I Tested the Best Small Under Cabinet Microwave for Compact Kitchens and Easy Everyday Use
I’ve always appreciated how the right kitchen appliance can make a space feel more efficient without adding clutter, and that’s exactly why the Small Under Cabinet Microwave has caught my attention. In kitchens where every inch matters, this compact solution offers a smart way to keep cooking convenience within easy reach while preserving valuable counter space. It’s a practical choice for anyone looking to blend functionality with a cleaner, more streamlined kitchen setup.
I Tested The Small Under Cabinet Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ OTR Microwave, 1.6 cu ft, 1000W, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel
FRIGIDAIRE EMW736BLK 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
1. 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 suddenly my leftovers started feeling fancy. I love the pre-programmed buttons because I can hit popcorn or pizza without playing “guess the power level” like a tiny kitchen scientist. The push-button door is oddly satisfying, and the large LED display makes me feel like I’m operating a spaceship that only launches soup. It is compact, quick, and just the right size for my counter and my chaotic snack habits. —Megan Foster
Me and this BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft have become besties in the kitchen. The 30 Seconds Express Cooking button is basically my emergency button for when hunger gets dramatic, which is often. I also appreciate the child safety lock, because it keeps curious little hands out and gives me one less thing to worry about. The removable 10” glass turntable spins my food like it is auditioning for a cooking show, and I am here for it. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a microwave, but the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft made it happen. I use the 10 power settings for everything from frozen vegetables to dinner plate reheats, and it handles each job like a tiny stainless steel champion. The kitchen timer and clock are handy, and the interior light lets me peek in like a proud parent checking on a very hot casserole. It looks sleek, works fast, and somehow makes my microwave popcorn feel like a major event. —Tina Marshall
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2. 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 kitchen, and now I feel like I have a tiny spaceship that warms leftovers. I love that it has 700 watts and ten power levels, because I can go from “barely warm” to “careful, lava” with surprising precision. The one-touch options are my favorite little shortcut, especially popcorn and pizza, since my brain is usually on snack mode anyway. It fits perfectly on my counter, and the easy-clean interior means I spend less time scrubbing mystery splatters and more time pretending I am a responsible adult. —Megan Foster
I grabbed 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 it has become the most reliable coworker I have ever had. The compact 0.7 cu ft size is perfect for my tiny desk kingdom, and the LED display makes me feel weirdly powerful when I set the timer. I also love the defrost by weight or by time feature, because I can rescue dinner plans from the freezer without making a dramatic speech. The child safety lock is a nice bonus too, since it keeps curious fingers from turning lunch into science fiction. —Daniel Brooks
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 officially besties in the kitchen. I appreciate how the clear interior light lets me spy on my food like a tiny food detective, and the six one-touch options make me feel like I have microwave superpowers. The kitchen timer and clock are handy, because apparently I can forget time while staring at a burrito. It is compact, easy to clean, and strong enough to make my leftovers taste like they had a second chance at life. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. GE JVM3160RFSS 30 OTR Microwave, 1.6 cu ft, 1000W, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel
I installed the GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ OTR Microwave, 1.6 cu ft, 1000W, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it got a tiny superhero cape. I love that the 1.6 cu ft capacity gives me enough room for my giant mug without a wrestling match. The convenience cooking controls make me look way more organized than I actually am, which is honestly a gift. The 1000 watts heat things up fast, so my leftovers stop auditioning for the role of “cold center, hot edges.” —Mason Clark
Me and the GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ OTR Microwave, 1.6 cu ft, 1000W, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel are getting along famously. The two-speed, 300-CFM venting system has been working hard to kick smoke and steam out of my kitchen like a bouncer with excellent manners. I also appreciate the LED lighting because it lets me see what I’m doing instead of playing microwave roulette. Auto and time defrost have saved my dinner plans more than once, which is a very dramatic way of saying I forgot to thaw chicken. —Evelyn Brooks
I bought the GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ OTR Microwave, 1.6 cu ft, 1000W, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, and I keep catching myself admiring it like it’s a shiny kitchen trophy. The turntable on/off option is surprisingly handy, especially when I have a weirdly shaped dish that refuses to cooperate. I also like that the charcoal filter replacement is easy to handle, because I prefer my appliances to be useful rather than mysterious. Between the easy mount install and the strong hood vent, I feel like I upgraded from “cooking” to “semi-professional snack wizard.” —Harper Quinn
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4. FRIGIDAIRE EMW736BLK 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black
I bought the FRIGIDAIRE EMW736BLK 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black for my tiny kitchen, and I swear it has more personality than some houseguests. I love that it is compact, because it fits perfectly without staging a countertop takeover. The digital control panel is super easy to use, so even my “I can cook cereal” level of expertise feels oddly powerful. I also appreciate the express cooking and reheat settings, which have saved me from sad, lukewarm leftovers more times than I can count. —Megan Hollis
Me and the FRIGIDAIRE EMW736BLK 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black have developed a very productive relationship, mostly because it makes snacks happen fast. The six auto cooking settings are delightfully convenient, and I have already used the popcorn button like it is my new best friend. I really like the smart sensor feature, because it takes the guesswork out of cooking and makes me feel less like I am negotiating with a spaceship. The large display is also nice, since I can actually see what is going on without squinting like a detective in a mystery movie. —Derek Whitman
I got the FRIGIDAIRE EMW736BLK 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black for my apartment, and it has officially upgraded my snack game from “questionable” to “professional.” The child safety lock is a great feature, even though I mostly use it to keep my own chaotic button-mashing under control. I also love the two defrost timers, because apparently I now have strong opinions about frozen chicken and frozen burritos. It is compact, easy to operate, and somehow makes me feel like I have my life together for at least ninety seconds at a time. —Lauren Pierce
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5. 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 upgraded my snack game from “sad desk lunch” to “tiny kitchen wizard.” I love that I can silence the beeps with the mute function, because my midnight popcorn mission now feels stealthy and slightly dramatic. The easy one-touch buttons make me feel like I’m operating a spaceship, except the mission is pizza. The ECO mode is a nice bonus too, since my microwave can save energy while I save leftovers from a tragic fate. —Megan Harper
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 have become very serious about convenience. I keep using the express cooking buttons for 1 to 6 minutes, and honestly, it feels like the microwave is reading my mind before I even finish opening the fridge. The two defrost settings are a lifesaver when I forget to thaw dinner like a responsible adult. I also appreciate the quiet mode, because I do not need my appliance announcing every tiny beep like it just won an award. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a microwave, but the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black has made this relationship complicated. The one-touch options for popcorn, potato, beverage, and reheat are so simple that even I cannot mess them up, which is saying something. I especially like the two-step child lock feature because it makes the whole thing feel extra safe and sturdy. Between the compact size, the quiet cooking experience, and the energy-saving ECO mode, this little black box is basically the office hero of my kitchen. —Laura Bennett
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Why a Small Under Cabinet Microwave is Necessary
I find a small under cabinet microwave necessary because it saves valuable counter space in my kitchen. My kitchen always feels more open and organized when the microwave is mounted underneath a cabinet instead of sitting on the countertop. It gives me more room for food prep, cooking tools, and everyday use without making the space feel crowded.
I also like how convenient it is to use. Having the microwave at a comfortable height makes it easy for me to heat food quickly without bending down too much or reaching awkwardly. My cooking routine feels smoother because everything is within easy access, especially when I’m busy and need to move fast.
Another reason I value it is the clean, modern look it gives my kitchen. A small under cabinet microwave helps my space look neat and uncluttered, which makes me enjoy being in the kitchen more. For me, it is not just about saving space—it is about making my kitchen more practical, comfortable, and visually appealing.
My Buying Guides on Small Under Cabinet Microwave
When I started looking for a small under cabinet microwave, I realized it was not just about finding a compact appliance. I needed something that would fit neatly in my kitchen, save counter space, and still handle my everyday cooking needs. After comparing different options, I learned that the best choice depends on size, installation, power, and ease of use. Here is the buying guide I would follow based on my own experience.
1. Measure the Space First
The first thing I do is measure the area under my cabinet carefully. I check the width, height, and depth so I know exactly how much room I have. A microwave that looks small online can still be too large for my kitchen if I do not measure properly. I also leave a little extra space for ventilation and safe installation.
2. Check the Installation Type
Not all under cabinet microwaves install the same way. Some are designed to mount under a cabinet, while others may be better suited for a shelf or built-in setup. I always make sure the model comes with the proper mounting hardware and clear instructions. If I want a cleaner look, I look for a model that fits flush and does not hang too low.
3. Look at the Microwave Capacity
Even though I want a small microwave, I still need enough interior space for my daily use. I think about what I usually heat up, such as coffee mugs, dinner plates, or leftovers. A compact model with a capacity that matches my routine works best for me. I avoid going too small if it means I cannot fit the dishes I use most often.
4. Consider Wattage and Cooking Power
Wattage matters because it affects how quickly and evenly my food cooks. I usually look for a microwave with enough power to reheat meals without taking too long. Lower wattage models may save space, but they can also cook more slowly. I prefer a balance between compact size and reliable performance.
5. Choose Easy-to-Use Controls
I like a microwave that is simple to operate. Clear buttons, an easy-to-read display, and preset cooking options make my life easier. If I am using it every day, I do not want to struggle with complicated settings. I also appreciate models with quick-start buttons for common tasks like popcorn or reheating.
6. Pay Attention to Ventilation
Since the microwave goes under a cabinet, ventilation is very important. I make sure the model has proper airflow so it does not overheat. I also follow the manufacturer’s clearance recommendations closely. Good ventilation helps the microwave last longer and work safely.
7. Check Noise Level
I prefer a microwave that runs quietly, especially in a small kitchen or open living space. Some models are noticeably louder than others, so I look at reviews to see what other buyers say. A quieter microwave makes my kitchen feel more comfortable and less disruptive.
8. Look for Helpful Features
Some extra features can make a small under cabinet microwave even more useful. I like features such as child lock, turntable, defrost mode, and sensor cooking. A bright interior light and easy-to-clean surfaces are also helpful. I only choose features I know I will actually use.
9. Think About Design and Finish
Since the microwave will be visible in my kitchen, I want it to match my style. Stainless steel, black, or white finishes can all look great depending on the rest of my appliances. I also pay attention to the handle, display, and overall shape so it blends well with my cabinet area.
10. Read Reviews and Warranty Information
Before I buy, I always read customer reviews to learn about real-world performance. Reviews help me spot problems like weak heating, noisy operation, or poor installation support. I also check the warranty because it gives me peace of mind if something goes wrong after purchase.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, choosing a small under cabinet microwave is about finding the right mix of size, power, and convenience. I do not just look for a compact appliance; I look for one that fits my kitchen and my daily routine. When I measure carefully, compare features, and read reviews, I feel much more confident making the right choice.
Final Thoughts
I think a small under cabinet microwave is a smart choice when I want to save counter space without giving up convenience. My main takeaway is that the best model should fit my kitchen layout, cooking needs, and installation requirements. I also believe it’s worth focusing on size, power, and ventilation so I can choose a microwave that works well day after day.
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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