When it comes to dorm room essentials, a microwave is an absolute must-have appliance for every college student.
It makes quick meals, late-night snacks, and even reheating leftovers.
But with so many options available on the market, finding the perfect microwave for your dorm can be a daunting task.
That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the choices and find the perfect microwave that fits your needs.
Tips for choosing a microwave for dorm room
Here are some tips for choosing a microwave for a dorm:
Size
Dorm rooms are typically small, so you’ll need to choose a microwave that is compact and won’t take up too much space.
Look for a microwave with a capacity of 0.7 cubic feet or less.
Wattage
The wattage of a microwave determines how powerful it is.
A higher wattage microwave will cook food faster, but it will also use more electricity. A microwave with a wattage of 700 watts or more is a good choice for a dorm room.
Features
Some microwaves come with additional features, such as presets for popcorn, pizza, and other foods.
These features can be helpful, but they’re not necessary.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can choose a microwave without any additional features.
Price
Microwaves can range in price from around $20 to $100.
It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.
Check with your RA
Some dorms have restrictions on the size and wattage of microwaves that are allowed. Be sure to check with your RA before you buy a microwave.
Read reviews
Read online reviews of different microwaves before you make a purchase.
This will help you to narrow down your choices and find a microwave that is right for you.
Warranty
It’s a good idea to buy a microwave with a warranty. This will protect you in case you will need to have it repaired or replaced.
Best microwaves for dorm
1. AmazonBasics 700W Microwave
The AmazonBasics 700W Microwave is a small, affordable microwave that is perfect for college students or anyone with limited counter space.
It has a 700-watt power output that is sufficient for most cooking tasks, such as reheating leftovers, cooking popcorn, or melting butter.
The 9 power levels allow you to customize the cooking time and power level for each task.
The Keep Warm function will keep food warm for up to 30 minutes, and the Defrost function will defrost frozen food evenly.
The Child Safety Lock prevents children from accidentally starting the microwave. The easy-to-clean interior makes cleanup a breeze.
AmazonBasics 700W Microwave is a great option for anyone looking for a small, affordable, and easy-to-use microwave.
It has all the features you need to cook, reheat, and defrost food, and it is easy to clean.
Pros
- Affordable
- Multiple power levels
- Keep Warm and Defrost functions
- Child safety lock
- Easy to clean
- Small and compact, perfect for dorm rooms
Cons
- Not as powerful as some other microwaves
- No turntable
- Outer shell can get hot during use
2. Comfee Countertop Microwave Oven
The Comfee Countertop Dorm Microwave Oven is a small, but powerful microwave that is perfect for small spaces like apartments and dorms.
It has a 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power, which is enough to heat food quickly and evenly.
The microwave also has 10 power levels, a defrost function, a clock and timer, a child safety lock, and a removable turntable.
I’ve been using the Comfee Countertop Dorm Microwave Oven for a few weeks now, and I’ve been really impressed with it.
It’s small enough to fit on my countertop, but it’s powerful enough to heat up food quickly.
I’ve used it to heat up leftovers, cook frozen meals, and even make popcorn.
The defrost function is also really handy, and I’ve used it to thaw out frozen vegetables and meat.
The Comfee Countertop Microwave is also really easy to use. The control panel is simple, buttons are large and easy to press.
The microwave also has a bright digital display, so it’s easy to see the time and settings.
Pros
- Small and compact, perfect for dorm rooms
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Child safety lock for peace of mind
Cons
- Not very powerful, so it may take longer to cook some foods
- The turntable is small, so it can be difficult to fit large items inside
- The door doesn’t open very wide, so it can be difficult to get food in and out
3. Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven
The Toshiba EM925A5A-BS dorm Microwave Oven is a powerful and versatile kitchen appliance that delivers convenience and efficiency in a compact size.
With its impressive 900 watts of power, this microwave oven can quickly heat up your food, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals in no time.
Featuring 10 power levels, the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS gives you full control over your cooking preferences.
Whether you need to defrost frozen food or cook delicate dishes, this microwave oven offers the flexibility to adjust the power according to your needs.
The inclusion of six pre-programmed cooking settings further simplifies the cooking process.
From popcorn to pizza, this microwave oven takes the guesswork out of cooking by providing easy-to-use options for various common dishes.
One of the standout features of the EM925A5A-BS is its child safety lock, which ensures the microwave oven can only be operated by adults. This feature provides peace of mind for families with young children, preventing accidental operations or injuries.
Additionally, the keep warm function is a convenient feature for busy individuals.
It allows you to keep your food warm until you are ready to eat, without the risk of overcooking or drying out the food.
The LED interior lighting adds a touch of modernity to the microwave oven, illuminating the interior and making it easy to monitor the cooking progress.
Cleaning the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS is a breeze, thanks to the removable turntable.
Pros
- Powerful and versatile
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Compact and portable
- Stylish design
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Small capacity
- No grill function
- Not as durable as some other models
4. Panasonic Black 1.6 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave
The Panasonic Black 1.6 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave is a great option for college students or anyone who needs a small, but powerful microwave.
It has a 1.6 cubic feet capacity, which is large enough to fit most meals, and it has 10 power levels so you can cook your food exactly how you like it.
The inverter technology ensures that your food cooks evenly.
The defrost and sensor cook functions make it easy to defrost frozen food and cook meals without having to preheat the oven.
The child safety lock prevents children from accidentally starting the microwave, and the keep warm function keeps your food warm until you’re ready to eat.
Pros
- Compact and space-saving design
- Powerful and versatile cooking options
- Easy to use controls
- Energy-efficient operation
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not as powerful as some larger microwaves
- Lacks some advanced features, such as a grill or convection cooking
- Can be noisy during operation
- Glass turntable can be easily scratched
5. Commercial Chef Counter Top Rotary Microwave
The Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Dorm Microwave Oven is an exceptional kitchen appliance that perfectly combines functionality and convenience
Firstly, the 0.9 cubic foot capacity offers ample space to heat and cook various dishes.
The 900 watts of power ensure quick and efficient cooking, saving you valuable time during busy days.
The inclusion of six power levels allows for precise control over cooking temperatures, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection every time.
Additionally, the 30-minute timer is a handy feature that enables you to set the desired cooking duration without constant monitoring.
With clearly labeled buttons and a simple interface, operating this microwave oven becomes a easy, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
Cleaning this microwave oven is hassle-free, thanks to its easy-to-clean design. The interior is smooth and wipeable, preventing food particles from sticking.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Durable
- Energy efficient
Cons
- No presets or automatic cooking programs
- No display screen
- May not be ideal for large families
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good size microwave for a dorm?
A good size microwave for a dorm is between 0.7 and 1.0 cubic feet.
This size is large enough to fit most food items, but small enough to not take up too much space in a small dorm room.
Microwaves in this size range typically have a power output of 700 to 1000 watts, which is sufficient for most cooking and reheating tasks.
Where Do You Put a Microwave in a Dorm?
Here are some places where you can put a microwave in a dorm:
- On a table
This is the most common place to put a microwave, as it provides a convenient and accessible spot for cooking and reheating food.
- In a designated microwave space
Some dorms have designated microwave spaces, such as a kitchenette or common area.
This can be a good option if you don’t have a lot of space in your dorm room.
- In a cabinet
If you don’t have a lot of space on your table, you can also put your microwave in a cabinet or shelf.
This will free up some space and make your dorm room look neater.
What are some Safety Tips for Using a Microwave in a Dorm Room?
- Do not use metal or foil. This can cause sparks.
- Use microwave-safe containers. Glass, ceramic, and plastic containers labeled “microwave-safe” are safe to use.
- Do not overcook food. This can cause food to catch fire.
- Clean the microwave regularly. This will help prevent the build-up of bacteria.
- Do not leave the microwave unattended while it is in use. This is a fire hazard.