Mini Microwaves: Cheap, Compact & Portable

One appliance that has made cooking so much easier is the microwave oven. Because these appliances are cost-effective and convenient, their invention was hailed as a significant milestone in the culinary world. 

Nowadays, microwave ovens come in various shapes, sizes, and models, allowing you to choose the kind that suits your needs and lifestyle. One of the more welcome developments associated with these kitchen appliances is the small microwave. Although less powerful than the typical countertop model, a compact microwave has enough cooking power to heat your food. Moreover, it’s more economical because it consumes less electricity than the larger countertop microwave oven. 

A small microwave offers the convenience of a basic microwave while letting you save space on your kitchen counter. However, finding the right option can be challenging due to the number of options. We’ve compiled a list of the best small microwave ovens to help in your search. 

Mini Microwaves

The microwave oven was invented towards the end of World War II. However, its use didn’t catch on immediately, mainly because the first models were big and expensive. Also, people didn’t trust them because they used radiation to heat and cook food. Eventually, technological advances improved the appliance’s safety, and fears faded.  

In 1947, Raytheon Corp. introduced the first commercially available microwave oven. Called the Radrange, it was almost two meters tall and weighed 340 kilograms. Subsequent developments led to the current size of the standard microwave oven, which is 30 inches wide and 17 inches high.   

Then came the small microwave. The mini microwave packs the same features as a full-sized model without impacting your counter space. Of course, if you cook for several people, standard-sized microwave ovens will fit your needs better. A tiny microwave is for those who live in dorms or people who often cook only for themselves.  

Types of Mini Microwaves

Like the typical countertop microwave oven, the smallest microwave ovens come in several dimensions. The kind of compact microwave oven you choose can affect its cooking power somewhat, but all can get the job of heating your food done without any problem. 

There are 3 categories of small microwave ovens. Let’s see how each one varies in shape and how they can meet your requirements. 

Small but Tall

A small but tall compact microwave works best for those with plenty of vertical room on the kitchen counter. This type of small microwave oven lets you save space without significantly reducing its cooking capacity.  

The list of smallest microwave ovens doesn’t offer many options when it comes to those with narrow designs, but most models come with commendable reviews. This means you can still have a great pick if you’re looking for a narrow microwave. 

Compact, Classic Style

Are you looking for a classic microwave oven that takes up little space? You’re in luck because many manufacturers offer this type of mini microwave. 

A compact, classic-style mini microwave oven sports the look we associate with the standard microwave oven, except that it’s smaller.

Small but Bulkier

If the size of the smallest microwave oven is a little cramped for your needs, you have an option aside from the standard-size countertop microwave. This mini microwave oven style offers a middle ground between the smaller models and the bulkier varieties. 

A compact microwave that’s a bit larger than the smallest microwave size often has a higher wattage than its tinier counterparts. However, it also gives you more cooking features than the tinier models.   

Mini Microwave Factors/Features to Consider

We know that looking for the smallest microwave oven that fits your needs and budget can be a chore. However, knowing the factors or features to consider can help ease the task. Here are some of the things that can influence your choice. 

Size & Interior Space

Microwave ovens are measured by exterior width, height, depth, and internal capacity. Cubic feet (cu. ft.) is the unit of measure used for the internal capacity. In contrast, the measurements for height and width are expressed in inches or centimeters. 

Whether you have a countertop microwave or a mini microwave oven, you’ll have to provide clearance for the appliance. We’re talking about three inches at the top and the sides, with at least an inch at the rear. The space provides good circulation for the microwave oven’s intake and discharge air vents.  

The smallest microwave comes in more than one size, so you have to consider how much space you require. Making sure the appliance fits your available space is one thing, but you’ll also have to consider what items it can accommodate, such as the pizza pan you frequently use or your favorite dinner plate.  

Power Levels

Most people don’t bother setting the power levels on their microwave ovens. Still, the levels exist for a reason, and that’s to help you cook better-tasting meals. Using the correct power level makes a difference in whether your frozen vegetables come out crisp, soggy, or burnt. That’s because there’s an ideal power level for different foods, meaning that each setting serves a purpose and should be used as recommended. 

For example, sugars and fats heat quickly. You’ll need to consider this and use the proper power settings when you heat a pizza with cheese toppings, which contain fat. The same goes when you poach an egg (which requires 50 percent power) 

Thus, look at the power levels available on the smallest microwave oven you’re considering. One that offers at least ten power settings gives you more control over your cooking, which can lead to more tasty meals. 

Cooking Presets

Aside from various power levels, most microwave ovens come with pre-programmed settings. How valuable having cooking presets in a microwave oven depends on personal preferences and habits. Some people seldom use these settings, while others enjoy the convenience of simply punching a button instead of programming the appliance each time they cook. 

The smallest microwave oven on your shortlist should contain some standard presets, such as “potato,” “pizza,” and “popcorn,” at the very least. “Defrost” is another setting you can often find in a tiny microwave.  

However, the settings aren’t perfect, and there would be times when the food won’t turn out as expected. As such, knowing the correct power levels for the different types of foods will come in handy. The pre-programmed settings are for those who like to use the microwave oven without putting too much thought into it. 

Interface & Display

The purpose of the interface is to let you cook or warm a variety of foods by touching or toggling the proper settings, such as the power levels or cooking presets. There are different types of interfaces or displays in a microwave oven, and sometimes, figuring out how to use them takes time. 

Microwaves can either have manual or digital controls. A digital microwave oven typically has more advanced features. In contrast, one with manual controls has simple rotary dial controls that are easier to understand and use than a digital microwave.

Since the oven display is an integral aspect of hassle-free usage, consider a digital microwave model with a straightforward interface. 

“Add 30 Seconds” Button

When you place cold food into the microwave, it sometimes comes out steaming outside, but it’s still cold at the center. This is where the “add 30 seconds” button is most helpful. The microwave’s “add 30 seconds” feature is either a separate button or comes with a start button that lets you add 30 seconds to your food’s cook time. 

Let’s say you set your appliance’s button for three minutes. You can punch the add 30 seconds button anytime before the three minutes expires to prolong the cooking time. As such, the food will cook for three minutes and thirty seconds instead of only three minutes. 

This feature is pretty convenient for high microwave oven users because instead of pressing several buttons to add to the cooking time, they simply punch one button. 

Turntables

The turntable in a microwave oven rotates the food to help it cook, thaw or heat evenly. Having one in your appliance prevents hot and cold spots caused by microwave interference while the food warms up. Most often, microwaves feature a rotating glass turntable.

While a turntable presents some advantages, it has its drawbacks, too. For one, it can limit what you can fit in the oven’s interior chamber. For example, long, rectangular pans or dishes can hit the microwave’s wall when turning. The same can happen with an extra large dinner plate.

In some ovens with turntables, you have the option to stop the component’s rotation. This feature can be helpful if you use a large dish, which can fall out of the turntable and create a mess. 

High-Tech Features

Aside from the main features to look for in your search for the best compact microwave, other advanced functions may interest you and are worth looking into. These include the following. 

• Inverter technology: Though this technology is not as common in microwaves as, say, in air conditioners or refrigerators, you can still find some models with it in the market. Aside from helping you save on your electricity bill, inverter technology allows you to cook your food at a lower temperature. Inverter microwaves have their perks but are less versatile than conventional models. 
• Child lock: Microwaves can be dangerous for children, so if you have kids and don’t want them messing with the kitchen appliance, consider purchasing one with a child lock. This safety feature locks the oven so only you and those you trust can operate the kitchen appliance. You’ll need to press a specific set of buttons to unlock the oven.  
• Sensors: Some models have sensors to offer optimal cooking. With this feature, the microwave can automatically adjust the cooking time and power level based on the steam emitted by the food. The appliance may even shut off if the sensors detect that the food is too hot. 
• Steam option: This feature presents a convenient and delicious way to cook foods like fish and vegetables quickly. Using this option keeps the food moist without adding fat. The steam option lets you poach an egg in a microwave. 
• Easy touch automatic drawer system: A recent innovation, the automatic drawer system works with the touch of a button or wave of the hand. When you do either, the oven’s drawer smoothly glides open or slides closed. 

Best Mini Microwaves in the Market

To further ease the selection process, we’ve compiled a list of small microwaves that stand out among other mini microwaves. 

1.) Comfee Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off Feature

Comfee, a famous brand in home appliances, pulled a fast on its competitors with its great mini microwave. This stylish model comes in a compact design with its 0.7 cu. ft. capacity.  

It also has all the excellent features you should look for in a microwave oven. These include a one-touch button, smart auto cooking, child safety lock, and multiple power levels. 

Pros

• User-friendly (we recommend it for beginners) 
• Mute function (lets you turn the sound on and off) 
• Bright LED lights for easy viewing 
• Dual-clock function (tells you the cooking time and kitchen time) 

Cons

• Not waterproof so water splashes can be a problem
• Limited capacity (can’t accommodate large mixing bowls and dinner plates)

2.) Whirlpool Silver Countertop Microwave Oven 

Don’t let its external dimensions fool you. Despite its compact size (0.5 cu. ft.), this small oven’s 750 watts of power gives you the express cooking experience you expect from a microwave. In fact, it can match the performance of larger models. Also, it can fit a full dinner plate, so you avoid the hassle of having to change containers when you reheat food. 

Pros 

• Has an add 30 seconds button 
• Fits easily into corners, thus helping you maximize your kitchen space 
• Has control lock for safety 
• Variable cooking levels 

Cons

• Limited cooking space
• Pricey

3.) Galanz Retro Microwave Oven with Pull Handle Design

Do you want to add a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen? Then the Galanz Retro Microwave Oven is for you. As its name suggests, this retro microwave oven takes you back to the earlier days of this kitchen appliance with its pull-handle design. Despite its retro look, however, this unit has essential features that help with express cooking. 

Pros

• Sturdy built but can still be a great space saver because of its compact design and size (0.7 cu. ft.)  
• Over ten power levels  
• Has a child lock to prevent access by children 
• Has an easy-to-use control panel 
• With interior light  

Cons

• Makes popping sounds
• Produces uneven heating

4.) Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven

Panasonic is another renowned name when it comes to appliances. No wonder the HomeChef Panasonic Microwave Oven has gotten a following among those looking for ways to make cooking convenient. It helps that this Panasonic microwave is loaded with features that are not often available in other brands.  

The Panasonic microwave oven also works as an air fryer and a flash broiler. It also lets you bake with its convection bake function.  

Pros

• With easy to clean stainless steel interior 
• Inverter microwave technology provides smart, even defrosting, reheating, cooking, & warming 
• Has Genius Sensor Cook and Turbo Defrost features for precise cook time and faster thawing of frozen foods 
• With sleek and elegant design 

Cons

• A bit larger than other compact microwaves (with 1.2 cu. ft. internal capacity)
• Grill functions leave a lot to be desired

5.) AmazonBasics Microwave Bundle With Echo Dot

Those on the lookout for the latest advances in microwave technology will love the high-tech feature of Amazon Basics, the Echo Dot. This voice control feature lets you set the cooking time and power level without lifting a finger.  

It also recognizes several cooking presets like “popcorn,” “defrost,” and “coffee reheat.” The voice control function, plus an easy-to-use control panel, makes defrosting a frozen vegetable and making popcorn a breeze. Just tell Alexa what you want and the oven will do the rest.

Pros

• The voice control feature makes cooking more convenient 
• It offers ten power levels to choose from 
• Uses Amazon Replenishment technology to automatically reorder popcorn for you when you run out (with a 10% discount to boot) 
• With a child lock safety feature 
• Compact size (0.7 cu. ft. internal capacity)

Cons

• It takes time and patience to learn all of the microwave’s features and functions
• Prone to connectivity issues

6.) Toshiba Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor

Compact, lightweight, and with many exciting features, that’s what this Toshiba Microwave Oven is all about. With its external dimensions of 20.51’’x17.14″ x 12.83″ (WxDxH) and 1.2 cu. ft. internal capacity, there’s no doubt that this Toshiba microwave model is a space saver. But there’s more. This unit lets you choose your desired cooking menu and automatically adjust temperature and time for the best results.  

Pros

• With smart-sensor for easy cooking 
• Has an energy-saving mode for energy efficiency 
• Stainless and scratch-less body 
• Easy to clean 
• With clock and kitchen timer 

Cons

• The microwave sounds noisy
• The turntable wobbles

7.) Black+Decker Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Door

Its excellent features make this microwave from Black+ Decker hard to ignore. So if you’re looking to outfit your dorm room or other living areas with small spaces, this model might fit you to a T. The external dimensions of the Black+Decker Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Door are 13 “D x 17.3 “W x 10.2 “H, and it offers 0.7 cu. ft. of interior space. This is a great size to fit in even the most cramped kitchens.  

On top of that, it lets you customize your cooking time with only a few button touches. Meanwhile, its 700 watts power output is powerful enough for basic cooking. Other features make it hard to find an alternative to this compact kitchen appliance. 

Pros

• Pre-programmed auto-cook buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverages 
• With an easy-to-read control panel 
• Push-button door release for easy access 
• Easy-to-understand digital interface 
• 30-second express cooking and one-touch auto cook 
• The oven’s 0.7 cu. ft. capacity makes it an easy fit for cramped kitchen countertops 

Cons

• The microwave surface is a bit unbalanced
• Tight fit for a full dinner plate

8.) Farberware Smallest Classic Microwave Oven with LED Lighting

This microwave oven from Farberware lets you prepare snacks and meals in a snap with its 700-watt power output. Moreover, the unit’s 0.7 cu. ft. capacity makes it ideal for small spaces. That’s not all the Farberware Smallest Classic Microwave Oven has to offer, as it comes loaded with features that customers love. 

Pros

• Fast defrosting time 
• With a one-touch cooking function that offers six pre-programmed cooking styles 
• Easy-view LED display 
• Child safety lock 
• With a 30-second button 

Cons

• Can’t match the performance of full-sized microwave models
• Produces a loud, humming sound

9.) Commercial Chef Countertop Small Microwave Oven

Another microwave that’s ideal for small kitchens with limited countertop space is the Commercial Chef Countertop Small Microwave Oven with its space-saving design. Its diminutive 0.6 cu. ft. capacity and 12.5 “D x 17.75 “W x 10.25 “H external dimensions mean it can fit easily in small rooms and studio apartments. 

Aside from that, the mechanical dials of this model make it a breeze to operate. Just turn the dials, and the oven will do the rest. 

Pros

• Offers 6 power levels for quick and easy cooking 
• With up to 6 minutes timer to let you cook, reheat or defrost your food easily 
• It has a removable 9.5″ turntable   

Cons

• Limited pre-programmed settings
• The mechanical dials make it difficult to set the oven for under one minute of cook time

FAQs

Conclusion

Consider purchasing a mini microwave if you have limited space on your countertop. With so many options in the market, you will always have choices. These appliances greatly ease the task of cooking your meals or reheating your leftovers. Mini microwaves may be tiny, but they have enough power to do the job.  

They work well for those who live in dorms and small apartments. Making meals in your camper will also be a breeze if you invest in a compact microwave oven. Various brands and models offer different features, so you can easily find one to fit your budget and lifes.

Updated on 05-03-23