9 Best Rated Small Countertop Microwaves (November 2026)
The best small countertop microwaves for tight counters include the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven (best overall), the COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven for the smallest counter, and the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. for one-touch presets.
On this page (7 sections)
- Best rated small countertop microwaves, ranked
- How these small microwaves compare
- What size small microwave fits a tight counter?
- Is 700W enough, or should you buy 1000W?
- Which controls make a small microwave easier to live with?
- What should you check before buying a compact microwave?
- Verdict: which small countertop microwave should you buy?
The best rated small countertop microwave for most tight kitchens is the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, a 1.2 cu ft model with a smart humidity sensor that adjusts time and power on its own. Its 20.6-inch width leaves room beside it, and the 12.4-inch turntable takes full dinner plates.
If your counter strip is narrower than that, the COMFEE' 0.7 cu ft is the best rated small countertop microwave for sheer compactness at 17.3 inches wide.
Counter space is the first limit, but it's not the only one. The rated models split into two clear groups: 0.7 cu ft ovens that fit almost anywhere and 1.1 to 1.2 cu ft ovens that still count as small but handle bigger dishes.
Knowing which group your counter allows narrows the list quickly.
If you're weighing a counter model against a built-in look, our countertop vs over-the-range microwave comparison covers the trade-offs. For the full set of specs to check, the countertop microwave buying guide walks through size, power and controls.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for one-touch presetsChefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itBLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven
Best stainless look for small spaces - 5
Check itChefman Compact Countertop Microwave
Best simple controls - 6
Check itFarberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 cu.ft. 1000
Best for multi-stage cooking - 7
Check itBLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave
Best for larger plates - 8
Check itTOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
Best for preset variety - 9
Best for big leftoversCheck it
Best rated small countertop microwaves, ranked
The Toshiba 1.2 cu ft takes the top spot for its sensor cooking and reasonable footprint. Below it, each pick earns its place for a different buyer, from the smallest counter to the biggest leftovers.
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven: Best overall
- 1.2 cu ft
- 1000W
- Smart humidity sensor
- 6 preset menus
- 12.4-inch turntable
A sensor oven that fits a 20.6-inch width. The humidity sensor and six presets do the timing work for everyday reheats.
Pros
- Humidity sensor adjusts time and power
- Ten power levels and one-touch start
- Defrost by weight or time
Cons
- Bigger footprint than the 0.7 cu ft picks
- Mute and eco settings take a few button presses
The Toshiba 1.2 cu ft is the strongest all-round choice for a tight kitchen that still cooks real meals. Its humidity sensor reads steam and adjusts cooking time and power, so vegetables and leftovers come out even without a guessed time.
It's 20.6 inches wide and 14.6 inches deep, which leaves a strip of counter free next to it. The 12.4-inch glass turntable takes a full dinner plate, and 1000W output reheats a plate of food quickly.
The body weighs 34.8 pounds and sits on a roller ring with the removable turntable, so cleaning under it is a lift-out job rather than a wipe around.
Six preset menus cover pizza, veggies and sensor reheat, and ten power levels let you drop low to melt butter. Defrost works by weight or by time, and one-touch start runs from 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
A kitchen timer runs alongside the clock, and the easy-clean interior wipes down without soaking.
The trade-off against the 0.7 cu ft picks is width: this model needs about 3 inches more counter. Choose it if you have that room and want sensor cooking without stepping up to a full-size cabinet.
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for the smallest counter
- 0.7 cu ft
- 700W
- Mute function
- Eco mode
- Two defrost settings
The smallest footprint here at 17.3 inches wide. Mute and eco modes suit a dorm, office or open kitchen.
Pros
- Smallest footprint in this group
- One-touch express cooking from 1 to 6 minutes
- Child lock and eco mode
Cons
- 700W takes longer on dense food
- 0.7 cu ft limits large plates
The COMFEE' 0.7 cu ft is the pick when the counter strip is genuinely narrow. At 17.3 inches wide and 10.2 inches tall, it slots under most upper cabinets and into dorm or office nooks where larger ovens won't fit.
It weighs just 20.2 pounds, so one person can move it between spots without help.
It runs 700W from a 1050W input, so it handles leftovers and drinks well but takes longer on frozen or dense food. One-touch express cooking runs from 1 to 6 minutes plus a +30 seconds button, and two defrost settings cover weight and time.
The enameled steel interior and removable turntable keep cleanup simple.
Eco mode trims standby power, and the mute function silences the beeps for a quiet shared space. A two-step child lock adds protection in a home with young kids, and the LED display shows the clock and a kitchen timer.
The trade-off against the Toshiba is cooking muscle and interior room. Pick the COMFEE' when fitting the space matters more than speed, and move up to a 1.1 or 1.2 cu ft model when you regularly cook for more than one.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.: Best for one-touch presets
- 0.7 cu ft
- 700W
- Six cooking presets
- Mute button
- Dishwasher-safe turntable
Six presets cover popcorn, pizza, drinks, veggies, potatoes and leftovers. The glass turntable goes in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Pros
- Six presets plus express number keys
- Lowest height here at 9.53 in
- Child safety lock on the handle
Cons
- 700W output
- 0.7 cu ft interior
The Chefman 0.7 cu ft suits a kitchen that wants one button per snack. Six presets cover popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes and leftovers, so most everyday jobs need a single press.
Its height is the lowest here at 9.53 inches, which helps when the gap under a cabinet is tight. The width of 17.52 inches and depth of 12.93 inches keep it within compact territory, and the 23.8-pound body is light enough to shift.
Ten power levels run from a low melt setting to full power, and the +30 seconds button adds time without resetting the cook.
The glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe, and the black exterior wipes clean with a damp cloth. A child safety lock on the handle keeps the door shut, and the mute option silences beeps.
The unit is cETL approved and carries a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
Against the COMFEE', it offers more presets but the same 700W output and 0.7 cu ft interior. Choose it when preset variety and a low profile matter more than raw power.
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven: Best stainless look for small spaces
- 0.7 cu ft
- 700W
- Stainless steel front
- Six pre-programmed buttons
- 10-inch turntable
A stainless finish at a compact width. Six preset buttons and 30-second express cooking keep daily reheats quick.
Pros
- Stainless front suits open kitchens
- Push-button door release
- 10 power settings
Cons
- 700W output
- Interior light is dim in a bright room
The BLACK+DECKER 0.7 cu ft brings a stainless front to a compact body. It's 17.3 inches wide and 10.2 inches tall, so it fits the same narrow spots as the COMFEE' while looking at home in an open kitchen.
The stainless door frame and glass inner material give it a cleaner front than the black boxes in this group.
Six pre-programmed buttons cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate. Ten power settings and 30-second express cooking handle the rest, and a 10-inch turntable takes smaller plates and bowls.
The rated input is 1050W, and the unit is UL approved with a one-year limited warranty.
The push-button door release is easy to use one-handed. A child safety lock adds a layer of safety, and the LED display shows the clock and a kitchen timer.
Two defrost options let you thaw by time or by weight.
The trade-off is the same as its 0.7 cu ft peers: less room and 700W output. Pick it when you want the compact size with a stainless look rather than a black cabinet.
Chefman Compact Countertop Microwave: Best simple controls
- 0.7 cu ft
- 700W
- Three presets
- Mute option
- Stainless finish
Three presets and a +30 seconds button cover the basics without a crowded keypad. A quiet pick for a small shared kitchen.
Pros
- Fewer presets means simpler use
- Mute option silences beeps
- Child safety lock on the handle
Cons
- Fewer cooking presets than the other 0.7 cu ft picks
- 700W output
The Chefman Compact 0.7 cu ft is the simplest oven in this group. Three presets cover popcorn, beverages and leftovers, and the number keys set cook time in whole minutes, so there's less to learn on day one.
It's 17.52 inches wide and 9.53 inches tall, matching the other compact Chefman's low profile. The stainless body weighs 21.6 pounds and carries a 10 power level range.
Time and weight defrost plus a +30 seconds button cover the everyday jobs.
A mute option silences beeps, and the child safety lock on the handle keeps the door shut in a busy kitchen. The stainless finish wipes clean and suits most decors.
A digital timer rounds out the display.
The trade-off against the six-preset Chefman is fewer one-touch options. Pick this one when you want a compact oven with straightforward controls and don't need a preset for every food.
Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 cu.ft. 1000: Best for multi-stage cooking
- 1.2 cu ft
- 1000W
- Multi-stage cooking
- Six one-touch options
- Child safety lock
Multi-stage cooking strings two power levels together in one run. A 1.2 cu ft interior for households that cook more than they reheat.
Pros
- Multi-stage cooking in one program
- Ten power levels
- Memory function saves favorite settings
Cons
- Second-deepest cabinet here, behind the GE at 18.7 inches
- Smart sensor cooking comes without a humidity sensor figure
The Farberware 1.2 cu ft suits households that cook, not just reheat. Its multi-stage cooking strings two power levels together in one program, handy for defrosting then cooking without resetting the oven.
It runs 1000W with ten power levels and six one-touch options including popcorn, potato and pizza. The memory function saves a favorite time and power combination for repeat use.
Defrost by weight or time handles frozen meat and casseroles without a manual turn.
At 20.5 inches wide and 17.3 inches deep, it's the second-deepest here, behind the GE at 18.7 inches, so check the counter depth before you commit. The 1.2 cu ft interior and easy-clean interior and exterior suit a small family kitchen.
A clear LED display with kitchen timer, interior lighting and a child safety lock complete the package.
The trade-off against the top Toshiba is the extra depth. Choose it when multi-stage cooking and a saved memory program matter more than sensor reheating.
BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave: Best for larger plates
- 1.1 cu ft
- 1000W
- 12.4-inch turntable
- Six pre-programmed buttons
- Stainless front
A 12.4-inch turntable handles dinner plates better than the 0.7 cu ft models. Stainless front, push-button door and six presets.
Pros
- 12.4-inch turntable fits larger plates
- 1000W output
- 30-second express cooking
Cons
- No sensor cooking
- 20.6-inch width is not the smallest
The BLACK+DECKER 1.1 cu ft fills the gap between compact and full-size. Its 12.4-inch turntable takes dinner plates that the 0.7 cu ft models can't, while the 20.6-inch width stays within small-counter limits.
It weighs 31.2 pounds, heavier than the compact picks but still movable with two hands.
It runs 1000W from a 1600W input with ten power settings and 30-second express cooking. Six pre-programmed buttons cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate, so everyday jobs stay quick.
The push-button door and LED display are easy to read and use. A child safety lock adds safety, and the stainless door frame with a black enclosure suits a modern kitchen.
Depth is 14.8 inches, which is less than the Farberware despite the similar width.
The trade-off against the Toshiba 1.2 cu ft is the missing sensor, so you set times yourself. Pick it when you want larger-plate room and 1000W power without the extra features.
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor: Best for preset variety
- 1.2 cu ft
- 1000W
- 13 preset menus
- Smart sensor
- Black stainless finish
Thirteen preset menus go beyond the usual snacks. The black stainless finish suits darker kitchens.
Pros
- 13 preset menus with sensor cook
- Memory function saves settings
- Mute mode
Cons
- No humidity sensor detail beyond the smart sensor
- 20.6-inch width
The Toshiba Smart Sensor 1.2 cu ft is for buyers who want the most preset choices. Thirteen preset menus cover dishes, snacks and beverages, and the smart sensor handles the cook time on sensor programs.
The black stainless finish and glass turntable give it a modern look in a dark kitchen.
It runs 1000W with ten power levels and defrost by weight or time. A memory function saves and recalls a favorite setting, and mute mode silences the beeps for quiet hours.
A two-step child lock is included as a standard safety feature.
The dimensions match the top Toshiba at 20.6 inches wide and 14.8 inches deep, so it needs the same counter strip. The 12.4-inch turntable takes standard plates and the controls are touch buttons.
The trade-off against the top pick is fewer power levels in its sensor routine and a darker look some kitchens won't want. Pick it when preset variety and a black stainless finish matter more.
GE Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for big leftovers
- 1.6 cu ft
- 1150W
- Sensor cooking controls
- Eight convenience settings
- Stainless steel
The largest cabinet here, at 1.6 cu ft and 1150W. Suits family-size leftovers but asks for more counter depth.
Pros
- 1.6 cu ft and 1150W
- Sensor cooking controls
- Eight convenience cook settings
Cons
- Largest footprint in this group
- Needs 3 inches of clearance on each side and above
The GE 1.6 cu ft is the biggest cabinet here and the least "small" of the group. It suits a kitchen that wants family-size leftovers and 1150W power but can spare a deeper counter spot.
It's 21.3 inches wide and 18.7 inches deep, so measure the counter depth before ordering. The body weighs 39 pounds, the heaviest pick here.
Sensor cooking controls monitor moisture and adjust time, and eight convenience settings cover the usual foods.
One-touch express cooking and a digital keypad handle the rest. Manual and auto defrost thaw frozen food evenly, and a child lock adds safety in shared spaces.
The removable glass turntable and roller ring make cleaning straightforward.
The trade-off against every other pick is the footprint: this model needs 3 inches of clearance on each side and above plus 1 inch at the rear. Choose it only when big batches matter more than a small counter footprint.
How these small microwaves compare
These picks were compared on cabinet size, power, turntable size and the controls that matter on a small counter. The group splits into 0.7 cu ft ovens for tight spots and 1.1 to 1.2 cu ft ovens for bigger dishes.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Size (W x D x H) | Power | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven | overall | 1.2 cu ft | 20.6 x 14.6 x 11.8 in | 1000W | 9.6 |
| COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven | the smallest counter | 0.7 cu ft | 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 in | 700W | 9.5 |
| Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. | one-touch presets | 0.7 cu ft | 17.52 x 12.93 x 9.53 in | 700W | 9.5 |
| BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven | stainless look for small spaces | 0.7 cu ft | 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 in | 700W | 9.4 |
| Chefman Compact Countertop Microwave | simple controls | 0.7 cu ft | 17.52 x 12.93 x 9.53 in | 700W | 8.8 |
| Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 cu.ft. 1000 | multi-stage cooking | 1.2 cu ft | 20.5 x 17.3 x 12.8 in | 1000W | 8.6 |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave | larger plates | 1.1 cu ft | 20.6 x 14.8 x 11.8 in | 1000W | 8.5 |
| TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor | preset variety | 1.2 cu ft | 20.6 x 14.8 x 11.8 in | 1000W | 8.3 |
| GE Countertop Microwave Oven | big leftovers | 1.6 cu ft | 21.3 x 18.7 x 12.36 in | 1150W | 7.9 |
The score weighs specs, features and how well each model fits what a small-counter shopper wants. A compact cabinet, clear controls and enough power for daily reheats carry the most weight.
Sensor cooking and preset variety lift the top picks, while a bigger footprint pulls a model down when the keyword is small.
What size small microwave fits a tight counter?
Measure your free counter strip first: the ovens here run 17.3 to 21.3 inches wide, so a gap of 21 inches or more opens the whole list. A strip closer to 17 inches limits you to the 0.7 cu ft models.
Depth matters just as much. The compact picks sit at 13 inches deep, while the 1.1 to 1.2 cu ft models need 14.6 to 17.3 inches.
Leave a few inches behind for the vent and the door swing. The 1.1 cu ft BLACK+DECKER at 14.8 inches deep is a middle option when width is the only tight limit.
Height decides whether an oven fits under an upper cabinet. The compact models run about 9.5 to 10.2 inches tall, and the larger 1.2 cu ft models reach 11.8 to 12.8 inches.
Measure the gap before you buy.
When 0.7 cu ft is the right call
The 0.7 cu ft size suits a dorm, office, RV or a kitchen where the microwave is a backup to a full-size oven. Its 10-inch turntable fits bowls and smaller plates, and 700W output reheats a single portion fine.
The lighter 20 to 24 pound bodies also mean you can move one between counters or pack it for a move without help.
When to step up to 1.1 or 1.2 cu ft
Choose 1.1 or 1.2 cu ft when you heat full dinner plates or cook for two or more. The 12.4-inch turntable takes standard plates, and 1000W power cuts time on frozen meals.
The 1.6 cu ft GE is a step beyond even this group. If your counter allows more width still, our roundup of large countertop microwaves covers bigger cabinets.
Is 700W enough, or should you buy 1000W?
700W is enough for leftovers, drinks and vegetables, while 1000W is the better call for frozen meals and dense food. The difference shows up in time, not in whether the food gets hot.
The 0.7 cu ft picks here all run 700W and draw about 1050W at the wall. They heat a plate of leftovers in a few minutes and handle coffee and snacks without trouble.
A frozen dinner takes longer and can heat unevenly, so stir or turn it partway.
The 1.1 and 1.2 cu ft models run 1000W from a 1600W input and cut that time. If frozen food is a regular part of your week, the extra power earns its space.
The GE goes further at 1150W but asks for a bigger cabinet.
Matching power to how you cook
Reheating and steaming lean toward 700W in a small cabinet. Defrosting meat and cooking from frozen lean toward 1000W.
Pick the lower power only when the smaller size is the priority. The lower draw also matters in a dorm or office where several appliances share one outlet.
Which controls make a small microwave easier to live with?
One-touch presets and a +30 seconds button save the most time, because they skip the keypad for the foods you heat most. Sensor cooking goes further and adjusts the time for you.
Presets cover popcorn, potato, pizza, beverages, vegetables and leftovers on most models here. The Chefman 0.7 cu ft offers six, and the Toshiba Smart Sensor offers thirteen.
More presets help when your habits match them. The Chefman Compact keeps it to three for buyers who would rather press numbers.
A +30 seconds button adds time without resetting the cook. It's on the Chefman and Toshiba models and saves a step when food needs a little longer.
Sensor cooking uses a humidity sensor to read steam and stop at the right point. The top Toshiba and the GE use it.
It's the most useful extra when you reheat vegetables and leftovers often. The Farberware memory function is the alternative for cooks who repeat the same two-stage program.
Mute, eco and child lock
Mute silences the beeps for open kitchens and shared spaces. Eco mode trims standby power.
A child lock keeps the door shut around young kids. Most picks here carry at least two of the three.
The COMFEE' pairs eco mode with a two-step lock, while the Toshiba 1.2 cu ft bundles mute and eco together.
What should you check before buying a compact microwave?
Check the footprint and vent clearance first, then match power and presets to your cooking. A model that doesn't fit the counter is the wrong buy no matter how many features it has.
Width, depth and height all need to clear your space. Leave a few inches around the sides and rear for airflow, and keep the top vent open.
The GE model asks for 3 inches on each side and above plus 1 inch at the rear.
Turntable size decides what fits inside. A 10-inch turntable takes bowls and smaller plates, while 12.4 inches takes full dinner plates.
Measure your most-used plate before choosing. The removable turntables on these models also lift out for cleaning.
Controls and finish come last. Pick a finish that matches your kitchen and controls you'll actually use.
If a white appliance fits your kitchen better, our roundup of white countertop microwaves has matching picks.
Fit and clearance basics
Measure the gap under the cabinet and the free counter depth. Allow for the door swing and the rear vent.
A compact model gives you more room to spare on all sides. On the wider 1.2 cu ft picks, confirm the door opens without hitting a wall or the fridge.
Verdict: which small countertop microwave should you buy?
The TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven (1.2 cu ft) is the best rated small countertop microwave for most kitchens, because its humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of daily reheats and its 20.6-inch width still fits a tight counter. Pick the COMFEE' 0.7 cu ft when inches are the hard limit, or the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 cu ft for a stainless look in the same compact size.
The Farberware 1.2 cu ft suits multi-stage cooking, and the GE 1.6 cu ft is the choice only when big leftovers matter more than a small footprint.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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3
Best for one-touch presets
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a small countertop microwave?
Small usually means a footprint under about 21 inches wide and a cabinet of 0.7 to 1.2 cu ft. The 0.7 cu ft models here are about 17.3 to 17.5 inches wide and fit a narrow strip of counter.
Is 700W enough for everyday reheating?
Yes, 700W handles leftovers, coffee, vegetables and snacks without trouble. It takes longer on dense or frozen food, so a 1000W model saves time if you cook from frozen often.
How much clearance does a small microwave need?
Leave a few inches on each side and above, and keep the rear vent open. The GE model asks for 3 inches on each side and above plus 1 inch at the back, so check your cabinet gap before you buy.
Can a small microwave fit under a cabinet?
Many 0.7 cu ft models are around 10 inches tall, which clears most upper cabinets. Measure the gap between your counter and cabinet first, then match it to the height in the specs.
What does smart sensor mean on a microwave?
A humidity sensor reads steam as food cooks and adjusts time and power to match. The Toshiba 1.2 cu ft uses this to avoid overcooking vegetables and leftovers without you guessing a time.
Do small microwaves fit full-size dinner plates?
A 0.7 cu ft model with a 10-inch turntable fits smaller plates, while the 1.1 and 1.2 cu ft picks here run a 12.4-inch turntable that takes standard dinner plates.
