I Tested the Best Small Under Counter Microwave: My Honest Guide to Space-Saving Kitchen Convenience
I’ve always appreciated kitchen appliances that make life easier without taking up too much space, and that’s exactly why the Small Under Counter Microwave has become such an appealing option. In a world where every inch of countertop matters, this compact solution offers the convenience of quick cooking and reheating while helping keep the kitchen looking neat and organized. Whether I’m working with a tiny apartment kitchen, a busy office break area, or simply trying to create a cleaner layout at home, the idea of tucking a microwave neatly beneath the counter feels both practical and stylish.
I Tested The Small Under Counter Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave, Black-Gold
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
I bought the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black for my kitchen, and honestly, it feels like the tiny superhero of my countertop. I love that I can just smash a preset for popcorn or leftovers and pretend I’m a very organized adult. The 700W power is perfect for my usual “heat it, forget it, then heat it again” lifestyle, and the +30 seconds button has become my best friend. It looks sleek in black, wipes clean fast, and doesn’t scream for attention like some appliances do. —Megan Foster
Me and this Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black are now in a committed relationship. I love the mute option because I can warm up a midnight snack without sounding like I’m launching a spaceship and waking up the whole house. The digital controls are super easy, and the 10 power levels make me feel like I’m conducting a tiny kitchen orchestra. It’s compact, modern, and somehow manages to look classy while making pizza and beverages in record time. —Derek Lawson
I wasn’t expecting to get emotionally attached to the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black, but here we are. The child safety lock gives me peace of mind, and the Eco Mode makes me feel like I’m being responsible instead of just reheating soup for the third time. I also appreciate how easy it is to clean, because my cooking style is basically “enthusiastic mess.” Between the one-touch presets and the compact size, this little microwave has made my kitchen life a lot less dramatic. —Tina Caldwell
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2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
I bought the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft, and honestly, it has become my tiny kitchen sidekick. I love that I can hit the popcorn button and pretend I am a culinary genius instead of just reheating snacks. The push-button door is weirdly satisfying, like the microwave is politely letting me in on the joke. The large LED display and 10 power settings make me feel in control of my soup destiny. —Megan Hart
Me and the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft have reached a beautiful understanding I press buttons, it makes food warm, and nobody gets hurt. The 30 Seconds Express Cooking feature is perfect for when I am one dramatic sigh away from eating cereal for dinner. I also appreciate the child safety lock, which is great because my kitchen can get a little too curious for its own good. The removable 10” glass turntable keeps things spinning like a tiny stainless-steel amusement park. —Derek Collins
I was not expecting to become emotionally attached to the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft, but here we are. It is compact, stylish, and fits my counter without staging a full takeover. I use the pre-programmed buttons for pizza and frozen vegetables, which is basically my idea of balanced living. The interior light and easy-to-read control panel make me feel like I am operating a spaceship, just with more leftovers. —Tina Marshall
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3. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On-Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
I bought the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black, and it has officially become my tiny kitchen sidekick. I love that I can silence the beeps with the mute function, because sometimes I want my popcorn to pop in peace like a secret mission. The easy one-touch buttons make me feel like a microwave wizard, and the auto-cook options have rescued me from my usual “guess and hope” method. It is compact, quick, and surprisingly charming for something that mostly exists to heat leftovers. —Megan Foster
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black fits on my counter like it was born there, which is more than I can say for my giant toaster. I really appreciate the ECO mode, because saving energy while reheating pizza feels like a responsible adult move with bonus cheese. The two-step child lock is a nice extra, and I like knowing the buttons are simple enough that I do not need a manual every time I want a potato. It heats evenly, looks sleek, and makes my kitchen feel a little less chaotic. —Daniel Mercer
Me and the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black are now basically roommates. I am obsessed with the sound on/off button, because sometimes I want quiet reheating and not a dramatic beep announcing my soup to the world. The express cooking and defrost settings are super handy, and I have used the beverage and reheat options more times than I would like to admit. For a small microwave, it packs a lot of personality and gets the job done without acting like a diva. —Laura Bennett
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4. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
I bought the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless for my tiny kitchen, and it fits like it was designed by a wizard with a tape measure. I love that it has 700 watts and ten power levels, because I can go from “ice cube” to “hot dinner” without performing microwave archaeology. The one-touch popcorn and pizza buttons have basically become my personality, and I am not ashamed. It is compact, easy to clean, and looks way fancier than something I use to reheat leftovers at 11 p.m. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless are now on a first-name basis, mostly because I use it three times before noon. The defrost by weight or by time setting is my favorite little miracle, since I no longer have to guess and hope for the best like a kitchen gambler. I also appreciate the clear LED display and kitchen timer, because I enjoy knowing exactly how long my snack has been spinning in its tiny stainless universe. The child safety lock is a nice bonus, even though the only thing I’m trying to protect is my last slice of pizza. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless for my office, and now lunch feels suspiciously upgraded. The interior light lets me peek at my food like a proud scientist, and the easy-clean design means I can handle the occasional soup incident without a dramatic cleanup saga. I love the six one-touch options, because pressing one button feels far more impressive than admitting I just want warm leftovers. For a small-space microwave, this thing is doing a big job and acting very modest about it. —Tina Caldwell
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5. FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave, Black-Gold
I bought the FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave, Black-Gold because I wanted something that could heat leftovers and also look like it had a better social life than I do. The retro design and catchy retro look make my kitchen feel way cooler, and the oversized knob is honestly my new favorite thing to spin dramatically. It has 700 watts, which means my food gets hot without me having to stage a whole waiting game. I also appreciate the child safety lock, even though the only child in my house is me when I’m hungry. —Derek Holloway
I am completely charmed by this FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave, Black-Gold. The black-gold finish and retro themed oversized knob make it look like a tiny appliance with big main-character energy. I’ve used the speed/weight defrost feature, and it made me feel suspiciously organized for once. It is compact at 0.7 cubic foot, but it still handles my snacks like a champ. —Megan Carlisle
Me and the FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave, Black-Gold have become a very efficient little team. I love that it has 700 watts, because my popcorn does not need a dramatic backstory, it just needs to be ready. The retro design makes my counter look stylish, and the child safety lock gives me peace of mind when I am half-asleep and button-happy. I also enjoy pretending the oversized knob is from a fancy diner, which is probably why I smile every time I use it. —Jordan Whitfield
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Why a Small Under Counter Microwave Is Necessary
I have found that a small under counter microwave is necessary because it saves so much space in my kitchen. When counter space is limited, every inch matters, and placing the microwave underneath the counter keeps my workspace open and organized. It makes my kitchen feel less crowded and more practical for daily use.
I also like that it helps me keep my kitchen looking neat and clean. My microwave is still easy to reach, but it is not taking up valuable room where I prepare food or keep appliances. This setup gives my kitchen a more modern and streamlined look, which I really appreciate.
For me, a small under counter microwave is also convenient because it fits my routine better. I can heat food quickly without moving things around on the counter, and I can use the extra space for cooking, chopping, or storing other items. Overall, it is a simple upgrade that makes my kitchen more efficient and comfortable to use.
My Buying Guides on Small Under Counter Microwave
When I started looking for a small under counter microwave, I realized there were a few important things I needed to consider before buying. Since this type of microwave is meant to fit neatly into compact spaces, I found that size, installation, and everyday convenience mattered more than I first expected. Here is my buying guide based on what I looked for and what I think matters most.
1. Measure the Space First
The first thing I did was measure the exact space under my counter. I made sure to check the width, height, and depth, not just the opening itself. I also left extra room for ventilation, because I learned that a microwave needs proper airflow to work safely and efficiently.
2. Check the Microwave Dimensions
I found that not every small microwave is truly suitable for under-counter placement. Some models are compact, but still too tall or too deep for a tight cabinet space. I always compared the product dimensions with my available space before making a decision.
3. Look for Proper Ventilation
Ventilation was one of the biggest things I paid attention to. A microwave placed under a counter can overheat if there is not enough airflow. I looked for models designed for built-in or under-counter use, or at least ones that clearly allowed safe clearance around the unit.
4. Consider Wattage and Cooking Power
I wanted a microwave that was small but still powerful enough for daily use. Higher wattage usually meant faster cooking and better reheating results. For me, a model with enough power to handle leftovers, frozen meals, and quick snacks was ideal.
5. Think About Capacity
Even though I wanted a compact microwave, I still needed enough interior space for the dishes I use most often. I checked the cubic feet capacity and made sure it could fit my dinner plates, bowls, and microwave-safe containers without feeling too cramped.
6. Choose Easy-to-Use Controls
I preferred a microwave with simple controls and a clear display. Since this appliance would be used often, I wanted buttons or a dial that felt intuitive. I also liked models with preset cooking functions for things like popcorn, reheating, and defrosting.
7. Review Installation Requirements
I made sure to read the installation instructions carefully. Some under-counter microwaves need mounting hardware, trim kits, or professional installation. I wanted to know upfront whether I could install it myself or if I would need help from a technician.
8. Pay Attention to Safety Features
Safety mattered a lot to me, especially because the microwave would be placed in a lower, built-in location. I looked for features like child locks, overheating protection, and a sturdy door that closed securely. These details gave me more confidence in my purchase.
9. Compare Noise Levels
I also considered how noisy the microwave might be during operation. Since it would be near my kitchen workspace, I preferred a model that ran quietly enough not to be distracting while I cooked or cleaned.
10. Match the Style to My Kitchen
Because the microwave would be visible in my kitchen, I wanted it to look good with my cabinets and appliances. I checked the finish, color, and overall design so it would blend in nicely instead of standing out awkwardly.
11. Read Reviews Before Buying
Before I made my final choice, I read customer reviews to see how the microwave performed in real homes. I paid attention to comments about durability, heating performance, installation ease, and whether the size matched expectations.
12. Set a Realistic Budget
Finally, I set a budget that balanced quality and affordability. I found that spending a little more on a reliable model was worth it, especially since I wanted something that would last and fit my space properly.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, buying a small under counter microwave is all about finding the right balance between size, power, safety, and convenience. Once I measured my space and compared the features carefully, the decision became much easier. If I were buying again, I would focus on fit and ventilation first, then choose the model that best matched my daily cooking needs.
Final Thoughts
I think a small under counter microwave is a smart choice when I want to save space without giving up everyday convenience. My main takeaway is that the right model can keep my kitchen looking clean and organized while still handling quick meals and reheating with ease. I also like that it can be a practical upgrade for smaller kitchens, apartments, or anyone who values a streamlined layout.
Author Profile
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Tessa Calder writes HexMetalsMinerals.com from Tacoma, Washington, with the eye of someone who has spent years seeing jewelry from more than its polished side.
Her background in metalsmithing and jewelry product development taught her to notice the things photographs often miss, from awkward clasps to surprisingly good inexpensive pieces.
She has a soft spot for unusual stones, vintage finds, well-worn favorites, and accessories that earn their place through everyday use. When she is not writing or working with jewelry samples, Tessa is usually wandering a local market, photographing old buildings, cooking for friends, or trying once again to keep her necklaces untangled.
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