Microwave MWP
Microwave MS2082F
Microwave Microwave Studio
Microwave ProClean 2010
The best compact microwave
Finding a free spot on the countertop is not always easy: coffee makers, toasters, air fryers, and other small appliances compete for their own space. Some can be stored when not in use, but the microwave is usually one of those that remains always visible. Precisely to save space without giving up having it always available, compact models arise.
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Although their size is smaller than a conventional microwave, they offer very similar features. With capacities usually ranging between 13 and 23 liters, they allow heating, defrosting, and in many cases, cooking or gratinating food. Additionally, some models include automatic programs, several power levels, and even uncommon functions like keeping warm or fermenting dough.
How we chose and tested the products
For this comparison, I selected four compact microwaves from well-established brands in the appliance sector that stand out for offering a good combination of size, features, and price. Besides taking up little space, all of them are designed to cover everyday needs, although each bets on a different approach: from simple models to others with grill, automatic programs, and more advanced functions.
For a month, I used them at home to analyze how they perform in usual situations. I tested heating coffee, milk, and prepared dishes, defrosting meat, fish, and bread, cooking vegetables and other foods, and using special functions — like the grill or automatic programs — whenever available. I also checked if they accommodate containers of different sizes, how they behave with continuous use, if they are comfortable to handle, and how much effort is required to keep them clean. These are the aspects I considered to prepare the comparison:
- Capacity: if the interior space allows comfortable use of plates, containers, and dishes of different sizes despite being compact models.
- Power: the speed and uniformity with which they heat, cook, or defrost food.
- Programs and functions: the number of power levels, automatic programs, timer, and other additional functions that facilitate daily use.
- Cleaning: the ease of removing splashes and food residues both inside and outside using a damp cloth and a neutral cleaner.
Why can you trust me?
Throughout my journalistic career, I have always sought to turn complex information into clear, practical, and easy-to-understand content for the reader. That is why, in comparisons, my goal has always been the same: to understand the characteristics of the products I test and explain which models are most suitable according to each need. I like to put myself in the reader’s shoes and imagine their doubts, and that is why I do not limit myself to describing specifications; I contextualize them and highlight the best (and worst) of their performance, use, and design. My purpose is that each analysis inspires confidence and helps make the right decisions.
1- Versatility: Whirlpool MWP
Who it is for: those looking for a compact microwave, but with advanced functions.
Why we recommend it: its 12 kilos, along with a careful design and finishes that convey quality, make it offer a good feeling of solidity and stability. Its dimensions fit perfectly in the microwave space I have in the kitchen, and its 20 liters capacity was enough to reheat prepared dishes, defrost bread, and heat milk or coffee. However, where it really makes a difference is in all its additional functions. The most practical for me was the ‘keep warm’ function. Whenever I prepare or heat dinner, I take the opportunity to do other tasks around the house, and this function is perfect for those moments when you get a bit distracted. When I returned, the plate was always at the right temperature without ending up dry. Another uncommon option this compact model offers is the possibility to ferment dough or prepare homemade yogurt. In fact, I ended up using them several times, obtaining a pizza dough that correctly doubled its volume and yogurts with a very creamy texture.
Equally interesting were its automatic programs, which I barely had to understand by taking a quick look at the manual. You just need to indicate the food and its weight for the microwave to automatically adjust the time and cooking mode, combining, when necessary, the microwave and the grill. In most recipes, it was quite accurate, although with vegetables and pasta I had to add a couple of minutes to get the point I wanted. The quartz grill offers a much more convincing result than I expected, something I verified when gratinating eggplants with cheese using the included rack. It does not reach the speed of a conventional oven, but it does achieve a uniform and appetizing browning. I also liked how easy it is to keep clean. Thanks to its smooth cavity, cheese splashes are removed effortlessly.
Its weak points: it is the most expensive model in the entire comparison.
2- Simplicity: LG MS2082F
Who it is for: those looking for an easy-to-use model.
Why we recommend it: this model also fit perfectly in the microwave space in my kitchen. Also, being one of the lightest, there were days when I moved it without much effort to the countertop of my home workspace. What I liked most is that I did not have to consult the manual to operate it. It only has two very intuitive rotary knobs, so you just need to select the power level and time to start. During the tests, I heated coffee, pasta dishes, rice, creams, and leftover pizza, always obtaining uniform heating. It is true that it needs a few more seconds than models like Whirlpool or Create to complete the process, but the difference is barely noticeable in daily use. Where it did surprise me was in defrosting. I tried with ground meat, bread, and frozen chicken breasts, and the result was homogeneous, without partially cooked edges.
The interior offers enough space for flat plates, bowls, and conventional containers. I even managed to fit a medium oval dish to reheat lasagna, although especially large containers or a medium pizza were too tight. I also appreciated the interior LED lighting to check the food status without having to open and close the door continuously. As for cleaning, it was also trouble-free. The stainless steel interior cleans easily with a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water and a few drops of soap. The black exterior, on the other hand, requires a bit more attention due to fingerprints, but nothing remarkable.
Its weak points: it lacks advanced functions like grill or automatic programs, and its power requires waiting a bit longer than other models for certain foods.
3- Power: Create Microwave Studio
Who it is for: users looking for a microwave with a careful design, good power, and functions beyond heating food.
Why we recommend it: in terms of design, it is the most striking microwave in the entire comparison. It is also the largest and heaviest, so it was a bit harder to find a spot in the kitchen or move it. However, once placed, its matte glass finish and chrome handle make it look more like a decorative element than a small appliance. But it is not all aesthetics. Its 23 liters capacity is noticeable compared to the other three models analyzed. Thanks to its size, I could easily fit large containers and a medium pizza, something that sometimes is difficult in 20-liter models. Its power also makes a difference: when reheating dishes, I needed less time than with the rest, and the heat was distributed very evenly thanks to its large turntable.
The digital panel is intuitive, but I had to consult the manual to familiarize myself with some functions and understand the meaning of certain panel icons. Its eight automatic programs facilitate cooking, and the fact that it has a grill is a plus. That said, although the results are tasty, it requires a bit more time than a conventional oven grill. Another valuable detail is the possibility to choose among ten power levels. It may seem a secondary aspect, but it is appreciated when you need specific things like melting chocolate, defrosting delicate foods, or keeping a preparation warm without overcooking it. Despite its glass exterior, I expected to find many more fingerprints than actually appeared. The matte finish disguises them quite well, and a slightly damp microfiber cloth is enough to leave it like new. The interior is also very comfortable to clean, although in the corners and around the grill I had to insist a bit more to remove some dried grease residues.
Its weak points: its larger capacity also means taking up much more space on the countertop and being the heaviest in the group.
4- Economical: Cecotec ProClean 2010
Who it is for: perfect for those who need a model with a reduced price, easy to use, and sufficient for everyday use.
Why we recommend it: at first, I thought that, due to its price, much lower than the rest of the models in the comparison, it would offer fewer possibilities. However, I ended up with a very different opinion: it works perfectly for everyday use, such as heating drinks, reheating prepared dishes, or defrosting food occasionally. Like the other models, I appreciated its compact size, which allowed me to place it both in the usual microwave space and on the countertop when needed. Its rotary knobs are very similar to LG’s and have the same advantage, as there is no need to consult the manual to start using it. It has six power levels and a timer of up to 30 minutes, more than enough for usual tasks. However, here we do not find a grill or automatic programs, so everything depends on manually adjusting power and time.
It is also similar to the LG model regarding performance. It needs a few more seconds than the Whirlpool or Create units to complete heating, although the difference is not significant. Its 3DWave technology, beyond the commercial name, did give me the feeling of distributing heat quite evenly, without finding cold spots in the center of the plate. Just note that with coffee, I took a bit longer to find the right time because it was easy to underheat or overheat it. Something similar happened with defrosting; although it performs well, on some occasions I had to turn the chicken breasts or separate the ground meat pieces halfway through the process to achieve a completely uniform result. Finally, cleaning was notable. Both the stainless steel interior and the turntable clean quickly with a damp cloth and a bit of soap. After preparing several sauces and creams, it took me just a few minutes to leave it spotless.
Its weak points: it does not include a grill or automatic programs, and its power requires waiting a bit longer for certain foods.
Other interesting compact microwave models
If you are looking for a Scandinavian style model
The Russell Hobbs RHMM713G combines a Nordic-inspired design with intuitive wood-effect knobs, allowing quick and easy adjustment of power and cooking time.
If you also want it to have a cleaning assistant
The Balay Aqualisis incorporates a system that facilitates cleaning the interior after each use. Additionally, its LED lighting helps monitor the cooking of food at a glance.
Frequently asked questions about compact microwaves
What is the difference between a compact microwave and a conventional one?
The main difference is in size and interior capacity. Compact microwaves usually have between 17 and 22 liters, compared to 23-26 liters (or more) of conventional models. This makes them take up less space on the countertop and be a good option for small kitchens, offices, apartments, or second homes.
What capacity does a compact microwave need?
It depends on the intended use. A 17 or 18-liter model is usually enough to heat dishes, prepare breakfasts, or defrost food for one or two people. If used daily for cooking or larger containers are needed, it is advisable to opt for one of 20 liters or more, as long as the available space allows it.
Is it worth choosing a compact microwave with grill function?
If, besides heating and defrosting, you want to gratinate, brown pizzas, lasagnas, or toast, the grill function adds extra versatility. However, if the main use will be reheating food or drinks, a compact microwave without grill is usually sufficient and, moreover, is more economical and easier to clean.
*All purchase prices included in this article are updated as of August 4, 2026.
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