6 Perfectly Small Microwave Ovens For 2022 All Under $90

Updated Nov 2016 following some small microwave models being retired from production.

From reheating leftovers to cooking full meals, microwave ovens are important kitchen appliances which help you serve food to the table faster and easier.

There are many types of microwave ovens available on the market which come with varying sizes, technologies and prices enough to suit your needs. Among the common types of microwaves you’re expected to find in most stores include countertop, over-the-range and built-in microwaves.

In these reviews we aim to find the best small microwave oven on the market. Determining what size of microwave oven you need is an important factor which you should keep in mind before making a purchase. Microwaves usually come in three basic sizes – small, medium and large. People always choose their desired sizes depending on what they plan to do with it.

If you only need to purchase a microwave oven for heating or re-heating food, then a small size will be a good choice. This is because these have a small footprint of up to 0.9 cu ft and a heating capacity of 600-900 watts.

On the other hand, if you wish to prepare large meals for your family or for commercial use, then a medium or a large size will be the best to consider. They usually have heating capacities of 1.0-1.4 cu ft; 900-1650 watts.

Where Will You Be Using Your Microwave?

Not all of you will be looking for a microwave for a kitchen. The size of the microwaves reviewed below also makes them suitable for college dorm rooms, workshops, RV’s, water craft, studio’s, truck cabs, the office and cottages.

The footprint of most of these designs is small enough to fit almost anywhere with a suitable electrical outlet. To ensure that you select the best small microwave oven to suit your needs, this article will review some of the top small microwaves available on the market.

If you don’t want to read the full review then checkout the comparison table below which compares the most important product specifications and reveals the best model.

1. West Bend 0.9-cu. ft. 900-Watt Microwave – Useful 1 touch cooking settings

Reheat leftovers, cook popcorn, defrost frozen food and cook your meals in a fraction of a second using the West Bend 900-Watt Microwave. With sleek dimensions of 21×17×14 inches, this kitchen appliance has great features which include 11-power levels, a left hinged handle door with a child safety lock, an LED display, a digital clock with timer, 6- programmable one-touch settings and a powerful 900 watts heating capacity.

The one-touch cooking features include programs for popcorn, reheating, frozen food, potatoes, beverages and pizza. Basically it has settings for all the popular convenience foods for cooking when you’re in a hurry.

The removable turntable is large enough to hold large meals and is also very easy to clean. The external stainless steel finish is stylish with it’s smooth contoured lines and will complement any kitchen’s décor.

Pros

• The 900-Watt West Bend Microwave has a roomy interior (11.5×12×8) which can hold a large dinner plate with extra space
• With a 900 watt heating capacity, this microwave is very capable and works well
• The small size and footprint means that even students or people living in small apartments can accomodate this microwave
• The microwave has very simple control settings which makes it supremely usable

Cons

• Some customers have complained about this model overheating
• Other customers have complained about the turntable, saying that it stopped working
• The West Bend 900-Watt Microwave is for small cooking tasks only and not cooking large dinners

Summary

All in all, the West Bend Microwave is a decent choice for people looking for a smaller microwave or people who only prepare small meals. The 900 watt heating capacity, smart control settings and a lavish external design are the key features which make this microwave worthy of your consideration.

However although we haven’t experienced overheating you may want to take note of the customer reviews that show concern over long term reliability and safety. The West Bend is also one of the more expensive models on test here and others offer better value overall.

2. Hamilton Beach 0.7-cu ft Microwave Oven – A tiny microwave that you can put almost anywhere

Designed for families, students and individuals with busy working schedules, the Hamilton Beach Microwave Oven is a small unit that tackles all of your small cooking tasks with ease. Powered with 700-watt heating capacity, this microwave has smart features which include a child safety lock, a 30 sec + function, 10 programmed power levels and a one-touch cooking feature for popcorn, frozen meals, potatoes, pizza, and beverages.

This stylish microwave also comes with a cooking end signal which tells you when the cooking is done. With a lightweight of 25.1 pounds and dimensions of 17 x 14 x 10.5 inches, this small microwave oven is a perfect choice for students and young couples looking for a small kitchen cooking appliance.

Pros

• The Hamilton Beach Microwave Oven is fancy-looking in black, red or white and available at a pocket-friendly price
• It has smart features such as a child safety lock and cooking end signal which contribute to its safety measures
• The entire unit is small enough to fit in your kitchen cabinets, taking up very little space
• Nice ergonomic handle incorporated into the door frame
• A 12.25″ dinner plate fits in nicely
• The best selling compact microwave on Amazon

Cons

• The 700-watt heating power is not powerful enough to cook large meals in a hurry but fine for reheating small portions or if you have a little extra time

Summary

Although the Hamilton Beach Microwave Oven has a less-powerful 700-watt heating capacity than that of the other models, its affordable price and sleek design should be enough to make it worthy of your consideration.

In the Hamilton Beach microwave reviews on Amazon reviewers have remarked about the additional features they didn’t realise were present prior to buying. These include a child lock feature, a cooking end signal and 10 programmed power levels, this unit should be considered one of the smartest small microwave ovens on the market.

Furthermore while good for a small kitchen it’s also perfect for the office or even a truck cab and just fits a full size dinner plate. Many reviewers say this is the best microwave they have ever owned and this is probably what makes it the best selling and most highly rated compact microwave on Amazon.

3. Sunbeam SGH6901 0.9 cu ft Microwave, Stainless Steel – An attractive unit from US brand Sunbeam

The Sunbeam Stainless Steel Microwave is a smart unit that helps you deliver hot food and beverages fast and easy.

Operating with 900 watts of heating capacity, this microwave has 10 different power levels to suit your cooking needs, an internal area of 0.9 cu ft, an automatic internal light that illuminates when cooking, a digital timer and a defrost programming which functions according to weight and speed.

The glass turntable is removable and dishwasher-safe while the one-touch settings allow you to reheat, defrost and warm leftovers with ease. This microwave has a lightweight of 29.7 pounds and dimensions of 16 x 21 x 13 inches.

Pros

• The Sunbeam Stainless Steel Microwave has a sleek design which allows it to fit on a limited counter space or tucked away in a cupboard
• The microwave is easy to operate and comes with smart features which include a child lock setting and 10 different power levels
• This microwave is available in the market at a very cheap price, making it available to lots of people

Cons

• Some customers have criticized the lightweight feature of the Sunbeam Stainless Steel Microwave, stating that it tends to move a bit when trying to open the door
• Just generally Sunbeam microwaves have been reported to turn on spontaneously

Summary

Altogether, when we compare the Sunbeam Stainless Steel Microwave with other, higher-cost microwaves, it’s evident that this unit is packed with great features which make it worthy of consideration. With a roomy interior, a stainless steel finish and other smart features, this small microwave oven represent good value.

It is worth pointing out though that some customers have reported the Sunbeam to either turn on by itself or add time to the cooking cycle. Smart features aside in our opinion this poses a significant safety issue. If you are a fan of Sunbeam and do want to purchase you may want to use the unit under observation for the first few uses. Also, ensure you retain your warranty information from the packaging and register the product if required.

4. Danby Designer 0.7 cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Black/Stainless Steel – The most compact model perfect for small kitchens

The Danby Designer 0.7 cubic feet Countertop Microwave is a recommended model known for its relatively smaller size and decent exterior design.

It has dimensions of 14×17.3×10.1 inches and weighs about 22.5 pounds. The stainless steel exterior makes it rust-resistant and easy to clean. It’s also worth mentioning that the Danby is also available in white or black.

The unit provides up to 0.7 cubic feet of cooking space and has 700 watts of cooking power. This product is also equipped with fingertip controls and two defrost settings which include weight and timed defrost, allowing you to conveniently thaw frozen foods. The product’s 2-stage cooking is responsible for permitting customized cooking of various recipes. Finally, the unit was designed to automatically adjust the power levels depending on the prevailing cooking needs and to save energy.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• Comes with an easy-to-clean and rustproof construction
• Features fingertip controls for 6 everyday uses
• Offers about 0.7 cubic cooking space
• Has two defrost settings
• Features 2-stage cooking
• Automatically adjusts power levels for better efficiency
• Comes with ten power levels
• Quiet fan in operation
• Backed with an 18 month parts and labor warranty

Cons

• Might not work in some areas due to power source compatibility
• The door glass has cracked according to some customer reviews

Summary

The Danby Designer 0.7 cubic feet Countertop Microwave with its stylish, compact and reliable construction is absolutely a best buy, in fact this is the best selling countertop microwave on Amazon.com with over 1800 reviews.

It features 2-defrost settings and 2-stage cooking which allows customized cooking processes. Those that have purchased the Danby particularly like the quiet operation of the fan and the fact that the end of cooking time beep is not overbearingly loud.

This product is perfect for a small kitchen, dorm or RV and can be had at a very wallet-friendly price. From literally 1000’s of reviews 1 or 2 customers have reported the glass cracking. If you do intend to purchase check the integrity of the door and glass upon delivery.

5. RCA RMW741 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave, Stainless Steel Design – Great for people who want flexible cooking options

The RCA RMW741 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave is currently priced at around $55. It has a very simple design, dimensions of 18.5×14.2×11 inches and weighs 25.1 pounds.

It is made of stainless steel that makes it rust-resistant and attractive. In addition to that, this RCA provides quick defrosting and can be used for customized cooking. Its end cooking signal, as well as the timer, saves you from worrying about overcooking.

This product’s ten power levels also allow you to load different food types and remain confident that these will be consistently and evenly cooked. Finally, the rectangular LED screen installed just above the control touchpad allows you to monitor the unit’s progress while in use and see the current function, which is very convenient.

Pros

• Attractive stainless steel finish
• Offers up to 0.7 cubic feet of interior cooking space
• Great value for money price
• Features a simplistic design and well-built construction
• Has 6 one-touch cooking menus
• Comes with 10 power levels
• Comes with a washable glass turntable
• Features a cook by weight feature
• Has an end cooking signal to prevent over-cooking
• Has a faster speed and weight defrost feature
• Includes manufacturers 1 year parts and labor warranty

Cons

• Product quantity is limited
• Despite the light some customers report that the interior is a little dark due to the opaque door

Summary

The RCA RMW741 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave is a good choice for lots of kitchens with limited space. It’s attractive and well built and the 1-year warranty gives you peace of mind. The RCA is also easy to set up and to operate without even reading the instructions. The cook by weight feature is also an option not usually found on budget microwaves.

One small gripe is that the microwave door is opaque making it difficult to see the food whilst cooking. If you can overlook this small design flaw then this is an excellent choice for the money.

6. Kenmore 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave White, 73902 – For those that want small but not too small and value oven space

The Kenmore 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave White is another reliable product that is sold at around $90. That makes it the most expensive small microwave reviewed here.

This product has dimensions of 12.91×14.75×11.5 inches and weighs about 30 pounds. The product features a multi-stage cooking function that allows the user to program the different cooking stages and the respective cooking times.

It is also equipped with a memory feature that saves the user’s favorite cook time along with the power level combinations. Useful if you’re cooking the same dishes again and again.

Aside from that, this microwave is equipped with an LED display that provides the user with a clear view of the power level used and the cooking time. It also comes with a dishwasher-safe glass turntable with a diameter of 10.6 inches. A push-button release is also found on the unit which makes opening the door more convenient.

Pros

• Has a reliable construction and simplistic design
• Offers about 0.9 cubic feet of interior volume and 900 watts of cooking power
• Can automatically cook the food from one stage to another
• Features 6 smart touch settings
• Has a memory feature that saves the user’s preferred power level and cooking setting
• Equipped with an LED display for convenient setting and power level monitoring

Cons

• Most expensive model on test
• Door requires a little force to open

Summary

Despite its relatively high price compared to the others in this test the Kenmore 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave still remains a good buy for lots of consumers. This is because the product provides ample interior space for cooking larger dishes, despite its small dimensions and it also offers 900 Watts of cooking power. The product also comes with 6 smart touch settings and a multi-stage cooking function which ensures food is fully cooked without cold spots and not burned either.

Kenmore is manufactured by Sears a brand to be trusted. Customers have found it to be quiet in operation and have lavished praise on its gorgeous looks. The most important factor though is that food is cooked evenly and efficiently. Only the slightly excessive force required to open the door lets it down slightly. Nonetheless a great buy.

November 2016 update. Unfortunately, these are becoming difficult to get hold of as the product nears its production life. If you can get one then great if not consider the Hamilton Beach or Danby which are worthy alternatives.

Best Small Microwave Oven Review Verdict

There are many brands of small microwave oven on the market today. They come with different features, heating capacities, and speeds. This article has reviewed six of the best small microwaves in the market which include those from brands West Bend, Hamilton Beach, Sunbeam, Danby, RCA and Kenmore. Given the price point of these 6 models and the smart features they incorporate they represent good value for money but won’t be troubling more expensive offerings.

Of the 6 we would lean towards purchasing the Kenmore or the Hamilton Beach. They have a good blend of features and neither have any concerns over long term reliability like the West Bend. Furthermore, they don’t have the lightweight issue of the Sunbeam.

Despite it’s the lower power rating of 700 watts if you’re looking for a cheap unit which will tackle basic microwave needs then the great-looking RCA should also be on your shortlist. This also comes with the best manufacturers’ warranty of the bunch at 1 year.

The Danby Designer shouldn’t be overlooked either, this is the best selling countertop microwave on Amazon. This test leans towards size and quality which means the Danby just misses out. It is quiet in operation, attractive and also has a good warranty.

The Kenmore edges the review overall due to price, power, unit size and looks but the Hamilton Beach also gets a 5-star review from whatmicrowave.com and runs it to a very close second spot. Customers particularly praise the quiet operation and multistage cooking of the Kenmore which ensures even results. It’s also available in a slightly more expensive stainless steel finish or a cheaper black finish. The white unit will fit in the majority of small kitchens and apartments.

The Hamilton Beach only just misses out on the top spot, it doesn’t do anything particularly wrong and there are no reliability issues, the Kenmore is just that little bit more attractive and well finished regardless of color. If you have a smaller budget though the Hamilton Beach is a great option and it too is available in black, red and white.

November 2016 update. Our test winner, Kenmore is becoming increasingly difficult to get hold of and the price has risen slightly. If you can get one great if not the Hamilton Beach is a no brainer especially given it’s current selling price.