Comparison: Under 20 Litres Best Microwave Oven (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for a compact microwave that packs a punch without taking over your kitchen? If you’re narrowing it down to the best under 20-litre models, you’re in the right place. These space-saving powerhouses are perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or quick meals, but not all are created equal. We’ve tested top contenders for performance, ease of use, and value so you don’t have to guess.
- Best for strong venting: BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
- Best for premium service bundle: GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- Best for multi-stage cooking: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for compact powerhouse: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for space‑saving countertop: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for versatile auto cook: Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
- Best for sensor‑smart cooking: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for digital quick cook: BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Best for heavy‑duty venting: FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
- Best for mini compact design: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
Product Comparison: Under 20 Litres Best Microwave Oven
BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft
- Pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, potato, vegetable, pizza, snack, bacon, frozen dinner, rice, and frozen breakfast..Rated Voltage : 120V – 60Hz
- 1000 Watts with ten power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking and child lock.
- Cooktop LED lighting that offers a clear and bright vision for your meals on cooktop.
- Two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan system.
- Turntable On/Off function allows you to cook large dishes.
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 29.9” x 15.4” x 16.4”, Internal dimensions: 19.84” x 13.78” x 9.09” (W X D X H) Turntable Diameter: 13.5”
- English installation instructions can be viewed on the page.
GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- GE USA AUTHORIZED – Includes 2 Year Extended Protection Plan in ADDITION to the Included FULL
- Charcoal filter replacement for microwaves with behind the door grille | 1.6 cu. ft. capacity | Convenience cooking | controls | Dimensions: 13″D x 16″W x 9″H
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: GE 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel
- 2 Year Premium Extended Service Protection Plan
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS
- Large Capacity: 15.4″D x 29.9″W x 16.4″H. Featuring a spacious interior, this 1.7 cubic feet microwave oven includes a 12.4-inch turntable and will serve as your top sous chef for any meal or cooking adventure.
- 10 Cooking Levels: With aa 1000-watt output, this over-the-range microwave oven has 6 quick menus for your daily meals, including settings for Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, and Defrost.
- Speedy Cooking: For quick action, press numbers 1, 2, or 3 for using the 100% power level at 1-3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by cooking with 90% microwave power for 10 minutes and then cooking with 50% power for 5 minutes in one time setting.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: With a 2-speed strong suction, the powerful vent on this stainless steel microwave helps to remove fumes and odors while an integrated light offers focused lighting while cooking.
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
Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – White
- Powerful & Efficient: 1000W output and 1550W input power for fast, even cooking. Perfect for busy kitchens.
- Large Capacity: 1.7 cu. ft. interior, ideal for a variety of meals.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Features include Veggies, Snack Menu, Auto Cook, and a specialized Potato program.
- Smart Defrosting: Time and weight defrost settings for precise and efficient thawing.
- Quick Cooking Features: Speedy +30 seconds cooking and Melt/Soften options for butter, chocolate, and more.
- Child Safety Lock: Ensures kitchen safety, preventing unintended use.
- Convenient Kitchen Additions: Comes with an LED timer, efficient vent fan, and a handy stovetop light.
- Adjustable Volume Control: Offers low, normal, high, and off settings for customizable alerts.
- Space-Saving Design: Over-the-range installation for a streamlined kitchen setup.
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
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, Stainless Steel, 0.9 Cu Ft
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate
- 900 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10.6” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 18.6” x 13.6” x 10.7”, Internal dimensions: 12.36” x 13.66” x 8.70” (W x D x H); Color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black
FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000 Cooking Watts, Child Lock and 300 CFM
- Width: 29.87″ x Height: 15.62″ x Depth: 15.75″
- CFM: 300 – Capacity: 1.8 cu. ft. – Cooking Watts: 1000 – Number of Power Levels: 10
- Venting Type: Non Ducted – Auto Defrost – Timer – 27 Touch Pad Buttons
- 2 Speeds – 105/300 CFM – Recirculating Kit: Sold Separately
- 120 Volts – Weight: 35.00 lbs
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 0.9 Cubic Ft., 900-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.
- SPACE-SAVING EXTERIOR, SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 900 watts of power and 0.9 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 convenience cooking controls; 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 white color with black glass construction provide elevated design
- GLASS TURNTABLE: Rotates food throughout the cycle for even through cooking of food
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 choose if I want a microwave under 20 L?
A microwave under 20 L corresponds to roughly 0.7 cu ft or less, which is ideal for small kitchens or limited counter space. Models like the GE Countertop 0.9 cu ft (≈25 L) are slightly larger but still compact, while true sub‑20 L units are usually countertop units with 0.5‑0.7 cu ft. Consider the dish sizes you normally cook to decide if a smaller interior will meet your needs.
How do over‑the‑range (OTR) microwaves compare to countertop models in terms of value?
OTR microwaves, such as the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 and the FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS, combine cooking power with a vent fan, saving cabinet space and eliminating a separate range hood. Countertop models like the GE 1.1 cu ft offer lower price points and easier installation but lack built‑in ventilation. Choose OTR if you need integrated exhaust; otherwise, a countertop unit provides good value for tight budgets.
Which features are most important for a small‑capacity microwave?
Look for multi‑stage cooking, sensor cooking, and quick‑start buttons that let you prepare meals without precise timing. Models such as the BLACK+DECKER Over‑the‑Range (1.7 cu ft) offer 10 power levels and preset menus, while the GE Countertop 0.9 cu ft includes child lock and weight‑defrost for safety and convenience. Even in compact units, these features improve cooking accuracy and ease of use.
Is a higher wattage worth the extra cost for a sub‑20 L microwave?
Higher wattage (e.g., 1100‑1200 W in the GE 1.7 cu ft and 1200 W in the GE 2.0 cu ft) reduces cooking time and provides more even heating, which can be valuable for busy households. However, for a small microwave used mainly for reheating or simple meals, 900‑1000 W is usually sufficient and more budget‑friendly. Balance power needs against price and the size of dishes you plan to prepare.
What should I consider about ventilation when buying an over‑the‑range microwave?
Ventilation performance is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute); higher CFM means better smoke and odor removal. The FRIGIDAIRE model offers 300 CFM with two speed settings, while the BLACK+DECKER OTR provides a 300 CFM fan as well. Ensure the CFM rating matches your cooking style and that the unit fits your existing ductwork or can operate in recirculating mode if needed.
How do price and warranty options differ among the listed microwaves?
Price varies widely, with basic countertop units like the BLACK+DECKER digital model typically being the most affordable, while premium OTR models with advanced venting can cost more. Some GE models include a 2‑year extended protection plan, adding peace of mind at a higher upfront cost. Compare the total cost of ownership, including any bundled warranties, to determine the best value for your budget.
Are child‑lock and safety features essential for a small microwave?
Child‑lock functions prevent accidental operation, which is especially important in households with young children. Most countertop models, such as the GE 0.9 cu ft and 1.1 cu ft, include two‑step child locks, and many OTR units also feature this safety measure. Prioritizing a microwave with reliable lock mechanisms adds an extra layer of safety without significantly increasing price.