Best Small Microwaves

There are two reasons for choosing a small microwave oven: One is space, and the other is use. Small microwave ovens are great, especially if you want a side-kick in the kitchen that’ll always be there to add that little bit extra to your cooking capacity when needed – but you don’t need a big, potentially expensive appliance to do it.

But don’t think that just because they’re small they aren’t clever. Many small microwave ovens come with an impressive array of advanced features. Given this cutting edge design, we recommend considering several key factors before committing to your preferred model. We take a look at some of the most important features to consider below.

Functions

Do you want your microwave to work on the periphery, like warming sauces or steaming vegetables, or do you want it to become an integral part of the cooking process? It’s best to start with basic microwave functions, such as timers, 30-sec boost and defrost options and work up from there. If you like to cook a wide variety of meals, a model which has preset and intelligent cooking functions will be a better choice.

Power

Power is key to the speed of the cooking process. Compact microwave ovens tend to have around 700-watts as standard, which is less wattage than larger models, this means some meals which require higher power will take longer to cook. If you look hard, though, you can get some small models that pack more of a punch, up to around 1000 watts – like the Cuisinart CMW-100

Styling

You want a microwave that stands out in its performance, not in the way it distracts from the overall design aesthetic of the kitchen. Consider the look of the other appliances in the kitchen and determine if your space leans toward clean modern lines of stainless steel or the colorful pop of retro styles.

Product Warranty

Brands which are confident that their products will last offer generous warranty periods. We would recommend looking for a model which includes 1-years warranty at the very least, but the longer, the better. This way, if you have the misfortune of purchasing a faulty model, you won’t have to fight to get a replacement.

Brand Reliability

It is almost always beneficial to opt for a reliable brand. Look at customer reviews listed on Amazon, and speak to family and friends, or stick with the models we have recommended in this article. There is never a guarantee that even the most reliable brand’s model will work as we hope, but backing from these sources can reassure that you are making a smart investment.

Just like small freezers and slow cookers, small microwaves are perfect for those who have limited kitchen space. The compact footprint of these appliances is well-suited to small apartments, college dorms and even office kitchens.

They are also a great choice for single people or the elderly, who may not need, or wish to, cook large meals using the oven or hob. The convenience of a small microwave, especially those with a myriad of cooking functions, is also useful for those occasions when you have forgotten to defrost your meal, or simply want a hot meal which requires little time or preparation before it is ready to eat. They can also be used as an extra helping hand in the kitchen to prepare side dishes for people who like to cook large meals but have limited oven space.

Pros:

• Space Saving – Small microwaves, by their very nature, are compact and take up little space on the counter. This makes them a great option for those who have limited room in their home kitchen, office, or college dormitory.
• Easy To Use – Small microwaves often feature many different, easy-to-use cooking functions, so you can create a variety of meals with just a few button presses.
• Convenient – Microwave cooking offers a quick and convenient alternative to conventional cooking methods. Small microwaves are even more convenient, as they allow the user to cook hot meals with very little space required.
• Preset Cooking  Modes – Many small microwaves feature a selection of pre-set cooking modes for particular foods. These are perfect for beginners or busy users, as you simply place the food inside, press a button and let the microwave do all the work.

Cons:

• Limited Capacity – Small microwaves will naturally have a smaller internal capacity than standard sized microwaves. This means they will be less suitable for families or those who like to cook large meals.
• Limited Power – Due to their compact size, small microwaves have limited power output. This means that certain meals which require a higher wattage will take longer to cook in a small microwave than a standard sized microwave.