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

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a quintessential “no-fuss” appliance that manages to look a bit sharper than your average budget box thanks to its Stainless Steel finish. What really stands out in a crowded market is the tactile Push-Button Door. While many modern units use a pull handle that can cause the whole light microwave to slide forward on your counter, this push-mechanism allows for a smoother, one-handed entry without shifting the machine.

I’d recommend this specifically for office breakrooms or tiny studio apartments where space is at a premium but you still want 700 Watts of reliable power for reheating leftovers or a quick “dinner plate” preset. The 0.7 Cu.ft capacity is just enough for a standard plate, and the Child Safety Lock is a nice touch if you have curious toddlers around.

The trade-off here is the noise and the power level. Like most entry-level 700W units, it’s going to take a bit longer to boil water compared to the heavy-duty models, and the fan is definitely noticeable when it’s running. It’s a workhorse for simple tasks, but don’t expect it to be a silent operator or a speed demon for large frozen blocks of food.

The TOSHIBA MM-EM07PA(BK) brings a level of technical refinement to the small microwave category that you don’t always see. The standout feature is definitely the ChefDefrost system. Most 700-watt microwaves tend to “cook” the edges of meat while the middle stays frozen, but this unit uses more sophisticated power cycling to preserve texture. It also includes a Mute Mode, which is a total game-changer for anyone who hates the aggressive beeping of a finished cycle—just hold the “8” key and enjoy the silence.

This is the ideal choice for a dorm room or a late-night snacker who doesn’t want to wake up the entire household. With 11 Power Levels and a dedicated ECO Mode to save on standby electricity, it feels more modern and thoughtful than its competitors. It’s compact enough to fit on a small shelf without feeling like a toy.

However, the compact footprint means the 9.6-inch glass turntable is quite small. If you have oversized square dinner plates or large microwave popcorn bags, they might snag on the interior walls and stop rotating. You’ll want to stick to standard-sized dishes to ensure even heating.

What I find interesting about the Chefman Countertop Microwave is how it prioritizes user customization through its Memory Function. Most small microwaves force you to punch in the same time every single day for your morning oatmeal, but this one lets you program your favorites. It’s a “smart” touch for a budget-friendly 700 Watts machine. It also features 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 beeps.

This unit is a great fit for someone who values efficiency and quiet. If you’re a “set it and forget it” type of person, those 6 Cooking Presets and the one-touch express buttons make life very easy. It’s built for the person who wants a small footprint but doesn’t want to sacrifice the convenience of modern digital controls.

The downside is the Child Safety Lock on the handle itself. While it’s a great safety feature, it can make the door a bit stiff to open. You might find yourself having to hold the top of the microwave with one hand while pulling the handle with the other to keep the unit from sliding toward you on a slick countertop.

The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel is all about bringing a classic, professional aesthetic to a small kitchen. It stands out because it doesn’t look like a “cheap” microwave; the metallic finish gives it a bit of weight and presence that fits in well with high-end appliances. It’s surprisingly capable for its size, offering multi-stage cooking, which allows you to program the unit to defrost at one power level and then switch to cooking at another automatically.

I would suggest this for a professional setting, like a small dental office or a home library, where you want an appliance that looks sophisticated but only needs to handle light tasks like heating coffee or Popcorn. It’s a solid, reliable choice for anyone who is tight on counter space but still wants 10 power levels to play with.

One thing to keep in mind is that the stainless steel finish, while beautiful, is a magnet for fingerprints. Unlike the plastic versions, you’ll find yourself wiping down the door quite often to keep it looking pristine. Also, the 700 Watts output means you’ll need to add a minute or two to the directions on most frozen meal boxes.

This version of the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. microwave comes in a sleek Black finish that disappears into the shadows of a kitchen corner, making it perfect for those who don’t want their appliances to be the center of attention. It shares the same robust DNA as its siblings, featuring Auto Cook Settings and a very clear LED display. The internal Easy Clean coating is a real highlight here; it’s designed so that splatters don’t bake onto the surface quite as stubbornly as they do in other budget models.

This is the “utility player” for a basement bar, a workshop, or a college apartment. It’s affordable, straightforward, and does exactly what it says on the box. If you need to defrost by weight or just need a 30-second blast of heat, the interface is intuitive enough that you’ll never need to look at the manual.

The trade-off is purely about speed. Because it is a 700 Watts machine, it simply doesn’t have the “oomph” of a full-sized oven. If you’re trying to heat up a dense bowl of leftover chili, you’ll likely need to stir it halfway through to avoid cold spots, as the smaller motor and lower wattage require a bit more patience.

The GE Countertop Microwave stands out because of the brand’s reputation for longevity and the specific Two-Step Child Lock. Unlike some locks that are easy for a smart kid to bypass, this one is designed with a bit more intentionality. The White finish is also a refreshing change from the sea of black and silver, giving it a clean, “kitchen essential” look that brightens up a dorm room or a small apartment kitchen.

This is the best option for parents or grandparents who have little ones running around and want that extra layer of safety. It’s also great for people who prefer Instant On express controls. Being able to hit a single button and have it start immediately is a convenience that’s hard to give up once you’re used to it.

An honest downside is the 39-inch power cord. While that might sound long enough, if your kitchen outlets are spaced far apart or you’re trying to put this on a high shelf, you might find the cord a bit restrictive. You’ll definitely want to measure your reach to the nearest plug before deciding on its permanent home.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a little powerhouse that prides itself on being “green.” The standout feature is the Energy Saving Eco Mode, which can cut standby power consumption by 50%. In an age where every appliance is constantly draining “vampire” power, having a microwave that actually dims its own display to save energy is a rare and welcome find for the eco-conscious shopper. It also includes the highly coveted Sound On/Off function.

This is the perfect match for a studio apartment where the kitchen is five feet from the bed. Between the Silent Mode and the Compact 0.7cu.ft size, it’s designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. It handles the basics like Frozen Veggies and Pizza with dedicated buttons that actually work pretty well for a 700W unit.

The main trade-off is the lightweight build. Because it’s so light, the unit can sometimes slide on the counter when you pull the handle to open the door. You might need to put a small rubber mat underneath it or just get into the habit of bracing the top with your thumb while you pull.

I have to point out right away that the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is the outlier in this group. While others are compact 700W units, this is a 1000W mid-sized beast with a 1.2 Cu Ft capacity. Its “superpower” is the Smart Humidity Sensor. Instead of just guessing a time, it actually senses the steam coming off your food and adjusts the power level and time on the fly. This results in much better leftovers that aren’t rubbery or dried out.

This is the one to buy if you actually “cook” in your microwave rather than just reheating coffee. If you have the counter space (it’s over 20 inches wide), the 12.4-inch turntable will accommodate full-sized dinner plates and even small casserole dishes. It’s a family-sized machine that happens to include luxury features like Mute Mode and Easy Clean Interior.

The obvious downside here is the size and power draw. It’s significantly larger than the 0.7 cu ft models, so it’s likely too big for a dorm or a tiny apartment. It also pulls 1600 watts of input power, which might trip a circuit breaker if you’re running a toaster or coffee maker on the same line.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM in Pearl White offers a softer, more aesthetic look than the standard clinical white appliances. Beyond its looks, it stands out for its Mute Function and the Two-Step Child Lock, which meets the latest safety standards. It feels like a very “polite” appliance—it doesn’t beep if you don’t want it to, it saves energy with Eco Mode, and it won’t let kids start it up by accident.

I’d recommend this for a nursery, a guest suite, or a small home office. It’s the kind of microwave you want nearby when you need a +30 seconds boost for your tea but don’t want a loud “BEEP BEEP BEEP” echoing through the house. The One-Touch Express buttons for 1-6 minutes make it very user-friendly for guests who don’t want to learn a complex interface.

The trade-off is that the 700W power is definitely on the lower end. If you’re used to a 1200W microwave, you’re going to feel like this takes forever to heat up a bowl of soup. It’s built for convenience and small spaces, not for heavy-duty cooking or speed-heating large meals.

The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. in White is the quintessential “starter” microwave. What makes it stand out is its pure simplicity and reliability. There are no confusing menus or hidden settings; it’s a straightforward 700 Watts machine with six one-touch options for the things people actually eat, like Popcorn and Potato. The LED display is bright and easy to read from across the room, which is a nice touch for such a compact unit.

This is the best bet for a student’s first apartment or as a secondary microwave in a basement or garage. It’s lightweight, easy to move, and the White finish is easy to keep looking clean. It’s a “set it and forget it” appliance that does exactly what you expect without any unnecessary fluff.

One honest downside is that the interior light only comes on when the microwave is actually running. If you’re someone who likes to leave the door open to air it out after a messy cook, you won’t have a light to help you see those stray splatters while cleaning. It’s a small detail, but it makes a difference during maintenance.