Detailed Reviews of the Best Basic Microwave

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. - Compact size is ideal for limited counter space.

This Chefman 700W microwave is a functional and compact appliance, well-suited for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or office breakrooms. The digital controls are intuitive, offering six standard presets and 10 power levels that provide good flexibility for everyday tasks. Features like the +30 seconds button and the memory function are convenient for daily use.

I particularly appreciate the thoughtful additions of a mute option to silence the beeps and a child safety lock, which are not always standard on models of this size. While 700 watts is on the lower end of the power spectrum, it handles basic reheating, defrosting, and cooking adequately, though it may take slightly longer than a more powerful unit. The sleek black design fits well with other appliances, and the easy-to-clean interior and dishwasher-safe turntable make maintenance simple.

It's a solid performer for its category and price point.

Pros

• Compact size is ideal for limited counter space.
• User-friendly digital controls with multiple presets.
• Includes useful features like a mute function and child lock.
• 10 adjustable power levels for cooking versatility.
• Easy to clean with a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.

Cons

• The 700W power level may lead to slightly longer cooking times.
• Internal capacity is small and may not fit larger plates or dishes.

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BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door - Intuitive control panel with a large, easy-to-read digital display.

This 900-watt microwave is a solid, functional appliance that handles daily reheating and cooking tasks effectively. The control panel is straightforward, featuring a large, bright LED display and pre-programmed buttons for common items like popcorn, pizza, and beverages, which is a nice convenience. The 30-second express cooking button is particularly useful for quick warm-ups.

Its 10 power settings provide good flexibility for different types of food. The interior is spacious enough for a standard 10.6-inch dinner plate, and the removable turntable makes cleaning simple. Safety features like the child lock are a welcome addition for families.

The push-button door release operates smoothly. Overall, it's a reliable and easy-to-use microwave that fits well in most kitchens without taking up excessive counter space. It performs as expected for its power level and size, making it a dependable choice for everyday use.

Pros

• Intuitive control panel with a large, easy-to-read digital display.
• Convenient one-touch presets for common food items.
• Helpful 30-second express cooking feature for quick reheating.
• Includes a child safety lock for added security.
• Compact external dimensions suitable for smaller kitchens.
• Removable turntable simplifies the cleaning process.

Cons

• At 900 watts, it may cook or heat slightly slower than more powerful 1000W+ models.
• The 10.6-inch turntable might be too small for larger casserole dishes or family-sized plates.

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BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door - Compact size is ideal for limited counter space.

This 700-watt microwave offers a functional set of features for everyday use, particularly in smaller spaces. Its compact dimensions make it a suitable choice for apartments, dorms, or office kitchens. The control panel is intuitive, with a large, easy-to-read LED display and several pre-programmed buttons for common items like popcorn and frozen vegetables, which adds convenience.

The 30-second express cooking function is handy for quick reheating. While the 700-watt power level is on the lower side and may require slightly longer cooking times than higher-powered models, it performs basic heating and defrosting tasks reliably. Additional features like the child safety lock, interior light, and a 10-inch glass turntable round out a solid, no-frills appliance.

The push-button door release is responsive and provides easy access. Overall, it's a straightforward unit that handles the essentials well.

Pros

• Compact size is ideal for limited counter space.
• User-friendly control panel with clear digital display.
• Convenient one-touch presets for common foods.
• Includes a child safety lock feature.
• Quick 30-second express cooking option.
• Removable turntable makes cleaning easier.

Cons

• The 700W power output results in slightly slower cooking times.
• The 10-inch turntable may not accommodate larger dinner plates.

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TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft - Smart sensor technology provides excellent results for reheating and cooking.

This 1000-watt countertop microwave has proven to be a reliable and efficient kitchen appliance for daily use. The standout feature is the smart sensor technology, which automatically adjusts cooking time based on food humidity. This works particularly well for reheating leftovers, preventing them from becoming dry or rubbery.

The one-touch start for 1 to 6 minutes is a great convenience for quick heating tasks. I also appreciate thoughtful additions like the mute function, which silences the beeps with a long press of a button—perfect for quiet households. The 12.4-inch turntable is a good size, fitting most standard dinner plates comfortably.

Overall, it performs its core functions very well while offering modern features that genuinely improve the cooking experience and remove much of the guesswork.

Pros

• Smart sensor technology provides excellent results for reheating and cooking.
• Convenient one-touch start for 1-6 minutes at full power.
• Mute function allows for silent operation.
• 1000W output delivers consistent and even heating.
• Flexible defrost options by either weight or time.

Cons

• The external footprint is moderately large and may not be suitable for small kitchens.
• Some specific functions, like activating mute mode, are not intuitive and require reading the manual.

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TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus - Mute function to silence end-of-cycle beeps.

This 900-watt microwave has proven to be a reliable and capable appliance for daily kitchen tasks. Its compact exterior is great for smaller countertops, but it's important to note the internal dimensions to ensure your dinner plates will fit comfortably on the 10.6-inch turntable. The performance is solid; reheating and defrosting are handled efficiently, with options to defrost by either weight or time.

The 6 preset menus are convenient for common items like popcorn and potatoes, and the 11 distinct power levels provide good control for more specific cooking needs. What stands out are the thoughtful extra features, particularly the child lock for safety and the ability to mute the beeping sounds, which is a welcome option. The one-touch start for 1-6 minutes is also a feature I use frequently for its simplicity.

Overall, it's a well-rounded machine that delivers on its promises without any major drawbacks.

Pros

• Mute function to silence end-of-cycle beeps.
• Effective two-step child safety lock.
• Compact size is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.
• 11 power levels offer flexible cooking control.
• Convenient one-touch start for 1-6 minutes.

Cons

• Internal capacity may be too small for larger dinner plates or casserole dishes.
• 900 watts is sufficient but may cook slightly slower than higher-power models.

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COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off - Versatile cooking with one-touch and auto-cook presets.

This microwave offers a comprehensive set of features that cover most daily needs. The one-touch express cooking and +30 seconds functions are very convenient for quick reheating, while the dedicated auto-cook presets for items like popcorn, pizza, and beverages are a nice touch. I found the two defrost settings, by weight or by time, to be particularly useful, offering more precision than a single generic option.

The control panel is straightforward with a bright digital display, and the interior light is sufficient. Special features like the ECO mode for reducing standby power and the mute function to silence the beeps are genuinely helpful additions that you don't always find in this category. The inclusion of a child safety lock provides extra peace of mind for families.

It's a capable and well-thought-out appliance that performs reliably for everyday kitchen tasks.

Pros

• Versatile cooking with one-touch and auto-cook presets.
• Helpful mute function to silence beeps and alerts.
• Energy-saving ECO mode reduces standby power consumption.
• Clear digital display and intuitive control panel.
• Includes a child safety lock feature.
• Flexible defrosting options (by weight or time).

Cons

• The 10-inch turntable may be a bit small for larger dinner plates or casserole dishes.
• Auto-cook presets may require some trial and error to get perfect results for different portion sizes.

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COMMERCIAL CHEF 0.6 Cubic Foot Microwave with 6 Power Levels - Compact footprint is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.

The COMMERCIAL CHEF 700-watt microwave is a straightforward and compact appliance that handles basic heating tasks effectively. Its 0.6 cubic foot capacity is well-suited for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or office breakrooms. The mechanical dial controls are refreshingly simple, eliminating the need to navigate complex digital menus—just turn the dial for time and select one of the six power levels.

At 700 watts, it's not the most powerful unit on the market, so reheating may take slightly longer than with a 1000-watt model, but it heats evenly thanks to the turntable. The 'ding' at the end is clear and audible. It's a solid choice for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or defrosting small items.

The build feels sturdy for its price point, and the push-button door operates smoothly. For anyone seeking a no-frills, reliable microwave that doesn't take up much counter space, this is a very practical option.

Pros

• Compact footprint is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
• Simple mechanical dial controls are very easy to operate.
• Six distinct power levels provide good cooking versatility for a basic model.
• Lightweight design makes it easy to position and move if needed.

Cons

• At 700 watts, cooking and reheating times can be longer than higher-powered models.
• The 0.6 cu. ft. interior capacity may not fit larger dinner plates or cookware.

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COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave with 11 power levels - Compact size is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.

This 0.7 cubic-foot microwave is a solid choice for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or office breakrooms where space is a premium. At 700 watts, it handles everyday tasks like reheating leftovers, making popcorn, and defrosting reasonably well, though it may take a bit longer than more powerful units. The control panel is straightforward, with a bright digital display that's easy to read.

The one-touch express cooking for 1-6 minutes and the +30 seconds button are particularly convenient for quick jobs. The preset functions for items like pizza and potatoes are also a nice touch. The 10-inch turntable accommodates a standard dinner plate, and the interior light is helpful.

A notable feature is the two-step child safety lock, which provides extra peace of mind for families. It’s a functional, no-frills appliance that gets the job done without taking up too much counter space.

Pros

• Compact size is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.
• Intuitive control panel with a clear, bright display.
• Convenient one-touch express cook and preset functions.
• Includes a two-step child safety lock for added security.
• 10-inch turntable fits a standard-sized dinner plate.

Cons

• At 700 watts, it may heat food more slowly than higher-power models.
• The smaller capacity might not be suitable for large dishes or families.

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SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 10.6" Carousel Turntable - Modern aesthetic with updated interior and bright LED display.

This 0.9 cu. ft. microwave is a solid performer for everyday kitchen tasks.

With 900 watts of power, it handles reheating leftovers, defrosting meats, and cooking single-serving meals efficiently. The updated design is a nice touch, featuring a clean stainless steel exterior, a modern gray interior, and a bright white LED display that's easy to read. I found the one-touch functions, like the '+30 seconds' key and the 'Express Cook' options, to be particularly convenient for quick jobs.

The 10.6-inch turntable is large enough for a standard dinner plate and helps ensure food is heated evenly. While not the most powerful unit on the market, it offers a great balance of features, modern aesthetics, and practical functionality for its size. The interior LED lighting is also a definite improvement over older models, making it easy to see inside while cooking.

Pros

• Modern aesthetic with updated interior and bright LED display.
• Intuitive one-touch controls like '+30 seconds' and 'Express Cook' for quick use.
• Adequate 900W power and 0.9 cu. ft. capacity for daily tasks.
• Carousel turntable system promotes even cooking.
• Helpful defrost options by both weight and time.
• Bright interior LED lighting improves visibility.

Cons

• The 900-watt power level is sufficient but may heat food slower than higher-wattage models.
• Compact 0.9 cu. ft. size may not be suitable for large families or oversized dishes.

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Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven - Compact size is perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.

The Galanz 0.7 Cu.Ft microwave is a solid, compact appliance ideal for smaller spaces like apartments, dorm rooms, or office kitchens. Its 700-watt power output, distributed across six levels, is sufficient for everyday tasks such as reheating, defrosting, and preparing simple meals. The controls are intuitive, with an easy-to-read LED display and a useful defrost function that can be set by weight or time.

The interior light and rotating turntable are standard features that work well, ensuring food is monitored easily and heated evenly. While it's not the most powerful microwave on the market, it performs its core functions reliably. The addition of a child safety lock is a practical touch for families, providing peace of mind.

Overall, it's a functional, no-frills unit that gets the job done without taking up too much counter space.

Pros

• Compact size is perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
• Simple controls with a clear and easy-to-read LED display.
• Includes a child safety lock to prevent accidental use.
• Rotating turntable ensures food is heated evenly.
• Six variable power levels provide good cooking flexibility.
• Defrost by time or weight is a convenient feature.

Cons

• Lower 700W power may result in slightly longer cooking times compared to larger models.
• The small interior capacity might not fit oversized dinner plates or large cookware.

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Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Basic Microwave

Size and Countertop Footprint

When searching for the best basic microwave, the first consideration is often size. Most basic models are compact, typically ranging from 0.6 to 0.9 cubic feet, making them ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, apartments, or offices with limited counter space. Products like the Chefman and Galanz Retro are specifically highlighted for their compact footprints. Before buying, measure your available space and ensure the external dimensions of the microwave will fit comfortably, leaving room for proper ventilation.

Controls and Ease of Use

Basic microwaves offer two main types of controls: mechanical dials or digital touchpads. Mechanical dials, found on models like the COMMERCIAL CHEF, are incredibly simple and durable, perfect for users who want straightforward operation without extra features. Digital controls, seen on the BLACK+DECKER and COMFEE models, provide more precision and convenience with features like one-touch presets for popcorn or pizza, 30-second express cooking buttons, and clear LED displays for at-a-glance information.

Power Levels and Cooking Versatility

The number of power levels determines how flexibly you can cook or reheat different types of food. While a simple model might offer six power levels, like the Galanz Retro, others like the Chefman or TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) provide 10 or 11. More levels allow for greater control, from gently softening butter on a low setting to rapidly boiling water at full power. For a truly versatile and best basic microwave, look for one with at least 10 power levels.

Essential Convenience and Safety Features

Modern basic microwaves often include features that enhance convenience and safety. A child safety lock is a common and important feature, found on nearly all listed digital models, to prevent accidental operation. A mute function, available on the TOSHIBA and COMFEE ovens, is excellent for silencing beeps and alerts in quiet environments. Also, look for helpful defrost options, which allow you to thaw food by either time or weight for more accurate results.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Basic Microwave

What size microwave is best for a small kitchen or dorm room?

For a small kitchen, the best basic microwave is typically a compact model with a capacity between 0.6 and 0.9 cubic feet. These units, like the Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. or the COMMERCIAL CHEF 0.6 Cu. Ft., are specifically designed to fit on crowded countertops without sacrificing essential functionality. Their smaller footprint makes them perfect for apartments, dorms, or office breakrooms where space is at a premium, while still being large enough to fit a standard dinner plate.

Are digital controls better than mechanical dials on a microwave?

Whether digital controls or mechanical dials are better depends on user preference. Mechanical dials, like those on the COMMERCIAL CHEF, are extremely simple to use and durable—just turn and go. Digital touchpads, found on models like the BLACK+DECKER, offer more precision, presets for common foods, one-touch options like '+30 seconds', and a child lock. For users who value convenience and specific functions, digital controls are superior; for pure simplicity, mechanical dials are excellent.

What are the most important features to look for in a basic microwave?

When shopping for the best basic microwave, prioritize features that add convenience and safety. Look for a child safety lock to prevent unintended use. Multiple power levels (at least six) offer cooking flexibility. One-touch presets and an express cook button save time on common tasks. A removable turntable, like those in the SHARP or Chefman models, simplifies cleaning. Finally, a mute function, as seen on the TOSHIBA, is a valuable addition for quiet households or offices.

How many power levels are sufficient for a basic microwave?

For a basic

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. this is a reliable and feature-rich compact microwave perfect for individuals, students, or as a secondary unit. it's an excellent choice for basic reheating and cooking tasks where space is a primary concern.