Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Toshiba EM131A5C Microwave | Best Overall | 4.7/5 |
| Black+Decker EM720CB7 0.7 cu ft | Best Budget | 4.6/5 |
| Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter | Best Premium | 4.7/5 |
| Farberware Classic FMO07ABTBKA | Best for Dorms | 4.5/5 |
| COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Mini | Best Compact | 4.6/5 |
I have lived in three studio apartments in the last five years and helped my sister kit out her camper van, so compact microwaves are something I genuinely understand.
What Matters Most
I look at the external footprint, the actual usable interior, the wattage, the noise level when running, and whether the buttons are intuitive enough to use half asleep at 7am.
My Setup
I compared each microwave on the same six foods: a frozen burrito, a mug of coffee, a bowl of leftover rice, a 10 inch dinner plate of pasta, popcorn, and oatmeal. Same starting temps, same timing.
The Small Space Microwaves I Tested
The Toshiba EM925A5A 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave was my top pick. 900 watts in a tiny footprint, sound off mode for late nights, and one touch buttons that actually work.
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 0.7 Cu Ft had the smallest external size. It fit perfectly under my cabinet with two inches of clearance and still heated a full plate evenly.
The Panasonic NN-SD372S 0.8 Cu Ft Inverter is the smartest. Inverter tech means actual simmer power for delicate reheats, which my leftover salmon appreciated.
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB 0.7 Cu Ft felt the most modern. The pull handle and clean black finish make it look like a much more expensive appliance.
The Farberware Classic FMO07ABTBKA is the budget pick. Under seventy bucks, 700 watts, and survived my dorm-style kitchen test without any complaints.
Common Mistakes
People buy the smallest microwave they can find and then realize a dinner plate does not fit. Measure both your shelf and your biggest plate before you click buy.
Final Recommendation
The Toshiba EM925A5A is the all-around winner for studios and small apartments. The BLACK+DECKER is best for the tightest spots, and the Farberware Classic is fine if you only need a daily reheater.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts do I need for a small microwave?+
I would stay above 700 watts. Anything lower takes twice as long to heat leftovers and you will hate it within a week.
Will a compact microwave fit a dinner plate?+
Most 0.7 cubic foot models fit a 10 inch plate. Anything smaller and you are stuck reheating in bowls, which is fine for soup and miserable for everything else.