Guide to choosing the best microwave for college students and dorm living.
College life can be a whirlwind of late-night study sessions, quick meals between classes, and the occasional craving for a warm, comforting snack. But navigating the limited space and amenities of a dorm room can be a challenge, especially when it comes to cooking. That’s where a trusty microwave comes in! It’s your secret weapon for whipping up easy meals, heating leftovers, and even making a few simple snacks.
Choosing the right microwave for your dorm room requires some careful consideration. You’ll want something compact, efficient, and powerful enough to handle your basic cooking needs. But don’t worry, there are plenty of excellent options available that won’t break the bank.
This guide is your ultimate resource for finding the best microwave for your dorm room. We’ve scoured the market and handpicked 16 top-rated models that excel in features, performance, and affordability. Whether you’re looking for a simple reheating machine or a microwave with a few extra bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready to unlock a world of convenience and deliciousness in your dorm room kitchen! With the right microwave, you can say goodbye to boring meals and hello to a world of culinary possibilities, all within the confines of your compact living space. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect microwave to fuel your college adventures!
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| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hamilton Beach Easy Reach Microwave | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| COSTWAY 0.7 Cubic Feet Microwave | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Toshiba EM925A5C-BS Microwave | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Panasonic NN-SD997S Microwave Oven | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sharp R-1874 Microwave Oven | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LG Electronics LMC079B Microwave | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Westinghouse WM720C Microwave | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Galanz GL20MS01SB Microwave | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cuisinart CMW-20 Microwave | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hamilton Beach Easy Reach Microwave
A compact microwave with a unique design that allows for easy access to food. It features a turntable and multiple power levels.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
- Power: 700 watts
- Features: Easy Reach Door, 10 power levels, digital display, turntable
Reasons to buy :
- Easy access to food thanks to the unique door design
- Compact size makes it perfect for small spaces
- Offers a variety of power levels for different cooking needs
Reasons to avoid :
- The Easy Reach door can be a bit tricky to operate at first
- May not be suitable for larger meals or dishes
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a compact microwave with easy access to food.
- You're looking for a microwave with multiple power levels.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a microwave with a large capacity.
- You're looking for a microwave with advanced features.
Bottom Line:
The Hamilton Beach Easy Reach Microwave is a great choice for students who are looking for a compact microwave with easy access to food. Its unique door design makes it easy to grab your food, and it offers a variety of power levels to suit your needs. However, it may not be the best choice if you need a microwave with a large capacity or advanced features.
COSTWAY 0.7 Cubic Feet Microwave
This budget-friendly microwave offers a good value for its price. It is compact in size and comes with a variety of cooking functions.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Power: 700 watts
- Features: 6 power levels, defrost function, timer, turntable
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable price point
- Compact size is ideal for small spaces
- Offers basic cooking functions for reheating and defrosting
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited power levels
- Basic features may not be enough for more advanced cooking
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a budget-friendly microwave.
- You need a compact microwave for a small space.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a microwave with advanced features.
- You want a powerful microwave with a high wattage.
Bottom Line:
The COSTWAY 0.7 Cubic Feet Microwave is a solid budget option for students who are looking for a simple, compact microwave. It offers the basic features you need for reheating and defrosting food, but it lacks the advanced features and power of some higher-end models.
BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven
A reliable and affordable option, this microwave offers simple controls and basic features. It's compact and perfect for small spaces.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
- Power: 700 watts
- Features: 10 power levels, 6-minute timer, turntable, defrost function
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable price point
- Easy-to-use controls
- Compact size suitable for small spaces
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited power levels
- Basic features may not be enough for more advanced cooking
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a reliable and affordable microwave.
- You need a compact microwave for a small space.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a microwave with advanced features.
- You want a powerful microwave with a high wattage.
Bottom Line:
The BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven is a great option for students on a budget. It's reliable, easy to use, and compact, making it perfect for small dorm rooms. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it gets the job done and is a good value for the price.
Toshiba EM925A5C-BS Microwave
This sleek microwave offers a variety of features, including sensor cooking and a compact design.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
- Power: 1000 watts
- Features: Sensor cooking, 10 power levels, automatic reheat, turntable, defrost function
Reasons to buy :
- Sensor cooking technology for precise heating
- Sleek and modern design
- Powerful 1000-watt output for faster cooking
Reasons to avoid :
- More expensive than some other models
- Sensor cooking can sometimes be inaccurate
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a microwave with sensor cooking technology.
- You're looking for a stylish and compact microwave.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You're not comfortable with sensor cooking technology.
Bottom Line:
The Toshiba EM925A5C-BS Microwave is a great option for students who are looking for a sleek and modern microwave with advanced features like sensor cooking. Its powerful output and automatic reheat function make it a great choice for busy students who don't have a lot of time to cook. However, its higher price tag may be a deterrent for some.
Panasonic NN-SD997S Microwave Oven
This versatile microwave offers a variety of cooking functions, including sensor cooking and inverter technology for even heating.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
- Power: 1000 watts
- Features: Sensor cooking, inverter technology, 10 power levels, automatic reheat, turntable, defrost function
Reasons to buy :
- Inverter technology for even heating
- Sensor cooking for precise temperature control
- Larger capacity suitable for bigger meals
Reasons to avoid :
- More expensive than some other models
- May be too large for some dorm rooms
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a microwave with advanced features like inverter technology and sensor cooking.
- You need a microwave with a larger capacity.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You have limited space in your dorm room.
Bottom Line:
The Panasonic NN-SD997S Microwave Oven is a great choice for students who are looking for a versatile microwave with advanced features and a larger capacity. Its inverter technology ensures even heating, while its sensor cooking function makes it easy to get perfect results every time. However, its higher price tag and larger size may not be ideal for all dorm rooms.
Sharp R-1874 Microwave Oven
This compact and affordable microwave offers basic features for reheating and defrosting.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
- Power: 700 watts
- Features: 5 power levels, turntable, defrost function
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable price point
- Compact size suitable for small spaces
- Easy-to-use controls
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited power levels
- Basic features may not be enough for more advanced cooking
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a budget-friendly microwave.
- You need a compact microwave for a small space.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a microwave with advanced features.
- You want a powerful microwave with a high wattage.
Bottom Line:
The Sharp R-1874 Microwave Oven is a great option for students on a tight budget. It's compact, affordable, and easy to use, making it perfect for simple reheating and defrosting tasks. While it doesn't offer the advanced features of some other models, it's a reliable and practical choice for students who don't need a lot of bells and whistles.
LG Electronics LMC079B Microwave
This compact microwave features a sleek design and a variety of power levels.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Power: 700 watts
- Features: 10 power levels, turntable, defrost function
Reasons to buy :
- Sleek and modern design
- Compact size suitable for small spaces
- Offers a variety of power levels for different cooking needs
Reasons to avoid :
- Basic features may not be enough for more advanced cooking
- May not be suitable for larger meals or dishes
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a compact and stylish microwave.
- You need a microwave with multiple power levels.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a microwave with advanced features.
- You want a powerful microwave with a high wattage.
Bottom Line:
The LG Electronics LMC079B Microwave is a great option for students who are looking for a sleek and compact microwave with multiple power levels. Its modern design and small footprint make it perfect for small dorm rooms, and its variety of power levels allow you to cook a range of dishes. However, it may not be the best choice if you need a microwave with advanced features or a larger capacity.
Westinghouse WM720C Microwave
This powerful microwave features a spacious interior and a variety of cooking functions.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet
- Power: 1000 watts
- Features: 10 power levels, sensor cooking, automatic reheat, turntable, defrost function
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful 1000-watt output for faster cooking
- Spacious interior suitable for larger meals
- Offers a variety of features, including sensor cooking
Reasons to avoid :
- May be too large for some dorm rooms
- More expensive than some other models
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a microwave with a large capacity.
- You want a powerful microwave with a high wattage.
- You're looking for a microwave with sensor cooking technology.
Don't buy it if:
- You have limited space in your dorm room.
- You're on a tight budget.
Bottom Line:
The Westinghouse WM720C Microwave is a great choice for students who need a powerful microwave with a large capacity. Its 1000-watt output and spacious interior make it ideal for cooking larger meals or reheating leftovers. Its sensor cooking technology makes it easy to get perfect results, and its variety of other features make it a versatile option for any student kitchen. However, its larger size and higher price tag may not be ideal for all dorm rooms.
Galanz GL20MS01SB Microwave
This budget-friendly microwave offers a good value for its price. It features a compact design and basic features for reheating and defrosting.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
- Power: 700 watts
- Features: 5 power levels, turntable, defrost function
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable price point
- Compact size suitable for small spaces
- Easy-to-use controls
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited power levels
- Basic features may not be enough for more advanced cooking
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a budget-friendly microwave.
- You need a compact microwave for a small space.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a microwave with advanced features.
- You want a powerful microwave with a high wattage.
Bottom Line:
The Galanz GL20MS01SB Microwave is a great option for students who are looking for a budget-friendly microwave. It offers the basic features you need to reheat and defrost food, and its compact size makes it perfect for small dorm rooms. However, it doesn't have the advanced features or power of some higher-end models.
Cuisinart CMW-20 Microwave
This compact and stylish microwave offers a variety of features, including sensor cooking and a sleek design.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
- Power: 1000 watts
- Features: Sensor cooking, 10 power levels, automatic reheat, turntable, defrost function
Reasons to buy :
- Sensor cooking technology for precise heating
- Sleek and modern design
- Powerful 1000-watt output for faster cooking
Reasons to avoid :
- More expensive than some other models
- Sensor cooking can sometimes be inaccurate
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a microwave with sensor cooking technology.
- You're looking for a stylish and compact microwave.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You're not comfortable with sensor cooking technology.
Bottom Line:
The Cuisinart CMW-20 Microwave is a great option for students who are looking for a stylish and compact microwave with advanced features like sensor cooking. Its powerful output and automatic reheat function make it a great choice for busy students who don't have a lot of time to cook. However, its higher price tag may be a deterrent for some.
ComfyLife Countertop Microwave
A compact and affordable microwave perfect for small spaces.
Specifications:
- 0.7 cubic feet capacity
- 700 watts of power
- 10 power levels
- 6 pre-programmed settings
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price
- Compact size
- Easy to use
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited power output
- Basic features
What you need to know:
Buy it if
You're on a tight budget and need a simple microwave for basic reheating.
Don't buy it if:
You need a microwave with a lot of power or advanced features.
Bottom Line:
The ComfyLife Countertop Microwave is a solid choice for students who need a simple and affordable microwave for basic reheating. It's compact size makes it perfect for small dorm rooms, and its easy-to-use controls make it a great option for those who are not familiar with microwaves. However, if you need a microwave with a lot of power or advanced features, this may not be the best option for you.
Oster OMT100 Microwave
A versatile microwave with a sleek design and a variety of features.
Specifications:
- 0.9 cubic feet capacity
- 1000 watts of power
- 10 power levels
- 6 pre-programmed settings
- Auto defrost function
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful performance
- Auto defrost function
- Sleek design
Reasons to avoid:
- Can be noisy
- Higher price point
What you need to know:
Buy it if
You need a powerful microwave with auto defrost and a sleek design.
Don't buy it if:
You are on a tight budget or are sensitive to noise.
Bottom Line:
The Oster OMT100 Microwave is a great option for students who need a powerful microwave with auto defrost. It has a sleek design that will look great in any dorm room, and its powerful performance will allow you to quickly reheat your food. However, it can be a bit noisy, and it's on the higher end of the price spectrum, so it might not be the best choice for everyone.
Magic Chef MC1030WM Microwave
A budget-friendly microwave with a variety of features.
Specifications:
- 0.9 cubic feet capacity
- 700 watts of power
- 10 power levels
- 6 pre-programmed settings
- Auto defrost function
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price
- Auto defrost function
- Variety of features
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited power output
- Can be slow to heat food
What you need to know:
Buy it if
You're on a tight budget and need a microwave with basic features.
Don't buy it if:
You need a microwave with a lot of power or advanced features.
Bottom Line:
The Magic Chef MC1030WM Microwave is a solid choice for students who need an affordable microwave with basic features. It's compact size makes it perfect for small dorm rooms, and its auto defrost function is a nice bonus. However, it's not the most powerful microwave on the market, and it can be slow to heat food.
Danby DAR1001W Microwave
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A reliable microwave with a sleek design and a variety of features.
Specifications:
- 0.9 cubic feet capacity
- 1000 watts of power
- 10 power levels
- 6 pre-programmed settings
- Auto defrost function
- Digital display
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful performance
- Auto defrost function
- Sleek design
- Digital display
Reasons to avoid:
- Can be noisy
- Higher price point
What you need to know:
Buy it if
You need a powerful microwave with auto defrost and a sleek design.
Don't buy it if:
You are on a tight budget or are sensitive to noise.
Bottom Line:
The Danby DAR1001W Microwave is a great option for students who need a powerful microwave with a variety of features. It has a sleek design that will look great in any dorm room, and its powerful performance will allow you to quickly reheat your food. However, it can be a bit noisy, and it's on the higher end of the price spectrum, so it might not be the best choice for everyone.
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Farberware FMW1050CW Microwave
A stylish and affordable microwave with a variety of features.
Specifications:
- 0.9 cubic feet capacity
- 1000 watts of power
- 10 power levels
- 6 pre-programmed settings
- Auto defrost function
- Digital display
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful performance
- Auto defrost function
- Stylish design
- Digital display
Reasons to avoid:
- Can be noisy
- Higher price point
What you need to know:
Buy it if
You need a powerful microwave with auto defrost and a stylish design.
Don't buy it if:
You are on a tight budget or are sensitive to noise.
Bottom Line:
The Farberware FMW1050CW Microwave is a great option for students who need a powerful microwave with a variety of features. It has a stylish design that will look great in any dorm room, and its powerful performance will allow you to quickly reheat your food. However, it can be a bit noisy, and it's on the higher end of the price spectrum, so it might not be the best choice for everyone.
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Proctor Silex Easy Clean Microwave
A simple and affordable microwave perfect for basic reheating.
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Specifications:
- 0.7 cubic feet capacity
- 700 watts of power
- 10 power levels
- 6 pre-programmed settings
- Easy-to-clean interior
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price
- Easy-to-clean interior
- Compact size
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited power output
- Basic features
What you need to know:
Buy it if
You're on a tight budget and need a simple microwave for basic reheating.
Don't buy it if:
You need a microwave with a lot of power or advanced features.
Bottom Line:
The Proctor Silex Easy Clean Microwave is a solid choice for students who need a simple and affordable microwave for basic reheating. It's compact size makes it perfect for small dorm rooms, and its easy-to-clean interior makes it a great option for those who are not comfortable cleaning their appliances. However, if you need a microwave with a lot of power or advanced features, this may not be the best option for you.
There you have it! We've compiled a list of the 16 best microwaves for college dorm rooms, covering a range of needs and budgets. Whether you're looking for a compact countertop model or something with extra power for reheating leftovers, we've got you covered. Remember to check your dorm's rules and regulations regarding microwave usage and wattage limits.
Investing in a good microwave for your dorm room can significantly improve your college experience. It's a convenient way to quickly reheat meals, prepare snacks, and even cook simple dishes. Plus, it can save you money by reducing the need for frequent takeout.
With so many great options available, finding the perfect microwave for your dorm room is easy. Consider your needs and budget, and choose a model that fits your lifestyle.
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Remember, a good microwave is a valuable investment for college students, offering convenience, cost-effectiveness, and a touch of home comfort in your dorm room.
Amira 
Mohammed