Do you ever stare at the wall of microwaves at the store and feel completely overwhelmed? It’s like trying to pick the perfect flavor of ice cream when there are fifty choices! You just want a microwave that heats up your leftovers or pops your popcorn without a fuss. But the fancy buttons and confusing settings can make you wonder if you need a degree in engineering just to make a cup of tea.
Choosing a simple microwave shouldn’t be a headache. Many people want a reliable appliance that does the job well, without all the bells and whistles they’ll never use. The struggle is real when you’re trying to figure out what “defrost” really means or why one microwave costs twice as much as another. We’ve all been there, wishing for a clear, easy way to find the best basic microwave for our needs.
In this post, we’ll cut through the confusion. We’ll show you what to look for in a no-fuss microwave, what features are actually useful, and how to avoid paying for things you don’t need. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident picking a microwave that fits your kitchen and your life perfectly. Let’s get started on finding your perfect simple microwave!
Our Top 5 Simple Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Simple Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.5/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed for everyday kitchen tasks. Its sleek black finish and 0.7 cubic foot capacity make it a great fit for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms. This microwave offers a variety of convenient features to simplify cooking and reheating.
What We Like:
- Sound On/Off Function: You can silence those beeping sounds with the mute function, which is perfect for early mornings or late nights.
- ECO Mode: Save energy and money with the ECO Mode, which cuts standby power by half.
- Easy One-Touch Buttons: Quickly cook popular items like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and frozen vegetables with simple, one-touch controls.
- Express Cooking: Heat your food in a hurry with the one-touch express cooking, offering 1-6 minute options and a 30-second boost.
- Defrost Options: Easily thaw frozen foods using either the weight or time defrost settings.
- Safety Features: The child safety lock keeps little hands safe, and the bright digital display and interior light make it easy to see what’s cooking.
- Kitchen Timer: Use the built-in timer for more than just microwaving.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity might be too small for larger families or for cooking very big dishes.
- While it has express cooking, some users might prefer more advanced cooking presets for specific dishes.
This COMFEE microwave is a practical choice for those seeking convenience and energy savings in a small package. Its user-friendly design and helpful features make it a solid addition to any kitchen.
2. COMMERCIAL CHEF 0.6 Cubic Foot Microwave with 6 Power Levels
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the COMMERCIAL CHEF 0.6 Cubic Foot Microwave, a white countertop microwave designed for your busy life. This small but mighty microwave packs 600 watts of power, making it your go-to for quick and tasty meals. It’s perfect for heating up leftovers, cooking pasta, or even making crispy bacon. With its simple mechanical controls and a handy grip handle, it’s easy to use and move around.
What We Like:
- Powerful 600-watt heating for fast cooking.
- Six different power levels (Low, Defrost, Medium Low, Medium, Medium-High, High) give you control.
- Easy-to-use mechanical dial timer goes up to 30 minutes.
- Compact 0.6 cubic foot size fits well on most countertops.
- Includes a convenient grip handle for easy carrying.
- Comes with a turntable for even cooking.
- Simple “grab and go” operation for quick meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer digital controls over mechanical dials.
- The 600-watt power might be less powerful than larger, more expensive microwaves.
This microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a simple, reliable appliance for everyday heating needs. It offers straightforward functionality and gets the job done efficiently.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.7/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven in sleek black is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. This compact 0.7 cu. ft. microwave packs a punch with 700 watts of power and offers a variety of features to make cooking and reheating a breeze. From popcorn to leftovers, it handles everyday meals with ease.
What We Like:
- It cooks food very quickly. You can choose from six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies. Just press the number keys for quick cooking.
- It has 10 power levels, so you can melt butter or cook food super fast.
- The digital controls make it easy to set the time and power. The +30 seconds button is handy for extra cooking time.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings with the memory function for one-touch cooking.
- The child safety lock keeps the door from opening by accident, and you can lock the control panel.
- The mute button lets you turn off the beeping sounds, which is great for quiet kitchens.
- Its modern black design looks good in any kitchen. The Eco Mode helps save power and you can turn off the display.
- Cleaning is simple. The exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or cooking bigger meals.
- While it has many presets, some users might prefer even more cooking options.
This Chefman microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance that simplifies daily cooking tasks. It’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a compact and efficient microwave.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven, a compact and stylish addition to any kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave packs a punch with 700 watts of cooking power and a sleek stainless steel finish. It’s designed for convenience, making meal prep and reheating a breeze for busy households.
What We Like:
- It has six handy pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking feature lets you quickly heat up leftovers or snacks.
- Its large LED display is easy to read, and the control panel is simple to use.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The interior light helps you keep an eye on your food while it cooks.
- The removable 10-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking.
- The push-button door release makes opening the microwave quick and easy.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for added security.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be a bit small for larger families or cooking big meals.
- While 700 watts is standard, some users might prefer a higher wattage for faster cooking.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a good balance of features and affordability. It’s a solid choice for dorm rooms, small apartments, or anyone needing a reliable everyday microwave.
5. Farberware FMO07ABTBKA Classic 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
Need a microwave that’s both powerful and perfectly sized for your kitchen or office? The Farberware FMO07ABTBKA Classic 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven in sleek black is here to help. It’s designed to make your meal prep quick and easy, offering a great blend of convenience and functionality.
What We Like:
- It’s a convenient microwave that prepares meals fast. It has 700 watts of power and easy settings for quick use.
- The powerful settings include ten different power levels and multi-stage cooking. You can customize cooking with six one-touch options like popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrosting by weight or time is also a breeze.
- It’s the perfect size at 0.7 cu ft, making it ideal for smaller spaces without sacrificing cooking power. The interior and exterior are easy to clean, fitting well in any home or office.
- It includes a clear LED display with a clock and kitchen timer. The interior light lets you watch your food, and a child safety lock adds an extra layer of security.
- Farberware is known for helping families create memorable meals and bring people together.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers great basic features, some users might want more advanced cooking presets or a slightly larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The 700-watt power is good for most tasks, but heavier cooking might take a little longer compared to higher-wattage models.
The Farberware FMO07ABTBKA is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use microwave for everyday tasks. It offers a great balance of features and a compact design.
Your Simple Microwave Buying Guide
Choosing the Right Simple Microwave
A simple microwave is a kitchen workhorse. It heats up leftovers, pops popcorn, and makes quick meals. But with so many choices, how do you pick the best one for you? This guide helps you find a microwave that’s easy to use and fits your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
Power (Wattage)
Microwaves come in different power levels. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most simple microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For most households, 900-1000 watts is a good balance.
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
This tells you how much food can fit inside. Small microwaves are usually around 0.7 cubic feet. Medium ones are 1.0 to 1.2 cubic feet. If you cook larger dishes or a family, a bigger one is better. For one or two people, a smaller one works fine.
Turntable
A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook more evenly. Most simple microwaves have one. Some larger ones have a turntable off option. This is good for fitting rectangular dishes.
Preset Cooking Options
Many simple microwaves have buttons for common foods. These might include popcorn, baked potato, or pizza. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking times.
Defrost Settings
These settings help you thaw frozen food. You can often defrost by weight or by time. This is a handy feature for busy cooks.
2. Important Materials
Exterior
Most microwave exteriors are made of painted steel or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. Painted steel is more affordable.
Interior
The inside is usually coated. Common coatings are ceramic enamel or painted steel. Ceramic enamel is easy to clean and resists scratches. Painted steel is less expensive but can chip over time.
Glass Turntable
The turntable is made of glass. It should be sturdy and easy to remove for cleaning.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should feel responsive. Cheaper microwaves might feel flimsy.
Ease of Cleaning
Look for a microwave with a smooth interior. Non-stick coatings like ceramic enamel make cleaning much easier. A removable turntable helps too.
Noise Level
Some microwaves are louder than others. If noise bothers you, check reviews for comments on sound levels.
Durability
A good microwave should last several years. Reading reviews can give you an idea of how long a particular model lasts.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Simple Operation
The best simple microwave is easy to use right away. Clear buttons and a simple control panel make it user-friendly. You shouldn’t need a manual for basic tasks.
Everyday Heating
For reheating leftovers, a simple microwave is perfect. Just pop your food in and press start. Preset buttons can make this even faster.
Quick Snacks
Need a quick snack? Popcorn, frozen meals, and baked potatoes are easy to make. The preset options are very helpful here.
Defrosting
When you forget to take meat out of the freezer, the defrost function saves the day. It thaws food quickly and safely.
Countertop Placement
Most simple microwaves are designed to sit on your countertop. Make sure you have enough space and a nearby outlet.
Simple Microwave FAQs
Q: What is the most important feature in a simple microwave?
A: The most important feature is usually ease of use. You want to be able to heat food quickly without complicated settings.
Q: How much wattage do I need for a simple microwave?
A: For everyday use, 900-1000 watts is a good amount. It cooks food fast and evenly.
Q: What does cubic feet mean for a microwave?
A: Cubic feet tells you the size of the microwave’s interior. A larger number means it can hold more food.
Q: Do I need a turntable in my microwave?
A: Yes, a turntable helps your food cook more evenly by spinning it around.
Q: Are preset cooking buttons useful?
A: Yes, they are very useful. They take the guesswork out of cooking times for common foods like popcorn or potatoes.
Q: What is the best material for the inside of a microwave?
A: Ceramic enamel is a great choice because it’s easy to clean and won’t scratch easily.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave is good quality?
A: A good quality microwave will feel sturdy, have smooth-working parts, and be easy to clean.
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 appliance.
Q: How do I clean my simple microwave?
A: You can clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Wipe down the turntable and interior walls regularly.
Q: How long should a simple microwave last?
A: With proper care, a simple microwave can last for many years, often 5 to 10 years or more.
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!