Don’t let a lack of space stop you from owning a great microwave. Purchase a great compact option by considering the wattage, features and your counter space.
Your food will cook faster and more evenly with higher wattage. Microwave wattage ranges from 500 to 1200, but smaller models often have wattage on the lower end. If you plan on using the microwave to follow any recipes, buy a microwave that offers at least 800 watts.
Not all compact microwaves are made equally compact. An average microwave is between 1.4 to 1.8 cubic feet—compact microwaves range from 0.5 to 1.2 cubic feet. Make sure to measure the area you intend to store the microwave before purchasing.
Small microwaves can have fewer features than their larger counterparts, so make sure you look for the right settings for your intended uses. Don’t assume a defrost button, a turntable, or even a keypad will come standard.
