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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe best small microwave is the one that fits your counter and can hold the dishes you actually use. Before choosing by cubic-foot capacity, measure the available space and compare the microwave’s outside dimensions, required clearances and turntable diameter with your counter and plates.
How to choose a compact countertop microwave
Start with fit, then compare capacity, power and controls. Capacity describes the cooking cavity, not the appliance’s exterior footprint or the usable space around its turntable. Tom’s Guide’s buyer guidance likewise recommends measuring the space and the microwave and checking whether your dish can fit and rotate; it cautions that cubic-foot capacity is not a realistic measure of usable space.
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Measure the counter space
- Measure the maximum width, height and depth available where the microwave will sit.
- Compare those measurements with the manufacturer’s published exterior dimensions, and allow any ventilation or installation clearance specified in the current manual.
- Check the depth against the counter and note whether the door, handle or plug affects placement. Confirm the dimensions for the exact model suffix you intend to buy.
Check your dishes against the turntable
Measure the plate or container you use most often. It must fit on the turntable and have enough room to rotate without catching on the cavity walls. A microwave’s stated capacity alone cannot answer that question. For the Sharp example below, the manufacturer lists a 10-inch turntable; the Panasonic listing cited here does not state a turntable diameter, so check its current product listing or manual before relying on a particular dish size.
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Compare capacity and wattage after fit
A 0.7-cu.-ft. model may suit someone prioritizing a smaller appliance, while 0.9 cu. ft. gives a larger stated cavity. Those figures are not a universal measure of what will fit, so use them alongside your dish measurements. Wattage is also a comparison point, not a guarantee of cooking results: the two examples list 700 W and 900 W, but they have different cavity sizes, and the figures alone do not establish comparative cooking performance or what will meet every user’s expectations.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Two compact microwave examples
These manufacturer specifications illustrate a smaller-capacity option and a larger-capacity option; they are not an exhaustive ranking or the result of comparative product testing.
| Model | Capacity and output | Exterior dimensions (W × H × D) | Turntable and controls | Listed functions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp SMC0710BW | 0.7 cu. ft.; 700 W (Sharp specification sheet dated October 25, 2016) | 17.3 × 10.2 × 12.8 in. (Sharp specification sheet dated October 25, 2016) | Removable 10-in. glass turntable; 11 cooking power levels; preset buttons (Sharp specification sheet dated October 25, 2016) | Not stated in the cited specification details |
| Panasonic NN-SB438S | 0.9 cu. ft.; 900 W (Panasonic USA listing accessed October 4, 2026) | 19.1 × 11.5 × 14.8 in. (Panasonic USA listing accessed October 4, 2026) | Turntable diameter not stated on the cited listing; seven preset auto-cook menu items | Quick 30 seconds, keep warm, delay start and timer, more/less control, child safety lock, popcorn settings and auto defrost |
Sharp SMC0710BW: smaller stated capacity
Sharp’s specification sheet lists this model at 0.7 cu. ft. and 700 W, with a 10-inch removable glass turntable and 11 cooking power levels. Its published exterior measurements are 17.3 inches wide, 10.2 inches high and 12.8 inches deep. Compare the turntable with your dishes before choosing it. Sharp notes that its internal capacity calculation uses maximum width, depth and height, and that actual food-holding capacity is less. Because the cited sheet dates to 2016, verify that this model and its specifications still match the exact unit being sold.
Rank #2
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : 110 Volts.Rated Input Power(Microwave):1050W
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.3” x 13” x 10.2”
Panasonic NN-SB438S: larger stated capacity
Panasonic USA lists this model at 0.9 cu. ft. and 900 W, with exterior dimensions of 19.1 inches wide, 11.5 inches high and 14.8 inches deep. The listing describes seven preset auto-cook menu items and also includes quick 30-second operation, keep warm, auto defrost, popcorn settings, delay start and timer, more/less control and a child safety lock. The cited listing does not establish turntable diameter; check the current listing or manual for the dish clearance you need. Its published dimensions are larger than Sharp’s cited dimensions in width, height and depth, so compare the measurements with your own counter rather than relying on a general compact-footprint description.
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Best Value
- 6 Preset Menus: Equipped with one-touch programs for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and dinner plate reheat, this countertop microwave oven simplifies your meal prep.
- Modern Black Finish: The sleek exterior design complements contemporary kitchen décor while the fingerprint-resistant surface maintains a clean appearance, suitable for apartments, condos, and modern homes.
- Express Cooking Feature: Start heating instantly with shortcut buttons, combined with 700 watts and 10 cooking power levels for fast reheating, reducing wait time for hot meals during lunch breaks or late-night snacks.
- Multi-Stage Cooking Function: Program sequential cooking steps automatically like switching from defrost to reheat, perfect for preparing frozen meals without manual intervention or constant monitoring.
- Compact 0.7 Cu Ft Capacity: Measuring 17.1 x 12.3 x 9.5 inches (LxWxH), this space-saving small microwave fits apartments, dorms, small kitchen spaces, and offices while still accommodating standard dinner plates for your everyday reheating needs.
Rank #4
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, please open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7*13.3*10.7 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
- 6 Preset Menus: This compact microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 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.
Rank #3
- 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
Use this final fit checklist before buying
- Measure the counter opening in width, height and depth.
- Look up the exact model’s exterior dimensions and manufacturer-required clearances in its current listing or manual.
- Measure the dishes and containers you use; confirm the turntable diameter and that the dish can rotate freely.
- Choose a stated cavity capacity that suits your likely loads, without treating cubic feet as a substitute for checking usable space.
- Compare wattage, controls and presets against the way you cook, then confirm current model suffix, availability and price with the manufacturer or retailer.
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.
