Top 10 Best Small Microwave 2018
Are you a busy Individual who lives or works in a limited space? Meet the small microwave! The single best appliance that you will ever need.
Having a small microwave is very convenient; getting those popcorn pop, warming up coffees, turning leftovers into amazing meals and more...(it will get you covered in any food-warming or defrosting action).
Microwave's magic does not stop at mere food and beverage; it goes beyond by increasing your productivity. (by saving your time and giving you that extra time to do more of other stuff).
But what is considered small? And how do you choose the best small microwave?
Small Microwave By Our Definition
By KitchenDecide's definition, a small microwave is
any microwave that is less than 0.9 Cubic Feet in size.
In this review, you will find small microwave sizes ranging from 0.5 Cubic Feet to 0.8 Cubic Feet. We will write the phrase "Cubic Feet" as "Cu.Ft" for the easier writing purposes.
What to consider before purchasing the best small microwave?
A perfect microwave for one is not necessarily the same for another.
1. The Purpose of having a microwave?
Is it only to defrost and warm meals?
Or will you need more advanced functions?
If you only want to defrost and warm meals and drinks, any microwave would do, however, if there's some cooking involved it is better to purchase a microwave with more advanced function (Inverter technology, etc.)
2. Where to put it?
A small microwave is easy to place; you can put it anywhere that suit it. However, it is still the best practice to consider where you want to put it before you buy.
3. The electricity power in your home?
The small microwave has wattage ranging from 600 watt to 900 watt. The best of small microwaves tend to fall into bigger wattage.
4. The budget?
A mini microwave doesn't always mean that the price is mini too.
Certain best small microwaves on our list are more expensive than the regular sized microwave.
Luckily, we will have an assessment for every budget.
The cheaper of the small microwaves will have $ to $$ ( one dollar sign to two dollar sign), and the pricy one will have $$$ ( three dollar sign or more ).
Answering those four questions above and placing them in a single paragraph and then searching from this list will make you closer to obtaining the best small microwave oven for you.
Example:
1. I need a small microwave with an inverter technology
2. I will put it on my small kitchen countertop, anything between 0.7 Cb.Ft to 0.8 Cb.Ft is ok.
3. My home electricity can handle another 1000 wattage consumption.
4. I have $100 to $200 to spare on this small yet productive machine
Hence, the best small microwave for me would be the Panasonic NN-SD372S.
Next is the Review section, hope you find the best one for you.
Best Small Microwave Reviews
1. Whirlpool WMC20005YB 0.5 Cu. Ft. Small Countertop Microwave
Our Editor's Rating 5/5
Whirpool WMC20005YB ranked first out of ten on our list of the best small microwaves, with the size of 0.5 Cu.Ft and rounded edges, this one will fit on any small counter in a small kitchen or the corner area.
Our amazement went on with the performance of this one, armed with rotating turntable, this one warms and defrosts the meal evenly and you can put a full dinner plate 11" without hitting the interior wall while rotating.
After reviewing 100+ customer reviews from around the internet about this one, we know that despite the small wattage of 750 watt, its ability to warm and defrost is not lesser than that of bigger microwaves at 1000+ watt or more.
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2. Panasonic NN-SD372S Small Countertop Microwave with Inverter Technology
Our Editor's Rating 5/5
Panasonic NN-SD372S at 0.8 Cu.Ft is barely stepping into small microwave range. Despite being one of the largest here, it also has the greatest performance.
What makes this stand out is the inverter technology; it delivers variable microwave power over time, meaning even temperatures and consistent textures throughout the cooking process.
This small inverter microwave promises to take microwave cooking to a whole new level. You'll experience delicious food that better retains its colors, nutrients, and flavors.
We consider the Panasonic NN-SD372S as the best microwave for a small family.
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3. Daewoo Retro Small Microwave Oven, 0.7 cu. ft., 700W, Mint Green
Our Editor's Rating 4.6/5
Looking for a cute small microwave? Look no more! Daewoo produces small microwaves with varieties of colors; we just happen to put the mint green one because of the unique calm color.
Instead of buttons you will find the knobs as means of controls instead, making the word retro to stand true.
Just a perfect microwave as a gift for seniors.
700 watt and small interior make this one takes more time to cook.
The 10 Inch turntable means that you can't put the full dinner plate of 11 Inches. With four auto cook programs, five power control levels, and child safety locks. This one can handle everyday regular microwave use just fine.
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4. Westinghouse WCM660W 600 Watt Counter Top Rotary Microwave Oven, 0.6 Cubic Feet, Black
Our Editor's Rating 5/5
The Westinghouse WCM660W is unique, you will find no digital control or display and instead, two large mechanical knobs are used as controls.
With six power levels, you can do light work like warming butter/chocolate to heavy work like defrosting meals.
Other distinctions: there are only minute selections, the sounds will be a bell ping instead of the beeping. Wrapping it up, we pick this as the best small microwave for seniors
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5. Nostalgia RMO770RED Retro 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave
Our Editor's Rating 4.5/5
Nostalgia RMO770RED live to its name, a beautiful red retro design armed with mechanical knobs, wrapped in the compact body give some nostalgic vibe.
It might be a little confusing at first. However, everything will get simpler over time, need a quick cook? Hit the large silver knobs at the bottom, and you will get the microwave running for one minute, need more or less time? Simply rotate the knob, and you will get 20 seconds addition or subtraction with each "click" sounds. This Nostalgia RMO770RED is the best small retro microwave by our editor.
If you want to see more red microwaves, please go to our best red microwaves review article.
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6. RCA RMW733-BLACK Small Microwave Oven, Black
Our Editor's Rating 4.4/5
RCA RMW733 might be one of the budget-friendly small microwaves on our list but that doesn't mean it is sacrificing the quality, RCA is a name that can be considered a giant in the electronic industry; the brand simply represents quality.
At size 0.7 Cu.ft and 700 watt, this can be considered a good choice for most people.
Quick buttons (Pizza, Beverage, Potato, Popcorn, Reheat)
This is our second choice for the dorm room.
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7. Amana (RMS10DS) 0.8-Cubic Feet 1000-Watt Light Duty Microwave Oven with Dial Timer (Stainless Steel)
Our Editor's Rating 4.7/5
Leonardo Da Vinci once said, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." That very quote greatly reflects Amana RMS10DS in the microwave department.
It has only one rotating knob, and that is all; no ten complicated buttons or so, zero learning curves which even a fifth grader can use; although having no turntable might be a con to some because of uneven reheat, it makes the cleaning super easy.
It is perfect to be put in work and public places. or as a gift to an elderly person.
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8. GE JEM3072SHSS Small Countertop Microwave Oven
Our Editor's Rating 5/5
GE tends to produce medium to large-sized microwave, and they rarely step into small microwave market. This fact makes the GE JEM3072SHSS that has 0.7 Cu.Ft size and 700 watt, a rarity.
As you see a stainless steel finish, stylish design and the GE big name behind this mini microwave make it looks premium against its peers on this list; even so the price.
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9. Frigidaire FFCM0724LW 700-watt Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cubic Feet, White
Our Editor's Rating 4/5
This Frigidaire FFCM0724LW has been one of the Frigidaire trusted tip of the spear in competing with the other vendors at small microwave market.
Features include auto cook, auto reheat, effortless defrost, ten power levels, easy start button, working turntable.
Although doing great in the microwave function wise, there are various complaints about the short-life of this small one that only lasted between 8 months to 48 months.
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10. Sharp Microwaves ZSMC0710BW Sharp 700W Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cubic Foot, White
Our Editor's Rating 4.5/5
Last, on our list is the Sharp ZSMC0710BW which is our favorite small microwave; the Sharp brand represents age resistance ( yeah they made "die-hard" microwave products ) moreover the glossy white stainless-steel finish not only very stylish but also scratch resistant.
It comes with the ceramic turntable that will make the defrosting and reheating processes even.
Armed with 11 power level, +30 seconds key, time defrost, auto defrost and the popcorn and beverage button really nailed it as our favorite small microwave.
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Our Verdict
Again, there is no perfect small microwave that suits everyone, one would be a blessing for a certain person, but the very same thing could be a disaster for someone else.
Some resume:
If you are looking for something really small that can save much space but not sacrificing the quality, at 0.5 Cu.ft the Whirlpool WMC20005YB will be your answer.
If you need a small microwave with best possible performance, armed with the Inverter technology, Panasonic NN-SD372S is hard to beat.
Need the balance between size and performance? The mini microwave GE JEM3072SHSS will give you the best experience of both worlds.
Is simplicity your thing? Amana (RMS10DS) will be perfect for you, but keep in mind it doesn't have the turntable.
One of the mini microwave's biggest complaints is its longevity. However, there is one you can trust to accompany you for long, meet our favorite Sharp ZSMC0710BW.
Looking something beyond 0.8 Cu.ft? You can go to our Ultimate Microwave Guide
If you follow our guide of the best small microwave oven and understand the principle behind it, we assure you that you will find the best small microwave oven that really suits you, even beyond the scope of our list.