Comparison: Best Microwave For Dorm Room (Updated | Dec 8th)
Living in a dorm doesn’t mean you have to survive on instant noodles and cold leftovers. A good microwave can be a total game-changer—quick meals, reheated coffee, even steamed veggies in minutes. But with tight spaces and strict dorm rules, not every microwave fits the bill. We’ve tested and compared the top compact models to find the **best microwave for dorm room** life—ones that save space, won’t break the bank, and actually make campus eating enjoyable. Let’s find your perfect match.
- Best for quiet power cooking: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for high-power sensor: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for space-saving power: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for versatile sensor cook: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for memory-enabled microwave: TOSHIBA ML4-EM09PA(BS) Small Countertop Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for compact powerhouse: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for compact kitchen helper: GE Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for led compact cook: Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting
- Best for auto-program mini: Smad Small Microwave Countertop 0.7 Cu.Ft with Removable Turntable and Child Lock
- Best for sleek compact design: GE Countertop Microwave Oven | 0.7 Cubic Feet Capacity
Product Comparison: Best Microwave For Dorm Room
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, Perfect for Apartments & Dorms, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Stainless Steel
- 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.
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
- 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
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
- 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
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cubic Ft., 1,100-watt Capacity, 7 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, White
- 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: 1100 watts of power and 1.4 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, child lock controls and cooking complete alarms add convenience
- GLASS TURNTABLE: Rotates food throughout the cycle for even through cooking of food
TOSHIBA ML4-EM09PA(BS) Small Countertop Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function, Child Lock, Kitchen Essentials for Dorm, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Black Stainless Steel
- 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.
- 6 Preset Menus: Compact microwave oven features 6 preset menu options for effortless cooking of dinner, snacks, beverages, and much more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels: 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 & Mute Mode & Memory Function : Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Allows you to silence the beeping sound that signals the end of cooking. Save your dish settings in the memory and easily retrieve them later.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1300 watts. External dimensions 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 14.6×13.1x 8.4 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1,150-watt Capacity, 1.6 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Black Stainless
- 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: 1150 watts of power and 1.6 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
- GLASS TURNTABLE: Rotates food throughout the cycle for even through cooking of food
- EASY SET UP: Freestanding microwave fits easily on countertop or open shelf
GE Compact Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cubic Ft., 950w Capacity, 6 Auto Cook Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Dorm Room, Apartment, Stainless Steel
- 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 39 power cord
Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting,Turntable and Child Lock,Compact Microwave Perfect for Apartments and Dorms,Easy Clean Interior, Black
- Countertop Microwave Oven: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave ovens. It packs 700 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed
- Powerful Microwave Oven: This black microwave has 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with 6 one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work
- Compact Microwave: Measuring 0.7 cu ft, this small microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space
- Microwave Oven with All You Need: Features a LED display, timer/clock,that lets you easily keep track of time. Interior lighting, 9.6″ glass turntable for clear dish monitoring, and a child safety lock for added security
- Convenient Microwave: Our countertop microwave ovens features an easy-to-clean interior. Perfect for busy nights and memorable family feasts, crafting meals that create lasting memories
Smad Small Microwave Countertop 0.7 Cu.Ft with Removable Turntable and Child Lock, 700W Mini Microwave Compact with 6 Auto Menus for Apartments, Dorm and Kitchen, Stainless Steel
- [6 Auto-Cook Programs] There are six automated menu options: beverage, frozen meal, popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and reheat. In just one minute, your Smad compact microwave oven will provide you with excellent, and most importantly, warmed meals
- [Defrost & LED Display] To enjoy more tasty dishes, thaw everything by weight or time when it’s frozen. The small microwave is equipped with a capacious and luminous display that shows both the remaining cooking time and the timer
- [Child Safety Lock & Glass Turntable] A child lock prevents kids from unintentionally turning on the mini microwave.The glass turntable of the 9.6-inch microwave is easy to clean and offers uniform, consistent cooking
- [700W with 10 Power Levels] With 10 power settings to suit your different culinary requirements, this microondas may be used to cook in addition to swiftly defrosting and keeping food warm
- [Compact Design] Due to its compact size and rigid construction, this countertop microwave oven is suitable for countertop installation. The product covered for 12 months against defects. The product dimensions: 17.9*14*10.4 (W*D*H,inch), 0.7 Cu. Ft.
GE Countertop Microwave Oven | 0.7 Cubic Feet Capacity, 700 Watts | Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop or Dorm Room | Black
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: 700 watts of power and 0.7 cu. ft. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking
- EASY SET UP: Freestanding microwave fits easily on countertop or open shelf, with 39 power cord
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with Instant On express cooking controls and multiple cooking modes; kitchen timer, child lock controls and cooking complete alarms add convenience
- EASY AUTO OR MANUAL DEFROST: Defrosting times and power levels can be programmed or set manually for optimal results
- SOLID, SLEEK DESIGN: Clean lines, electronic keypad and stainless steel with black glass construction provide elevated design
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 size microwave should I choose for a dorm room?
Dorm rooms typically have limited countertop space, so a compact model under 1.0 cu. ft. with external dimensions around 18 x 14 x 10 inches fits best. Microwaves like the Toshiba ML-EM09PA (0.7 cu. ft.) and the GE 0.7 cu. ft. models are designed for tight spaces while still offering a full-size turntable. Look for a unit that can slide under a desk or sit on a small shelf without crowding the room.
How does wattage impact cooking speed and results in a small microwave?
Higher wattage (e.g., 1,200 W in the GE 2.0 cu. ft. model) cooks food faster and more evenly, which is useful for reheating large portions or frozen meals. Lower-wattage units (700‑900 W) still handle snacks and small dishes but may require longer cooking times or more frequent stirring. Choose a wattage that matches the types of meals you plan to prepare and the time you have available.
Do I need a child‑lock feature in a dorm setting?
While dorms aren’t typically homes with children, a two‑step child lock adds a layer of safety by preventing accidental starts, especially in shared rooms with younger visitors. All the listed models include this feature, so it won’t add extra cost and can protect against spills or burns. It’s a simple convenience that many users appreciate for peace of mind.
What are the advantages of preset auto‑menu programs versus manual controls?
Auto‑menus (found on Toshiba and GE models with 6‑8 preset options) let you cook popular items like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes with a single button, reducing guesswork. Manual power‑level and timer adjustments give more flexibility for custom recipes but require a bit more experience. If you prefer quick, hassle‑free cooking, a microwave with more auto programs is a better fit.
Is a mute or silent mode important for shared living spaces?
A mute function silences the end‑of‑cycle beep, which can be considerate in quiet dorm environments or late‑night study sessions. Toshiba’s ML4‑EM09PA includes a mute mode, while many GE models rely on the standard beep. If you value a quieter kitchen, prioritize a microwave that offers a mute or volume‑control option.
How should I compare interior capacity with external dimensions?
Interior capacity (cubic feet) tells you how much food can fit inside, while external dimensions determine how much countertop space the unit occupies. For example, the GE 1.1 cu. ft. model provides a spacious interior in a compact 18 × 14 × 10 in. package, whereas the larger 2.0 cu. ft. GE model needs a bigger footprint. Balance the two by measuring your available space and matching it to the smallest interior volume that meets your cooking needs.
Which microwave offers the best overall value for a dorm room?
The Toshiba ML‑EM09PA (0.7 cu. ft., 900 W) delivers a solid mix of power, mute mode, child lock, and six auto menus at a typically lower price point, making it a strong value proposition. If you need a bit more interior space without a huge size increase, the GE 1.1 cu. ft. 950 W model adds sensor cooking and a comparable feature set. Consider your budget, space, and desired features to pick the model that gives you the most functionality per dollar.