A mini microwave, also known as a small or portable microwave, is a cost-effective countertop microwave oven that is smaller than a standard microwave and large microwaves.
Mini microwaves have about 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet of interior space, 15-19 inches of width, and 10-11 inches of height. These microwaves have a power output of around 500 to 800 watts.
If you have limited counter space or only need to cook small meals, a compact microwave will suit you in such a case. These are perfect to be installed in small apartments, kitchens, camping, dorms, caravans, vacation homes, offices, RV/boat owners, etc.
A small microwave, in short, lets you quickly heat your beverage or meal while saving a lot more space and electricity than the average/standard and large microwave oven.
Mini Vs Standard Vs Large Microwave: What Are The Differences?
| Feature | Mini Microwave | Standard Microwave | Large Microwave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.7 to 1.2 cubic feet | 1.2 to 2.0 cubic feet | 2.0 cubic feet or larger |
| Power output | 500 to 900 watts | 900 to 1200 watts | 1200 watts or more |
| Price | Affordable | Mid-range | Variable, often expensive |
| Ideal for | Small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices | Regular use, larger quantities of food | Large quantities of food, comprehensive cooking range |
Tested And Reviewed 6 Mini Microwaves You Can Buy
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave is a compact kitchen companion that pleasantly surprised me with its convenience and performance. Despite its small size, this microwave bundles a punch with 700 watts of power.
Its compact design, measuring 17 inches wide, 11.5 inches deep, and 10 inches tall, fits perfectly on countertops, making it an excellent choice for office spaces, dorm rooms, or smaller kitchens.
One of the distinctive aspects of this microwave is its user-friendly control panel. It offers a wide range of preset cooking functions, including Weight Defrost, Time Defrost, Time Cook, and power level adjustments from 1 to 10.
I am impressed by the Express Heat buttons, which allow one-touch cooking with durations ranging from 1 to 6 minutes. The +30 second feature is a convenient addition, perfect for extending cook times while the microwave is running.
The six “auto menu” buttons, like Popcorn, Pizza, Potato, Beverage, Frozen Vegetables, and Dinner Plate, make it easy to heat your favorite snacks and dishes without guesswork.
The Memory function is a hidden gem, letting me program up to three custom cook times for quick and easy access. While it may have a smaller inner capacity of 0.7 cu. ft., it excels at reheating and cooking various foods efficiently.
The microwave has a sleek stainless steel look and performs quietly, giving off about 54 dBA. And the thoughtful design details, like the removable and washable turntable and cord-friendly plastic tab, make it a practical choice.
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Smart Sensor Microwave
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Smart Sensor Microwave is a standout kitchen appliance that offers many impressive features. One of its most noticeable qualities is its spacious, 1.2 cu. ft. interior, making it ideal for heating or cooking large dishes.
Whether thawing a whole chicken or popping a family-sized bag of corn, this microwave has me covered always. I found it convenient and all-rounder to do most heating and cooking tasks.
The sleek stainless steel design not only looks attractive but is also smudge-resistant, ensuring your appliance stays looking clean and sophisticated. The door handle, instead of a button, adds a satisfying and practical touch to its functionality.
The microwave’s one-touch operation simplifies cooking, with quick-touch buttons for various cook times ranging from 30 seconds to six minutes. I can also manually input my preferred cook time using the Custom Cook feature.
Additionally, there are many preset buttons for common foods like Frozen Pizza, Potato, Frozen Entrée, Veggie, and Rice, as well as Popcorn, Soften/Melt, and Custom Cook, along with some defrosting options. All these presets work well.
The Toshiba microwave boasts a high power level of 1100 watts, providing faster and more efficient cooking. While the manual may seem a bit confusing about power level adjustment, it’s easily mastered once you get the hang of it.
Cleaning this microwave is a breeze, with both the exterior and interior designed for easy maintenance. The stainless steel exterior is resistant to smudges and stains, while the slick interior surface allows quick and effortless cleaning.
The only drawback is the slightly confusing method for changing the power level, as the manual instructions aren’t that clear. Other than that, this is an overall great microwave.
Galanz GLCMKA07BKR-07 Retro Microwave Oven
The Galanz Retro Microwave Oven is a charming, nostalgic, and practical kitchen addition. This compact microwave combines a classic 50s-60s retro design with modern functionality, making it stand out in appearance and performance.
Its compact dimensions (13.8” D x 17.9” W x 10.3” H) mean it won’t take up much counter space. Therefore, it is perfect for small apartments or kitchens with limited room to spare.
This microwave’s 700-watt power output and 0.7 cu.ft./20L capacity are well-suited for singles, couples, and small families. I can adjust the cooking intensity with 6 power levels for quick and efficient cooking, reheating, and defrosting.
There are five buttons and one dial on the front of this microwave that sync with the old-school design, and all are responsive and easy to operate. I can use these to start, stop, navigate through the cooking options, and change the power.
This microwave also comes with three handy preset cooking modes for popcorn, reheating, and making beverages. The eco mode is a thoughtful addition, reducing energy consumption by turning off the LED screen while cooking.
The large LED screen gives clear information, and the 360-degree rotation ensures even cooking. I can remove the turntable and ring to make cleaning easy. The compact size is ideal for small kitchens while producing only 42 dB of noise.
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave is a compact yet stylish appliance with a delightful touch of nostalgia with its retro/vintage appearance. It will heat your food while adding a dash of charm to your kitchen space.
It comes with a stylish stainless white finish, giving it a distinctive and elegant look. This unique design stands out in the world of conventional microwave ovens, featuring a long list of current-era, modern features.
The control panel is conveniently situated on the right-hand side and features a digital LED display. It offers six auto-cook express functions, including options for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates.
NOTE: For those who prefer more control over their cooking, the manual timer is also provided. As I myself am a curious person, I use it often and find this feature convenient.
A remarkable feature of this microwave is the Eco-Mode, designed to reduce energy consumption by more than 50%. This makes it an environmentally conscious choice that can also help you save on your energy bills.
Measuring 13 x 17.3 x 10.2 inches, this is an excellent fit for smaller living spaces, such as compact offices, college dorms, or apartments. Its portable size permits it to fit snugly into tight spaces, whether on top of a fridge or an open shelf.
The only thing I didn’t like about this microwave is its low-rated 700-wattage. It takes slightly longer to heat or cook my food than higher-wattage models. Also, its compact size restricts the size of dishes that can be placed inside.
Panasonic NN-SN67K Compact Microwave
The Panasonic NN-SN67K Compact Microwave is a medium-capacity versatile kitchen appliance that brings a lot to the table. Although not a full-sized microwave, this boasts performance and a range of unique features like pricier counterparts.
One of its key features is the inverter technology, which sets it apart from traditional microwaves. Instead of pulse heating, the NN-SN67K uses inverter technology to deliver a steady stream of microwave power.
This ensures your food is heated evenly, eliminating the frustrating hot and cold spots common in many other microwaves. I particularly benefit from this feature as I frequently heat and thaw frozen food, getting a reliable cooking experience. Read the full guide on microwave benefits.
There are 11 power levels, giving me precise control over cooking. It also has a “genius sensor” that automatically adjusts cooking times and power based on the humidity inside the microwave. It takes the guesswork out of common heating tasks.
In addition to its cooking prowess, the NN-SN67K boasts a spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior, making it suitable for larger family meals and defrosting jobs. Its narrow control panel optimizes interior space while ensuring easy operation.
For popcorn enthusiasts, this microwave goes the extra mile by offering three different settings for various popcorn bag capacities, enhancing owner’s movie nights.
Whirlpool WMC20005YW Countertop Microwave
The Whirlpool Countertop Microwave is ideal for those with extra limited space. Its unique features and compact design make it a valuable addition to small apartments, dorm rooms, or any kitchen where space is at a premium.
Measuring just 14″ (H) x 15″ (W) x 14″ (D), this microwave is the smallest on the market, saving you valuable counter space. Its rounded back design allows it to fit neatly into corners, further maximizing your available kitchen area.
Despite its small footprint, this whirlpool mini microwave boasts a 0.5 Cu. Ft. capacity, large enough to accommodate an 11″ dinner plate, thanks to its generous glass turntable which is 11.5 inches in size.
It offers 10 variable power levels, providing you with versatility when it comes to cooking various dishes. The “Add 30” feature is a convenient touch, allowing you to quickly set the microwave to cook for 30 or 60 seconds at 100% power.
Additionally, the control lock feature ensures that the control panel remains secure, preventing unintended use or adjustments to your cooking settings.
This whirlpool mini microwave is not only efficient but also reliable. Its tap touch controls are easy to use and keep clean, maintaining its sleek appearance year after year. The pocket handle door adds a touch of style to your kitchen.
How I Chose A Suitable Small Mini Microwave?
Current-era microwaves are no longer those expensive, monstrous appliances. All you need to do is pay attention to the factors below, such as power wattage, internal volume, keypad features, etc., as discussed below.
Size
Since you are looking for a small microwave, one thing is clear: you know that your premise doesn’t have a lot of available space to fit a microwave. But how small?
The size of a microwave is determined by measuring its height, width, depth, and internal capacity (I’ll talk about this later). A microwave’s height, width, and depth are expressed in inches or centimeters.
The rule of thumb is to leave at least 3 inches of space at the top and sides and 1 inch at the rear. Doing this provides enough room and good circulation for the microwave’s intakes and discharge air vents.
So, when choosing a mini microwave, first measure the available space. Then, opt for a microwave with suitable dimensions according to the rule of thumb you have just seen.
Capacity
The second factor you should never forget is the internal capacity. Internal capacity is the internal space or the cooking cavity that is measured in cubic feet (cu. ft.). Small microwaves can have a capacity ranging from 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet.
The rule of thumb is your microwave should have at least 0.7 cubic feet (0.0198 cubic meters) of internal capacity, taking up about 18 x 11 inches (45.7 x 27.9 cm) of surface area. A microwave with a lower than this won’t be able to fit a dinner plate inside.
Power
Power is measured in watts and is also referred to as wattage sometimes. Mini microwaves have lower wattage compared to their larger counterparts. They typically range from 600 to 900 watts.
How much power a microwave consumes depends on its internal capacity and the pace at which it heats/cooks the food. If a microwave has a higher wattage, it can cook more food, plus in larger amounts.
So, how much wattage should your microwave have? Well, it all depends on your usage. For everyday tasks such as reheating leftovers or popping popcorn, a microwave with 600-700 watts would be enough.
On the other hand, if you use your mini microwave for cooking and/or defrosting, you should opt for a 700-900-watt microwave. But remember one thing: with more wattage, the microwave’s size increases.
Keypad Features
From power levels and preset times for cooking and defrosting things like prepared meals and frozen vegetables to presets for beverage heating and popcorn, microwaves have many keypad features.
While these features are most commonly among the standard and large microwaves, many smaller microwaves do have these as well. However, in the case of small ovens, these features are limited.
Consider which features are important to you. If you cook the same foods often, preset cooking programs can be a time saver. Defrost settings are essential if you plan to defrost frozen foods in your microwave.
Price
Mini microwaves range in price from around $55 to $450 in America, depending on the size, internal space, wattage, and brand.
All you need is to set a budget for your mini microwave purchase. Although mini microwaves are generally more affordable than full-sized ones, still decide how much you can spend and look for options that fit within your budget.
How Much Does A Mini Microwave Weigh?
On average, a mini microwave (0.7-0.9 Cu.Ft.) weighs between 20 to 35 pounds (9 to 16 kilograms). However, lighter models may weigh as little as 15 pounds (about 7 kilograms), while heavier ones can go up to 40 pounds (about 18 kilograms) or more.
The weight is influenced by factors like the specific make and model, materials used, the internal components, and the features included in the microwave.
What Is A Good Wattage For A Small Microwave?
A good wattage for a small microwave is typically around 600-800 watts. This range is ideal for most basic microwave tasks, such as defrosting food, reheating leftovers, and cooking small meals without using a lot of electricity.
However, the exact wattage you should look for in a small microwave depends on your cooking needs and preferences. Here are more details about the wattage range and their utility.
600 Watts — A small 600-watt microwave is for basic cooking and reheating tasks. It can warm leftovers, heat beverages, and cook simple dishes like microwaveable meals.
700-800 Watts — Small microwaves with 700 to 800 watts offer more versatility and faster cooking. They can defrost frozen food, cook vegetables, and reheat meals more efficiently.
The microwave’s wattage affects its cooking speed and efficiency. A higher-wattage microwave will heat or cook food faster, while a lower-wattage microwave may take a bit longer.
Your choice should align with the types of dishes you frequently prepare and your patience with cooking times. If you plan to cook more complex dishes in your portable microwave fast, opt for a model with an 800 wattage.
Some Popular Mini Microwave Brands
Here is the list of popular mini microwave brands:
- Toshiba
- COMFEE’
- Black+Decker
- Panasonic
- Galanz
- Farberware
- LG.
- Insignia™
- Cuisinart
- Haden
Tips & Safety Guidelines For Using A Mini Microwave
Avoid Metals And Metallic Objects — Never place metal containers, utensils, or cookware with metal parts, such as trims and/or a handle, inside the microwave to prevent the risk of fire.
No Flammable Food Or Beverages — Refrain from microwaving any flammable food or drinks, as they can pose a fire hazard.
Avoid Sealed Containers — Do not heat food items that are sealed or vacuum-packed in the microwave, as it can lead to pressure buildup.
Place Microwave Away from Heating Sources — Don’t place your microwave near other heating and cooking appliances to prevent overheating.
Do Not Cover Microwave Vents — Never cover any part of the microwave, especially the vents, with metal foil or objects.
Safety With The Door — Always use the microwave with the door securely closed to avoid exposure to microwave energy.
Use Only Microwave-Safe Containers — Exclusively use containers, lids, and wraps labeled as microwave-safe to ensure safe and efficient cooking.
Thaw Completely Before Cooking — Thaw frozen food entirely before microwave cooking to ensure even and safe results.
Cook Promptly After Thawing — Always cook food as soon as it is defrosted in order to prevent dangerous bacteria from growing.
Clear Vents — Avoid placing objects on top of the microwave, as it can block ventilation and hinder proper operation.
FAQs
Is A 700-watt Microwave Powerful Enough?
Although not very powerful like the 1000-watt microwaves, a 700-watt microwave is suitable to perform many basic household cooking and microwaving tasks, including:
Reheating a bowl of soup for lunch
Defrosting a pound of ground beef
Cooking a single serving of pasta
Popping a bag of popcorn
Heating a mug of coffee
However, a 700-watt microwave may not be enough to cook large quantities of food, heat densely packed foods like mashed potatoes or rice, grill, bake, roast, and/or make complex meals.
How Much Do Small Microwaves Cost?
Mini microwaves can start from $65 and go up to about $450 in America. However, the exact price for a microwave depends on the brand, type, wattage, warranty, and additional features such as cooking presets, digital display, etc.
What Is The Maximum Life Of Any Microwave Oven?
A microwave can survive for about 7 to 9 years, with an average of 8 years. However, the exact microwave oven’s lifespan can vary depending on many factors, such as frequency of use and maintenance.
A good-quality, well-maintained microwave can last up to a whole decade. If the microwave is used heavily, such as in a college setting or by a large family, the lifespan might be shorter, typically about 4-5 years.
What Can A Smart Microwave Do?
A smart microwave is a more advanced version of a microwave oven that can connect to the smart home network via Wi-Fi. It can be controlled by various smart devices such as tablets, smartphones, or smart-home assistant devices.
Some smart microwaves have the ability to scan the barcode on food packaging to automatically calculate cooking time and power settings. Additionally, it’s possible to control these microwaves via your smart home’s virtual assistant.
How Do I Clean My Portable Microwave?
To clean a small microwave effectively, unplug it in the first place. Prepare a cleaning solution of water with an equal amount of either white vinegar or lemon juice.
Microwave the mixture for 5-7 minutes to create steam that loosens stains and food residues. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then carefully wipe down the interior with a soft cloth or sponge.
Clean the turntable and roller ring separately. Wipe the exterior with a mild, soapy solution and let it dry for a while. After drying, reassemble the microwave and plug it in.
