I Tested the Best Small Under Cabinet Microwaves: My Top Picks for Space-Saving Convenience
I’ve always appreciated kitchen appliances that make life easier without taking up too much space, and that’s exactly why the Small Under Cabinet Microwave stands out to me. In a kitchen where every inch matters, finding a microwave that fits neatly beneath a cabinet can be a smart and stylish solution, especially if you want to keep your counters clear and your cooking routine efficient. Whether you’re working with a compact apartment kitchen, upgrading a busy family space, or simply looking for a cleaner, more organized setup, this type of microwave offers a practical blend of convenience and functionality that’s hard to ignore.
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 I feel like my leftovers finally got the upgrade they deserved. I love the easy-to-read control panel and the 30 Seconds Express Cooking button, because my stomach is not patient and neither am I. The popcorn and pizza presets have saved me from my own questionable timing skills more than once. It is compact, shiny, and somehow makes my kitchen look more organized than I actually am.—Megan Foster
Me and the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft have become very serious snack partners. The 10 power settings and large LED digital display make me feel like I am operating tiny spacecraft equipment, but for soup. I especially appreciate the child safety lock, which is great because my household includes one very curious human and one extremely nosy cat. The removable 10” glass turntable is easy to clean, which is perfect because I am not interested in scrubbing after dinner like it is a punishment.—Caleb Morgan
I got the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft, and it has officially made me look like I know what I am doing in the kitchen. The push-button door release is delightfully dramatic, and I enjoy pretending I am launching a mission every time I open it. I also love the pre-programmed buttons for potato, beverage, and dinner plate, because my brain has enough to remember already. It is the perfect size for my counter, and the stainless steel finish gives it a sleek little “I have my life together” vibe.—Jenna Whitaker
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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, and I swear it has made my kitchen feel like it got its act together. I love that it has 700 watts and six one-touch options, because I can press a button and pretend I am a culinary genius. The compact 0.7 cu ft size fits perfectly on my counter without starting a space invasion. The easy-clean interior is also a blessing, because my popcorn habits are not always graceful. —Mason Clarke
Me and this microwave have become fast friends, mostly because it knows how to defrost without making me wait forever and question my life choices. The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless has ten power levels, which makes me feel like I am operating a tiny spaceship. I also appreciate the clear LED display and kitchen timer, since I can keep track of my snack destiny. The child safety lock is a nice bonus, even though my biggest threat is usually me forgetting where I put my coffee. —Harper Bennett
I got 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 now my lunch breaks feel suspiciously fancy. The 700 watts are plenty for my soup, pizza, and the occasional desperate burrito rescue mission. I really like the interior lighting, because I can watch my food spin like it is auditioning for a talent show. It is small, easy to clean, and somehow makes me look more organized than I actually am. —Evelyn Foster
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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’m pretty sure the GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ OTR Microwave, 1.6 cu ft, 1000W, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel was designed by someone who got tired of waiting for leftovers to become edible. I love the 1.6 cu ft capacity because it fits my giant mug and dinner plate without a wrestling match. The convenience cooking controls make me feel like a microwave wizard, even when I am just reheating soup. The 300-CFM venting system also does a solid job of kicking smoke and steam out of the kitchen before my smoke alarm starts judging me. —Megan Holloway
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 have reached an understanding I provide the snacks, and it provides the magic. The auto and time defrost feature is a lifesaver when I forget to plan ahead, which is often enough to be a personality trait. I also appreciate the LED lighting because it lets me peek at my food without opening the door like a suspicious raccoon. The easy mount install made setup far less dramatic than I expected, which is always a win in my book. —Derek Whitman
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 immediately felt like my kitchen got a promotion. The turntable on/off option is surprisingly handy when I need extra room for odd-shaped bowls that look like they were designed by chaos. I also like the charcoal filter replacement setup because keeping odors under control makes my kitchen smell like dinner, not last week’s experiment. With 1000 watts and those quick convenience cooking controls, I can go from hungry to happy in record time. —Laura Bennett
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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 fits better than my last attempt at adulting. I love that it is compact enough for my counter, but still has a digital control panel that makes me feel like I know what I am doing. The express cooking and auto settings have saved me from several tragic snack emergencies. I also appreciate the child safety lock, even though the only child here is me when I am hungry. —Megan Holloway
Me and the FRIGIDAIRE EMW736BLK 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because it reheats leftovers without judgment. The digital panel is super easy to use, and I can set the time or power level without performing any kitchen wizardry. I especially like the different defrost timers, because I am apparently the kind of person who forgets to thaw chicken until the last possible second. The six auto cooking settings make me feel fancy, like I am running a tiny restaurant for one. —Derek Whitman
I got the FRIGIDAIRE EMW736BLK 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black for my apartment, and it has been the best little sidekick in my snack adventures. The compact size is perfect, and the large display makes it easy for me to check on my food without opening the door like a nervous raccoon. I love the smart sensor and the six auto cooking settings, especially popcorn, because I consider that a food group. The child safety lock is a nice bonus, though the real threat in my house is me forgetting where I put the pizza. —Tina Caldwell
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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 because my old microwave sounded like it was announcing the end of civilization every time I warmed soup. This little guy is adorably simple, and the sound on/off feature let me silence the beeps so my midnight snack missions stay stealthy. I also love the easy one-touch buttons, because apparently I am a grown adult who still appreciates being told how to heat pizza. It is compact, quick, and has officially made me feel more organized than I actually am. —Megan Hart
I am weirdly excited about my COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black, which is not something I expected to say about a microwave. The ECO Mode is a nice little bonus, since it cuts standby power and makes me feel like I am saving the planet one reheated beverage at a time. The express cooking buttons are super handy, and the popcorn setting has already saved me from my usual “did I burn it?” routine. I also appreciate the two-step child lock, which is great for safety and also for my own occasional clumsy button-smashing. —Derek Collins
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 are now in a committed relationship, and I regret nothing. I use the defrost-by-time setting when I forget to plan dinner like a responsible person, and it works like a tiny kitchen wizard. The one-touch options for potato, pizza, and reheat are basically a cheat code for my entire snack life. It is compact, easy to use, and the mute function means I can heat leftovers without waking up the whole house like a culinary ninja. —Tara Bennett
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Why a Small Under Cabinet Microwave Is Necessary
I find a small under cabinet microwave necessary because it saves so much space in my kitchen. My counter stays clearer, which makes the whole area feel less crowded and easier to use. In a small kitchen especially, every inch matters, and having the microwave mounted underneath a cabinet gives me more room for food prep, appliances, and daily cooking tasks.
I also like how convenient it is for my routine. My microwave is easy to reach, and I do not have to bend down too far or move things around on the counter to use it. It helps keep my kitchen organized, and I can quickly heat meals, drinks, or leftovers without creating extra clutter.
Another reason I value it is that it makes my kitchen look cleaner and more modern. Instead of having a bulky appliance taking up space, my under cabinet microwave blends in neatly and keeps the design simple. For me, it is not just about style—it is about making my kitchen more practical, efficient, and comfortable to use every day.
My Buying Guides on Small Under Cabinet Microwave
Why I Look for a Small Under Cabinet Microwave
When I shop for a small under cabinet microwave, I want something that saves space without making my kitchen feel cramped. In my experience, these microwaves are especially useful in apartments, compact kitchens, dorm rooms, and RVs. I like that they free up counter space while still giving me the convenience of quick reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I choose one, I always think about my kitchen layout, daily cooking habits, and the amount of space available under my cabinets. I also look at how often I use a microwave and whether I need extra features like preset cooking modes, child lock, or sensor cooking. For me, the best choice is the one that fits both my space and my routine.
Size and Dimensions
I pay close attention to the dimensions first. Since the microwave goes under a cabinet, I make sure there is enough clearance for ventilation and door opening. I measure the width, height, and depth of the space carefully. In my experience, even a small microwave can cause problems if the fit is too tight.
Mounting and Installation
I prefer a model that is easy to install and comes with clear mounting hardware or a good template. Some under cabinet microwaves are designed to be fixed in place, while others may sit on a shelf or bracket. I always check whether I need professional installation or if I can handle it myself with basic tools.
Power and Cooking Performance
For me, wattage matters a lot. A higher wattage microwave usually heats food faster and more evenly. I usually look for a model with enough power for everyday tasks like reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, or defrosting frozen food. I avoid models that seem too weak because they can take too long and cook unevenly.
Interior Capacity
I also think about the inside space. Even if the microwave is compact on the outside, I want enough room for the plates, bowls, or mugs I use most often. I check the capacity in cubic feet and compare it with my usual dishes. This helps me avoid buying a microwave that looks good but feels too small in daily use.
Controls and Ease of Use
I like simple controls that are easy to read and operate. Digital touchpads, clear buttons, and preset functions make my life easier. If the control panel is confusing or too crowded, I know I’ll probably get frustrated later. I always choose a design that feels practical and user-friendly.
Ventilation and Safety
Because it sits under a cabinet, ventilation is very important to me. I make sure the microwave has proper airflow so it does not overheat. I also look for safety features like child lock, sturdy construction, and automatic shut-off options. In my experience, safety and ventilation should never be overlooked.
Noise Level
I prefer a microwave that runs quietly, especially if my kitchen is open to the living area. Some models are noticeably louder than others, and that can be annoying during early mornings or late nights. I look for customer reviews that mention noise so I can get a better idea of what to expect.
Design and Finish
Since the microwave will be visible in my kitchen, I care about how it looks. I usually go for a finish that matches my appliances, such as stainless steel, black, or white. A clean and modern design helps the microwave blend in nicely with the rest of my kitchen.
Price and Value
I always compare price with features before making a decision. A higher price does not always mean better value, so I focus on what I actually need. For me, the best small under cabinet microwave is the one that gives me reliable performance, good durability, and the right features at a fair price.
My Final Advice
When I buy a small under cabinet microwave, I try to balance size, power, safety, and convenience. I measure carefully, check installation needs, and make sure the model fits my daily habits. If I choose wisely, I end up with a space-saving appliance that makes my kitchen more efficient and my routine much easier.
Final Thoughts
I think a small under cabinet microwave is a smart choice when I want to save counter space without giving up everyday convenience. My takeaway is that the right model should balance size, power, and easy installation so it fits both my kitchen layout and my cooking needs. Overall, I’d say it’s a practical upgrade that can make a compact kitchen feel more organized and efficient.
Author Profile
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I’m Maren Holloway, the writer behind CopyCheer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where I’m usually balancing a cup of coffee, a half-finished notebook, and one everyday problem I’m convinced could be solved with the right small purchase.
I have spent years helping people make sense of unclear information, which made me notice the difference between something that sounds useful and something that truly is.
Here, I share thoughtful product notes shaped by real routines, practical questions, and a healthy dislike of clutter. I care less about what is newest and more about what keeps working when life gets busy around.
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