When your countertop gap is exactly 17 inches wide, the hunt for a microwave that slides in without overhang becomes a geometry problem — not a wattage contest. Most compact models measure 17.5 inches or wider, leaving you with options that either waste counter space or force an awkward over-the-range installation. A true 17 inch microwave bridges the gap between a dorm-sized box and a full-size unit, offering enough interior room for a dinner plate while hugging your counter’s edge.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I analyze hundreds of product specs and real-user reports each month to isolate which features actually matter for tight-counter living, from turntable diameter to door-swing clearance.
Below I break down what separates a smart buy from a regretful squeeze, matching each unit to the precise kitchen scenario it fits best. This guide delivers the final word on finding the right 17 inch microwave for your specific setup.
How To Choose The Best 17 Inch Microwave
Because “17 inch” covers everything from the width of the microwave to the diameter of the turntable, you need to parse each spec with your actual counter in mind. Here are the decision points that reduce return shipping regret.
Measure the Door Swing, Not Just the Body
A 17-inch-wide body is useless if the door hinge requires an extra 3 inches of clearance to open fully. Look at the installation manual for the door’s opening radius — some models need space to the left or right that your counter may not offer. Side-swing doors are more forgiving in alcoves than drop-down types.
Turntable Diameter Is Your Real Capacity
A unit might list 0.7 cubic feet but pack a 10-inch turntable that barely holds a dinner bowl. If you regularly reheat full dinner plates, prioritize a 10.6-inch or larger glass tray. The Chefman and Toshiba models in this list use wider turntables that accommodate standard dishes without spinning collisions.
Wattage vs. Breaker Load
700-watt units draw around 5.8 amps and share circuits with countertop appliances more safely. 900-1000 watt models pull 7.5-8.5 amps and may trip a shared outlet if you run a toaster or coffee maker simultaneously. Match your wattage to your kitchen’s breaker configuration, not just your desire for faster reheat times.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Compact | Quiet operation & even heating | 10.6″ turntable | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Compact | Memory settings & 900W power | 900W output | Amazon |
| TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA | Compact | Sensor cooking & auto menus | 12.4″ turntable | Amazon |
| TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA | Compact | Lab-grade precision & 900W output | 900W / 10.6″ tray | Amazon |
| Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Compact | Simple presets & child lock | 0.7 cu ft capacity | Amazon |
| Commercial Chef 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Compact | Budget pick with push-button door | 700W / 10″ tray | Amazon |
| Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Compact | Budget-friendly mute & express cook | 700W / 17.52″ wide | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Sharp Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft.
The Sharp 0.9-cubic-foot model runs noticeably quieter than average — users consistently note the absence of the loud hum that plagues many compact microwaves. Its 10.6-inch Carousel turntable spins evenly under a gray interior with white LED lighting, a combination that reduces hot spots when reheating dense leftovers.
Two-stage cooking lets you defrost then cook without reopening the door, and the express cook buttons (1-6 minutes) cut down on button pressing during morning rushes. The child lock can be permanently disabled if your home has no small children, a flexibility not every model offers.
On the downside, the interior light is dimmer than older Sharp designs and the door makes a metallic clang when closing. Some users found the LED display too bright at night but solved it with a simple film layer. Overall, this is the quietest mid-range option in the 17-inch space.
Why it’s great
- Quieter than most 900W compacts
- Two-stage cooking for defrost then reheat
- Child lock is fully deactivatable
Good to know
- Interior light is dimmer than previous generations
- Door clangs shut rather than closing softly
- Display brightness can be distracting in a dark kitchen
2. BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft.
BLACK+DECKER’s 0.9-cubic-foot entry packs 900 watts into a body that sits right at the 17-inch width mark. The standout feature here is the memory function — a rare find at this size point — which lets you store and recall custom power/timer combinations for repeated tasks like reheating a specific lunch bowl or softening butter.
The six auto menus cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates, each calibrated to the internal sensor. A one-touch start button launches cooking at full power immediately, and the two-step child lock satisfies safety requirements without being permanently invasive. The interior uses a 10-inch turntable that handles standard dinner plates comfortably.
Some users mention the button panel feels slightly plastic compared to pricier alternatives, and the 60 Hz power draw can spike if you share a circuit with other high-draw appliances. For those who want programmability without jumping to the premium tier, this is the most flexible option in the mid-range.
Why it’s great
- Memory function saves custom settings
- Six auto menus with sensor calibration
- Two-step child lock with easy deactivation
Good to know
- Button panel feels less premium than touch models
- Can trip shared circuits if paired with toaster or coffee maker
3. TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA(BS) 1.2 Cu. Ft.
This Toshiba steps up to 1000 watts and a 12.4-inch glass turntable, making it the most spacious unit that still fits within a 17-inch width profile. The smart sensor monitors humidity levels during cooking and automatically adjusts time and power, which eliminates the guesswork for rehydrating rice or reheating soup.
The black stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than standard stainless, and the mute function silences the end-of-cycle beeps for open-office or nursery environments. With 13 preset menus and a memory recall feature, this microwave approaches the convenience of a full-size countertop model in a compact footprint.
Downsides include a hard door release button that some users find uncomfortable on the fingers over multiple uses. Also, the timer cannot accept manual entries like 1:45 — you must rely on the express cook buttons for quick times. It’s a premium compromise: more interior space, but slightly fussier door mechanics.
Why it’s great
- Smart sensor adjusts cook time based on steam
- 12.4-inch turntable fits large oval dishes
- Black stainless steel resists smudges
Good to know
- Door release button can pinch fingers during quick access
- Manual time entry not supported for odd minute-second combos
4. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) 0.9 Cu. Ft.
The ML-EM09PA delivers precisely 903 watts of output (tested by one user with an RF meter), making it useful for more than just food — some lab enthusiasts repurpose it for controlled RF experiments due to its stable 2.45 GHz harmonics. For normal kitchen use, the 10.6-inch removable turntable provides even heating and the child lock is straightforward to engage or bypass.
Its 0.9-cubic-foot cavity with stainless steel interior cleans easily and the LED lighting makes the cavity visible without harsh glare. Six preset menus cover the basics, and the defrost-by-weight system is accurate enough to thaw chicken breasts without cooking the edges.
The unit is slightly broader than the Chefman at 18.7 inches wide, so measure your counter precisely before ordering. Some users report the microwave runs louder than expected, and the display only shows timing — there is no power level or SWR readout on the main screen. Still, for the precision-oriented buyer, this Toshiba offers the most consistent output in its class.
Why it’s great
- Consistent wattage output verified by RF testing
- Stainless steel interior for easy wipe-down
- Precise defrost-by-weight algorithm
Good to know
- Measured width is 18.7 inches — verify your 17-inch gap
- Audible hum is louder than the Sharp equivalent
- Display lacks power-level readout
5. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
Farberware keeps the cooking simple with 700 watts and six one-touch presets for popcorn, potato, pizza, and other staples. The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity is the smallest in this list, but the clear LED display and kitchen timer clock make it functional without overwhelming a tight space.
The child safety lock adds peace of mind and the easy-clean interior and exterior require minimal upkeep. Users consistently describe it as “small and works” — no fuss, no steep learning curve. It fits well in a dorm, office breakroom, or RV kitchen where counter real estate is at a premium.
Where it falls short is power. 700 watts means longer heating times for dense foods like frozen casseroles. Some users also report that the five-beep finish tone is identical to their coffee maker, causing audible confusion during morning multitasking. For the price, it handles daily reheating with no complaints beyond slower cook speeds.
Why it’s great
- Straightforward one-touch presets for common foods
- Easy-clean interior and exterior surfaces
- Compact footprint fits dorm or RV counters
Good to know
- 700W is slower for dense frozen meals
- End-of-cycle beep may conflict with other appliance sounds
6. Commercial Chef 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
The Commercial Chef offers a handy push-button door release — a convenience often missing from budget microwaves that require pulling a handle. Its 700-watt output and 10-inch turntable handle most everyday reheating tasks, and the 10 power levels give you some flexibility for delicate items like melting chocolate.
The digital LED control panel includes six preset menus and express cook options (1-6 minutes), plus a defrost system that works by weight or time. At roughly 17.1 inches wide, it slides into a 17-inch opening with a sliver of clearance on each side.
Long-term reliability is a mixed bag. A smaller number experienced failure after a power outage, with the clock refusing to reset. For short-term rental or dorm use where longevity isn’t the primary concern, the push-button door alone makes this a worthy budget pick.
Why it’s great
- Push-button door release adds ease of use
- 10 power levels for precise heating control
- Fits a 17-inch counter gap with minimal overhang
Good to know
- Touchpad buttons prone to peeling
- Occasional power outage issues with clock retention
7. Chefman Compact Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
The Chefman is the narrowest unit here at 17.52 inches wide, but it edges right up to the 17-inch limit so measure your opening carefully. Its 700-watt power, three cooking presets (popcorn, beverages, leftovers), and 10 power levels cover the basics without extra complexity.
The standout feature for quiet environments is a dedicated mute button that silences all beeps — invaluable for nursery-adjacent kitchens or late-night heating. The child safety lock engages via the handle rather than a button sequence, which some parents prefer for its intuitive operation. A +30 seconds button allows quick time extensions mid-cycle.
The trade-offs are expected at this power level: 700 watts means reheating a full plate takes about 30-40 seconds longer than a 900W unit. Some users note the unit vibrates slightly during operation, though not at a disruptive level. For a budget-friendly entry-level microwave with a genuinely useful mute feature, the Chefman is the quietest cheap option on the list.
Why it’s great
- Dedicated mute button silences all beeps
- Handle-based child lock feels natural
- +30 seconds button for quick time extensions
Good to know
- 17.52-inch width may overhang some 17-inch cutouts
- 700W power results in longer reheat times
- Slight vibration during operation noted by some users
FAQ
Will a 17-inch microwave fit exactly into a 17-inch wide cutout?
Is 700 watts enough for a 17-inch microwave?
What is the ideal turntable size for a compact 17-inch microwave?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the 17 inch microwave winner is the Sharp 0.9 Cu. Ft. because it delivers the best balance of quiet operation, even heating, and a 10.6-inch turntable that fits standard dinner plates without rattling. If you want memory settings and 900W programmability, grab the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft.. And for those who need the largest interior possible in a 17-inch footprint, nothing beats the TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA with its 12.4-inch turntable and smart sensor.