Imagine this: you’re hungry, and you want a warm snack fast. You reach for your microwave, but then you stare at all the buttons. Which one is best? Choosing a basic microwave oven can feel like a puzzle. So many brands and features can make your head spin, and you just want something simple that heats your food well!
This is where we come in. We know that finding a good, no-fuss microwave shouldn’t be a chore. You want a machine that reliably warms your leftovers, pops your popcorn, and makes your life a little easier without being confusing. This blog post is here to help you cut through the noise and find the perfect basic microwave for your kitchen.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand what makes a basic microwave great. We’ll break down the essential features you need to look for and explain why they matter. Get ready to feel confident in your choice and get back to enjoying quick, delicious meals!
Our Top 5 Basic Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Basic Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.5/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces like dorm rooms or apartments. This microwave heats food quickly with 700 watts of power and offers 10 different power levels for precise cooking. Its stainless steel finish looks modern and is easy to clean. The control panel is simple to understand, and the large LED display makes it easy to see settings.
What We Like:
- It has special buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cook button is super handy for quick reheating.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out, which is great for families.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The glass turntable is removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- The push-button door is simple to open.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- For its size, it might not be ideal for cooking large meals or for families with many people.
- While powerful enough for most tasks, some users might prefer a higher wattage for faster cooking.
This microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for everyday heating and cooking needs. It offers convenience and safety features that make it a smart buy.
2. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power
Rating: 9.5/10
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy appliance for your kitchen. It offers 700 watts of power to heat up your food quickly. This microwave is great for small spaces because it doesn’t take up much room. You can easily make snacks or reheat leftovers with its simple controls.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful for its size, heating food fast.
- The auto cook settings are very convenient.
- You can defrost food by weight or time.
- It’s a good size for small kitchens or offices.
- Cleaning the inside and outside is easy.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The LED display shows the time clearly.
- It has helpful one-touch buttons for things like popcorn.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a little slow for very large meals.
- Some users might prefer more advanced features like convection cooking.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use countertop oven. It makes everyday cooking simple and efficient.
3. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.0/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a smart and handy addition to any kitchen. Its compact 0.7 cubic foot size fits easily on your counter. This 700-watt microwave heats food quickly and efficiently. The black finish looks sleek and modern. It’s designed for easy use with helpful features.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you silence the annoying beeps, which is great for early mornings or late nights.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power by half.
- One-touch express cooking buttons make heating food super fast. You can choose from 1-6 minutes or add 30 seconds with just one touch.
- Auto-cook functions for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen veggies, beverages, and reheating take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- A bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to operate.
- The 10-inch glass turntable spins your food for even heating.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While 700W is good for basic tasks, some users might prefer a higher wattage for faster cooking of larger items.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is suitable for small kitchens or single servings, but it might feel small for families or when heating multiple dishes.
This COMFEE’ microwave offers convenience and energy savings. Its user-friendly design makes it a solid choice for everyday meal prep.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen sidekick! This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave is compact but mighty, fitting easily on your counter. It’s designed for quick meals and simple reheating, making your daily kitchen tasks a breeze.
What We Like:
- Super Speedy Cooking: Six handy presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies get your food ready fast. You can also just punch in the minutes you need!
- Power Control: With 10 power levels, you can gently melt butter or cook food super quickly. It’s powerful for its size!
- Easy Digital Controls: Setting the time and power is simple. The +30 seconds button is perfect for adding a little extra time.
- Remember Your Favorites: Program your most-used cooking settings for one-touch starts. Your favorite meals are just a button press away.
- Safe for Everyone: A child safety lock keeps the door shut tight. You can also lock the controls so little hands can’t change settings.
- Quiet Operation: The mute button turns off annoying beeps. This is great when you need peace or don’t want to wake anyone.
- Looks Great: Its sleek black design fits in with any kitchen decor. Plus, Eco Mode saves energy and dims the display.
- Simple to Clean: The exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is even dishwasher safe!
- Trusted Quality: Chefman backs this microwave with a 1-year warranty and cETL approval. It’s built to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot size might be a bit small for very large dishes or multiple items.
- While powerful for its size, the 700 watts might take slightly longer for some cooking tasks compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for everyday cooking needs. It balances convenience, safety, and modern design effectively.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.8/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a compact, 0.9 cubic foot microwave oven that’s perfect for small spaces like apartments and dorm rooms. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen. This microwave packs a punch with 900 watts of cooking power and a 10.6-inch removable turntable that fits most standard dishes.
What We Like:
- The 6 preset menus take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn and potatoes.
- You can adjust the cooking power with 11 unique power levels for more control.
- The Mute Mode is a fantastic feature for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- A Two-Step Child Lock adds an important safety layer, preventing accidental starts.
- Easy Defrost and One-touch start make heating leftovers or quick meals super simple.
- The bright LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the external dimensions are compact, the internal cavity might feel a bit snug for very large dishes.
- The input power of 1400 watts is something to consider for power-sensitive living situations.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance in a small package. It offers convenience and safety in a stylish design.
Your Super Simple Guide to Buying a Basic Microwave Oven
Looking for a microwave that just does the job without any fuss? You’ve come to the right place! A basic microwave oven is a kitchen superhero. It heats up leftovers, pops popcorn, and makes meal prep a breeze. This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features
1. Size Matters: Capacity
- Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually heat.
- Small microwaves (around 0.7 cubic feet) are good for one person or small kitchens.
- Medium microwaves (around 1.0-1.5 cubic feet) are great for families or larger meals.
- You can fit more food in a bigger microwave.
2. Power Up: Wattage
- Wattage tells you how strong the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
- Most basic microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts.
- A 900-watt microwave is a good all-around choice. It heats food quickly and evenly.
3. Easy Controls: Simple Buttons
- Basic microwaves have simple buttons. You won’t get lost in confusing menus.
- Look for clear labels for things like “Popcorn,” “Defrost,” and “Add 30 Seconds.”
- Some have a dial for setting the time, which is super easy.
4. Turntable Tray: For Even Cooking
- Most microwaves have a glass tray that spins. This is called a turntable.
- The turntable moves your food around. This helps it cook evenly.
- Make sure the turntable is easy to remove and clean.
What It’s Made Of: Important Materials
Most microwave ovens have a metal casing on the outside. This makes them strong and safe. The inside is usually made of a special coating that’s easy to wipe clean. The door has a glass window so you can see your food. The turntable is typically made of strong glass.
What Makes It Good (or Not So Good): Quality Factors
Things That Make It Better:
- Durable Build: A microwave that feels solid and well-made will last longer.
- Even Heating: The best microwaves heat your food all the way through without cold spots.
- Easy Cleaning: A smooth interior that wipes clean easily is a big plus.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves can be noisy. A quieter one is nicer to have.
Things That Make It Worse:
- Flimsy Parts: If the buttons feel loose or the door doesn’t close well, it might not last.
- Uneven Cooking: If your food always has cold spots, the microwave isn’t working its best.
- Hard to Clean: Stubborn stains that won’t wipe off can be annoying.
How You’ll Use It: User Experience and Use Cases
A basic microwave is perfect for everyday tasks. You can quickly reheat last night’s dinner. It’s great for making a cup of tea or hot chocolate. Kids can use it to heat up snacks like popcorn or instant oatmeal. It saves you time and effort. For busy people, it’s a lifesaver. It makes cooking simple and fast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Basic Microwave Ovens
Q: What is the most important feature in a basic microwave?
A: The most important feature is usually its size or capacity. You need to make sure it can fit the food you want to heat.
Q: Do I need a microwave with a lot of watts?
A: Not necessarily. For basic tasks, a microwave around 900 watts is usually enough. It heats food well and isn’t too expensive.
Q: Are basic microwaves hard to use?
A: No, basic microwaves are designed to be very easy to use. They have simple buttons for common tasks.
Q: How do I clean my microwave?
A: You can usually wipe the inside with a damp cloth. For tough spots, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice inside for a few minutes. Then, wipe it clean.
Q: Will a basic microwave cook food evenly?
A: Most basic microwaves have a turntable that helps cook food evenly. This spins the food as it heats.
Q: How long do basic microwave ovens usually last?
A: With good care, a basic microwave can last for many years, often 5 to 10 years or even longer.
Q: Can I put metal in a microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the oven.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for a microwave?
A: Cubic feet tells you how much space is inside the microwave. A larger number means more room for food.
Q: Are there any special settings I should look for?
A: For a basic microwave, look for simple buttons like “Popcorn,” “Defrost,” and “Add 30 Seconds.” These make common tasks easier.
Q: Is it worth buying a more expensive microwave if I only need basic functions?
A: For most people, a good quality basic microwave will do everything they need. You don’t always need fancy features for everyday use.
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.
Hi, I’m Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!