When I went to college, my third most used item was my microwave (TV, refrigerator). As I mentioned here, many colleges allow you to bring your own microwave, but you should check with the Director of Student Life before running out and buying one.
If your school allows a microwave, usually they limit the watts to 800 or less. In this post, I have
Instead of spending time and energy looking for the best microwave for your dorm, click here where I’ve done it for you.
Continue reading to see the 18 best microwaves for your college dorm.
MAGIC CHEF Countertop Microwave
Magic chef has a number of microwaves to meet the needs of consumers. Included with these microwaves are a number of features that are appealing to consumers.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
This 700-watt microwave has an oven capacity of 0.7 cubic feet and 8 quick set menu buttons to cook everything from popcorn to frozen vegetables. In addition, this microwave has 3 preprogrammed fast cooking settings to make cooking a breeze.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
Some customers have complained that this products life is much shorter than the 9.5 year average. This may not be a huge concern if aren’t planning on using this product after college.
Westinghouse WCM660W Counter Top Microwave
The Westinghouse brand is a pretty well know in the small appliance industry. This microwave is one of many that Westinghouse offers for consumers to consider.
This microwave has a 0.6 cubic feet of cooking space, and 600 watts of cooking power. In addition, this microwave features defrost by weight, door handle, and a turntable.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
I like the small footprint, the easy dial based power level adjuster, and the simple timer. Also, this microwave has a very competitive price.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
This microwave does not have quick cooking options like other microwaves on this list. The price per watt for this microwave is $0.10, which may be high for the limited features. Finally, the 0.6 cubic feet may restrict your cooking options a bit.
Nostalgia RMO770RED Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
The Nostalgia microwave brand has two sizes: 0.7 cubic feet, and 0.9 cubic feet. The smaller microwave includes 700 watts of cooking power and the larger microwave has 800 watts of cooking power. Both of these microwaves should be approved by your floor RA.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
As the name implies, these microwaves look like old school microwaves. These microwaves make you feel like you are in the 1950s waiting for your popcorn to finish popping. I also like the simple buttons and express cooking.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
Handles on microwave doors should be a concern. The pulling and pushing motion associated with opening and closing the microwave can shorten a microwaves lifespan. Also, the price per watt is high for this microwave.
Daewoo KOR-7LREM Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
Daewoo offers
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
I like the simple design for quick and easy cooking. Also, like the Nostalgia microwaves, this microwave has a classic look and feel. Finally, I like the auto cook function on this microwave.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
Some owners have complained about the quality of the buttons on the microwave. Also, The dial feature may not be as precise as you need or expect it to be. Like the Nostalgia, the handle on the microwave is a bit concerning.
Oster OGT6701 Countertop Microwave
Oster has a 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave that has 10 power levels and 5 quick start buttons. In addition, this microwave has a stainless steel finish and a child safety lock.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
I like the stainless steel finish, giving this microwave a high-quality look and feel. In addition, I like the included child safety lock because kids love to reach and grab after they see their parents do it.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
If this microwave will be used for a college dorm room, then the stainless steel might be overkill. Also, because of the stainless steel, the price per watt is very high for this size microwave.
Farberware FMO07ABTWHA Microwave Oven
Farberware has a 700-watt, 0.7 cubic foot microwave that includes 6 one touch cooking programs and 6 express cook quick start buttons. In addition, this microwave includes the ability to defrost by weight and add 30 seconds to the current cook time.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
I like the low price per cook and all of the included features with this microwave. In addition, the 10 inch turntable is bigger than many others on this list. Finally, I like the 6 express cook quick start buttons and one touch cooking programs.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
This product has a very cheap, basic look. This microwave looks like a metal box with buttons on the side. If looks are important, look for a different microwave.
Danby DMW7700BLDB Microwave Oven
Danby offers a black and stainless microwave option for your door room. The only major difference between the two is the stainless version includes a handle on the door. These microwaves have 700 watts of cooking power, and 0.7 cubic feet of cooking space.
In addition, this microwave features express cooking and one touch cooking for popular foods (popcorn, Potato, etc).
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
Currently, these is less than a $5 difference between the stainless steel and regular versions of this microwave. I also like the ability to defrost by weight and the products dimensions.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
Some users have voiced concerns about the glass on the door. Also, there is some durability issues with the microwave.
Sunbeam SGS90701W-B Microwave Oven
This 700-watt, 0.7 cooking capacity microwave has 6 automatic cooking menu options. In addition, this microwave features express cooking and weighted defrost. Finally, this microwave includes a child safety lock and 10 power levels.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
I like the quick cooking options for popular foods (potato, popcorn, beverage, etc) and the child safety lock. I also like the removable glass turntable which makes for easy cleaning and the ability to defrost based on your foods’ weight.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
This microwave sits of feet that can wear down over time and become uneven. Also, the (hidden) handle raises a few concerns after a long period of use.
Emerson MW7302B Microwave Oven
Emerson offers a 700 watt, 0.7 cubic foot microwave. In addition, this microwave has 10 power levels for precise cooking, and express cooking. In addition, this microwaves features 6 auto-cooking menus. Finally, this microwave includes weight based defrost.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
I like the price per watt for this microwave. The price per watt of this microwave is one of the best on this list. Also, I like the ability to set 99-minute timers.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
You should consider other microwaves on this list if you need a larger turntable. Also, some customers have raised concerns about Emersons’ customer service, should you need it.
GE JES1072SHSS Countertop Microwave Oven
GE has a number of microwaves to meet consumer needs. This microwave features 0.7 cubic foot cooking capacity, a 700-watt oven capacity, and a stainless steel finish. In addition, this microwave has 6 express cooking buttons, and 4 quick cooking options.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
This product has a low price per watt considering it has a stainless steel finish. In addition, this microwave has a smaller footprint than most of the microwaves on this list.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
I would consider a different microwave if price is a concern. Although this microwave has a low price per watt for the included features, you can still find microwaves much cheaper than this one.
Avanti MO7212SST Counter Top Microwave
Avanti offers a 700 watt microwave for your dorm or apartment. This microwave includes 6 quick cook buttons, multiple power levels, and cook by weight. In addition, this microwave includes speed defrost to defrost your food in up to half the time.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
I like the small footprint of this microwave. Also, I like the 9 power levels and 6 one touch cooking options. One touch is used to cook common foods fast.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
This product does not have as many features as other microwaves of similar costs. In addition, the price per watt is on the high side considering the finish, and design.
Lodging Star 284041 Microwave Oven
This microwave by Lodging Start is a 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt stainless steel microwave. This microwaves’ dimensions are 1 X 1 X 1, which makes it one of the smallest on this list. In addition, this microwave has 6
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
I like that you can put this microwave in almost anywhere. Also, I like the stainless steel finish and the automatic cooking settings. Finally, I like the 10 power levels to chose from.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
The price per watt for this microwave is very high. The price per watt for this microwave is well over$0.10. Also, stainless steel might not be necessary for a college dorm room.
Insignia NS-7CM6-BK Compact Microwave Oven
Insignia is Best Buy’s branded microwave. This microwave comes in three colors: black, white, and stainless steel. This microwave has 6 express cooking options, 6 quick cooking buttons, and 2 defrost options. In addition, this microwave has the ability to add 30 seconds to a current cook time.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
I like the low price per watt, and the large 10-inch turntable. In addition, this microwave has 11 power levels, and a child safety lock. Finally, I like the electronic microwave controls.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
You should consider another microwave if you are looking for a microwave with more options. This microwave is one of the most basic microwaves on this list.
Curtis RMW733 Compact Microwave Oven
Curtis/ RCA Compact Microwave has a 0.7 cubic foot oven capacity, 700-watt cooking capacity, and digital microwave controls. In addition, this microwave includes 12 inch turntable, 6 quick cooking buttons and
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
This microwave has the lowest price per watt out of all the microwaves listed. At the time of this writing, the price we watt was less than $0.07. In addition, this microwave has all of the basic features included in all of the other microwaves listed. I also like the child lock and the express cooking options.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
I am slightly concerned by the 2 different product manufacturer’s listed. Who should I contact if I have a warranty claim? Also, this microwave has a very generic look and feel.
Goldstar MA795W Compact Microwave Oven
This Goldstar microwave provides consumers with 0.7 cubic feet of oven capacity, and 700 watts of cooking power. In addition, this microwave includes 10 power levels and can be placed over the range. In addition, this microwave has 5 preset programs and 3 fan speeds.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
I like that this microwave has 3 fan speeds and 10 power levels. These options can allow you to cook anything that fits in the microwave. This is another very cheap price per watt microwave.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
This microwave appears to be bigger than many of the others on this list. In addition, this microwave does not have sensor based cooking or convection cooking.
Frigidaire FFCMO734LS Compact Microwave Oven
The Frigidaire FFCMO734LS compact microwave has a cooking capacity of 0.7 cubic feet and 700 watts of cooking power. In addition, this microwave has a 9.6 removable glass turntable and a stainless steel finish. Finally, this microwave features a child lock and weight based defrost.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
I like the child safety lock and the 4 automatic cooking and 6 quick start options. In addition, Frigidaire is a well known brand in the small appliance industry.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
The cost per watt is pretty high for this size microwave. In addition, stainless steel isn’t necessary for dorm life.
Bella BMO07ABTBKB Compact Microwave Oven
The Bella BMO0ABTBKB Compact Microwave includes 700 watts of cooking power and 0.7 cubic feet of cooking capacity. This basic microwave includes express cooking and 6 quick start buttons. Finally, this microwave has the ability to defrost by weight or time.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
This microwave has a very low price per watt. In addition, this microwave has all of the features of an entry-level, basic microwave. Finally, I like the 10-inch turntable and 10 power levels.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
You should consider a different microwave if you are looking for something pleasing to the eye. Also, consider a different microwave if you need more features.
Whirlpool WMC20005YD Countertop Microwave Oven
The Whirlpool WM20005YD Countertop microwave is the smallest microwave on this list with a 0.5 cubic foot cooking capacity. Although is has the smallest cooking capacity, this microwave still has 750 watts of cooking power and 10 cooking levels.
Why you Should Consider this Microwave
This microwave is the most unique on this list. This microwave has a curved back, which is designed to be placed in corners. In addition, this microwave has 1 button for defrost, reheating, and popcorn.
Why you Should Consider Another Microwave
This microwave has a very high price per watt. This microwave has a price per watt over $0.20. Also, the cook design results in sacrificing a few standard features.
Conclusion
As you can see from this list of 20, most of these microwaves have the same features. In addition there are subtle differences between them. When comparing these microwaves the price should be heavily considered.
Is your microwave on the list? How many of these microwaves have you owned? What is your
Leave a comment below!
Additional Questions
Are microwaves allowed in dorms?
Maybe. Many colleges allow small microwaves, but you should check with your college/ university. Contact the Director of Student Life, a Resident Advisor, or the website before buying a microwave.
If a microwave is allowed in your dorm, the maximum watts allowed will be 800. All of the microwaves in the above list fit this requirement. Also, the microwaves listed here also fit that requirement.
Is 700 watts good for a microwave?
700-watt microwaves are good for reheating leftovers, warming up tea, and cooking noodles. If you are planning on cooking something bigger, I would recommend 900 watts or more. If you do decide to purchase a 700-watt microwave, know that it will take longer to cook foods and beverages. Also, you may experience uneven cooking and a loss of flavor.
What is the highest wattage for a microwave?
The highest microwave wattage I’ve seen is 3,500 watts. This microwave was a commercial microwave. The highest domestic microwave I’ve seen is 1,250 watts.
How do I Change the Wattage for a Microwave?
You can adjust your microwave wattage by pressing the power level on your microwave. After pressing the power level, enter a number between 1 – 10. Each number corresponds with the percent or power. For example, level 10 equals 100%, level 5 equals 50% power.
How Many Years Does a Microwave Last?
On average, microwaves last about 9.5 years. The length depends on usage, care, wattage, and