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Finding an apartment size microwave isn’t just about getting a smaller box. You need one that heats evenly without turning your morning oatmeal into a lava spill, doesn’t dominate every inch of counter space, and won’t wake the neighbors every time you press start. The real trick is balancing power and footprint without sacrificing the features you actually use.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
To help you cut through the noise, this guide has rounded up the nine best models that fit the bill for a apartment size microwave, from ultra-compact 0.7 cubic foot units to more spacious 0.9 cubic foot options that still leave your countertops usable.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Apartment Size Microwave
Picking the right microwave for a smaller space isn’t rocket science, but a few key specs make or break the experience. You want something that fits your counter, heats your food properly, and doesn’t annoy you with loud beeps or frustrating controls.
Start with the Footprint
The most important number is the external size. Models in this category are typically 0.7 or 0.9 cubic feet. A 0.7 cu ft model is often only 18 inches wide and 10 inches tall, perfect for narrow counters. A 0.9 cu ft gives you room for a full dinner plate while still staying compact. Always measure your intended spot before buying.
Wattage and Cooking Speed
Wattage controls how fast your food heats. A 700-watt microwave works fine for reheating leftovers and making popcorn, but it takes a bit longer than a 900-watt or 1000-watt model. If you cook frozen meals often, stepping up to 900+ watts saves you a minute or two each time. The trade-off is that higher-wattage units can be slightly larger.
Don’t Ignore the Little Extras
A mute function is a lifesaver in a small apartment — it lets you silence those annoying beeps. A child safety lock is standard on almost all new microwaves, but some models let you disable it easily. Preset menus for popcorn, pizza, and beverages are handy too. Check whether the interior is made of stainless steel or enamel, as that affects how easy it is to wipe clean.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Capacity | Wattage | Turntable Size | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS)★ Best Overall | Best Overall | 0.9 cu ft | 900W | 10.6 in | Amazon |
| Emerson MW7601SLSleek Style | Style-First Buyers | 0.7 cu ft | 700W | — | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER EM7P01P7Budget Champion | Budget-Friendly Pick | 0.7 cu ft | 700W | — | Amazon |
| COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB | Most Reviews (Value) | 0.7 cu ft | 700W | — | Amazon |
| Chefman Compact | Extra-Quick Cooking | 0.7 cu ft | 700W | — | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft | Spacious & Sleek | 0.9 cu ft | 900W | — | Amazon |
| Sharp SMC0962KS | Quiet, Proven Brand | 0.9 cu ft | 900W | 10.6 in | Amazon |
| LG NeoChef | Inverter Tech | 0.9 cu ft | 1000W | 12 in | Amazon |
| Panasonic NN-SD47QSDAYH | Sensor Cooking | 0.9 cu ft | 1000W | — | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven
Our pick — 4.5★ from 900+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The compact workhorse that fits a full dinner plate without hogging your counter.
This Toshiba gives you a 0.9 cubic foot capacity and 900 watts of power — a 29% bigger capacity than the 0.7 cu ft Emerson and 200 more watts, so frozen meals and leftovers come out piping hot in less time. The 10.6-inch glass turntable is spacious enough for a full-size dinner plate, a key advantage over the smaller 0.7 cu ft models. It also offers 6 auto menus, 11 power levels, and a mute function to silence the beeps, which is a major plus in a thin-walled apartment.
Reliability is the number one thing owners talk about here — over 85 call it out as a strong point, and functionality is the second most praised aspect. Buyers report it’s “quiet, powerful, compact with a spacious 10.5″ rotating glass plate.” The two-step child lock keeps curious hands safe, and the interior is stainless steel, which is far easier to clean than plastic. The recurring piece of advice from owners: start with lower cook times because it heats fast.
The smartest upgrade: The 900-watt heating and 0.9 cu ft space mean you rarely have to adjust cook times or cram a plate in at an angle. It’s the best all-rounder for anyone who needs both power and a small footprint.
The honest trade-off: A handful of owners note the microwave can be loud during operation. If absolute silence is your priority, this might not be the one.
Reach for this if: You want the full-size cooking experience in a compact package — a model with the highest owner praise for reliability (over 85 owners single it out) and a strong overall rating.
Look elsewhere if: You need the absolute smallest footprint available; the 0.7 cu ft models are narrower and a few inches shorter.
2. Emerson MW7601SL Countertop Microwave Oven
A mirrored glass front that looks the part, as long as you are not cooking in direct sunlight.
With a 0.7 cubic foot capacity and 700 watts, the Emerson is the style play in this list. The mirrored glass door and sleek silver finish look genuinely elegant, and its compact size is the main reason owners choose it — size is cited positively by 43 people, making it the top praised aspect. It offers 10 power levels, 6 pre-programmed settings (popcorn, pizza, potato, and more), and a child safety lock, all at a lower entry price than the Toshiba or Sharp.
That said, the mirrored control panel has a real-world flaw: in bright light, the touch buttons become unreadable. A few owners also call the door flimsy and note that the beeper keeps going even after you open the door. Build quality gets mixed feedback, with 58 reviews split on reliability. It’s a microwave that looks beautiful but asks a small compromise in daily usability.
Wins on looks
- Reflective mirrored glass door gives a premium aesthetic for the price.
- Compact 0.7 cu ft footprint is the smallest in the lineup, great for tight counters.
- 6 pre-programmed settings make reheating simple.
Usability hiccups
- Mirrored touch panel is nearly invisible in bright kitchens.
- Door feel is a common complaint among owners.
- Reliability feedback is split — it’s the most-discussed aspect and it’s marked mixed.
Best for the decor-conscious: If the microwave’s appearance matters as much as its specs and you mostly cook in dimmer light.
Think twice if: You cook under bright overhead lights or want a solid, tactile button panel. The Black+Decker or COMFEE’ are better-built options at a similar size.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM7P01P7 Countertop Microwave Oven
Quiet performance and a fingerprint-proof black finish that hides daily kitchen grime.
The Black+Decker EM7P01P7 is a 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt model that punches above its weight. Its performance is the top positive aspect (16 owners highlight it), and it’s quiet — a huge relief in a small apartment. The 6 one-touch presets (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, dinner plate) cover the essentials, and the express cooking feature lets you start heating instantly with shortcut buttons.
The modern black finish is fingerprint-resistant, so it stays looking clean on the counter. A couple of minor gripes: the clock setup requires a trip to the manual, and the power cord is short. The door lock feature gets mixed reactions — some find it annoying, others note it’s easy to disable. Compared to the Toshiba, this one saves counter space but at a lower wattage, so cook times are slightly longer.
Why owners love it: It’s quiet, heats evenly, and the child lock is just a button press away. One owner said “it’s super powerful and heats fast.”
The catch: A short power cord means you’ll likely need an extension cord or a plug nearby. Not a dealbreaker, but note for your kitchen layout.
Reach for this if: You want a quiet, reliable budget microwave that doesn’t compromise on the basics — and you have a plug close to your counter.
Not ideal if: You need a larger interior for dinner plates or want to skip the manual for clock setup.
4. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven
The most-bought compact microwave for a reason — it’s simple, cheap, and just works.
COMFEE’ has sold thousands upon thousands of these 0.7 cu ft, 700W microwaves. The size is the thing customers praise most — 919 people mention it positively. It’s small enough for a tight counter, and the quality is praised by 647 owners. The ECO mode cuts standby power by 50%, a nice bonus. It also has a mute function, two defrost settings (by weight or time), and one-touch express cooking for 1-6 minutes.
The trade-off is heating performance gets mixed feedback — 282 owners say it’s fine, but it’s not the fastest. At 700 watts, you’ll wait a bit longer for leftovers compared to the 900W Toshiba or 1000W LG. The door lock is a two-step process that some find annoying. Functionality is the most-discussed aspect and it’s marked mixed, so expect a basic, straightforward experience rather than premium cooking.
What wins people over
- Ultra-compact footprint for the tightest counters.
- Thousands of owners vouch for its value and quality.
- ECO mode and mute button for energy savings and peace.
What to know
- 700W means slower cooking; expect 6-9 minutes longer for some dishes.
- Door lock adds an extra step every time you open it.
- Heating performance is good but not great — 282 owners have mixed views.
Best for the budget-first buyer: If you need a small, cheap microwave that’s been tested by tens of thousands of people.
skip it if: You want fast heating or a larger interior. The Toshiba or Black+Decker 0.9 cu ft models are a better step up.
5. Chefman Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
A compact unit that packs a surprising amount of performance into a tiny footprint.
The Chefman Compact is a 0.7 cu ft, 700W model that focuses on user-friendly features. Its performance is the top positive aspect (28 owners highlight it), and functionality is the second most praised (27 owners). It offers 10 power levels, 3 cooking presets (popcorn, beverages, leftovers), a mute button, and a +30 seconds button for quick additions. The stainless steel exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
One owner says it “heats up food quickly and evenly. Controls are super easy to use, and it doesn’t take up too much counter space.” The noise level gets mixed feedback (23 owners mention it), so it’s not the quietest pick. Compared to the Black+Decker EM7P01P7, the Chefman has a slightly more modern look but essentially the same wattage and capacity.
Owner-approved features: The +30 seconds button and mute option are the most-praised practical touches. The compact frame hides a surprising amount of interior space.
Trade-off: At 700 watts, it takes a little longer than higher-wattage models. One owner notes, “if you don’t need things in 30 seconds, but more like a minute, then it’s perfect.”
Reach for this if: You want a reliable compact microwave with easy-to-learn buttons and a dishwasher-safe turntable.
Think twice if: You need the absolute fastest cooking time or want to completely avoid any noise.
6. BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft
A 0.9 cubic foot microwave that fits a full dinner plate without feeling oversized.
This Black+Decker offers a 0.9 cubic foot capacity and 900 watts of power, making it a direct rival to the Toshiba ML-EM09PA. The top positive aspects are functionality (76 owners highlight it) and size (56 owners praise it). It comes with 6 auto menus, 10 power levels, a memory function to save your favorite settings, and one-touch start. The interior is spacious enough for a 10-inch pizza, and the dimensions (18.6 x 13.2 x 10.7 inches) are almost identical to the Toshiba’s.
One caveat: the door doesn’t open with a simple pull. You have to press a “door open” button first — a few owners find it annoying, calling it an extra step. The exterior is prone to fingerprints, though the stainless steel look still blends into most kitchens. Compared to the Sharp SMC0962KS, this one is slightly cheaper and has a memory function the Sharp lacks.
Why it’s great
- Spacious 0.9 cu ft interior fits full-size plates and a 10-inch pizza.
- 900W power means fast reheating. Memory function saves your go-to settings.
The catch
- Button-operated door adds a step that some find tedious.
- Fingerprints show on the stainless exterior.
Best for the practical buyer: If you want a spacious, powerful microwave with preset menus and don’t mind pressing a button to open the door.
Look elsewhere if: You want a traditional pull-handle door or dislike any extra steps in your morning routine.
7. Sharp SMC0962KS 0.9 cu. ft. 900W Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven
A quiet, well-built Sharp that owners keep coming back to, generation after generation.
The Sharp SMC0962KS is a 0.9 cu ft, 900W model that’s part of Sharp’s long-running Carousel line. Functionality is the top praised aspect (56 owners highlight it), and compact size is second (46 owners). It features a 10.6-inch carousel turntable, 10 power levels, 2-stage cooking, weight and time defrost, and auto cook presets. The gray interior and white LED display are new design touches, and the express cook button lets you start with a single press up to 6 minutes.
Owners consistently say it’s quiet — a big win for apartments. One owner noted it “heats evenly in 1/3 to 1/2 the time” compared to a 700W model they previously owned. The interior light is dimmer than some would like, and a few have minor concerns about door rust over time. It’s slower than the 1000W LG, but for most reheating tasks, the difference is negligible.
What owners love: Quiet operation, solid build feel, and the turntable stays aligned even during heavy use. The child lock can be disabled.
The honest downside: The interior LED light is dim, making it hard to check food without opening the door. Not a dealbreaker, but a common note.
Reach for this if: You trust the Sharp brand (many owners are on their third unit) and want a quiet, reliable microwave with a proven track record.
Not ideal if: You want a bright interior light or need the fastest cooking speed; the LG or Panasonic beats it by 100 watts.
8. LG Countertop Microwave, 0.9 cu. ft., Stainless Steel, Smart Inverter
Smart Inverter technology delivers even heating that puts traditional microwaves to shame.
The LG NeoChef packs 1000 watts into a 0.9 cu ft frame, making it among the most powerful compact microwaves you can buy. Its Smart Inverter technology means it doesn’t just blast at full power — it precisely adjusts cooking power for even heating without cold spots. Build quality is the top praised aspect (12 owners highlight it), and the 12-inch turntable is the largest in this roundup. The glass control panel (SmoothTouch) looks premium and is easy to wipe clean.
It offers auto cook for 7 food types, a mute option, and an EasyClean interior. One owner calls the turntable “rock solid” with 6 contact rollers. The buttons lag slightly when pressed, which a few owners note. Compared to the Toshiba, the LG is 100 watts more powerful and has a larger turntable, but it comes at a higher price. If even cooking is your priority, this is the one.
Tech that matters
- 1000W Smart Inverter for precision heating — no cold spots.
- 12-inch turntable handles larger dishes. Solid build with glass control panel.
Minor quibbles
- Touch buttons have a slight lag that may feel unresponsive initially.
- Premium price; not the best choice for a strict budget.
Best for the cooking enthusiast: If you want even, precise heating and don’t mind a higher price tag for genuinely better technology.
pass on it if: You just want a simple microwave for reheating leftovers. The Toshiba or Black+Decker 0.9 cu ft models offer similar size for less.
9. Panasonic Countertop Microwave Ovens, 0.9 Cu. Ft. 1000W
Genius Sensor technology takes the guesswork out of cooking, automatically adjusting time and power.
The Panasonic NN-SD47QSDAYH is a 0.9 cu ft, 1000W model with Inverter technology and Genius Sensor. The sensor detects moisture and steam from your food and automatically adjusts cooking time and power. It features 15 auto-cook presets (including melt butter, omelet, frozen pizza, rice, soup, pasta), Turbo Defrost, and a Keep Warm function. Size is the top positive aspect (9 owners), and heating performance is second (8 owners).
Owners say it’s quiet, small, and heats evenly. The interior cavity is black with a dim light — a common note across several models. A potential concern: the turntable is an unusual 11.34 inches, which some owners found hard to replace when it broke during shipping. Compared to the LG, the Panasonic has more auto presets (15 vs 7) but a slightly smaller turntable and a similar price point.
Why the sensor matters: It prevents overcooking and undercooking. One owner says it “heats evenly via inverter technology,” which is a clear edge over standard 700W models.
The catch: The turntable is an odd size. A few owners received a broken one, and finding a direct replacement is tricky. It’s a risk worth noting.
Reach for this if: You want the most advanced cooking features in a compact package — sensor cooking is genuinely useful.
Not ideal if: You are on a strict budget or worry about finding replacement parts. The Sharp or Toshiba are more conventional choices.
Understanding the Specs
Wattage (Power)
Wattage tells you how quickly the microwave can heat food. A 700-watt model is fine for reheating leftovers and making popcorn, but it will take a minute or two longer than a 900-watt or 1000-watt unit. If you cook frozen meals or dense foods often, stepping up to 900 watts saves noticeable time. For simple reheating, 700 watts is perfectly adequate.
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Capacity is the internal volume. A 0.7 cu ft microwave is narrow and short — it fits a standard dinner plate but not a large baking dish. A 0.9 cu ft model adds room for a full-size plate and a 10-inch pizza, while still staying compact on your counter. Measure the area where you’ll place it; external dimensions vary even among models with the same capacity.
FAQ
Will a 0.9 cubic foot microwave fit in my standard apartment cabinet?
Is a 700-watt microwave powerful enough for an apartment?
What is the difference between 0.7 and 0.9 cubic feet?
Can I put a microwave in a cabinet without ventilation?
What does a mute function do on a microwave?
Do all microwaves have a child safety lock?
How do I clean the interior of a small microwave?
Is a 1000-watt microwave worth the extra cost for an apartment?
What size turntable do I need for a full dinner plate?
How long do compact microwaves typically last?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the apartment size microwave winner is the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) because it offers the best combination of a spacious 0.9 cu ft capacity, powerful 900-watt heating, and reliable build quality — all backed by over 900 ratings. If you want the quiet performance of a proven brand, grab the Sharp SMC0962KS. And for the most advanced cooking technology in a compact package, the LG NeoChef is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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