The best 700 watt microwave oven offers a compact yet capable solution for everyday reheating and cooking, perfect for students, small kitchens, or dorm rooms. While many models share similar wattage, key differences in interior space, pre-set cooking functions, and ease of cleaning can significantly impact your daily experience. Choosing the wrong appliance might mean less efficient cooking, a unit that doesn’t fit your needs, or a shorter lifespan, ultimately wasting your investment.
To help you find an excellent countertop appliance that perfectly suits your culinary demands, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 700-watt microwave ovens available today.
The best 700 watt microwave oven often features a compact 0.7 cubic foot capacity, suitable for small kitchens or dorm rooms. Models like the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 and various GE countertop models offer pre-programmed settings and multiple power levels.
Key considerations include electronic touchpad controls for ease of use and a child safety lock for added security.
Best 700 Watt Microwave Oven at a Glance
| Image | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Best Pick 1  | BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Best for: Family safety | Check Price |
Best Pick 2  | GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 0.7 Cubic Ft., 700-watt Capacity, Best for: Small kitchens | Check Price |
Best Pick 3  | Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Best for: Basic reheating | Check Price |
Best Pick 4  | Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with Best for: Simple cooking | Check Price |
Best Pick 5  | FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black Best for: Sleek kitchens | Check Price |
How We Picked
To find the best 700 watt microwave oven, we rigorously evaluated models based on crucial buyer needs. We prioritized real-world performance and durability, examining build quality and consistent heating capabilities. Safety features, particularly child locks seen in products like the GE and Farberware, were paramount.
Standout features such as pre-programmed buttons on the BLACK+DECKER and intuitive digital controls on the FRIGIDAIRE models were also considered. We ruled out options with questionable durability or safety to ensure a reliable appliance for any kitchen in 2026.
What Most Buyers Get Wrong
Understanding Microwave Wattage and Your Needs
When looking at 700-watt microwaves, it’s crucial to understand what that number truly means for your cooking. While 700 watts is generally considered a standard output for basic reheating and cooking tasks, higher wattages can cook faster. This might seem counterintuitive, but for those who prioritize speed, a slightly higher wattage microwave might be worth considering if your budget allows.
However, for many, a 700-watt model like the GE Countertop Microwave Oven or the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft.
offers ample power for everyday use.
Choosing the Right Capacity for Your Space
Microwave ovens come in various capacities, and for a 700-watt model, the most common size is 0.7 cubic feet, as seen in many products like the FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ and the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven. Consider how you’ll use the microwave. If you primarily reheat single servings or prepare small snacks, this compact size is ideal and fits easily on most countertops.
However, if you plan to cook larger dishes or accommodate bigger plates, you might need to explore models with a slightly larger capacity, even if it means a slight increase in wattage or a different form factor.
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child
Best for: Popcorn & Potato Presets For Quick Meals.
With 700 watts of power and 10 distinct power settings, this BLACK+DECKER model handles everyday reheating and cooking tasks efficiently. Its 0.9 cu. ft. capacity offers ample space for standard plates, making it suitable for dorms or small kitchens.
This microwave measures 17.3” x 12.9” x 10.2” and includes a removable 10” glass turntable that ensures even heating. The push-button door release provides convenient access, while the child safety lock adds an extra layer of security.
Pros
- 10 power settings for flexible cooking
- Removable 10” glass turntable for even heating
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza
- Child safety lock for secure operation
Cons
- The push-button door release may be less durable than a handle over time.
Ideal for students or apartment dwellers needing straightforward reheating. Students can quickly prepare snacks with pre-programmed buttons for popcorn and potatoes.
2. GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 0.7 Cubic Ft., 700-watt Capacity,
Best for: Compact Footprint With Efficient Cooking.
This GE countertop microwave provides 700 watts of cooking power within its compact 0.7 cubic foot interior. Its efficient design fits easily on countertops without consuming excessive space, perfect for smaller kitchens or shared workspaces.
Featuring a glass turntable that rotates for optimal cooking results, this appliance also offers 10 power levels. The 39-inch power cord allows for flexible placement on shelves or counters, and the touch controls are intuitive.
Pros
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity for everyday use
- 10 power levels for precise control
- Glass turntable ensures even cooking
- Compact size conserves counter space
Cons
- The child safety lock, while a good feature, cannot be permanently deactivated.
This GE microwave is well-suited for individuals or small families requiring basic cooking and reheating functions. It’s a practical choice for a college dorm room or office break area.
3. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts
Best for: Versatile Presets and Multi-Stage Cooking.
The Farberware 0.7 cu. ft. microwave delivers 700 watts of output power for quick meal preparation. Its capability for multi-stage cooking and 10 power levels allow for customized heating of various dishes.
With six one-touch cooking options including popcorn and potato, this microwave simplifies popular selections. Defrosting by weight or time is also an available feature, reducing preparation time for frozen ingredients.
Pros
- 700 watts for efficient cooking
- 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking
- Six one-touch presets like popcorn
- Defrost by weight or time function
Cons
- The 0.7 cu. ft. interior may be too small for larger dinner plates or multiple food items.
This microwave is a good option for quick meals and thawing frozen foods in small kitchens. Individuals seeking convenient one-touch cooking for snacks will find it particularly useful.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with
Best for: Even Cooking with Digital Control Panel.
This Chefman microwave uses 700 watts to provide rapid cooking, with a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity ideal for single servings or reheating. Its digital controls offer easy operation for various cooking needs.
The appliance features ten power levels, allowing you to melt butter on a low setting or achieve rapid heating on high. Six popular presets, including popcorn and pizza, are available for quick selection of common cooking tasks.
Pros
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity is space-efficient
- 10 power levels from low to high
- Six popular one-touch presets
- Digital controls for easy operation
Cons
- The ‘Mute’ button, while convenient, is the only specialized control, lacking dedicated express cook buttons.
This microwave is suitable for individuals needing a compact unit with versatile power settings. It’s a practical choice for small apartments or studio kitchens where space is limited.
5. FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black
Best for: Digital Panel & Defrost Timers.
The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ boasts 700 watts of power within its 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for everyday use. A digital control panel simplifies operation, offering options for express cooking and power level adjustments.
This microwave includes two distinct defrost timers, granting users control over thawing processes for frozen items. Its multi-stage cooking capability allows for personalized meal preparation, ensuring food is heated to preference.
Pros
- 700 watts for fast heating
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity for convenience
- Two defrost timers for versatile thawing
- Digital control panel for easy use
Cons
- The interior light is not illuminated during the entire cooking cycle, making it difficult to monitor progress without opening the door.
This FRIGIDAIRE microwave is ideal for those who appreciate precise control over defrosting and reheating. It’s a practical appliance for small kitchens or individuals who prepare single-portion meals.
6. Commercial Chef 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven, Touch Controls
Best for: Express Cook & Pre-Set Menus.
With 700 watts of microwave power, this Commercial Chef oven handles common cooking tasks like reheating pasta or bacon efficiently. Its 0.7 cu. ft. capacity is suitable for most standard dinner plates and bowls.
This white microwave features 10 power levels, including 6 pre-set menus and express cook options for 1-6 minutes. The LED control panel allows for heating up to 99 minutes, and the turntable ensures even cooking.
Pros
- 700 watts for effective reheating
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity is practical
- 10 power levels and express cook
- 6 pre-set menus for common tasks
Cons
- At 19.8 lbs, it is slightly heavier than some comparable compact models, potentially making it less ideal for frequent relocation.
This microwave is a solid choice for individuals or households needing a reliable appliance for daily reheating and cooking. Its user-friendly controls and express options make it convenient for quick meals.
7. FRIGIDAIRE EMW727 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave, Stainless Steel
Best for: Auto Defrost & Touchpad Controls.
This FRIGIDAIRE microwave offers 700 watts of power within its 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, making it suitable for reheating and basic cooking. The electronic touchpad controls provide a streamlined interface for selecting cooking options.
Featuring 10 power levels and an auto defrost system, this model allows for convenient preparation of frozen foods. The glass turntable ensures food is heated evenly, and the child safety lock offers peace of mind.
Pros
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity is standard
- 700 watts for efficient heating
- 10 power levels for customization
- Auto defrost simplifies thawing
Cons
- The listed wattage is 700W, but the product title and description also mention 1000W, creating potential confusion about its true power output.
This FRIGIDAIRE microwave is a sensible option for those who need a dependable unit with auto defrost capabilities. It’s a good fit for apartments or small kitchens where space is at a premium.
8. GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 0.7 Cubic Ft., 700-watt Capacity,
Best for: Under-Cabinet Installation Capable.
This GE countertop microwave offers 700 watts of cooking power with a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, designed to maximize kitchen efficiency. Its freestanding capability includes an option for under-cabinet installation, freeing up valuable counter space.
The unit features a rotating glass turntable for even cooking and 10 distinct power levels for precise control over heating. A two-step child lock is included as a safety measure to prevent unintended activation.
Pros
- 0.7 cu. ft. interior is compact
- 700 watts for effective cooking
- Under-cabinet installation option
- 10 power levels for versatility
Cons
- Requires an optional hanging kit for under-cabinet mounting, adding an extra purchase and installation step.
This GE microwave is ideal for homeowners looking to optimize kitchen space with its under-cabinet mounting option. It’s suitable for smaller kitchens or individuals who prefer a clutter-free countertop.
9. GE GCST07N1WSS Countertop Microwave Oven 700-watt Compact 0.7 Cu Ft
Best for: Modern Stainless Steel Finish.
The GE GCST07N1WSS microwave provides 700 watts of cooking power within its compact 0.7 cu. ft. stainless steel interior. Its electronic touch controls offer a sleek and easy-to-use interface for various heating needs.
This model includes a turntable for even cooking and offers multiple power levels for precise temperature control. The “Add 30 Seconds” function allows for quick reheating or extending cook times with a single button press.
Pros
- 700 watts for efficient operation
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity is standard
- Stainless steel finish is durable
- Electronic touch controls for ease of use
Cons
- The bundle includes oven mitts and an extended warranty, but does not come with a specific stand or mounting hardware.
This GE microwave is perfect for those seeking a stainless steel appliance with straightforward controls. Its compact size makes it a great addition to studio apartments or small kitchens.
10. BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Countertop Compact Microwave Oven
Best for: Memory Function for Custom Settings.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave delivers 700 watts of power across 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, making it efficient for quick meals. The unit features a memory function to store personalized cooking settings for frequently used items.
With 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking, this microwave offers full customization, enhanced by 6 one-touch programs like popcorn and potato. Defrosting options include weight or time settings for added convenience.
Pros
- 700 watts for effective cooking
- 0.7 cu. ft. capacity is compact
- Memory function for saved settings
- 6 one-touch cooking programs
Cons
- The button controls, while responsive, may wear over time compared to a touchscreen interface.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is ideal for users who frequently prepare specific dishes and want to save custom settings. It’s a practical choice for busy individuals or households needing quick and personalized reheating.
Compact Microwave Wattage Misses the Point
When selecting a best 700 watt microwave oven, the primary driver should be the complexity of your reheating and cooking tasks, not simply the stated wattage or even the cubic footage. While all units presented here hover around the 700-watt mark and are compactly sized at 0.7 cubic feet, the subtle differences in digital interfaces and pre-programmed settings reveal a deeper divide between convenience for the casual user and basic functionality for the utilitarian.
Consider the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door. Its array of pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate signals a clear design philosophy: speed and simplicity for common tasks, making it ideal for the student or the busy individual who wants a single button to accomplish the job without thought. This contrasts with models like the GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 0.7 Cubic Ft., 700-watt Capacity, which also features a child lock but offers a more straightforward digital interface, perhaps appealing more to those who prefer to manually set cook times and power levels, understanding that precision is paramount even with basic heating.
The presence of express cooking options, such as seen on the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Countertop Compact Microwave Oven, further stratifies these appliances.
While a Plus 30sec button or simple number key input is excellent for rapid reheating, it lacks the nuance required for more involved microwave cooking. The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu.
Ft. Microwave, Black, with its express cooking, power level alteration, and post-pone start features, offers a slightly more sophisticated control set, bridging the gap between pure convenience and more granular control.
Ultimately, much of the perceived variation in performance among these 700-watt units boils down to how effectively their digital interfaces translate user intent into cooking cycles. For those seeking minimal fuss and relying on presets, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door is the most direct solution. Conversely, if your needs are basic and you prioritize straightforward manual operation, the FRIGIDAIRE EMW727 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave, Stainless Steel, provides ample functionality without unnecessary complexity.
What to Look For in a 700 Watt Microwave Oven
Exterior dimensions capacity
For a 700-watt microwave, prioritize exterior dimensions that match your available countertop space. If your kitchen is compact, seek models under 20.5 inches wide and 16.2 inches deep. For larger kitchens or families needing more reheating power, a slightly bigger footprint accommodating a 1.1 cubic foot interior is ideal.
Smaller apartments benefit most from microwaves around 0.7 cubic feet. To confirm fit, measure your designated spot and compare it against the unit’s listed height, width, and depth.
Choose the dimensions that allow for comfortable access and sufficient clearance around the appliance.
Control panel features
When selecting a 700-watt microwave, digital control panels with preset functions offer the most precision and ease of use. Look for models featuring a clear digital display that shows cooking time, and a variety of presets like popcorn, defrost, and specific meal types. Express cook buttons, often in 30-second increments, are crucial for quick adjustments.
An option to turn the turntable on or off provides flexibility for different dish sizes and shapes. For straightforward operation and consistent results, opt for a digital panel with clearly labeled, one-touch presets over analog knobs.
Convenience safety features
Safety and convenience are paramount in any microwave. A child lock feature is essential for households with young children, preventing accidental operation. An interior light allows you to monitor food without opening the door.
An audible alert with an off option proves beneficial for those sensitive to noise or who prefer silent operation. A removable glass turntable, which is standard and easy to clean, is a must-have for hygienic food preparation.
Prioritize models that include a child lock and an adjustable audible alert for a safer and more personalized cooking experience.
Which Should You Choose?
- If you have young children at home, choose a model with a child safety lock feature.
- If you often cook common microwave meals, look for models with convenient pre-programmed buttons for items like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables.
- If kitchen counter space is limited, opt for a compact 0.7 cubic foot model.
- If ease of use is a top priority, consider a microwave with a clear digital control panel and express cooking options.
Quick Best 700 Watt Microwave Oven Buying Checklist
- Compact Size Ensure it fits your available counter space.
- Easy Controls Look for intuitive buttons and digital displays.
- Preset Options Useful for quick reheating, defrosting, and popcorn.
- Child Lock Activate to prevent accidental use.
- Turntable Function Check if it’s removable for cleaning or disable-able.
- Interior Light Aids in monitoring food as it cooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 700 Watt Microwave Ovens Suitable For Small Kitchens?
Yes, 700 watt microwave ovens are often ideal for small kitchens due to their generally compact size. Many models measure under 20 inches wide, making them space-efficient for limited countertops or small apartments.
Can A 700 Watt Microwave Oven Handle Basic Cooking Tasks?
A 700 watt microwave oven is capable of performing basic cooking tasks like reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, and cooking microwaveable meals. It offers sufficient power for everyday convenience.
What Are Common Capacity Sizes For 700 Watt Microwaves?
The capacity for 700 watt microwaves typically ranges from 0.7 to 1.1 cubic feet. This size is suitable for heating individual meals or small dishes, fitting well in most home environments.
Do 700 Watt Microwaves Offer Special Cooking Presets?
Many 700 watt microwaves include convenient preset cooking functions. These often cover common needs like popcorn, defrosting, and quick reheating, simplifying operation for everyday use.
Is A Child Lock Feature Important For A 700 Watt Microwave?
A child lock feature is beneficial for safety, especially in households with young children. It prevents the microwave from being turned on accidentally, ensuring peace of mind.
Final Words
In conclusion, selecting the best 700 watt microwave oven provides a reliable and efficient solution for everyday heating and cooking needs. Their balanced power, capacity, and user-friendly features make them a versatile addition to any kitchen. Embrace the convenience and simplicity these microwaves offer for quick meal preparation.
