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.
The Premium Small-Space Pick
The Wallet-Friendly Compact Pick
The Stylish Retro Pick
Product Name
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Physical Footprint (Inches)
Best For
0.9 Cubic Feet
13.3"D x 18.7"W x 10.7"H
Apartment Renters, Couples, & Small Families
0.7 Cubic Feet
13"D x 17.3"W x 10.2"H
College Students Living in Dorms, Studio Apartment Renters, & Tiny Kitchen Counters
0.7 Cubic Feet
12.7"D x 17.3"W x 10.2"H
Apartments & RVs
Product Name: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven (0.9 Cu Ft)
Capacity (Cubic Feet) : 0.9 Cubic Feet
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 0.7 Cu. Ft. Digital Microwave (700W)
Capacity (Cubic Feet) : 0.7 Cubic Feet
Physical Footprint (Inches):
13″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’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven (700W)
Capacity (Cubic Feet): 0.7 Cubic Feet
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(BS) Small Microwave Oven (0.9 Cu Ft)
Why: This model sits in the absolute “sweet spot” for renters and apartment dwellers who want something compact but don’t want to sacrifice modern features. It holds Amazon’s “Overall Pick” status for a reason—it looks premium in black stainless steel and brings high-end features down to a compact size.This microwave has simple one-touch controls, but it also includes a mandatory two-step child lock to help prevent young children from using it without supervision.
“What makes this compact model stand out is its user-friendly design. It delivers a reliable 900 Watts of cooking power, featuring convenient one-touch buttons for effortless heating, an ECO Mode to save on electricity, and a highly requested sound mute function so you can switch off the kitchen beeps entirely.”
Who It’s Best For
It is best for apartment renters, couples, and small families who have limited counter space. As a 900-watt microwave, it sits in a comfortable middle ground. It won’t heat your food quite as fast as a full-sized 1000-watt kitchen microwave, but it packs significantly more punch and cooks much faster than the smaller 700-watt models often found in dorms. It’s the perfect compromise if you want decent speed without sacrificing precious counter space. It’s also the perfect choice for shared living spaces where roommates or partners want to use the mute function to keep the kitchen quiet early in the morning or late at night.
Pros
- Affordable Price: This microwave is a great choice if you are on a budget. It offers good value and handles everyday heating tasks without costing too much.
- Great for Small Spaces and RVs: Its compact size fits easily in apartments, dorm rooms, and RVs. The 700W power is also less likely to overload electrical circuits in RVs.
- Modern Design: Many buyers like its clean, modern look. It has a stylish design that looks better than many basic budget microwaves.
- Easy to Use: The controls are simple, and the lower power helps heat food more gently, reducing the chance of overcooking some meals.
- Stays in Place: The non-slip feet help keep the microwave steady on smooth countertops and other surfaces.
Cons
- Takes Longer to Heat Food: Because it uses 700W of power, it heats food more slowly than higher-powered microwaves. You may need to add extra cooking time for some meals.
- Moisture Can Build Up: A few long-term users reported that moisture can collect inside the microwave after use. Over time, this may cause rust to develop if the interior is not cleaned and dried regularly.
You can read more customer reviews on Amazon to see how the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) performs in real homes, apartments, and dorm rooms.
2. BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. Digital Microwave (700W)
Why: The microwave is a great choice if you want a reliable microwave at an affordable price. Its 700-watt power heats food evenly, so you are less likely to end up with cold spots in your meals. Even though it has a compact design, it easily fits dinner plates, bowls, and standard microwave popcorn bags. It also has a clear LED display, simple controls, and a sturdy door that closes securely, making it a dependable option for apartments, dorm rooms, and other small kitchens.
Key Specifications:
Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet (Perfectly sized to hold a standard dinner plate without swallowing up your counter space).
Power: 700 Watts (Standard, low-draw energy consumption that is gentle on apartment electricity bills and RV breakers).
Cooking Control: Easy-to-use digital touch control panel with 10 adjustable power levels.
Safety Highlight: Features a built-in Child Safety Lock to keep curious toddlers from using the microwave unsupervised.
One-Touch Presets: Comes with 6 dedicated single-button shortcuts for your favorite quick foods: Popcorn, Potato, Pizza, Frozen Vegetables, Beverages, and Dinner Plate.
Who It’s Best For
This compact microwave is a great choice for college students, apartment renters, and anyone with limited kitchen space. Its lightweight design and affordable price make it perfect for people moving into a new place or shopping on a budget. It is ideal for everyday tasks like heating leftovers, making popcorn, or melting cheese. It also runs quietly, making it a good option for early mornings or late nights when you don’t want to disturb others.
Pros
- Great Value for the Money: Many buyers say this microwave offers a lot for its price. It is a good choice if you want a reliable microwave without spending too much.
- Easy to Set Up and Clean: Users say it is quick to set up. The smooth interior is also easy to wipe clean after spills.
- Extra Storage Space: The flat, sturdy top can hold lightweight kitchen items, giving you a little extra storage in a small kitchen.
- Quiet While Running: Many buyers like that this microwave operates quietly, making it a good choice for early mornings or late nights.
- Simple and Easy Controls: Users say the buttons and timer are easy to understand, so you can start using the microwave right away without any confusion.
Cons
- Buttons Are Hard to See: Many buyers say the button labels are small and not backlit, so they can be difficult to read, especially in low light.
- Louder Than Some Microwaves: This microwave makes a deeper, louder buzzing sound while running, which some users find annoying.
- Can Slide on Smooth Counters: The feet do not have much grip, so the microwave may slide when you open the door on smooth countertops.
- Needs Space Around It: Even though it is compact, you should leave about 3 inches of space around the sides, back, and top for proper airflow. Placing it in a tight space may affect its performance.
Hands-On Testing: BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Review
Safety Clearance Tip: While the compact 10.2-inch height makes it perfect for tight spots, the manufacturer recommends leaving at least 3 inches of open space around the sides and top to ensure proper airflow.
Check out the latest pricing and availability for the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. Digital Microwave on Amazon.
3. COMFEE' EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven (700W)
Why: If you are looking for the best compact small space countertop microwave, this model is an excellent choice. Its small footprint fits easily in apartments, dorm rooms, RVs, and other tight spaces without taking up much counter space. One of its best features is the mute mode, which turns off all button sounds, making it perfect for shared living spaces or late-night use. Although its 700-watt power means food may take a little longer to heat, it still fits full-size dinner plates and handles everyday tasks with ease. Overall, it is a reliable, affordable microwave that offers great value for anyone with a compact small space countertop kitchen.
Who It’s Best For:
This microwave is tailored perfectly for students in dorm rooms, RV owners, and small apartment residents who need a reliable machine that maximizes tiny counter spaces. It is a standout choice for night owls, early risers, or parents who want to heat up food in absolute silence, thanks to its total mute function. If you are looking for a simple, highly affordable “plug-and-play” appliance for routine kitchen tasks—like reheating plates, melting cheese, or basic defrosting—without overpaying for high power, this model delivers fantastic budget utility.
Pros
- Silent Mode: Buyers love that you can turn off all the button beeps, making the microwave almost silent. It is a great feature for late-night snacks or early mornings.
- Compact Size: Its small design fits easily on tight countertops, inside cabinets, or even in an RV where larger microwaves cannot fit.
- Spacious Interior: Even though it is compact, it has enough room for standard dinner plates and can handle larger items like frozen meat.
- Great Value for the Price: Many users recommend it for first apartments, dorm rooms, or anyone shopping on a budget. It is easy to set up and works well right out of the box.
- Bright Interior Light: The inside light makes it easy to see your food while it is cooking or when you open the door.
Cons
- Moisture Builds Up Inside: Some buyers say steam collects inside after heating certain foods. Wiping the inside dry after use can help keep the microwave in good condition.
- Slower Heating: With 700 watts of power, it will take about 30-45 seconds longer to heat a bowl of soup compared to a full sized microwaves, but this lower power draw ensures you won’t trip a dorm or older apartment breaker.
Check out the latest pricing and availability for the COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is this compact microwave good for dorm rooms and small apartments?
Yes. Its compact size makes it a great choice for dorm rooms, apartments, studios, RVs, and other small spaces. It takes up very little counter space while still handling everyday cooking needs.
Q: Can it fit a standard dinner plate, and is it easy to clean?
Yes. It can fit a standard dinner plate and a regular mug with no problem. The removable glass turntable is easy to clean, and the smooth interior can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Q: Can it defrost frozen food, and is 700 watts enough?
Yes. The microwave has defrost settings for frozen food and works well for meat, vegetables, and other frozen items. Its 700-watt power is enough for everyday cooking, although it may take a little longer than higher-powered models.
Q: Does this microwave have a mute function and a child safety lock?
Yes. It includes a mute function that turns off the button sounds, making it ideal for quiet mornings or late nights. It also has a child safety lock to help prevent accidental use by children.