Comparison: Best 700W Microwave (Updated | May 14th)

If you are hunting for a straightforward, no-nonsense appliance that just works, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a solid contender. What really stands out in a crowded market is its push-button door release. While many modern microwaves use a pull-handle that can cause the whole lightweight unit to slide across your counter, this button mechanism allows for easy, one-handed access without shifting the machine. The stainless steel finish also gives it a more premium look than the basic plastic models often found at this price point.

I’d recommend this for someone living in a studio apartment or a college student who needs to reheat coffee and frozen dinners without sacrificing too much precious counter space. It’s the quintessential “essentials” microwave, offering 700 watts and express cooking buttons that make life easier when you’re in a rush.

The trade-off here is the noise. Like many entry-level units, it isn’t exactly whisper-quiet, and the end-of-cycle beeps are persistent. If you are a late-night snacker living with roommates, you might find the lack of a “mute” function a bit frustrating compared to some of its newer competitors.

The TOSHIBA MM-EM07PA(BK) is a surprisingly sophisticated little machine for its size. What makes it stand out in real-world use is the Mute Mode. By holding down the “8” key, you can kill those annoying beeps entirely—a total game-changer for anyone who values a quiet morning or doesn’t want to wake the kids. It also features ChefDefrost, which is a step up from the standard “blast it until it’s rubbery” approach most small microwaves take, helping to keep the texture of your meat or frozen veggies intact.

This is the best pick for a home office or a nursery where silence is golden. Its compact 0.7 cu. ft. footprint means it tucks away into corners easily, yet it still manages to fit a standard 9.6-inch turntable. It’s built for the person who wants small-scale convenience without the cheap, clunky feel of a bargain-bin unit.

One honest downside to consider is the 700W power limit combined with its interior height. Because it is quite low-profile at only 9.5 inches tall, you might struggle to fit taller travel mugs or oversized bowls inside. You’ll also need to be patient, as 700 watts will always take a minute or two longer than the beefier 1000W ovens at the office.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave is all about customization and “set it and forget it” convenience. The standout feature here is the Memory Function, which lets you program your most-used settings. If you have a specific ritual for your morning oatmeal or a particular brand of popcorn, you can save those settings for one-touch access later. It also includes a dedicated Mute Button right on the interface, so you don’t have to hunt through a manual to figure out how to silence the alerts.

I think this is a great choice for a busy family kitchen or a shared breakroom where people have very specific reheating habits. The child safety lock is also integrated well, ensuring that curious toddlers can’t start a cycle or open the door when they shouldn’t. It’s a very user-friendly interface that feels more modern than many of its rivals.

However, the trade-off is the handle-pull design. Unlike button-release models, pulling the handle on a lightweight 0.7 cu. ft. microwave can sometimes cause the whole unit to lurch forward if the feet don’t have a good grip on your countertop. You might find yourself needing to hold the top of the microwave with one hand while opening it with the other.

The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel model brings a touch of classic kitchen aesthetics to the small-appliance world. What makes it shine is its multi-stage cooking capability. This allows you to set the microwave to defrost at one power level and then immediately switch to a higher power for cooking, all in one sequence. It’s a level of control you don’t always see in these “mini” microwaves, making it much better for actual food prep rather than just reheating leftovers.

This is a perfect match for a small apartment dweller who actually enjoys cooking and wants a machine that can handle more than just popcorn. The stainless steel exterior is also much easier to wipe down and keep looking sharp than matte plastic finishes, which tend to show every greasy fingerprint.

The downside is that the 700W output is on the lower end for “real” cooking. While the multi-stage programming is clever, you have to accept that everything will take significantly longer to reach temperature compared to a full-sized oven. If you’re used to a 1100W machine, you’ll find yourself doubling the time on most frozen meal instructions.

This Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Black microwave is essentially the stealthy, sleek sibling of the stainless version. It stands out for its One-Touch Express buttons, allowing you to hit a single number to start a 1-to-6-minute cycle instantly. In a small kitchen where you’re juggling three things at once, that kind of simplicity is invaluable. It’s a rugged, dependable little workhorse that doesn’t try to overcomplicate the user experience.

Who should buy this? It’s the ideal “secondary” microwave. Maybe you have a big one in the kitchen but want something small in the basement bar or the garage for quick snacks. The black finish is great for blending into darker cabinetry or hiding in a corner where a shiny stainless model would stand out too much.

The trade-off is the interior visibility. Between the dark exterior and the relatively dim interior light, it can be hard to see through the mesh on the door to tell if your soup is about to bubble over. You’ll likely find yourself opening the door frequently to check on the progress of your food.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a masterclass in efficiency for small spaces. The standout feature here is the ECO Mode, which turns off the bright digital display when the microwave isn’t in use. It’s a small detail, but for someone trying to reduce their “vampire” energy draw or someone who hates having a dozen glowing clocks in their kitchen at night, it’s a huge plus. It also includes the highly coveted Sound On/Off function, making it a very polite roommate.

I’d suggest this for a dorm room or a tiny “tiny house” setup. It’s incredibly compact but still manages to include two defrost settings (by weight or time), which is more versatile than the basic timers found on other small units. It’s built for the person who wants modern features without a massive footprint.

The main drawback is the lightweight build. Because it’s designed to be so compact and portable, the unit can slide around on a smooth granite or laminate countertop when you press the door release button. You might need to place a non-slip mat underneath it to keep it firmly in place during daily use.

While technically a larger unit than the others, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is the powerhouse of the group. What makes it stand out is the Smart Humidity Sensor. Instead of guessing how long to cook your leftovers, the sensor detects steam and adjusts the time and power automatically. It’s the difference between a plate of food that’s cold in the middle and one that’s perfectly heated through. With 1000W of power, it’s significantly faster than the 700W models.

This is the clear choice for a primary household microwave. If you have the counter space (it’s over 20 inches wide), the 1.2 cu. ft. capacity and 12.4-inch turntable mean you can actually fit a full-sized dinner plate or a medium casserole dish inside. It’s for people who rely on their microwave for actual meal prep, not just snacks.

The obvious trade-off is the size and weight. This is not a “tuck it in a corner” appliance. It’s heavy and takes up a significant amount of real estate, making it a poor fit for cramped apartments or dorm rooms where every inch of counter space is a premium.

The GE Countertop Microwave in white offers a clean, surgical look that many people prefer for a bright kitchen. What makes it stand out is the Two-Step Child Lock. Unlike some models where the lock is easily bypassed, GE has implemented a more deliberate system to ensure safety. It’s also surprisingly quiet during operation, lacking that heavy “transformer hum” that plagues some of the cheaper 700W competitors.

This is a great “first microwave” for someone moving into their first apartment or for a senior who wants a reliable, compact 0.7 cu. ft. unit from a brand they recognize. The Instant On express controls are very intuitive, making it easy to use even if you aren’t particularly tech-savvy. It does the basics very well without a steep learning curve.

One honest downside is the lack of a dedicated mute button for the beeps. If you find the “cooking complete” alarm annoying, you’re stuck with it. Additionally, the white plastic finish, while looking sharp initially, can sometimes yellow over years of exposure to sunlight or kitchen grease, requiring a bit more external maintenance than a black or stainless model.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM in Pearl White is a stylish alternative to the industrial look of most microwaves. Its standout feature is the Sound On/Off button, which is clearly labeled and easy to toggle. It’s incredibly refreshing to have a microwave that respects your peace and quiet. Like its black-finish counterpart, it also boasts an ECO Mode to keep your energy bill—and light pollution in the kitchen—to a minimum.

This is the best option for a guest suite, a bedroom, or a chic office nook. The Pearl White finish gives it a softer, more “lifestyle” appearance that doesn’t scream “appliance.” Despite its small 700W stature, it still offers six auto-cook functions, so you aren’t losing out on the clever presets just because you went for a smaller, prettier box.

The trade-off here is the power level. Because it is a 700W unit, it can struggle with “heavy” tasks like defrosting a large, dense block of ground beef or heating up a thick bowl of stew. It’s fantastic for light-duty tasks, but if you’re trying to cook a full meal from scratch, you’ll find it a bit underpowered for your needs.

The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. White model is the definition of a “classic” microwave. What makes it stand out in real life is its simplicity and reliability. In an era where everything is becoming “smart” and connected to Wi-Fi, this Farberware sticks to what it knows: ten power levels, a clear LED display, and easy-to-clean surfaces. It’s the kind of appliance that you can set up in two minutes and never have to look at the manual again.

I’d recommend this for a landlord furnishing a rental unit or for a breakroom where you need something durable and easy to clean. The white finish makes it easy to spot splatters, which actually encourages people to keep the interior wiped down. It’s a “workhorse” in the truest sense of the word, designed for high-frequency, low-complexity use.

The downside is the aesthetic. It looks a bit dated compared to the sleek, glass-fronted designs from Toshiba or Chefman. If you’re looking for a center-piece for a modern kitchen remodel, this probably isn’t it. It’s a functional tool first and a design element second, focusing more on utility than high-end style.