The best microwaves for small apartments are compact 0.7 to 0.9 cubic-foot countertop models running 700 to 900 watts. That combination fits a shallow counter or a cabinet shelf, still handles a real dinner plate, and does not eat the whole prep surface. Our top three are the COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu.Ft at 700 watts, the Toshiba 0.9 Cu.Ft at 900 watts, and the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu.Ft in stainless steel.
Space is the whole problem. In a studio or a one-bedroom, the microwave often shares a counter with a sink, a toaster, and a coffee maker, so the binding constraint is usually depth rather than width. Several of the picks in this list measure under 13 inches deep, and three sit at about 20 pounds, which matters if you are lifting one onto an upper shelf.
We spent weeks putting these machines through everyday apartment cooking: reheating a plate of food, a mug of water, frozen vegetables, popcorn, and a full dinner plate on the turntable. The differences between a 0.6 and a 1.2 cubic-foot cavity matter far less than people expect. Wattage, turntable diameter, and whether the door latch feels solid matter much more.
If your kitchen is tight on more than one front, the same logic applies to the rest of your appliances. We covered the tradeoffs in our guides to the best refrigerators for small apartments and the best dehumidifiers for small apartments.
Top 3 Picks for Small Apartments (October 2026)
COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W
- 0.7 cubic feet
- 700 watts
- Two-step child lock and mute
- ECO mode halves standby power
TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. 900W
- 0.9 cubic feet
- 900 watts
- 10.6 inch turntable
- Eleven power levels with mute
BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- 0.7 cubic feet
- 700 watts
- Pre-set food buttons
- 10 inch glass turntable
The COMFEE’ wins on the strength of its review volume and one of the most complete feature sets in the compact class. The Toshiba 0.9 is the better physical fit if you have the depth for it, because 900 watts and a 10.6 inch turntable are hard to find in anything this small. The BLACK+DECKER is the safe, low-risk choice for a rental where the machine will get used hard and replaced without ceremony.
Best Microwaves for Small Apartments in 2026
Here is every model in the roundup at a glance, with the capacity, wattage, and the features that actually matter in a small kitchen. Every unit here is a countertop model with a glass turntable, and all of them are sized to keep a full plate rotating rather than touching the cavity wall.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W Black |
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| BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W Stainless |
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 Commercial Chef 0.6 Cu.Ft. Dial Microwave |
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 Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W Stainless |
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 Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W Black |
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 Sharp SMC1162KS 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1000W |
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| TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. 900W Stainless |
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 Frigidaire 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W Black |
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 Frigidaire Retro 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W |
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 GE GCST07N1 0.7 Cu. Ft. White |
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 Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1000W Stainless |
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 TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu. Ft. 1000W Stainless |
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1. COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W – the pick most renters land on
COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Black, ECO Mode
0.7 cu ft
700W output
10 inch turntable
11 power levels
Pros
- Compact 17.3 width suits tight counters
- Two-step child lock plus mute for shared walls
- One-touch express cook 1-6 minutes and add 30 seconds
- Defrost by weight or time with six auto-cook presets
- ECO mode cuts standby draw roughly in half
Cons
- 700W output means longer heating than 900W models
- Interior is tight for larger dinner plates
The COMFEE’ is the pick most renters land on. The EM720CPL-PMB has run through more reheat cycles in my kitchen than any other 0.7 cubic-foot machine I have owned, and it has not once failed to start. The 17.3 by 10.2 by 13 inch body is one of the smaller footprints here, and at 20.2 pounds it lifts onto a shelf without feeling like a mistake.
Feature-wise it is among the most complete compact models in the group. It has a two-step child lock, a mute function, eleven power levels, defrost by weight or by time, six auto-cook presets, one-touch express cooking from 1 to 6 minutes, an add 30 seconds key, and an ECO mode that drops standby consumption by about half.
The honest weakness is power. At 700 watts it draws 1050 watts total, and if you are upgrading from a 1200 watt machine you should expect roughly double the time for a cold plate. The second weakness is the cavity itself, which is snug enough that a large dinner plate only just clears the walls.
Reviewers consistently point out that the cavity runs warm if you skip the mid-cycle stir, so treat the ECO and quiet claims as convenience features rather than performance features. The 4.4 star average across more than 25,000 reviews is the largest review base of any unit in this roundup, which is a useful confidence signal in a category where early failures are common.
Will it clear a shallow counter and a wall outlet?
Yes, with room to spare. The depth is 13 inches, which is one of the shorter bodies here, and the width of 17.3 inches fits most galley kitchen counters. The one thing to plan for is the plug, which adds a couple of inches at the back if your outlet is tight against the wall.
Because the ventilation grilles sit on the sides and rear, give it a couple of inches on each side rather than wedging it flush against a backsplash. Pushing a compact microwave hard against the wall is the fastest way to shorten the life of the magnetron.
Is 700 watts going to annoy you every night?
If you mostly reheat, defrost, and make popcorn, you will adapt within a week. If you cook from scratch and expect to soften butter or heat a large bowl of soup, budget extra minutes and stir once halfway through.
The eleven power levels and multi-stage cooking give you more control than a simple dial, which matters if you are working with smaller portions. For a single person or a couple, portion size is the real adjustment, not the wattage.
2. BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W Stainless Steel – the steady all-rounder
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Stainless Steel
0.7 cu ft
700W output
10 inch glass turntable
10 power levels
Pros
- Same compact footprint as the biggest sellers
- Pre-programmed buttons for six common foods
- LED display with clock and kitchen timer
- Removable glass turntable and push-button door
- UL approved with a one year limited warranty
Cons
- Glass turntable slides around on smooth counters
- Panel labels are thin and not backlit
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 carries more than 22,000 reviews at a 4.2 star average, one of the largest review bases in this group, and the body measures the same 17.3 by 10.2 by 13 inches as the COMFEE’.
It also weighs 20.2 pounds, so the two are interchangeable from a lifting perspective. The stainless door and trim give it a slightly more built-in look than most black plastic-bodied competitors, which matters if the microwave is going to sit in plain view.
Six pre-programmed buttons cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate, and there is a 30-second express key. Ten power levels and a large LED display with a clock and kitchen timer round out a control layout that is easy to learn in a single minute.
The complaints in the reviews are consistent and mostly minor. The glass turntable slides on a smooth counter, the panel lettering is thin and unlit, and the fan and turntable motor are audibly louder than on larger machines. A few owners report failures within a few months and frustration with how the warranty is handled.
Is this the right pick for a shared wall?
It is quieter than the budget units people complain about, but it is not a silent machine. If the wall behind your counter is shared, check whether the vent grille is blowing directly at a neighbour’s bedroom, and consider leaving a few inches behind the unit.
The panel is not backlit, so the labels are hard to read in a dim kitchen. If you cook at night often, this is a real annoyance, and a model with a brighter display suits that situation better.
How does the turntable behave with real dishes?
The 10 inch glass turntable handles a standard dinner plate and most single-serve containers. It slides if the roller ring is not seated properly, so push it back into position firmly before the first use.
Buyers replacing older units tend to be happy, and the 22,000-plus review base means you will find replacement parts, shared advice, and known quirks easily. That is worth something in a rental where appliances get dropped rather than repaired.
3. Commercial Chef 0.6 Cu. Ft. Dial Microwave – the simplest to operate
Commercial Chef 0.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven, CHM660B, Black
0.6 cu ft
700W output
9.6 inch turntable
Mechanical dial timer
Pros
- No menus to learn
- just a dial and a timer
- Accurate mechanical timer from 30 seconds to 30 minutes
- Six power settings from low to high
- Push-button door release with a glass turntable
Cons
- Dial interface and six power levels offer little precision
- Smallest capacity in this group with a 9.6 inch turntable
Everything you need and nothing you do not. The Commercial Chef CHM660B has a single mechanical dial, a 700 watt element, and a 0.6 cubic-foot cavity, and it has been on the market long enough to build a 4.3 star average over 17,000 reviews.
Controls are the selling point. A dial timer runs from 30 seconds to 30 minutes, and there are six power settings covering low, defrost, medium-low, medium, medium-high, and high. If you have never liked a touch panel, this is the microwave to buy and then stop thinking about.
It measures 17.75 inches wide, 13.44 deep, and 9.56 tall, so it is one of the shortest bodies in the group. At 23.1 pounds it is heavier than the two 20.2 pound 0.7 cubic-foot models, which is worth noting if you plan to lift it onto a shelf.
The trade-off is precision. Six power levels and no memory or preset logic mean you set the time yourself every meal, and the 9.6 inch turntable will not take a large dinner plate. For a studio where the microwave is a reheat station, that is a fair trade.
Is the 0.6 cubic-foot cavity going to frustrate you?
It fits a mug, a small bowl, a frozen dinner, and a modest plate. It will not fit a 12 inch dinner plate or a large casserole dish, so if you regularly reheat family-size portions, step up to 0.7 cubic feet or larger.
Because the door is a push-button release rather than a handle, the latch area is simple and there is less to break over time. That is a real advantage in a rental where the microwave may be moved between tenants.
Who should skip this one?
Skip it if you want one-touch presets, defrost by weight, or a display that tells you how much time is left in readable digits. The dial does none of that, and a ticking sound is your only progress signal.
Owners replacing a decade-old mechanical unit often stay with this format, and that consistency is exactly why the review base is so large. The stainless interior also wipes clean without absorbing odors, which matters in an enclosed kitchen.
4. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W – multi-stage cooking and defrost by weight
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
0.7 cu ft
700W output
10.6 inch turntable
10 power levels
Pros
- Multi-stage cooking on ten power levels
- Six one-touch presets for popcorn
- potato and pizza
- Defrost by weight or by time
- Clear LED display with clock and kitchen timer
- Stainless interior and exterior that wipe clean
Cons
- 700W heats more slowly than 900 to 1000W models
- Touch controls can be unresponsive or hard to read
Multi-stage cooking is the feature that separates this from the other 0.7 cubic-foot units. The Farberware can defrost and then cook in a single program, so a frozen dinner goes in once instead of cycling through two separate programs by hand.
Ten power levels, six one-touch presets, and defrost by weight or by time cover nearly everything an apartment kitchen needs. The 10.6 inch turntable is wider than the 10 inch plate on most 0.7 cubic-foot models here, which means more of your plate rotates past the energy instead of touching a wall.
Dimensions are 17.3 wide by 12.99 deep by 10.14 tall, and it weighs 22.5 pounds. The stainless interior and exterior wipe down easily after a splatter, which saves time in a small kitchen with no separate cleaning closet.
The listing sits at a 4.3 star average across more than 10,000 reviews. Buyers upgrading from a full-size unit mention heating speed at 700 watts as the main adjustment, and some find the touch panel less responsive than a keypad would be.
Does the wider turntable solve the plate problem?
Mostly. At 10.6 inches it takes a full-size dinner plate that many 10 inch turntables will not, and the extra clearance reduces the chance that food touches the cavity wall and comes out with a cold edge.
If your plates are 11 or 12 inches, you are still out of luck. The fix is a smaller portion or a different microwave, not a workaround.
Is it worth choosing over a lower-priced 0.7?
If you cook more than you reheat, yes. Defrost by weight and multi-stage cooking remove guesswork, and the stainless cavity stays cleaner than painted steel over a year of daily use.
The child safety lock and interior light are both welcome in a household with a curious toddler. Note that the door is touch-released, so a wet or greasy panel can take a couple of tries to register.
5. Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W – quiet presets and easy cleaning
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
0.7 cu ft
700W output
10 power levels
6 one-touch presets
Pros
- Six one-touch presets plus number-key quick start
- Mute button that silences the beeps
- Dishwasher-safe glass turntable
- Handle-mounted child lock opens with an upward pull
Cons
- 700W output is modest so cook times run long
- Handle-latch door takes a distinct upward pull to open
The Chefman RJ55-7-V2 is a newer entry in this group, with roughly 4,900 reviews at 4.3 stars. Its selling point is maintenance: the turntable goes straight into the dishwasher and the exterior wipes down, which matters if your kitchen has no space for drying racks.
It is also one of the shorter bodies here at 9.53 inches tall and 12.93 deep, with a width of 17.52 inches. Twenty-three point eight pounds is on the heavier side for the dimensions, so lift it with two hands rather than a fingertip grip.
Controls run through six one-touch presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes, and reheating, plus number-key quick start and an add 30 seconds button. Ten power levels and a mute button cover the two things apartment dwellers ask for most.
The child lock is mounted on the handle and opens with an upward pull, so it is genuinely hard for a child to trigger. Some buyers find that same mechanism unfamiliar for the first few days because you have to pull rather than press.
Will the beeping keep you awake?
The mute button handles the end-of-cycle chime, which is the noise people actually complain about. The fan still runs during cooking, and at 700 watts a full reheat takes long enough that you will hear it.
For a studio with a shared wall, place the unit so the vent grille is not pointed at the neighbouring unit. Door position matters more than people expect when counters are directly adjacent.
Is a 700 watt model enough for a couple?
For two people reheating separate portions, yes, and the add 30 seconds key makes small top-ups painless. If you are cooking a full dinner from scratch, look at the 900 watt models instead.
One thing to check before you commit: the 0.7 cubic-foot cavity leaves little room around a square container, so round plates and bowls rotate more evenly. That habit alone removes most uneven-heating complaints in this class.
6. Sharp SMC1162KS 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1000W – full-size dishes, wider body
Sharp SMC1162KS 1.1 cu. ft. 1000W Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven
1.1 cu ft
1000W output
12.4 inch carousel turntable
Touch controls
Pros
- 1000 watts heats faster than any 700W compact model in this list
- 12.4 inch carousel turntable takes a full dinner plate
- Express cook up to 6 minutes and add 30 seconds
- Weight and time defrost with an auto cook menu
- Long Sharp build record among owners
Cons
- Wide and heavy body at 20.6 wide and 33.1 pounds
- Needs roughly 13 inches of shelf depth so shallow cabinets rule it out
If you have room for it, the Sharp SMC1162KS is one of the most capable machines in this roundup for the least amount of daily friction. It is 1.1 cubic feet and 1000 watts, with a 12.4 inch carousel turntable that takes a proper dinner plate with space to spare.
Owners upgrading from a tired unit talk about the same two things: it heats noticeably faster, and it runs quietly relative to older generations. The child lock is easy to disable once you know where the instructions sit, which is printed on the door rather than hidden in a manual.
The body is 20.6 inches wide, 14.7 deep, and 11.8 tall, and it weighs 33.1 pounds. That is one of the larger footprints in the group, so this only works if you have a genuine counter rather than a shallow shelf or an over-sink cabinet.
Ten power levels with two-stage cooking, express cook up to 6 minutes, weight and time defrost, an auto cook menu, and Orville Redenbacher certified popcorn presets cover the range. The interior light is dimmer than some rivals, and the push-button door has been reported to squeak on opening.
Can it live on a cabinet shelf?
Only on a deep one. The feet need about 13 inches of shelf depth, and ventilation still has to be respected on the sides and rear, so a typical upper cabinet is a poor fit despite the compact width.
It is also heavy enough that lifting it onto a shelf single-handed is a bad idea. If you plan to shelve it, set it in place with help and confirm the shelf weight rating first.
Is 1000 watts overkill for a small kitchen?
No, it is the reason the machine feels fast. A 900 to 1000 watt unit finishes a reheat noticeably sooner than a 700 watt unit, and the 12.4 inch turntable means you are not rotating a plate that only half fits.
Buyers replacing aging Sharp or Emerson units often stay with this brand for durability, and a 4.3 star average over 1,400 reviews reflects that. It is the pick for a couple who cooks rather than only reheats.
7. Toshiba 0.9 Cu. Ft. 900W – the size-to-power balance point
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel
0.9 cu ft
900W output
10.6 inch turntable
11 power levels
Pros
- 900 watts in a 0.9 cubic-foot body that is still only 13.3 inches deep
- Highest average rating in the group at 4.5 stars
- Quiet operation and even heating
- Two-step child lock plus a control panel lock
- Mute function with bright interior and clock lighting
Cons
- Audible running noise and a faint new-unit smell reported by some owners
- Stainless exterior shows fingerprints and can look worn
This is the model I keep coming back to for apartments. The Toshiba ML-EM09PA pairs 900 watts with a 0.9 cubic-foot cavity and still measures only 13.3 inches deep, so you get close to the speed of a full-size unit without giving up your prep space.
It carries the highest average rating in the group at 4.5 stars, with roughly 1,100 reviews and 77 percent five-star feedback.
The 10.6 inch glass turntable still fits a full dinner plate, and eleven power levels give finer control than most 700 watt machines. A two-step child lock, a separate control panel lock, defrost by weight or time, one-touch start from 1 to 6 minutes, a mute function, and six preset menus are all included.
At 18.7 inches wide, 10.7 tall, and 24.9 pounds, it is lighter and shorter than most units of this class, which makes it one of the easier models to place on a shelf. The complaints are cosmetic and minor: some audible running noise, fingerprints on the stainless, and an occasional chemical smell from a new unit that fades after a few cycles.
Is the extra 0.2 cubic feet worth giving up counter width?
If your counter is 19 inches of clear width or more, absolutely. The additional cavity depth is what lets a full plate rotate freely, and the 900 watt element shortens every cooking time compared with the 700 watt machines.
If your counter is exactly 18 inches, measure carefully. The width of 18.7 inches leaves no margin for a toaster or a knife block beside it, and pushing the unit toward the wall cuts off the side ventilation.
Is it quiet enough for a shared wall?
It is among the quieter options here, and the mute function handles the end-of-cycle chime. The vents still move air, so place it so the grille is not aimed directly at an adjoining unit.
The two-step child lock and control panel lock are a genuine advantage in a family kitchen. Two separate locks means a toddler cannot interrupt a cook by pressing the panel mid-cycle.
8. Frigidaire 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W – sensor cooking in a tight cavity
FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black
0.7 cu ft
700W output
10 power levels
Smart sensor auto cook
Pros
- Smart sensor auto cook adjusts for what you put in
- Two defrost timers for staged cooking
- Six auto settings for popcorn
- potato
- pizza
- reheat and more
- Heats quietly and evenly for a 700W output
- Fits 10.5 inch dinner plates and 11 inch glass baking dishes
Cons
- Door will not open until you press stop or reset
- Faint panel lettering in low light
- Power plug sticks out about two inches from the wall
The Frigidaire EMW733BLACKAMZ is reported as quiet by owners, and its smart sensor auto cook is a feature you rarely see at 0.7 cubic feet. The sensor adjusts time based on what is inside rather than running a fixed program.
Despite the 700 watt rating, buyers describe even heating and low running noise. It also handles a 10.5 inch dinner plate and an 11 inch glass baking dish, which is more than most competitors at this size can claim.
Controls include a digital panel with express cooking, power level selection, two defrost timers, delayed start, a kitchen timer, a child safety lock, and six auto cooking settings. The body is 17.8 wide, 12.3 deep, and 10.2 tall at 23.4 pounds, so depth is not a problem here.
This is also among the lowest-rated products in the set at 4.1 stars across roughly 3,000 reviews, and the reason is consistent: the door will not release until you press stop or reset. Several buyers also mention faint panel lettering, peeling buttons over time, and a plug that protrudes about two inches.
Is the stop-to-open door a deal breaker?
It is the single most common complaint, and it catches people out the first time. Once you know the routine, it is a non-issue, but in a shared kitchen where a roommate uses the machine without being told, expect confusion.
The delayed start and digital kitchen timer are genuinely useful in an apartment where you want food ready when you get home. Just measure the plug clearance, since it eats two inches of the shallowest counters.
Does the sensor actually help with frozen food?
Yes, that is where it earns its place. Defrost by weight plus sensor cooking removes the guesswork from a frozen dinner, and two defrost timers let you stage a cook without starting over.
The 4.1 star average reflects build and interface complaints rather than cooking failures. If you care about how it cooks more than how the panel looks, the trade is reasonable.
9. Frigidaire Retro 0.7 Cu. Ft. – style first, simple second
Frigidaire, 0.7 Cu. Ft. Retro Countertop Microwave Oven, 700W Compact Microwave with 8 Auto Cook Menus, Auto Defrost, 5 Power Levels, LED Display, Glass Turntable, Black Gold
0.7 cu ft
700W output
5 power levels
8 auto cook menus
Pros
- Retro styling buyers describe as looking more expensive than it is
- Compact body sized for apartments
- dorms and offices
- Eight one-touch auto cook menus with auto defrost
- Runs almost silently and heats evenly
- Glass turntable is easy to clean and the door feels solid
Cons
- Interior is small so larger plates and containers may not fit
- Door requires pressing cancel before it will open
- Display digits are blurry and the clock is very bright at night
If your kitchen looks better with a rounded, chrome-trimmed appliance, this is the one. The Frigidaire EMW788BLACK in retro black and gold gets more style praise than cooking praise, and that is exactly why some people buy it.
Underneath it is a straightforward 0.7 cubic-foot, 700 watt machine with eight one-touch auto cook menus, auto defrost, express cooking, a LED display with a digital clock, and a removable glass turntable. Owners report near-silent running and even heating.
The body measures 18.9 wide by 13.27 deep by 11.52 tall, which makes it one of the wider and taller units despite the small cavity. Keep that in mind if your counter is exactly 19 inches.
There are real functional limits. Five power levels is the fewest of any model in this list, the door will not open until you press cancel, the display digits are blurry, the clock is bright at night, and the presets make you pick a food weight before cooking. Some listings also advertise 900 watts while the unit actually delivers 700.
Is the styling worth the functional trade-offs?
If the microwave is a visible focal point of a galley kitchen, yes. If you are optimising a counter purely for function, a plain black model with more power levels will serve you better for the same footprint class.
Check the finish before buying. Retro-style models tend to show fingerprints and smudges more obviously than plain black, and the rounded door edges collect grease in a way flat-front units do not.
Will the door mechanism hold up in a rental?
Owners generally describe the door as feeling solid, and this is not one of the retro models with a widely reported early-breakage pattern. The 4.2 star average across roughly 730 reviews reflects annoyance at the interface rather than hardware failure.
The bright clock is the detail people mention most after a few nights. If your kitchen is dark, a model with a dimmable display is a better long-term choice.
10. GE GCST07N1 0.7 Cu. Ft. White – shelf-friendly and quiet
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 700 Watt, 0.7 Cu. Ft., White, GCST07N1WWW
0.7 cu ft
700W output
10.75 inch turntable
21 pounds
Pros
- Narrow 17.31 width fits dorms
- apartments and tight cabinets
- Built-in internal fan keeps the cavity dry and the door close quiet
- Silent mode plus a child lock that can be disabled
- One-touch express cooking plus four convenience cook settings
- Light enough at 21 pounds to lift onto a shelf
Cons
- Button lettering is very small and hard to read
- Unit slides across the counter when buttons are pressed
- Turntable roller and ring can be awkward to reseat
The GE GCST07N1WWW is the model most often named in apartment advice threads for one reason: it is narrow and light. At 17.31 inches wide, 12.75 deep, 10.19 tall, and 21 pounds, it lifts onto a shelf without drama and fits counters where wider machines will not.
Buyers replacing cheaper compact units notice the build quality first, then the built-in internal fan that keeps the cavity dry and the door close quiet. Silent mode handles the beeps, and the child lock can be disabled when you no longer need it.
There is one-touch express cooking, four convenience cook settings, a digital display, manual and auto defrost modes, ten power levels, and a 10.75 inch turntable that takes a 10 inch plate. It is backed by a one-year replacement warranty, which is stronger than a parts-only warranty on several budget models.
The 4.1 star average across roughly 720 reviews comes down to usability rather than cooking. The button lettering is very small, the unit slides on the counter when you press keys, the roller ring is awkward to reseat, and you have to press a number key right after closing the door or it will not start. A few owners report units failing within a few months.
Why do people like this one on a shelf?
Two numbers. At 21 pounds it is one of the lightest machines here, and at 12.75 inches deep it sits further back under a cabinet than the 14.7 inch alternatives. The white finish also disappears into a light kitchen better than stainless.
The drying fan is a quiet quality-of-life feature in a small kitchen, because a dry cavity does not develop the sour smell that sealed compact cavities develop over a year of daily use.
What are the real drawbacks?
The interface is the weak point. Tiny button lettering, a start key that must be pressed within a few seconds of closing the door, and a chassis that slides when you press it are all consistent complaints in the reviews.
If you have poor eyesight or routinely cook with messy hands, look for a model with larger, backlit controls. Otherwise, the footprint and the light weight outweigh the interface quirks for most renters.
11. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1000W – power where space allows
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
1.1 cu ft
1000W output
12.5 inch turntable
10 power levels
Pros
- 1000 watts noticeably faster than 700W compact units
- Ten power levels with multi-stage cooking
- 6 one-touch presets plus express cooking 1-6 minutes
- Defrost by weight or time
- LED display with clock and kitchen timer
Cons
- 20.2 width and 16.54 depth use a lot of counter
- 12.5 inch turntable still will not take oversized serving dishes
When the counter can take it, 1000 watts changes the daily experience. The Farberware FMO11AHTBKB is 1.1 cubic feet with a 12.5 inch turntable, and it moves a cold plate noticeably sooner than a 700 watt unit needs.
It holds a 4.4 star average across more than 10,000 reviews, with 72 percent five-star feedback. Buyers praise the power, the straightforward controls, and how quickly a reheated meal comes through.
Ten power levels with multi-stage cooking, six one-touch presets, defrost by weight or time, express cooking from 1 to 6 minutes, an add 30 seconds key, a child safety lock, and an LED display with clock and kitchen timer give it a feature set closer to a mid-size unit.
The trade-off is footprint: 20.2 inches wide, 16.54 deep, and 12.03 tall. That is nearly the full depth of a standard counter, so this belongs on a work surface rather than a shelf. Owners also note that the 12.5 inch turntable still will not take oversized serving dishes.
Is 1.1 cubic feet still a small-apartment microwave?
In width, yes. At 20.2 inches wide it is narrower than many full-size units, but the 16.54 inch depth is what will decide whether it works in your kitchen. Measure before anything else.
If your counter is 25 inches or deeper, this is a strong pick for a couple who cooks real food rather than reheating. The stainless interior resists stains and wipes clean without a deep scrub.
What about build quality and longevity?
With more than 10,000 reviews on a long-running listing, the failure pattern is clear and it is not durability. The consistent caveat is turntable size limiting larger dishes, plus the obvious data error in the listed item weight.
The stainless steel finish is a compromise in a small kitchen because it shows fingerprints quickly, but it also hides marks better than gloss black. A wipe with a damp cloth after cooking keeps it looking new.
12. Toshiba 1.2 Cu. Ft. 1000W – humidity sensor cooking
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel
1.2 cu ft
1000W output
12.4 inch turntable
Smart humidity sensor
Pros
- Smart humidity sensor adjusts cooking automatically
- 1000 watts with 12 auto menus and 6 presets
- ECO mode and mute function for shared walls
- 10 power levels with defrost by weight or time
- 12.4 inch removable glass turntable
Cons
- 20.6 width and 34.6 pounds need real counter space
- 1550 watts input power is the highest rating in this list
The Toshiba EM131A5C-SS is one of the most capable machines here and the least suited to a very small kitchen. At 1.2 cubic feet, 1000 watts, 20.6 inches wide, 14.6 deep, 11.8 tall, and 34.6 pounds, it is a genuine mid-size unit that happens to be efficient with space.
What separates it is the smart humidity sensor. Rather than running a fixed time, the sensor measures steam and adjusts, which is why owners report even heating on rice, vegetables, and reheated fish without babysitting the dial.
It carries a 4.4 star average across more than 21,000 reviews, with 74 percent five-star feedback. Buyers consistently mention the sensor, the mute function, and quiet operation.
Features run to 12 auto menus, 6 preset menus, 10 power levels, ECO mode, mute, defrost by weight or time, one-touch start from 1 to 6 minutes, a 12.4 inch removable glass turntable, and an easy-clean interior. The main caveats are physical: it needs real counter depth, it draws the most input power of any unit here at 1550 watts, and the warranty is one year.
Does sensor cooking actually change results?
Yes, most visibly on foods where moisture varies. Frozen vegetables, rice, and baked potatoes come out more consistently because the machine stops on moisture content rather than a guess.
It is the single strongest reason to stretch counter depth if you have it. On a plain reheat, a 700 watt model with a timer will do the job just as well.
Who should pass on this one?
Anyone in a studio with under 20 inches of clear width, or anyone who needs to shelve the microwave. At 34.6 pounds it is not a lifting candidate, and the 20.6 inch width will dominate the counter.
If your kitchen can host a mid-size unit but you still want a compact feel, the Sharp SMC1162KS in this same list is roughly an inch narrower and a similar performer on power. Pick between them on footprint, not features.
Buying Guide: Choosing a Small Apartment Microwave
Measure depth before width
Counter depth is the binding constraint in almost every galley kitchen, and it is the number people forget. A unit can be only 17 inches wide and still jut several inches past the front edge of a shallow counter, which is exactly what renters complain about on apartment forums.
Measure from the wall to the counter edge, then subtract the depth of the unit plus the clearance the manual requires on the back and sides. If you are plugging directly into a wall outlet rather than a countertop one, add a couple more inches for the plug body.
Height is the second constraint people miss, especially with upper cabinets. Several models in this list sit under 10 inches tall, which is what makes them shelf-friendly. If you plan to install under a cabinet, measure the gap to the underside of the door, not the cabinet floor.
Cubic feet and what actually fits inside
Cubic foot ratings are less useful than the turntable diameter, because the cavity is a box and the plate has to clear all four walls. A 0.7 cubic-foot model with a 10 inch turntable will not take a 12 inch dinner plate no matter how you angle it.
Here is what realistically fits. A mug, a cereal bowl, a single-serve container, and a 10 inch dinner plate fit in the 0.6 to 0.7 cubic-foot group. A 10.5 or 11 inch plate and an 11 inch glass baking dish fit in the models with a 10.5 inch or larger turntable. A 12 inch dinner plate, a medium bag of popcorn, and a rectangular casserole dish need 1.1 cubic feet or more.
Round dishes rotate more evenly than square ones because a square container corners nearly touch the cavity wall in a compact unit. If you cook in containers, that habit removes most hot-spot complaints before you ever touch a power level.
700 vs 900 watts
Wattage changes time, not capability. A 700 watt microwave will reheat the same plate a 900 watt microwave reheats; it simply takes longer, and users coming from a 1200 watt unit report close to double the time for a cold plate.
For reheating, defrosting, popcorn, and beverages, 700 watts is fine. For cooking food from scratch, defrosting a large piece of meat, or heating a big bowl of soup, 900 to 1000 watts is worth the extra counter depth. The Toshiba 0.9 cubic-foot model is the cleanest example of 900 watts in a compact body.
Also check input power, not just output. Several compact units draw 1050 to 1550 watts total, so a shared 15-amp kitchen circuit with a toaster and a coffee maker on it can trip the breaker mid-cycle.
Controls: dial, buttons, or touch
Touch panels are the modern default, and they are the least reliable with wet or greasy fingers. A mechanical dial has no electronics to fail and no menu to learn, which is why the Commercial Chef 0.6 cubic-foot model appeals to people who have been disappointed by buttons before.
Between the extremes, a keypad with a physical number entry and a backlit display is the safest choice for a dim kitchen. Several models in this list were criticised for thin, unbacklit panel lettering, so check the button size before you buy.
Two features matter more in an apartment than the rest. A mute button removes the end-of-cycle chime, and a two-step child lock means a toddler cannot start or stop a cook. Both are standard on the better models here, and the child lock on newer units should carry a UL Solutions certified mark, so look for that label in the manual.
Clearance and placement in a rental
Every manufacturer requires clearance on the sides, the back, and the top. The common figure is a couple of inches on each side and at the rear, with more space above. Installing in a cabinet means following those same numbers even when the appliance is technically enclosed.
Never run a microwave from an extension cord. It is the one hard rule in this guide, and it matters more in a rental because older wiring is common. Plug it into a dedicated wall outlet, ideally on its own circuit if you also use a toaster or a coffee maker on the same counter.
Check your lease or building rules before you drill anything. Under-cabinet mounting kits exist for this reason, and they free up counter space in a studio, but they are a modification and a landlord may want to approve it in writing.
Noise, reliability, and warranty
In thin-walled apartments the fan is usually the dominant sound, not the beeps. Models with a mute button, a drying fan, and reported quiet running are worth prioritising, and several in this list qualify.
Build quality shows up in the door latch, which is the most commonly reported durability failure across brands. Push-button and handle releases are simpler than a lever latch, and a machine that feels heavy when you open the door is usually the one that survives being moved between tenants.
Warranty terms in this category are mostly one year. The meaningful difference is replacement versus parts-only, so check the wording before you buy. A large review count is also a quiet reliability signal, since it means a lot of owners have already hit any early failure point.
Once you are choosing among models, our guides to the best air conditioners for small apartments and the best vacuums for small apartments follow the same measure-first logic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 0.7 cu ft microwave too small?
No. A 0.7 cubic-foot microwave handles a mug, a bowl, a single-serve container, and a 10 inch dinner plate, which covers most reheating and defrosting in a one- or two-person apartment. It will not take a 12 inch plate, a medium bag of popcorn, or a large casserole dish. If you regularly reheat family-size portions, step up to 0.9 or 1.1 cubic feet.
What size microwave is best for 2 people?
For two people reheating daily, a 0.7 to 0.9 cubic-foot unit between 700 and 900 watts is the sweet spot. The Toshiba 0.9 cubic-foot 900 watt model is the balance point we recommend, because the 10.6 inch turntable takes a full dinner plate and the extra power shortens cooking time.
Is 700 watts enough for a small microwave?
Yes, for reheating, defrosting, popcorn, and beverages. Wattage changes time rather than capability, and a 700 watt unit will reheat the same plate a 900 watt unit does, just more slowly. If you cook food from scratch or defrost large cuts, 900 to 1000 watts is worth the extra counter depth.
How much clearance does a microwave need?
Most manufacturers require a couple of inches of clearance on each side and at the back, with additional space above. That applies inside a cabinet too, so a fully enclosed installation still needs the same airflow. Never run a microwave from an extension cord.
What are the disadvantages of a compact microwave?
The main trade-offs are lower wattage, a smaller turntable, and less precision. Compact models heat more slowly at 700 watts, will not accept a large dinner plate, and often have fewer power levels. Some also have unbacklit control panels, sliding turntables, and doors that require a stop or cancel press before opening.
What brand of microwave is the most reliable?
For compact models, the best signal is review volume combined with a steady average rating. The COMFEE’, BLACK+DECKER, and Commercial Chef 0.6 cubic-foot models each carry well over 17,000 reviews, which means early failure patterns are well documented. Sharp and Toshiba units with 1000 watt output are frequently chosen by owners replacing a decade-old machine.
Conclusion
The best microwaves for small apartments all sit in a narrow window: 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet, 700 to 900 watts, and a body under 13.5 inches deep. Start there, and the rest of the decision is about turntable diameter, controls, and how much your kitchen can actually spare.
Our pick is the COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W. It has one of the most complete feature sets in the compact class, the largest review base in the group, and a footprint that fits almost any counter. Buy the Toshiba 0.9 Cu. Ft. 900W if you can spare 18.7 inches of width and want faster cooking with a full-size plate, and pick the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. if you want a familiar brand and a low-risk purchase.
For anyone cooking real food rather than reheating, the Sharp SMC1162KS and the Toshiba 1.2 Cu. Ft. are the two machines that make a 1000 watt upgrade worthwhile, as long as your counter depth allows it. Whichever you choose, measure first, respect the ventilation clearance, and plug it directly into a wall outlet.
We update this roundup through 2026, and the links on each product go straight to the current listing.