Comparison: 20 Litres Best Microwave Oven (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking to upgrade your kitchen game with a reliable 20-litre microwave oven? You’re not alone—this size strikes the perfect balance between compact convenience and cooking capacity, making it ideal for small families and busy individuals. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one? We’ve tested top models, comparing features, performance, and value, so you don’t have to guess.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for sleek black retro: Total Chef Retro Microwave Oven | 20L / 0.7 Cu Ft | Quick Start & Defrost By Weight/Time | 8 Pre-set Cooking Modes For Coffee
- Best for smart sensor power: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for blue retro charm: Total Chef Retro Microwave Oven | 20L / 0.7 Cu Ft | Quick Start & Defrost By Weight/Time | 8 Pre-set Cooking Modes For Coffee
- Best for red retro flair: Total Chef Retro Microwave Oven | 20L / 0.7 Cu Ft | Quick Start & Defrost By Weight/Time | 8 Pre-set Cooking Modes For Coffee
- Best for 8-in-1 air fry: TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for powerful sensor cook: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for built-in retro style: Klarstein Victoria 20 Built-in Microwave
- Best for compact menu master: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for family size sensor: TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable
- Best for space-saving power: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
Product Comparison: 20 Litres Best Microwave Oven
Sleek Black Retro
Total Chef Retro Microwave Oven | 20L / 0.7 Cu Ft | Quick Start & Defrost By Weight/Time | 8 Pre-set Cooking Modes For Coffee, Rice, Pasta, Potato, Reheat, Fish, Pizza, Popcorn | 700W | Black
TOTAL Chef
- Eye-Catching Retro Look: Add a vintage vibe to your space with this unique retro-style microwave featuring a sleek black finish and shiny chrome accents.
- Space-Saving Design: Compact countertop microwave with 0.7 Cubic Foot (20L) capacity is the perfect solution for apartment kitchens, office lunch rooms, cottages, RVs, and dorm rooms.
- 8 Pre-Set Cooking Modes: Choose from 6 power levels or use the 8 pre-programmed functions to confidently reheat or cook coffee, rice, pasta, potato, fish, pizza, and popcorn in this 700W microwave.
- Easy to Operate: Bright LED display and simple dial and push-button controls, plus Quick Start and Weight/Time Defrost options make operating this versatile microwave oven a breeze.
- Effortless Cleanup: Exterior easily wipes down and the removable glass turntable and roller ring are dishwasher-safe for quick, hassle-free cleanup
Smart Sensor Power
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
TOSHIBA
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Mute Mode: If yout want to mute the buzzer of the microwave, please long press on the button “8” For 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
Blue Retro Charm
Total Chef Retro Microwave Oven | 20L / 0.7 Cu Ft | Quick Start & Defrost By Weight/Time | 8 Pre-set Cooking Modes For Coffee, Rice, Pasta, Potato, Reheat, Fish, Pizza, Popcorn | 700W | Blue
TOTAL Chef
- Eye-Catching Retro Look: Add a vintage vibe to your space with this unique retro-style microwave featuring a vibrant blue finish and shiny chrome accents.
- Space-Saving Design: Compact countertop microwave with 0.7 Cubic Foot (20L) capacity is the perfect solution for apartment kitchens, office lunch rooms, cottages, RVs, and dorm rooms.
- 8 Pre-Set Cooking Modes: Choose from 6 power levels or use the 8 pre-programmed functions to confidently reheat or cook coffee, rice, pasta, potato, fish, pizza, and popcorn in this 700W microwave.
- Easy to Operate: Bright LED display and simple dial and push-button controls, plus Quick Start and Weight/Time Defrost options make operating this versatile microwave oven a breeze.
- Effortless Cleanup: Exterior easily wipes down and the removable glass turntable and roller ring are dishwasher-safe for quick, hassle-free cleanup
Red Retro Flair
Total Chef Retro Microwave Oven | 20L / 0.7 Cu Ft | Quick Start & Defrost By Weight/Time | 8 Pre-set Cooking Modes For Coffee, Rice, Pasta, Potato, Reheat, Fish, Pizza, Popcorn | 700W | Red
TOTAL Chef
- Eye-Catching Retro Look: Add a vintage vibe to your space with this unique retro-style microwave featuring a vibrant red finish and shiny chrome accents.
- Space-Saving Design: Compact countertop microwave with 0.7 Cubic Foot (20L) capacity is the perfect solution for apartment kitchens, office lunch rooms, cottages, RVs, and dorm rooms.
- 8 Pre-Set Cooking Modes: Choose from 6 power levels or use the 8 pre-programmed functions to confidently reheat or cook coffee, rice, pasta, potato, fish, pizza, and popcorn in this 700W microwave.
- Easy to Operate: Bright LED display and simple dial and push-button controls, plus Quick Start and Weight/Time Defrost options make operating this versatile microwave oven a breeze.
- Effortless Cleanup: Exterior easily wipes down and the removable glass turntable and roller ring are dishwasher-safe for quick, hassle-free cleanup
8-in-1 Air Fry
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4″ Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS)
TOSHIBA
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- 8-in-1 Multifuntional Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, bake(convection), broil (grill), combi., low temp., odor removal, defrost can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Microwave Combo: Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimension (WxDxH): 20.6*18.0*11.8 inches, internal dimension (WxDxH):14.0*13.2*9.5 inches, 12.4-inch position memory turntable
- Compact Size but Large Capacity & Powerful: Small Footprint as Kitchen Essential, 12.4inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12 inch pizza and 8*4 inch casserole, offers the perfect balance of size and convenience.
- Convenience Features with One-touch popcorn, easy-to-turn knobs, position memory turntable, speedy cooking, multistage cooking, clock and kitchen timer, mute function. Stylish Appearance Classic black stainless steel finishes with easy to clean stainless steel interior
Powerful Sensor Cook
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1,200-watt Capacity, 2.0 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
GE
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: 1200watts of power and 2.0 CU. FT. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking
- SENSOR COOKING CONTROLS: Automatically adjusts time and power for delicious cooking results
- WEIGHT AND TIME DEFROST: Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with Instant On express cooking controls and multiple cooking modes; kitchen timer, and cooking complete alarms add convenience
Built-in Retro Style
Klarstein Victoria 20 Built-in Microwave, Retro Design, 20L, 800W Microwave/1000W Grill Power, 3 Functions, Stainless Steel, Mounting Frame, Black
KLARSTEIN
Compact Menu Master
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, Perfect for Apartment, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Black Stainless Steel
TOSHIBA
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 12.1 x 10.9 x 7.6 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
- 6 Preset Menus: This compact microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Mute Mode: If you wish to silence the beeping sound that signals the end of cooking, please long press on the button “8” For 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
Family Size Sensor
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable, Sound On/Off Function, 1200W, 1.6 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel
TOSHIBA
- 【Better texture with sensor menus 】This 1200-watt high power countertop microwave with 10 power levels includes a pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetable and more
- 【Large Capacity for a Family Size】1.6 cu. ft. capacity ; 13.6″ turntable; fitting a 13inch pizza; with one touch popcorn button as kitchen essential
- 【Position Memory Turntable】 Innovative position-memory technique resets the turntable to the initial position for more convenient and safer use
- 【Convenience Features】Auto defrost, fast cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, clock and kitchen timer
- 【Sound On/Off Function】If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, please long press on the button “8” for 3-5 seconds; The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
- 【Stylish Design for Kitchen】Stylish black stainless-steel finish adds the perfect look in every kitchen
- 【Product Specs】External dimension (WxDxH): 21.77″x17.91″x12.87″, internal dimension (WxDxH): 15.51″x17.05″x10.24″,13.6″position memory turntable
- 【First Use Tips】The keypad is covered by a protective film during shipment; Please peel it off before first use.
Space-Saving Power
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 1.1 Cubic Ft., 950-watt Capacity, 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
GE
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- SPACE-SAVING EXTERIOR, SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 950 watts of power and 1.1 cu. ft. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates throughout cycles for optimum cooking
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with convenience cooking controls; kitchen timer, child lock controls and cooking complete alarms add convenience
- WEIGHT & TIME DEFROST – Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- EASY SET UP: Freestanding microwave fits easily on countertop or open shelf, with 39inch power cord
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What capacity should I prioritize when choosing a 20‑liter microwave?
A 20 L (0.7 cu ft) microwave offers enough space for most everyday meals, like a plate of leftovers or a small pizza, while still fitting on tight countertops. Look for models that list internal dimensions close to 10‑12 inches wide to ensure your dishes fit comfortably. If you often cook larger items, consider a slightly bigger unit even if it exceeds 20 L.
How does microwave power affect cooking performance in this size range?
Higher wattage, such as 900‑1000 W, cooks food faster and more evenly than lower‑power 700 W models. For reheating or defrosting, a 1000 W unit can reduce cooking time by up to 30 %. However, higher power may consume more electricity, so balance speed with energy use based on your needs.
Are retro‑style microwaves just about looks, or do they offer functional benefits?
Retro models like Total Chef’s black, blue, or red versions provide the same core features—preset cooking modes, quick‑start, and defrost—while adding a vintage aesthetic that can match décor. Their compact 20 L size and dishwasher‑safe turntables make them practical for small spaces. The design does not compromise performance compared to standard finishes.
What should I look for in preset cooking functions?
Presets such as popcorn, pizza, fish, and defrost simplify cooking by automatically setting time and power levels. Models with 8‑10 preset modes, like the Total Chef and Toshiba microwaves, cover most household staples. Choose a microwave that includes the specific foods you prepare most often to save time and avoid guesswork.
Is a child lock essential for a countertop microwave?
A two‑step child lock prevents accidental activation, which is especially important in homes with young children. Many 20 L models, including Toshiba and GE, feature this safety function without adding complexity to daily use. Opt for a unit with an easy‑to‑disable lock if you need occasional quick access.
How do air‑fry and convection features impact value for a 20 L microwave?
Microwaves that combine air‑fry, convection bake, and grill—like the Toshiba 8‑in‑1 combo—offer versatile cooking options, reducing the need for separate appliances. While these models may cost more, they provide healthier frying and the ability to bake or roast larger dishes within a compact footprint. Evaluate whether you’ll use the extra functions regularly to justify the higher price.
What cleaning and maintenance conveniences should I expect?
Look for removable, dishwasher‑safe turntables and easy‑wipe exteriors, features common in Total Chef’s retro line. Simple LED displays and dial controls also reduce grime buildup compared to touchscreens. Regularly cleaning the interior and checking the turntable for debris will keep cooking performance optimal.