8 Best Mini Microwaves in 2026
Eight mini microwaves from 0.7 to 1.2 cu ft compared on wattage, turntable size, mute and child lock, so you can pick one that fits your counter.
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At a Glance
The word mini on a microwave listing covers a surprisingly wide range. Some units are 0.7 cubic feet and 700 watts, while others stretch to 1.2 cubic feet and 1000 watts, and the difference decides whether a frozen dinner cooks in the time printed on the box or takes several minutes longer. Picking by counter footprint alone is the most common way people end up disappointed.
This guide lines up eight small countertop models and sorts them by what actually changes daily use: cooking power, turntable diameter, whether the beeps can be silenced, and how the child lock works. We compared them using listed specs and feature descriptions, not personal use, so treat the notes as a spec-driven shortlist and confirm exact dimensions on the listing before you clear a shelf.
6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Mini Microwave
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Output watts, not input watts
Output wattage is the cooking power that reaches your food, while input wattage is what the outlet supplies, and input is always higher. Package directions usually assume around 1000W, so a 700W unit needs noticeably longer and benefits from stirring. Look for the line that says microwave output power, such as Toshiba's 900W output against 1400W input, and ignore the bigger number.
Turntable diameter versus plates
Cubic feet says little about whether a plate fits; the glass turntable is the real limit. A standard dinner plate is roughly 10 to 11 inches, so a 9.6 inch turntable will stop it from spinning. Find the diameter in the spec bullets or the manual, as with Toshiba's 10.6 and 12.4 inch figures, before you buy.
Mute and standby behavior
Mute silences the end-of-cycle beeps, which matters in a shared room or on a late shift. ECO mode reduces standby draw by turning off the display, which only helps on units that actually list it. Look for the words mute or sound on/off and ECO mode in the bullets, because many cheap models list neither.
Footprint and ventilation clearance
A microwave needs breathing room on top and behind, and the listed width alone can mislead you. Fitting it on a mini fridge or shelf is common but requires obeying both manuals. Check the exact width, depth and height numbers, like BLACK+DECKER's 17.1 by 12.3 by 9.5 inches, and leave the clearance the manual specifies.
Child lock design
The two-step child lock is a feature manufacturers add to prevent unintended use, and the mechanics vary. Some lock the panel, while Chefman uses a pull-up handle mechanism. This matters in homes with young children or shared rooms. Read how the lock is activated, since a lock that takes five seconds of holding a button can be annoying.
Auto menus versus manual control
Presets are timed shortcuts, and a sensor model like the Toshiba 1.2 adjusts by humidity instead. Presets suit popcorn and beverages but often misjudge small portions. If you mostly reheat leftovers, favor more power levels, and read the preset list so you are not paying for features you never use.
8 Best Mini Microwaves in 2026
COMFEE' 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave
About this pick
This COMFEE' model covers the basics a small-space cook wants: 0.7 cu ft, 700W, one-touch express buttons for 1 to 6 minutes, a +30 seconds key and two defrost modes by weight or time. Two details lift it above the cheaper pack. A mute function silences the beeps when you hold the sound button for 3 seconds, and an ECO mode cuts standby power by about half according to the listing.
Against the Chefman 0.7 just below it, the COMFEE' costs about $11 more and gives you ECO mode and the two-step child lock, while the Chefman offers six named presets and a handle-based lock. Compared with the Toshiba 0.9 above in wattage terms, it gives up 200W, so soups and ready meals run longer.
Good for a bedroom, dorm shelf or office desk where you want a quiet, no-fuss reheater. The caveat is that the listing does not state turntable diameter, so check that a full dinner plate fits before relying on it.
Best for: Quiet reheating in a bedroom or office
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Mute button silences beeps
- +ECO mode trims standby power
- +Two-step child lock
- +Plain one-touch express controls
Cons
- −Turntable size not listed
- −700W means longer cook times
TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu Ft 900W Microwave
About this pick
Toshiba's 0.9 cu ft model lists 900W of output and 1400W of input, with an 18.7 by 13.3 by 10.7 inch body and a 10.6 inch removable glass turntable. It has 6 preset menus, 11 power levels, a mute function, LED lighting and a two-step child lock.
Compared with the COMFEE' 0.7 above, it adds 200W of output and a documented turntable size for roughly $14 more. Against the larger Toshiba 1.2 below, it saves about 2 inches of width and the sensor cooking, but still handles most dinner plates.
A strong pick if 700W units feel slow but you cannot spare the room for a 1.2 cu ft box. The caveat is that 1400W of input draw is something to check against any dorm or office power rules.
Best for: People who want speed in a small body
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Faster than 700W models
- +Turntable size clearly listed
- +Mute function included
- +Two-step child lock
Cons
- −1400W input draw
- −No humidity sensor
TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft Sensor Microwave
About this pick
The biggest unit here is a 1.2 cu ft, 1000W Toshiba with 1600W input, a 12.4 inch turntable and a smart humidity sensor that adjusts time and power for you. It also lists 12 auto menus, mute, ECO mode and defrost by weight or time, in a 20.6 by 14.6 by 11.8 inch body.
The humidity sensor is the real difference from every other pick: the 0.7 cu ft models rely on timed presets, and the Toshiba 0.9 does not list a sensor. The tradeoff is size, since it needs about two more inches of width than the 0.9 and costs around $39 more.
Best for a small household that wants one microwave to do everything and can spare roughly 20 inches of counter. It is the least mini of the group, so skip it for a dorm shelf.
Best for: Small households that cook, not just reheat
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Sensor adjusts time and power
- +Large 12.4 inch turntable
- +Mute and ECO mode
- +Easy-clean interior
Cons
- −Widest body in this guide
- −1600W input draw
Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave
About this pick
Chefman's 0.7 cu ft model has 10 power levels, six presets (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers), a mute button labeled Audio, and a child lock built into the handle that you open by lifting the top edge.
Compared with the COMFEE' above, it drops ECO mode but has clearly named presets, and it costs about $11 less. Compared with the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 below, the feature sets are close, and the real split is the mute button, which BLACK+DECKER does not list.
Best for a budget buyer who wants mute without paying extra. The caveat is that the handle lock is mechanical and some people find it fiddly.
Best for: Budget shoppers who want mute
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Mute option included
- +Six named presets
- +Ten power levels
- +Lowest price tier in this guide
Cons
- −No ECO mode listed
- −Handle lock can feel fiddly
BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave
About this pick
BLACK+DECKER measures 17.1 by 12.3 by 9.5 inches, which makes it the smallest listed footprint among the 0.7 cu ft picks that give dimensions. It has 700W, 10 power levels, six presets, an express cooking key and multi-stage cooking that can switch from defrost to reheat automatically.
Versus Chefman, it gives you multi-stage cooking and a fingerprint-resistant finish but no listed mute button. Against the Farberware below, the two share a similar 700W, ten-level layout, and the dimensions are what set this one apart.
Good when every inch of shelf counts. The caveat is the missing mute function in the listing, so confirm before putting it in a shared room.
Best for: Shelves with very little spare room
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Smallest listed footprint here
- +Multi-stage cooking
- +Fingerprint resistant finish
- +Child safety lock
Cons
- −No mute listed
- −700W is slower for dinners
Farberware 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave
About this pick
Farberware lists 700W, ten power levels with multi-stage cooking, six one-touch options, defrost by weight or time, an LED clock with timer and interior lighting. It leans on straightforward controls rather than extras.
Compared with BLACK+DECKER above, it offers a similar feature list at the same price, but gives no footprint numbers. Compared with Frigidaire below, it has fewer auto menus and no retro styling.
A sensible pick if you want a plain, familiar-brand reheater. The caveat is thin documentation: no turntable size, no mute and no dimensions in the listing.
Best for: Buyers who want plain controls
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Clear LED display with timer
- +Defrost by weight or time
- +Interior light included
- +Simple press and go layout
Cons
- −No mute listed
- −Dimensions not listed
Frigidaire 0.7 Cu Ft Retro Microwave
About this pick
Frigidaire's retro 0.7 cu ft unit has 700W, 8 auto-cook menus, auto defrost that calculates time and power, express cooking, an LED display with clock and a glass turntable. It has only 5 selectable power levels, half of what most rivals offer.
Against the Nostalgia retro below, it has simpler controls but a slightly lower price. Against Farberware, you get more auto menus but fewer power levels.
Best where the microwave sits in plain view and you want it to look intentional. The caveat is that five power levels give less fine control for delicate melting or defrosting.
Best for: Visible counters where style counts
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Eight one-touch auto menus
- +Auto defrost picks time and power
- +Retro styling
- +Bright LED clock display
Cons
- −Only five power levels
- −No mute listed
Nostalgia 0.7 Cu Ft Retro Microwave
About this pick
Nostalgia's pink retro microwave offers 700W, 0.7 cu ft, ten power levels, eight auto cook programs, a rotating glass turntable, a digital clock and a child safety lock. It also has reheat and defrost programs.
Compared with Frigidaire above, it has twice as many power levels but costs about $10 more. Versus the neutral picks higher up, the main benefit is the color, not the cooking spec.
Best for a dorm or apartment where decor matters. The caveat is that there is no mute, turntable size or dimension listed.
Best for: Decor-first small spaces
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Ten power levels for control
- +Eight auto cook programs
- +Fun retro color
- +Child safety lock
Cons
- −No mute listed
- −Costs more than plainer 700W units
How We Evaluated These Mini Microwaves
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Cooking power
We compared listed output watts and capacity, since output decides how long a meal takes more than size does.
Size and turntable
Dimensions and turntable diameter were weighed so the pick fits both the shelf and a dinner plate.
Controls and quiet features
Mute, ECO mode, presets, power levels and child lock design were compared as stated in each listing.
Documentation quality
Models that list dimensions and output clearly scored higher than those that leave key specs out.
Value for price
Prices were checked against what each unit actually documents, with extra weight on the 0.7 cu ft tier where choices cluster.
How to Choose the Right Mini Microwaves
By Cooking Habits
Match the unit to what you actually heat.
| Your situation | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Mostly coffee, popcorn and leftovers | COMFEE' 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave |
| Frozen dinners and soups, short on time | TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu Ft 900W Microwave |
| Cook raw vegetables, bake potatoes, want sensor help | TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft Sensor Microwave |
| Love one-touch presets | Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave |
By Budget
| Price range | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Under $70 | BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave |
| $70 to $80 | Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave |
| $80 to $90 | COMFEE' 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave |
| $90 to $100 | TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu Ft 900W Microwave |
| Above $130 | TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft Sensor Microwave |
700W vs 900W and Up
700W class
Slower on dinners, but cheaper and lighter on the circuit. Picks: COMFEE', Chefman, BLACK+DECKER, Farberware, Frigidaire and Nostalgia, all around 0.7 cu ft.
900W and up
Faster cooking, closer to what package directions assume, but larger and with higher input draw. Picks: TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu Ft 900W Microwave and TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft Sensor Microwave.
Most single users can default to 700W unless they regularly heat frozen entrees.
Looks and Placement
| Your concern | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Smallest listed footprint | BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave |
| Fits a retro decor theme | Frigidaire 0.7 Cu Ft Retro Microwave |
| Want a bold color | Nostalgia 0.7 Cu Ft Retro Microwave |
| Plain and familiar | Farberware 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave |
For Shared Rooms Specifically
Look for
A listed mute function, a child lock and ECO mode so the unit stays quiet and safe when others are around.
In this comparison
COMFEE' 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave lists mute plus ECO mode, and TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu Ft 900W Microwave lists mute plus a two-step child lock.
When to Spend More
Spend more if
You cook real meals or want sensor automation. TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu Ft Sensor Microwave and TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu Ft 900W Microwave justify their price.
Save if
You reheat drinks and leftovers. Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave and Farberware 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave do that for about $70.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a mini microwave?
Most are 0.7 cubic feet, though the label is loose and some units reach 1.2. Check the listed dimensions and turntable diameter rather than relying on the word mini.
Will a 700W microwave cook frozen dinners properly?
Yes, but package times assume more power, so expect to add time and stir partway through. If you eat frozen meals often, a 900W unit like the Toshiba 0.9 is less frustrating.
Is the Toshiba 1.2 worth it over a 0.7 cu ft model?
It is worth it if you cook beyond reheating, because the humidity sensor and larger turntable help. If you only reheat, a 0.7 unit is cheaper and takes far less counter.
Can I put a mini microwave on a mini fridge?
Often yes, but follow both manuals for weight limits and clearance. Leave space around vents and do not block the fridge's back or sides.
How do I silence the beeps?
On COMFEE', hold the sound on/off button for 3 seconds. Chefman has an Audio button, and Toshiba lists a mute function. Models without a mute listing cannot be silenced.
Why does my plate not spin?
The turntable is smaller than the plate. Use a smaller plate or bowl, and check the turntable diameter before buying.
Bottom Line
best overall: COMFEE' 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Microwave - best overall pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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