The Best Microwaves for College Dorms

Have a reliable relationship microwave is a must for students. Not only does it help you prepare quick and easy meals and snacks, but it also saves you time and money that would otherwise be spent eating out. But living in a dormitory means limited space. There simply isn’t enough room for all the Appliances you might need it. That’s where a great compact unit can come in.

The best microwaves for college dorms won’t take up too much valuable counter or shelf space in your already cramped room. They have enough power to handle larger dinners, reheat pizza and even make mug cakes for your sweet tooth. And because you need food in a pinch, they have preset cooking options and built-in sensors that can even adjust temperatures on the fly.

The Best Microwaves for College Dorms

Best microwave for college dorm: Black + Decker EM720CB7
Best Retro Microwave for College Dorm: Retro Nostalgic Countertop Compact Microwave Oven
Best Microwave for College Dorm for Even Heating: Chef 0.7 Cubic Foot Commercial Microwave
Best Microwave for College Dorm Room for Easy Cleanup: Farberware 700 Watt Countertop Microwave
Best One-Touch Microwave for College Dorm: GE Countertop Microwave Oven

Best Microwave for Dorm Room: Black + Decker EM720CB7

This microwave won’t take up the entire dorm room, but it can still heat up all that ramen and late-night snacks. This perfectly compact appliance packs a serious punch with a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, perfect for whipping up a quick meal or snacking between classes. And with 700 watts of cooking power, there’s no need to heat and—and then reheat—a TV dinner that isn’t still mostly ice cream in the middle.

One of the best things about this microwave is how easy it is to use. The control panel features quick start buttons for grab-and-go foods like popcorn or pizza. Plus, with 10 power levels and a 30-second express cook option, there’s no need to replace the tray for another round. Its sleek design and spacious interior make this microwave a great addition to any college student’s living space. At just under $100, it won’t break the bank, either.

Best Retro Microwave for College Dorm: Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave

Looking for a microwave that’s both functional and fun? Check out the Nostalgia. It’s a fun, retro-style appliance that’s small enough to fit on a countertop while still adding a touch of personality to the room. After all, there’s only so much you can do to decorate a college dorm.

With 700 watts of cooking power and a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, this microwave can handle whatever you throw at it. The 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, delay timer, and express cooking options make it easy to cook or reheat everything from leftover chicken wings to late-night ramen creations.

The digital clock and LED display make it easy to keep track of your cooking time, while the sleek chrome door handle and control panel add a touch of vintage elegance. And with the simple turn and push programming dial, there’s a bit of fun to be had too. So why settle for a boring old microwave when you can have the Nostalgia Microwave and make a statement?

Best College Dorm Microwave for Even Heating: Chef 0.7 Cubic Foot Commercial Microwave

Some smaller microwaves can leave food heating unevenly. This one is a champion at heating evenly, thanks to an efficient turntable that eliminates cold spots and overcooked edges. It has 700 watts of power and a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, so it’s small enough to fit neatly into a dorm room while still being able to serve up quick and easy dinners on the table (or desk).

This sleek-looking microwave has a slightly different exterior aesthetic than many others, but it’s attractive enough to take center stage in any dorm room. It features 10 power levels and one-touch speed cooking settings to make it easy to determine heating times. Plus, the hard latch means that even if there’s a ruckus in the dorm, no one is going to accidentally run into the microwave and break the door. With a 99-minute timer and easy digital controls, this is a microwave that’s definitely worth a try.

Best Stainless Steel Microwave for College Dorm: Farberware 700-Watt Countertop Microwave

Say goodbye to messy microwave cleanups with this Farberware microwave. With an easy-to-clean interior, you don’t have to worry about soup splatters or cheese dripping from a bowl. While some units have textured interior walls, this one features a flat, nonstick coating for easy cleaning.

The 0.7 cubic foot size is perfect for small spaces like dorm rooms, but still provides enough space for a full-size kitchen. And with 700 watts of power and 10 customizable settings, including one-touch options for pizza and other college staples, it’s easy to program and cook. Defrost by weight or time settings also make it easy to defrost frozen foods.

This is a sleek unit that fits perfectly on a counter or other tight space and still offers full-size microwave capabilities.

Best One-Touch Microwave for College Dorm: GE Countertop Microwave

The GE microwave is the perfect, must-have addition to any dorm room, thanks to its one-touch cooking options. With its compact size and 700 watts of power, it has everything you could want in a dorm room microwave, plus super-simple and extensive one-touch cooking options.

Express cooking controls let you start cooking with a single touch instead of hitting a few preset buttons to get started. Those preset buttons are still there for popcorn, drinks, potatoes, and other commonly used foods, but the one-touch system is great for throwing a dish on and walking away.

Other than that, this is a very capable microwave that stands up to its peers with a sleek stainless steel body that looks great wherever it is placed.