We're all trying to do more with less, and sometimes that means downsizing or making do with smaller options.
If you're living in cramped quarters like a studio or granny flat, are a single- or two-person household, or you're kitting out a camper or RV, petite appliances will help you make the most of your small space.
And a microwave is one kitchen workhorse that definitely earns the space it takes up: it can cook far more than you probably think it can, and can make short work of some kitchen tasks to help you cook faster.
A microwave is one kitchen workhorse that definitely earns the space it takes up
Here are some things to know, things to consider. Plus, we reveal the best microwave brand according to Australians.
If you want to find out which small microwaves topped our testing, join CHOICE to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.
If you're already a member and you just want to see the best products, you can jump straight to the results now.
How small is a small microwave?
When you're talking small microwaves, there are two measurements to take into account: the external dimensions and the space inside the microwave.
External dimensions
If you're buying a microwave for an existing nook or to fit into a specific space, such as under a cupboard, the external dimensions will dictate which microwaves you can shortlist. Even a centimetre or two too large will mean you can't use it.
If you're not restricted by a built-in microwave niche, you'll still need to decide just how much bench space you're willing to sacrifice, so double-check a microwave's footprint before you decide it's the one.
And don't forget to allow space for ventilation: most microwaves need about 10cm space around the sides for ventilation, and 20cm at the top where the vents are usually located.
To subvert an old adage: measure twice, buy once.
Interior dimensions
What's inside counts just as much as what's on the outside – but you shouldn't always believe what you read.
While a microwave might be advertised as having an 18 or 20L capacity, our experts find that those figures might not be exact, so they manually measure each microwave's cavity themselves, then calculate the actual internal capacity.
There can be a considerable difference between claimed and actual capacity – and when every centimetre counts, it's important to know exactly how much space you're working with.
And if you misjudge the internal size of a microwave, you might not be able to fit your crockery or baking dishes inside. It's okay to take a plate and some cookware into an appliance store to see if they'll fit!
All of our detailed microwave reviews list external and internal measurements, plus the usable volume, so you can find the right model for your needs.
Flatbed microwaves can give you more space to work with.
Turntable or flatbed microwave?
One obvious downside of small microwaves is that they have limited internal space.
This means that if you're trying to squeeze a large plate or bowl inside, it might not fit or could be difficult to remove without burning your hands.
And any dishes with handles could get stuck, dislodging the turntable and stopping the dish from turning (and therefore heating evenly).
One solution is a flatbed microwave, which is precisely what it sounds like: a microwave that has a flat floor and no turntable.
Want to know more? Here's the lowdown on flatbed vs turntable microwaves.
Other things to consider
- Crockery size: Will your crockery fit in the small microwave you're considering? Some will only accommodate a standard-sized dinner plate. (Though a flatbed microwave can often solve this issue.)
- Power: A smaller microwave may not have the same grunt as a larger one, so you'll need to get used to the reduced power and adjust cooking and reheating times accordingly.
Australia's best microwave brands
Each year, we rank microwave brands, assessing them on their average test scores, reliability, customer satisfaction and how many of their products score the coveted CHOICE expert seal of approval.
The best microwave brand for 2024 was: Panasonic.
Here are the best brands for 2024, along with their CHOICE Best Brand scores:
- Panasonic: 78%
- Breville: 77%
We also considered Kmart, LG, Miele, Samsung, Sharp, Smeg and Westinghouse for Best Brand, however these brands didn't meet our strict eligibility criteria.
Kmart is below average for customer satisfaction while LG and Sharp are below average for reliability. Samsung and Westinghouse have below average test scores while Miele and Smeg didn't have enough tested models to be eligible.
To find out which specific models we recommend based on our test results, and to make sure you buy the best, click on the 'Recommended' box in the filters section of our microwave reviews.
Our detailed test results are exclusively available to our members. Become a CHOICE member to access our full reviews and see the best performers.
Australia's most reliable microwave brands
Our CHOICE Product Reliability Survey asks thousands of members about the appliances they own, what they think of them, and how well they've held up over time.
The information they provide gives us a really good indication of how various microwave brands stack up over time – something we can't test in our labs.
Most reliable brands: Kmart, Miele, Samsung, Breville, Westinghouse, Panasonic.
Highest owner satisfaction: Miele, Samsung, Panasonic, LG, Breville, Westinghouse, Sharp.
What are the best small microwaves?
We independently test and review dozens of new microwaves each year in our onsite labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.
Our detailed microwaves testing data is available exclusively for CHOICE members. If you're not yet a member, join CHOICE to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.
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Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
