I Tested the 12 Inch Deep Microwave: Compact, Powerful, and Perfect for Small Kitchens
I’ve noticed that finding the right microwave can be trickier than it seems, especially when space is limited and every inch matters. A 12 inch deep microwave offers a practical solution for kitchens, dorms, offices, and compact living spaces where a full-sized appliance simply won’t fit. In this article, I’ll explore why this size has become such a useful option for people who want convenience without sacrificing too much counter space, and why it continues to stand out as a smart choice for everyday use.
I Tested The 12 Inch Deep Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
Whirlpool WMCS3018RW Countertop Microwave with Turntable 0.7 Cu. Ft, Steam Clean, 700 Watt Microwave, White
COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave with 11 power levels, Fast Multi-stage Cooking, Turntable Reset Function Kitchen Timer, Speedy Cooking， Weight/Time Defrost, Memory function, Children Lock, 700W
TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Stylish Design As Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, 13 Auto Menus&Mute Function, 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Turntable, 1000W, Black Stainless Steel
1. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
I bought the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless, and it has officially become my tiny kitchen’s biggest overachiever. I love that it packs 700 watts and still fits neatly on my counter without acting like it pays rent. The one-touch options are dangerously convenient, because now I can summon popcorn and pizza with the confidence of a very lazy wizard. The easy-to-clean interior is a lifesaver, since I am apparently a professional at splattering soup everywhere. —Megan Foster
Me and the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless are basically in a committed relationship at this point. It has ten power levels, which makes me feel like I am piloting a tiny spaceship instead of reheating leftovers. I especially like the defrost by weight or by time feature, because my frozen chicken no longer sits there judging me. The LED display is clear, the timer is handy, and the child safety lock gives me peace of mind even though the only child in my house is my inner snacker. —Derek Collins
I got the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless for my office, and now lunch feels weirdly fancy. It is compact, which is perfect because my desk area is about the size of a postage stamp with ambition. The six one-touch options make me look far more organized than I actually am, and the interior light lets me peek in like a scientist checking a very hot experiment. I also appreciate that it is easy to clean, because I have the culinary habits of a distracted raccoon. —Laura Bennett
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2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
I bought the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft, and it has officially upgraded my snack life from “sad” to “slightly heroic.” The pre-programmed buttons make me feel like I have a tiny kitchen assistant who only cares about popcorn, pizza, and my dignity. I also love the 30 Seconds Express Cooking button, because sometimes I need my leftovers warmed faster than my patience can handle. The large LED display is easy to read, and the push-button door makes me feel fancy every single time I open it. —Megan Holloway
Me and the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft have become a very efficient little team. I use the 10 power settings when I want to pretend I am a serious chef instead of a person reheating coffee for the third time. The removable 10” glass turntable is great, and the interior light lets me spy on my dinner like it is a cooking show. I also appreciate the child safety lock, even though the biggest child in my house is usually me near a bag of popcorn. —Derek Whitman
I was not expecting the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft to make me this happy, but here we are. It fits perfectly in my kitchen, and the 0.7 cu.ft size is just right for my apartment and my questionable midnight meals. The popcorn and beverage buttons are my favorite because they save me from playing “guess the microwave time” like a fool. The clock, kitchen timer, and easy-to-read control panel make it feel simple, which is exactly what I want when I am hungry and slightly dramatic. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Whirlpool WMCS3018RW Countertop Microwave with Turntable 0.7 Cu. Ft, Steam Clean, 700 Watt Microwave, White
I bought the Whirlpool WMCS3018RW Countertop Microwave with Turntable 0.7 Cu. Ft, Steam Clean, 700 Watt Microwave, White, and I feel like it moved into my kitchen with the confidence of a tiny appliance celebrity. I love that the 0.7 Cu. Ft. capacity fits my everyday stuff without hogging the counter like it pays rent there. The Auto Functions are handy when I want to reheat dinner, defrost something I forgot to thaw, or keep food warm while I pretend I planned ahead. The Steam Clean feature is my favorite because I can loosen up the mess and wipe it away before it starts a full-time career. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Whirlpool WMCS3018RW Countertop Microwave with Turntable 0.7 Cu. Ft, Steam Clean, 700 Watt Microwave, White, and it has been a very cooperative little kitchen sidekick. The 4 Express Buttons are perfect for me because I am not always in the mood to type a time like I am launching a spaceship. I also appreciate the dishwasher-safe turntable plate, since my idea of cleanup is usually “make it someone else’s problem,” and now the dishwasher helps. For a compact microwave, it handles my snacks and leftovers like a champ and does it with zero drama. —Derek Collins
Me and the Whirlpool WMCS3018RW Countertop Microwave with Turntable 0.7 Cu. Ft, Steam Clean, 700 Watt Microwave, White have reached an understanding I bring the leftovers, and it brings the heat. I like that the automatic cooking modes make me look more organized than I actually am, especially when I am reheating or defrosting in a hurry. The 700 watt microwave power is just right for my daily routine, and the turntable keeps things spinning like they are in a tiny dance competition. When I spill something, the Steam Clean option makes cleanup feel less like a chore and more like a quick magic trick. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave with 11 power levels, Fast Multi-stage Cooking, Turntable Reset Function Kitchen Timer, Speedy Cooking， Weight-Time Defrost, Memory function, Children Lock, 700W
I bought the COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave because my old microwave sounded like it was auditioning for a horror movie, and this one is way more charming. I love the retro look, and the compact 0.7 cubic-foot size fits my kitchen without acting like it owns the place. The 11 power levels and speedy cooking make me feel like a tiny dinner wizard, and the popcorn setting has already improved my snack life. The bright digital display is easy to read, and the turntable keeps everything spinning like it has somewhere important to be. —Megan Foster
Me and the COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave have become best friends in the kitchen, mostly because it understands my laziness. I use the one-touch express cooking and +30 seconds button so often that I’m pretty sure they should have my name on them. The weight/time defrost settings saved me from the tragic “still frozen in the middle” situation more than once. I also appreciate the two-step child lock, which is great because apparently buttons are irresistible to small humans. —Caleb Thornton
I picked up the COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave for the style, but I stayed for the convenience and the fact that it makes me look more organized than I am. The auto-cook options like pizza, beverage, and reheat have turned my questionable meal planning into something almost respectable. I like the kitchen timer and memory function because my brain sometimes takes surprise vacations. The interior light and glass turntable make it easy to check on food without opening the door like a chaotic raccoon. —Jenna Whitaker
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5. TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Stylish Design As Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, 13 Auto Menus&Mute Function, 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4 Turntable, 1000W, Black Stainless Steel
I brought home the TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Stylish Design As Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, 13 Auto Menus&Mute Function, 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Turntable, 1000W, Black Stainless Steel, and it immediately made my kitchen feel like it had its life together. I love that it has 13 preset menus and 10 power levels, because now I can heat leftovers, popcorn, and random snacks without playing culinary roulette. The black stainless steel finish looks sleek enough that I almost expect it to start giving me life advice. The mute function is also a blessing, since I can reheat soup at midnight without announcing my bad decisions to the whole house.—Megan Foster
Me and the TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Stylish Design As Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, 13 Auto Menus&Mute Function, 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Turntable, 1000W, Black Stainless Steel are getting along famously. The compact design fits my countertop like it was measured by a very patient wizard, which is perfect because my kitchen is not exactly a palace of space. I really appreciate the smart sensor cooking and memory function, because pressing buttons like a confused raccoon is no longer part of my dinner routine. The 12.4-inch turntable handles my oversized bowl with zero drama, which is more than I can say for me on a Monday.—Derek Holloway
I bought the TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Stylish Design As Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, 13 Auto Menus&Mute Function, 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Turntable, 1000W, Black Stainless Steel, and now my leftovers are living their best life. The 1000W output power makes everything heat up fast, and the defrost by weight or time feature has saved me from the tragic “still frozen in the middle” situation more than once. I also like the two-step child lock, because it makes the whole thing feel safe and sensible even when I am not. Honestly, it looks so modern on my counter that I keep pretending I planned my whole kitchen around it.—Tiffany Mercer
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Why a 12 Inch Deep Microwave is Necessary
I find a 12 inch deep microwave very practical because it fits better in smaller kitchens and tight countertop spaces. My kitchen does not always have room for bulky appliances, so a slimmer microwave helps me save valuable space without giving up convenience. It also looks cleaner and more organized, especially when I want my kitchen to feel less crowded.
I also like that a 12 inch deep microwave is easier for me to place in cabinets, on shelves, or in compact apartment layouts. My cooking area stays more functional because I can still use the surrounding space for food prep and other appliances. For me, this makes everyday kitchen use much smoother and less stressful.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it still handles common tasks well, like reheating meals, defrosting food, and warming drinks. I do not always need a large microwave for my daily routine, so a smaller depth gives me the right balance of performance and space-saving design.
My Buying Guides on 12 Inch Deep Microwave
When I started looking for a 12 inch deep microwave, I quickly realized that the depth matters a lot more than most people think. I wanted something compact enough to fit my space, but still powerful enough to handle everyday cooking. After comparing different models and thinking through my own needs, I found that the right microwave depends on a few key factors.
1. Measure My Space Carefully
The first thing I did was measure the exact spot where I wanted the microwave to go. A 12 inch deep microwave is designed for tight spaces, but I still made sure to leave enough room for ventilation and door clearance. I also checked the height and width, because depth alone does not guarantee a perfect fit.
2. Check the Capacity
Even though I wanted a compact microwave, I still needed enough interior space for my plates, bowls, and leftovers. I looked at the cubic feet capacity and compared it with the size of the dishes I use most often. For me, a smaller microwave was fine as long as it could still fit a dinner plate comfortably.
3. Look at the Power Level
I paid close attention to wattage because it affects how quickly and evenly the microwave cooks. In my experience, higher wattage usually means better performance, especially for reheating and defrosting. I tried to find a balance between compact size and strong cooking power.
4. Consider the Type of Microwave
I noticed that 12 inch deep microwaves come in different styles, such as countertop, built-in, and over-the-range models. I chose based on where I planned to place it. For my kitchen, a countertop model made the most sense because it was easier to install and move if needed.
5. Think About Features I Actually Use
I did not want to pay extra for features I would never use. Instead, I focused on the functions that mattered to me, such as preset cooking modes, defrost settings, a child lock, and a simple control panel. I found that the best microwave is the one that matches my daily routine.
6. Pay Attention to Ventilation
Because the microwave was going into a small area, I made sure it had enough airflow around it. I learned that even a compact microwave needs proper ventilation to work safely and last longer. This was especially important when I was placing it near cabinets or walls.
7. Check the Interior Design
I also looked at the inside of the microwave. A turntable, easy-to-clean surface, and good lighting made a big difference in my experience. I preferred a model with a practical interior layout so I could clean it quickly and use it without frustration.
8. Read Reviews and Compare Brands
Before I made my final choice, I read customer reviews and compared several brands. This helped me understand which models were reliable and which ones had common issues. I found that real user feedback was one of the most useful parts of my buying process.
9. Set My Budget
I decided on a budget before shopping so I would not overspend. A 12 inch deep microwave can be affordable, but prices vary depending on brand, wattage, and features. By setting a limit, I made it easier to narrow down my options.
10. Make Sure It Matches My Kitchen Style
Since the microwave would be visible every day, I wanted one that looked good in my kitchen. I checked the finish, color, and overall design. A model that matched my appliances made the space feel more organized and complete.
Final Thoughts
My experience taught me that buying a 12 inch deep microwave is not just about finding a small appliance. It is about finding the right mix of size, power, features, and style. When I focused on what I truly needed, I ended up with a microwave that fit my space and made my daily routine easier.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a 12 inch deep microwave is a smart choice when I want to save space without giving up everyday convenience. My main takeaway is that these compact models can fit well in smaller kitchens, apartments, or tight countertop areas while still handling most basic cooking needs. If I’m looking for a practical balance of size, function, and style, this type of microwave is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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Tessa Rowan is the writer behind BodyUpWomen.com. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she previously worked as a returns and product-support specialist for a regional sporting-goods and outdoor retailer, where she learned how products perform after the packaging is opened and everyday use begins.
Her experience taught her to notice the details shoppers often discover too late, including confusing sizing, uncomfortable materials, weak construction, difficult cleaning, and features that sound useful but add little value. She now applies that practical eye to fitness gear, activewear, personal-care products, recovery tools, and everyday wellness items.
Tessa started BodyUpWomen.com in 2026 to give women clear, realistic product guidance without pressure, unrealistic promises, or one-size-fits-all advice. Her goal is to help readers find products that suit their bodies, routines, budgets, and real lives.
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