Small Microwaves

Small microwaves are available in countertop, built-in, over-the-range, and microwave drawer configurations. Wattage ranges from 700 to 1,000 watts on compact models, with higher wattage delivering faster and more even cooking. Construction finishes include stainless steel, black stainless steel, and panel-ready options for integration with custom cabinetry.

The Trade Table carries small microwaves from ZLINE, Thor Kitchen, and Forno in countertop, built-in, over-the-range, and microwave drawer configurations for kitchen remodels, new construction builds, and compact kitchen installations.

Small Microwaves | Compact, Built-In, and Countertop Microwave Ovens

A small microwave fills the gap between a full-size 30-inch microwave and no microwave at all — providing essential reheating, defrosting, and quick-cooking functionality in a footprint that fits galley kitchens, apartments, condos, office break rooms, and secondary cooking areas where standard microwaves are too large.

Countertop small microwaves are the simplest installation — place on any countertop surface and plug into a standard 120V outlet. These compact units take up minimal counter space and can be relocated as kitchen layouts change. Countertop microwaves are the most affordable small microwave configuration and require no cabinetry modifications.

Built-in small microwaves install into a cabinet opening or wall cutout, creating a flush, integrated look that matches surrounding cabinetry and appliances. ZLINE offers 24-inch built-in microwave models with convection cooking, sensor technology, and stainless steel construction that coordinate with the ZLINE kitchen appliance ecosystem. Built-in installation frees counter space entirely while keeping the microwave accessible at a comfortable working height.

Microwave drawers install below the countertop in a lower cabinet position — opening with a pull-out drawer motion rather than a swing door. This configuration is ideal for universal design, accessibility-focused kitchens, and island installations where a swing door would obstruct traffic. ZLINE's microwave drawer models deliver 1.2 cubic feet of capacity with sensor cooking and speed cook functions in a 24-inch-wide drawer format.

Over-the-range small microwaves combine a microwave with a built-in ventilation system, replacing both a countertop microwave and a range hood in a single installation above the cooking surface. This dual-function configuration saves cabinet space and counter space simultaneously — but requires proper ventilation ductwork or recirculating filter capability.

Small Microwave Options

• ZLINE 24-inch built-in convection microwave with sensor cooking
• ZLINE 24-inch microwave drawer with speed cook and sensor technology
• Thor Kitchen compact microwave models for residential and builder applications
• Forno compact microwave models for coordinated kitchen packages
• Countertop small microwaves for plug-and-play installation
• Built-in small microwaves for flush cabinet integration
• Over-the-range small microwaves with built-in ventilation
• Microwave drawer configurations for island and accessibility installations
• Stainless steel, black stainless steel, and panel-ready finish options
• 700 to 1,000+ watt power ratings across compact models

Benefits of Small Microwaves

• Compact footprint that fits kitchens where full-size microwaves are too large
• Multiple installation configurations — countertop, built-in, drawer, over-the-range
• Sensor cooking technology that adjusts time and power automatically
• Convection capability on premium models for baking and browning
• Stainless steel construction coordinating with ZLINE, Thor, and Forno appliance suites
• Built-in and drawer configurations that free counter space entirely
• Standard 120V electrical on most countertop models for easy installation
• Panel-ready options for seamless custom cabinetry integration

Common Uses for Small Microwaves

• Galley kitchens and apartments where counter space is limited
• Condos and small homes with compact kitchen layouts
• Secondary microwave stations in butler's pantries and wet bars
• Office and break room installations for employee use
• Kitchen island installations using microwave drawer configurations
• Coordinated kitchen appliance packages matching ZLINE or Thor suites
• Kitchen remodels upgrading from countertop to built-in or drawer format
• Accessibility-focused kitchens using drawer-style microwave placement

Why Buy Small Microwaves from The Trade Table?

The Trade Table helps customers select the right small microwave based on available kitchen space, preferred installation type, finish coordination with existing appliances, and cooking feature requirements. Our team provides guidance on choosing between countertop, built-in, drawer, and over-the-range configurations and matching compact microwaves to ZLINE, Thor, and Forno kitchen appliance packages.

Also Referred to As

• small microwave
• small microwaves
• small countertop microwave
• small microwave oven
• mini microwave
• compact microwave
• compact microwave oven
• small built in microwave
• tiny microwave
• small kitchen microwave
• microwave small
• portable microwave
• 24 inch microwave
• small stainless steel microwave

Small Microwave FAQs

What is considered a small microwave?

A small microwave is generally any microwave oven with an interior capacity under 1.2 cubic feet and a width of 24 inches or less. Standard full-size microwaves measure 30 inches wide with 1.5-2.2 cubic foot interiors. Small microwaves are designed for compact kitchens, secondary cooking stations, and installations where a full-size unit does not fit or is not needed. Despite the smaller footprint, most small microwaves still accommodate standard dinner plates and common reheating tasks.

What is the difference between a built-in microwave and a microwave drawer?

A built-in microwave installs into a wall cabinet or cutout at chest or eye height, opening with a traditional swing door. A microwave drawer installs below the countertop in a lower cabinet position, opening with a pull-out drawer motion. Built-in models are better for eye-level access and traditional kitchen layouts. Microwave drawers are better for island installations, accessibility-focused designs, and kitchens where a swing door would obstruct traffic flow.

How many watts should a small microwave have?

Most small microwaves operate between 700 and 1,000 watts. 700 watts handles basic reheating and defrosting but cooks slower. 900-1,000 watts delivers performance closer to a full-size microwave — faster, more even cooking with better results on frozen foods and beverages. For daily cooking use, 900+ watts is recommended. For occasional reheating only, 700 watts is sufficient.

Can a small microwave replace a full-size microwave?

For most households, yes. A small microwave handles the core functions — reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen foods, heating beverages, and quick cooking — that represent 90%+ of typical microwave use. The main limitation is interior capacity — large casserole dishes and oversized plates may not fit. Families regularly cooking large-format microwave meals may find the reduced interior too restrictive. For everything else, a quality small microwave with 900+ watts performs comparably to a full-size unit.

Do small microwaves come in stainless steel?

Yes. ZLINE, Thor Kitchen, and Forno all offer small microwaves in stainless steel finishes that coordinate with their broader kitchen appliance suites. Stainless steel small microwaves are available in countertop, built-in, and microwave drawer configurations. Some models also offer black stainless steel and panel-ready options for custom cabinetry integration.