The 28 best compact microwave brands
GE, Mainstays and Chefman lead our ranking of 28 compact microwave brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Compact Microwave brands, ranked
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1
GE
Compact 700-watt countertops in a mix of finishes, plus vintage-style wood-grain units for small spaces.
Top products: GCHK07N1WBB
Website: gelighting.com |Brands like GE
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Mainstays
Walmart's house label, with plain 700-watt compact units and LED displays at the lowest shelf price.
Popularity 9.4/10
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3
Chefman
Budget countertop compacts with basic presets, mostly in black, sold through big retailers and its own site.
Website: chefman.com |Brands like Chefman
Popularity 9.4/10
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4
SMAD
Imported compacts with six or more preset cooking menus, aimed at dorms and small apartments.
Website: smad.com.cn |Brands like SMAD
Popularity 9.1/10
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5
Frigidaire
Retro-styled 700-watt countertop units in gold, black and other finishes, a clear pick if looks matter.
Website: frigidaireapplianceparts.com |Brands like Frigidaire
Popularity 9.1/10
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6
Galanz
Simple 700-watt countertops with ten power levels, a no-frills choice from a large Asian appliance maker.
Website: galanz.com |Brands like Galanz
Popularity 7.1/10
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7
Emerson
Touch-control compacts with a 0.9 cubic foot stainless option and bright retro colours.
Top products: MW7302B· MWR7020BL
Website: emersonradio.com |Brands like Emerson
Popularity 6.9/10
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8
Insignia
Insignia manufactures a range of electronic products, including TVs and headphones. They also carry other items like home theatre systems and gaming accessories. The brand's products are made using the latest technology and have simple and sleek designs. They are very innovative and functional and are made to offer high performance. The brand also focuses on making them long-lasting and durable and prices them very reasonably.
Website: bestbuy.com |Brands like Insignia
Popularity 6.6/10
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9
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10
Nostalgia
Rounded retro compacts with a vintage look, often in pastel colours like aqua or yellow.
Website: nostalgiaproducts.com |Brands like Nostalgia
Popularity 6.4/10
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11
Toshiba
Mid-size 0.9 cubic foot microwaves with 900-watt power and six auto menus, some with air fryer combos.
Website: toshiba.com |Brands like Toshiba
Popularity 5.1/10
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12
Samsung
Mostly older or niche compacts, including a baby-nursery junior model with a glass tray.
Top products: Junior SJ0396W· MW2030U
Website: samsung.com |Brands like Samsung
Popularity 4.9/10
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13
Costway
Costway builds ride-on toys, portable heaters, inflatable bouncers and bookcases for home and family use. Its kids' ride-on cars are battery-powered, with options such as remote control, lockable doors, slow-start function and Bluetooth audio. The company sells mainly through its...
Website: costway.com |Brands like Costway
Popularity 4.2/10
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14
Bosch
Robert Bosch’s desire to be self-employed allowed him to reach great heights in later years. In 1886, he started a workshop for Electric Engineering and Precision Mechanics, which served as the foundation for the Bosch brand. Initially starting with work...
Website: developer.bosch.com |Brands like Bosch
Popularity 4.2/10
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15
Kenmore
The American brand of home appliances Kenmore is owned and distributed by Sears Holdings Corporation. It comprises large household appliances such as refrigerators (excluding under-counter ice makers), freezers, stoves, clothes washers and dryers, ranges, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, and lawn equipment....
Website: kenmore.com |Brands like Kenmore
Popularity 4.2/10
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16
BALMUDA
A premium Japanese-design steam-and-bake range microwave with a minimalist look and a high price.
Top products: The Range S
Website: us.balmuda.com |Brands like BALMUDA
Popularity 4.2/10
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17
Hamilton Beach
Hamilton Beach can help you get the dream kitchen you have always wanted. Technology has made a lot of advancements, and the art of cooking has evolved a lot since the traditional period of cooking. There are a variety of...
Website: hamiltonbeach.com |Brands like Hamilton Beach
Popularity 3.8/10
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18
BLACK+DECKER
BLACK+DECKER made a name for itself as one of the powerhouses in the tools and cleaning equipment industry. The company designs products for every part of your home to ensure that you have a smooth, functioning, and efficient household. With...
Website: blackanddecker.com |Brands like BLACK+DECKER
Popularity 3.8/10
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19
Impecca
Impecca supplies DVD and Blu-ray players, stereo radios and wireless speakers for simple home entertainment. Its audio and video gear is priced accessibly, and the products suit households wanting plain, easy-to-use kit for music, films and TV. The range targets...
Website: impecca.com |Brands like Impecca
Popularity 3.8/10
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20
Midea
Midea makes home appliances including vacuum cleaners, portable fans, portable air conditioners and electric rice cookers. Its lineup includes smart, connected appliances as well as refrigerators, washers and dishwashers. Its front-load washers are designed to reduce vibration and noise while...
Website: us.midea.com |Brands like Midea
Popularity 3.0/10
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21
West Bend
West Bend sells countertop kitchen appliances, including electric skillets, bread machines, coffee and espresso machines. The line covers both baking and brewing equipment, and its products are aimed at everyday home cooking.
Website: westbend.com |Brands like West Bend
Popularity 3.0/10
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22
Summit
Summit Cabinets designs and manufactures custom cabinets with the best quality materials that are both innovative and stylish. By giving their consumers top-quality goods, prompt service, and a positive overall experience, they hope to forge lasting relationships with them. Summit...
Popularity 2.4/10
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23
LG
LG makes phone cases for iPhones and the LG Stylo 5, along with large home appliances. The appliances include refrigerators and washing machines. Its phone cases are designed to protect handsets from drops and scratches.
Website: lg.com |Brands like LG
Popularity 2.4/10
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24
Sunbeam
Sunbeam, an American appliance brand, is widely recognized for its heated microplush blankets. The blankets have adjustable heat settings and automatic shut-off features.
Popularity 2.4/10
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25
Breville
From Australia, Breville makes kitchen appliances including espresso machines, juicers, and kettles. Its coffee machines and juicers are built to help home cooks prepare drinks quickly. The range covers small kitchen appliances for everyday use.
Top products: Compact Wave Soft Close
Website: breville.com |Brands like Breville
Popularity 2.4/10
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26
Whirlpool
Homes that need reliable laundry and food storage find washers and refrigerators from Whirlpool, a brand covering kitchen and laundry appliances in India. Its fridge range includes frost-free double door models that can be converted between layouts. Magic Chef and...
Website: whirlpoolindia.com |Brands like Whirlpool
Popularity 2.4/10
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27
Cuisinart
A kitchen is an essential section of a house where all the creativity is brought out. But every person behind the rack requires the correct tool to be a Masterchef. Cuisinart offers a wide range of kitchen appliances that eases...
Website: cuisinart.com |Brands like Cuisinart
Popularity 1.7/10
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28
Equator
Household chores are rigorous and monotonous, especially when one does not have Equator appliances. The brand Equakteror was established in 1991, and since then, it has dedicated itself to manufacturing and selling advanced household appliances at a very reasonable price...
Top products: CMO 800 T
Website: equatorappliances.com |Brands like Equator
Popularity 1.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE | gelighting.com | /GELighting | gelighting | @GELighting | GELightingFuture |
| Chefman | chefman.com | /mychefman | mychefman | @MyChefman | – |
| SMAD | smad.com.cn | /SmadB2BAppliances | smad_electric_appliances | – | Smad Electric Appliances |
| Frigidaire | frigidaireapplianceparts.com | – | – | – | – |
| Galanz | galanz.com | /galanz.vn | galanz_vietnam | @Galanz_Vietnam | – |
| Emerson | emersonradio.com | /emersonradiocorp | emersonradiocorp | @buyemersonradio | – |
| Insignia | bestbuy.com | – | – | – | – |
| Nostalgia | nostalgiaproducts.com | – | – | – | – |
Compact Microwaves Buying Guide
Microwaves have become a staple appliance in most kitchens, helping busy households cook and reheat meals in minutes. However, with so many different models on the market, choosing the right microwave can be a daunting task. In particular, choosing a compact microwave can add an extra layer of complexity to the buying process. This article will provide a comprehensive buying guide for compact microwaves, including features to consider, potential drawbacks, and top recommendations.
Features to Consider
Size and Capacity
Compact microwaves come in a range of sizes, but generally have a smaller footprint than their larger counterparts. When selecting a compact microwave, it’s important to assess the size of the space where it will be housed. Measure the available counter space or storage area to ensure the microwave will fit comfortably, leaving room for ventilation.
Another factor to consider is the capacity of the microwave. While compact microwaves typically have smaller capacities compared to larger models, there are still a range of options available. Capacity is measured in cubic feet, so assess your needs based on the types of items you will be cooking or reheating. If you plan to cook full meals, look for microwaves with a larger capacity, whereas if you will primarily use the microwave for reheating and defrosting, a smaller capacity may suffice.
Power
Power, measured in watts, is another important factor to consider when selecting a compact microwave. Higher wattage microwaves are generally more powerful than their lower wattage counterparts, and can cook or reheat food more quickly. However, higher wattage models may also be more expensive and use more energy. Most compact microwaves have a power range from 600-1200 watts, but the exact wattage will vary depending on the model.
Features
Compact microwaves can have a range of additional features that can enhance their functionality. Some popular features to look for include:
- Automatic cooking settings: Many microwaves come with pre-programmed settings for popular foods, such as popcorn, baked potatoes, or frozen dinners. These settings help take the guesswork out of cooking and can produce consistent results.
- Defrost settings: Most microwaves include defrost settings that allow you to quickly and safely defrost frozen foods.
- Timer: All microwaves include a timer, but some models may have additional timing features, such as cooking or defrosting times pre-set for certain foods.
- Turntable: A turntable is a rotating plate inside the microwave that helps cook food evenly. Most microwaves include a turntable, but some compact models may not, so be sure to check before purchasing.
- Child safety lock: If you have children in your home, look for a microwave with a child safety lock to prevent them from accidentally starting the appliance.
- Quick-cook settings: Some microwaves have quick-cook settings that allow you to cook food even faster than traditional microwave settings.
Brand and Price
There are a range of brands that manufacture compact microwaves, from well-known appliance companies to lesser-known brands. When selecting a brand, look for one with a reputation for quality and reliability. It’s also important to consider your budget when selecting a compact microwave. Prices can range from under $50 to over $200, so consider what features are most important to you when setting your price range.
Potential Drawbacks
While compact microwaves can be a convenient and space-saving addition to your kitchen, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before purchasing:
- Smaller capacity: Compact microwaves generally have smaller capacities compared to larger models, so they may not be suitable for cooking larger meals or dishes.
- Higher wattage: Some compact microwaves may have higher wattages, which can lead to higher energy consumption and more expensive electric bills.
- Less features: While many compact microwaves include additional features, some may have limited settings or lack certain features that larger models have.
- Noisy operation: Some compact microwaves may operate loudly or emit a constant humming sound, which can be annoying if you have an open plan living area.
Top Recommendations
With so many compact microwaves on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help you narrow down your options, we have listed some of the top recommendations based on customer reviews, expert opinions, and overall performance.
Panasonic Compact Microwave Oven
Price range: $85-$120
The Panasonic Compact Microwave Oven is a popular and reliable option, with a 0.8 cubic foot capacity and 950 watts of power. It includes automatic cooking settings for popcorn, frozen dinners, and other popular foods, as well as a defrost setting and a child safety lock. The turntable is removable for easy cleaning, and the microwave has a sleek design that complements a range of kitchen styles. Some drawbacks include a slightly higher price point compared to other models, and a louder operation compared to some competitors.
Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven
Price range: $60-$90
The Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven is another popular option, with a 0.9 cubic foot capacity and 900 watts of power. It includes pre-programmed cooking settings for several popular foods, as well as a defrost setting and a turntable. It has a minimalist design and a lower price point compared to other models, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. However, some customers have reported issues with the durability and longevity of the microwave.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven
Price range: $60-$80
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and affordable option, with a 0.7 cubic foot capacity and 700 watts of power. It includes pre-programmed cooking settings for several common foods, as well as a defrost setting and a turntable. It has a sleek black design and a lower price point that makes it a great option for those on a budget. However, some customers have reported issues with the durability of the keypad and control panel.
Conclusion
Compact microwaves can be a convenient and space-saving addition to your kitchen, but it’s important to consider several factors before purchasing. Assess the size and capacity, power, features, brand, and price of each model to find the best fit for your needs. Consider potential drawbacks, such as smaller capacities, higher wattages, fewer features, and noisy operation before making a final decision. Finally, choose from some of the top recommendations based on customer reviews and overall performance, such as the Panasonic Compact Microwave Oven, Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven, and BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven.
