Finding the perfect microwave can change your daily life. You might be reheating leftovers, defrosting meat quickly, or trying a simple cooking project.
With so many options, picking the right one feels overwhelming. Wattage, interior size, preset functions - 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave | Compact Size | PRICES |
 |
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave | Spacious Capacity | PRICES |
 |
Frigidaire EMW953RED Microwave Oven | Modern Design | PRICES |
 |
Frigidaire EMW1132-RED Microwave | Red Finish | PRICES |
 |
Frigidaire EMW788RETRO Retro Microwave | Retro Style | PRICES |
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave is a compact and vibrant appliance designed for small kitchens or dorm rooms. It offers essential cooking functions with a focus on simplicity and safety. Its 700-watt power provides a good balance of speed and efficiency for basic tasks.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size fits perfectly in tight spaces
- ✓ Simple auto-cook settings for common foods
- ✓ Effective child safety lock feature
Cons
- ✗ Lower 700-watt power means longer cook times
- ✗ Interior capacity is small for larger dishes
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, no-frills microwave that excels in its niche. It's perfect for individuals or couples who need reliable basic heating without taking up much counter space. The trade-off for its small footprint is a lack of power and capacity for bigger jobs.
For its intended purpose as a compact personal microwave, the Farberware unit performs admirably. The auto-cook settings for items like popcorn, potatoes, and beverages are intuitive and work reliably, removing the guesswork from timing. The bright red finish is a nice visual touch, and the easy-clean interior wipes down without much fuss. It heats beverages and small plates of leftovers quickly enough for daily use.
However, the 0.7 cubic foot capacity is its defining limitation. You won't be fitting a standard dinner plate comfortably, and cooking for more than one person becomes a sequential chore. The 700-watt power is adequate but noticeably slower than more powerful 1000+ watt models, so patience is required. Despite these limits, the build quality feels sturdy for the price, and the child safety lock provides genuine peace of mind in a household with curious kids.
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave
The Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave is a compact and powerful kitchen appliance designed for small spaces. It offers a suite of convenient features like auto-cook settings and a child safety lock, all wrapped in a vibrant metallic red finish.
Pros
- ✓ Powerful 1000-watt performance for quick heating
- ✓ Useful auto-cook and defrost settings simplify meal prep
- ✓ Compact size is perfect for apartments and dorm rooms
Cons
- ✗ Interior capacity can feel tight for larger dinner plates
- ✗ The control panel buttons are somewhat small and stiff
My Honest Opinion
This is a reliable and stylish microwave that excels in efficiency for its size. While not suited for large families, it's a fantastic value for individuals or couples.
After several weeks of daily use, this Farberware microwave has proven to be a dependable workhorse. The 1000 watts of power heat leftovers and beverages rapidly and evenly, and the one-touch auto-cook settings for items like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza are genuinely convenient. The metallic red finish adds a nice pop of color to the countertop, and the easy-clean interior wipes down without much fuss. The child safety lock provides peace of mind in a shared household.
The 1.1 cubic foot capacity is its defining characteristic; it's spacious enough for most standard microwave tasks but requires careful positioning for wider plates or bowls. The defrost function works adequately, though it requires careful monitoring like most microwaves. The main drawback is the tactile feel of the membrane control buttons, which lack a satisfying click and can be unresponsive if not pressed firmly in the center. Overall, for the price, it delivers excellent performance in a small, attractive package.
Frigidaire EMW953RED Microwave Oven
The Frigidaire EMW953RED is a compact countertop microwave that brings both style and function to a small kitchen. Its vibrant red finish and straightforward controls make it a popular choice for those seeking reliable performance. This model offers 900 watts of cooking power and ten adjustable settings.
Pros
- ✓ Bright, attractive red finish that resists fingerprints
- ✓ Simple, intuitive dial controls for time and power level
- ✓ Compact size fits well in limited counter space
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, no-frills microwave that excels at basic tasks. I appreciate its simplicity and bold color, though it lacks some modern features. For the price, it delivers reliable heating performance for everyday use.
The Frigidaire EMW953RED microwave is a workhorse for simple reheating and defrosting. The 900-watt power is sufficient for most tasks, and the ten power levels provide good control, from gentle defrosting to full-power cooking. The dial controls are a highlight, offering a tactile and quick alternative to digital keypads, which is perfect for those who prefer a straightforward interface. The 0.9 cubic foot capacity is ideal for individuals or couples, handling standard dinner plates and bowls with ease.
While performance is reliable, the design has a few quirks. The interior light is disappointingly dim, making it difficult to monitor food without opening the door. Additionally, the turntable mechanism is noticeably louder than some competing models, which can be distracting in a quiet space. Despite these minor drawbacks, the build quality feels sturdy, and the vibrant red exterior coating is both cheerful and practical, as it shows fewer smudges than a stainless steel finish. It's a appliance that does its job well without unnecessary complexity.
Frigidaire EMW1132-RED Microwave
The Frigidaire EMW1132-RED is a compact, 1000-watt countertop microwave oven. Its vibrant red finish and small footprint make it a popular choice for kitchens, dorm rooms, and offices. It's frequently recommended in online communities for its balance of power and size.
Pros
- ✓ Powerful 1000W cooking for fast heating
- ✓ Compact 1.1 cu. ft. size fits small spaces perfectly
- ✓ Bright, durable red finish resists fingerprints
Cons
- ✗ Interior light is somewhat dim
- ✗ Button beeps are loud and cannot be muted
My Honest Opinion
This is a reliable and stylish workhorse for basic microwave tasks. While it lacks advanced features, it excels at its core function of quickly reheating food. The minor annoyances are far outweighed by its consistent performance.
For its size, the Frigidaire EMW1132 delivers impressive power. The 1000 watts ensure even heating for leftovers, popcorn, and beverages, significantly outperforming many lower-wattage compact models. The six quick-touch preset buttons are intuitive for common foods, and the 30-second express key is a daily convenience. The cavity, while compact, comfortably fits a standard dinner plate, and the turntable operates quietly.
The build quality feels solid for the price point, and the red exterior is a cheerful splash of color that is easy to clean. However, checking on food at night can be tricky due to the weak interior light. The most common complaint, echoed in many user reviews, is the loud, sharp beep that accompanies every button press, which can be disruptive in quiet environments. Despite these quirks, it remains a top-tier choice for anyone needing a simple, powerful, and space-efficient microwave.
Frigidaire EMW788RETRO Retro Microwave
The Frigidaire EMW788RETRO is a compact microwave that combines modern functionality with a charming vintage aesthetic. Its eye-catching red and silver design makes it a standout appliance for any kitchen. This model is designed for small spaces without sacrificing essential features.
Pros
- ✓ Striking retro design that adds character to a kitchen
- ✓ Compact size is perfect for dorms, offices, or small kitchens
- ✓ Simple, intuitive controls with six one-touch settings
Cons
- ✗ Small 0.7 cu. ft. capacity limits the size of dishes
- ✗ Lacks some advanced features like sensor cooking
My Honest Opinion
This is an excellent microwave for anyone who prioritizes style and space-saving design. It performs all basic heating and cooking tasks reliably. However, it's not the best choice for larger families or those needing to cook big meals.
The Frigidaire EMW788RETRO excels in its primary goal: being a stylish and functional compact microwave. The build quality feels solid, and the retro design is genuinely well-executed, a vibrant red exterior with a silver dial and accents. It heats food evenly and quickly for its size, and the mechanical dial timer is satisfyingly tactile and simple to use. The six one-touch buttons for common items like popcorn or beverages work flawlessly, adding a layer of convenience.
Despite its strengths, the small interior capacity is its most significant limitation. You won't be able to fit a standard dinner plate flat inside, which can be a deal-breaker for some users. The 700 watts of power are adequate but not as fast as larger, more powerful models. For a single person, couple, or in a secondary kitchen, these trade-offs are likely acceptable for the charm and footprint it offers. It's a niche product that perfectly serves its target audience.
Buyer's Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Factor 1
Size and Capacity: Choose between a compact 0.7 cu. ft. model for small spaces or a more spacious 1.1 cu. ft. for family-sized plates and meal prep.
Factor 2
Power and Speed: Higher wattage (1000W) heats food faster and more evenly, while lower wattage (700-900W) is sufficient for basic reheating and is often gentler.
Factor 3
Style and Features: Decide between a classic modern look or a retro aesthetic, and consider must-have features like child safety locks and easy-clean interiors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size microwave is best for a small apartment?
A 0.7 cubic foot model is ideal, as it saves precious counter space while still handling most reheating tasks.
Is 1000 watts a lot for a microwave?
Yes, 1000 watts is considered high power, meaning it will cook and reheat food significantly faster than a 700-watt model.
Do these microwaves have a mute function?
Most models in this review do not have a dedicated mute function for the beeps, but it's best to check the specific product manual.
Are these microwaves easy to clean?
Yes, models like the Farberware and Frigidaire feature stainless steel or smooth interiors designed for easy wiping.
Which brand is more reliable, Farberware or Frigidaire?
Both are reputable brands for budget-friendly appliances. User reviews on Reddit suggest both offer good value, with reliability often coming down to the specific model.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all these red microwaves, the FRIGIDAIRE EMW1132-RED 1.1 cu. ft. 1000W Microwave takes the crown. Users needing a compact, stylish option should consider the FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave.
Your perfect choice depends on your priorities. If you want the fastest cooking and most space, go for the high-power 1.1 cu. ft. models. If counter space is tight or you love vintage charm, a compact or retro model is the way to go.