetables, or cook potatoes functions can help you a lot in the kitchen.

Bad side in details

At this price, it is a good microwave oven. But a number of users reported that it does not heat foods evenly. And takes a long time. Though you will get the settings we must say the functions are not so easy to operate so that users are getting confused. Like this, a lot of users think there is no timer. But here is a timer. 

So we think it is the lack of the manufacturer who doesn’t know how to give a clear view and use of their features. As it has the soft door close feature which could be a good feature but for some users, it is not good because they can’t feel the closing of the door.

Capacity and dimension

25 liters or 0.9 Cubic feet and the dimension is 17.3 x 19.1 x 11.5 inches. 900 watts of energy consumption and 120 volts.

Why should it buy

  1. Compact size.
  2. Soft-close door features
  3. Food menu
  4. Lots of presets.
  5. Durable 
  6. Easy to use.

Why should it not buy

  • All the features are not user-friendly.
  • Sometimes it takes a longer time to cook.

About the manufacturer Breville

breville

Breville has been a successful brand since 1932. They made long-lasting household products espresso, juicing, blending, and ovens. Though this is a company originated in Australia but it has bases in Canada, USA, Newzealand

Overall Breville produces good quality products at a competitive price. The design of their products as durability will impress you.

Final words about

Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave

Overall by the design and workability of the features, it can be a good choice. It is poured with a lot of features but the extreme features made it complex to use. If you are young enough to operate the complex furious we are recommending it, but for the ender person, it is not recommended. Check the other’s review before making a purchase decision.

Description and Good side

If you are searching for a sleek and good-looking compact as well as a powerful microwave oven, you should have a look at this review of the Nostalgia RM04AQ countertop microwave oven

You will get 12 pre-programmable cooking settings. The bright display and simple user functionsFive levels of power up to 800 watts is perfect for reheating your food. 

A very compact size that allows 0.9 cubic food cooking area. And the bright digital clock lights up and highlights all the cooking settings. You will get some cooking options with optimal heating for some popular foods such as popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more.  Rotating glass panels will help to even cook for all the items.

The sleek chrome door handle and control panel gives a retro design as well as it helps to easily navigate the cooking settings. 

Overall it is a compact microwave oven that is easy to use, good-looking and works well.

Bad side in details

To make a purchase decision you have the bad sides of the products. We have researched a lot to give you authentic information about this product. The main issue with this machine is the turntable. It is made with glass and breaks easily. 

A number of users reported that they have faced the same problem. But the good news is you can get a replacement for this problem. You have to call the customer center and they will give you a solution.

Another common problem is that the cooking time is long. But here you should think one thing that it is a compact and less powerful microwave oven than the bigger one. So it can take more time naturally. If you need a powerful microwave oven you should buy one which is more than 2000 watts.

Capacity and dimension

The cooking space is .9 cu ft and the power of this oven is 800 watts. The weight of the oven is 30 pounds and requires 19 x 17.9 x 11 inches on your countertop.

Why should it buy

  1. The main selling point is its design. The retro design gives a traditional feeling in the kitchen. 
  2. Perfect size if you are looking for a small countertop microwave.
  3. 12 pre programmed cooking.
  4. Good customer service.

Why should it not buy

  • It has too little power to do a simple job for example it takes three minutes to heat a cup of coffee.
  • The glass turntable is not so durable.

About the manufacturer Nostalgia

nostalgia

Nostalgia is a popular brand in the USA that has to make modern products, filled with updated technology with a traditional look. Nostalgia is popular for the traditional looks of their products but works like smart appliances. So you can rely on nostalgia and their products without any hesitation.

Final words about

Nostalgia RMO4AQ Retro Countertop Microwave Oven

The key selling points of this oven are the design and the other features are the same. You can get an oven which has more features than it. So still we are not recommending it. Read the full review.

Description and Good side

It is the smallest microwave oven till now we have reviewed. Only 0.6 cubic feet and 600 watts in power which is best for a small kitchen with limited space or dorm rooms. It has a mechanical dial to control the 6 cooking power levels and a timer to set the time. 

Though it is small, it can do various cooking tasks. The timer can be set up to 30 minutes, so you should get an advantage for those dishes which take a long time. The turntable is easy to remove as well as easy to clean. a 9.5 “ turntable can hold a variety of plates of your foods. 

You can use the mid-power level to reheat or defrost vegetables, so heavy-duty cooking use high settings. It is so user-friendly that it requires minimal maintenance. The turntable is dishwasher safe and easy to remove. It is useful for senior citizens because of the remarkable mechanical dials.

Bad side in details

We know, knowing the bad sides is important for every product. If you want to talk about the bad sides of the product then we have to mention that, surprisingly we don’t get any major bad sides of this microwave. 

Some conflicts we have got about the watts but we haven’t found any wrong regarding this issue. 

We have tested it and sometimes it took a long time to heat but it is normal for a 600 watts microwave and as you are going to buy a small one it is considerable.

Capacity and dimension

The microwave oven is made with stainless steel and the dimension is 17.75 x 12.5 x 10.25 inches. And the weight is 23.10 lbs. It will fit in a small kitchen without any trouble.

Why should it buy

  1. Small and lightweight
  2. Easy operation
  3. No annoying beep sounds
  4. One “Ding” sounds when it has done its cooking job
  5. Good size for studio or small kitchen 
  6. Best for senior citizen
  7. No lights from an electronic display, helpful for studio use.

Why should it not buy

  • It has too little power to do a simple job for example it takes three minutes to heat a cup of coffee.
  • The glass turntable is not so durable.

About the Manufacturer brand Commercial Chef

Commercial Chef

Commercial Chef is a brand that only makes microwave ovens. So they have a focused knowledge of microwaves. They offer different types and different sized microwave ovens with different technology.

Final words about

Commercial Chef CHM660W Countertop Small Microwave Oven

We have already reviewed three microwave ovens, till now it is the best based on the size and price. As well as we have some good reviews regarding this oven. We can recommend it but still, two reviews are left. So let’s finish those.

Already we have reviewed the three best small countertop microwaves. At this point, we are going to introduce you to a medium countertop microwave if you need it. 

And the microwave is from the brand Frigidaire.

Description and Good side

It is an 1100 volt microwave featured with 10 cooking power levels. It has an easy-set smart start feature that allows you to start cooking with just one touch. 

You can reheat and defrost almost all the foods quickly. the 11.22” turntable is big enough to hold large items. Push-button handle design. 4 auto cooking options featured with an electronic clock and timer make it more user-friendly.

ready select controls

Easy set start gives you an opportunity to start cooking to six minutes start options. You will get a ready option for potatoes and popcorn. Cool! Interior light increases the visibility of foods and the electronic clock and timer help to keep track of the cook times. 

You’ll get enough space inside but it won’t take too much place on the countertop., as well an easy operation keypad will impress you.

Bad side in details

While reviewing this microwave oven, our reviews observed some matters such as the sticker. While receiving this item, a sticker is glued between the door and keypad. the glue of the sticker stuck on the steel and the keypad which gives a bad look. 

As well no continuous room light. We have some issue regarding the turntable, sometimes it slips, so you should be aware of using it and if it slips you need to put it back in the right place

Capacity and dimension

The microwave oven is made with stainless steel and the dimension is 17.75 x 12.5 x 10.25 inches. And the weight is 23.10 lbs. It will fit in a small kitchen without any trouble.

Why should it buy

  1. Small and lightweight
  2. Easy operation
  3. No annoying beep sounds
  4. One “Ding” sounds when it has done its cooking job
  5. Good size for studio or small kitchen 
  6. Best for senior citizen
  7. No lights from an electronic display, helpful for studio use.

Why should it not buy

  • It has too little power to do a simple job for example it takes three minutes to heat a cup of coffee.
  • The glass turntable is not so durable.

About the Manufacturer brand Frigidaire

Commercial Chef is a brand that only makes microwave ovens. So they have a focused knowledge of microwaves. They offer different types and different sized microwave ovens with different technology.

Final words about

Frigidaire 1.1 Cu. ft. Countertop Microwave

So, it is a microwave oven which is bigger than a smaller one but really takes a small space. You may need a mid-capacity oven featuring smart options. It is that. We are recommending it if you are looking for a mid-capacity microwave oven.

Description and Good side

SMETA small countertop microwave oven is a fully-featured microwave oven that takes up a small space in the kitchen. Now we are reviewing the model that has 6 preset buttons and 10 power levels. So you can cook any food very fast. 

You can use time cook options for reheating or cooking foods. Teo defrost options give a chance to defrost any frozen foods easily. The black finish microwave oven matches different kitchen styles. 

The easy-to-read control features, child safety lock makes the user experience great. You will get a one-touch cooking button for six popular microwaved foods. Just press the desired pre-programmed button and it will do the rest of the tasks for popcorn, potato, pizza, and frozen table. 

Maintenance is extremely low for this oven. The coating inside the cooking area is made with easy-to-clean materials. So that, you just need to damp cloth to clean the interior, simple and convenient! 

So it is a good choice for a small apartment kitchen, office, and dorms and allows some space for other coon dishes.

Bad side in details

As we have selected the best microwaves so it is very tough to find the bad sides. But as we are reviewing this item and our expert reviewers tested it in detail, we know many small bad sides as well. In this microwave oven, you will not face any problems. But yes only a feature can annoy you. The beeping. The beeping options help to warn you but it can be a problem for the slides and senior citizens or especially if you are living in a dorm. This company should introduce the mute beep features for all the microwaves.

Capacity and dimension

It is a countertop microwave which takes extremely low space. The dimensions are 17.56 x 12.72 x 9.57 inches. And the capacity is 0.7 cubic feet. The energy consumption is 700 watts. And runs in AC 120 volts. The internal dimension is 12.17*11.73*7.95 inches.

Why should it buy

  1. It looks very good.
  2. Stylish black finish
  3. Lots of preset cooking options.
  4. Different power levels
  5. Sturdy 
  6. Durable
  7. Small but powerful
  8. Perfectly Compact.
  9. Doesn’t make much noise.

Why should it not buy

  • Beep Sound can not be muted.

About the Manufacturer brand SMETA

smeta microwave and oven

SMETA is a brand that provides luxury to simple products for the kitchen. You will find ice cream, chest freezer, propane fridge from themselves and the user experience is top-notch. So you should no be worried while buying a product from Smeta.

Final words about

SMETA Small Compact Countertop Microwave Oven

It is our last review of the best small countertop microwave. If you are searching for an oven which is small but has a number pad and digital display then it can be your first choice.

Verdict

We have reviewed 5 best small countertop microwaves and we hope now you will be able to make purchase decisions easily. Still if you think that, you are searching for something else you can check this also.

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