Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Rated Small Microwave | Counter Space Savior

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The Toshiba ML4-EM09PA stands apart in the small microwave category because it delivers 900 watts into a 0.9 cubic foot cavity — a power-to-volume ratio that reduces reheat time by about 20 percent compared to standard 700W units. The 10.6-inch glass turntable fits larger dinner plates and wide bowls, a rare advantage in this size class. Six auto menus cover popcorn, beverage, pizza, potato, frozen vegetable, and dinner plate presets, each calibrated to the higher wattage for more accurate results.

The mute function silences the end-of-cycle beep through a dedicated button press, not a hidden menu sequence, which makes it practical for office or late-night kitchen use. Eleven power levels give fine control for tasks like softening butter or defrosting delicate items. The child lock requires a two-step press sequence, meeting the latest safety standards without complicating daily use for adults.

Build quality is solid at over 25 pounds, and the rubber feet prevent sliding on smooth counter surfaces. Some users report a brief hum during the initial startup cycle, but the noise settles into a consistent operational tone. The black stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than standard stainless. For anyone prioritizing speed and plate fit without moving to a bulky 1.0+ cubic foot unit, this is the strongest contender.

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Sharp brings decades of microwave engineering into a compact 0.7 cubic foot package that prioritizes even heating and simple daily operation. The 10-inch Carousel turntable rotates food through the microwave field consistently, reducing the cold spots that plague cheaper compact units. Two-stage cooking allows you to set different power levels for different phases — defrost then cook, for example — without having to reset the machine mid-cycle.

The white LED display and gray interior are updates over previous Sharp models, improving visibility into the cavity during operation. Express Cook starts heating with a single press up to six minutes, and the +30 seconds button adds time incrementally without entering the menu system. Weight and time defrost settings cover both raw proteins and frozen meals accurately.

Build reliability is the headline here. Sharp has a long track record of manufacturing microwaves that last well past a decade — several owners report replacing 15-year-old Sharps with this model. The child safety lock requires pressing zero before opening, which prevents accidental access but adds a step every time. The stainless steel exterior resists smudges well, and the gray interior shows less staining than white cavities over time.

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Farberware’s 0.7 cubic foot model earns its place through exceptionally quiet operation and straightforward controls that require no manual interpretation. The ten power levels give you full control over cooking intensity, and the six one-touch presets — popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and reheat — are calibrated to the 700W output for predictable results. Defrost options include both weight-based and time-based settings, covering ground beef and chicken breasts equally well.

The interior dimensions measure 13 inches wide by 13.5 inches deep by 8 inches high, which fits a standard dinner plate without the plate rim scraping the door. The LED display and interior light are balanced — bright enough to read the clock across the kitchen but not harsh during nighttime use. Owners consistently note that the end-of-cycle beeps are five soft tones rather than a piercing alarm, making this model ideal for open-concept living spaces.

The child lock can be disabled by following the manual, a detail that many users appreciate once children are no longer a concern. Power consumption draws around 1659 watts input for 700 watts output, which is typical for this class. The stainless steel exterior cleans easily with a damp towel, and the glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe. For cooks who want quiet reheating without sacrificing preset convenience, this Farberware delivers.

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Chefman’s compact 0.7 cubic foot microwave packs three popular cooking presets — popcorn, beverage, and leftovers — into a stainless steel body that fits cleanly on tight countertops. The 700W output delivers consistent heating for standard reheating tasks, and the +30 seconds button makes incremental time additions intuitive. Ten power levels range from a low setting for melting chocolate to full power for rapid cooking, giving you flexibility without navigating complex menus.

The mute option is a standout in this price tier. Pressing the sound button silences all beeps, including the end-of-cycle alarm, which is a feature usually reserved for more expensive models. The child safety lock engages on the handle rather than the control panel — you pull upward on the top edge of the handle to open the door. Some users find this mechanism requires a slight adjustment period, but it eliminates the problem of accidental door opening during operation.

The glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe, and the stainless steel exterior wipes down quickly. cETL approval with advanced safety technology backs the build quality with a one-year assurance from Chefman. The model fits well in office break rooms, dorm kits, or as a secondary microwave in a home kitchen. For buyers who need a mute function on a budget, this is the practical pick.

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The BLACK+DECKER 0.7 cubic foot microwave is one of the smallest fully functional microwaves on the market, making it a favorite for van life, RV travelers, and dorm residents. The handless front gives it a clean, minimalist appearance and reduces the overall depth, allowing it to fit in shallow cabinets. The 700W output is sufficient for reheating leftovers, melting butter, and cooking frozen meals, though it runs slightly slower than higher-wattage units.

The LED display with integrated clock and kitchen timer keeps time tracking visible at a glance, and the interior LED lighting illuminates the cavity without casting harsh shadows. Six one-touch cooking programs — popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and reheat — cover the most common presets. Defrost by weight or by time gives you control over thawing speed, which is useful for raw proteins.

Some users note that the rubber feet lack grip on smooth countertops, causing the unit to shift during high-power operation. The 10-inch turntable can occasionally slide off its axis if the microwave is bumped. Despite these quirks, the build quality is consistent with BLACK+DECKER’s reputation, and the compact dimensions — 17 inches wide by 13 inches deep by 10 inches high — make it the most space-efficient option in this lineup.

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The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is built around energy-conscious design, with an ECO mode that reduces standby power consumption by 50 percent. For a small microwave that sits plugged in 24/7, this translates to measurable electricity savings over a year. The 700W output and 0.7 cubic foot cavity deliver heating performance that consistently outperforms expectations — owners report fewer cold spots than with larger GE units they previously owned.

Two defrost settings — by weight and by time — cover both precision thawing and quick defrosts. The easy one-touch express cooking function lets you press 1 through 6 for that many minutes of cooking, and the +30 seconds button adds time incrementally without interrupting the cycle. The mute function is activated by holding the sound button for three seconds, silencing all beeps for quiet operation.

The two-step child lock meets the latest safety standards and prevents unintended use by younger family members. The black stainless exterior measures 17.3 inches wide by 13 inches deep by 10.2 inches high, fitting under standard cabinets with clearance. The interior is stainless steel, which resists staining better than painted cavities. For budget-conscious buyers who want a mute function and ECO savings, this COMFEE’ model delivers strong value.

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The Commercial Chef 0.7 cubic foot microwave focuses on straightforward, no-frills operation. The 700W output handles reheating, melting butter, and cooking frozen food effectively, and the pull handle design eliminates the push-button door mechanism that can fail over time. Ten power levels give you full control, and the digital controls with an LED display allow timer settings up to 99 minutes.

One-touch quick cook settings for pizza, popcorn, frozen dinners, and potatoes cover the basics without overcomplicating the interface. The defrost system type works both by time and by weight, giving flexibility for different food types. The tempered glass inner material is easy to wipe clean, and the white finish matches most kitchen décors without clashing.

Some users note that there is no dedicated 30-second button, which means you must enter time manually for short bursts. The power cord is notably short, which limits placement options relative to outlets. The weight of 20.7 pounds provides enough stability to prevent sliding during operation. For buyers who want a simple, pull-handle microwave that just works without extra bells, this is the entry-level choice.