Compact Microwave Ovens Are Great For College Dorms
The best compact countertop microwave ovens will provide good selections for individuals or families to decide on which brand of microwave oven would best fit in small spaces. Microwave ovens are a nice appliance to have for heating or reheating foods quickly when one does not have time to prepare full meals.
There are three basic types of microwaves and they are: countertop, over-the-range and built-in. This article will concentrate on countertop microwave ovens. The compact microwave models are very affordable and cost under $100. So, you should find one that fits nicely into your budget.
In general, the size or space available for cooking food in compact microwaves is under 1 cubic feet. Usually from 0.6 to 0.8 cubic feet. These small ovens are great for small areas and for college dorms.
We have written other articles on the best full-size and mid-size microwave ovens which you might be interested in. You can go to them by clicking on the link of interest where you can find the best microwaves in these categories.
Advantages of Using Microwave Ovens
Owning a microwave oven does come in handy. Below are just some of the benefits of a microwave oven.
- Using a microwave oven presents a less risk of burns. Food is heated but the inside of the unit is cool.
- Eliminates the formation of tars and char.
- It allows for a more even heating of the food than other appliances.
- Microwaving potatoes does not produce acrylamide.
- Reduces preparation time.
- Bacon that’s cooked in a microwave has less carcinogenic nitrosamines than conventionally cooked bacon.
- Spinach keeps more of the folate than a conventional stove by 77%.
- Microwave ovens use less energy.
- Easier to clean then conventional ovens.
- Do not produce flames.
- Does not produce steam or smoke.
- The temperature of microwave cooking can be set providing more control in food preparation.
- No need to pre-heat microwave ovens and makes them more efficient.
- You can use microwave ovens to prepare foods from scratch like: poached eggs, cookies, polenta, mac and cheese, popcorn and potato chips.
The biggest question that most people ask “is it safe to cook in the microwave oven”? The answer is yes. It also retains more nutrients of the fruits and vegetables being cooked in the microwave verses standard gas or electric stoves.
The only precaution a person should take is not to stand in front of the microwave while it is cooking foods.
Everyone knows that nutrients in foods get lost as they are subjected to heat. However, microwave ovens retain more of these nutrients because the cooking times are shorter.
Top Selling Compact Microwave Ovens
Below is our list of the top 10 selling compact microwave ovens. They all have less than 1 cubic feet of cooking space and are small enough to fit into small areas on the countertop. You should be able to find one that is best for your needs. All of these microwaves are ideal for college students. Check out each microwave for the features you really want. Jot down those models that come close to your features and select the one that is best. Note: The information about the ratings and scores are as of March 17, 2020.
BEST SELLING
#1. Comfee EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven
Model: EM720CPL-PMB ASIN: B07GV36BLD Ratings: 921 Overall Score: 4.4
Awards: Amazon’s Choice
How We Decided
50 Brands and Models Considered
500 Customer Reviews Consulted
This compact size microwave oven has 0.7 cubic feet of cooking space and has 700 watts of power. You can choose from 11 different power levels. Mute function, turn sound on/off, and has easy to cook functions. It also has an energy saving Eco mode. Comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Easy one-touch buttons
- 11 power levels
- Child safety lock
- 6 auto-cook functions (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, and reheat)
- Eco saving mode (reduces power by 50%)
- Easy to read control panel
- Bright digital display
- Glass turntable is removable for easy cleaning
CONS
- Some users complained about the time it takes to warm food
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Color: Black
- Weight:3 lbs.
- Dimensions:3 x 13.4 x 10.2 inches
- Internal Dimensions: 12.05 x 11.97 x 8.11 inches
- Watts: 700
- Capacity: 7 cubic feet
- LED digital control with internal light: Yes
- Turn Sound On/Off: Yes
- Cord Length: 25 inches
- Warranty: 1-Year limited warranty
TOP RATED
#2. CAMFEE AM720C2RA-R Compact Microwave Oven
Model: AM720C2RA-R ASIN: B07R7TNCX5 Ratings: 267 Overall Score: 4.4
How We Decided
50 Brands and Models Considered
500 Customer Reviews Consulted
The CAMFEE AM720C2RA-R compact microwave oven has 700 watts of power that has 10 power levels. It has a large LED digital display, easy to read control panel, interior light, energy saving Eco mode, clock and kitchen timer. It’s equipped with a sound off/on button and a child safety lock. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Glass turntable that’s removable for easy cleaning
- Bright LED digital display for easy reading
- 9 preset auto menus
- 10 power levels
- Child safety lock
- Mute function
- Energy saving Eco mode
CONS
- Made in China
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Color: Red
- Weight: 24.2 lbs.
- Dimensions: 17.3 x 14.1 x 10.2 inches
- Internal Dimensions: 12.05 x 11.97 x 8.11 inches
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Watts: 700
- Preset Menu Settings: popcorn, beverage, vegetable, meat, pizza, potato, pasta, soup and reheat
- Clock & Kitchen Timer: Yes
- Turntable Diameter: 10.04 inches
- Warranty: 1-year limited
RECOMMENDED
#3. Commercial Chef CHM660W Compact Microwave Oven
Model: CHM660W ASIN: B00BGTNY8O Ratings: 599 Overall Score: 4.3
Awards: Amazon’s Choice
The Commercial Chef compact microwave oven has 600 watts of power and 0.6 cubic feet capacity. It has an easy to grip handle to open or close door, 9.5 inch glass turntable, and rotary dials. It also has six power levels and is great for senior citizens and those with vision impairments.
PROS
- 5 inch glass turntable that’s removable for easy cleaning
- Rotary dial controls
- Easy to grasp grip handle
- Great for small apartments, studios and dorms
- Internal area is easy to clean
- Glass turntable is removable for easy cleaning
CONS
- No LED digital display
- Some owners reported unit not working within a short time
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Color: White
- Weight: 23.1 lbs.
- Dimensions: 17.75 x 12.5 x 10.25 inches
- Internal Dimensions: 11 9/16” x 12 3/8” x 7 13/16”
- Material Type: 18-8 Steel
- Capacity: 0.6 cubic feet
- Turntable Diameter: 9.5 inches
- Watts: 600
- Cord Length: 39.5 inches
- Warranty: 1-year limited
HONORABLE MENTION
#4. Danby DMW07A4BDB Compact Microwave Oven
Model: DMW07A4DBD ASIN: B0784N7KF8 Ratings: 170 Overall Score: 4.3
The Danby compact microwave oven has 0.7 cubic feet capacity with 700 watts of power and 10 power levels. It also has 6 preset auto-cook one-touch options, timer, clock, and speed defrost feature.
PROS
- Child safety lock
- Easy to read LED timer & clock unit
- 10 power levels
- 6 auto-cooking preset buttons
- Defrost function
- Turntable is removable for easy cleaning
CONS
- Not durable
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Color: Black
- Weight: 23.2 lbs.
- Dimensions: 12.63 x 17.81 x 10.31 inches
- Material Type: Plastic
- Watts: 700
- Turntable Diameter: Unknown (It’s less than 10.31 inches)
- Preset Cooking Settings: popcorn, baked potato, beverage, frozen dinner, pizza & reheat
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Warranty: 1-year limited
#5. Kenmore 70722 Compact Microwave Oven
Model: 70722 ASIN: B07VVMGCVJ Ratings: 305 Overall Score: 4.3
Awards: Amazon’s Choice
The Kenmore 70722 compact microwave oven has 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power with 10 different power levels to select from. It also has 6 auto-cook presets, LED lighting, removable turntable for easy cleaning, and 30 seconds button. Great for dorm, small areas, office spaces, and kitchens. It also has a digital touch display.
PROS
- 6 auto-cook presets
- 30 seconds button
- 2 defrost settings
- Turntable removable for easy cleaning
- LED digital touch display pad
- Child safety lock
- Cooks food evenly
- 10 power level settings
CONS
- Some users reported getting defective units (keep packaging)
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Color: White
- Weight: 23 lbs.
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 18.3 x 11 inches
- Voltage: 120V
- Watts: 700
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Material Type: Steel
- Preset Cooking Settings: Popcorn, Pizza/Bread, Soup, Potato, Fresh Vegetables, Frozen Vegetables
- Internal light: Yes
- Cord Length: 2.6 feet
- Turntable Diameter: 11.2 inches
#6. Magic Chef MCM770W Compact Microwave Oven
Model: MCM770W ASIN: B001LFSO06 Ratings: 87 Overall Score: 4.3
This compact microwave oven has 700 watts of power and 0.7 feet capacity. It comes with 10 power levels, has digital touch, and electronic controls with LED display for easy reading. It also has a turntable for even cooking.
PROS
- 700 watts of power
- LED display for easy reading
- 10 power levels
- Digital touch
- Electronic controls
- 8 programmed cooking modes
- 30 second express cooking function
CONS
- Cheaply made
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Brand: Magic Chef
- Weight: 24.3 lbs.
- Dimensions: 14.9 x 19.2 x 11.5 inches
- Color: White
- Child Safety Lock: Yes
- Kitchen Timer: Yes
- Defrost Options: Yes, 2
- Rotating Turntable: Yes
- Warranty: 1-year limited
#7. AmazonBasics S9N29R Compact Microwave Oven
Model: S9N29R ASIN: None Ratings: 5,847 Overall Score: 4.2
Awards: Amazon’s Choice
The AmazonBasics compact microwave oven is voice-controlled microwave from Amazon. It is taking the microwave to the next level. It has 0.7 cubic feet capacity, 10 power levels, and 700 watts of power. You can use Alexa to start the microwave oven using quick-cook voice function. It has a kitchen timer, child safety lock and a glass turntable that is removable for easy cleaning.
PROS
- Ask Alexa button (Note: You must have an Amazon Echo device for this feature to work)
- Child safety lock
- 10 power levels
- Turntable is removable for easy cleaning
- 30 seconds start feature
- Defrost function
- Kitchen timer
- Popcorn button
- Microwave can be used without Alexa
CONS
- Microwave can overheat easily
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Color: Black
- Weight: 21.9 lbs.
- Dimensions: 17.3 x 10×1 x 14.1 inches
- Internal Dimensions: 10 7/8” x 6 7/8” x 10”
- Automatically Reorder Popcorn: Yes, by Amazon Dash
- Power Levels: 10
- Watts: 700
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- ADA Compliant: Yes
- Glass Turntable Diameter: 10 inches
#8. Nostalgia RMO7AQ Compact Microwave Oven
Model: RMO7AQ ASIN: B075TNGRWT Ratings: 347 Overall Score: 4.2
Awards: Amazon’s Choice
The Nostalgia compact microwave oven has 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power. It has 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, digital clock, LED easy to read display, and turn and push program dial. The door has a sleek chrome handle for easy opening and closing.
PROS
- Glass turntable is removable for easy cleaning
- 12 pre-programmed cooking settings
- LED easy to read display
- Turn and push program dial
- Nice sleek chrome handle
CONS
- Made in China
- Not durable
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Color: Aqua
- Weight: 23.2 lbs.
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 13.5 x 10.2 inches
- Internal Dimensions: 12” x 10” x 7” (W,D,H)
- Watts: 700
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Turntable Diameter: 9.5 inches
- Preset Cooking Settings Include: Popcorn, Pizza, Potatoes, Veggies & More
- Warranty: 90 days
- Customer Service: 920-347-9122
#9. Farberware Classic FMO07AHTBKJ Microwave Oven
Model: FMO07AHTBKJ ASIN: B07VS476X8 Ratings: 20 Overall Score: 4.1
Awards: Amazon’s Choice
This compact microwave overn by Farberware has 700 watts of power that has 10 different power levels. It comes with 6 one touch cooking programs, 0.7 cubic feet capacity, 30 second control button, LED display with kitchen timer and clock, and express cooking functions. It also has a child safety lock and defrost by weight or time function. You also get a 1-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Child safety lock
- 10 power levels
- 30 second control button
- 6 one touch cooking programs
- Express cooking functions
- Defrost by weight or time feature
- Speed cooking from 1-6 minutes
CONS
- Some foods take longer to cook
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Color: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Weight: 23.9 lbs.
- Dimensions: 13 x 17.3 x 10.1 inches
- Material Type: Stainless Steel
- One Touch Menu Options: popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage & dinner plate
- Watts: 700
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Cord Length: 24 inches
- Warranty: 1-year limited
Conclusion
The microwave appliance is a great invention that helps many individuals and families who need a meal that is quickly heated. Many of us have little time to prepare a full meal at times. The compact microwave ovens actually helps those who live in small area like apartments, offices, dorms and small kitchens where a compact microwave oven can fit into.
In this list of compact microwave ovens there are some that have different features than others. This is where you come in. You must decide if a small compact microwave is for you.
All appliances have their pluses and minuses. A vast majority of the microwaves in our list have earned the Amazon’s Choice award. So, you should find one that meets your needs.
Look over all the features. Determine which features are an absolute must. All of these ovens are under $100 and are affordable. Review if any of them have long warranties of at least 1-year.
After you have done your homework, you can set your mind on the brand that is best for you.
Shop Compact Microwaves
You can shop for your favorite compact brand microwave by clicking on an image. You will be taken to Amazon where you can read the reviews, answered questions and place the order.
Go back to the Pros Cons Shopping home page.