A small stainless steel countertop microwave can save space without giving up the basics you need for reheating meals, making drinks, and cooking quick snacks. The five options below all have compact designs, but they differ in controls, presets, and the details provided about their size and cooking power. Compare those features with your counter space and daily routine before you choose.
Quick Comparison
| Microwave | Capacity and power | Standout features |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave | 0.7 cu. ft.; 700 watts | Six presets, 10 power levels, push-button door |
| GE GCST07N1WSS Countertop Microwave | 0.7 cu. ft.; 700 watts | Four convenience settings, auto and manual defrost |
| Frigidaire Digital Countertop Microwave | Not specified in the supplied product details | Six auto-cook settings, two defrost timers |
| Chefman Compact Countertop Microwave | 0.7 cu. ft.; 700 watts | Mute option, 10 power levels, +30-second control |
| Commercial CHEF CHM7MS Microwave | 0.7 cu. ft.; 700 watts | Six presets, multi-stage cooking, push-button door |
Our Picks: Best Small Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave reviews
BLACK+DECKER 0.7-Cubic-Foot Microwave: A Straightforward All-Rounder
This BLACK+DECKER model offers a compact 0.7-cubic-foot interior and 700 watts of cooking power. Its stated dimensions are 17.3 inches wide, 13 inches deep, and 10.2 inches high, which can help you check whether it will fit on your counter before ordering.
Six one-touch presets cover common choices such as popcorn, pizza, potatoes, beverages, and dinner plates. You also get 10 power levels, a 30-second express-cook option, a kitchen timer, and a removable 10-inch glass turntable. The digital display and push-button door release keep everyday controls simple.
Its feature set is a good fit for basic reheating and snack preparation, though 700 watts is modest compared with higher-powered microwaves. The stated width and depth also mean it is worth measuring your available counter space rather than judging by its small capacity alone.
Pros:
- Six useful pre-programmed cooking buttons
- 10 power levels for more control than a single-power design
- Push-button door release and removable glass turntable
- Dimensions are provided for fit planning
Cons:
- 700 watts may take longer for some heating tasks than a higher-wattage model
- Small capacity is better suited to compact dishes than large cookware
Verdict: Choose this BLACK+DECKER if you want a compact microwave with a useful mix of presets, manual controls, and clearly stated dimensions.
GE GCST07N1WSS: Compact Size with Defrost Options
The GE GCST07N1WSS pairs a 0.7-cubic-foot interior with 700 watts of output. Its listed measurements are 17.31 inches wide, 12.75 inches deep, and 10.19 inches high, making it a practical size to consider for a dorm, office, or apartment kitchen with limited counter space.
The digital keypad includes one-touch express cooking and four convenience settings. Manual and automatic defrost modes offer a choice in how you thaw food, while the child lock can help prevent unintended use in shared spaces or family kitchens.
Pay attention to ventilation when planning its placement. The supplied product details call for 3 inches of clearance on each side and above, 1 inch at the rear, and an unobstructed bottom. That space requirement may affect whether it fits neatly into a tight counter nook.
Pros:
- Compact dimensions and 0.7-cubic-foot capacity
- Both manual and automatic defrost modes
- Digital controls with express cooking
- Child lock can be disabled when not needed
Cons:
- Required ventilation clearance can limit placement options
- 700 watts is suited to everyday tasks but is not high-powered
Verdict: The GE is a sensible option if defrost flexibility and a compact footprint matter, provided your counter can accommodate its airflow clearances.
Frigidaire Digital Microwave: Preset Cooking for Everyday Meals
This Frigidaire countertop microwave focuses on digital controls and automatic cooking options. Its six listed settings cover popcorn, baked potatoes, pizza, frozen foods, reheating, and beverages. The control panel also includes express cooking, power-level adjustments, delay start, and stop or cancel functions.
Two defrost timers give you options for handling frozen food, and the child safety lock is designed to prevent unintended operation. Those controls may be useful if you want more preset choices than the four included with the GE model above.
The supplied product details do not state its capacity, wattage, dimensions, or finish. If you need a stainless steel exterior or have a particularly tight counter space, confirm those specifications on the product listing before buying. That missing information makes a direct size and power comparison harder than with the other options here.
Pros:
- Six auto-cook settings for common foods and drinks
- Two defrost timer options
- Digital controls include express cooking and delay start
- Child safety lock is included
Cons:
- Supplied details do not list capacity, wattage, or dimensions
- Confirm the exterior finish if stainless steel is essential
Verdict: Consider this Frigidaire for its range of presets, but verify the finish, dimensions, and cooking power before making it your small stainless steel pick.
Chefman Compact Microwave: A Handy Mute Setting
Chefman’s compact microwave has a 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 700 watts of power. Its controls include 10 power levels, three one-touch presets for popcorn, beverages, and leftovers, and a +30-second button for adding time without resetting a longer cooking cycle.
A notable feature is the sound button, which turns off the beeps. That can be helpful in a quiet home or shared space. The product details also describe a child safety lock on the handle and a pull-up opening action, so check that door style if you prefer a push-button release.
Compared with the BLACK+DECKER and GE options, the Chefman offers fewer listed presets but adds the mute function. Dimensions are not included in the supplied details, so measure your available space and confirm the full product measurements before ordering.
Pros:
- 10 power levels and a +30-second control
- Sound button can mute beeps
- Three one-touch presets for common quick tasks
- Child safety lock is included
Cons:
- Only three preset choices are listed
- Dimensions are not provided in the supplied details
Verdict: Pick the Chefman if a mute option and flexible power settings matter more to you than having a larger set of cooking presets.
Commercial CHEF CHM7MS: Multi-Stage Cooking in a Small Footprint
The Commercial CHEF CHM7MS is a 0.7-cubic-foot microwave rated at 700 watts. The listed dimensions are 17.1 inches wide, 12.6 inches deep, and 10 inches high. Its 10 power levels, six preset menus, and express-cook options give you several ways to set up common heating tasks.
It also includes a digital LED control panel, kitchen clock, child lock, glass turntable, and programmable multi-stage cooking. That last feature may suit you if you want to set more than one cooking stage rather than adjusting the microwave partway through.
The supplied listing data marks this model as unavailable, so check its current listing status before you plan to buy it. If it is offered, its stated dimensions and broad control options make it easy to compare with the BLACK+DECKER and GE models.
Pros:
- 10 power levels and six preset menus
- Programmable multi-stage cooking
- Compact listed dimensions and 0.7-cubic-foot capacity
- Includes a child lock and kitchen clock
Cons:
- The supplied listing data marks it as unavailable
- 700 watts may be limiting if you want faster cooking
Verdict: This model is worth considering for its multi-stage cooking controls if it is available and its dimensions suit your counter.
How to Choose a Small Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave
Measure the Space, Including Ventilation Room
Measure the counter width, depth, and height before choosing a microwave. Leave room for the door to open and for you to reach the controls. Also check the manufacturer’s airflow instructions: the GE model, for example, calls for open space on the sides, above, and behind the unit, with the bottom unobstructed. A microwave that fits the counter dimensions on paper may still need more space to operate properly.
Match Capacity to Your Dishes
A 0.7-cubic-foot interior is a compact size for reheating meals, drinks, and smaller plates. Think about the dishes you use most often, not just the food. If you regularly heat a large dinner plate or tall container, check the interior measurements and turntable size where they are listed. A removable turntable can make cleaning easier, but its diameter also affects what fits.
Understand What 700 Watts Means for Your Routine
Several models in this group are rated at 700 watts. That output can suit basic reheating and simple cooking, but a lower-powered microwave may need more time than a higher-wattage model for some tasks. Follow the cooking directions for your food and adjust time as needed. If speed is a priority, compare wattage before choosing.
Choose Controls You Will Actually Use
Presets can make routine tasks simpler, but the right set depends on your habits. Popcorn, beverage, and reheat buttons are useful if you use them often. Manual power levels give you more control for tasks such as gentle warming or defrosting. A +30-second button is convenient for small time adjustments, while a mute setting may matter in a quiet home.
Check the Door and Safety Features
These microwaves use different door-opening designs, including push-button releases and a handle that opens by pulling upward. Consider which feels easiest in your kitchen and whether the door has room to swing open. A child lock can help prevent accidental use, but its operation may differ by model, so check the product instructions if that feature is important to your household.
Verify the Stainless Steel Finish and Listing Details
Product titles do not always provide the same level of detail. The supplied information for the Frigidaire model, for instance, does not specify its finish, dimensions, capacity, or wattage. Confirm the exact exterior and key specifications on the product listing if stainless steel or a precise fit is a must. Availability can also change, so check the listing before making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 0.7-cubic-foot microwave large enough for everyday use?
It can work well for reheating smaller meals, drinks, and snacks. Whether it is large enough depends on the dishes you use. Check the interior measurements and turntable size if you often heat larger plates or containers.
Is 700 watts enough for reheating food?
For many everyday reheating tasks, 700 watts can be suitable. It may take longer than a higher-wattage microwave, so follow the food instructions and add time as needed.
Which option lists the most cooking presets?
The BLACK+DECKER, Frigidaire, and Commercial CHEF models each list six preset cooking options. The GE lists four convenience settings, while Chefman lists three one-touch presets.
Which microwave has a mute option?
The Chefman product details specifically list a sound button that can turn off the beeps. The supplied details for the other models do not list a mute feature.
Can I place a countertop microwave inside a cabinet?
Placement depends on the model’s ventilation requirements. Follow the manufacturer’s clearance instructions and do not block the bottom or vents. The GE details specifically require clearance around the unit and an unobstructed bottom.
Does the Frigidaire model have a stainless steel finish?
The supplied product details do not confirm its finish. If stainless steel is essential, verify the exterior finish on the listing before buying.
Which model is the best pick for a very small kitchen?
The BLACK+DECKER, GE, and Commercial CHEF models all have listed dimensions that you can compare with your counter. The GE also specifies ventilation clearances, which should be included in your fit check. Measure your space before choosing rather than relying on capacity alone.
Final Recommendation
For a well-rounded small stainless steel microwave, the BLACK+DECKER is a strong starting point: it combines a 0.7-cubic-foot capacity, 700 watts, six presets, 10 power levels, and clearly stated dimensions. Choose the GE if you value its defrost options and can meet its clearance requirements. The Chefman stands out for its mute setting, while the Commercial CHEF offers multi-stage cooking if it is available. For the Frigidaire, confirm the finish and core specifications before you buy.