A compact microwave earns its place where a full-size one will not fit: a dorm desk, a shelf in an RV, a break-room counter, or the one free corner of a galley kitchen. In those spots the numbers that matter are the outside dimensions, the wattage and the turntable, because a box that is two inches too deep or a plate that will not turn is a daily annoyance.
This guide covers microwaves of 0.9 cubic feet or less. For every pick we give the outside dimensions and the wattage exactly as the maker or the Amazon listing states them, and we say plainly when a listing leaves a number out. If you have room for something bigger, start with our best countertop microwave oven guide; none of its picks are repeated here.
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Quick verdict: which compact microwave to buy
The best compact microwave oven for most small spaces is the GE 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: 900 watts, seven auto cook settings, a stated footprint of 19 by 14.5 by 11.5 inches and clear clearance rules from GE. For the tightest counter, the GE 0.7 cu ft is the narrowest stated box here; to get the microwave off the counter entirely, the Danby Designer 0.7 cu ft comes with an under-cabinet hanging kit.
Five compact microwaves at a glance
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of small space, with the capacity, wattage and outside size each maker or listing gives. All eight are reviewed in full below.
| Microwave | Capacity | Output power | Outside size (W x D x H) | Turntable | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GE 0.9 Cu Ft Compact Countertop MicrowaveBest overall
|
0.9 cu ft | 900 W | 19 x 14.5 x 11.5 in | Glass, size not stated | View on Amazon |
Sharp 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop MicrowaveMost features
|
0.9 cu ft | 900 W | Not stated | 10.6 in | View on Amazon |
GE 0.7 Cu Ft Compact Countertop MicrowaveBest for tight counters
|
0.7 cu ft | 700 W | 17.31 x 12.75 x 10.19 in | Glass, size not stated | View on Amazon |
Danby Designer 0.7 Cu Ft Under-Cabinet or Countertop MicrowaveBest under-cabinet
|
0.7 cu ft | 700 W | 17.8 x 12.3 x 10.3 in | Not stated | View on Amazon |
COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave with ECO ModeBest for dorms
|
0.7 cu ft | 700 W | Not stated | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best compact microwave oven
The first five cover the usual small spaces: a shared kitchenette, a narrow counter, an under-cabinet spot and a dorm room. The last three are simple 0.7 and 0.9 cubic foot boxes from BLACK+DECKER, Frigidaire and Chefman. Every entry lists the same eight specifications so you can compare them side by side, and “Not stated” means the maker’s listing does not give that figure.
1. GE 0.9 Cu Ft Compact Countertop Microwave – Full Power, Clear Footprint
The GE GCST09N1WSS is the compact we would buy first for a small kitchen, an office or a dorm. It is 0.9 cubic feet with 900 watts of cooking power, which is the top of the compact range and close enough to full-size power that package directions written for 900 to 1,000 watts work without much adjustment.
GE gives the outside size as 19 inches wide, 14.5 inches deep and 11.5 inches high, and it is unusually clear about placement: allow 3 inches of clearance on each side and above, 1 inch at the back, and keep the bottom unobstructed. That means you need a spot about 25 inches wide and 14.5 inches tall, which is worth measuring before you order, especially for a shelf or a cubby in an RV.
Controls are simple: one-touch express cooking, seven convenience cook settings, manual and auto defrost, and a child lock that GE says can be switched off when you do not need it. The turntable is glass; GE’s listing does not give its diameter. Warranty is a one-year replacement.
Why we like it
- 900 W output, the most power in the compact range
- Outside size stated: 19 x 14.5 x 11.5 in
- GE states the clearance it needs
- Seven auto cook settings plus manual and auto defrost
Key specifications
| Model | GE GCST09N1WSS |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.9 cu ft |
| Output power | 900 W |
| Input power | Not stated |
| Outside size (W x D x H) | 19 x 14.5 x 11.5 in |
| Turntable | Glass; diameter not stated |
| Auto settings | 7 |
| Warranty | 1-year replacement |
Why we recommend it
Anyone with a small kitchen, a break room or an apartment who wants near full-size power in a compact box.
Skip it if you need the turntable diameter before you buy; GE’s listing does not give it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 900 W
- Clearances spelled out by GE
- Child lock can be disabled
Cons
- Turntable size not stated
- Input power not stated
- Needs 3 in of space on each side
2. Sharp 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave – Two-Stage Cooking, LED Light
Sharp’s SMC0962KS is the other 900-watt compact here, and it has a few more conveniences than most small microwaves. Sharp lists 10 power levels with two-stage cooking, so you can defrost and then cook in one run, plus a +30 seconds key, Express Cook for one-touch starts of up to six minutes, auto cook for popular items and defrost by weight or by time.
The details are thoughtful for a small box: a gray interior, which shows splatters less than white, LED interior lighting so you can see the food, and a white LED display. The removable carousel turntable is 10.6 inches across, large enough for a standard dinner plate.
Sharp’s Amazon listing calls the 0.9 cubic feet “full-sized,” but it does not give the outside dimensions or the input power, so measure the space and check the box size before you commit. Warranty is one year limited.
Why we like it
- 900 W with 10 power levels and two-stage cooking
- 10.6-inch removable turntable
- LED interior lighting and a gray interior
- Express Cook up to six minutes
Key specifications
| Model | Sharp SMC0962KS |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.9 cu ft |
| Output power | 900 W |
| Input power | Not stated |
| Outside size (W x D x H) | Not stated |
| Turntable | 10.6 in, removable |
| Auto settings | Auto cook menu (count not stated) |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Why we recommend it
Small households that cook more than popcorn and want two-stage cooking and a well-lit cavity in a compact box.
Skip it if you are fitting a measured cubby; the listing gives no outside dimensions.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two-stage cooking
- LED interior light
- Plate-size turntable
Cons
- Outside dimensions not in the listing
- Number of auto cook menus not stated
3. GE 0.7 Cu Ft Compact Countertop Microwave – Narrowest Stated Box
The GE GCST07N1WSS is the smallest stated footprint in this guide. GE gives the outside size as 17.31 inches wide, 12.75 inches deep and 10.19 inches high, which is nearly two inches narrower than the 0.9 cubic foot GE and about seven inches narrower than a 2.2 cubic foot family model such as Toshiba’s, which Toshiba lists at 24.4 inches wide.
The trade-off is power and space inside. At 700 watts it heats more slowly than the 900-watt models, so expect to add time to package directions written for higher wattages, and 0.7 cubic feet takes a dinner plate or a mug rather than a casserole dish.
Controls are the same no-fuss GE layout: one-touch express cooking, four convenience cook settings, manual and auto defrost, and a child lock that can be disabled. GE asks for the same clearances as on the bigger model: 3 inches on each side and above, 1 inch at the back and nothing blocking the bottom. Warranty is a one-year replacement.
Why we like it
- Outside size stated: 17.31 x 12.75 x 10.19 in
- Clear clearance rules from GE
- Manual and auto defrost
- Child lock can be turned off
Key specifications
| Model | GE GCST07N1WSS |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.7 cu ft |
| Output power | 700 W |
| Input power | Not stated |
| Outside size (W x D x H) | 17.31 x 12.75 x 10.19 in |
| Turntable | Glass; diameter not stated |
| Auto settings | 4 |
| Warranty | 1-year replacement |
Why we recommend it
Dorm rooms, office kitchenettes and short counters where every inch of width counts.
Skip it if you cook frozen meals often; 700 watts means longer cook times.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Smallest stated footprint here
- Simple controls
- Stainless finish
Cons
- 700 W
- Only four auto cook settings
- Turntable size not stated
4. Danby Designer 0.7 Cu Ft Under-Cabinet or Countertop Microwave – Hangs Off the Counter
The Danby Designer DDMW007501G1 solves the problem most small kitchens actually have: no counter space at all. Danby sells it as a two-in-one that sits on the counter or hangs under a cabinet, and the under-cabinet hanging kit is included in the box.
Danby gives the outside size as 17.8 inches wide, 12.3 inches deep and 10.3 inches high. Its installation manual says the cabinet must support more than 22 kilograms (48.5 pounds) and calls for four 9 mm holes drilled into the cabinet bottom, so this is a job for a solid cabinet you are allowed to drill, not a rental’s flimsy shelf or a camper you do not want to modify.
It is a 700-watt microwave with 10 power levels, six auto cook options, defrost by time or weight, cook by weight, a control lock and a sound on/off switch. Danby’s warranty is the longest here: 18 months parts and labor with in-home service, which the listing says does not cover installation.
Why we like it
- Under-cabinet hanging kit included
- Outside size stated by Danby: 17.8 x 12.3 x 10.3 in
- 18-month parts and labor warranty with in-home service
- Sound on/off switch
Key specifications
| Model | Danby Designer DDMW007501G1 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.7 cu ft |
| Output power | 700 W |
| Input power | Not stated |
| Outside size (W x D x H) | 17.8 x 12.3 x 10.3 in |
| Turntable | Not stated |
| Auto settings | 6 |
| Warranty | 18 months parts and labor, in-home service |
Why we recommend it
Small kitchens and kitchenettes that need the counter for prep and have a sturdy upper cabinet to hang the microwave from.
Skip it if you cannot drill into the cabinet; the hanging kit needs four holes.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Frees the counter
- Longest warranty in this guide
- Cook by weight
Cons
- Installation means drilling
- 700 W
- Turntable size not stated
5. COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave with ECO Mode – Quiet Mode, Low Standby
COMFEE’ is Midea’s small-appliance brand, and its EM720CPL-PM is built for shared rooms. Two features stand out. A mute function turns off every beep when you hold the sound button for three seconds, which roommates will appreciate at midnight, and an ECO mode that COMFEE says cuts standby power by 50 percent.
Otherwise it is a straightforward 700-watt compact: one-touch express cooking from one to six minutes, a +30 seconds button, defrost by weight or by time, and auto cook buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and reheat. It has the two-step child lock that newer microwaves carry.
The listing does not give the outside dimensions or the turntable size, so if your dorm has a fixed microwave cubby or a size limit, check the box dimensions before you buy. Warranty is one year from the manufacturer.
Why we like it
- Mute: hold the sound button for three seconds
- ECO mode cuts standby power by half, per COMFEE’
- Reheat button among six auto cook settings
- Express cooking from one to six minutes
Key specifications
| Model | COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.7 cu ft |
| Output power | 700 W |
| Input power | Not stated |
| Outside size (W x D x H) | Not stated |
| Turntable | Not stated |
| Auto settings | 6 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
Students and shared apartments where quiet and low standby draw matter more than features.
Skip it if you need exact dimensions for a cubby; the listing leaves them out.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Mute function
- ECO standby mode
- Reheat preset
Cons
- Dimensions not in the listing
- 700 W
6. BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave – Push-Button Door, 900 Watts
Our countertop guide picked the 0.7 cubic foot BLACK+DECKER; this is its larger sibling, the EM925AB9, and we include it because it answers a different need: 900 watts in a box that is still under 19 inches wide. The listing gives the outside size as 18.7 inches wide, 13.4 inches deep and 10.7 inches high.
It has 10 power settings, a 30-second express button, a kitchen timer and a large LED display, and six pre-programmed buttons: popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage and dinner plate. The 10.6-inch glass turntable is removable for washing, and the push-button door release is easier in a tight spot than a pull handle, which needs room to swing your hand.
The door frame is stainless steel and the cabinet is black. There is a child safety lock and an interior light. Warranty is one year from the manufacturer.
Why we like it
- 900 W in an 18.7-inch-wide box
- Push-button door release
- 10.6-inch removable turntable
- Dinner plate preset
Key specifications
| Model | BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.9 cu ft |
| Output power | 900 W |
| Input power | Not stated |
| Outside size (W x D x H) | 18.7 x 13.4 x 10.7 in |
| Turntable | 10.6 in, removable |
| Auto settings | 6 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
Small kitchens that want 900 watts and a stated footprint without paying for extras.
Skip it if you want sensor or inverter cooking; this is a basic model.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stated dimensions and turntable
- Push-button door
- 900 W
Cons
- No sensor cooking
- Input power not stated
7. Frigidaire 0.7 Cu Ft Compact Countertop Microwave – Basic Controls, Known Name
Frigidaire’s EMW733 is a plain 0.7 cubic foot microwave for anyone who wants a familiar appliance name and nothing more. Frigidaire lists 700 watts, 10 power levels, auto defrost that works out the time and power for you, an express quick-start button and six preprogrammed settings for popcorn, pizza, beverages, frozen dinners and more.
The LED display shows the clock and a kitchen timer, and the glass turntable lifts out for cleaning. Frigidaire markets it for small kitchens, dorm rooms and offices.
The listing does not give the outside dimensions or the turntable diameter. A 0.7 cubic foot box is generally in the same size class as the GE and Danby above, but measure your space and check the shipping dimensions rather than assume. Warranty is one year limited from the manufacturer.
Why we like it
- 10 power levels
- Auto defrost calculates time and power
- Six preset menus
- Removable glass turntable
Key specifications
| Model | Frigidaire EMW733BLACKAMZ |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.7 cu ft |
| Output power | 700 W |
| Input power | Not stated |
| Outside size (W x D x H) | Not stated |
| Turntable | Glass, removable; diameter not stated |
| Auto settings | 6 |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Why we recommend it
Offices and dorms that need a basic microwave for drinks, popcorn and frozen meals.
Skip it if you need exact dimensions; the listing does not give them.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple controls
- Auto defrost
- Black finish hides marks
Cons
- No dimensions in the listing
- 700 W
- No mute listed
8. Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave – Mute and a Dishwasher-Safe Plate
Chefman’s RJ55-7-V2 is a 700-watt, 0.7 cubic foot microwave with two small features that make it pleasant in a shared space. An audio button mutes the beeps, and Chefman says the glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe, which is handy in an office kitchenette where nobody wants to scrub the plate.
It has 10 power levels, six presets (popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes and leftovers), number keys that start that many minutes of cooking with one press, and a +30 seconds button. The child lock is built into the handle: you pull upward on the top edge to open the door.
Chefman lists the unit as cETL approved and gives a one-year assurance. The listing does not give outside dimensions or the turntable diameter.
Why we like it
- Mute button
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe turntable, per Chefman
- Leftovers preset
- cETL approved, per Chefman
Key specifications
| Model | Chefman RJ55-7-V2 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.7 cu ft |
| Output power | 700 W |
| Input power | Not stated |
| Outside size (W x D x H) | Not stated |
| Turntable | Glass, top-rack dishwasher safe; diameter not stated |
| Auto settings | 6 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
Office kitchenettes and dorms where the plate gets dirty fast and quiet matters.
Skip it if the handle-integrated lock would confuse a shared office; it opens by pulling up on the top edge.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Mute
- Dishwasher-safe turntable
- Number-key quick start
Cons
- No dimensions in the listing
- 700 W
- Unusual door-opening motion
How to choose a compact microwave oven
1. Measure the space, then add clearance
The outside dimensions are only half the answer. GE asks for 3 inches on each side and above and 1 inch behind its compacts, so a 19-inch-wide microwave needs about 25 inches of width. Check your model’s manual for its own figures, and measure height carefully if the microwave goes under a cabinet or in a cubby. When a listing gives no dimensions, check the shipping size or ask the seller before you buy.
2. 700 or 900 watts
Compacts come in two power classes. The 0.7 cubic foot models here are 700 watts; the 0.9 models are 900. Package directions are written for a stated wattage, so on a 700-watt microwave expect to add time. If you heat frozen meals every day, the 900-watt GE, Sharp or BLACK+DECKER saves that waiting.
3. Turntable and the dishes you own
A 10.6-inch turntable, as on the Sharp and BLACK+DECKER, takes a standard dinner plate. Measure the plate or container you reheat most. A square glass dish that is too big to turn will catch on the walls.
4. Power draw in an RV, dorm or office
Output power is what heats food; input power is what the microwave pulls from the outlet, and it is always higher. Few compact listings give it, so check the rating plate or the manual if you run a microwave from a camper’s inverter or generator, or on a dorm circuit shared with a mini fridge and a kettle. Dorms often set their own appliance rules, so check those too.
5. Noise, locks and small comforts
In a shared room, a mute button (COMFEE’, Chefman, Danby) matters more than an extra preset. Newer microwaves ship with child locks; GE says its lock can be disabled, and the others explain how in the manual.
How we picked these eight small microwaves
We did not test these microwaves. We compared what each maker states on its Amazon listing, and for the Danby we also used Danby’s own product page and installation manual. We recorded capacity, output and input power, outside dimensions, turntable size, presets and warranty, and we wrote “Not stated” wherever a listing leaves a number out instead of guessing. Every pick was in stock on Amazon when we wrote this, and all are from established appliance brands.
We searched the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall listings for microwave recalls by GE, Sharp, Danby, COMFEE’ and Midea, BLACK+DECKER, Frigidaire and Chefman and found none for these brands’ countertop microwaves. We also left out Toshiba’s 0.7 and 0.9 cubic foot compacts this time: in June 2026 Consumer Reports asked the CPSC to look into reports of certain Toshiba countertop and air fryer combo microwaves turning on by themselves. That is a request for review, not a recall, and we will revisit it. We skipped models that our parent guides already cover, models that were listed as scarce, and air fryer combos, which our convection microwave guide covers.
Compact microwave questions, answered
What size is a compact microwave?
Most are 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet. The ones here with stated sizes run from about 17.3 to 19 inches wide, 12.3 to 14.5 inches deep and 10.2 to 11.5 inches high.
Is 700 watts enough?
For reheating drinks, leftovers and popcorn, yes. It is slower than 900 or 1,000 watts, so frozen meals take longer than the box says if the directions were written for a stronger microwave.
Can I use a compact microwave in an RV?
A household countertop microwave will run in an RV with enough power, but none of these listings is marketed for RV mounting. Secure it so it cannot slide, keep the maker’s clearances, and check that your inverter or generator can supply the input power on the rating plate.
Can a compact microwave go under a cabinet?
Only if the maker says so. The Danby Designer includes a hanging kit; the others are countertop-only and need open space around them for airflow.
Will a dinner plate fit?
On a 10.6-inch turntable, a standard dinner plate fits. Where a listing does not state the turntable size, measure the plate and check the manual or ask the seller.
Our pick for a small kitchen
Buy the GE 0.9 cubic foot model if you have about 25 inches of width to spare: it has full compact power and GE spells out exactly how much room it needs. Choose the GE 0.7 for the narrowest counter, the Danby to hang it under a cabinet, the Sharp for more features, and the COMFEE’ for a quiet dorm room.
Have room for more? Our countertop microwave guide covers full-size models, and the best inverter microwaves heat more evenly at low power, which helps with dense leftovers; our guide to reheating Mexican leftovers covers tamales, enchiladas and rice dish by dish.
Related guide: Best microwave cookware.
Or leave the cooking to us: see the menu and call to order.