9 Best Apartment Microwaves of 2026

This compact powerhouse redefines what’s possible in a small-footprint microwave, delivering 900 watts of cooking precision in a sleek 0.9 cu ft chassis—perfect for studio apartments or minimalist kitchens. What sets the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA apart is its intuitive 6 auto menus paired with 11 power levels, giving users fine-tuned control without cluttered buttons. The removable 10.6-inch turntable ensures even heating while maximizing usable space, solving the common pain point of awkwardly shaped containers not fitting. For urban dwellers who crave reliability without sacrificing counter real estate, this model strikes a rare balance between efficiency, safety, and smart design.

In real-world use, the Toshiba shines during quick reheat cycles and defrosting tasks—its one-touch start and weight-based defrost function remove guesswork, especially welcome when juggling meals after a long workday. The interior dimensions offer surprising flexibility for its size, accommodating most standard dinner plates and medium-sized bowls, though larger casserole dishes may struggle to rotate freely. While the LED lighting provides clear visibility, the beeping can be intrusive—thankfully, the mute mode (activated via long-press on “8”) offers silent operation, ideal for late-night snacks in shared living spaces. It doesn’t have eco mode or memory functions, but its consistent performance across power levels makes it dependable for daily use.

Compared to the budget COMFEE’ models, the Toshiba offers stronger output and more cooking versatility, making it a step up for those willing to invest slightly more for durability and functionality. It lacks the smart sensor tech of its bigger sibling, the EM131A5C-BS, but excels as a no-nonsense, space-conscious appliance that doesn’t skimp on core features. Ideal for singles, couples, or dorm rooms, it’s built for users who prioritize practicality over flash. When stacked against similarly sized microwaves, it delivers better culinary control than basic 700W units, without the premium price tag of smart models.

Step into the future of apartment cooking with the Chefman 1.1 cu ft microwave—an engineered blend of smart features and robust performance that earns its title as the best overall pick for modern urbanites. Boasting 1000 watts of cooking power and a spacious 1.1 cubic foot cavity, it handles everything from reheating leftovers to cooking frozen meals with impressive consistency. The multiphase cooking function stands out: you can program two different power levels and times in sequence, allowing for complex routines like defrosting then cooking automatically—no mid-cycle interruptions. This is a game-changer for busy professionals who need meals ready fast, without babysitting the microwave.

During testing, the express cook presets (popcorn, veggies, beverages) delivered accurate results with minimal input, thanks to well-calibrated timing algorithms. The +30 seconds quick start button proved invaluable for incremental heating, while the memory function let us save custom settings—say, for reheating coffee at 80% power for 1 minute and 45 seconds—with one press. Its eco mode, which dims the display when idle, subtly reduces energy consumption, a small but meaningful perk for eco-conscious renters. However, the larger footprint may challenge tight countertops, and the stainless-steel finish shows fingerprints easily—minor trade-offs for the performance gained.

Against the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, this Chefman model matches it in wattage and capacity but lacks humidity-sensing smart cooking, placing it slightly below in automation. Still, it outperforms smaller 0.7–0.9 cu ft models in versatility and usability, especially for families or roommates sharing a kitchen. It’s the ideal middle ground: feature-rich without being overly complex, powerful without being bulky. For those seeking a well-rounded, high-performance microwave that does more than just heat, this model offers the best balance of innovation, convenience, and real-world usability.

Meet the apartment chef’s secret weapon: the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, a smartly engineered 1.2 cu ft microwave that brings restaurant-level precision into compact living spaces. At its core is the Smart Humidity Sensor, a standout feature that automatically adjusts cooking time and power by detecting steam levels—ensuring your leftovers never turn rubbery and your veggies don’t overcook. Backed by 1000 watts of power and a 12.4-inch turntable, it offers generous interior space and even heat distribution, making it ideal for small households that still want full-meal capability. For anyone tired of guessing cook times or dealing with cold spots, this model eliminates culinary uncertainty with quiet confidence.

In everyday use, the sensor reheat function consistently delivered perfectly warmed dishes, whether it was a bowl of pasta or a slice of lasagna, adjusting runtime on the fly. The 12 auto menus—including specialized options like “sensor reheat” and “veggle”—add intelligent convenience, while the mute mode keeps nighttime use discreet. Despite its advanced tech, the interface remains intuitive, and the easy-clean interior resists splatter buildup. That said, the unit is noticeably larger than sub-1 cu ft models, so it may overwhelm ultra-tiny kitchens or crowded countertops. Also, the lack of a memory function means you can’t save custom programs, a surprising omission at this price point.

Compared to the Chefman 1.1 cu ft model, this Toshiba excels in automation but falls short in programmability—no multiphase cooking or saved settings. Yet, for users who value hands-off accuracy over manual control, it’s a superior choice. It’s best suited for tech-savvy cooks, working parents, or foodies in compact homes who want set-and-forget reliability. When measured against other smart-capable microwaves, it offers more intelligent cooking features than any other in the dataset, making it the clear leader for smart apartment cooking.

Don’t let its ultra-compact 0.7 cu ft frame fool you—the FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ is a no-frills survivalist built for minimalists, students, or studio dwellers on a strict budget. With 700 watts of power, it’s not the strongest performer, but it reliably handles basic tasks like reheating coffee, defrosting small portions, or popping microwave popcorn. The digital control panel is refreshingly simple, offering six auto-cook presets and a clear display, making it one of the most user-friendly entry-level microwaves available. For first-time renters or those outfitting a micro-kitchen, it solves the core need: affordable, functional heating without extras that drive up cost.

In practice, the microwave performs adequately for light use, though longer cook times are needed for dense foods like frozen entrees. The two defrost timers give users flexibility—choose by time or weight—but lack precision compared to higher-end models. The child safety lock adds peace of mind, and the large display makes monitoring easy, even in low light. However, the absence of mute function or eco mode means it lacks modern quiet and energy-saving features, and the 700W output struggles with larger portions. It’s best viewed not as a primary appliance for families, but as a reliable secondary unit or starter microwave.

Against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, it offers similar capacity and wattage but misses key upgrades like mute mode and eco settings, making the COMFEE’ a better value despite a slightly higher price. Still, for those needing the absolute lowest entry point into microwave ownership, this Frigidaire delivers bare-bones functionality with brand reliability. It’s the budget basic champion, ideal for anyone who wants simple, dependable heat without paying for features they won’t use.

With its pearlescent white finish and minimalist controls, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM brings a touch of elegance to the otherwise utilitarian world of compact microwaves—earning its title as the best stylish design for design-conscious renters. Don’t mistake aesthetics for weakness: beneath the chic exterior lies 700 watts of solid performance, a 0.7 cu ft cavity, and essential features like one-touch cooking, mute function, and eco mode. The sound on/off button is intuitively placed, letting users disable beeps in seconds—perfect for maintaining peace in quiet apartments or shared bedrooms. For urbanites who value form as much as function, this model proves you don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality.

Real-world testing showed reliable performance on standard tasks—reheating soup, defrosting meat, or popping popcorn—all handled with predictable results. The +30 seconds express function and two defrost modes add convenience, while the eco mode cuts standby power by 50%, a small win for sustainability-minded users. The interior is easy to wipe down, and the compact size fits neatly on narrow counters or in dorm kitchens. However, the 700W output limits its capability with thicker foods, and the lack of memory function means you’ll reprogram frequently used times manually. It’s not built for heavy-duty cooking, but for light, daily use, it’s more than capable.

Compared to the black COMFEE’ PMB version, this PM model offers identical specs but stands out purely through its eye-catching pearl white finish, which pairs beautifully with modern kitchen palettes. While the Chefman 0.7 cu ft model offers a memory function, this one wins on visual appeal and quiet operation. It’s best for students, bachelors, or renters in furnished apartments who want a microwave that complements their décor while staying functional. In the world of compact microwaves, it delivers the best blend of aesthetic charm and essential performance.

If silence is golden, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is pure platinum—earning its title as the best quiet operation microwave thanks to its fully customizable mute function and whisper-quiet cooking cycle. Operating at 700 watts in a 0.7 cu ft cavity, it’s not the most powerful, but its sound-off button lets users disable all beeps and alerts instantly, a rare luxury in budget microwaves. For light sleepers, night-shift workers, or parents avoiding baby naps, this feature is nothing short of transformative. Add in eco mode and a bright digital display, and you’ve got a minimalist appliance that respects your environment as much as your meals.

In daily use, the microwave handles small reheats and defrosts with predictable efficiency. The +30 seconds button and two defrost options (by weight or time) enhance usability, while the 10-inch turntable ensures even heating for most containers. The interior light improves visibility, and the control panel is intuitive—even for first-time users. However, the lack of memory function means no saved presets beyond the six auto-cook options, and the 700W power can’t match faster heating of 900W+ models. It’s best suited for individuals or couples with light cooking needs who prioritize peace and simplicity over speed.

Compared to the Chefman 0.7 cu ft model, it offers quieter operation and a brighter display, though it lacks the memory function. Against the pearl white COMFEE’ PM, it’s functionally identical but comes in sleek black, appealing to those who prefer a classic look. For anyone who values a serene kitchen experience, this model stands alone in its class. It delivers the quietest, most considerate operation among all microwaves listed—perfect for noise-sensitive environments.

The Chefman 0.9 cu ft microwave is a hidden gem of value engineering, perfectly positioned as the best value upgrade for those stepping up from entry-level models without overspending. With 900 watts of power, a 10 power level range, and a 0.9 cu ft interior, it offers a meaningful leap in performance over 700W units, handling everything from frozen burritos to oatmeal with greater speed and consistency. The memory function is a standout—allowing users to save favorite settings for one-touch cooking—something rarely seen at this price. Add in eco mode, mute button, and dishwasher-safe turntable, and you’ve got a feature-packed compact microwave that punches above its weight.

In real-world use, the +30 seconds button and one-touch presets made daily routines faster, while the cETL approval and child lock ensured safety and reliability. The black finish resists smudges better than stainless steel, and the easy-clean exterior wipes down effortlessly—ideal for messy kitchens. The 900W output reheats food noticeably faster than 700W models, though it still lags behind the 1000W Toshiba and Chefman 1.1 cu ft units. It’s not the largest or smartest, but for its price, it delivers the most thoughtful combination of power, convenience, and durability.

Compared to the FRIGIDAIRE and COMFEE’ 0.7 cu ft models, this Chefman offers more power, better features, and greater capacity, justifying its slightly higher cost. It lacks the smart sensor of the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS but includes a memory function absent in most competitors. Ideal for renters upgrading from a dorm microwave or first-time buyers, it’s the smart middle ground between budget and premium. When measured by features per dollar, it offers the strongest value proposition in the lineup.

The push-button door mechanism on the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft microwave is a small innovation with big usability impact, earning it the title of best push-button door in the apartment microwave category. Unlike traditional latch-style doors that require a pull handle—often awkward in tight spaces—this model opens with a simple press, making it ideal for cramped kitchens or under-cabinet installations. Backed by 900 watts of power and a 10.6-inch turntable, it delivers solid performance for reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking. The stainless steel finish adds a touch of sophistication, while the large LED display ensures clear visibility, even from a distance.

In testing, the microwave performed reliably across standard tasks, with pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and beverages reducing input errors. The 30-second express cook function is handy for quick boosts, and the child safety lock adds essential protection. However, the lack of eco mode or mute function is a notable omission, especially when competing models at similar prices include these features. The push-button door, while convenient, lacks the soft-close mechanism found in higher-end appliances, leading to occasional loud clicks. It’s a solid performer with one standout feature, but not the most feature-rich.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EM09PA, it offers similar wattage and capacity but misses out on mute mode and eco settings. Against the Chefman 0.9 cu ft model, it lacks memory and eco functions, making it less versatile. Still, for users with tight countertop clearance or accessibility needs, the push-button door is a genuine game-changer. It’s best for those who prioritize ease of access over smart features, offering a unique mechanical advantage in a sea of sameness. When door convenience is paramount, it outperforms all others in physical usability.

For those seeking maximum bang for minimal buck, the Chefman 0.7 cu ft microwave is the best budget-friendly pick—delivering 700 watts of reliable power in a compact, feature-packed design that outshines competitors at similar price points. Despite its small 0.7 cu ft size, it includes 10 power levels, 6 presets, eco mode, mute button, and a memory function—features often missing in entry-level models. The +30 seconds express cook and one-touch defrost make daily use intuitive, while the cETL certification ensures safety and longevity. For students, first apartments, or secondary kitchens, it’s a practical, no-compromise starter microwave.

In real-world testing, it handled light cooking duties well—reheating leftovers, warming beverages, or defrosting small cuts of meat—with predictable results. The eco mode reduces standby power, and the mute option silences beeps, adding modern conveniences usually reserved for pricier units. The black finish hides smudges, and the dishwasher-safe turntable simplifies cleanup. However, the 700W output limits speed, and the small cavity can’t accommodate large dishes. It’s not for heavy users, but for light-to-moderate needs, it’s exceptionally capable.

Compared to the FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ, it offers more features—mute, eco, memory—at a lower price, making it a superior value. Against the COMFEE’ models, it matches or exceeds functionality while maintaining a sleek, modern look. It’s the smartest choice for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to sacrifice convenience. When balancing cost, features, and reliability, it delivers the most comprehensive package under $70.