Small kitchens, dorms, and apartments
Best Small Countertop Microwaves (2026)
Countertop microwaves for small kitchens from the 0.7 cu ft BLACK+DECKER for dorms to the compact 1.2 cu ft Panasonic with full inverter performance.
Our top picks at a glance
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven EM720CB7
Dorms, RVs, and single users with minimal counter space.
Hamilton Beach Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft
Small households and offices with basic reheat and cook needs.
Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology NN-SN686S
Most households that want even reheating and defrosting without babysitting.
The short answer
Pick the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 for the tightest spaces, or the Panasonic NN-SN686S if you can fit 1.2 cubic feet and want inverter quality.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Capacity | Dimensions | Weight | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven EM720CB7Best Tiny Overall | 0.7 cu ft | 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches | 23.1 lb | 700 watts | Check price |
| 2Hamilton Beach Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu FtBest Small but Strong | 0.9 cu ft | 19.1 x 15.6 x 11 inches | 25.7 lb | 900 watts | Check price |
| 3Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology NN-SN686SBest Small Premium Performance | 1.2 cu ft | 20.7 x 15.8 x 12.2 inches | 25.3 lb | 1200 watts | Check price |
| 4Farberware Professional Microwave FMO11AHTBSKBest Small Family Fit | 1.1 cu ft | 20.2 x 16.9 x 12 inches | 30.5 lb | 1000 watts | Check price |
Best Tiny Overall
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven EM720CB7
Compact 0.7 cubic foot digital microwave for tight spaces.
At 17.3 inches wide, the 0.7 cubic foot EM720 fits dorms and RVs, with enough power for single servings.
Strengths
- Smallest footprint in this roundup
- Push button door and simple digital pad
- 10 power levels and auto menus for basics
- Child lock and removable turntable
Limitations
- 700 watts cooks noticeably slower
- Fits plates only up to about 10 inches
- No sensor programs
| Capacity | 0.7 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Power | 700 watts |
| Dimensions | 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches |
| Weight | 23.1 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Fits where nothing else would
- Fine for soup, drinks, and single meals
- Light to move for cleaning
- Simple for guests and kids
Common complaints
- Needs extra time versus recipes written for 1000 watts
- Small cavity limits bowls
- Door button feel is light
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: BLACK+DECKER official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Dorms, RVs, and single users with minimal counter space.
Skip if: Skip if you need fast cooking or room for large plates.
Best Small but Strong
Hamilton Beach Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft
0.9 cubic foot 900 watt microwave for apartments and offices.
900 watts in a 0.9 cubic foot body cooks faster than most compacts, for apartments that cook real meals.
Strengths
- 900 watts is strong for the compact class
- Six auto menus and weight defrost
- Fits most standard counters and carts
- Simple controls with a clear timer
Limitations
- Turntable fits plates up to about 10.5 inches
- No sensor cooking
- Basic build and door feel
| Capacity | 0.9 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Power | 900 watts |
| Dimensions | 19.1 x 15.6 x 11 inches |
| Weight | 25.7 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Perfect apartment size
- Heats faster than older compact models
- Easy for break rooms
- Good value for students
Common complaints
- Large plates do not rotate freely
- Light inside is weak
- End beeps are loud
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Hamilton Beach official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Small households and offices with basic reheat and cook needs.
Skip if: Skip if you use large dinner plates or casserole dishes regularly.
Best Small Premium Performance
Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology NN-SN686S
1.2 cubic foot inverter microwave with Genius Sensor and 14 presets.
A compact footprint for 1.2 cubic feet, plus inverter evenness, makes it the small kitchen upgrade pick.
Strengths
- Inverter delivers steady low power for even defrost and gentle reheats
- Genius Sensor adjusts time and power by steam
- 1200 watts cooks fast for its size class
- Keep warm and quick minute features suit daily use
Limitations
- No convection or air fry modes
- Door and trim are fingerprint prone
- Button pad requires firm presses
| Capacity | 1.2 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Power | 1200 watts |
| Dimensions | 20.7 x 15.8 x 12.2 inches |
| Weight | 25.3 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year limited, 5 year magnetron |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Leftovers reheat without cold spots
- Defrosting meat is noticeably more even
- Sensor popcorn and reheat are reliable
- Compact for its capacity
Common complaints
- Interior light could be brighter
- Beeps are louder than some prefer
- Door latch feel divides owners
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Panasonic official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Most households that want even reheating and defrosting without babysitting.
Skip if: Skip if you need air fry or convection modes in the same appliance.
Best Small Family Fit
Farberware Professional Microwave FMO11AHTBSK
1.1 cubic foot stainless microwave with smart sensor and multi stage cooking.
1.1 cubic feet bridges compact size and family plate capacity in apartment kitchens.
Strengths
- Smart sensor and 1000 watts cover daily jobs well
- Multi stage cooking combines defrost and cook
- LED lighting and a clear display
- Child lock and kitchen timer included
Limitations
- No inverter or mute function focus
- Finish and buttons feel budget grade
- Turntable is smaller than 1.2 cubic foot rivals
| Capacity | 1.1 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Power | 1000 watts |
| Dimensions | 20.2 x 16.9 x 12 inches |
| Weight | 30.5 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Good size for apartments
- Heats evenly for the tier
- Sensor potato and popcorn work well
- Easy to operate
Common complaints
- Door push button wears with heavy use for some owners
- Beeps are persistent
- Cord length is short
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Farberware official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Apartments that want family plate capacity without a large body.
Skip if: Skip if you defrost delicate foods often and want inverter control.
FAQ
Questions, answered straight
How much clearance does a countertop microwave need?
Leave space at the vents, usually a few inches at the back and sides and more above, per the manual. Never push a microwave flush into a closed cubby while running.
Is 700 watts enough?
For drinks, soup, and single servings, yes, with added time. For family meals and frozen entrees, 900 watts and up is noticeably better.
Can a compact microwave fit a dinner plate?
Most 0.9 cubic foot models fit a 10 to 10.5 inch plate. The 0.7 cubic foot class is tighter, so measure your plates.