Best Microwaves for Small Apartments (2026 Guide)

If you’ve ever tried to squeeze a “compact” microwave onto an 18-inch-deep apartment counter only to watch the door swing open into your coffee maker, you already know that choosing a microwave for a small space is a different exercise than choosing the most powerful model on the shelf. Wattage matters, but for apartment dwellers, dorm residents, and anyone working with a shallow counter, exterior depth, door clearance, noise, and how much you can actually fit inside the cavity often matter more.

This guide is built specifically around those constraints. Instead of just ranking popular models, it walks through what to measure before you buy, how capacity and wattage numbers translate into real cooking time, and which microwaves currently on the market offer a genuinely good fit for small kitchens — based on published manufacturer specifications and independent testing from outlets like RTINGS and Consumer Reports.

A quick note on transparency: KitchenCraftersHub has not laboratory-tested the models below ourselves. What follows is editorial analysis based on manufacturer specifications, retailer listings, and independent test data, with manufacturer claims and third-party testing clearly distinguished. Prices and availability change often, so treat any dollar figures here as a starting point to verify before you buy.

Quick Picks Comparison Table

Microwave	Capacity	Wattage	Width	Depth	Height	Best For	Key Advantage
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7	0.7 cu. ft.	700W	17.3″	13.0″	10.2″	Tightest budgets, shallow counters	Smallest footprint at the lowest price
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB	0.7 cu. ft.	700W	17.3″	13.0″	10.2″	Late-night, quiet apartments	Mute function + ECO standby mode
Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS)	0.9 cu. ft.	900W	18.7″	14.7″	10.7″	Everyday all-around use	Balance of capacity, power, and price
Breville Compact Wave Soft Close	0.9 cu. ft.	900W	19.1″	16.4″	11.5″	Noise-sensitive studios, shared walls	Soft-close door engineered to be quieter
Panasonic NN-SN686SR	1.2 cu. ft.	1200W	20.7″	15.8″	12.2″	Couples, meal-preppers who need more room	Inverter tech + sensor cooking in a still-compact body

All dimensions are exterior width x depth x height as published by the manufacturer or listed retailer. Always double-check current specs on the manufacturer’s product page before ordering, since running product changes can shift measurements slightly.

Why Choosing a Microwave for an Apartment Is Different

A generic “best microwave” roundup optimizes for cooking performance and features. That’s fine if you have a full kitchen. In a small apartment, studio, or dorm, you’re also solving a spatial puzzle: How much of your counter can you actually give up? Will the door open without hitting a cabinet or backsplash? Can it sit safely near a coffee maker or toaster without overheating? Will it wake up a roommate at midnight?

Five apartment-specific factors deserve more weight than they usually get in general buying guides:

• Limited counter space. Even a few extra inches of width or depth can be the difference between a microwave that fits and one that doesn’t.
• Shallow counters. Many apartment counters — especially in galley kitchens or kitchenettes — are shallower than standard 24-inch counters, so depth is often the real constraint, not width.
• Noise. In a studio or a unit with thin walls, a loud fan or hard-slamming door is more noticeable than it would be in a house.
• Realistic capacity. A 0.7 cu. ft. microwave and a 0.9 cu. ft. microwave look similar in a list, but the difference shows up the first time you try to fit a large dinner plate or a tall mug.
• Power and ventilation. Lower-wattage compact models cook more slowly, and every countertop microwave needs airflow space around it to run safely — something that’s easy to overlook when you’re trying to save space.

How to Choose the Best Microwave for a Small Apartment

1. Measure Your Counter First

Before comparing a single model, get a tape measure and record:

• Available width — the clear horizontal space where the microwave will sit
• Available depth — the distance from the wall or backsplash to the front edge of the counter
• Height clearance — especially if the microwave will go under a cabinet
• Door-opening space — how far the door needs to swing open, plus room to reach in
• Surrounding clearance — space on the sides, top, and back for ventilation

Write these numbers down and keep them next to you while shopping. It’s the single most effective way to avoid ordering something that’s “compact” on paper but doesn’t work in your kitchen.

2. Choose the Right Capacity

Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet, and for small kitchens the realistic range is roughly 0.7 to 1.2 cu. ft.

• 0.7 cu. ft. is the smallest common size. It suits single servings, mugs, small bowls, and most frozen dinners, but a full-size 10-11 inch dinner plate can be a tight fit or may not fit at all.
• 0.9 cu. ft. offers noticeably more interior room while keeping a compact exterior footprint. It comfortably fits most standard dinner plates and taller containers.
• 1.0 cu. ft. and above starts to accommodate larger casserole dishes and bigger portions, which matters if you’re cooking for two or meal-prepping in bulk, but the exterior footprint grows accordingly.

3. Consider Wattage

Wattage determines how fast food heats, not how “good” the microwave is.

• 700W models take noticeably longer to heat and reheat food, and can leave cold spots in the center of dense items like casseroles.
• 900W is a comfortable middle ground for daily reheating, frozen meals, and most cooking tasks.
• 1000-1200W heats faster and more evenly, which matters more if you’re cooking full meals rather than just reheating.

A lower-wattage microwave isn’t a dealbreaker for someone who mostly reheats coffee and leftovers, but it will change how long dinner takes on a busy night.

4. Don’t Ignore Microwave Depth

Width gets the most attention in listings, but depth is frequently the number that actually determines fit in an apartment. A microwave that’s narrower than your available space can still be too deep to sit flush on a shallow counter, leaving it hanging over the edge or blocking a cabinet door. When comparing models, check the depth measurement specifically — not just the overall footprint — against your available counter depth.

5. Check Dinner-Plate Fit

Cubic-foot capacity is a volume measurement, and it doesn’t tell you the interior width, depth, or height — which is what actually determines whether your dishes fit. Two microwaves with the same advertised capacity can have differently shaped cavities. If you regularly reheat on a standard 10-11 inch dinner plate, look for published interior dimensions or turntable diameter (generally 10-13 inches on the models in this guide) rather than relying on the cubic-foot number alone.

6. Consider Noise

Noise is easy to overlook until you’re living with it. In a studio apartment, an open-plan kitchen, or a shared space, a loud exhaust fan or a hard-slamming door is more disruptive than it would be in a larger home. Features like soft-close doors, mute functions for the end-of-cooking beep, and quieter fan designs are worth prioritizing if you’ll be using the microwave late at night or around a sleeping roommate.

7. Choose Controls You Will Actually Use

Control types range from simple dials to full touch panels:

• Dial controls are the most tactile and often the easiest to use without looking, but offer less precision.
• Button panels with pre-programmed options (popcorn, beverage, pizza, defrost) speed up everyday tasks.
• One-touch/quick-start buttons let you start cooking at full power for a set time with a single press — useful for reheating coffee or leftovers.
• Sensor cooking uses humidity/steam sensors to automatically adjust time and power, reducing guesswork and the chance of overcooking.

Pick based on how you’ll actually use the microwave day to day, not which panel looks most advanced in a photo.

8. Think About Cleaning

A removable glass turntable is standard on nearly every countertop microwave and makes cleanup far easier than a flatbed design that traps crumbs in corners. Look for a smooth interior with minimal seams, and consider how easily grease or food splatter wipes off the specific interior material (painted steel vs. enameled steel vs. stainless).

9. Consider Ventilation and Clearance

Every countertop microwave needs airflow to operate safely and avoid overheating. Manufacturers typically specify a minimum clearance — often a few inches on the sides, top, and back — in the included manual. Don’t wedge a microwave into a cabinet nook or bookshelf that doesn’t meet that spec, even if it technically fits. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions rather than estimating.

Recommended Microwaves for Small Apartments

Models below were selected using this priority order: space efficiency, useful cooking capacity, heating performance, ease of use, noise, practical apartment-specific features, reliability/value, and finally price. The “best” model still depends heavily on your own counter space and cooking habits — a great pick for a dorm desk may be the wrong pick for a couple’s kitchenette.

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7

A budget-oriented 0.7 cu. ft. microwave that’s one of the most compact and widely available options for very tight counters.

Key Specifications

• Capacity: 0.7 cu. ft.
• Wattage: 700W
• Dimensions: 17.3″W x 13.0″D x 10.2″H
• Turntable: 10-inch removable glass
• Controls: Digital button panel with pre-set options (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, dinner plate)
• Power levels: 10
• Safety: Child safety lock

What We Like
Its small footprint and shallow 13-inch depth make it one of the easiest models here to fit on a narrow counter. The price point is consistently among the lowest of any name-brand option, and the pre-programmed buttons cover the most common apartment reheating tasks.

What Could Be Better
At 700W, it’s slower to heat than the 900W+ options on this list, and some owner reviews note that the manual calls for a full three inches of clearance on all sides — worth planning for even on a small unit.

Best For
Anyone prioritizing the lowest price and smallest footprint over speed — dorm rooms, secondary kitchenettes, or backup microwaves.

Small-Apartment Fit
Its 13-inch depth is shallow enough for most narrow apartment counters, and its light weight (about 22.5 lbs) makes it easy to move if you relocate often, which is common for renters.

COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB

Nearly identical in size to the BLACK+DECKER above, but built around quiet, late-night use.

Key Specifications

• Capacity: 0.7 cu. ft.
• Wattage: 700W
• Dimensions: 17.3″W x 13.0″D x 10.2″H
• Turntable: Removable glass
• Controls: Digital button panel, 9 auto-cook programs
• Power levels: 11
• Extras: Mute function, ECO standby mode (reduces standby power), child safety lock

What We Like
The mute function is a genuinely useful apartment feature — it lets you silence the end-of-cooking beeps for late-night reheats without waking anyone up, and the ECO mode dims or turns off the display to trim standby power draw.

What Could Be Better
Like the BLACK+DECKER, 700W means longer cook times on larger portions, and some owner reviews mention the interior feels tight for bigger plates.

Best For
Studio-apartment residents or anyone sharing thin walls who wants quiet, discreet operation without paying a premium.

Small-Apartment Fit
Same compact 13-inch depth as the BLACK+DECKER model, plus the mute and ECO features specifically address two common apartment pain points — noise and standby energy use.

Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS)

A step up in capacity and power while keeping a reasonably compact exterior, and one of the more consistently available “all-around” compact microwaves.

Key Specifications

• Capacity: 0.9 cu. ft.
• Wattage: 900W (verified on Toshiba’s product page)
• Dimensions: 18.7″W x 14.7″D x 10.7″H
• Turntable: 10.6-inch glass
• Controls: Touch panel, 6 preset auto menus, 11 power levels
• Extras: Mute mode, two-step child lock, LED interior lighting, easy defrost by weight or time

What We Like
The jump from 0.7 to 0.9 cu. ft. gives noticeably more usable interior room — Toshiba specifically notes the cavity fits a 10-inch pizza — while the exterior only grows by about an inch and a half in each dimension. The mute mode and child lock cover two common apartment requests in one unit.

What Could Be Better
Owner reviews are mixed on long-term reliability, and interior dimensions vary slightly across retailer listings, so it’s worth double-checking current specs before buying if you have a specific dish size in mind.

Best For
Renters who want more usable capacity than a 0.7 cu. ft. model without moving into a bulkier “medium” microwave.

Small-Apartment Fit
At under 19 inches wide and under 15 inches deep, it still fits comfortably on most apartment counters, and the extra interior room reduces the odds you’ll need to rearrange food mid-cook to fit it all.

Breville Compact Wave Soft Close (BMO650SIL)

A premium-positioned compact microwave built specifically around quieter operation.

Key Specifications

• Capacity: 0.9 cu. ft. (25L)
• Wattage: 900W
• Dimensions: 19.1″W x 16.4″D x 11.5″H
• Turntable: 10.6-inch glass
• Controls: Button/dial combination, food menu shortcuts (reheat, defrost, popcorn, beverage)
• Extras: Soft-close door (Breville states it’s engineered to be significantly quieter than a standard door), child lock, mute button, 30-second instant start

What We Like
The soft-close door is a genuinely distinctive feature for this category — most compact microwaves have a hard door slam that’s noticeable in a small space, and this one is specifically engineered to reduce that. Build quality and finish are generally regarded as a step above budget models in independent coverage.

What Could Be Better
It’s priced meaningfully higher than the other compact options here (MSRP around $250, though it’s frequently discounted), and its 16.4-inch depth is the deepest of the 0.9 cu. ft. models in this guide, so measure carefully if your counter is shallow.

Best For
Studio-apartment residents or anyone in a noise-sensitive living situation (thin walls, a sleeping partner, a home office nearby) who’s willing to pay more for quieter daily use.

Small-Apartment Fit
The width and height are comparable to other 0.9 cu. ft. models, but the extra depth means it needs more counter-to-wall clearance than the Toshiba or the two 0.7 cu. ft. budget options.

Panasonic NN-SN686SR

The largest model in this guide at 1.2 cu. ft., included for apartment residents whose cooking needs are outgrowing a truly compact microwave.

Key Specifications

• Capacity: 1.2 cu. ft.
• Wattage: 1200W
• Dimensions: 20.7″W x 15.8″D x 12.2″H
• Interior: approximately 13.94″W x 9.94″H x 14.38″D
• Turntable: 13.4-inch glass
• Controls: Touch/membrane panel, Genius Sensor automatic cook/reheat, Inverter technology, Turbo Defrost
• Extras: Child safety lock

What We Like
Inverter technology delivers a continuous stream of power rather than simply cycling full power on and off, which independent testing generally associates with more even heating and gentler defrosting. The larger 13.4-inch turntable and deeper cavity comfortably fit a full casserole dish, per Panasonic’s own product description.

What Could Be Better
At roughly 21 inches wide and nearly 16 inches deep, this is meaningfully larger than the other models here — it will occupy more counter real estate and needs a genuinely available spot, not just a corner gap. It’s also priced higher (MSRP around $245).

Best For
Couples, roommates splitting cooking duties, or anyone who meal-preps and regularly needs to heat larger portions or bigger dishes.

Small-Apartment Fit
This is the model in this guide most likely to require you to give up meaningful counter space — it’s worth confirming your measured available width and depth against its footprint before choosing it over a true compact option.

Small Apartment Microwave Size Guide

These categories are practical shopping guidelines, not official industry size classes — manufacturers don’t use a standardized naming system, so treat the ranges below as general reference points rather than fixed rules.

Category	Approximate Capacity	Typical Use	Suitable Household	Major Trade-Off
Ultra-compact	0.5-0.7 cu. ft.	Reheating single portions, mugs, small bowls	Dorm rooms, one person, secondary kitchenette	Struggles with large plates; slower cooking at lower wattage
Compact	0.7-0.9 cu. ft.	Everyday reheating and simple cooking	Singles, couples in a studio	Good balance, but still limited for large casseroles
Small standard countertop	0.9-1.1 cu. ft.	Regular reheating plus occasional full meals	Couples, small households	Larger footprint needs more counter space
Medium countertop	1.1-1.5 cu. ft.	Family-style portions, larger dishes	Couples/roommates who cook often, small families	Least “apartment-friendly” footprint in this range

Countertop vs. Over-the-Range vs. Built-In for Apartments

For nearly all apartment renters, a countertop microwave is the practical choice — it requires no installation, plugs into a standard outlet, and can move with you when you relocate. Over-the-range microwaves mount above the stove and double as a range hood vent, but they require permanent installation and electrical/venting work that most landlords won’t allow a tenant to undertake. Built-in microwaves are installed into cabinetry and are even less realistic for a rental. Unless your unit was built with one of these already installed, a countertop model is almost always the right call for a renter.

Flatbed vs. Turntable Design

Most compact microwaves, including every model in this guide, use a rotating glass turntable to promote even heating. Flatbed designs (no turntable) have become more common in some larger and higher-end microwaves because they can accommodate rectangular dishes more easily, but they’re less common in the compact size range covered here. A removable turntable also tends to be the easiest surface to clean.

Who Should Buy a Small Microwave?

• People living alone generally don’t need more than 0.7-0.9 cu. ft. for daily reheating and simple cooking.
• Couples in a studio or one-bedroom often do well with a 0.9 cu. ft. model, stepping up to 1.0-1.2 cu. ft. if they cook full meals together regularly.
• Students in dorms usually want the smallest, most affordable option that meets any wattage restrictions set by their housing (some dorms cap microwaves at 700W or 900W — check your school’s policy first).
• Studio-apartment residents should weigh noise features (mute, soft-close doors) more heavily than residents of larger units, since sound travels further in an open floor plan.
• Renters benefit from lighter, countertop-only models that are easy to move between apartments without any installation.
• Office or kitchenette users typically prioritize the smallest footprint and simplest controls over cooking power.
• People with very shallow counters should prioritize depth over every other spec — even a highly rated microwave is the wrong choice if it physically doesn’t fit.

Who Should NOT Buy a Small Microwave?

A compact microwave isn’t the right fit for everyone. Consider a larger, medium or full-size model instead if you regularly:

• Cook full family meals rather than individual portions
• Need to fit large casserole dishes or baking trays
• Reheat multiple servings at once for a household
• Use oversized dinner plates that won’t fit a compact cavity
• Meal-prep in bulk for the week
• Rely on frequent frozen family-size meals rather than single-serving portions

If most of these describe your household, a 1.2 cu. ft.+ model — or even a mid-size countertop microwave outside the scope of this guide — will likely serve you better long-term than forcing a compact unit to do more than it’s built for.

Common Mistakes When Buying a Microwave for a Small Apartment

• Measuring only width and skipping depth, which is often the real constraint on apartment counters
• Ignoring ventilation clearance, then discovering the manual requires several inches of space you didn’t leave
• Choosing by cubic feet alone without checking interior dimensions or turntable size
• Assuming higher wattage always means better — a 1200W microwave that doesn’t fit your counter isn’t a better choice than a 900W one that does
• Forgetting door-opening space, especially near a wall, cabinet, or another appliance
• Buying a microwave that can’t fit your actual dinner plates, since capacity numbers don’t guarantee plate fit
• Ignoring noise, particularly in a studio or shared-wall apartment
• Choosing features you’ll never use, like elaborate auto-cook menus, instead of prioritizing fit and daily usability
• Buying the cheapest model without checking usability, since a slow or hard-to-use microwave becomes a daily frustration
• Assuming a compact microwave is automatically energy-efficient — wattage and standby power vary by model regardless of size

Frequently Asked Questions

What size microwave is best for a small apartment?
For most single residents or couples, a 0.7-0.9 cu. ft. countertop microwave offers the best balance of footprint and usable capacity. Measure your counter space first, since the “best” size depends on what actually fits.

Is a 0.7 cu. ft. microwave big enough?
For reheating single portions, mugs, and smaller dishes, yes. If you regularly use large dinner plates or cook full meals, a 0.9 cu. ft. or larger model will likely serve you better.

Will a 0.7 cu. ft. microwave fit a dinner plate?
It depends on the plate size and the specific model’s interior dimensions. Standard 10-11 inch dinner plates can be a tight fit or may not fit comfortably in some 0.7 cu. ft. models — check published interior dimensions or turntable diameter before buying if this matters to you.

How many watts should a small apartment microwave have?
900W is a solid everyday minimum for reasonably fast reheating. 700W models work fine for basic tasks but take noticeably longer, especially on denser or larger portions.

What is the smallest useful microwave?
Most manufacturers’ smallest practical countertop models sit around 0.5-0.7 cu. ft. Below that range, usable interior space becomes limited even for single servings.

How deep is a compact microwave?
Compact 0.7-0.9 cu. ft. models typically run 13-16.5 inches deep, based on the models covered in this guide. Always confirm the exact depth against your counter before purchasing.

Can I put a microwave under a cabinet?
Only if there’s enough vertical clearance for the unit’s height plus the manufacturer’s recommended top clearance for ventilation. Check the specific model’s installation instructions rather than estimating.

How much ventilation does a countertop microwave need?
This varies by model, but manufacturers commonly specify a few inches of clearance on the sides, top, and back. Always follow the clearance specified in your model’s manual rather than a general rule of thumb.

Are small microwaves slower?
Generally, yes, when they’re paired with lower wattage (700W vs. 900-1200W). Size and speed aren’t directly linked — a compact 900W model can heat faster than a larger 700W one — so check wattage specifically, not just capacity.

Is a 900-watt microwave good enough?
For the vast majority of apartment reheating and simple cooking tasks, yes. It’s a common sweet spot between the slower 700W models and the faster but bulkier 1000W+ options.

What is better for a small kitchen: 0.7 or 0.9 cu. ft.?
If your counter space is extremely limited, 0.7 cu. ft. saves a small amount of footprint. If you have even an inch or two more room, 0.9 cu. ft. offers meaningfully more usable interior space for a relatively small increase in exterior size.

Are compact microwaves noisy?
It varies by model. Standard compact microwaves typically have an audible door close and beep tones; some models, like the Breville Compact Wave Soft Close featured above, are specifically engineered with quieter doors and mute functions for noise-sensitive spaces.

Bottom Line

There’s no single “best” microwave for every small apartment — the right choice depends on your counter depth, how much you cook versus reheat, how much noise matters in your space, and your budget. Start by measuring your available counter space and door clearance, decide how much interior capacity you realistically need, and then use wattage and noise features as the tiebreakers between models that already fit. Whichever model you land on, check the latest price and availability and confirm current specifications on the manufacturer’s page before you buy, since pricing and even minor dimensions can change between production runs.