Best Small (Compact) Microwaves

Small microwaves are designed for spaces where every inch counts — dorm rooms, studio apartments, RVs, and tight kitchen corners. At 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet with 600–800W of power, they're genuinely compact while still handling everyday reheating. They're lightweight and affordable, making them ideal for renters or as a secondary unit.

• ✓ Small doesn't mean weak — many compact models hit 800W, which handles coffee reheating and defrost well.
• ✓ Interior height and width matter more than capacity — a 0.7 cu ft unit with a tall cavity may fit your dishes better than a wider, shallower 0.9 cu ft.
• ✓ Turntable diameter is critical in a small unit — a 10-inch turntable won't fit a standard dinner plate.
• ✓ These models stay on shelves and desks better than full-size units, so weight and tipping risk are lower.

223 models in this guide