Best Microwaves for One Person

Cooking for one doesn't need 2.2 cubic feet of microwave cavity. A compact 0.7–1.1 cu ft model handles everything a single person realistically heats — soup, leftovers, a mug of coffee, a single serving of pasta. Smaller capacity means a smaller exterior, which means more counter space for everything else. These models are tuned for solo use: right-sized, no wasted capacity.

• ✓ A 0.9 cu ft microwave fits a standard soup bowl, a dinner plate, and most single-serving containers — the practical ceiling for solo use.
• ✓ Don't overpay for 1000W+ wattage if you're only reheating single portions — 700W gets the job done in a few extra seconds.
• ✓ Smaller interior means a smaller turntable — verify your most-used bowl fits the turntable diameter before buying.
• ✓ At this capacity, models are typically 17–20 inches wide: enough to fit on almost any counter without dominating it.
• ✓ A timer and basic power levels are all most solo users actually use. Avoid paying for sensor cooking or smart features you won't use.

275 models in this guide