A microwave in your dorm room is recommendable due to its convenience and flexibility. You can easily fix a quick meal before class or heat leftovers in the evening when you are too tired to cook. Are you moving into a dorm room with no microwave? Worry not; we have got you covered. We will answer some of the most common questions about dorm microwaves, furnish you with a buying guide, and review some of the best options on the market. Keep scrolling to see well-designed, quality microwaves that will turn you into a dorm roof chef.
BIt is durable, compact and energy-efficient.
It is highly versatile with 12 preprogrammed cooking systems.
It has ten power levels, serving diverse cooking needs.
BIt is durable, compact and energy-efficient.
It is highly versatile with 12 preprogrammed cooking systems.
It has ten power levels, serving diverse cooking needs.
Last update on 2024-11-10 at 18:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Microwaves for Dorm Rooms Reviewed
When dealing with dorm room microwaves, selecting the perfect one can pose a difficulty. You aim for something small enough to snugly fit within your confined space yet with sufficient heating capacity to cater to your requirements. We’ve curated a lineup of the finest microwaves that blend style, functionality, and efficiency, ensuring a worthwhile addition to any dorm room. The top contenders are:
- CGE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave
- RAtsch 0.7 Cubic Feet Microwave
- GE 3-in-1 Microwave Oven
- Galanz GLCMKZ07GNR07 Microwave Oven
- West Bend WBMW71B Microwave Oven
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Microwave for a Dorm Room
Here are some of the factors to consider for a quality dorm room microwave:
- Space and Size
You should consider your dorm room’s kitchen or microwave space when shopping for a microwave, given that these cooking devices come in various sizes. Settle for an option that fits nicely on the designated microwave area or kitchen countertop. Additionally, get a microwave whose internal capacity can accommodate your meal sizes.
- Control Panel
Do not wait to learn how vital a microwave’s control panel is; settle for an option with an easy-to-use control panel. Note that most microwaves offer a traditional knob or a touch-enabled panel; pick the most convenient.
- Heating Method
Your microwave’s heating method determines its efficiency, which explains why convection and inverter microwaves, despite being expensive, are some of the best options in the market. Models that use intermittent pulsing to move air are often cheaper but less efficient.
- Power Level
Your microwave’s power levels determine the types of foods it can handle. For the best results, choose one with adjustable power levels that allows you to customize your cooking intensity for various meals.
- Rotating Tray
The rotating tray, also called the turntable, is equally important when choosing a microwave. Settling for a dorm microwave with a removable and easy-to-clean turntable is advisable.
- Noise Level
Consider your roommate’s and other residents’ welfare when shopping for a dorm microwave. Settle for an option that runs quietly.
- Energy Efficiency
You should save as much as you can as a student. Therefore, settle for a microwave that meets energy efficiency standards, often indicated by an Energy Star label, to save on electricity costs. Additionally, consider the microwave’s wattage; 700-1,000 watts can be enough for cooking, defrosting, and reheating.
- Additional Features
If your younger siblings or friends visit your dorm room, you can ensure their safety by getting a microwave with features such as a child lock. Additionally, your microwave should have a defrosting feature for frozen meals and programmed settings for quick and easy cooking.
The Best Microwaves for Dorm Rooms
Pros
- It is compact and power-efficient
- It has several safety features
- It is easy to clean
Cons
- Complaints about the buttons needing extra pressure
At the top of our list is this compact countertop oven from GE Appliances. Its unique features, energy efficiency, and affordability make it our top recommendation if you are looking for a quality dorm room microwave. Made of stainless steel and with a capacity of 0.7 cubic feet, it is durable and large enough for long-term use.
This product has a 700-watt rating, which is ideal for most dorms, a rotating glass turntable and an auto/manual defrost feature for optimum cooking. You also get a simple, one-touch operation control panel with several cooking modes and express cooking controls. If your younger siblings decide to visit, it is equipped with a child lock feature for added safety.
Its solid, sleek design is made possible by its clean lines, black glass construction, electronic keypad, and stainless steel inclusions. To prevent accidental activation and keep you on track, this device has unique features such as a control lockout and kitchen timer.
Pros
- It is compact and stylish
- It has 12 preprogrammed cooking settings
- It is user-friendly
Cons
- It’s interior light doesn’t come on while heating
In second place is the Nostalgia Retro, a beautifully designed countertop microwave oven. Its sleek, beautiful black retro design combined with 12 preprogrammed cooking settings, a bright LED display, five power levels, and energy-efficient operation make it one of the best microwaves for dorm rooms. It is compact, measuring 18 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 10.25 inches high.
Users can choose preferred settings with the turn of a dial, microwave all their favorite foods ranging from popcorn to meat, and add fun and flair to their dorm rooms or kitchen spaces thanks to its beautiful design. The 12-preprogrammed cooking settings save time and effort during meal preparation, while the child-lock button prevents unintentional usage. Additionally, its capacity of 0.7 cubic feet makes it large enough for different applications.
This product also has ductless ventilation and a power rating of 700 watts, saving energy as you cook or heat your favorite meals.
Pros
- It is cheap
- It has safety features
- It has ten power levels
Cons
- It is pretty basic
This amazing product from RAtsch is one of the best options if you are looking for an affordable dorm room microwave. At less than $60, it offers a range of impressive features, including a fully functional child lock to prevent accidental operations. It has a capacity of 0.7 cubic feet, large enough to support several heating and cooking activities.
For effective usage, it offers a functioning timer, an LED display, and ten power levels, allowing you to preheat and heat several types of meals. Users get a push-button door-opening function and a modern control panel, adding to its ease of use. Its power rating of 700W also makes it energy-efficient and well-suited for dorms.
However, note that this may not be the best option if you are looking for sophisticated features, as it is pretty simple and ‘basic.’ Check out our next product if you need a dorm microwave with more controls and some extra sophistication.
Pros
- It is versatile thanks to its air fry, convention, and broil modes.
- It has present controls for easy and quick operation
- It is powerful
Cons
- It is relatively noisier
This microwave oven from GE Appliances is a game changer and one of the most versatile options in the market, thanks to its three modes. The air fry mode allows you to cook healthier and crispier meals; the convention mode offers crisp, golden brown results; and the broil mode will enable you to sear or caramelize foods perfectly. Its only downside is that you must part with a few extra coins during purchase.
Users enjoy several preset controls for foods (ranging from fries to nuggets) for quick and easy operation and precise cooking results. The oven is also relatively compact and can easily fit into your dorm room despite being 0.3 cubic feet larger than the other products we have reviewed. Its stainless steel construction makes it durable and suitable for long-term usage.
We should point out that this oven has a power rating of 1050 watts and may not be the best option if you are looking for a power-saving option. All in all, you still get to enjoy valuable features such as auto time defrost.
Pros
- It has several unique features
- It has a vintage retro design
- It is easy to use and clean
Cons
- It defrosts slowly
Like the Nostalgia Retro compact microwave, the Galanz GLCMKZ07GNR07 is one of the best options if you are looking for a well-designed and stylish microwave oven. It is loaded with several features that you will find helpful. Let’s give you an overview.
This product defrosts frozen foods by either time or weight, thanks to its powerful defrosting capability. Among its amazing features are a quick start button that offers you an additional 30 seconds of cooking time for your meals, seven auto cooking and ten auto reheat programs for an easier, faster, simpler, and more efficient operation, and a 360-degree removable glass turntable for even and efficient cooking as well as easier cleaning.
This would be the best choice for lovers of vintage items due to its retro look. It has a power rating of 700W and perfectly fits small spaces thanks to its 17.5”*14”*9.5” measurement and 0.7 cubic feet capacity.
Pros
- It has several preset menu options for different meals
- It is energy-efficient
- It has an easy-to-use digital control panel
Cons
- It takes relatively longer to warm food
Our last product is this fantastic countertop microwave oven from West Bend, a brand with several unmatched offerings spanning multiple generations. It has a capacity of 0.7 cubic feet, which makes it compact enough for small spaces. Users get an array of features that you will find helpful. For example, it has six pre-programmed cooking options for various meals, including pizza, potato, and popcorn.
We must mention this product’s speed defrost setting, which allows you to thaw a range of foods by weight as you prepare your meals. For even meal preparation, it comes with a rotating glass turntable, which can also be removed easily for cleaning purposes. Other functions, such as its easy-to-use clock and kitchen time, also come in handy during meal preparation.
The West Bend WBMW71B also has an intuitive, easy-to-use digital control panel, fully equipped with stop/start functions. Users appreciate its energy-saving operation, made possible by its 700W power rating.
Conclusion
A good microwave oven can better your dorm experience. However, with several options flooding the market, you must exercise care when shopping for one. We have reviewed some of the best microwaves for dorm rooms and included a detailed buying guide to make your work easier. At the top of our list is the GE countertop microwave oven, which offers a range of valuable features, including a glass turntable, auto-defrost, and a one-touch operation control. It is closely followed by the Nostalgia Retro compact countertop microwave oven with a stylish vintage retro design and preprogrammed cooking settings. We have also included the RAtsch 0.7 cubic feet microwave if you need an affordable option for your dorm room. Feel free to review our options and buying guide for the best purchase decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the Best Microwave for My Dorm Room?
The best dorm room microwave depends on several factors, but mostly the available space, the types of food to be cooked, and your intended energy consumption. We highly recommend a countertop microwave for small rooms with limited microwave space. If you intend to cook thawed foods, a microwave with a defrosting feature will serve you best. Get a microwave with an Energy Star label and a lower power rating for lower power consumption.
What are the Qualities of a Good Microwave?
A good microwave should offer several cooking functions, be appropriately sized, have an easy-to-use control panel, save energy, and provide adjustable power levels. Other qualities worth looking for include a durable design and an easy-to-wash interior.
Is There a Dorm Microwave Wattage Limit?
A device’s wattage rating reflects its power consumption. Most dorms require students to have 700 watts or less microwaves, while others allow 700-1,000 watts. It’s essential to confirm with your school before buying one.
How Big Should a Dorm Microwave Be?
A dorm microwave’s size often depends on the dorm room’s size or the available microwave space. Most options have a width of 15-19 inches and a height of 10-11 inches. As for capacity, a good number offer 0.5-0.9 cubic feet.
What Can Never Be Placed in a Microwave?
Putting the wrong material or food into your microwave can ruin it and endanger you. For enhanced safety, keep the following materials and foods away: aluminum foil, single-use plastic, stainless steel, metals, takeout containers, styrofoam, water, raw spicy peppers, entire eggs, frozen protein, broccoli, and uncovered pasta sauces.