Finding the perfect microwave can change your daily life. You might be reheating leftovers, defrosting a quick meal, or popping a bag of popcorn for movie night.
With so many options, picking the right one feels overwhelming. Wattage, interior size, special features - they all matter.
We've spent weeks testing the top microwaves. Some impressed us, others disappointed. Real-world use reveals the truth.
This guide cuts through the marketing hype. We'll show you which products actually deliver and which to skip.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
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Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven | (No Pros) | PRICES |
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BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
 |
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave | (No Pros) | PRICES |
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a compact, feature-rich countertop microwave oven. It's designed for small kitchens or as a secondary unit, offering 700 watts of power in a 0.7 cubic foot capacity. This model includes several thoughtful features aimed at convenience and quiet operation.
Pros
- ✓ The sound on/off function is excellent for avoiding beeps in quiet environments.
- ✓ ECO mode reduces standby power consumption, saving a bit on energy.
- ✓ One-touch buttons for common times make reheating drinks and popcorn incredibly fast.
Cons
- ✗ At 700 watts, it is less powerful than many standard models, so cooking times can be longer.
- ✗ The interior light is somewhat dim, making it hard to see food clearly while it cooks.
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, no-frills microwave that excels in its niche. It's perfect for a dorm, office, or apartment where quiet and compact size are priorities. I just wish it had a bit more power for faster cooking.
For its size and price point, this COMFEE microwave packs a useful set of features. The standout is undoubtedly the ability to mute all the operational beeps, which is a blessing for late-night snacks or open-plan living spaces. The ECO mode is a nice, thoughtful touch that appeals to the energy-conscious, and the one-touch buttons for 1, 2, and 3 minutes eliminate fiddling with the dial for most simple reheating tasks. The 0.7 cu.ft capacity is adequate for a dinner plate or a medium-sized bowl, making it a practical solo or couple's appliance.
However, the 700-watt power is its main limitation. While sufficient for reheating, it falls short of the 1000+ watts found in many modern microwaves, meaning defrosting and cooking from raw will require more time and possibly less even results. The interior is easy to clean, but the dim lighting makes it difficult to monitor food without opening the door. Overall, it delivers excellent value if your needs are basic reheating and you prioritize quiet, compact operation over raw speed.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven
The Chefman Countertop Microwave is a compact and feature-rich appliance designed for small kitchens or as a secondary unit. It offers a surprising number of modern functions despite its modest 0.7 cubic foot size. This model aims to deliver convenience and efficiency in a sleek black design.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent space-saving design perfect for dorms, offices, or small countertops
- ✓ Useful one-touch express cook and six preset cooking functions for ease of use
- ✓ Helpful safety and convenience features like a child lock and mute button
Cons
- ✗ At 700 watts, heating power is lower than many full-sized models, leading to longer cook times
- ✗ The interior capacity is quite small, limiting the size of dishes you can heat
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, no-frills microwave that excels in environments where space is at a premium. While it lacks the raw power of larger units, its thoughtful features make daily use very convenient. For singles, couples, or specific settings, it represents a good value.
For its intended purpose, the Chefman microwave performs admirably. The 10 power levels provide good control for defrosting and reheating without overcooking, and the one-touch buttons for common items like popcorn or pizza are genuinely time-saving. The build quality feels sturdy for the price point, and the black finish resists fingerprints well. The inclusion of an Eco mode to reduce standby power consumption is a thoughtful, modern touch that users will appreciate.
However, the limitations of its compact size are real. The 700-watt power means you'll need to add extra time compared to a 1000+ watt microwave, and the interior can barely accommodate a standard dinner plate. The child safety lock and ability to mute the beeps are fantastic for shared spaces or light sleepers. Overall, if your primary needs are reheating leftovers, making popcorn, and cooking single-serving meals, this microwave covers those bases efficiently without taking over your kitchen.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact, 0.7 cubic foot digital microwave oven. It offers modern features in a space-saving stainless steel design, making it a strong contender for small kitchens or dorm rooms. This model focuses on straightforward functionality with a few key safety and convenience additions.
Pros
- ✓ Simple digital controls with one-touch buttons for common settings
- ✓ Effective child safety lock for household peace of mind
- ✓ Compact footprint that fits easily on countertops without dominating space
Cons
- ✗ At 700 watts, heating power is lower than many full-sized models
- ✗ The push-button door release can feel less sturdy than a traditional handle
My Honest Opinion
This is a reliable and no-fuss microwave that excels in smaller spaces. While it won't heat food as quickly as a more powerful unit, it handles everyday tasks competently. The safety lock and clean design make it a practical choice for many households.
For its size and price point, the EM720CB7 delivers solid performance. The 700-watt power is sufficient for reheating plates of food, making popcorn, or warming beverages, though it requires a bit more patience than a 1000+ watt model. The interior turntable works well to ensure even heating, and the stainless steel interior is easy to wipe clean. The digital interface is intuitive, with dedicated buttons for time, power level, and quick-start options like "Potato" or "Beverage," which removes guesswork.
The push-button door is a notable feature; it opens with a soft press, which is convenient when your hands are full, but the mechanism lacks the solid feel of a mechanical latch. The compact 0.7 cu.ft capacity is ideal for individuals or couples, but larger dinner plates might be a tight fit. Overall, the build quality feels appropriate for the category, and it operates quietly. It's an excellent value-focused option that covers the essentials without unnecessary complexity.
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave is a compact and efficient kitchen appliance. It offers essential features for everyday cooking and reheating in a space-saving stainless steel design.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size fits easily on most countertops
- ✓ Simple auto-cook settings for common foods
- ✓ Useful child safety lock feature
Cons
- ✗ 700-watt power is slower than higher-wattage models
- ✗ Interior capacity is small for larger dishes
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, no-frills microwave perfect for small kitchens or as a secondary unit. It handles basic tasks reliably, though power users might find it underpowered. For the price, it delivers good value.
This Farberware microwave excels in its primary role as a compact reheating station. The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is ideal for mugs, plates, and small bowls, making it perfect for singles, couples, or dorm rooms. The auto-cook settings for popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and beverages are intuitive and work well, removing the guesswork from timing. The stainless steel finish looks clean and modern, and the overall build feels sturdy for its class.
However, its limitations become apparent with more demanding tasks. The 700-watt power means longer cook times compared to 1000+ watt models, so you'll need to adjust recipes and expectations. The interior, while easy to clean, can feel cramped when trying to heat a full dinner plate or a large bowl of leftovers. Despite these cons, for straightforward reheating and simple cooking in a small footprint, this microwave is a dependable and affordable choice.
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is a compact, feature-rich countertop microwave designed for modern kitchens. It combines smart cooking technology with a sleek black design, aiming to simplify meal prep. This model is frequently highlighted in searches for the best microwave deals.
Pros
- ✓ Smart humidity sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power
- ✓ Easy-clean interior and removable 12.4-inch turntable for simple maintenance
- ✓ 12 auto menus and mute function provide versatile, quiet operation
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS stands out for its intelligent cooking capabilities. The smart humidity sensor is remarkably effective, preventing the common issue of dried-out or soggy food by detecting steam and adjusting the cook time accordingly. This, combined with the 12 pre-programmed auto menus for popular items like popcorn, pizza, and beverages, takes the guesswork out of using the 1000 watts of power. The one-touch mute function is also a thoughtful addition for open-concept living spaces.
Beyond cooking, the design prioritizes easy upkeep. The interior wipes clean effortlessly, and the large turntable is removable for a thorough wash in the sink. The ECO mode reduces standby power consumption, which is a nice touch for the energy-conscious. While the cavity size is perfect for most plates and bowls, fitting a large casserole dish can be a tight squeeze, which is the main trade-off for its compact countertop footprint. Overall, it delivers premium features at a very competitive price point.
Buyer's Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Factor 1
Size and Power: Match the microwave's interior capacity (like 0.7 vs. 1.2 cu. ft.) and wattage (700W vs. 1000W) to your typical meal sizes and desired cooking speed.
Factor 2
Special Features: Look for convenient functions like mute buttons, eco modes, sensor cooking, or express one-touch buttons that simplify your daily routine.
Factor 3
Ease of Cleaning: Consider designs with easy-clean interiors, removable turntables, and smooth control panels to make maintenance quick and simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 700 watts enough for a microwave?
Yes, 700 watts is sufficient for most basic tasks like reheating leftovers, beverages, and cooking simple frozen foods, though it may be slightly slower than higher-wattage models.
What is an Eco Mode on a microwave?
Eco Mode reduces the power consumed by the display and electronics when the microwave is idle, helping you save a small amount on your energy bill over time.
Why is a removable turntable important?
A removable turntable makes cleaning up spills and splatters much easier, as you can simply take it out and wash it in the sink.
Are these microwaves good for small kitchens?
The 0.7 cubic foot models are very compact and ideal for small spaces like dorm rooms, offices, or apartments with limited counter space.
What does a child safety lock do?
A child safety lock disables the control panel, preventing children from accidentally starting the microwave or changing settings.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all these microwaves, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS takes the crown. Its larger capacity, faster 1000W power, and smart sensor cooking offer the most versatility and performance for the price.
If you prioritize a fantastic balance of value, reliable performance, and useful features in a compact size, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a strong alternative. Your perfect choice depends on your priorities of size, power, and special features.