When you live in a college dorm, you won’t typically have access to your own kitchen. There will probably be a kitchen in the building, but you will have to share it with at least several dozen other people, making best dorm microwaves very convenient. If you are lucky enough to be allowed a microwave in your room, this is even better since you will only have to share it with your roommate. The 10 best microwaves for dorm rooms are compact and affordable, featuring a range of settings so you can cook nearly anything.
Contents
- 1 List of Best Dorm Microwaves For College Students
- 2 Detailed review of Best Dorm Microwaves For College
- 2.1 #1 – Emerson – 0.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Microwave – White
- 2.2 #2 – Oster 0GB81101 1.1 Cubic Feet Microwave Oven
- 2.3 #3 – Frigidaire FFCM0724LW 700-Watt Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cubic Feet, White
- 2.4 #4 – RCA RMW1182 Microwave And Grill, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Stainless Steel
- 2.5 #5 – Westinghouse WCM660W 600W Counter Top Microwave Oven, 0.6 Cubic Feet, White
- 2.6 #6 – Kenmore 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave White 70713 – Best Dorm Size Microwave
- 3 Factors you should consider before purchasing a microwave for your dorm.
- 4 Four microwave recipes to hack college life
List of Best Dorm Microwaves For College Students
| Picture | Name | Dimensions (height x wide x length) | Capacity | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Danby | 10.1 x 17.3 x 13 inches | 0.7 cubic_feet | $ | 5.0 |
 | Emerson MW7302W | 10.2 x 17.3 x 13.2 inches | 0.7 cubic_feet | $$ | 4.9 |
 | Oster OGB81101 | 12 x 22 x 18 inches | 1.1 cubic_feet | $$$ | 4.8 |
 | Frigidaire FFCM0724LW | 10.12 x 17 x 13 inches | 0.7 cubic_feet | $$$ | 4.7 |
 | RCA RMW1182 | 14 x 24 x 18.25 inches | 1.1 cubic_feet | $ | 4.6 |
 | Westinghouse WCM660W | 10.31 x 17.81 x 13.63 inches | 0.6 cubic_feet | $ | 4.5 |
 | Kenmore | 15.4 x 21.3 x 12.1 inches | 0.7 cubic_feet | $$$ | 4.5 |
 | RCA RMW1414 | 11.5 X 22 X 17 inches | 1.4 cubic_feet | $$$ | 4.4 |
 | RCA | 10.8 x 15.5 x 19 inches | 0.9 cubic_feet | $ | 4.3 |
 | RCA RMW1112 | 11.8 x 21.2 x 17 inches | 1.1 cubic_feet | $ | 4.0 |
Detailed review of Best Dorm Microwaves For College
#1 – Emerson – 0.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Microwave – White
Yet another white microwave, this Emerson appliance has 700 watts of power that you can set among 10 different power levels. There are also 6 pre-programmed recipes for convenience and an auto defrost option. The child-safe lock-out feature may be useful after college and the digital screen also functions as a clock. Like all other models, it includes a glass turntable.
#2 – Oster 0GB81101 1.1 Cubic Feet Microwave Oven
This is another affordable choice among the 10 best microwaves for dorm rooms. The white color and white glass match most dorms. There are convenient features such as weight defrost and express cooking. The digital timer can double as a digital clock so you don’t have to buy a separate one. The turntable can be removed for easy cleaning.
#3 – Frigidaire FFCM0724LW 700-Watt Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cubic Feet, White
This microwave will hold up to 0.7 cubic feet and the included glass turntable is 9.6 inches across. There are 10 cooking power levels with up to 700 watts of power. Some of the convenient buttons are Easy-Set Start for one to six minutes, adding 30 seconds, and 4 different one-touch options, such as popcorn and beverages. This microwave can also defrost food, auto cook, do 2-stage cooking, or auto reheat.
#4 – RCA RMW1182 Microwave And Grill, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Stainless Steel
Although it is a little more expensive than the other options, this microwave from RCA is worth the extra money. Most college students won’t use the child lock safety feature, but it can be useful later in life. This microwave also has a grilling feature for added convenience and there are 10 power levels for the grill. The grill rack is included, as is a glass turntable. The microwave outputs 1000 watts and the stainless steel exterior will look good in any dorm.
#5 – Westinghouse WCM660W 600W Counter Top Microwave Oven, 0.6 Cubic Feet, White
This is another affordable option among the 10 best microwaves for dorm rooms. It holds 0.6 cubic feet, which is enough for most microwave meals and a standard bowl. It has a simple setup that is easy to use, featuring mechanical dial controls. The microwave has 600 watts and the timer can go up to 30 minutes. There is a signal when the timer is done and you can pick from 6 different power levels for this appliance.
#6 – Kenmore 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave White 70713 – Best Dorm Size Microwave
With its compact size, this microwave is ideal or a dorm room. The wattage can be set between 700 and 99 watts and the cord is 3.28 feet long, making it easy to connect to the outlets in your room. There are memory cooking settings and you can even set up multiple-stage cooking if you plan on making something in the microwave that needs to rest. There are also 6 smart touch settings for added convenience.
Any of these microwaves would be a great addition to your dorm room. Simply think about how large of a microwave you need and whether you plan on using the microwave after you graduate as well. Finally, consider whether your school has any restrictions on microwaves that will limit your choices to a certain wattage or size. Then, you are ready to buy one of the 10 best microwaves for dorm rooms and enjoy your favorite foods, snacks, and leftovers.
Factors you should consider before purchasing a microwave for your dorm.
- Size.
If you live in a dorm with your roommate, the size of your microwave really matters. You probably won’t pay much attention to the color or its style, but the size will be limited by your kitchen area. Before choosing a microwave, consider the space you can allocate for it. In most cases, it is more appropriate to choose a countertop model for your dorm room. Thus, you will have more flexibility than with a built-in model. Also, pay attention to its inner size, as you need to fit your favorite plate inside it. For those who like making pizza, it is better to choose a bigger one. - Wattage.
The wattage influences the speed of cooking and heating. The higher the wattage you choose, the faster you get your dish cooked. Also, you definitely won’t like it if your food stays cold inside. Choosing a model with a wattage of over 1,000 means you can be sure that it will work well and quick. If you’re considering a cheaper model with a lower wattage, make sure you choose a reputable company and read reviews for the model you like most. - Reliability.
When choosing a microwave for a dorm, you need to think whether you are going to use it when your study ends. If you just need something to cook and heat food right now, this feature won’t be critical. In general, microwaves can serve you for 9 years. Therefore, you don’t need to overpay for durability and can concentrate on the other features. - Price.
Price is an important factor, especially for students. When choosing this kitchen appliance, you will understand that the price ranges vary considerably. If your needs are basic and the countertop category is what you need, you can spend less than $100. However, if you are considering a more specialized and stylish model, you will need to invest a bit more. - Conventional or convection.
Microwaves are different in the technological method of heating. A conventional model uses only basic microwaves to cook food in plastic and glass containers, whereas a convection one uses extra radiant heat with circulating air for roasting, browning and grilling food. In a convection model, there is a heating element as well as a fan to circulate the hot air. This technology helps make your food juicier and crustier. - Noise.
In most cases, when you have a kitchen, this is not a problem. But when you have to sleep in the same room where you have your microwave working, it is better to consider this factor. Note that some models are louder than others. Unfortunately, it is hard to find this feature in the model’s description, so you should read reviews to find out which models are more appropriate. Of course, if you are immune to the sounds of a working microwave, it won’t be a problem for you. - Extra functions.
There are models that combine different functions, such as microwave toaster ovens. This is a great variant of the compact microwave. It can heat your food and water and also toast bagels and bread. This variant is especially good for a dorm, as it occupies less space but offers more functions.
Four microwave recipes to hack college life
Quick and easy microwave recipes for college students who are busy with their studies and don’t have time for cooking. Make your own version of healthy recipe in no time which will help you save money.
Here is also our guide on best printers for students.
