Do you remember the days when heating up leftovers meant waiting for the stove or oven? It feels like ages ago, doesn’t it? The microwave oven changed all that, becoming a kitchen superhero for busy families and solo cooks alike. But with so many models out there, picking the *right* basic microwave can feel like a puzzle. You want something that heats your food evenly, is easy to use, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s frustrating when you just want a warm meal, but your microwave leaves cold spots or is a confusing mess of buttons!
That’s where we come in! This post will cut through the confusion and shine a spotlight on what truly matters when choosing a basic microwave oven. We’ll explore the essential features that make a difference, helping you understand the jargon and avoid common pitfalls. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in finding a microwave that perfectly fits your needs and budget, making your everyday cooking a breeze.
Our Top 5 Basic Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Basic Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware FMO07ABTBKA Classic 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
The Farberware FMO07ABTBKA Classic 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven in Black is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or office. It’s designed for convenience and ease of use, making meal preparation a breeze.
What We Like:
- It has 700 watts of power, which cooks food quickly.
- You can choose from ten different power levels.
- There are six one-touch cooking options, like popcorn and pizza.
- It defrosts food by weight or by time.
- The 0.7 cubic foot size is perfect for small spaces.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- It has a clear LED display with a clock and timer.
- The interior light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock provides extra security.
- Farberware is a trusted brand for kitchen appliances.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a little less powerful than larger microwaves.
- It may not be big enough for very large dishes or family-sized meals.
This microwave offers a great balance of features and a compact design. It’s a reliable choice for anyone needing a simple and effective way to heat up food.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen appliance. It helps you cook and reheat food quickly. Its stainless steel finish looks nice in any kitchen. This microwave is easy to use for most people.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn and pizza. This makes cooking easier.
- The 30-second express cooking button is great for quick reheating.
- The large LED display is clear and easy to read.
- A child safety lock adds an extra layer of protection.
- The push-button door opens easily.
- The removable glass turntable makes cleaning simple.
- It comes with a clock and kitchen timer.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 0.7 cubic feet, it might be a bit small for larger dishes.
- While 700W is standard, some users might prefer a higher wattage for faster cooking.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid option for basic kitchen needs. It offers convenient features for everyday use.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.0/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper, packing a punch with its 700 watts of power. It’s a compact 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms. With 10 power levels and 6 cooking presets, you can easily heat up leftovers, pop popcorn, or cook veggies. Plus, its sleek black design looks great on any counter.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly with 700 watts of power.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels for just the right heat.
- Six one-touch cooking presets make it super easy to prepare common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The +30 seconds button lets you add extra cooking time with just one press.
- You can program your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access.
- A child safety lock keeps the door secure.
- The mute option lets you turn off annoying beeps.
- Eco Mode helps save energy by disabling the display.
- The glass turntable is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for larger meals or families.
- While it has presets, some advanced cooking functions might not be available.
This Chefman microwave offers a great balance of convenience and functionality for everyday use. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use countertop microwave.
4. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.5/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven is a great addition to any apartment kitchen. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks modern and stylish. This microwave is packed with helpful features that make cooking and reheating food easy and convenient. It’s compact enough to fit in small spaces but still offers a good amount of cooking capacity.
What We Like:
- This microwave has a safety feature called a Two-Step Child Lock to keep little ones safe.
- It offers 6 different preset menus for popular foods like popcorn and pizza.
- You can adjust the cooking power with 11 unique power levels, giving you lots of cooking options.
- The Mute Mode lets you turn off the beeping sounds, which is great for quiet kitchens.
- It has an Easy Defrost function that works by weight or time.
- The One Touch Start feature makes it super quick to start cooking for 1 to 6 minutes.
- It comes with a 10.6-inch removable glass turntable for easy cleaning.
- The 900-watt power output cooks food quickly.
- LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food while it’s cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The input power is 1400 watts, which is higher than the output power.
- While it has a mute function, you have to long press a specific button to activate it.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance for their kitchen. Its user-friendly design and versatile settings make cooking a breeze.
5. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.9/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a compact and feature-rich countertop microwave oven designed for modern kitchens. Its sleek black finish and 0.7 cubic feet capacity make it ideal for small spaces, dorm rooms, or office break rooms. This microwave offers convenience with its easy one-touch buttons and thoughtful features like a mute function and energy-saving ECO mode.
What We Like:
- The mute function is a game-changer for quiet kitchens, letting you use the microwave without annoying beeps.
- ECO Mode significantly reduces standby power, helping you save energy and money.
- One-touch express cooking buttons (1-6 minutes and +30 seconds) make heating food super fast and simple.
- Auto-cook functions for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The child safety lock provides peace of mind for families with young children.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel make operation straightforward.
- It includes a kitchen timer and a clock for added convenience.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) ensure your food thaws perfectly.
- The 10-inch glass turntable rotates food evenly for consistent heating.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, some users might prefer a slightly larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The one-year limited warranty is standard, but a longer warranty would offer more long-term assurance.
This COMFEE microwave balances smart features with user-friendly operation, making it a solid addition to any kitchen. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking a reliable and quiet countertop microwave.
Your Essential Guide to Buying a Basic Microwave Oven
Choosing a microwave oven doesn’t have to be complicated. A basic microwave oven is a kitchen workhorse, perfect for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, and defrosting food quickly. This guide will help you find the right one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a basic microwave, focus on these important features:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most basic models range from 700 to 1200 watts. For everyday tasks like reheating, 900 watts is usually enough. If you plan to cook more often, aim for 1000 watts or higher.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This is the size of the inside of the microwave. A smaller capacity (around 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet) is good for one or two people. A larger capacity (1.1 to 1.5 cubic feet) is better for families or if you often heat larger dishes.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a glass turntable that rotates food for even heating. This is a standard feature and very important for good results.
- Simple Controls: Basic microwaves usually have straightforward knobs or buttons. Look for controls that are easy to understand and use. Preset buttons for common foods like popcorn or baked potatoes can be helpful.
- Timer/Clock: A built-in timer is essential for cooking accurately. A clock feature is also a nice addition.
- Child Lock: If you have young children, a child lock feature can prevent accidental use.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and appearance:
- Interior: The inside of most basic microwaves is coated with enamel or a special paint. These are easy to clean and resist heat. Some higher-end models might have stainless steel interiors, but this is less common in basic units.
- Exterior: The outside is usually made of painted metal or plastic. Metal exteriors are generally more durable.
- Turntable: The turntable is almost always made of tempered glass. This glass is strong and can withstand the heat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave better or worse:
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. When you open and close the door, it should feel solid, not flimsy. The buttons and knobs should also feel good to use.
- Even Heating: The most important quality of a microwave is how evenly it heats food. A good microwave will heat your food thoroughly without leaving cold spots. This is often related to the wattage and the design of the microwave’s internal components.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite noisy when running. If you prefer a quieter kitchen, look for reviews that mention noise levels.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and a removable turntable is much easier to clean. Spills and splatters happen, so a good cleaning surface is a big plus.
- Durability: A good quality microwave will last for many years. Reading reviews can give you an idea of how well a particular model holds up over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
A basic microwave oven is designed for simple, everyday tasks:
- Reheating Leftovers: This is probably the most common use. You can quickly warm up last night’s dinner.
- Making Popcorn: Many microwaves have a popcorn button that sets the cooking time perfectly.
- Defrosting: Need to thaw meat or vegetables quickly? A microwave can do that. You can often set the weight or time for defrosting.
- Heating Beverages: Warming up coffee or tea is a breeze.
- Simple Cooking: You can cook some foods directly in the microwave, like baked potatoes or certain vegetables.
A basic microwave oven should be easy to use right out of the box. You plug it in, set the time, and press start. It’s a tool that saves you time and effort in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Basic Microwave Ovens
Q: What is the most important feature to look for in a basic microwave?
A: The most important feature is usually wattage, as it determines how quickly your food heats. Aim for at least 900 watts for good performance.
Q: How do I know what size microwave I need?
A: Consider how many people are in your household and what size dishes you typically heat. Smaller microwaves are good for individuals, while larger ones are better for families.
Q: Is a turntable really necessary?
A: Yes, a turntable is very important. It spins your food around, which helps it heat more evenly.
Q: Are all basic microwaves easy to clean?
A: Most basic microwaves have easy-to-clean interiors, often with a special coating. A removable glass turntable also makes cleaning simpler.
Q: What does “wattage” mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage measures the power of the microwave. Higher wattage means it can cook or heat food faster.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a basic microwave?
A: While you can cook some simple items like baked potatoes or steamed vegetables, basic microwaves are mainly designed for reheating and defrosting, not complex cooking.
Q: How long should a basic microwave oven last?
A: With proper care, a good quality basic microwave can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or even longer.
Q: What is the difference between a basic microwave and a more advanced one?
A: Basic microwaves have simple controls and fewer features. Advanced microwaves might have convection cooking, sensor cooking, or more pre-programmed settings.
Q: Should I worry about the material of the microwave’s interior?
A: For basic microwaves, the interior is usually coated enamel or paint. These are durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel interiors are found in more expensive models.
Q: Where is the best place to buy a basic microwave oven?
A: You can find basic microwave ovens at most appliance stores, department stores, and online retailers.
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 Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!