Best Rated Compact Microwave Ovens for Efficient Kitchen Solutions

Choosing the best compact microwave oven can be challenging. Our list highlights top-rated models to help you decide.
Compact microwave ovens are a perfect fit for small kitchens, dorm rooms, and offices. These appliances offer convenience without taking up much space. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best-rated compact microwave ovens available in the market. We will review models from trusted brands like Panasonic, Toshiba, BLACK+DECKER, Nostalgia, and Farberware.
You’ll learn about features such as inverter technology, smart sensors, auto menus, and child safety locks. Whether you need a powerful microwave or a simple, easy-to-use option, this guide will help you find the right one. Let’s dive in and explore the top picks for compact microwave ovens.
Panasonic Microwave Oven Nn-sn686s

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a versatile and powerful kitchen appliance designed to cater to a wide range of cooking needs. With its stainless steel finish and inverter technology, this microwave oven combines style and functionality. The Genius Sensor ensures precise cooking by adjusting power and time automatically, making it a reliable addition to any kitchen.
Pros:
- Inverter Technology for even cooking and defrosting
- Genius Sensor for automatic cooking adjustments
- 1200W power for quick and efficient cooking
- Stainless Steel design for durability and modern aesthetics
- 1.2 Cubic Foot capacity, suitable for most cooking needs
Cons:
- Heavier weight at 25.5 pounds
- Larger dimensions may require more counter space
- Higher price compared to basic microwave models
The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S stands out with its inverter technology, which ensures even cooking and defrosting by maintaining a consistent power level. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who frequently use their microwave for a variety of cooking tasks, as it eliminates the common problem of overcooked edges and undercooked centers. Additionally, the Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food being prepared, taking the guesswork out of microwave cooking and ensuring perfect results every time.
With its 1200W power, this microwave oven offers quick and efficient cooking, making it a time-saver for busy households. The stainless steel design not only adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen but also ensures durability and easy maintenance. However, it is important to consider its larger dimensions and heavier weight, which may require more counter space and effort to move. Despite the higher price point, the advanced features and reliable performance of the Panasonic NN-SN686S make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality microwave oven.
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Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven

The Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is a stylish and functional appliance that brings a touch of vintage charm to any kitchen. With its 0.7 Cu. Ft. capacity and 700-watt power, this microwave is perfect for small spaces and quick reheating tasks. The LED digital display and child lock feature add modern convenience, while the easy clean interior ensures hassle-free maintenance.
Pros:
- Stylish retro design
- Compact size suitable for small kitchens
- Powerful 700-watt performance
- Convenient LED digital display
- Child lock for safety
- Easy clean interior
Cons:
- Limited 0.7 Cu. Ft. capacity
- 700-watt power may be insufficient for some tasks
- White color may show dirt easily
The Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven combines vintage aesthetics with modern functionality, making it a unique addition to any kitchen. Its compact size makes it ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or small kitchens where space is at a premium. Despite its small footprint, it packs a punch with 700 watts of cooking power, ensuring that your food is heated evenly and quickly. The LED digital display adds a contemporary touch, making it easy to set cooking times and monitor progress.
One of the standout features of this microwave is the child lock, which provides peace of mind for families with young children. The easy clean interior is another practical feature, allowing you to wipe away spills and splatters effortlessly. However, the 0.7 Cu. Ft. capacity may be limiting for larger meals, and some users may find the 700-watt power insufficient for certain cooking tasks. Additionally, the white color, while stylish, may require more frequent cleaning to maintain its pristine appearance. Overall, this microwave is a great choice for those who value style and convenience in a compact package.
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Toshiba Em131a5c-bs Countertop Microwave Oven

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a highly efficient and convenient kitchen appliance that offers a range of features for everyday cooking needs. With its 1.2 Cu Ft capacity and 12.4″ removable turntable, it accommodates various dish sizes. The smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus make cooking easier, while the mute function and ECO mode enhance user experience and energy efficiency. The easy clean interior and sleek black color add to its aesthetic appeal and practicality.
Pros:
- Smart humidity sensor for perfect cooking results
- 12 auto menus for versatile cooking options
- Mute function for quiet operation
- ECO mode for energy saving
- Easy clean interior for hassle-free maintenance
- Sleek black stainless steel design
Cons:
- Relatively large dimensions may require more counter space
- At 34.6 pounds, it can be heavy to move
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is designed to meet the needs of a modern kitchen with its advanced features and stylish design. The smart humidity sensor is particularly beneficial as it adjusts cooking time and power automatically, ensuring that your food is cooked perfectly every time. The 12 auto menus provide a variety of preset cooking options, making it easy to prepare different types of meals with the touch of a button. Additionally, the mute function allows for quiet operation, which is ideal for households where noise is a concern.
Another notable feature is the ECO mode, which helps to reduce energy consumption, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The easy clean interior simplifies the cleaning process, allowing you to maintain the microwave with minimal effort. However, it’s important to consider the dimensions of this microwave, as its large size may require more counter space. Weighing in at 34.6 pounds, it might also be cumbersome to move for some users. Overall, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS offers a blend of functionality, convenience, and style, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
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Black+decker Em720cb7 Digital Microwave Oven

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and stylish appliance designed to fit seamlessly into any kitchen. With a 700W power output and a 0.7 Cu.ft. capacity, it is perfect for small households or dorm rooms. The stainless steel finish adds a modern touch, while the push-button door and child safety lock ensure ease of use and safety.
Pros:
- Compact size, ideal for small spaces
- Stylish stainless steel finish
- 700W power output for efficient cooking
- Child safety lock for added security
- Convenient push-button door
Cons:
- Limited 0.7 Cu.ft. capacity
- Not suitable for larger dishes
- May take longer to cook compared to higher wattage models
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a versatile and reliable appliance that caters to the needs of small households. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for kitchens with limited counter space. Despite its smaller capacity, the 700W power output ensures that your meals are cooked efficiently. The stainless steel finish not only adds a sleek look to your kitchen but also makes it easy to clean.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its child safety lock, which provides peace of mind for families with young children. The push-button door mechanism is user-friendly, adding to the overall convenience of the appliance. However, its 0.7 Cu.ft. capacity may not be sufficient for larger families or those who frequently cook large dishes. Additionally, it might take slightly longer to cook food compared to higher wattage microwaves. Overall, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 offers a good balance of functionality and style, making it a great addition to any small kitchen.
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Toshiba Em925a5a-bs Countertop Microwave Oven

The TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact yet powerful appliance designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen. With a 0.9 Cu Ft capacity and a 10.6-inch removable turntable, this microwave offers ample space for cooking and reheating various dishes. It operates at 900W and includes 6 Auto Menus for convenient cooking options. Additional features like Mute Function, ECO Mode, Child Lock, and LED Lighting make it a versatile and user-friendly choice.
Pros:
- Compact Size fits easily on most countertops.
- 900W Power ensures efficient cooking and reheating.
- 6 Auto Menus provide pre-programmed settings for popular foods.
- Mute Function allows for silent operation.
- ECO Mode helps save energy.
- Child Lock enhances safety in households with children.
- LED Lighting offers clear visibility inside the microwave.
Cons:
- 0.9 Cu Ft Capacity might be too small for larger families.
- 900W Power may be insufficient for some cooking needs.
- Black Stainless Steel finish may show fingerprints easily.
The TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS Countertop Microwave Oven offers a blend of efficiency and convenience, making it an excellent choice for individuals and small families. Its compact size allows it to fit comfortably on most kitchen countertops without taking up too much space. The 900W power ensures that your food is cooked evenly and quickly, while the 6 Auto Menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular dishes. Whether you are reheating leftovers or cooking a quick meal, this microwave has you covered.
Another notable feature is the Mute Function, which is perfect for those who prefer a quieter kitchen environment. The ECO Mode is a great addition for those looking to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Safety is also a priority with the Child Lock feature, making it a suitable option for families with young children. The LED Lighting inside the microwave provides clear visibility, ensuring that you can monitor your food without having to open the door. Overall, the TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS is a reliable and versatile appliance that meets a variety of cooking needs.
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Toshiba Ml4-em09pa(bs) Small Countertop Microwave Oven

The TOSHIBA ML4-EM09PA(BS) Small Countertop Microwave Oven is an essential kitchen appliance designed for convenience and efficiency. With its sleek black stainless steel finish, this microwave not only looks modern but is also packed with features that make cooking simpler and faster.
Pros:
- Compact size perfect for dorms or small kitchens
- 6 auto menus for easy cooking
- Mute function for a quieter kitchen experience
- Child lock for safety
- 10.6-inch removable turntable for even cooking
- 900W power for efficient heating
Cons:
- 0.9 Cu Ft capacity might be too small for larger families
- Limited to 900W power, which may be less powerful compared to larger models
The TOSHIBA ML4-EM09PA(BS) Small Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile and compact appliance, ideal for those with limited space. Its sleek design in black stainless steel ensures that it fits seamlessly into any modern kitchen decor. The microwave is equipped with 6 auto menus that simplify the cooking process, making it easier for users to prepare a variety of dishes with just a press of a button.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its mute function, which allows for a quieter cooking experience, making it perfect for dorm rooms or shared living spaces. Additionally, the child lock feature provides added safety, preventing accidental use by children. Although its 0.9 Cu Ft capacity may not be suitable for larger families, it is an excellent choice for individuals or couples. The 10.6-inch removable turntable ensures even cooking, and with 900W of power, it offers efficient heating for most cooking needs.
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Black+decker Countertop Microwave Oven

The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance designed to simplify your cooking experience. With its 0.9 Cu Ft capacity, this microwave offers 6 Auto Menus, a Child Lock, a Memory Function, and 10 Power Levels. The Easy One-Touch Start and Digital Panel make it user-friendly, while the 900W power ensures quick and even cooking. The Stainless Steel finish adds a sleek touch to any kitchen decor. Manufactured by Black Decker, this microwave measures 10.7 inches in height, 18.6 inches in width, and 13.2 inches in length, and weighs 26.0 pounds.
Pros:
- 0.9 Cu Ft capacity
- 6 Auto Menus for easy cooking
- Child Lock for safety
- Memory Function for convenience
- 10 Power Levels for versatility
- Easy One-Touch Start
- Digital Panel for easy navigation
- 900W power for efficient cooking
- Stainless Steel finish for a modern look
Cons:
- 0.9 Cu Ft capacity may be small for larger families
- 26.0 pounds weight can be cumbersome to move
The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven stands out for its compact size and powerful performance. Its 0.9 Cu Ft capacity is ideal for small to medium-sized kitchens, and the 6 Auto Menus provide preset options for popular dishes, making meal preparation a breeze. The Child Lock feature ensures safety in households with children, while the Memory Function allows users to save their favorite settings for quick access. Additionally, the 10 Power Levels offer precise control over cooking, defrosting, and reheating.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its Easy One-Touch Start, which simplifies the cooking process with a single press of a button. The Digital Panel is intuitive and easy to read, enhancing the overall user experience. With 900W of power, this microwave delivers quick and even cooking results. The Stainless Steel finish not only adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen but also makes the appliance easy to clean and maintain. However, the 0.9 Cu Ft capacity may not be sufficient for larger families, and the 26.0 pounds weight can make it challenging to relocate the microwave if needed.
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Farberware Fm11bka Compact Countertop Microwave Oven

The Farberware FM11BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is a sleek and efficient kitchen appliance designed to cater to your cooking needs. With a power output of 1100 watts, this microwave offers quick and even cooking. It features an LED lighting system, a child lock for safety, and an easy clean grey interior. The compact design in black makes it a stylish addition to any kitchen.
Pros:
- High power output of 1100 watts for efficient cooking.
- Compact size fits easily on any countertop.
- LED lighting for better visibility.
- Child lock feature ensures safety.
- Easy clean grey interior simplifies maintenance.
Cons:
- Limited interior space may not accommodate larger dishes.
- Lack of advanced cooking settings compared to other models.
- Black color might show fingerprints and smudges easily.
The Farberware FM11BKA Microwave Oven stands out with its compact design and high power output of 1100 watts, making it an excellent choice for small kitchens or office spaces. The LED lighting enhances visibility inside the microwave, allowing you to monitor your food as it cooks. Additionally, the child lock feature provides peace of mind for households with young children, ensuring that the appliance is used safely.
One of the key highlights of this microwave is its easy clean grey interior, which makes maintenance a breeze. However, the limited interior space might be a drawback for those who need to cook larger dishes regularly. While it offers basic functionality, the absence of more advanced cooking settings might be a limitation for some users. Despite these minor cons, the Farberware FM11BKA remains a reliable and stylish option for those looking for a compact and efficient microwave oven.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Special About Panasonic Nn-sn686s Microwave?
The Panasonic NN-SN686S features inverter technology and a genius sensor. It provides consistent heating and cooking. It has a 1. 2 cubic foot capacity and 1200W power.
How Does The Nostalgia Retro Microwave Perform?
The Nostalgia Retro microwave offers 700W power and a 0. 7 cubic foot capacity. It has an LED digital display, child lock, and easy clean interior.
What Are The Key Features Of Toshiba Em131a5c-bs?
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS has a smart humidity sensor, 12 auto menus, and a mute function. It includes a 1. 2 cubic foot capacity and 1100W power.
Does The Black+decker Em720cb7 Have A Child Lock?
Yes, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 includes a child safety lock. It also has a push-button door and 0. 7 cubic foot capacity with 700W power.
Is The Toshiba Em925a5a-bs Easy To Clean?
Yes, the TOSHIBA EM925A5A-BS features an easy clean interior. It has a 0. 9 cubic foot capacity, 900W power, and 6 auto menus.
What Makes The Farberware Fm11bka Microwave Stand Out?
The Farberware FM11BKA offers 1100W power with a 1. 1 cubic foot capacity. It features LED lighting and a child lock.
Conclusion
Choosing the best compact microwave oven can be a challenge. Each model has unique features and benefits. The panasonic nn-sn686s offers powerful cooking with its inverter technology. Nostalgia’s retro design adds charm to any kitchen space. Toshiba’s em131a5c-bs stands out with smart humidity sensors and eco mode.
Black+decker em720cb7 is great for safety with its child lock feature. The toshiba em925a5a-bs combines efficiency and convenience with multiple auto menus. Another solid choice is the toshiba ml4-em09pa(bs), perfect for small spaces with its compact design. The black+decker countertop microwave oven provides easy one-touch start and memory function.
Farberware’s fm11bka is ideal for quick and even cooking. Consider your kitchen needs and space before making a choice. Each of these microwaves brings something special to the table. Happy cooking!