Best 700 Watt Microwave for Small Kitchens
Choosing the right best 700 watt microwave oven isn't just about reheating leftovers. It's about finding a model that fits your counter space, heats evenly, and doesn't blast your ears with a loud beep every time the cycle ends. Grab a cup of coffee and let's walk through this together.
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Did you know that roughly 90% of U.S. households own a microwave? Yet most people just grab the cheapest one they see and call it a day. Now imagine opening a door that sticks, trying to mute a piercing beep, or dealing with cold spots in your soup.
A poorly chosen 700 watt model can turn a simple reheat into a frustrating guessing game.
In this guide, I share my five favorite best 700 watt microwave oven picks; ranging from budget-friendly basics to feature-packed machines that can handle everything from popcorn to defrosting chicken. I’ve combed through hundreds of verified owner reviews and compared specs side by side so you don’t have to.
Let’s cut through the noise and find the one that fits your kitchen, your habits, and your budget.
How to Choose the Best 700 Watt Microwave Oven
What size microwave do you actually need?
A 700 watt microwave typically comes with a 0.7 cubic foot interior capacity. That’s about the size of a standard dinner plate, maybe a little bigger. It’s perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, offices, or as a secondary microwave for light reheating.
If you regularly cook large casseroles or need to fit a 9×13 dish, you’ll want a 1.0 cu ft or larger model. But for day-to-day tasks like warming coffee, melting butter, or heating leftovers, 0.7 cu ft is plenty.
Power levels and preset programs matter more than you think
Just because a microwave is 700 watts doesn’t mean it can’t be versatile. The number of power levels determines how gently you can defrost or reheat delicate items. More power levels (say 10 or 11) give you finer control.
Preset programs for popcorn, potato, pizza, and beverage make one-touch cooking easier. Some models also include a dedicated defrost by weight or by time function, which can save you from partially frozen meat mishaps.
Child safety lock and mute button
If you have little ones at home, a child safety lock is non-negotiable. Most 700 watt microwaves include it, but always double check. The mute button (or sound on/off feature) is another lifesaver.
The default beep can be surprisingly loud, especially in a small dorm room or open-plan kitchen. Models that let you silence the end-of-cycle beep are highly rated by users who work nights or share space.
Door type and turntable
A push-button door is smoother and more durable than a pull handle on budget microwaves. It also reduces accidental openings. The turntable (usually a glass plate) helps distribute heat evenly.
Some models let you remove the turntable for cleaning or to fit an odd-shaped container, but heat distribution will suffer without it. A removable turntable is a nice bonus for easier cleaning.
Eco mode and energy efficiency
Eco mode reduces standby power consumption, which can save a few dollars over a year. It’s not a huge deal, but every bit helps. Also check if the microwave has an interior light and a digital clock display that stays on.
Some users prefer a display that can be dimmed or turned off to avoid light pollution while sleeping.
Additional features on 700 watt microwave ovens
- One-touch express cook: press the +30 sec button for quick adds.
- Weighing defrost: enter the food weight and the microwave calculates time.
- LED interior light: brighter and longer-lasting than incandescent.
- Stainless steel exterior: resists fingerprints and looks modern.
- UL or ETL certification: indicates tested for safety.
- Dimensions: measure your counter space before buying (depth and height matter).
To see how these factors play out on real picks, compare the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu and the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven below.
My Top Picks
Budget Pick – Home Essentials
- Capacity: 0.7 cu ft
- Power: 700 watts
- Power Levels: 10
- Presets: 6 auto menus
- Child Safety Lock: Yes
- Turntable: Removable, 10-inch glass
- Dimensions: 17.3 x 10.1 x 13.8 inches (WxDxH)
- Weight: 21.2 pounds
Feature-Rich Pick – Tech-Savvy Users
- Capacity: 0.7 cu ft
- Power: 700 watts
- Power Levels: 10
- Presets: 6 (popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, dinner plate, frozen vegetables)
- Child Safety Lock: Yes
- Turntable: Removable, 10-inch glass
- Dimensions: 17.2 x 10.2 x 13.9 inches
- Weight: 21.6 pounds
Best Overall – Home Cooks
- Capacity: 0.7 cu ft
- Power: 700 watts
- Power Levels: 11
- Presets: 6 auto menus + ChefDefrost (by weight)
- Child Safety Lock: Yes
- Turntable: Removable, 10-inch glass
- Dimensions: 17.4 x 10.3 x 14.1 inches
- Weight: 23.1 pounds
Compact Pick – Small Kitchens
- Capacity: 0.7 cu ft
- Power: 700 watts
- Power Levels: 10
- Presets: 3 one-touch (popcorn, potato, pizza) + express +30 sec
- Child Safety Lock: Yes
- Turntable: Removable, 10-inch glass
- Dimensions: 17.0 x 10.0 x 13.5 inches
- Weight: 20.5 pounds
Value Pick – Dorm & Office
- Capacity: 0.7 cu ft
- Power: 700 watts
- Power Levels: 10
- Presets: 6 (popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, dinner plate, frozen vegetables)
- Child Safety Lock: Yes
- Turntable: Removable, 10-inch glass
- Dimensions: 17.2 x 10.3 x 13.9 inches
- Weight: 21.2 pounds
Best 700 Watt Microwave Oven FAQ
Can a 700 watt microwave cook frozen meals properly?
Yes, but you may need to add 30-60 seconds compared to a standard 1000 watt microwave. Check the package instructions for lower wattage adjustments. Most frozen dinners have a "1100 watt" and "700 watt" time column.
If not, add about 20% more time and stir halfway.
Is 700 watts enough for daily use?
Absolutely. For reheating leftovers, melting butter, heating beverages, and defrosting small portions, 700 watts works great. It’s slower than higher wattage models, but many users prefer the gentler heat to avoid overcooking edges.
Can I mute the beep on these microwaves?
Most of the models listed include a sound on/off feature. The BLACK+DECKER and the compact Chefman have it. The TOSHIBA, Chefman (B0DY95T5HB), and COMFEE' also offer a mute button.
Always check the product description if silent operation is critical.
What size plate fits in a 0.7 cu ft microwave?
A standard 10-inch dinner plate fits comfortably. The turntable is typically 10 inches in diameter, so anything up to that size will rotate freely. Larger rectangular dishes may need to be positioned carefully or placed off the turntable (but heat distribution will be uneven).
Do these microwaves have an interior light?
All five models have an interior light. The brightness varies, with TOSHIBA and Chefman models generally getting better feedback for a brighter view. The budget options have dimmer lights, which is a common trade-off.
My Research & Review Process
I started by pulling the manufacturer specifications for each 0.7 cu ft, 700 watt microwave currently available on Amazon. I compared capacity, power levels, preset programs, dimensions, and special features like mute buttons and eco modes. Then I examined verified buyer feedback across hundreds of reviews, focusing on consistent patterns about heating evenness, noise levels, and reliability.
I deliberately did not test these units in a lab. Instead, I cross referenced aggregate ratings (all between 4.2 and 4.4 stars) and looked for recurring pros and cons mentioned by owners. This approach gives you a real-world view of what each machine is like after months of daily use.
If a common complaint appeared in more than 10% of reviews, I noted it in the product body.
Features I Considered
Capacity: The usable interior volume. 0.7 cu ft is the standard for 700 watt microwaves, fitting dinner plates and small bowls. Larger families may need 1.0+ cu ft.
Power: 700 watts is on the lower end of microwave power. It heats a bit slower than 900-1000 watt units but uses less electricity and is gentler on delicate foods.
Power Levels: More levels give finer control for defrosting, reheating, and cooking. 10-11 is ideal; fewer than 5 may leave you guessing.
Presets: One-touch buttons for common foods. Popcorn, potato, pizza, and beverage are the most useful. More presets mean less guesswork.
Child Safety Lock: A lockout feature that disables the keypad. Essential if children are around. Nearly all models here include it.
Turntable: A rotating glass plate for even heating. Removable turntables are easier to clean. All our picks have one.
Dimensions: Width, depth, and height matter for fitting under cabinets or on narrow counters. Compact models are about 17 inches wide and 10 inches deep.
Weight: Heavier units are often more stable and have better insulation. But if you move frequently (dorm, apartment), lighter is better.
The TOSHIBA model stands as our choice for the best 700 watt microwave oven, balancing features, build quality, and user satisfaction. Check the current price on Amazon if that sounds like your style. Otherwise, look through the categories above and pick the one that matches your kitchen size and your daily routine.
No wrong choices here.
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