Best Microwaves for Small Kitchens

Small kitchens demand microwaves that earn their counter space. The models below are 20 inches wide or less — compact enough for a galley kitchen, studio apartment, or single-wall kitchen layout. They're also countertop models, so no permanent installation is required. Use the fit calculator to enter your exact available space and see which models leave you the most headroom.

• ✓ Measure your available counter width including required side clearances — most microwaves need 3" each side for ventilation.
• ✓ Width is not the only constraint: depth and height matter equally. Measure all three before narrowing your search.
• ✓ A compact microwave doesn't have to sacrifice wattage — many 700–900W models in this size range heat just as fast for everyday reheating.
• ✓ If counter space is the issue, consider an OTR model instead — it mounts above the range and frees the counter entirely.

243 models in this guide