Why Choose a Small Microwave?
Many people opt for a small microwave because they live where space is limited – this could be a studio apartment, an in-law suite or an RV. But there are also homeowners who choose a small microwave simply because they don’t utilize the microwave for much of their cooking and they’d rather not have an appliance take up space on their counters. Small microwaves not only use less counter space, but they also use less electricity. They can also be more cost-effective, too.
Microwave Sizes
Like other appliances, microwaves come in a range of sizes to suit a variety of lifestyles. Large microwaves are generally 1.5 cu ft or larger while small microwaves are 1 cu ft or smaller. Typically, a small microwave measures 15 to 19 inches in width, 10 to 11 inches in height, and 12 to 16 inches in depth.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Small Microwave
Some small size microwaves offer the same popular features found in microwaves that are standard size or oversized. Below is a list of some common features to look for in microwaves. Whether you're purchasing a microwave for a dorm room, RV, apartment or other compact space, these features might come in handy.
Child Safety Locks
This feature is extremely important if you have children in the home. A child safety lock on a microwave can prevent a child from handling hot foods and injuring or burning themselves in the process. If you plan to place your microwave where a child will have access to it, consider choosing a microwave with a child safety lock.
Convenience Cooking Controls
Convenience cooking controls allow you to cook and reheat food without having to guess how much cooking time is needed. Designed with pre-programmed settings, these cooking controls will accurately defrost, cook and/or reheat common household meals and snacks such as pizza, frozen vegetables, chicken, fish and more. This can help you and your family avoid undercooked or overcooked meals.
Speed Cook
Microwaves are all about convenience. If you need to cook or reheat a meal quickly, a microwave is your best bet. For added convenience, look for options with a Speed Cook feature. These appliances offer the cooking results of a conventional oven at the speed of a microwave.
Fingerprint Resistant
When it comes to kitchen appliances, many homeowners prefer fingerprint-resistant finishes. This will ensure that the exterior of your microwave is easier to keep clean. This is especially important if your microwave is in a visible location, like a countertop.
Turntables
Turntables rotate during a microwave cycle, ensuring even heating of food. This feature can help prevent hot and cold spots in food, instead cooking meals evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Microwaves
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about small microwaves.
What is the smallest size microwave?
There are a variety of small microwaves available on Lowes.com. The smallest microwaves offered are .7 cu ft, making them ideal for dorm rooms, apartment kitchens, offices and other places limited on space.
Where should I put my small microwave?
If safe and possible, put your microwave in a cupboard or cabinet to save valuable counter space. Another good solution to save counter space is to put a small microwave on a wheeled cart, such as a bar cart.
Do small microwaves have enough power to heat my food?
Though small microwaves offer less power than medium and large microwaves, they are equipped with enough power to effectively heat food. It may simply take more time to heat food in a small microwave.
Can a small microwave oven be mounted on the wall to save space?
In order to mount a microwave on a wall, you must ensure that the make and model allows for wall installation. Countertop microwaves, for example, are not designed to be mounted on a wall. Depending of the venting of your appliance, this may or may not be a possibility. Check your user manual for proper installation of your specific microwave. Want to leave installation to a professional? Check out the appliance installation services offered at Lowe's.
Which microwave brand is best?
Lowe's carries a variety of top appliance brands including GE, Whirlpool®, Samsung, LG, KitchenAid and more. There isn't one microwave brand that is best but each brand offers different colors, sizes and features that may be better suited for your home and preferences.