In a small kitchen, every inch of counter counts. A compact microwave leaves room for a toaster, a kettle and some prep space, though a smaller cavity means you give up room for wide plates. The right balance depends on what you reheat most.
The six models below are established countertop microwaves, from tiny to modest in size. We have not used them ourselves, so confirm the outside dimensions, interior size and features on the current listing before you buy. Measure your counter, then add a little airflow space.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Outside dimensions | The footprint matters more than the cubic foot rating in a tight space |
| Interior size | A turntable of plate width fits most meals |
| Door swing | A drop-down or side-swing door changes how much room you need |
| Looks | A matching finish makes a small kitchen feel tidy |
| Ventilation | Vents need clearance, so allow a little space around the unit |
| Weight | A lighter unit is easier to move when you need to clean the counter behind it |
| Controls | Large, clear buttons make a compact panel easy to use |
Specs at a Glance
| Microwave | Size class | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Compact Wave Soft Close | Compact | Soft-close door | Quiet, modern style |
| Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 | About 0.7 cubic feet | Retro styling | Dial or button controls |
| RCA RMW733 | About 0.7 cubic feet | Digital presets | Simple and small |
| Toshiba EM925A5A-BS | About 0.9 cubic feet | Digital presets | Compact stainless look |
| Sharp SMC0962BS | About 0.9 cubic feet | Digital presets | Carousel turntable |
| Amazon Basics Microwave | About 0.7 cubic feet | Push buttons | Light and plain |
The 6 Best Microwaves for Small Kitchens
1. Breville Compact Wave Soft Close
A design-led compact microwave from Breville with a soft-close door that shuts gently. It aims at users who want a quiet, tidy appliance in a small kitchen.
Suits: a stylish small kitchen. Strengths: a soft-close door and a clean design. Weaknesses: a compact interior. Skip it if you want the simplest possible control panel.
View Breville Compact Wave Soft Close on Amazon
2. Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07
A retro-styled Galanz microwave in the 0.7 cubic foot class that brings colour and character to a small kitchen.
Suits: a kitchen with personality. Strengths: striking looks. Weaknesses: colour options vary. Skip it if you prefer a plain finish.
View Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 on Amazon
3. RCA RMW733
A small RCA microwave in the 0.7 cubic foot class with digital controls and simple preset keys.
Suits: a tiny kitchen or studio. Strengths: a small footprint and easy keys. Weaknesses: limited cavity size. Skip it if you want to heat wide plates.
4. Toshiba EM925A5A-BS
A compact Toshiba microwave in the 0.9 cubic foot class with a stainless-style finish and digital presets.
Suits: a small family. Strengths: a bit more space than the tiniest units. Weaknesses: a larger body than 0.7 models. Skip it if counter room is very short.
View Toshiba EM925A5A-BS on Amazon
5. Sharp SMC0962BS
A Sharp Carousel microwave in the 0.9 cubic foot class. It is a compact option with a turntable and a short list of preset keys.
Suits: a small kitchen with plates to reheat. Strengths: a trusted brand and moderate size. Weaknesses: fewer premium touches. Skip it if you want a sensor system.
View Sharp SMC0962BS on Amazon
6. Amazon Basics Microwave
A compact microwave from Amazon’s house brand in the 0.7 cubic foot class, with push-button controls and preset options.
Suits: a budget-friendly kitchen refresh. Strengths: a low-profile look. Weaknesses: a small cavity. Skip it if you want extra features.
View Amazon Basics Microwave on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Measure both the counter and the cabinet above before ordering.
- Leave a few inches of space on the sides and top for ventilation.
- Wipe the interior regularly so odours do not build up.
- Store the turntable in its seat to keep it from sliding.
- Use microwave-safe dishes that match the turntable size.
- Keep the door seal clean so it closes fully and the unit runs as it should.
- Shift the unit now and then to clean the counter beneath it.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Judging size by cubic feet alone and not by outside width.
- Forgetting to leave airflow space on a crowded counter.
- Buying a unit too small for your plates.
- Putting the unit under a low cabinet.
- Overlooking the door swing in a narrow room.
- Choosing on looks alone without reading the size details.
- Stacking items on top of the unit and blocking the vents.
Microwaves for Small Kitchens FAQ
What size is a compact microwave?
Compact models generally sit around 0.7 cubic feet. Mid-size models start around 1.0 cubic feet.
Will a compact model fit a dinner plate?
Many do, but some turntables are tight. Check the turntable size on the listing.
Is a retro look worth it?
It adds character, though the interior size is usually the same as other compact units.
Can a compact microwave go on a shelf?
Often yes, as long as the shelf can bear the weight and there is room for ventilation.
The Short Version
For a quiet, stylish unit, the Breville Compact Wave. For colour, the Galanz. For a tiny kitchen, the RCA RMW733. For more room, the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS. For a carousel layout, the Sharp SMC0962BS. For a plain starter, the Amazon Basics.