7 Best Microwaves for Small Spaces 2026

Step into a vintage-inspired kitchen without sacrificing modern convenience—the Nostalgia Retro Microwave blends retro flair with reliable functionality in a space-saving design. With 700 watts of cooking power and a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, it’s engineered for small kitchens, dorms, or offices where charm meets practicality. The chrome-accented handle and colorful finish turn an everyday appliance into a conversation piece, while the LED digital display and 12 pre-programmed settings simplify reheating everything from pizza to veggies—perfect for users tired of clunky dials or confusing menus.

In real-world use, this microwave delivers consistent, even heating thanks to its rotating glass turntable, though dense or larger portions may require manual repositioning for optimal results. The delay start timer and express cook options add thoughtful convenience for busy mornings or meal prep, while the child lock feature provides peace of mind in homes with curious little ones. However, the interior lighting is modest, making it slightly harder to monitor food without opening the door—something users upgrading from brighter models might notice.

Compared to the minimalist FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ, the Nostalgia model stands out with more cooking presets and a bolder design, making it ideal for those who value personality in their appliances. While it doesn’t offer advanced power level customization like higher-end models, its user-friendly interface and retro aesthetic make it a top pick for renters, students, or design-focused buyers who want a microwave that feels like part of the décor. It trades some technical versatility for style and simplicity, offering a warmer, more nostalgic experience than its utilitarian competitors.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a quiet achiever in the world of compact microwaves—designed for energy-conscious users who want efficiency without compromise. Its standout feature? The ECO Mode, which slashes standby power by up to 50%, making it a rare find in a category often overlooked for sustainability. With 700 watts of power and a 0.7 cu.ft. interior, it fits neatly on cramped countertops, while the bright digital display and 10-inch turntable ensure usability and even cooking. For those tired of microwaves that guzzle energy even when idle, this one delivers a silent win for eco-friendly living.

During testing, the one-touch express cooking and dual defrost options (by weight or time) proved genuinely useful for quick meals and frozen ingredients. The mute function is a small but impactful addition—ideal for late-night snacks in shared spaces or households with light sleepers. While it lacks the expanded capacity of 0.9 cu.ft. models, it handles standard bowls, mugs, and dinner plates with ease. That said, reheating larger meals may result in uneven spots, especially when using full power, due to the smaller turntable and modest wattage.

Against the budget-friendly FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ, the COMFEE’ pulls ahead with superior energy-saving tech and a quieter operation, making it better suited for eco-minded users or apartment dwellers. It doesn’t boast the flashiest design or most presets, but it excels in daily usability and environmental efficiency. For those who prioritize long-term energy savings and quiet performance over flashy features, this model offers a smarter, more sustainable microwave experience than most in its class.

When simplicity rules the kitchen, the FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ shines as a no-nonsense, plug-and-play solution for small spaces where every button matters. Its intuitive digital panel removes guesswork with six auto-cook settings—popcorn, pizza, frozen dinner, reheat, beverage, and potato—making it ideal for users who want fast results without scrolling through menus. With 700 watts of power and a compact 0.7 cu.ft. footprint, it’s built for efficiency, offering reliable performance for reheating, defrosting, or quick snacks. The child safety lock and large display add practical touches that enhance safety and visibility.

In everyday use, this microwave proves dependable and responsive, with quick start times and consistent heat distribution across standard portions. The two defrost modes give users flexibility, whether thawing a frozen entrée by time or weight. However, it lacks a mute function, so the end-of-cycle beeps can be jarring in quiet environments like dorms or offices. Additionally, the plastic interior finish, while easy to wipe down, doesn’t feel as durable or premium as stainless steel alternatives, and may show wear over time with frequent use.

Compared to the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB, this model trades energy-saving ECO Mode and sound-off capability for a lower entry cost and slightly more intuitive layout. It’s a barebones but effective choice for first-time buyers, college students, or secondary kitchens where ease of use trumps advanced features. While it doesn’t offer the customization of higher-wattage or larger models, it delivers a cleaner, more straightforward experience than feature-heavy rivals, making it a strong contender for those who value simplicity and reliability above all.

The Chefman 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave is a power-packed upgrade for small kitchens demanding big performance in a compact shell. With 900 watts of cooking power and 10 adjustable power levels, it outmuscles most mini microwaves, delivering faster, more precise heating for everything from delicate sauces to full meals. The larger 0.9 cu.ft. cavity accommodates dinner plates and deeper containers—a game-changer for those tired of awkward food rotation or splatter spills. Add in one-touch presets, memory function, and Eco Mode, and you’ve got a microwave that balances performance, convenience, and energy efficiency like few others in this category.

Real-world testing reveals exceptional versatility: the high wattage reduces cook time significantly, while the memory function lets you save favorite settings—perfect for daily oatmeal, coffee, or baby bottles. The +30 seconds button and mute option are thoughtful touches for quick adjustments and quiet operation. The interior light and removable turntable make cleaning and monitoring easy, though the turntable can feel slightly wobbly when loaded unevenly. Still, its 900W output outperforms lower-wattage rivals, especially when boiling water or reheating dense foods.

Pitted against the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS), this Chefman model offers nearly identical capacity and power, but with added memory programming and a more intuitive mute button. While the Toshiba has 11 power levels, the Chefman’s user-friendly layout and preset customization make it more accessible for non-tech-savvy users. It’s the best choice for those who want a near-full-size cooking experience in a space-saving design, offering more power and flexibility than budget models without the premium price tag of high-end brands.

The Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 brings retro-cool confidence to small kitchens, combining vintage aesthetics with modern functionality in a compact 0.7 cu.ft. frame. Its Bebop Blue finish and pull handle design stand out in a sea of black boxes, making it a style-forward centerpiece for design-savvy users. But it’s not all looks—this microwave packs 700 watts, six power levels, and LED lighting that illuminates the interior clearly, so you can monitor your food without opening the door. The 360° rotating turntable ensures even heating, a crucial feature for consistent results in a small cavity.

In daily use, the defrost-by-weight and defrost-by-time options provide real flexibility, especially for meal preppers or freezer-dependent households. The LED display is sharp and easy to read, and the child lock adds essential safety for families. However, the lack of a mute function means end-of-cycle beeps can’t be silenced—annoying in quiet homes or late at night. Additionally, while the pull handle looks stylish, it can feel less intuitive than push-to-open doors, especially with greasy hands or bulky oven mitts.

Compared to the Nostalgia retro model, the Galanz offers better lighting and a more modern control layout, though it has fewer presets (no express cook shortcuts). It’s ideal for renters, creatives, or young professionals who want a microwave that complements their Instagram-worthy kitchen. While it doesn’t match the cooking power of 900W models, it delivers strong performance with standout style, making it a top pick for those who believe appliances should reflect personality as much as function.

For budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on features, the Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave is a hidden gem that punches above its weight. Despite its affordable price, it offers 10 power levels, six one-touch presets, and a mute function—features often missing in entry-level models. With 700 watts of power and a compact 0.7 cu.ft. interior, it fits seamlessly into tight spaces while still handling everyday tasks like reheating leftovers or brewing tea. The Eco Mode and child lock add modern touches that enhance efficiency and safety, making it a smart pick for dorms, offices, or secondary kitchens.

Testing reveals solid performance for basic needs, with quick response times and reliable heating across standard portions. The +30 seconds button and memory function improve convenience, allowing you to save frequently used settings. The interior is easy to clean, and the dishwasher-safe turntable is a welcome bonus. However, the lower wattage means longer cook times compared to 900W models, and larger dishes won’t fit flat, limiting its use for full meals. It’s best suited for light to moderate use, not heavy-duty cooking.

Stacked against the FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ, this Chefman model offers more power levels, a mute option, and Eco Mode at a similar price, making it the better value. While it lacks the larger capacity of 0.9 cu.ft. models, it delivers more features than most budget microwaves, striking a rare balance between cost, functionality, and modern convenience. For those who want a fully featured microwave without overspending, it’s the most capable entry-level option in the lineup.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) earns its title as Best Overall with a perfect blend of power, precision, and polish in a space-conscious 0.9 cu.ft. design. Boasting 900 watts of output and 11 unique power levels, it offers restaurant-grade control for everything from gentle defrosting to rapid boiling—rare in compact models. The 10.6-inch removable turntable handles full dinner plates with ease, while the LED lighting and preset menus ensure visibility and convenience. With mute mode, child lock, and one-touch start, it’s built for real-life usability in apartments, dorms, or tiny homes.

In real-world testing, this microwave heats faster and more evenly than 700W rivals, thanks to its higher wattage and superior cavity design. The defrost-by-weight function is remarkably accurate, and the two-step child lock adds extra safety for families. The stainless steel finish resists fingerprints and wipes clean easily, maintaining a premium look over time. However, the preset menus are limited to six options, fewer than some competitors, and the mute function requires a 3–5 second button hold, which isn’t immediately intuitive.

Compared to the Chefman 0.9 Cu. Ft. model, the Toshiba offers one more power level and a more durable build, though it lacks memory programming. It’s the ideal choice for users who want maximum cooking flexibility and reliability without sacrificing counter space. While it costs more than budget models, it delivers better performance, finish, and long-term durability, making it the most well-rounded microwave for those who cook daily in small spaces.