Comparison: Best Buy 700 Watt Microwave (Updated | May 12th)

The TOSHIBA MM-EM07PA(BK) is a clever little machine that punches above its weight class, primarily due to its ChefDefrost technology. While most 700-watt units tend to struggle with uneven thawing—leaving you with frozen centers and cooked edges—this model is surprisingly sophisticated at preserving food texture. I really appreciate the inclusion of 11 power levels instead of the standard ten, giving you that extra bit of control when softening butter or warming delicate sauces.

This is the ideal choice for someone living in a studio apartment or a dorm where peace and quiet are a priority. The ability to mute the buzzer by holding down the “8” key is a lifesaver for late-night snacking without waking up the entire household. It looks sleek in black and doesn’t feel like a cheap plastic box, which is a common pitfall for compact appliances.

However, the trade-off here is the internal height. At just over 8 inches inside, you might find that taller coffee mugs or stacked steamer containers hit the ceiling. It is strictly a “small plate” microwave, so if you are trying to reheat a large dinner platter, you’ll likely find the 9.6-inch turntable a bit restrictive.

If you prefer a classic, tactile feel over modern touchpads, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 stands out because of its push-button door release. In a world where most microwaves use a handle that requires you to yank the whole lightweight unit forward, the physical button allows for a much smoother, one-handed entry. The stainless steel finish also gives it a more premium, professional look than the basic white or black plastic models usually found at this price point.

I’d recommend this for a small office breakroom or a senior who wants a straightforward, high-contrast LED display that is easy to read from across the room. It handles the basics like popcorn and dinner plates with reliable pre-programmed buttons, and the 30 Seconds Express Cooking makes it very efficient for quick tasks.

The honest downside is that the 1050W input power is quite high for a 700W output device, meaning it isn’t the most energy-efficient option on the list. It also tends to be a bit noisier during operation than some of its competitors, so it’s definitely not the “stealth” option if you’re looking for a silent kitchen companion.

The Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave is all about customization and “set it and forget it” convenience. What really caught my eye is the Memory Function, which is surprisingly rare in budget-friendly compacts. It allows you to program your specific daily routines—like exactly how long your favorite mug takes to heat water—so you aren’t constantly punching in numbers. It’s a thoughtful touch for people who value a streamlined morning routine.

This unit is a great fit for a busy parent or someone in a shared living space. Between the Mute Option and the Child Safety Lock, it’s designed to be unobtrusive and safe. The Eco Mode is another nice perk, ensuring the display isn’t sucking power 24/7 when the microwave isn’t actually in use.

The trade-off is the build weight. Because it is so compact and light, the unit has a tendency to slide around on smooth countertops when you press the door handle or the buttons. You might find yourself needing to put a non-slip mat underneath it to keep it from “walking” across the kitchen during daily use.

The Farberware Stainless Steel model brings a sense of traditional durability to the 700-watt category. It feels substantial, and the multi-stage cooking feature is a standout for anyone who actually “cooks” in a microwave rather than just reheating. This allows you to set it to defrost for a few minutes and then automatically switch to a higher power level to finish the job, which is a huge help for consistent results.

This is the best “all-rounder” for a small family kitchen or an office. The stainless steel exterior is remarkably easy to wipe down, and it resists the fingerprint smudges that usually plague darker appliances. It’s a workhorse that handles weight defrosting with decent accuracy, making it more versatile than a basic “on/off” box.

The downside is that the interior lighting can feel a bit dim. If you like to watch your food through the glass to make sure the cheese is melting perfectly or the water isn’t boiling over, you might find it hard to see clearly through the mesh screen and the lower-wattage internal bulb.

This version of the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. microwave in black is the quintessential “hidden” appliance. Because of its dark finish and compact footprint, it disappears into shadows on a countertop, making it perfect for those who hate the look of bulky kitchen tech. Like its stainless sibling, it offers six one-touch options, but the black finish is even more forgiving when it comes to visual clutter.

I would suggest this for a student or someone in a temporary rental who needs a reliable, easy-clean unit that won’t break the bank. It’s very intuitive; you don’t need a manual to figure out the express cook functions or the kitchen timer. It does exactly what it says on the box without any unnecessary fluff.

One thing to keep in mind is that the black plastic casing can sometimes retain heat more than the metal-clad versions. After running a long cycle—like five or six minutes for a large potato—the exterior can feel quite warm to the touch. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of if you have it tucked into a tight corner with limited airflow.

The GE Countertop Microwave stands out for its two-step child lock. While many brands have a simple lock, GE has refined the safety standards to be a bit more intentional, which is a major win for households with curious toddlers. It also features a very clean, white-and-black glass aesthetic that looks significantly more “high-end” and modern than the retro-style or industrial-looking competitors.

This is the perfect match for a white kitchen or a bright, airy apartment where you want the appliances to blend into the cabinetry. The Instant On controls are very snappy, and the rotation of the glass turntable is exceptionally smooth, which helps with the 700-watt power distribution to avoid those annoying cold spots in your food.

However, the 39-inch power cord is surprisingly short. If your kitchen outlets aren’t perfectly placed, you might find yourself frustrated trying to reach a plug without using an extension cord. It’s definitely a microwave designed for a specific, well-planned countertop spot rather than a flexible “anywhere” appliance.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM in Pearl White is a refreshing departure from the standard appliance colors. It has a slightly softer, more “designer” look that really pops. Beyond aesthetics, the ECO Mode is a standout feature, claiming to reduce standby power by 50%. For the eco-conscious shopper, seeing a company prioritize energy savings in a small appliance is a big plus.

This is a great choice for a dorm room or a bedroom-based kitchenette. The Sound On/Off button is clearly labeled on the front, making it much easier to silence than models that require you to memorize a secret code of button presses. It’s very user-friendly and doesn’t overcomplicate the one-touch express experience.

The honest trade-off here is the turntable size. At 10 inches, it is slightly larger than some, but the interior cavity is shaped in a way that square containers often get caught in the corners as they rotate. You really need to stick to round plates and bowls to ensure the 700W heating remains even.

The black version of the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is the ultimate “stealth” microwave. It features a bright digital display that is incredibly sharp, making it easy to use as your primary kitchen clock. The inclusion of a mute function and the plus 30 seconds button makes it feel very modern and responsive, catering to the “quick-hit” style of microwave use that most of us actually practice.

I’d recommend this for someone who wants a sleek, dark aesthetic and values a quiet home environment. It’s excellent for reheating coffee or small snacks, and the weight defrost setting is surprisingly competent for a budget unit. It feels like a much more expensive piece of tech than the price tag suggests.

The downside is the interior light. It only turns on while the microwave is actually running, not when you open the door. This can make it a bit annoying to clean or to see if you’ve left a spill inside without actually starting a cycle or having a separate kitchen light shining directly into the cavity.

The Haden 700 Watt microwave is the one to pick if you are tired of the “black box” look and want something with personality. The Putty and Chrome finish gives it a distinct retro-modern vibe that looks fantastic in “shabby chic” or vintage-inspired kitchens. It’s not just a tool; it’s a design piece. The multi-sequence cooking is the functional standout here, letting you program a complex heating path in one go.

This is best for someone who wants their small appliances to reflect their personal style—think boutique offices or stylish studio apartments. It’s very compact, so it fits in those weirdly small kitchen nooks that other microwaves might be too deep for. The Instant Start is also very snappy for those who hate menus.

The honest trade-off is that it only offers 5 power levels, whereas almost every other competitor on this list offers 10 or 11. This means you have much less “granularity” when trying to simmer something or melt chocolate without burning it. You’re trading a bit of culinary precision for that beautiful exterior design.

The Farberware Red model is a bold choice that adds a necessary splash of color to a kitchen. Beyond the vibrant look, the 6 one-touch auto-cook programs are very well-calibrated. Specifically, the “Potato” and “Popcorn” settings seem to be tuned better than most, resulting in fewer burnt kernels and more evenly fluffy potatoes. It’s a reliable, 700-watt workhorse with a lot of character.

This is the perfect gift for a college student or a first-time apartment hunter who wants a “fun” kitchen. It’s also great for an RV or a tiny house because the compact 0.7 cu. ft. size is maximized efficiently—you can fit a standard dinner plate in there without it scraping the sides.

The downside is that the red finish is a bit of a magnet for grease and steam marks. If you have it near a stovetop, you’ll notice that it shows “kitchen film” much faster than a stainless or matte black model would. You’ll need to be diligent with the easy clean exterior to keep that red looking sharp and bright.