9 Best Small Microwave Ovens of 2026

This compact powerhouse delivers smarter convenience in a minimalist footprint, making it a standout among small microwaves. The ECO Mode slashes standby power by 50%, a rare feature that appeals to eco-conscious users who leave appliances plugged in. With 700W of cooking power, a 10-inch turntable, and intuitive one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, and reheat, it solves the daily struggle of quick meal prep without sacrificing functionality. Its silent operation mode is a game-changer for dorms or bedrooms, eliminating disruptive beeps without losing usability.

In real-world testing, the COMFEE’ consistently reheats leftovers evenly and defrosts frozen meals efficiently using either time or weight settings. The digital display is bright and legible, and the interior light makes monitoring food simple. While it handles standard 0.7 cu.ft. dishes well, larger or deep containers can limit rotation clearance. It struggles slightly with dense frozen proteins compared to higher-wattage models, but for beverages, instant meals, and snacks, performance is snappy and reliable.

Compared to the Galanz retro model, this microwave trades flashy design for practical energy-saving intelligence and quiet operation. It’s ideal for students, office kitchens, or minimalist apartments where efficiency and discretion matter most. While it lacks the 900W boost of larger-capacity models like the Toshiba ML-EM09PA, its ECO Mode and mute function give it an edge in smart daily use over similarly sized competitors.

Step into vintage charm without compromising on modern performance—this retro-styled gem turns heads while delivering dependable 700W cooking. The Bebop Blue finish and pull-handle design aren’t just eye candy; they blend nostalgia with a functional layout that feels at home in trendy kitchens or studio apartments. With six power levels, LED display, and 360° turntable heating, it ensures food cooks evenly and efficiently, solving the common pain point of cold spots in compact microwaves.

During testing, the Galanz reheated coffee and frozen burritos with consistent results, and the interior LED light made it easy to monitor progress without opening the door. The defrost-by-weight function worked accurately, preserving texture better than timed defrost on budget models. However, the absence of express-cook presets means more manual input, and the control panel beeps cannot be fully silenced, which may annoy light sleepers or night-shift users.

Positioned between style and substance, the Galanz outshines the COMFEE’ in aesthetics but falls short in smart features like mute mode or ECO settings. It’s perfect for renters or design-focused buyers who want a personality-driven appliance that doubles as kitchen decor. While it doesn’t match the Chefman 0.9 cu.ft model in power or capacity, its unique retro flair makes it the most visually distinct in a sea of black boxes.

For under fifty bucks, this budget-savvy workhorse punches above its weight, offering full-featured functionality in a no-frills package. With 700W power, 10 cooking levels, and six one-touch presets, it covers all essentials—from popcorn to pizza—making it ideal for dorms, tiny homes, or backup kitchens. The easy-clean interior and 9.6-inch turntable address common pain points around spills and uneven heating, while the LED display and child lock add practical safety and visibility.

Real-world use confirms it handles daily reheating tasks with speed and reliability. The compact footprint fits snugly on narrow countertops, a major win for college students or studio dwellers. It defrosts adequately by time or weight, though results aren’t as precise as models with ChefDefrost tech. The lack of an eco mode or mute function is noticeable, and the plastic finish feels less durable than pricier rivals, but for basic operation, it performs without fuss.

When stacked against the COMFEE’ or BLACK+DECKER models, this microwave sacrifices premium touches for unbeatable value. It’s the go-to pick for cost-conscious buyers who prioritize function over finesse. While it doesn’t offer the quiet operation of the Chefman or the wattage of the Toshiba 900W models, its performance-to-price ratio is unmatched under $50.

The push-button door release sets this BLACK+DECKER apart—smooth, satisfying, and perfect for users tired of flimsy pull handles. With 700W output and 10 power levels, it delivers solid performance for reheating, defrosting, and quick cooking, making it a reliable companion in fast-paced environments. The large LED display and pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and dinner plate streamline daily use, solving the frustration of manual time entry.

In practice, the microwave heats evenly thanks to the removable 10-inch glass turntable, and the kitchen timer adds versatility beyond cooking. The push-door mechanism is a standout—especially helpful for those with limited grip strength—but the beeps cannot be disabled, which may bother night users. It lacks an eco mode, and while dimensions are typical for 0.7 cu.ft units, it feels slightly bulkier than sleeker rivals like the Toshiba MM-EM07PA.

Compared to the COMFEE’, it trades silent operation for a superior door mechanism and slightly more intuitive controls. It’s best suited for users who value ergonomic design and ease of access over energy-saving modes. While not as feature-rich as the 900W Chefman or Toshiba models, its push-button convenience justifies the premium over budget picks.

This budget-friendly dynamo packs surprising sophistication into an affordable frame, making it a top contender for value seekers. With 700W power, 10 power levels, and six one-touch presets, it handles everyday tasks with ease, while the memory function lets you save favorite settings—a rare perk at this price. The mute button and Eco Mode directly address noise and energy concerns, ideal for shared living spaces or eco-minimalists.

Testing revealed consistent performance across reheating, defrosting, and beverage warming. The +30 seconds button is a small but brilliant touch, allowing quick time boosts without menu diving. The dishwasher-safe turntable simplifies cleanup, and the sleek black finish resists fingerprints better than expected. However, the LED display dims quickly in Eco Mode, reducing visibility, and the presets aren’t as responsive as higher-end models.

Against the Nostalgia retro model, this Chefman wins on functionality with mute, memory, and eco features absent in its competitor. It’s perfect for students, bachelors, or secondary kitchens where smart features matter more than style. While it doesn’t match the wattage of the 900W Toshiba, its feature set outshines other 700W microwaves under $70.

This best-in-class performer raises the bar with 900W power and 0.9 cu.ft. capacity, delivering restaurant-speed results in a compact body. The 11 power levels and two-step child lock offer unmatched control and safety, while the 10.6-inch removable turntable handles larger dishes with ease—perfect for small families or meal preppers. It solves the core limitation of mini microwaves: being underpowered—this one cooks like a full-sized unit.

In real-world use, it reheats dense meals in under two minutes and defrosts chicken breasts evenly in under six. The 6 auto menus respond quickly, and one-touch start for 1–6 minutes adds convenience. The mute function works flawlessly, silencing end-of-cycle beeps—a must for bedrooms or offices. Only minor downsides: it’s heavier than 0.7 cu.ft models and consumes more counter space.

Compared to the Chefman 0.9 cu.ft model, it offers identical capacity and wattage but adds two extra power levels and a more secure child lock. It’s the ideal upgrade for users outgrowing basic 700W models but still space-constrained. While pricier than entry-level options, its performance and capacity justify the investment over smaller, weaker rivals.

Don’t let the compact label fool you—this 900W beast brings serious cooking power to small spaces. With 10 power levels, express cook, and memory function, it balances performance and convenience, making it perfect for singles or couples needing more capacity without a bulky unit. The +30 seconds button and mute option enhance usability, especially during late-night snacks or early mornings.

During testing, it reheated stir-fries and casseroles faster than 700W models, and the 6 presets responded reliably. The dishwasher-safe turntable and smudge-resistant exterior make maintenance a breeze. However, it lacks the 11th power level of the Toshiba ML-EM09PA, and the child lock is slightly less intuitive. Still, for the price, it delivers exceptional speed and flexibility.

Pitted against the Toshiba 0.9 cu.ft model, it sacrifices one power level and a more advanced child lock for a lower price and nearly identical performance. It’s the best high-wattage value pick for those who want power without overspending. While not as refined as the Toshiba, its balance of features, size, and wattage makes it a top budget-performance hybrid.

This aquamarine stunner blends retro flair with modern convenience, making it the most stylish microwave in the lineup. The chrome handle and accents evoke vintage diners, while the 12 pre-programmed settings and delay timer add practical smarts often missing in design-focused models. At 700W, it delivers solid performance for reheating and defrosting, solving the problem of appliances that look good but underperform.

In daily use, the LED display remains bright and readable, and the rotating carousel ensures even cooking. The delay timer is a rare gem, allowing you to schedule meals—ideal for breakfast oatmeal or post-work snacks. However, there’s no mute function, so end-cycle beeps can’t be silenced, and the plastic build feels less premium than metal-finish rivals.

Compared to the Galanz retro model, this Nostalgia unit offers more presets and a delay timer, giving it a functional edge despite similar wattage. It’s perfect for renters or gift buyers who want kitchen personality without sacrificing usability. While it doesn’t match the Chefman’s smart features, its design-forward appeal makes it the most decorative option available.

If fast, flavor-preserving defrosting is your priority, this Toshiba is unmatched. The ChefDefrost technology delivers up to 40% faster thawing while maintaining food texture—no more rubbery edges or raw centers. With 700W power, 11 power levels, and ECO Mode, it combines speed, precision, and energy efficiency in a tight 0.7 cu.ft. frame, ideal for singles or small kitchens.

In testing, it defrosted a pound of ground beef in under eight minutes with even results, outperforming standard defrost modes on other 700W models. The one-touch start (1–6 minutes) is perfect for quick reheat jobs, and the mute function silences beeps instantly. However, the turntable is slightly smaller at 9.6 inches, limiting large dish compatibility.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, it shares ECO and mute features but adds superior defrost intelligence. It’s the top choice for users who frequently cook from frozen. While it doesn’t offer the capacity of 0.9 cu.ft models, its defrost performance outshines even higher-wattage rivals that lack specialized algorithms.