We all appreciate the taste of a food by its aroma, and in most cases, such can only be possible when the food is steaming hot. While it might not have been possible to always enjoy steaming hot food at any time in the past, technology has made it possible to enjoy delicacies regardless of the time they were prepared today.
When we consume food that is hot, or at least warm, it gives it room to digest faster than it normally would when cold; and as such increase its value to our body. Thanks to mini microwaves, we can now enjoy our food on the go without having to think too far out the box. So, what are mini microwaves, and how do they affect our lives daily? And of course, which brands do we see as the best in 2024? Let’s see answers to all of that in this post and more.
The Best 4 Mini Microwaves Of 2024
In a hurry? Let me just share with you the best 4 mini microwaves of 2024 right away: (more details after the table)
Product Name | Unique Feature | Price |
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Farberware Classic Microwave Oven With LED Light | Programmable cooking settings | Check Price on amazon |
Commercial Chef Countertop Rotary Mini Microwave Oven | can be used in the dark or even while sleeping | Check Price on amazon |
Comfee countertop mini microwave with on/off Sound & Easy One-Touch Buttons | Eco mode power-saving plan | Check Price on amazon |
Compact-size Whirlpool Silver Countertop Microwave Oven | perfect for single individuals | Check Price on amazon |
What Are Mini Microwaves?
Mini microwaves are portable electrical microwave oven appliances that help us to steam, heat up, warm or cook our foods with ease. Since its invention by American engineer Percy Spencer after world war II, the modern microwaves have helped in revolutionizing the way we see our kitchens and homes. They have also grown smaller and smaller in size, making it possible to move about without much hassle especially when you compare them to the built-in, and the over-the-range models.
Why are the mini microwaves preferred to other models?
Unlike these other models that require a professional installer before you can install and use them, a mini microwave only requires a wall socket that can house its plug and a table/countertop to place it. The built-in and over-the-range models are also bulky in size compared to the mini models as we have it today, although they also come with some advantages.
Some over-the-range models are known to draw smoke and odours from cooktops and also help to filter it, while built-in models free up counter space and also help enhance the kitchen décor in the process. So, except you intend to live in your apartment for a long period, a mini microwave will prove to be a more convenient and reliable option. Also, you do not want to get a professional always to uninstall or install your huge microwave at any house you move into.
What is the smallest microwave?
Although it is still yet to hit the market commercially, Heinz has a partnership with ‘Frazer designs’ to invent the world’s smallest microwave that can be powered by the USB port on the computer! How cool is that? I for one would make a pre-order once the news of its release is dropped.
The target market for this piece of art would be mostly office workers or those who wouldn’t have the time to leave their spots, desks or working unit to heat up foods or perform other microwave related activities. The Microwave oven is said to use a phone radiofrequency that produces the heat necessary to cook a single serving food at once.
If this eventually hits the market big time would you be getting one for yourself? Let me know in the comment section.
Here is also one that fits well into the description of a small microwave oven. It is a cute product from Whirlpool and can deliver very effectively.
The Best Ways To Maintain A Mini Microwave
Having a proper maintenance culture is very essential to any product longevity. And because a mini microwave is an appliance you use every day, you are obligated to follow the proper care and guidelines required to keep it in perfect condition.
Here are some valuable tips to help you keep your mini microwave in top-notch condition always:
1. Clean it as often as possible:
This cannot be overemphasized. Keeping your mini microwave clean is important in prolonging its longevity, and ensuring that your food is under the right hygienic conditions at all times. You can always use a microwave oven cleaner to ensure proper removal of burnt spots that are caused by food splatters.
2. Always close the doors properly:
Some persons are fond of slamming the doors of their microwaves for reasons I can’t even explain. If you are one of them and you want the best for your kitchen appliance, don’t do it. Close the doors gently whether there is food in there or now.
Also, avoid opening the doors of a mini microwave without first turning it off, that is, having the timer set to zero. Opening the door of a microwave during usage can lead to you blowing up the safety fuse. You don’t want that to happen especially when you consider the extra cost to be incurred in fixing it. And let’s not forget the shock that comes with it.
3. Use a surge protector when using your microwave:
The microwave is probably one of the first kitchen appliances to get affected by a power surge which can be caused by grid switching, lighting, and power lines. These surges can have a damaging impact on your microwave, therefore, you should endeavour to plug your microwave to a surge protector. This simple, but effective device is all your microwave needs to remain completely safe from power surges.
4. Use only specified dishware:
Don’t use any dishware that is not branded ‘microwave-safe’ in a mini microwave. Such materials can cause fire or explosion in the microwave. Items such as aluminium foil and metals should not be used in a mini microwave. Any material that becomes extremely hot after a single minute inside a microwave should not be used. Plastics, ceramics, and glass are usually preferred, but even at that, you should ensure that they are ‘safe’ before introducing them in your mini microwave.
And of course, I don’t usually recommend plastics in the oven as these are not all that safe to heat your foods in. I always recommend microwave-safe glasses as they are safer to heat up your foods in. You can heat your foods without fear of any chemicals leaking into your foods. If you are searching for glasswares that are safe to be used in the microwave, check this post out for 3 Safe Glassware For Microwave and of course, you would find out If Glasswares be Used in the Microwave.
5. Switch it on only when you have use for it:
Some have made the mistake of turning on or using their microwave without anything in it. Please, for the sake of keeping your microwave as long as possible, don’t fall into such a category. When you run your microwave without putting anything inside, you expose the glass and the magnetron to the heat produced during the process. You should know that these components are not designed to withstand such amount of heat with nothing inside to hold it in.
If you turned on the microwave because you need it to act as a timer, do well to use the ones with such features without risking any form of damage to its internal components. Or better still, you could just use the alarm feature on your phone or wristwatch. It’s quite unsafe to leave your microwave running because you want to use the timer feature on it.
6. Make good use of the programmable feature:
Some mini microwaves come with programmable features that allow you to use your mini microwave more efficiently. Using this feature can help you avoid messes that lead to burnt spot, and can also make your food come out better than you would have expected it. You can always study the manual to get a good hang of how it works before you start using it. Don’t just use your mini microwave based on assumptions and end up running into issues along the line. And for microwaves that come with auto cooking functions, this can save you a lot of guesswork too so enjoy it.
Trust me, with the above simple but efficient safety guidelines, you can be sure that you will enjoy your mini microwave to the fullest. Also, take out time to study the user manual of the product in other to note some other exciting features of the product which you can enjoy.
Aside from knowing how to maintain your mini microwave, there are also some important factors to consider before making a purchase. Let’s check out what they are.
Important Things To Consider When Choosing Or Buying A Mini Microwave (a buyer’s guide)
Before picking a mini microwave, you need to put some things into consideration. You do not want to make a purchase you will regret later. So, if you need a comprehensive buyer’s guide that will help you make the right choice when it comes to choosing the best mini microwave for your personal use, let me share the best tips with you:
1. Size:
This should be the first and foremost thing you should look out for when choosing a mini microwave. Ask yourself questions like – what amount of space will it consume on the tabletop? Will you be carrying it around when necessary? What is the average size of the food you intend microwaving? Will it serve you adequately in terms of food quantity when you have friends around? – These and many more questions need to be sufficiently answered before you go ahead and make your choice of the size of the microwave you want.
2. Wattage capacity:
The higher the wattage capacity of a mini microwave, the faster and efficient it will be to carry out its function. The minimum wattage requirement a mini microwave should have is 800 watts and above. Anything below 700 watts won’t be as effective as you might want it to be.
3. Preprogrammed settings:
If you read through this post from the beginning, then you should know how important programmable settings are when it comes to maintaining a mini microwave. A mini microwave should have some programmable settings such as popcorn and defrost etc. These programs ensure that you no longer have to assume if your pizza is warmed to the desired temperature or if your cup of coffee is properly heated.
These programmed settings give you an easy way around your mini microwave without having to do much thinking by yourself. The bottom line is that the more programmable settings on a mini microwave, the better for you.
4. Noise:
Although this is not a thing with mini microwaves, some products have been reported to produce some excruciating sounds during usage. Do well to check the decibel range (noise) before making your purchase, that’s if you are not okay with having a noisy appliance.
5. Easy to clean and maintain:
You have a major part to play in the cleaning and maintenance of your microwave, but a good mini microwave should be able to make the burden lighter. It should be easy to clean and maintain without wearing you out in the process. Make sure you go for one that doesn’t require complicated cleaning and won’t take you much time.
6. Child protection feature:
Some mini microwaves come with child protection feature that enables you to restrict young children from gaining unsupervised access to the microwave. If you have toddlers around, then you might want to go for a microwave that keeps away children from gaining access. There is a programmable feature to activate that.
7. Durability:
For mini microwaves, you are advised to go for products that have a proven track record in the business. It should be able to serve its intended purpose without having to reduce its efficiency and output over time. It should be durable enough to last you for as long as possible without having to make any major fixes over and over again.
Trust me, having these 7 points to guide you, no doubt you would get the help you need to get the right microwave without any complications or regrets later.
How To Use A Mini Microwave In Easy Steps
Using a microwave can be tricky for some especially if you don’t have the rudimental knowledge of how it operates. However, if you get a hang of the user manual, then you shouldn’t be faced with any problem at all. You can also use these simple steps which I will be sharing below to get the best out of your food when using a mini microwave. But first, have these 3 tips in mind:
- Be sure to know the effect the (re)heating will have on the said food before putting it in the microwave. Some foods may need to be warmed separately in order to get the best result possible.
- If the food item is dry, try to get it a little moist. Microwaves can be quite efficient in draining food, so don’t expect to get the same moist from food after microwaving especially when it comes to dishes like macaroni and cheese.
- Just as I stated earlier in this article, be wary of the container you use in a microwave. Any container that is not labelled ‘microwave-safe’ should not be used in a microwave.
Steps to microwave your food:
- Get the food into a dish/bowl that is microwave-safe.
- Spread the food in even layers in order to get them properly and evenly heated. Heaping the food up a plate before putting it in the microwave can prevent the heat from circulating within the food. The more evenly spread the food is in the dishware, the better result you will get.
- Place the food in the microwave oven and set the timer to when you know the food would be done.
- Check the food occasionally and bring it out to stir it if necessary. Ensure the microwave is not on when you open the door to do that.
- Once the food is done, turn off the timer and bring out the food. This can be immediately or after a minute depending on the instruction on the bowl, you are using to microwave the food.
Knowing these basics steps should help you get the best out of your food and microwave without any form of struggle.
Best 4 Of The Mini Microwaves Of 2024
If you don’t have a mini microwave, or you want to replace a broken one or better still, you want to get it as a gift for a friend, no worries.
I have taken my time to review the best mini microwaves based on trusted feedback reviews gotten from various users on different interactive forums. And of course, they are sure to meet all the required standard stated in the guide above without any form of shortcoming or deficiency. You would just love them, trust me.
Let me share with you the best 4 mini microwaves that tick many available boxes when it comes to meeting the requirements for a standard mini microwave:
1. Farberware Classic Microwave Oven With LED Light:
The Farberware classic microwave has a very unique appeal that makes it not just an addition to your kitchen decor, but also a plus in meeting your basic kitchen and household needs. Let me explain why you would definitely want this.
Pros
- Very portable
- Extremely versatile
- Internal LED light function
- Programmable cooking settings
- One press button advantage
- Active timer settings
Product features
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Size
Having a size range of 12.99 x 17.3 x 10.14 inches, the faberware microwave is ideal for your countertop, and won’t take up much space meant for other table activities.
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Interior LED display
The interior LED display light gives you a clear view of what is going on inside the microwave without you opening the door to check the progress always.
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Kitchen timer
It has a kitchen timer that helps you keep track of time without expending energy. This feature is independent of the microwave which means you can use it without having the microwave running empty. So, even if you have no use of the microwave at the moment, you can still use it to time yourself based on your kitchen or other needs.
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Child safety precaution
Do you have a child or toddler at home? Then you need not worry as this mini microwave comes with a child protection lock that enables you to restrict any unwarranted access to the microwave and protect your kids.
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Perfect Wattage
It has a 700-watt cooking power which makes it sufficient to cook your food just the way you would appreciate it.
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Cooking programming enabled
If you aren’t sure of when to apply the breaks in terms of cooking or preparing some delicacies, then the 6 in 1 cooking programs have you covered. You can choose from the pre-programmed menu which includes popcorn, potato, frozen vegetable, dinner plate, beverages, and pizza. No more guesswork required, and all you need to do to access these amazing features is to simply push a simple button, and that is all! Yeah, it’s that easy.
It also has a brain of its own that allows you to easily select the settings that you use frequently. Very cool huh?
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More cooking, less time
This microwave oven cooks very fast as it takes between 1-6 minutes to get the cooking done without compromising the nutrient of the food. This would save you time and allow you to do other things you want with the remaining time.
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Easy to use, clean, and maintain
All you need to do to get the best out of this appliance is to push a button that is clearly labelled based on the task you intend to carry out. No cumbersome procedure required, just the push a button and you are good to go. The cleaning procedure is one that shouldn’t take your time and resources as long as you do it regularly too.
Cons of the Farberware microwave
- It could go with a high watt capacity to help supplement its wonderful features.
Head over to this link to open the product page on Amazon and see more about this before making a purchase if it’s what you want.
2. Commercial Chef Countertop Rotary Mini Microwave Oven:
Having a mini microwave like the commercial chef counter microwave is perfect if you live alone in an apartment. Unlike other versions of a microwave, the chef counter microwave has an analogue function that is very efficient especially for individuals with visual impairment.
Pros
- Very potable for single individuals
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Can be used in a single room
- It can be used in the dark or even while sleeping
- Dishwasher friendly turntable
Product features
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Size
The commercial chef counter microwave has a dimension of 17.75 x 12.5 x 10.25 inches which shouldn’t take up much space on your kitchen’s countertop.
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Efficient timer
You can set the timer between 1 – 30 minutes based on what you want to be microwaved. This gives you the required flexibility necessary to carry out other functions that might need your attention. With this, you are sure to be notified once your food is ready.
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Adjustable power levels
It is programmed with six power levels that makes it diverse for the different cooking task. From defrosting your vegetables to preparing your frozen dinner; the commercial chef countertop has you covered.
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Grip handle
The grip handle makes it easy to open and close the microwave door with very little effort required.
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Wattage
Having a wattage capacity of 600 watts seems to be sufficient, especially when you consider its size.
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Very easy to clean and maintain
The glass turntable is dishwasher friendly which means that you can clean it at any time you feel like. There’s no need to undergo any further complex procedure.
Cons
- It shouldn’t be used around children, or allow them to use it without supervision due to the absence of a child safety precaution.
- Also, the lack of an internal LED light display would mean that you have to open it to check how far gone your food has been cooked.
Get this cool mini microwave into your home to complete your kitchen by clicking this link. You would be taken to the page on Amazon where you can learn more about it and also place your order for one.
3. Comfee countertop mini microwave with on/off Sound & Easy One-Touch Buttons:
I can bet the name ‘comfee’ is derived from the word ‘comfortable’ due to the comfort it brings to the owner and the kitchen in general. Few mini microwaves in the market can boast of the ‘mute’ function which gives you the option of using your microwave in total silence. And surely, this Comfee countertop mini microwave is one of them.
Pros
- Well suited for large family functions
- Child lock protection available
- Programmable cooking functions
- Adjustable timer setting
- One-touch function
- Interior LED display
- Eco mode power-saving plan (saves power consumption)
- Option to place on mute available
Product features
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Size
It has a dimension of 17.3 x 13.4 x 10.2 inches and a weight of 20.3 pounds which makes it extremely countertop friendly, and won’t eat up too much space.
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Interior LED display
You can easily inspect your food without the need of opening up the microwave. This is made possible by the bright LED interior lighting system.
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Mute function
Does the beeping of a microwave wear you off or announce to everyone that you are in there? Well, thanks to the ‘mute’ function, you can easily turn it off. Every form of the sound beeping from the mini microwave can be off and you can enjoy your peace and tranquillity as you would have it.
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Kitchen timer
The timer function enables you to keep up with the content of the microwave. It also notifies you upon completion of any cooking based on the program and timing you select.
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Child safety precaution
Do you have children around? If yes, then having the Comfee microwave shouldn’t pose any problem. It comes with a child protection lock that keeps out unwanted individuals and toddlers alike.
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Wattage
Having a wattage of 700 watts, the Comfee countertop microwave is very efficient in carrying out its job. And it does that in record time too.
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Energy-saving ECO mode
You can save up to 50% of the power consumption of this product by turning on the ECO mode. This feature would boast of more usage and less power.
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Cooking programs enabled
You have up to six common cooking programmable functions to choose from such as popcorn and pizza. This gives you an accurate result on the food you choose to prepare based on the available programs.
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Easy to clean and maintain
The glass turntable can be removed to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance.
It also comes with a limited 1-year warranty which you can use. This would come in handy if you don’t violate any of the guidelines, or safety measures.
Cons
- At 700 watts, the microwave might take longer to prepare some food items.
Get this microwave right in Amazon by clicking this link to be taken to the page where you would also find more information about it including price and other users’ reviews.
4. Compact-size Whirlpool Silver Countertop Microwave Oven:
If you are looking for a microwave to fit into any corner of your room without any problem, then the whirlpool microwave is your answer. It also comes with amazing features that would surprise you, especially when you consider the size. It is perfect for people living alone or very small-sized families. Bachelors, spinsters, students or office workers would enjoy this no doubt.
Pro
- Very portable
- Fits perfectly into tight corners
- Child safety precaution
- Variable cooking power control
Product features
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Size
The size of 13.75 x 15.38 x 14.13 inches coupled with the shape makes it a perfect match for any countertop.
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Specially designed door handle
The door handle is specially designed to give you easy access to the microwave. It opens easily and closes easily with very little effort required.
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Tap touch controls
The touch control buttons are as easy as the word ‘touch’ sounds. All you need to is press a single button and watch your food come alive in no time.
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The ’30 seconds’ feature
You can set your microwave to prepare or heat a portion of food for 30 seconds by pushing a single button. Also, in the process of doing this, you can also add an extra 30 seconds if you feel the time won’t be sufficient. But considering the fact that it would be working at 100% power that may be unlikely some times.
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Wattage
Having a wattage capacity of 750 watts, the whirlpool microwave can hold its and more own when it comes to processing your food items.
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Variable cooking power control
It comes with 10 variable power control that gives you the preference of adjusting your microwave based on what you are preparing.
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Easy to clean and maintain
Using a damp cloth (when switched off), you should be able to clean the inner section of the microwave. But that would depend on the kind of food stains you are cleaning off.
Cons
- There are no programmable functions on the microwave for simple food preparations. This means you would have to set your own timing and add or reduce the time based on your discretion.
- There are no LED internal lights to help you keep an eye on the food without having to open it up often.
If this is what you want to process your foods in no time, hit this link to be taken to the Amazon page. You can check full details about it and if it’s what you want, you can get to make your purchase. Alternatively, you can check other options to see which one matched your needs.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! The very best mini microwaves that would serve you well and you would definitely love.
Based on important factors such as size, power, tech improvements, and safety; these 4 mini microwaves mentioned here are sure to give your household a boost regardless of the one you pick.
Even if you won’t pick any here, be sure to use the buyer’s guide mentioned earlier to help make a good choice.