8 Best Microwaves for Small Spaces 2026

This compact powerhouse redefines what small-space cooking can achieve. With 900 watts of cooking power and 10 precision power levels, it delivers restaurant-speed reheating and consistent results—perfect for tight kitchens where performance can’t be compromised. The six one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, veggies, and more eliminate guesswork, making it ideal for busy households or minimalist cooks who want speed without sacrificing control.

In real-world testing, the Chefman shines when tackling frozen meals or reheating leftovers, thanks to its spacious 0.9 cu. ft. cavity—one of the largest in its class. The glass turntable rotates smoothly, ensuring even heat distribution, while the +30 seconds express button adds flexibility on the fly. However, it struggles slightly with delicate tasks like melting chocolate, where lower wattage models offer finer control. Still, its eco mode and mute function add thoughtful touches for nighttime use or energy-conscious users.

Compared to the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS), it matches in wattage and capacity but lacks advanced defrost options and a two-step child lock. That said, it’s a strong contender for those prioritizing raw power and preset convenience over premium features. For urban apartments or secondary kitchens, this microwave balances performance, size, and usability better than most—delivering high-output cooking in a footprint-friendly design.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a no-nonsense workhorse built for simplicity and reliability. With 700 watts of power and 10 adjustable settings, it handles everyday tasks like reheating coffee or cooking frozen veggies with quiet confidence. Its push-button door release is a standout—smooth, intuitive, and perfect for cluttered countertops where swing-space matters. For users overwhelmed by complex interfaces, this model offers effortless navigation with large, tactile buttons and a clear LED display that’s easy to read in any lighting.

During testing, it proved most effective for basic reheating and simple cooking, though it lags behind 900W models when heating dense foods like casseroles. The 0.7 cu. ft. interior fits standard dinner plates but feels snug for larger dishes. The removable 10” turntable simplifies cleaning, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind—though it’s a single-step system, less secure than newer two-step versions. It’s not the fastest or most feature-rich, but it’s dependable for routine use.

When stacked against the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM, it offers similar wattage and capacity but misses out on eco mode and mute functionality. Yet, its push-button door and stainless steel finish give it a slight edge in durability and style. It’s best suited for college students, offices, or minimalist kitchens where straightforward operation trumps bells and whistles—proving that simple design can still deliver solid performance.

Toshiba’s MM-EM07PA(BK) is a hidden gem that punches above its price tag. Don’t let the 700W output fool you—its ChefDefrost technology is the real star, defrosting meat up to 40% faster while preserving texture, a rare feat in budget microwaves. With 11 power levels and 6 auto menus, it offers surprising culinary flexibility for reheating, cooking, or defrosting with precision. The one-touch start and eco mode make it ideal for eco-conscious users who want efficiency without complexity.

In daily use, it handles small meals and beverages with ease, though it takes longer than 900W units for full meals. The 9.6-inch turntable ensures even cooking, but the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor food without opening the door. It excels in apartment living, where space and noise matter—its mute mode silences end-of-cycle beeps, a small luxury in shared spaces. However, it lacks a two-step child lock, a growing standard in modern microwaves.

Compared to the COMFEE’ retro model, it offers better defrost performance and a more refined control panel, though it sacrifices some style. It’s a value-driven pick that balances smart features, energy efficiency, and real-world usability—making it a smarter buy than many pricier options. For those seeking maximum functionality per dollar, this Toshiba delivers where it counts.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is the undisputed champion of small-space microwaves, blending power, intelligence, and safety into one sleek package. With 900 watts of output and a generous 0.9 cu. ft. interior, it handles everything from full family meals to batch reheating with ease—rare in compact designs. Its 11 power levels and two-step child lock set a new benchmark for safety and precision, while the 10.6-inch removable turntable ensures even cooking across larger dishes.

Real-world testing reveals it heats food faster and more evenly than 700W rivals, especially dense items like lasagna or frozen entrees. The 6 preset menus respond accurately, and the mute function operates seamlessly with a long-press—ideal for late-night snacks. However, its larger footprint (18.7” wide) may challenge ultra-tight counters, and the black stainless finish shows fingerprints. Still, it outperforms in core areas that matter most: speed, consistency, and safety.

Pitted against the Chefman B0DY9CXFGG, it offers superior child protection and defrost options, though both share similar wattage and capacity. It’s the best overall choice for families, home chefs, or anyone who demands premium features without sacrificing space. With refined controls, robust build, and top-tier performance, this Toshiba model justifies every penny—setting the gold standard for compact microwaves.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM is a budget-savvy standout that refuses to cut corners on essentials. For under $80, it delivers 700 watts of reliable power, 6 auto-cook presets, and a two-step child lock—a rare inclusion at this price. Its mute function and eco mode are not afterthoughts but fully integrated, cutting standby power by 50% and silencing beeps with a simple 3-second press. The pearl white finish adds a fresh, modern touch to dorms or rental kitchens.

In practice, it handles everyday tasks with quiet competence: reheating soup, popping popcorn, or defrosting by weight or time. The +30 seconds button is responsive, and the one-touch express cooking simplifies routine use. However, the interior lighting is absent, making it hard to check food mid-cycle. It’s not the fastest, but it’s consistent and intuitive—perfect for students or first-time renters.

Compared to the Nostalgia retro model, it lacks style and pre-sets but offers eco mode and lower cost. It’s the smartest pick for budget-focused buyers who still want modern safety and efficiency. With essential features, clean design, and dependable performance, this COMFEE’ microwave proves affordability doesn’t mean compromise.

The COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH marries vintage charm with modern functionality, making it the most feature-rich retro microwave on the market. Behind its eye-catching design lies serious tech: 11 power levels, memory function, and multi-stage cooking—rare in sub-$100 models. The speedy cooking mode and weight/time defrost add precision, while the bright digital display ensures readability. It’s not just a looker—it’s a kitchen multitasker in retro clothing.

In real use, it handles complex tasks like defrosting then cooking in sequence, a boon for meal prep. The 10-inch turntable rotates smoothly, and the kitchen timer doubles as a standalone tool. However, the 0.7 cu. ft. cavity limits large dishes, and the retro styling sacrifices some usability—buttons are smaller and less tactile. It’s best for those who value aesthetics and advanced features equally.

Versus the Galanz Bebop Blue, it offers more power levels and memory function, though both share similar wattage and style. It’s the ideal pick for design lovers who hate sacrificing smarts, blending form and function like no other. For those who want a microwave that sparks joy and delivers performance, this COMFEE’ retro model is unmatched.

The Nostalgia Aqua microwave is a dorm-room dream wrapped in retro flair. With 12 pre-programmed settings, it’s the most intuitive option for students or teens who just want food hot—fast. The delay timer lets users schedule cooking, perfect for waking up to warm breakfast, while the LED display stays bright and clear. Its 0.7 cu. ft. size fits snugly on bookshelves or under cabinets, and the aqua finish adds playful personality to bland spaces.

Performance-wise, it’s solid but not spectacular—700 watts heat evenly thanks to the rotating carousel, but complex tasks like defrosting lack precision. It has no eco mode or mute function, so standby power and beeping can be annoying in quiet environments. Still, for dorms, RVs, or teen rooms, its ease of use and charm outweigh limitations.

Compared to the COMFEE’ retro model, it offers more presets but fewer cooking controls. It’s pricier than most budget picks, but you’re paying for style and simplicity. For students needing a fuss-free, fun-looking microwave, this Nostalgia model is a top-tier choice—proving that personality can be a feature too.

The Galanz Bebop Blue is a style-first microwave that doesn’t skimp on core performance. Its vibrant blue finish, chrome accents, and pull-handle design make it a statement piece in any kitchen or dorm. Behind the flair, it delivers 700 watts of power and 6 power levels, sufficient for reheating and light cooking. The LED lighting lets you monitor food without opening the door, and the 360° turntable ensures even heating—no cold spots in your ramen.

In testing, it performs reliably for basic tasks, though it lacks advanced features like mute mode or eco settings. The 6 power levels feel limited compared to 11-level rivals, and the control panel is less intuitive—requiring multiple beeps to confirm settings. It’s best for users who prioritize looks and simplicity over granular control.

Against the COMFEE’ CMO-C20M1WH, it trades features for aesthetics, offering less flexibility but more visual impact. It’s the go-to for design lovers who want a microwave that doubles as decor. While not the most technical, it proves that kitchen appliances can be both functional and fun—a rare balance in the compact microwave world.