The 3 Best Compact Countertop Microwaves for Apartments
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Not everyone has a big kitchen with plenty of counter space. If you live in a small apartment, college dorm, or studio, every bit of counter space matters. A large microwave can take up too much room and make your kitchen feel crowded. A compact microwave gives you the same everyday convenience while using much less space. It is perfect for heating leftovers, making quick meals, or preparing late-night snacks without getting in the way. Our top pick offers the best mix of compact size, good performance, and useful features, making it a great choice for small kitchens.
When setting up a compact microwave in a tight layout, maximizing counter space is key. (If you’re struggling with counter clutter, see our guide on organizing small kitchen appliances for smart storage hacks).
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The Premium Small-Space Pick
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven
The Wallet-Friendly Compact Pick
BLACK+DECKER (EM720CB7)
The Ultra-Quiet Budget Pick
COMFEE' Compact Microwave (Model: EM720CPL-PM / EM720CPL-PMB)
Product Name
Capacity | Weight | Power
Physical Footprint (Inches)
Best For
0.9 Cu. ft. | 24.9 lbs | 900 Watts
13.3"D x 18.7"W x 10.7"H
Apartment Renters, Couples, & Small Families
0.7 Cu. ft. | approx. 21.6 lbs | 700 Watts
13.0"D x 17.3"W x 10.2"H
College Students Living in Dorms, Studio Apartment Renters, & Tiny Kitchen Counters
0.7 Cu. ft. | approx. 20.2 lbs | 700 Watts
12.7"D x 17.3"W x 10.2"H
Apartments & RVs
Product Name: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven ↗️
Capacity | Weight | Power: 0.9 Cu. ft. | 24.9 lbs | 900 Watts
Physical Footprint (Inches):
13.3″D x 18.7″W x 10.7″H
Best For: Apartment Renters, Couples, & Small Families
Product Name: BLACK+DECKER (EM720CB7) ↗️
Capacity | Weight | Power: 0.7 Cu. ft. | approx. 21.6 lbs | 700 Watts
Physical Footprint (Inches):
13.0″D x 17.3″W x 10.2″H
Best For: College Students Living in Dorms, Studio Apartment Renters, & Tiny Kitchen Counters
Product Name: COMFEE’ Compact Microwave (Model: EM720CPL-PM / EM720CPL-PMB) ↗️
Capacity | Weight | Power: 0.7 Cu. ft. | approx. 20.2 lbs | 700 Watts
Physical Footprint (Inches):
12.7″D x 17.3″W x 10.2″H
Best For: Apartments & RVs
Deep Dives: Our Top 3 Small-Space Picks
1. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven (0.9 Cu Ft)
Why We Picked It: Finding a compact microwave that does not sacrifice power or key features can feel like a search for a needle in a haystack. We picked the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) because it nails the sweet spot for small-space living. Sitting at 0.9 cubic feet, it avoids the cramped feel of standard dorm microwaves while keeping a small footprint that won’t swallow up your counter space. It blends a modern black stainless steel look with thoughtful everyday details, like a complete silent mode and a safety lock, giving you the feel of a full-sized premium microwave packed into a compact frame.
Key Specifications & Benefits
0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity & 10.6-Inch Glass Turntable: Gives you enough room to fit standard dinner plates and soup bowls without taking over your valuable kitchen counter real estate.
900 Watts of Power with 11 Power Levels: Delivers strong, even heating much faster than weak 700W models, while giving you fine temperature control for everything from delicate chocolate melting to boiling liquids.
Mute Function (Sound-Off Mode): By simply holding down the “8” key for 3 to 5 seconds, you can turn off all end-of-cycle beeps and button sounds, making it a lifesaver for late-night snacks or early risers who don’t want to wake up the house.
6 Auto-Preset Menus & Express Cooking: Quick one-touch buttons for everyday staples like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes, plus express start buttons (1 to 6 minutes) that let you get heating instantly at full power with a single tap.
Two-Step Child Safety Lock: Keeps curious little hands safe by requiring a specific two-step button sequence before the heating cycle will start.
Time & Weight Defrost Options: Takes the guesswork out of thawing frozen meals or meats by letting you defrost precisely based on cooking time or food weight.
Clear Counter Clearance Guidelines: Requires at least 3 inches of clearance on the top and sides, plus 1 inch at the rear, ensuring proper airflow to keep the unit running efficiently for years.
What Real Users Love (The Pros)
Fits Standard 10-Inch Plates: Despite its small frame, the interior turntable fits full-sized dinner plates flat without catching on the walls.
Great Bang for the Buck: Delivers strong daily heating performance and essential preset modes without forcing you to pay for expensive inverter models.
Mute & Child Safety Lock: Easy-to-use control panel allows you to turn off beeps completely and lock the buttons for safety.
Modern Aesthetic: The sleek metallic finish looks far more premium than typical budget plastic microwaves.
Real User Complaints & Trade-Offs (The Cons)
Mixed Long-Term Reliability: A subset of buyers report units failing or shorting out after several months of heavy daily use.
Noticeable Fan & Tray Noise: Some users report an annoying mechanical buzz or rattling sound coming from the turntable tray during operation.
No Smart Sensor Cooking: Presets run strictly on fixed timers rather than humidity sensors, which can occasionally leave cold spots in dense foods.
Tight Cavity Height: Tall items, oversized meal prep containers, or tall popcorn bags can bump into the top heating element or side walls.
Who It’s Best For
This model is ideal for apartment renters, college students in dorms, couples, or small families who need everyday cooking performance without surrendering their kitchen workspace. It is also built for shared living spaces, like apartments with roommates or busy family homes, where the ability to mute noisy finish alerts is a major perk.
Who Should Avoid It
If you regularly roast large family-sized casserole dishes, cook whole chickens, or host big dinner parties, this 0.9 cu. ft. capacity will feel a bit too snug. Anyone needing massive internal volume or a high-powered 1200-watt commercial-style oven will want to step up to a full-sized countertop or over-the-range model instead.
How to Enable / Disable Child Lock:
To Lock: Press and hold the STOP/Cancel button for 3 seconds. You will hear a long beep and see
[ : : ]on the display.To Unlock: Press and hold STOP/Cancel again for 3 seconds. A long beep will confirm it is unlocked.
Electrical Specs & Power Setup
Operating Voltage & Frequency: Runs on a standard home outlet at 120V AC, 60Hz. Make sure the outlet matches the rating label on the back to avoid electrical trips.
Power Draw vs. Output: Pulls roughly 1300 Watts of input power to deliver 900 Watts of actual microwave heating power. This ratio gives you fast heating without slamming your electric bill.
2. BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. Digital Microwave (700W)
Why We Picked It: When counter space is at an absolute premium, finding an appliance that delivers genuine reliability without taking over your prep area is gold. We picked the BLACK+DECKER (EM720CB7) because it is a true micro-footprint workhorse built for minimalists and tight quarters. Coming in at 0.7 cubic feet, it keeps things ultra-compact while managing to squeeze in a full 10-inch glass turntable—meaning you don’t have to downgrade to tiny side plates just to reheat dinner. It pairs simple, reliable push-button door access with a clean stainless steel aesthetic and straightforward touch controls, making it an ideal staple for dorms, office breakrooms, or studio apartments.
Key Specifications & Benefits
Compact 0.7 Cu. Ft. Capacity: Measures just 17.3″ W x 13″ D x 10.2″ H, making it effortless to slip onto tiny counters, studio kitchenettes, or dorm desks without crowding your workspace.
700 Watts with 10 Power Levels: Provides 700W of targeted output power (pulling 1050W input power) across 10 distinct power settings, giving you solid flexibility for anything from delicate defrosting to boiling liquids.
10-Inch Removable Glass Turntable: Maximizes internal space so standard 10-inch dinner plates can spin smoothly for even heating.
6 Pre-Programmed One-Touch Buttons: Instant, hassle-free heating for everyday staples including popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates.
30-Second Express Cooking & Kitchen Timer: Offers one-tap 30-second quick starts alongside a built-in digital clock and kitchen timer to keep track of your cooking seamlessly.
Push-Button Door Release: Features a convenient push-button latch so you can pop the door open easily, even when your hands are full carrying bowls or trays.
Child Safety Lock System: Features a built-in safety lock to disable the control panel and keep curious kids from inadvertently turning on the microwave empty.
- Required Counter Clearance: Needs at least 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) of space on the sides and rear, plus a generous 12 inches (30 cm) of open overhead space above the unit for heat dissipation. One side must always remain open.
Pros
Ultra-Compact Footprint: Perfect size for tiny kitchens, studio apartments, dorm rooms, and RVs where counter space is limited.
Convenient Quick-Start Presets: Features 6 one-touch food shortcuts and 1–6 minute quick-start number buttons that make everyday reheating fast and simple.
Clean, Modern Design: Sleek stainless steel/black aesthetic that looks much higher-end than its budget price tag suggests.
Fits Standard Plates: Despite its small frame, the internal 10-inch glass turntable comfortably accommodates standard-sized dinner plates and bowls.
Child Safety Lock Included: Control panel lockout feature provides extra peace of mind for households with small children.
Cons
Lightweight Base Slides on Counters: Pushing the door release button can cause the lightweight unit to slide backward on smooth countertops unless held or anchored with non-slip pads.
Slower 700W Heating: Takes noticeably longer to heat larger meals, frozen dinners, or beverages compared to standard 900W+ models.
Hard-to-Read Controls: Keypad labels use small, non-backlit text on a dark panel, making buttons difficult to read in low light without extra kitchen lighting.
Ventilation & Moisture Buildup: Poor interior airflow on some units can lead to steam pooling under the rotating tray, requiring immediate wipe-downs to prevent long-term rust or mold.
Noisy Operation & Turntable: Runs louder with a heavier buzzing sound than typical hum-based microwaves, and turntable alignment can slip if misseated.
Who It’s Best For
This model is custom-fit for college students living in dorm rooms, renters in small studio apartments, RV owners, or offices looking for a simple breakroom microwave. If you primarily reheat leftovers, melt butter, make popcorn, or warm up coffee cups without needing to roast large meals, this size and price point are hard to beat.
Who Should Avoid It
If you regularly prepare family-sized casserole dishes, roast whole meats, or want fast high-speed cooking, the 700-watt power and compact interior will feel restrictive. Anyone looking for large internal clearance or advanced smart sensors should consider stepping up to a larger 0.9 cu. ft. or 1.1 cu. ft. 900W+ model instead.
How to Enable / Disable Child Lock:
To Lock: In the waiting state, press and hold STOP/CANCEL for 3 seconds. You’ll hear a long beep, and the LED screen will display the lock icon.
To Unlock: While locked, press and hold STOP/CANCEL again for 3 seconds until a long beep confirms the lock is released.
Hands-On Testing: BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Review
3. COMFEE' 0.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Microwave (Model: EM720CPL-PM / EM720CPL-PMB)
Why We Picked It:
If you are working with a tiny apartment counter, setting up a dorm room, or just want a simple microwave that doesn’t dominate your kitchen space, this COMFEE’ unit is a massive fan favorite—and for good reason. It strikes a great balance between budget-friendly pricing, sleek aesthetics, and everyday usability.
(Note: You’ll see this listed as EM720CPL-PM for White and EM720CPL-PMB for Black, but under the hood, they are the exact same reliable 700-watt machine!)
Key Specifications & Features
Compact Footprint: 0.7 cu. ft. capacity with exterior dimensions of 17.3″ W x 13.0″ D x 10.2″ H.
Power: 700 Watts output (1050 Watts input power).
10-Inch Glass Turntable: Fits standard dinner plates and everyday bowls without getting stuck.
Sound On/Off (Mute Button): Turn off all operational beeps by holding the mute button for 3 seconds—a lifesaver for late-night snacking or quiet households.
One-Touch Presets & Express Cook: Includes 6 dedicated preset buttons (Popcorn, Potato, Pizza, Frozen Veggie, Beverage, Reheat) plus 1–6 minute quick-start keys and a +30-second button.
ECO Energy-Saving Mode: Allows you to dim/turn off standby display power to save up to 50% on idle electricity.
Deactivatable Safety Lock: Features a two-step safety lock that can be toggled on or permanently deactivated if you don’t need it.
- Required Counter Clearance: Needs at least 3.0 inches on the sides/rear and 12.0 inches above the unit for proper ventilation (one side must remain completely open).
What Makes This Microwave Stand Out?
The Mute Function is a True Game-Changer: Most budget microwaves force you to listen to loud, high-pitched beeps every single time a timer ends. COMFEE’ included a dedicated sound toggle so you can heat up coffee or food in complete silence.
Super Intuitive Quick Buttons: The 1-to-6 minute express buttons and quick +30-second option mean you rarely have to manually punch in cook times for daily reheating.
Small Outside, Functional Inside: Even though it takes up minimal counter space, the 10-inch glass turntable comfortably holds standard plates.
Pros
Ultra-Quiet Mute Mode: Easily silences all beeps and alerts.
Space-Saving Design: Fits easily in tight kitchen cubbies, dorms, and RVs.
Great Energy Efficiency: ECO mode turns off standby display lights when not in use.
Easy One-Touch Reheating: Express buttons make heating simple snacks effortless.
Cons
Slower Reheating (700W): Because it is a lower wattage unit, heating frozen meals or thick casseroles takes 1–2 minutes longer than standard 900W+ models.
Lightweight Frame: Pressing the door release button can push the unit back slightly on ultra-smooth granite or formica counters (using rubber feet pads solves this instantly).
Who It’s Best For
Dorm Room & Studio Apartment Dwellers: If you have very limited counter space, this compact 0.7 cu. ft. unit fits into tight cubbies, small shelves, or overcrowded counters effortlessly.
Late-Night Snackers & Light Sleepers: The dedicated Mute function is a huge win if you want to heat up food or drinks without waking up housemates, babies, or partners with loud end-of-cycle beeps.
Singles & Couples Reheating Small Meals: Ideal for heating coffee mugs, reheating single dinner plates, melting butter, or making quick popcorn.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: A solid, reliable option if you want essential daily features (express buttons, defrost, ECO energy-saving mode) without paying for high-end cooking tech you won’t use.
Who Should Avoid It
Large Families & Meal Preppers: With a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and 10-inch turntable, larger casserole dishes, wide serving platters, or tall containers won’t fit or rotate properly.
People Who Want Fast Cooking: At 700 Watts, it cooks noticeably slower than standard 900W–1200W models. If you frequently cook frozen meals or large meat dishes and don’t want to wait extra minutes, get a higher-wattage unit.
Avid Bakers & Heavy Cooks: This is purely a basic reheating appliance—it doesn’t have convection, air-fryer, or sensor-cooking capabilities.
How to Enable / Disable Child Lock:
To Lock: Press and hold the STOP/Cancel pad for 3 seconds. You will hear a long beep, and
[ : : ]will display on the screen.To Unlock: Press and hold STOP/Cancel again for 3 seconds. You will hear a long beep, and
[ : : ]will disappear.
Cookware Guide: What’s Safe & What to Avoid
To keep your microwave working safely and protect your cookware, here is a quick rule of thumb for what can and cannot go inside:
Safe to Use (Microwave-Friendly)
Microwave-Safe Glass & Pyrex: Heat-resistant glass dishes and ceramic plates without metallic trims or hand-painted foil. (Note: Standard glass food jars are not heat-resistant and can crack under sudden heat).
Paper Towels, Parchment & Wax Paper: Excellent for covering food to prevent splatters during short reheating cycles.
Microwave-Safe Plastics & Wrap: Look for explicit “microwave-safe” labels. Always vent lids, slit steaming bags, and keep plastic wrap from directly touching hot food.
Materials to Keep Far Away (Fire & Spark Hazards)
Aluminum Trays & Metal Utensils: Metal reflects microwaves back into the magnetron, shielding food and causing severe arcing, sparks, and permanent unit damage.
Food Cartons with Wire Handles & Twist Ties: Takeout boxes with metal handles or wire twist-ties can ignite inside the oven.
Paper Bags & Recycled Paper: Standard brown grocery bags trap excessive heat and can catch fire; recycled paper can contain trace metal bits.
Styrofoam & Single-Use Plastics: Plastic foam and thin containers warp, melt, and leach unwanted chemicals into hot food.
Wood: Wooden bowls, utensils, or skewers dry out rapidly in the microwave, leading to warping and severe cracking.
Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
First-Use Odor Burn-Off: It is completely normal for a brand-new unit to produce a slight odor when fired up for the first time. Clean the interior and run it with a bowl of water before heating food.
Interior Cavity Care: Wipe down food splatters inside with a soft, damp cloth right away. Leftover grease or dried spills can absorb microwave energy, leading to burnt spots or internal sparking.
Turntable & Ring Setup: Always keep the glass turntable and rolling ring properly aligned. Clean the glass roller tray with warm soapy water, but never run the microwave empty or with the turntable placed upside down.
Waveguide Cover Warning: Never remove the small mica waveguide cover board mounted inside the wall of the cavity—it protects the magnetron (the heart of the microwave) from food splatters and moisture.
Important Safety Warnings
Clearance Standards: Keep at least 3 inches of space on both sides and top, plus 1 inch of space at the rear. Blocking intake or exhaust vents traps heat and damages the motor.
Distance from Electronics: Place the unit as far away from radios, TVs, or Wi-Fi routers as possible to avoid signal interference.
Counter Height & Legs: Install on a flat surface that is at least 36 inches off the floor, and never remove the rubber feet from the bottom—they maintain essential bottom ventilation airflow.
Metal & Sparking Rules: Avoid foil, metal trim, or twist ties. If you ever see arcing or sparks, stop the cycle immediately, remove non-approved cookware, and check for hidden metal pieces.
Everyday Troubleshooting Tips
Food Cooking Unevenly? Ensure frozen items are thawed completely before cooking. Pause halfway through to stir or turn the food, and check that your bowl or plate turns freely without hitting the walls.
Food Coming Out Cold? Double-check if you set the right power level. Also, check the back vents—if the ventilation ports are clogged or pushed flush against a wall, heating efficiency drops significantly.
Moisture or Steam Building Up? Vapor buildup is normal during high-moisture cooking. Simply wipe down the inside walls with a dry towel after use to protect the finish and prevent rust over time.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the COMFEE’ EM720CPL if: You want the best overall balance of quiet operation and value. It’s ideal for dorms, shared apartments, or late-night snackers who need a reliable mute feature without overspending.
Choose the Toshiba ML-EM09PA if: You need maximum heating performance and a premium feel. The slightly larger 0.9 cu. ft. capacity and 900W output heat food faster and accommodate larger plates while still keeping the silent mute option.
Choose the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 if: You want a straightforward, heavy-duty budget workhorse with classic pre-set buttons, and you don’t mind the standard microwave beeps.
Quick Buyer's Checklist Before Checkout
Measure Your Counter Space: Double-check your depth and clearance height (leave at least 3 inches on the sides and top for proper ventilation).
Confirm Mute Functionality: If silent operation matters to you, verify the unit has a dedicated sound toggle—not all small microwaves include one.
Check Plate Size: Standard 10-inch dinner plates fit comfortably in 0.7 to 0.9 cu. ft. models, but measure your favorite wide bowls or oversized mugs just in case.
Safety Lock Setup: Ensure you’re comfortable using the standard “3-second STOP button hold” to engage child safety mode if you have little ones around.
Must-Have Accessories for Small Kitchen Microwaves
Pairing a compact microwave with the right tools helps maximize limited counter space and keeps cleanup effortless:
Collapsible Silicone Splatter Cover ↗️: Keeps interior splatters to a minimum so you rarely have to scrub the cavity walls. Collapses flat for easy storage in shallow drawers.
Countertop Appliance Slider Tray ↗️: Perfect for deep cabinets or tight corners. Allows you to slide the microwave forward when heating food and push it back against the wall when done.
Stackable Microwave Plate Racks ↗️: Doubles your interior cooking space by letting you heat two plates or bowls at the same time—a game-changer for shared dorm rooms or couples.
Heat-Resistant Silicone Mini Mitts ↗️: Standard bulky oven mitts take up too much drawer space. Compact silicone grips protect fingers when pulling hot glass plates or bowls out of small units.
Adjustable Microwave Countertop Shelf ↗️: Creates a sturdy, elevated rack directly over your microwave, giving you an extra level of storage for spices, mugs, or kitchen essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are these compact microwaves good for dorm rooms and small apartments?
Yes. Their compact sizes make them a great choice for dorm rooms, apartments, studios, RVs, and other small spaces. They take up very little counter space while still handling everyday cooking needs.
Q: Can these small microwaves fit a standard dinner plate, and are they easy to clean?
Yes, all three models easily fit a standard 10-inch dinner plate and a regular mug. Their removable glass turntables are dishwasher-safe, and the smooth interior walls wipe clean easily with a damp cloth or sponge.
Q: Can these compact microwaves defrost frozen food, and is 700 to 900 watts enough power?
Yes, all three models feature dedicated defrost settings (by time or weight) for meat, vegetables, and frozen meals. The 700-watt output on the 0.7 cu. ft. models (COMFEE’ and BLACK+DECKER) and 900-watt output on the Toshiba provide plenty of power for everyday cooking and reheating, though 700W units take a minute or two longer to heat than standard full-sized microwave ovens.
Q: Do these compact microwaves have a mute function and a child safety lock?
Yes, all three models feature a child safety lock (activated by holding the STOP/CLEAR button for 3 seconds). However, only the COMFEE’ and Toshiba models include a mute function to turn off button beeps. The BLACK+DECKER model does not have a mute option.
Q: How do you turn off the child safety lock on these small microwaves?
Child safety lock procedures differ slightly across these three compact models:
Toshiba (ML-EM09PA): Press and hold the STOP/Cancel button for 3 seconds until a long beep sounds and [ : : ] appears on the display (or disappears when unlocking).
BLACK+DECKER (0.7 Cu. Ft.): Press and hold the STOP/CANCEL button for 3 seconds until a long beep sounds and the lock indicator disappears.
COMFEE’ (EM720CPL Series): Press and hold the STOP/CLEAR button for 3 seconds until a long beep sounds and Loc disappears from the screen.
Q: How do you set the clock on the COMFEE' EM720CPL microwave?
Press Timer/Clock twice until 00:00 appears on the screen. (Note: Pressing it once sets the kitchen timer instead).
Use the number pad to enter the current time (e.g., press 1, 2, 1, 0 for 12:10).
Press Timer/Clock again to save.
Q: How do you set the clock on the Toshiba ML-EM09PA?
Press Clock & Settings once until 00:00 appears on the display.
Use the number keypad to enter the current time (e.g., press 1, 0, 1, 2 for 10:12).
Press Clock & Settings again to save the setting.
(Note: The time must be between 1:00 and 12:59, or it won’t accept the input.)
Q: How do you set the clock on the BLACK+DECKER Microwave?
Press the CLOCK button once until 00:00 displays on the screen.
Use the number keypad to enter the current time (e.g., press 1, 0, 1, 2 for 10:12).
Press CLOCK again to finish setting. The colon : will flash to confirm it’s set.
(Note: The time must be set between 1:00 and 12:59. If you hit STOP/CANCEL mid-setup, it will revert to the previous setting.)
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