Comparison: Best 700 Watt Microwave (Updated | May 7th)

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a reliable staple for anyone who values a straightforward, tactile experience. What really makes it stand out in a crowded market is the push-button door release. While many modern units use a pull handle that can cause the whole lightweight microwave to slide across the counter, this button mechanism keeps the unit stationary. It feels solid for its size, and the stainless steel finish gives it a more premium look than the basic plastic models often found at this price point.

I’d recommend this specifically for college students in dorms or office breakrooms where space is at a premium but you still want a machine that looks professional. The 30-second express cooking is a lifesaver for quick reheats of coffee or snacks. However, the trade-off here is the noise. Like many 700W entry-level models, it has a fairly loud hum while operating and a persistent beep that you can’t silence, which might be a nuisance if you’re trying to be quiet in a shared living space.

If you have ever been frustrated by a microwave that ruins the edges of your frozen chicken while the center stays icy, the TOSHIBA MM-EM07PA(BK) is a breath of fresh air. It stands out because of the ChefDefrost technology, which manages power more intelligently than your average “on-off” cycling. It’s surprisingly sophisticated for a 0.7 Cu Ft unit, offering 11 power levels instead of the standard ten, giving you that extra bit of control over delicate tasks like melting chocolate or softening butter.

This is the perfect choice for the “midnight snacker” or anyone living in a studio apartment. Why? Because it features a dedicated mute mode. By holding down the “8” key, you can kill the beeps entirely, making it one of the most polite appliances you’ll ever own. The main downside to consider is the compact interior. While it fits a standard dinner plate, the 9.6-inch turntable won’t accommodate oversized square plates or large popcorn bags without them occasionally snagging on the walls.

The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel microwave is all about bringing a classic, polished aesthetic to a small footprint. In real-world use, it stands out for its multi-stage cooking capability. This allows you to program the unit to defrost something for a set time and then immediately switch to a specific power level to cook it, all without you having to come back and press more buttons. It’s a “set it and forget it” luxury in a very affordable package.

I think this is the best fit for a small home office or a secondary kitchen area where you want the appliance to blend in with other high-end stainless steel appliances. It looks more expensive than it is. The honest trade-off, however, is the 700-watt power ceiling. Because it isn’t a high-wattage beast, you’ll find that frozen “family size” meals or heavy leftovers will take significantly longer to heat through compared to a full-sized oven. You have to be patient with the clock.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave is built for the user who wants maximum customization in a tiny package. What makes it a standout is the Memory Function, which is surprisingly rare for this size. If you have a specific routine—like exactly 45 seconds at power level 7 for your morning oatmeal—you can save that setting. It effectively removes the guesswork from your daily habits. The matte black finish also does a great job of hiding fingerprints compared to shiny plastic models.

This is a great buy for families with young children, thanks to the robust Child Safety Lock and the Mute Button. You can prep a late-night meal without the “end of cycle” alarm waking up the whole house. One thing to watch out for is the One-Touch Express keys; while they are convenient, they trigger immediately. If you aren’t careful, hitting “1” starts a one-minute cycle instantly, which can be annoying if you were actually trying to type in a specific time like 12 seconds.

The black version of the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. microwave offers a sleek, monolithic look that disappears into the shadows of a countertop, which is often exactly what you want in a small kitchen. It stands out for its six one-touch options that are actually calibrated well for their labels. The popcorn setting, in particular, tends to be more accurate than many competitors that often end up scorching the bag. It’s a simple, honest machine that doesn’t try to overcomplicate the user interface.

This is an ideal “first microwave” for a teenager’s room or a very small apartment where you just need the basics handled well. It’s lightweight and easy to move, making it great for temporary living situations. The trade-off is the interior visibility. Because of the dark exterior and the specific mesh used on the door, it can be quite difficult to see your food spinning inside, even with the interior light on. You’ll likely find yourself opening the door just to check if things are bubbling over.

The GE 0.7 Cubic Ft. Compact Microwave in white brings a clean, medical-grade aesthetic that feels very “classic kitchen.” What sets it apart is the Instant On express controls. GE has been refining their interface for decades, and this unit feels very intuitive; you don’t feel like you’re fighting the computer to get a simple task done. The two-step child lock is also a bit more intentional than others, specifically designed to meet newer safety standards while remaining easy for adults to bypass.

This is the go-to for someone who prefers brand reliability and wants an appliance that feels sturdy. It’s a great fit for a bright, white kitchen or a dorm room where you want a trusted name. However, the white finish is the trade-off here. While it looks sharp out of the box, the exterior and the crevices around the buttons will show every splash of tomato sauce or coffee grime, requiring much more frequent wiping down than the darker or stainless models.

This Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. model in white is the quintessential “budget-friendly” workhorse. It stands out for being incredibly easy to clean. Both the interior coating and the smooth exterior plastic seem to shed grease and splatters with just a quick swipe of a damp cloth. It’s a no-frills appliance that focuses on the 700 watts of output without adding unnecessary bells and whistles that might break down over time.

I’d recommend this for a breakroom or a rental property. It’s inexpensive enough that it’s easily replaceable, but durable enough to handle daily use by multiple people. The weight defrost feature is particularly helpful for those who forget to take meat out of the freezer in the morning. The downside is the overall footprint relative to the interior; the walls are a bit thick, so while it takes up a fair amount of counter space, the 0.7 cu. ft. cavity can feel a bit cramped for anything larger than a standard dinner plate.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM in Pearl White is one of the most eco-conscious small microwaves on the market. Its standout feature is the ECO Mode, which allows you to dim the display and cut standby power consumption by half. For those who hate the “vampire power” draw of digital clocks all over the kitchen, this is a major win. It also features a very modern, minimalist control panel that feels fresh compared to the cluttered buttons of older designs.

This is a fantastic choice for the environmentally conscious shopper or someone living in an older home with limited outlets who wants to keep energy draws low. The mute function is another huge plus for quiet mornings. The trade-off is the door latch. It requires a bit of a firm tug to open, and because the microwave is so lightweight, you might find yourself needing to hold the top of the unit with one hand so you don’t pull the whole microwave toward you when opening it.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB in black is the dark, stylish sibling of the Comfee line, and it stands out for its user-friendly interface. It manages to pack a lot of features—like one-touch express cooking for 1-6 minutes and a mute function—into a layout that doesn’t feel overwhelming. The 10-inch glass turntable is also slightly larger than some other 0.7 cu. ft. models, giving you just a tiny bit more breathing room for your dishes to rotate freely without hitting the sides.

This is best for anyone who wants a “silent” kitchen experience without spending a fortune. It’s a solid all-rounder for small apartments. The honest trade-off here is the brightness of the LED display. While the Eco Mode can turn it off, when it is on, it is exceptionally bright. If you have an open-concept living area where your kitchen is visible from your sleeping area, that green glow might be a bit distracting at night if you don’t keep the Eco Mode engaged.

The GE 0.7 Cubic Ft. in black and stainless is the most “grown-up” looking microwave in this size category. It stands out because of its build quality; the door swing feels more substantial and less “tinny” than other 700-watt models. The Auto and Manual Defrost logic is also quite impressive, as it seems to handle frozen bread and meats without turning the edges into rubber, which is a common fail point for small microwaves.

This is the best choice for someone who wants a compact footprint but doesn’t want their kitchen to look like a college dorm. It fits perfectly in a modern apartment or a high-end office. The trade-off is the price-to-power ratio. You are definitely paying a premium for the GE name and the sleek design. While it functions beautifully, it provides the same 700 watts of heating power as models that cost significantly less, so you are essentially paying for the aesthetics and the brand’s reliability record.