What is a Microwave and What is it Used For?
Let’s take a step back and consider what a microwave really is. A microwave is a type of oven that heats food using microwave radiation. These microwaves stimulate water, fat, and sugar molecules in food, generating heat and causing the food to cook or warm up. Unlike traditional cooking methods, microwaves cook food from the inside out, which is why they’re much faster.
From reheating yesterday’s pizza to cooking an entire meal, a microwave’s possibilities are endless. But for those with limited kitchen space, finding a microwave that fits your lifestyle and spatial constraints can be challenging. That’s where the smallest size microwave comes to the rescue.
Sizing it Down: The Smallest Size Microwave
Now, onto the main event. You might be surprised to learn that the smallest size microwave is typically less than 1 cubic foot in capacity. These compact units usually measure somewhere between 12-16 inches deep, 15-19 inches wide, and 10-12 inches tall. Think about the size of a medium-sized toaster oven, and you’ve got a pretty good idea of what to expect.
These small microwaves might be tiny, but don’t underestimate them! They can comfortably fit most standard dinner plates and bowls, and they’re perfect for reheating leftovers, cooking ready meals, or even making a quick mug cake. If you’re a student living in a dorm room or someone who frequently moves houses, you’ll appreciate their portability. You can easily fit them on a kitchen counter or a small table without sacrificing much space. Plus, they are a fantastic addition to your RV or boat!
SMALL MICROWAVES RANKING
- After thorough testing and research, our team has determined that this is the best small microwave oven on the market. With 700w of power and 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, this Black+Decker can handle a variety of dishes with ease while not taking up much space in your kitchen. The pre-programmed buttons and convenient features such as the timer, child safety lock, and digital display make it easy to use. We highly recommend this microwave - really for its performance, user-friendliness, and overall design. It earns a first place on our podium of top small microwaves.
- Coming in at a close second on our podium of top microwaves is the Galanz. This little beauty packs a punch with its 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and also 700w of power. Its also the lightest product here! It may not be as big as some of the other guys on the list, but it definitely gets the job done. And it looks so nice! With 10 auto reheat modes and 7 auto cooking ones youll be able to cook up just about anything. Whether youre a fan of the classic look or want something more modern, the Galanz has got you covered.
- The Toshiba is the next great choice in our ranking, and its no wonder we gave it the 3rd spot. This is the first more powerful and a little bigger device we selected. It features a 0.9 cu. ft. capacity and 900w of power, and is still small enough to fit a camper van or countertop in a small kitchen. With 6 preset options and an easy defrost function, its straightforward to use. The 10.6 inches turntable is a great addition to the device. Additionally, the sleek and modern design will complement any kitchen for sure!
- Do you have a child? If so, this microwave should be of interest to you due to a child safety lock that may be useful! With its programmable auto or manual defrost function, 0.7 cu. ft capacity and 700w of power wont take up much space in your kitchen. And it weighs only 21 pounds!
- This model has been made mostly for commercial use, however, it is also perfect for home use! With a 0.8 cu. ft. capacity and 1000w of power its medium size device in this ranking but the most powerful one. Whats also interesting is that it doesnt have a glass turnplate which doesnt only make it more efficient but also easier to clean. The stainless steel casing with a sturdy handle makes it a durable option. However, it is a bit more expensive than the others, but if youre looking for a high-quality and compact device, this one is definitely worth the investment.
- Next Panasonic in this ranking. This time with a 0.9 cu. ft. capacity and 900w of power. It has 7 pre-set automatic programs that can be used for anything from frozen entrees to pizza. Moreover, the auto defrost function works efficiently and 3 power level options give you the perfect popcorn every time!
- Similar to the previous GE microwave this one has similar specifications but its bigger. It also has a child safety lock and really great defrosting mode. And if you need even more space, you can choose the bigger version with a 1.1 cu.ft capacity, making it a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and convenient microwave from a well-known brand!
Power Matters: Microwave Wattage
Understanding wattage in microwaves is crucial as it significantly affects the performance of the appliance. The wattage of a microwave determines how quickly and evenly it can heat food. The higher the wattage, the faster the cooking time.
Small countertop models typically have a power output between 600W and 1,000W. Some compact microwaves even pack a punch with a wattage of 700W. Even though these microwaves are small, they’re mighty enough to heat your food quickly and evenly. Don’t you just hate when your soup is boiling on the outside but still cold in the middle? A higher wattage microwave can help you avoid that frustrating situation.
Feature-packed and Ready: What Comes With a Small Microwave?
Even though they’re small, these microwaves don’t skimp on features. Many small microwaves come equipped with convenience cooking controls, weight and time defrost options, and preset functions for commonly microwaved foods. So, if you fancy a popcorn party or just want to bake a potato, your little microwave has got you covered!
Some high-end small microwaves even have smart humidity sensors that automatically adjust cooking time and power for different types of food. Plus, many models offer multiple power settings, allowing you to customize the cooking process to match your specific needs.
Do you want to know more about what you can put inside your small microwave? Check this article out to find out!
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7
Small but functional
The BLACK+DECKER product is another solid choice for those looking for a compact microwave that can handle all your heating and cooking needs. This little guy packs a punch with a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, and 700w of power, making it perfect for cooking and reheating small to medium-sized dishes. Its compact size of 13″D x 17.3″W x 10.2″H and lightweight 22.5 pounds make it a great fit for any kitchen. It comes with a turntable 10 inches glass plate, which ensures even heating of your food. Last but not least this machine offers 6 auto cook presets for potatoes, frozen veggies, beverages, dinner plates, and popcorn, and 10 power levels!
Solid quality
This model also has a few extra safety features, like a child safety lock, so you don’t have to worry about little hands getting into the microwave. And, it has an interior light so you can keep an eye on your food as it cooks. The design is sleek, with a stainless steel casing that will look great in any kitchen. And if you need more space, there’s also a bigger version available with 0.9 cu.ft capacity.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ good ventilation ✔ 10 power levels ✔ well made stainless steel casing ✔ attention to details |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ open button is a bit hard to press |
2. Galanz
Ultra light
This microwave will definitely be an excellent option for those who prefer a retro look or are looking for a device to fit into their kitchen in the same style. Again, with a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and 700w of power, this product will prepare small to medium-sized dishes for you and your family. Its dimensions of 14″D x 17.5″W x 9.5″H and weight of 20.3 pounds make it the lightest microwave in this review! Inside, you’ll find a 9.6 inches glass turntable that can be removed for easy cleanup. Moreover, Galanz offers a variety of cooking modes, including 10 auto reheat modes and 7 auto cooking ones such as potato, popcorn, fresh veggies, frozen veggies, corn on the cob, rice, and oatmeal. It is operated with a simple control knob that is quick and easy to use, with a button in the middle of the knob that allows for +30 seconds of cooking, which smartly preserves the retro look of this product.
If you like the old-school style!
As with most microwaves, the Galanz model also includes a clock and timer for your convenience. One of the standout features of this microwave is the wide range of colors it comes in. You can choose from four beautiful ones. More than that, it is also available in three different sizes, from 0.7 cu ft to 1.1 cu ft, if you would prefer a bit bigger one. The producer also included a classic version of this device that looks a little bit different than the described model. With so many options available, we’re sure, you will find the perfect Galanz microwave to suit your kitchen’s aesthetic.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ a lot of colors to chose from ✔ very light, only 21 pounds ✔ 7 auto cook menus ✔ nice in touch control knob |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ beeps are quite loud |
3. Toshiba EM925A5A-BS
If you need something a little bit bigger…
The Toshiba 0.9 Cu.ft microwave is a great choice for those who need a little more space and power in their microwave oven but still want to save some countertop space. With a 0.9 cu. ft. capacity and 900w of power, this microwave can handle even larger dishes than the others in our review. Its dimensions of 16.1″D x 19.2″W x 11.5″H and weight of 27.3 pounds make it a solid option for any kitchen. The kit also includes a turntable that is 10.6 inches. This microwave has 6 preset options, such as popcorn, pizza, potato, beverages, frozen veggies, and dinner plates. It also has an easy defrost function that can be selected by the time or weight of food inside, which makes it easy to thaw out frozen food. There are also 10 cooking powers programmed in, allowing you to cook your food with precision.
…and energy efficient
The Toshiba also includes an ECO mode that provides you with standby power, helping you to save energy. It also has a mute option, which turns off the end cooking sound alerts, making it ideal if you have babies or for preparing breakfast while others are sleeping. Inside the microwave, there is a bright LED light mounted, which allows you to see exactly what your food looks like while it’s cooking. It seems to be really brighter than competitors. In terms of design, the Toshiba 0.9 Cu.ft microwave stands out with its curvy design which gives it a distinguished look.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ MUTE option ✔ ECO mode saves energy ✔ LED light insight is really bright ✔ its look stands out from the crowd |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ you need to use a bit of power to close and open the doors |
4. General Electric JES1072SHSS
Powerful and convenient cooking
The General Electric microwave is a great option for anyone in need of a compact and still-powerful microwave oven. With a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and 700w of power, this microwave is perfect for cooking or reheating small to medium-sized dishes. Its dimensions of 17.31 x 12.75 x 10.19 inches and weight of 21 pounds make it a great fit for any countertop. This microwave is equipped with a range of features that make it stand out, including an auto defrost function, one-touch cooking and reheating, a rotatable plate, a timer, and a child lock. Additionally, its design is versatile, it fits every countertop and has a long 39-inch power cord, which makes it easy to place it anywhere in your kitchen.
Design and safety features
In addition to its performance and convenient features, the General Electric microwave also offers a range of cooking modes to suit a variety of needs. With options like popcorn, beverage, and potatoes, this microwave makes it easy to prepare a wide range of dishes quickly and easily. It’s also available in three different colors, giving you the flexibility to choose the one that best fits your kitchen’s aesthetic. The solid design features a stainless steel casing and black glass, which not only looks sleek and modern but also makes it easy to clean and maintain. This microwave oven is a great option for anyone looking for a high-performance and versatile microwave.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ child safety lock ✔ light, only 21 pounds ✔ long power cord ✔ 3 colors to choose from |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ beeping sound, it’s quite loud when it’s finished |
5. Panasonic NE-1025F
Cook like a Pro
This Panasonic is kind of a special product in this ranking. We have chosen it mainly because of the size and still superior parameters. It is inbetweener compared to the other microwaves of this size with its 0.8 cu. ft. capacity and 1000w of power, this thing can handle every kind of meal you wish to put inside. Its dimensions of 13″D x 16″W x 13″H make it also a perfect fit for smaller kitchens or countertops. This model stands out by not having a turntable, thanks to the Bottom Energy Feed System technology that provides even cooking results. The microwave features a 6-minute dial timer that is easy to use and precise with its ability to count down in 15-sec increments. The dial is also equipped with a light all around it that exactly shows you what time you are set up for, which makes it even more convenient to use. The easy description of the settings allows you to set it up perfectly for any meal you are going to heat. The exterior of the microwave is made from top-quality stainless steel with a sturdy handle that will not fall off easily, giving it a modern and durable look.
All the bells and whistles
As a commercial appliance, the Panasonic NE-1025F offers a few special options compared to classic models. These include an anti-theft function that allows you to bolt it down to the table, this feature is useful for commercial kitchens or restaurants and we believe you will not need to use it, however, it’s there. Perhaps you have a rental property? Anyways, it has been also NSF & UL commercial approved, which means it meets the highest quality food service equipment standards. Another excellent feature of this model is its energy-saving capability, thanks to the Bottom Energy Feed System that heats food faster which allows you to use the microwave for a shorter period of time.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ 0.8 cu. ft. and 1000w of power ✔ Bottom Energy Feed System technology ✔ easy-to-read dial ✔ made to last |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ setting needs to be reset every time you open the door |
6. Panasonic NN-SB438S
A microwave that does it all
The Panasonic NN-SB438S is another smart option for those who want a small but bit larger than 0.7 microwave oven. It has a 0.9 cu. ft. capacity and 900w of power, and will easily handle larger dishes. Its dimensions of 14.8″D x 19.1″W x 11.5″H and weight of 28.2 pounds make it a steady device to put on your countertop. This model also comes with a turntable that is 10.6 inches which is actually common for 0.9 cu. ft microwaves. One of the standout features of this product is the 7 pre-set automatic programs that Panasonic has included. These programs are such as frozen entrees, frozen vegetables, fresh vegetables, pizza, leftovers, and beverages. You will also find an auto defrost function that works really well in maintaining the proper structure of products after defrosting, which is a nice feature to have.
All the features you need
This Panasonic model also includes a quick 30-second button, which is a must-have feature in any microwave nowadays. Additionally, it has 3 power level options to choose from that provide you with perfect popping popcorn every time! As for the variety of choice, Panasonic offers a range of sizes for this microwave, starting from 0.9 cu ft, to 1.2, 1.6, and ending on 2.2 cu ft, so you can choose the one that fits your needs best. This gives you the flexibility to choose the size that fits your kitchen space and cooking needs.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ 7 pre-set programs ✔ 3 power level ✔ auto defrost function is really good ✔ great casing quality |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ clock light could have been dimmed a bit |
7. General Electric JES1095BMTS
A Compact Microwave with Big Features
Here we are with another model from GE brand. It is very similar to the previous one however it’s bigger a bit. Like the rest bigger choices, this one also has a 0.9 cu. ft. capacity and 900w of power. Its dimensions of 14.5″D x 19″W x 11.5″H and are similar to the Panasonic NN-SB438S. The weight is 28 pounds, which makes it a little bit lighter however. Same as the smaller option, the most important feature of this microwave is the programmable auto or manual defrost function, which allows you to choose the best way to defrost your food. This feature is really useful for maintaining the proper structure of products after defrosting.
Design and Functionality
You can also find here a child safety lock and an interior light, which provide added security and ease of use. The design of this microwave is sleek and modern, with a casing made from stainless steel that gives it a premium look. It is available in an even bigger version with a 1.1 cu.ft capacity, which provides more space for cooking larger dishes, giving you more flexibility and options for your kitchen needs if you really need to. Overall is a really solid piece of microwave in our opinion!
| ADVANTAGES ✔ MUTE function ✔ many colors to chose from ✔ timer screen looks nice ✔ bigger weight prevents it from sliding |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ interior light should be brighter |
Talking Price: How Much Does a Small Microwave Cost?
The price of small microwaves varies greatly based on their capacity, wattage, and features. You can find a basic small microwave for as low as around $50, which will suit those on a tight budget. But if you’re looking for more advanced features and higher wattage, you might have to stretch your budget up to $500.
Remember, when purchasing a microwave, it’s not all about price. Think about your specific needs, consider the features you really need, and choose a model that offers the best value for your money.
What to look for in a microwave?
When it comes to purchasing the smallest size microwave, there are several factors to consider. Not all compact microwaves are created equal, and the best one for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and kitchen space. Here is a detailed buyer’s guide to help you navigate the world of small microwaves and find your perfect match.
1. Size Matters: Check Your Space
Before you start your hunt, measure the space where you plan to place your microwave. Keep in mind that you should also consider the internal size – even if it’s compact, you want it to be able to fit your dishes, mugs, and other items you usually heat up.
2. Wattage Equals Power
Wattage is crucial when considering a microwave. A higher wattage will heat your food more quickly and evenly. Small microwaves typically range from 600W to 1,000W. However, remember that higher wattage usually comes with a higher price tag, so balance your need for speed with your budget.
3. Features and Functions
Take a look at the functions and features that come with the microwave. Preset functions like popcorn, pizza, or potato can be handy. A defrost function, either by weight or time, is almost a necessity. Some microwaves come with a smart humidity sensor that can auto-adjust power levels and cooking times for different foods – a convenient feature, indeed!
4. Ease of Use
A user-friendly interface is a significant factor to consider. Choose a microwave with clear and easy-to-use controls. Whether you prefer dial controls or touchpad controls is a personal preference. Look for a model with a bright, easy-to-read digital display.
5. Price vs. Value
Price is always a consideration. Small microwaves can range from $50 to $500. However, remember to balance the price with value – the cheapest model isn’t always the best for your needs, and the most expensive model may have more features than you’ll ever use. Consider your budget, but also take into account the microwave’s features, size, and wattage to ensure you’re getting good value for your money.
6. Reviews and Ratings
Finally, before making your purchase, be sure to check out online reviews and ratings. Past users’ experiences can provide invaluable insight into the product’s performance over time. Look for microwaves with consistently high ratings and positive reviews.
FAQ
Q: Do small microwaves consume less power than larger ones?
A: Generally, smaller microwaves tend to consume less power as they usually have a lower wattage compared to larger models. However, the efficiency of a microwave depends more on its wattage rather than its size.
Q: Can I cook all types of food in a small microwave?
A: Most types of food that you can cook in a larger microwave can be cooked in a smaller one. However, due to the smaller interior, some larger dishes might not fit in a small microwave. Always consider the internal dimensions of the microwave to ensure your dishes can fit.
Q: Are small microwaves less efficient at heating food than larger ones?
A: Not necessarily. The efficiency of a microwave is more about wattage than size. A small microwave with a high wattage can heat food just as efficiently as a larger microwave with the same wattage.
Q: Do small microwaves have a turntable?
A: Yes, most small microwaves do include a turntable. This feature allows the food to be heated evenly by rotating it as it cooks. However, it’s always a good idea to check the specifications of a particular model to ensure it includes this feature.
Q: How long does a small microwave last?
A: The lifespan of a microwave can vary depending on usage and maintenance. On average, microwaves are expected to last around 10 years. Small microwaves are no exception. However, they may tend to last longer as they are often not used as heavily as larger models.
Q: Can a small microwave fit a standard dinner plate?
A: Many small microwaves are designed to fit a standard dinner plate, which is typically around 10.5 inches in diameter. However, it’s always best to check the internal dimensions of a specific model to ensure your dinner plates will fit.
In Summary: Wrapping Up Our Small Microwave Journey
The smallest size microwaves are incredibly versatile, packing a lot of power and utility into a compact form. They offer a solution for those with limited kitchen space and provide convenience and efficiency in cooking and reheating food.
As you embark on your quest to find the perfect small microwave, remember to consider the size, wattage, features, and price. Every individual has unique needs and preferences, so take your time to explore the market, compare different models, and find the one that best suits you.
Choosing a microwave might seem like a small decision, but it’s one that has a significant impact on your everyday life. So, here’s to finding your perfect match and embracing the convenience that comes with the smallest size microwave!
Happy microwaving!
