Ever feel like your meals take forever to heat up? Or maybe your popcorn never pops quite right? Choosing a microwave can be a small decision that makes a big difference in your kitchen. But when you see “700 Watt” on the box, what does that really mean for your cooking? It can be confusing to figure out if that’s enough power for your family’s needs, or if you’re just getting a slow, weak machine.
This is where understanding your microwave’s wattage becomes important. A 700-watt microwave is a common choice, and it’s perfect for many everyday tasks. But knowing its strengths and limitations will help you avoid frustration and get the best results from your appliance. In this post, we’ll break down exactly what 700 watts means for you.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know if a 700-watt microwave is the right fit for your kitchen. We’ll explore what it can do well, what it might struggle with, and how to make the most of its power. Let’s dive in and find out if this popular wattage is your kitchen’s new best friend!
Our Top 5 Rated 700 Watt Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated 700 Watt Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper. It’s a good size for small spaces, like dorm rooms or apartments. This microwave makes heating up food quick and simple. Its stainless steel finish looks nice in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It has special buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels.
- The “30 Seconds Express Cooking” button is very fast.
- The digital display is big and easy to see.
- It has a child safety lock to keep little hands out.
- The glass turntable inside spins your food for even heating.
- The door opens easily with a push button.
- It comes with a one-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might not heat food as quickly as higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is on the smaller side, so it might not fit larger dishes.
This microwave is a solid choice for basic reheating and cooking tasks. It’s easy to use and offers helpful features for everyday meals.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed for your busy life. This 0.7 cu. ft. microwave delivers 700 watts of cooking power, making it ideal for quick meals and snacks. Its sleek black design fits perfectly on any kitchen counter.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six handy presets for popcorn, pizza, and more.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels to heat or cook your food just right.
- Digital controls make it easy to set the time and power.
- The +30 seconds button lets you add extra cooking time with a single touch.
- A memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch use.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands out and prevents accidental door openings.
- You can mute annoying beeps with the audio button, perfect for quiet mornings.
- Eco Mode saves power and turns off the display when not in use.
- Cleaning is a breeze; the exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved, meaning it’s built with safety in mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- While powerful for its size, it might take longer to cook very dense or large food items compared to bigger microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for daily cooking needs. It offers great features in a small package.
3. TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven with 11 Power Levels
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA Small Microwave Oven MM-EM07PA(BK) is a handy kitchen helper. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms. It offers 700 watts of cooking power and a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, perfect for heating up snacks or cooking simple meals. This microwave is designed for ease of use and smart cooking.
What We Like:
- The ChefDefrost feature is a big plus. It defrosts food much faster than older methods. This means you get to enjoy your meals sooner.
- You can choose from 11 different power levels. This gives you a lot of control over how your food cooks. It’s great for everything from warming up coffee to cooking dinner.
- It comes with 6 auto menus for popular foods like popcorn and potatoes. This makes cooking quick and simple. Just press a button and let the microwave do the work.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy. The Mute Mode is also a great feature. You can turn off the beeping sounds so it doesn’t disturb anyone.
- Its small size is perfect for tight spaces. The 9.6-inch glass turntable is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s compact, the 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger dishes or families.
- The 700W cooking power is standard, but some users might prefer a microwave with higher wattage for faster cooking.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart and convenient choice for anyone needing a reliable, space-saving appliance. It offers great features for everyday cooking needs.
4. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power
Rating: 9.1/10
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is a great choice for busy kitchens. It’s compact but still powerful, making it ideal for small spaces. This microwave helps you prepare meals quickly and easily.
What We Like:
- It has 700 watts of power, which is strong enough for most tasks.
- The auto cook settings and one-touch options like popcorn and pizza are super convenient.
- You can defrost food by weight or time, making meal prep faster.
- Its 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, or offices.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- The LED display, clock, and timer are helpful.
- A child safety lock offers extra peace of mind.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a microwave with higher wattage for faster cooking.
- While it has auto cook settings, more advanced features like sensor cooking are not available.
This Farberware microwave is a practical and user-friendly appliance. It offers a good balance of features and convenience for its size and price.
5. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.6/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper. It’s a compact 0.7 cubic foot microwave that packs a punch with 700 watts of power. This black microwave is designed for ease of use, featuring simple one-touch buttons and a bright digital display. It’s a great addition for small kitchens or anyone looking for a straightforward way to heat up food, make popcorn, or even defrost meals.
What We Like:
- The silent mode is a game-changer, letting you microwave without annoying beeps.
- ECO Mode saves energy by cutting standby power in half.
- Easy auto-cook buttons take the guesswork out of preparing common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- One-touch express cooking with 1-6 minute options and a plus 30-second button makes quick heating super simple.
- Defrosting is flexible with options for weight or time.
- The child safety lock gives peace of mind.
- The interior light and 10-inch glass turntable make it easy to see and clean.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for added security.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook larger or denser items compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- While it has a clock, it doesn’t have advanced smart features.
This COMFEE’ microwave is a solid choice for its user-friendly features and energy-saving capabilities. It offers a good balance of convenience and value for everyday kitchen tasks.
Choosing Your 700 Watt Microwave: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
So, you’re in the market for a new microwave, and 700 watts is the magic number. That’s a great starting point! A 700-watt microwave is a solid choice for many kitchens, balancing speed and efficiency for everyday tasks. This guide will help you pick the right one.
What to Look For: Key Features of a 700 Watt Microwave
When you’re looking at different 700-watt models, keep these features in mind. They make a big difference in how you use your microwave.
1. Capacity
- **Small:** Good for single people or small kitchens. They fit about 0.7 cubic feet.
- **Medium:** A good all-around size, fitting around 1.0 cubic feet. Perfect for most families.
- **Large:** If you often heat up big dishes or cook for a crowd, look for 1.2 cubic feet or more.
Think about what you’ll be heating. A larger capacity means you can fit bigger plates and bowls.
2. Cooking Presets and Functions
- Most 700-watt microwaves have basic settings like popcorn, reheat, and defrost.
- Some offer more. These might include specific buttons for vegetables, potatoes, or even pizza.
- Look for a quick-start button that adds 30 seconds with a single press. This is super handy.
These presets save you time and guesswork.
3. Turntable Size
The turntable is the spinning plate inside. A larger turntable means your food heats more evenly. Most 700-watt models have turntables that are 10 to 12 inches wide.
4. Controls and Display
- **Digital:** These have buttons and a screen. They are usually easier to use and program.
- **Dial:** Some older or simpler models use a dial. These can be less precise.
A clear display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
5. Safety Features
Child lock is a great feature if you have little ones. It stops them from accidentally turning on the microwave.
Materials That Matter
The inside and outside of your microwave are made of different things. These materials affect durability and cleaning.
1. Interior Material
- **Enamel-coated steel:** This is common. It’s durable and easy to wipe clean.
- **Stainless steel:** This is stronger and looks sleek. It’s also easier to clean than some other materials.
A smooth interior makes cleaning up spills a breeze.
2. Exterior Material
Most microwaves have a plastic or metal exterior. Metal exteriors are generally more durable.
What Makes a 700 Watt Microwave Great (or Not So Great)
A few things can make your microwave experience better or worse.
Factors That Improve Quality
- **Even heating:** Some microwaves heat more evenly than others. This means no cold spots in your food.
- **Quiet operation:** A noisy microwave can be annoying. Look for reviews that mention how loud it is.
- **Easy to clean:** Non-stick interiors and simple designs make cleaning much easier.
- **Good build quality:** A sturdy microwave feels more reliable.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- **Uneven heating:** This is a big one. You don’t want to reheat leftovers and have them still be cold in the middle.
- **Flimsy buttons or door:** These can break easily.
- **Difficult to clean:** Stubborn stains and hard-to-reach corners are frustrating.
- **Loud operation:** A loud microwave can disturb your household.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave affects which features are most important.
Everyday Tasks
A 700-watt microwave is perfect for heating up coffee, steaming vegetables, or cooking instant meals. It’s fast and efficient for these simple jobs.
Small Kitchens and Dorm Rooms
Their generally smaller size makes them ideal for tight spaces. They don’t take up much counter space.
Beginner Cooks
Simple controls and presets make it easy for anyone to use. You can get started cooking without a lot of fuss.
Occasional Use
If you don’t use your microwave all the time, a 700-watt model is a cost-effective choice. It does the job without being overly complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions About 700 Watt Microwaves
Q: Are 700 watts enough power for a microwave?
A: Yes, 700 watts is a good power level for most everyday cooking and reheating tasks. It’s not the fastest, but it gets the job done well.
Q: What’s the difference between 700 watts and higher wattages like 900 or 1000 watts?
A: Higher wattages heat food faster. A 900-watt microwave might cook something in 3 minutes, while a 700-watt microwave might take 4 minutes for the same item.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a 700-watt microwave?
A: You can cook many simple meals, especially pre-packaged ones. For more complex cooking, it might take longer than with a higher-wattage microwave.
Q: How do I clean a 700-watt microwave?
A: Most interiors can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes to loosen grime.
Q: What size plate fits in a 700-watt microwave?
A: Most 700-watt microwaves have a turntable that accommodates plates up to 10-12 inches in diameter. Check the specific model’s dimensions.
Q: Are 700-watt microwaves energy efficient?
A: They are generally more energy efficient than higher-wattage models because they use less power when running.
Q: Can I put metal in a 700-watt microwave?
A: No, never put metal in any microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: What are the most common problems with 700-watt microwaves?
A: The most common issue is uneven heating. Some models also have less durable buttons or doors over time.
Q: How long should a 700-watt microwave last?
A: With proper care and use, a 700-watt microwave can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
Q: Is it worth buying a 700-watt microwave over a more expensive one?
A: If your needs are basic (reheating, simple cooking), a 700-watt microwave is a great value. If you need faster cooking or more advanced features, a higher wattage or feature-rich model might be better.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.