Best Microwaves for Dorm Rooms

Dorm room microwaves need to be compact enough to fit on a desk or narrow shelf, affordable enough that losing it at the end of term isn't heartbreaking, and powerful enough to actually heat food. The models below are countertop units 20 inches wide or less, between 700W and 1000W — the sweet spot for dorm use.

• ✓ Many dorms have wattage limits of 700W or 800W — check with your housing office before buying.
• ✓ Measure the actual surface where the microwave will sit, including depth — a shelf may be shallower than you expect.
• ✓ A 0.9–1.0 cu ft unit hits the sweet spot of capacity and footprint for most dorm needs.
• ✓ Look for models with a child lock or door interlock — the button is easy to accidentally press in a small shared space.

207 models in this guide