If moving a microwave is the priority, compare its listed net weight—not just its compact appearance—and check that its capacity, turntable, power and controls suit the food you actually cook. Among the specific manufacturer listings reviewed here, Midea Malaysia lists the 20 L EM7P012MZ at 6.5 kg. That makes it the lightest verified example in this comparison, not a universal best buy: it is a market-specific model, and a smaller oven may not fit your dishes or routine.
What makes a microwave lightweight and easy to use?
“Lightweight” is best judged by the manufacturer-listed net weight. Ease of cooking is a separate question: consider whether your usual plates and bowls fit, how much interior capacity you need, the stated microwave output, and whether the controls and cooking modes work for you. A low weight alone does not establish that a model is the right choice for every household.
External dimensions matter too. Check the space where the oven will sit and follow the installation clearances in the exact model’s instructions; there is no universal clearance figure established by the product listings cited here. A compact-looking oven is not necessarily the easiest one to lift, and two ovens with the same listed capacity can have different weights.
Lightweight microwave models with published specifications
The table compares exact models and the markets or product pages where their specifications are listed. These are examples, not a comprehensive market ranking. Manufacturer specifications below were accessed on 2026-10-08; the pages did not state when the specifications were published.
#1 Best Overall
- Two-step Child Lock Feature: For extra protection and prevent misuse, all microwave oven manufacturers are asked to follow the new safety standard and add this 2-step child lock function
- Mute Function: Turn off all the microwave beeps by pressing the sound on/off button for 3 seconds, for a quiet cooking experience
- Easy one-touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time). With easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizes 50% standby power by using ECO mode
- Included Components: 1 Microwave Oven and 1 Manual Instruction Book
| Model and listing market | Listed net weight | Capacity and footprint | Other relevant specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midea EM7P012MZ, Malaysia | 6.5 kg | 20 L; 422 × 309 × 237.5 mm; 245 mm turntable | Midea describes MET control and claims it supports consistent cooking. The listing calls the model lightweight; that is the manufacturer’s description, not an independent carrying test. Midea product page |
| Midea MM7P012MZ, Malaysia | Not stated in the inspected specification lines; see Midea product page | 20 L; 422 × 309 × 237.5 mm | 700 W. The available listing does not verify its weight, so it cannot be ranked as lightweight from these specifications. |
| Gorenje MO20E1W5, international product page | 7.9 kg net | 20 L; 456 × 263 × 353 mm; 255 mm turntable | 700 W; 220–240 V, 50 Hz. Gorenje product page |
| Panasonic NN-SD35QBBPQ, UK & Ireland | 10.0 kg | 29 L; 495 × 378 × 292 mm; 288 mm glass turntable | 1000 W inverter model. Panasonic product page |
| Panasonic NN-ST46KBBPQ, UK & Ireland | 11.5 kg | 32 L; 525 × 388 × 310 mm | 1000 W inverter; seven power levels and 21 auto programs. Panasonic product page |
Both the Midea EM7P012MZ and Gorenje MO20E1W5 are listed at 20 L, yet their listed net weights differ: 6.5 kg and 7.9 kg respectively. Their dimensions and turntable diameters differ as well, so capacity alone is not a reliable guide to portability or dish fit.
How to choose the right balance of weight and cooking space
Start with the heaviest dish you use
Check the turntable diameter and interior space against your largest regular plate, bowl or container. The Midea EM7P012MZ listing specifies a 245 mm turntable; Panasonic lists a 288 mm glass turntable for the 29 L NN-SD35. A dish that does not fit comfortably can make a lighter, smaller oven impractical. Confirm the exact model’s interior and turntable details before buying.
Rank #2
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 900W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
Match capacity and output to your routine
The listed 20 L examples are smaller-capacity options; Panasonic’s comparison models provide 29 L and 32 L. The cited listings state 700 W for the Midea MM7P012MZ and Gorenje MO20E1W5, and 1000 W inverter output for the Panasonic models. Wattage is a published specification, not a complete measure of how evenly or quickly a particular food will heat. Follow the product manual and food instructions when cooking.
Choose only features you will use
Compare the exact model’s documented power levels, defrost options, automatic programs, sensors and control layout. Features vary by model; do not assume a preset or sensor is available just because another microwave in the same range has it. Whirlpool’s comparison chart illustrates useful fields to compare, including dimensions, capacity, power, sensor cooking, door release and cleaning options: Whirlpool countertop microwave comparison chart.
Rank #3
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 14.6 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggie, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
Check the fit, power supply and local terms before buying
- Measure the counter location. Compare the listed external width, depth and height with the available space, then check the exact model’s instructions for required ventilation and installation clearances.
- Check dish fit. Compare your usual cookware with the listed turntable diameter and the model’s interior dimensions where available.
- Confirm electrical compatibility. Match the appliance’s voltage, frequency, plug and supply requirements to your location. The Gorenje MO20E1W5 listing specifies 220–240 V and 50 Hz; do not assume that a product listed for another market will suit your household.
- Verify the exact model and local support. Confirm the full model designation, local availability, warranty and after-sales terms with the seller or manufacturer. The examples above come from Malaysia, UK and Ireland, and an international product page; they are not interchangeable regional recommendations.
How to interpret other microwave recommendations
Tom’s Guide’s 2026 microwave guide discusses models including the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS and BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9, as well as the IKEA GÅTEBO combination microwave. Its article describes the guide author’s testing observations, including for the GÅTEBO. The inspected article text does not establish the listed weights of those models, so it does not support ranking them as lightweight. See Tom’s Guide’s microwave guide for that publication’s broader category coverage and attributed findings.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally. Just pull upwards on the top edge of the handle to open the microwave.
- MUTE OPTION: Silence this counter top microwave with the Audio Button, turning off any annoying beeps if you’re trying to stay quiet or not wake up your kids.
Rank #4
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 14.6 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
