Best Compact Microwaves in 2025: Top Picks & Buyer’s Guide

Best Compact Microwaves in 2025: Top Picks & Buyer’s Guide

 

In 2025, compact microwaves remain one of the best space-saving kitchen appliances for small homes, apartments, or tight countertops. Though smaller in size, the best compact microwaves deliver reliable performance, multiple presets, and even heating — making them perfect for everyday use. Below are the top compact microwaves chosen for their features, design, efficiency, and value, followed by a buying guide to help you pick the right one for your needs.

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Top Compact Microwave Picks (with Full Specs & Insights)

LG MSER0990S 0.9 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave – Best Overall

The LG MSER0990S stands out as a top pick because of its balance of capacity, smart features, and performance. It offers a 0.9 cubic foot interior, uses “Smart Inverter / sensor cooking” technology to detect humidity and adjust time/power, and provides multiple cooking modes for reheating, defrosting, popcorn, etc.

• Reasons to Buy: Roomy interior for a “compact” unit; sensor cooking ensures fewer cold spots; multifunctional presets.

• Possible Drawbacks: Button controls may take some getting used to; child lock function can be awkward to manage. Because of its combination of size, features, and reliability, it becomes a go-to for many users seeking a compact yet capable microwave.

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Toshiba EM925A5A-BS 0.9 Cu. Ft. Compact Countertop Microwave – Best Budget Choice

For those who need a solid microwave without spending much, the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS offers a lot for its price. With 0.9 cu ft capacity and 900 watts of power, it has decent heating efficiency plus a user-friendly control panel with presets like popcorn, reheat, defrost, etc.  

• Strengths: Good heating consistency for daily tasks; compact design fits in small kitchens; intuitive control interface.

• Trade-Offs: Lacks a sensor-reheat function; may take more time on dense foods.

If your use is mainly reheating, making popcorn, or simple cooking, the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS is a dependable low-cost option.

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Toshiba ML2-TC10SAIT 1.0 Cu. Ft. Compact Microwave – Best Premium / Multifunction Option

The Toshiba ML2-TC10SAIT goes beyond basic microwaving, offering features like broil, bake, air fry, and convection in addition to standard microwave functions. It sports 1.0 cu ft capacity and 1,000 watts of microwave power.

• Why It Shines: Multifunction versatility makes it useful beyond reheating; sensor cooking helps with consistent results.

• What to Consider: Slightly larger footprint; mastering the hybrid cooking modes may require a learning curve.

If you want one appliance that can replace multiple ones, this model is a strong candidate.

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Breville BMO870BSS1BUC1 Combi Wave 3-in-1 Convection Microwave – Best Mid-Size / Premium Features
Though slightly larger, the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is still often included in “compact” lists because it combines microwave, convection, and air fryer functions in one unit. Its 1.1 cu ft interior and 1,400 watts make it capable of handling more varied cooking tasks beyond simple heating.

• Perks: Very versatile — you can bake, roast, crisp, etc. in one unit; efficient heating and intuitive controls.

• Downsides: It’s larger and noisier (especially when air frying); complexity may be overwhelming for those wanting simple use.

For people who cook more than just reheating or defrosting, this model gives flexibility without needing separate appliances.

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Panasonic NN-SD372SR 0.8 Cu. Ft. Compact Microwave – Best Value

The Panasonic NN-SD372SR may not be the flashiest, but it delivers solid performance with 950 watts, inverter technology (for more even power delivery), and a 0.8 cu ft interior.

• Advantages: Efficient heating; good “keep warm” function; consistent temperature across use.

• Limitations: Controls may feel less intuitive; fewer preset programs than premium models.

As a value pick, it competes well with bigger names for everyday microwave tasks.

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Cuisinart CMW-70 0.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Microwave – Best for Narrow Countertops
If your counter is tight front-to-back, the Cuisinart CMW-70 is designed to fit narrow spaces. It has 0.7 cu ft capacity and 700 watts of power. Its auto-cook settings (popcorn, vegetables, baked potatoes, etc.) add usability despite its modest power.

• Pros: Compact and space-saving; offers useful auto-cook presets; adequate heating for small portions.

• Cons: Lower wattage means slower cooking; control panel layout can be a bit awkward to use.

If depth is your constraint (rather than width), this is among the best compact options for shallow counters.

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GE JES1072SHSS 0.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Microwave – Best for Extremely Shallow Spaces
For kitchens where depth is severely limited, the GE JES1072SHSS fits shallow countertops well. It’s rated at 700 watts and designed for very basic reheating.

• Strengths: Very shallow design; ideal for reheating beverages or leftovers; straightforward controls.

• Weaknesses: Lacks sophistication—no sensor cooking, struggles with more complex heating tasks, uneven results for dense foods.

Use this only when space constraints are paramount and cooking needs are minimal.

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How to Choose a Compact Microwave: Buyer’s Guide & Tips

When selecting a compact microwave, consider the following:

1. Size & Capacity
   Measure your available space (width, depth, height) and consider clearance for ventilation. Compact microwaves typically range between 0.5 and 1.0 cubic feet of interior capacity.

2. Power (Wattage)
   A higher-watt model heats faster and more evenly. If you plan to cook (not just reheat), aim for 800W or more.

3. Features & Presets
   Look for sensors (humidity detection), auto-cook programs (popcorn, vegetables, beverages), defrost controls, and “keep warm” capabilities.

4. Ease of Use
   The control panel should be intuitive. Some prefer touchpads; others prefer tactile buttons/dials. A readable display helps.

5. Heating Consistency
   Top compact microwaves manage to heat food evenly, minimizing “cold spots.” Sensor and inverter technologies help with that.

6. Design & Finish
   Stainless steel or modern finishes integrate well into most kitchens. Also look at how easy it is to clean (removable turntables, accessible interior).

7. Price & Warranty
   Compact microwaves typically cost less than full-size units. But investing a little more for reliability and better features can pay off in longevity.