8 Best Smallest Microwave Ovens of 2026

This pocket-sized powerhouse delivers simplicity with surprising smarts, making it a standout for budget-conscious buyers who still want intuitive controls and reliable performance. The digital panel is impressively responsive, offering six auto-cook presets—including popcorn, pizza, and reheat—that take the guesswork out of daily meals. With a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and child safety lock, it’s built for small kitchens or dorm rooms where space and safety matter most, solving the common pain point of clunky interfaces on compact microwaves.

In real-world use, the Frigidaire shines during quick reheat cycles and defrosting tasks, thanks to its two-stage defrost timers that let you fine-tune results. While it lacks advanced power level customization (only basic settings), it handles beverages, frozen dinners, and snacks without issue. The large digital display makes time tracking effortless, but the absence of a mute function means end-of-cycle beeps can be startling in quiet environments. It struggles slightly with even heating on dense foods due to the lack of a high-precision turntable calibration system.

Compared to the Chefman B0DY95T5HB, this model trades some versatility—like 10 power levels and eco mode—for a more streamlined, no-frills experience. It’s ideal for students, office break rooms, or secondary kitchens where simple, dependable operation trumps bells and whistles. For under $70, it offers better core functionality than many rivals, though it doesn’t match the feature depth of pricier models like the Toshiba MM-EM07PA(BK).

The Chefman B0DY95T5HB isn’t just small—it’s smartly engineered for speed and silence, making it the ultimate pick for night owls, parents, and minimalist kitchens. Packed with 10 power levels and a mute button, it gives you granular control over cooking intensity while letting you shut off beeps completely, a rare and welcome feature in microwaves under $70. Its one-touch express cook and memory function turn repetitive tasks—like warming baby bottles or reheating coffee—into effortless rituals, directly addressing the frustration of tedious button mashing.

During testing, the 700W output proved more than capable for solo eaters and small households, heating leftovers evenly in under two minutes. The eco mode dims the display when idle, cutting standby power—a subtle but meaningful perk for energy-conscious users. It excels on preset tasks like popcorn and potatoes, though thicker foods sometimes needed manual rotation for uniform heating. The cETL certification and durable black finish reinforce its reliability, but the compact cavity still limits plate size, making large dishes a tight fit.

Against the Farberware B01EIZSDWO, the Chefman wins on user experience with superior customization and noise control, though both share similar wattage and capacity. It’s the go-to for renters, dorm dwellers, and anyone who values quiet, personalized cooking without sacrificing performance. While it doesn’t have Toshiba’s ChefDefrost, its mute function and eco mode offer unique advantages at this price point.

The Farberware B01EIZSDWO earns its “Best Easy Clean” title with a smooth, wipeable exterior and stain-resistant interior that shrug off splatters and grease—perfect for messy kitchens or high-traffic offices. This no-nonsense microwave combines 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking with six one-touch presets, giving you flexibility to defrost meat by weight, then zap it at full power, all without touching a timer. Its LED lighting and clear display make monitoring meals easy, directly tackling the all-too-common issue of overcooked edges and cold centers.

In daily use, it heats consistently across a range of foods, from frozen burritos to oatmeal, thanks to its reliable 700W output and 9.6-inch turntable. The defrost-by-weight function is impressively accurate, preserving texture better than time-based methods. However, like most compact models, it can’t accommodate dinner plates larger than 9 inches, limiting its utility for family meals. The lack of a mute option means end-of-cycle beeps break the silence—annoying during late-night use.

Stacked against the COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH, the Farberware lacks retro flair but wins on practicality and ease of maintenance. It’s ideal for busy professionals or office kitchens where cleaning speed and durability are top priorities. While not as feature-rich as the Toshiba MM-EM07PA(BK), it delivers better cleanability and consistent performance for those who cook often but hate scrubbing.

The Toshiba MM-EM07PA(BK) is the undisputed king of compact microwaves, blending precision engineering with culinary intelligence in a space-saving shell. Its ChefDefrost technology defrosts meat and poultry up to 40% faster than standard modes while preserving moisture—no more soggy edges or frozen cores. Backed by 11 power levels and a 9.6-inch glass turntable, it offers restaurant-grade control in a 0.7 cu. ft. footprint, making it perfect for singles or couples who demand real cooking flexibility from a mini appliance.

In real-world testing, the auto menus—especially for popcorn and pizza—delivered consistently crisp results, while the one-touch start made reheating coffee or soup almost instinctive. The ECO mode reduces standby power, and the mute function silences end-of-cycle beeps with a long press—small touches that elevate daily use. However, the exterior lacks the wipe-clean durability of the Farberware, and the retro-inspired design may not suit all kitchens.

When compared to the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB, both offer ECO and mute features, but the Toshiba pulls ahead with superior defrost performance and brand reliability. It’s the best choice for foodies in small spaces who refuse to compromise on quality, speed, and control. For those willing to spend slightly more, it delivers noticeably better culinary outcomes than budget models.

The COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH turns heads with its vintage-inspired design and vibrant color options, proving that small microwaves can be both stylish and smart. Behind its retro curves lies a modern 700W engine with 11 power levels and two-stage defrost, letting you thaw by weight or time—a rare combo in this size class. The two-step child lock meets the latest safety standards, making it a responsible pick for homes with curious toddlers, directly solving concerns about accidental activation.

In practice, the memory function saves custom settings for frequently cooked items, while the express 1–6 minute buttons make solo meals a one-touch affair. The 10-inch turntable handles most dishes smoothly, though dense foods like casseroles sometimes need mid-cycle rotation. The bright digital display is easy to read, but the retro aesthetic means fewer modern touches like ECO mode, putting it behind the EM720CPL-PMB in energy efficiency.

Next to the Galanz GLCMKA07RDR-07, the COMFEE offers better power customization and memory storage, despite similar wattage and size. It’s perfect for renters, dorms, or studio apartments where personality and performance matter equally. While not as energy-savvy as the Toshiba, it beats most rivals in design and safety features.

The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a quiet achiever that excels where others overlook: energy efficiency without compromise. Its ECO mode slashes standby power by 50%, making it the greenest choice in the 0.7 cu. ft. category—ideal for eco-minded users who leave appliances plugged in 24/7. Paired with a mute function, it operates with near-silent discretion, perfect for late-night snacks or shared living spaces where noise disrupts others. The one-touch express cooking and weight-based defrost ensure speed and accuracy, addressing the need for both convenience and precision.

In daily use, the 700W output heats evenly, and the 10-inch turntable prevents cold spots on most meals. The auto-cook presets work reliably for pizza, popcorn, and beverages, though complex dishes benefit from manual adjustments. The digital display is bright and legible, but the black finish shows fingerprints easily, requiring frequent wiping to maintain its sleek look. It doesn’t have ChefDefrost like the Toshiba, but its energy-saving focus sets it apart.

Compared to the Chefman B0DY95T5HB, both offer mute and eco features, but the COMFEE’s deeper ECO savings and cleaner interface give it an edge for sustainability-focused buyers. It’s best for environmentally conscious users or those in apartments where low noise and low energy use are non-negotiable. While not the fastest defroster, it leads in efficiency and quiet operation.

The Galanz GLCMKA07RDR-07 is a bold splash of color in a sea of black boxes, designed for those who want their kitchen gadgets to spark joy, not just function. Its retro red finish and pull-handle design evoke vintage charm, while the 360° rotating turntable ensures even heating—critical for avoiding cold spots in leftovers. With 6 power levels and LED lighting, it keeps things simple but effective, making it a fun and functional pick for college students or first-time renters who want personality without paying extra.

In real-world testing, it reheats small meals quickly, and the defrost-by-weight option works decently for thin cuts of meat. The LED display is clear, and the three-beep alert at the end is loud enough to hear from another room. However, the limited 6 power levels mean less precision than models with 10 or 11, and the interior lighting, while helpful, isn’t as bright as on the BLACK+DECKER. It’s charming but not the most advanced.

Next to the COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH, both offer retro style, but the Galanz has fewer customization options and no memory function. It’s best for users who prioritize aesthetic appeal and basic reliability over high-end features. While it doesn’t match the Toshiba’s performance, it delivers more fun per watt than any other microwave here.

The BLACK+DECKER B09XJG597V is a master of minimalism, engineered for ultra-tight spaces where every inch counts—think RVs, studio apartments, or office nooks. Its handless white front gives it a sleek, modern look that opens with a simple pull, reducing snag hazards and maximizing countertop clearance. With 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking, it punches above its weight, letting you defrost, then cook, all in one seamless cycle—perfect for those who hate juggling multiple timers.

In testing, the LED lighting and large interior (14.2” deep) surprised us—it fits plates up to 10 inches easily, outperforming many rivals in usable space despite the same 0.7 cu. ft. rating. The memory function stores favorite settings, speeding up daily routines. However, the white finish shows stains quickly, and the lack of ECO mode means it draws more standby power than the COMFEE or Toshiba. It also lacks advanced defrost intelligence.

Versus the Farberware B01EIZSDWO, both offer 10 power levels, but the BLACK+DECKER wins on interior dimensions and space optimization. It’s ideal for tiny homes, dorms, or secondary kitchens where footprint and functionality are equally critical. While not as energy-efficient as the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB, it offers the most usable space in the smallest footprint.