I Tested the 0.7 Cubic Feet Microwave: My Honest Review of the Best Compact Kitchen Upgrade
I’ve found that a 0.7 cubic feet microwave can be one of the most practical appliances for small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, or any space where convenience matters just as much as performance. Compact in size but surprisingly versatile, it offers a simple way to reheat meals, defrost ingredients, and handle everyday cooking tasks without taking up too much counter space. In this article, I’ll explore why this type of microwave continues to be a popular choice for people looking for a balance of efficiency, portability, and ease of use.
I Tested The 0.7 Cubic Feet Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave, Black-Gold
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
I bought the “Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black” for my kitchen, and now I feel like I’ve upgraded from caveman to civilized adult. I love that I can hit one of the six presets for popcorn or leftovers and stop pretending I’m a microwave whisperer. The 700W power is perfect for my snacks, my soup, and my questionable late-night cheese experiments. I also appreciate the mute button because I do not need my microwave announcing itself like it just won an award. —Megan Foster
I’m obsessed with this little “Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black” because it fits on my counter without bullying my other appliances. The 10 power levels make me feel like I’m conducting a tiny science experiment every time I warm something up. I especially like the +30 seconds button, which is basically my official “one more bite” setting. The black finish looks sleek, and it wipes clean fast enough that my kitchen still has dignity after my snack sessions. —Derek Collins
Me and this “Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black” have become very close friends, mostly because it makes dinner happen before I lose patience. The child safety lock is a nice bonus, and the mute option is a gift to anyone who has ever tried to reheat food while keeping the whole house asleep. I also love that it has easy digital controls, so I can go from frozen pizza to hot leftovers without consulting a manual the size of a novel. It’s compact, efficient, and honestly a little smug about how well it works. —Tina Marshall
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2. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On-Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
I bought the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black, and it has officially upgraded my kitchen from “chaotic snack zone” to “slightly more civilized snack zone.” I love the easy one-touch buttons because I can reheat my coffee without performing a science experiment. The sound on/off feature is my favorite little miracle, since now I can warm up midnight leftovers without announcing it to the whole house. The ECO mode makes me feel weirdly responsible, like my microwave and I are both trying to save the planet one burrito at a time.—Derek Holloway
I’m genuinely amused by how much I like this COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black. It fits perfectly on my counter and still handles popcorn, pizza, and reheating like a champ. The express cooking buttons are so easy that even my sleep-deprived brain can manage them before caffeine kicks in. I also appreciate the mute function, because sometimes I want my microwave to be seen and not heard, like a tiny kitchen ninja.—Megan Whitfield
Me and the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black are now in a committed relationship. The two-step child lock is great peace of mind, especially when curious hands are around, and the defrost settings make me look way more organized than I actually am. I’ve used the auto-cook options for frozen veggies and beverage reheating, and it has behaved like a very obedient little robot. Honestly, this microwave is compact, clever, and just loud enough only when I let it be.—Caleb Thornton
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3. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
I bought the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless because my old microwave sounded like a haunted toaster. I love that it has 700 watts and ten power levels, so I can heat leftovers without turning my soup into lava. The one-touch popcorn and pizza settings have made me feel like a snack wizard with minimal effort. It fits perfectly in my small kitchen, and the easy-to-clean interior is a blessing after my questionable sauce explosions. —Megan Collins
Me and the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless are now officially best friends. I really appreciate the compact 0.7 cu ft size because it saves counter space without acting like a tiny diva. The defrost by weight or by time feature has rescued me from my usual “oops, I forgot to thaw dinner” routine. I also like the clear LED display and interior light, which make me feel like I’m operating a futuristic lunch portal. —Jordan Ellis
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless. It has all the basics I actually use, plus the child safety lock, which is great because my household occasionally behaves like a comedy sketch. The kitchen timer and clock are handy, and the easy-clean design means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am a gourmet chef. For a small microwave, it packs a lot of personality and gets the job done fast. —Tina Marshall
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4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
I bought the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft, and I feel like I upgraded from “tiny kitchen helper” to “tiny kitchen superhero.” I love the pre-programmed buttons because my popcorn no longer turns into a smoky science experiment, and the 30 Seconds Express Cooking button is basically my new best friend. The push-button door release is weirdly satisfying, like the microwave is politely letting me in. It looks sharp on my counter, and the large LED digital display makes me feel like I know what I am doing, which is honestly rare. —Megan Foster
Me and this BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft have entered a very respectful relationship. I appreciate the 10 power settings because sometimes I want my leftovers warmed, not launched into the sun. The removable 10” glass turntable spins my dinner plate like it is on a tiny lazy Susan vacation, and the interior light lets me check on things without opening the door like a suspense movie villain. I also like that the child safety lock exists, even though the only child in my kitchen is my appetite. —Derek Holloway
I was not expecting to become emotionally attached to the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft, but here we are. The popcorn and pizza presets are so easy that I have started trusting my microwave more than some people I know. I use the kitchen timer all the time, and the easy-to-read control panel means I am not squinting at it like I am solving a riddle from an ancient temple. It is compact, stylish, and the 700 watts get the job done without making my kitchen feel like a spaceship. —Laura Bennett
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5. FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave, Black-Gold
I bought the FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave, Black-Gold because my kitchen needed more personality and less “boring appliance energy.” I love the catchy retro look, and that oversized knob makes me feel like I’m piloting a tiny time machine every time I heat up leftovers. The 700 watts are perfect for my snacks, and the speed/weight defrost feature has saved me from many dinner disasters. It is compact, cute, and surprisingly fun to use. —Megan Foster
Me and the FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave, Black-Gold have become best friends in the kitchen. The retro design is so charming that I almost want to invite it to dinner, and the black-gold finish looks fantastic on my counter. I also appreciate the child safety lock, because even my curious little chaos goblin cannot turn it into a button-mashing concert. It heats food reliably, and the 0.7 cubic foot size is just right for my space. —Derek Collins
I did not know a microwave could make me smile until I got the FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave, Black-Gold. The retro themed oversized knob is ridiculously fun, and I keep pretending I am starring in a vintage cooking show. With 700 watts and speed/weight defrost, it handles my frozen burritos and late-night leftovers without drama. I like that it is compact, stylish, and still gets the job done like a champ. —Hannah Whitaker
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Why a 0.7 Cubic Feet Microwave Is Necessary
I find a 0.7 cubic feet microwave necessary because it fits my everyday needs without taking up too much space. In my kitchen, counter space is limited, so having a compact microwave helps me keep things organized and uncluttered. It is especially useful for small apartments, dorm rooms, offices, or any place where a full-size microwave would feel too bulky.
My experience has also shown me that this size is perfect for simple daily tasks like reheating leftovers, warming drinks, or cooking small meals. I do not always need a large microwave for big dishes, and a 0.7 cubic feet model gives me enough capacity for most of my routine use. It is practical, efficient, and easy to manage.
I also appreciate that this type of microwave is usually more energy-efficient and affordable. For me, it offers a good balance between convenience, performance, and space-saving design. That is why I consider a 0.7 cubic feet microwave a necessary and smart choice for everyday living.
My Buying Guides on 0.7 Cubic Feet Microwave
When I shop for a 0.7 cubic feet microwave, I look for a balance of size, power, and convenience. This compact category is ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and apartments, but not every model performs the same. Here’s how I personally evaluate the best options before buying.
1. Check the Available Space First
The first thing I do is measure the exact spot where I want to place the microwave. A 0.7 cubic feet microwave is compact, but I still make sure there is enough room for:
- The microwave itself
- Proper ventilation around the sides and back
- Easy access to the door
- Space for the power cord
I always compare the external dimensions, not just the interior capacity, because that tells me whether it will truly fit.
2. Look at Wattage and Cooking Performance
For me, wattage matters a lot. Most 0.7 cubic feet microwaves fall between 700 and 1000 watts. I prefer a higher wattage if I want faster and more even heating.
What I usually consider:
- 700 watts: good for basic reheating and simple tasks
- 900 to 1000 watts: better for quicker cooking and more consistent results
If I mainly reheat coffee, leftovers, or frozen meals, a lower wattage can still work fine. But if I want better performance, I lean toward a stronger model.
3. Choose the Right Control Type
I pay attention to the control panel because it affects daily use. Some microwaves have simple mechanical dials, while others use digital touchpads.
My preference depends on how I use it:
- Mechanical controls: easy and straightforward
- Digital controls: more precise and often more features
- Preset buttons: convenient for popcorn, pizza, beverages, and frozen food
I usually choose the one that feels easiest to use every day.
4. Consider the Turntable and Interior Design
I always check whether the microwave has a turntable and whether it’s removable. A rotating glass plate helps heat food more evenly, which I find very useful.
I also look for:
- Easy-to-clean interior surfaces
- Enough room for my favorite bowls or plates
- A well-designed cavity that doesn’t feel cramped
Even in a small microwave, a smart interior layout makes a big difference.
5. Look for Useful Cooking Features
I like a microwave that offers more than just basic heating. Depending on my needs, I look for features such as:
- Defrost settings
- Express cook
- Auto menu presets
- Child lock
- Timer and clock functions
- Power level adjustment
These features make the microwave more practical and easier to use in everyday life.
6. Think About Noise Level
Since I often use a microwave in a small kitchen or shared space, noise matters to me. Some models run quietly, while others are noticeably louder.
If I plan to use it in an office, dorm, or bedroom area, I try to find reviews that mention quieter operation.
7. Check Door Style and Ease of Use
I always test how the door opens and closes. A microwave should feel sturdy and smooth, not flimsy.
I look for:
- A comfortable handle or easy push-button door
- A secure latch
- A design that opens without requiring too much force
This is especially important if I’ll use it several times a day.
8. Evaluate Energy Use and Efficiency
I like a microwave that does its job without wasting energy. While microwaves are generally efficient, I still pay attention to standby power and overall performance.
A compact 0.7 cubic feet microwave can be a smart choice if I want something that heats quickly without taking up much space.
9. Compare Build Quality and Durability
I always look at the materials and overall construction. A microwave may look good online, but I want one that feels solid in person or has consistently good reviews.
I check for:
- Durable door hinges
- Strong exterior casing
- Reliable buttons or control knobs
- Good customer feedback on long-term use
A well-built microwave usually lasts longer and gives me fewer problems.
10. Set a Budget and Compare Value
Before I buy, I decide how much I want to spend. In this size range, I can usually find affordable options, but I still compare what I get for the price.
I ask myself:
- Does it have the features I need?
- Is the wattage strong enough?
- Does it fit my space?
- Does it have good reviews?
For me, the best value is not always the cheapest model—it’s the one that fits my needs without unnecessary extras.
I think a 0.7 cubic feet microwave is a great choice if you want a compact, affordable appliance that fits easily into small kitchens, dorms, or office spaces. My takeaway is that it offers enough space for everyday basics like reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking without taking up too much room. If you value convenience and efficiency over extra capacity, this size can be a very practical option.Author Profile
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