Best Microwaves for Small Kitchens

Small kitchens make microwave shopping harder than it looks. A listing may say “compact,” yet a model that fits your counter on paper can still jam against a cabinet or block the door swing. You also have to leave ventilation space around it. A budget microwave can heat slowly, and a larger one can take over a counter you can’t spare.

This guide is built around those trade-offs. It covers five compact and mid-size countertop microwaves, plus a plain-English guide to measuring your space before you buy. It is based on desk research: manufacturer specifications and manuals, retailer listings, and independent tests from outlets like RTINGS, which currently names the Breville the Smooth Wave as the best small microwave it has tested. We have not lab-tested these models ourselves. Where a spec varies between sources, we say so.

Quick Picks: Best Microwaves for Small Kitchens

• Tightest counter and smallest budget: BLACK+DECKER 0.7 cu. ft. (EM720CB7). It has the smallest footprint here (17.3 x 13 x 10.2 in.). The trade-off is 700 watts, so it heats more slowly, and its interior is tight.
• Quiet studios and shared walls: Breville the Compact Wave Soft Close (BMO650). Its soft-close door and mute button target noise. The trade-off is a 16.4-inch depth and a premium price.
• Best fit for a dinner plate in a shallow footprint: LG MSER0990S. A 12-inch turntable sits inside a 14-inch-deep body. The trade-off is that it is wider than the compact models.
• More room if you can spare the counter: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS. At 1.2 cu. ft. it handles bigger dishes. The trade-off is a footprint that is large for a “small” microwave.
• One appliance instead of two: IKEA GÅTEBO. It combines a microwave with air frying, grilling and convection. The trade-off is a small interior and more to clean and learn.

Best Microwaves for Small Kitchens Reviewed

Dimensions below are width x depth x height. Prices are described as categories because they change often. Confirm the current model number and price before you order.

BLACK+DECKER 0.7 cu. ft. Digital Microwave (EM720CB7)

This is the “fit it anywhere” option. This Old House’s tested roundup lists the BLACK+DECKER digital microwave at 700 watts, 0.7 cu. ft., and 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches. In that review it earned the best-budget pick and praise for accurate presets. The same review notes a compact push-button door, a limited number of presets, and no signal-mute option.

• Best for: Dorm rooms, secondary kitchenettes, very shallow counters.
• Limitations: 700 watts means longer heating times. In Consumer Reports’ lab, small models like this one scored poorly on heating speed overall.
• Who should skip it: People who reheat full dinner plates or cook for two.
• Price category: Budget.
• Source note: Dimensions and specs come from the This Old House listing. That listing doesn’t print the model number, so confirm EM720CB7 on the product page you buy from.

[AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK – BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7]

Breville the Compact Wave Soft Close (BMO650SIL1BUC1)

Breville’s manual lists 19.1 inches wide, 16.4 inches deep with the handle (15.2 without), and 11.5 inches high. Capacity is 0.9 cu. ft. (25 L), power output is 900 W, and the glass turntable is 10.6 inches. Controls include dedicated Reheat, Defrost, Popcorn and Beverage buttons, a Food Menu (potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables), a mute button, a child lock and a 30-second instant start. Breville says the soft-close door is 80% quieter than a standard door.

• Best for: Studios, open-plan spaces and anyone who microwaves late at night.
• Limitations: The depth is the largest among the 0.9 cu. ft. models here. The 10.6-inch turntable is also a hard limit, because Breville’s manual says dishes shouldn’t be wider than the turntable.
• Who should skip it: Anyone with a counter shallower than about 17 inches, or shoppers who want the lowest price.
• Price category: Premium. Breville’s US page lists $249.95, but showed it out of stock when we checked, so confirm availability.

[AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK – Breville BMO650SIL1BUC1]

LG MSER0990S (0.9 cu. ft. NeoChef with Smart Inverter)

LG’s spec sheet lists a 1,000-watt output and an 18¾ x 14 x 10 11/16-inch body. The interior is 12 11/16 x 9 x 13 3/16 inches and the turntable is 12 inches. Features include sensor cook (7 options), sensor reheat (including a dinner-plate setting), Smart Inverter, an EasyClean interior and a two-step open-door child lock. Some retailer listings round the dimensions slightly differently, so treat the LG sheet as the reference.

Compare it with the Breville: both are 0.9 cu. ft., but the LG is about 2.4 inches shallower and has a turntable about 1.4 inches wider. The Breville is about 0.4 inch narrower and about 0.8 inch shorter. Capacity numbers alone hide those differences.

• Best for: People who want a bigger plate area without a deep unit.
• Limitations: It is wider than the compact models. The spec sheet doesn’t list a mute option, and we found no verified noise data.
• Who should skip it: Shoppers whose limit is a narrow width, or who need a quiet door.
• Price category: Mid-range (unverified).

[AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK – LG MSER0990S]

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS (1.2 cu. ft. with sensor reheat)

Toshiba’s product page lists 20.5 x 17.2 x 12.8 inches, a 12.4-inch turntable and 1.2 cu. ft. Toshiba’s page describes up to 1,100 watts, but its own copy also mentions 900 watts, so check the wattage on the page you buy from. This Old House named a Toshiba smart-sensor model with the same listed footprint its top small-microwave pick, praising performance and quiet operation while flagging a larger footprint than most small microwaves.

• Best for: Couples or anyone who cooks real meals but still has a modest counter.
• Limitations: It is the largest unit here, and more than a tight counter can take.
• Who should skip it: Anyone for whom saving every inch is the point.
• Price category: Mid-range (unverified).

[AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK – Toshiba EM131A5C-BS]

IKEA GÅTEBO (microwave with air fry)

IKEA lists 900 W microwave power across 10 levels, plus air fry, grill and microwave-plus-convection modes. The Gadgeteer reports it at 49.5 x 43.6 x 29.2 cm (about 19.5 x 17.2 x 11.5 inches), roughly a standard countertop microwave footprint, and about 26 L inside. RTINGS’ comparisons say a Breville or a Toshiba is the better pure microwave for most people, while the IKEA is much more affordable and adds extra cooking modes.

• Best for: Renters without a full oven who want to replace a separate air fryer.
• Limitations: The interior is small, and a multi-mode appliance means more accessories to store and clean. IKEA’s pages don’t give exact clearance figures, so check the manual.
• Who should skip it: Anyone who only reheats.
• Price category: Mid-range (reported near $199 at launch; confirm current US price and availability).

Comparison Table of the Best Compact Microwaves

Product and exact model	Best for	External size (W x D x H)	Internal capacity	Cooking power	Key features	Main advantage	Main drawback	Price category	Source
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7	Tightest counters, budgets	17.3 x 13 x 10.2 in.	0.7 cu. ft.	700 W	Digital presets, push-button door	Smallest footprint	Slow; small interior	Budget	This Old House listing (confirm model)
Breville Compact Wave Soft Close BMO650SIL1BUC1	Quiet studios	19.1 x 16.4 x 11.5 in.	0.9 cu. ft. (25 L)	900 W	Soft-close door, mute, child lock, food menu	Quieter door	Deeper; 10.6 in. turntable	Premium	Breville US manual
LG MSER0990S	Plate fit, shallow depth	18¾ x 14 x 10 11/16 in.	0.9 cu. ft.	1,000 W	Sensor cook, Smart Inverter, 12 in. turntable	Wide turntable, shallow body	Wider; no mute listed	Mid-range	LG spec sheet
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS	Couples, real meals	20.5 x 17.2 x 12.8 in.	1.2 cu. ft.	Up to 1,100 W (confirm)	Sensor reheat, 12.4 in. turntable	Roomy interior	Largest footprint	Mid-range	Toshiba US product page
IKEA GÅTEBO	Replacing an air fryer	About 19.5 x 17.2 x 11.5 in.	About 26 L	900 W	Air fry, grill, convection	Multi-function	Small interior; more to clean	Mid-range	IKEA product page; The Gadgeteer (dimensions)

How to Choose a Microwave for a Small Kitchen

Start with the numbers that decide whether it fits, then use features to break ties.

Exterior dimensions. Check width, depth including the handle, and height. Breville’s depth is 16.4 inches with the handle and 15.2 without, so read listings carefully.

Capacity versus usable room. Cubic feet describes volume, not whether a plate fits. Consumer Reports measured usable capacity in its small picks at about 0.4 cu. ft., well under the claimed figure. Turntable diameter is often a better plate test.

Wattage. More watts generally means faster heating, but it isn’t the whole story. We cover that below.

Controls. Dedicated one-touch buttons cover most small-kitchen tasks. Sensor cooking helps if you reheat varied foods. Simple controls are easier to use when you’re half asleep.

Noise, cleaning and safety. Look for a mute button or soft-close door if you share walls. A removable glass turntable is easier to clean. A child lock is worth having if kids visit.

What Size Microwave Fits a Small Kitchen?

Here is how to measure before you shop. These are general guidelines, not manufacturer specs.

1. Width and depth: Measure the flat counter area, and subtract any lip, backsplash or outlet that sticks out.
2. Height: If there’s a cabinet above, measure to the underside. You need the microwave’s height plus ventilation room.
3. Door swing: Sketch where the door opens. A shallow door-side gap can block your hand or a plate.
4. Counter edge: This Old House advises keeping the front a few inches back from the edge to prevent tipping.
5. Clearance: Follow the manual for your exact model. Breville’s BMO650 manual calls for at least 4 inches between the unit and adjacent walls and at least 8 inches above, and it recommends 8 inches around the unit in its general safety notes. It also says the microwave must not be placed in a cabinet. Other brands differ, and the Breville instruction book shows how much extra space the manual can ask for.
6. Plate test: Measure a dinner plate you actually use and compare it to the turntable diameter. Many dinner plates run 10 to 11 inches, but check yours.

If a toaster or coffee maker shares the counter, count its footprint too. Our guide to toasters for every kitchen can help you plan around it.

Countertop vs Built-In vs Over-the-Range Microwaves

A countertop model needs no installation and is easy to move. That makes it the practical choice for most renters. Built-in and over-the-range models free the counter, but they involve cabinetry or ductwork, mounting and sometimes a dedicated circuit. Over-the-range units also double as a range hood, which means ventilation and installation requirements. Our comparison of countertop vs built-in microwaves walks through the space, cost and installation trade-offs.

Whatever type you choose, the electrical basics matter. Breville’s manual specifies a 120 V, 15–20 amp supply, recommends a dedicated circuit and says not to use an extension cord. Check the manual for your model.

Are Small Microwaves Powerful Enough for Everyday Cooking?

For reheating coffee, leftovers and frozen meals, usually yes. For cooking a full dinner, it depends on how patient you are. Consumer Reports’ small-microwave roundup says small models score poorly for heating speed in its lab, with mixed results on evenness. It also says smaller microwaves generally have lower wattage. Capacity is limited too, and a large bag of popcorn may not rotate freely.

Higher wattage isn’t automatically better either. America’s Test Kitchen has noted that very high wattage can overheat food unless you lower the power, while low wattage means adding time. In practice:

• 700 W: Fine for mugs, soup and small portions. Expect longer times and stirring partway through.
• 900 W: A reasonable everyday middle ground.
• 1,000 to 1,200 W: Faster, but these units tend to be larger.

This is general guidance, not a promise about any one model.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Compact Microwave

• Measuring width but not depth, or forgetting the handle.
• Buying by cubic feet instead of checking turntable size.
• Forgetting door swing or the clearance in the manual.
• Choosing the smallest option when you regularly reheat dinner plates.
• Paying for sensor cooking or presets you won’t use.
• Trusting a retailer’s dimensions without checking the manufacturer.
• Placing a microwave in a cabinet nook the manual doesn’t allow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best microwave for a very small kitchen?

If space is the only priority, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 has the smallest footprint here at 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches. If you can spare a bit more room and want better plate fit, the LG MSER0990S is worth a look.

What size microwave is best for an apartment?

For one or two people, 0.7 to 0.9 cu. ft. is common. Exterior size matters more than capacity, so measure your counter first. Our guide to the best microwaves for small apartments goes deeper on renters’ needs.

Is a 700-watt microwave powerful enough?

For reheating and simple cooking, yes, with longer times. Consumer Reports found small, lower-wattage microwaves were slow at heating, so expect to add time and stir.

Is a 0.7 cu. ft. microwave big enough for a dinner plate?

It depends on the model’s turntable and cavity. Check turntable diameter against your plate. Breville’s manual says dishes shouldn’t exceed the turntable width.

How much clearance does a countertop microwave need?

It varies by manufacturer. Breville’s BMO650 manual asks for 4 inches to adjacent walls and 8 inches above. Always follow your own manual.

Are compact microwaves worth buying?

They are if counter space is your main constraint. If you cook larger portions often, a mid-size model may serve you better despite the bigger footprint.

Is a small microwave-air-fryer combination worth it?

It can be if it replaces a separate air fryer and you’ll use the extra modes. Pure microwaves are simpler and often better at microwaving, as RTINGS’ IKEA comparisons note. If air frying is your main interest, our guide on how to choose the right air fryer can help you decide.

Final Verdict

There’s no single best microwave for every small kitchen. Pick by your tightest constraint. If counter space and budget come first, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is the smallest option here. If noise matters, look at the Breville Compact Wave Soft Close. If you need plate room in a shallow footprint, the LG MSER0990S is a strong candidate. If you can spare the counter, the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS adds capacity. If you want one appliance to do two jobs, consider the IKEA GÅTEBO.

Measure first, check the manual’s clearances, and compare turntable size against your plates. A microwave that fits and gets used beats a more powerful one that doesn’t.

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Publishing Notes (not part of the article)

• External links (exactly 5): RTINGS best small microwaves, https://www.rtings.com/microwave/reviews/best/small; This Old House, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/best-small-microwave (you’ll need to add this link where the BLACK+DECKER section cites it, as I left it unlinked there to keep the count at five; if you’d rather link it there than the Breville manual, swap accordingly); Consumer Reports, https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/microwave-ovens/best-small-microwaves-a9271841322/; Breville BMO650 manual, https://assets.breville.com/BMO650/BMO650_USCM_IB_L24_LR.pdf; and the LG MSER0990S spec sheet. Note the draft above links RTINGS, the Breville manual, Consumer Reports and three internal links in body text, so you currently have three external links in the text. Add the This Old House and LG spec sheet links (https://www.lg.com/us/business/download/resources/CT00021979/MSER0990S_LG_Pro_Builder_Spec_Sheet[20241015_214425].pdf) in their sections to reach five.
• Food & Wine not used: my tool couldn’t open foodandwine.com (blocked), so I couldn’t verify that page. I substituted the LG manufacturer spec sheet. If you want Food & Wine as the fifth link, open the page yourself and swap it in.
• Amazon links: I left [AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK] placeholders because I didn’t verify ASINs or prices. Amazon links would count as external, so the five-link rule and affiliate links conflict. Decide how to handle that.
• Overlap with your existing posts: the site already has two near-duplicate “Best Microwaves for Small Apartments” posts (/best-microwaves-for-small-apartments-2026/ and -2026-2/) that cover similar models. Consider consolidating them and differentiating this article’s angle to avoid cannibalization.
• Dropped or unverified: Sharp SMC1162 (no reliable exterior dimensions found) and Breville Smooth Wave (sources disagree on wattage and dimensions) are not in the table. The Breville Compact Wave showed out of stock on Breville’s US page, so recheck availability.