Looking for the best 700 watt microwave ovens that fit tight counters and power through reheats? This shortlist focuses on compact, reliable 0.7 cu. ft. countertop microwaves with child locks, presets, and easy-clean interiors-ideal for dorms, apartments, or a second kitchen.
This guide to the best 700 watt microwave ovens compares power, presets, build quality, and usability across 0.7 cu. ft. models. We weigh real buyer needs-heat consistency, turntable size, noise, and long-term value-so you can choose a compact 700W microwave that fits your counter and lasts.
Best Overall: Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave, 700W – consistent heating, presets, easy-clean interior
Best Budget: Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave, 700W – lowest price with essential features and child lock
Best Premium: Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave, 700W, 10 Power Levels – extra power levels, presets, eco mode
Best for Long Hours: 0.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Microwave Oven, 700W, 11 Power Levels – durable design and flexible power settings
Pros
- Six presets like popcorn or pizza speed up cooking common meals in this compact microwave.
- Ten power levels from low to melt butter or high for quick reheats work well in a 700W countertop microwave.
- Child safety lock prevents accidental door openings, adding peace of mind around kids.
- Mute button silences beeps so it stays quiet during nap times or late nights.
- +30 seconds button lets you add time easily without resetting the whole timer.
- Compact 0.7 cu ft frame fits tight counters in small apartments or dorms without crowding space.
Cons
- 700 watts takes longer to heat family-sized portions compared to higher wattage models.
- Compact 0.7 cu ft capacity limits space for larger plates or casserole dishes.
- Digital controls require precise button presses that feel fiddly for quick arthritic use.
- Child safety lock needs upward pull on handle, adding minor step to open door.
Pros
- Compact 0.7 cu ft size fits tight countertop microwave spots in apartments without crowding space.
- 700 watt power with ten levels heats frozen meals evenly for countertop microwave users in a rush.
- One-touch buttons for popcorn potato and pizza save steps during busy after-school snack prep.
- Defrost by weight or time thaws meat consistently ahead of quick microwave oven meals.
- Child safety lock prevents kids from starting the small microwave oven on their own.
- LED display and interior light let you monitor reheats clearly in dim office breakrooms.
Cons
- 700 watts takes longer to heat larger family portions compared to higher wattage models
- Compact 0.7 cu ft size limits capacity for bigger dishes or multiple plates
- Small turntable restricts fitting larger plates or oddly shaped items
- Defrost function sometimes thaws unevenly depending on food weight and type
Pros
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn potato pizza frozen vegetable beverage and dinner plate speed up family meal reheats
- Child safety lock keeps busy kids from accidentally turning it on during dinner prep
- Compact 17.3 x 13.0 x 10.2 inch size fits tight apartment counters without crowding space
- Large LED display and easy control panel help with quick glances even in dim kitchens
- Push-button door release opens smoothly unlike finicky handles that stick after spills
- Removable 10 inch glass turntable cleans up leftover cheese or sauce in seconds
Cons
- 700W power takes longer to heat larger portions effectively
- Stainless steel finish shows fingerprints readily in daily use
- Push-button door can feel less smooth after extended time
- Compact 0.7 cu ft size limits capacity for family-sized dishes
Pros
- Compact 0.7 cu ft size fits tight dorm desks or apartment counters without crowding space.
- 700 watt power with 10 levels heats ramen or leftovers evenly for quick student meals.
- Child lock prevents kids from starting it accidentally during family snack times.
- One-touch buttons for popcorn or pizza save time on busy nights reheating basics.
- Glass turntable and interior light let you watch food spin steadily without opening door.
- Easy-to-clean interior wipes down fast after pizza grease in small households.
Cons
- 700 watts heats smaller portions slower than higher-powered models.
- Compact 0.7 cu ft size limits capacity for larger family dishes.
- Glass turntable requires careful handling to avoid wobbling over time.
- 10 power levels demand experimentation for even reheating results.
Pros
- Two-step child lock adds real protection in homes with toddlers reaching for buttons during meals.
- Mute function quiets beeps for nap times or late-night reheats in small apartments.
- One-touch express settings from 1 to 6 minutes speed up solo snacks for busy professionals.
- ECO mode cuts standby power by half helping keep utility bills lower on countertop microwave oven.
- Compact 0.7 cu ft size fits tight counters in urban studios without crowding space.
- Defrost by weight or time plus auto-cook for popcorn and pizza simplify daily small microwave oven use.
Cons
- 700W power takes longer to heat larger items compared to higher wattage models.
- Compact 0.7 cu ft size limits capacity for bigger dishes or family meals.
- One-touch buttons require two-step child lock process that slows quick access.
- ECO mode reduces standby power but needs manual activation each time.
Pros
- Digital control panel simplifies setting express cooking or power levels for quick meals in compact countertop microwave.
- Two defrost timers let users control thawing precisely, avoiding soggy spots on food from small microwave oven.
- Child safety lock stops kids from accidentally turning on the portable microwave oven during busy mornings.
- Large display shows cooking progress clearly, helping monitor plates inside 0.7 cubic foot microwave.
- Six auto settings handle popcorn, pizza or reheats consistently without guessing times on black countertop microwave.
- Intuitive options like delay start fit snacks into tight schedules in compact kitchen microwave setups.
Cons
- Limited 0.7 cu ft capacity fits small plates but crowds larger dishes.
- Compact size requires precise counter measurements for stable placement.
- Defrost timers demand manual adjustments for even thawing results.
- Digital panel buttons accumulate fingerprints over regular daily use.
Pros
- Compact 17.1 x 12.2 x 9.5 inch size fits tight apartment counters without crowding space.
- ChefDefrost cuts thawing time by up to 40 percent while keeping food texture intact for meals.
- Six auto menus handle popcorn pizza potatoes reliably with one button press.
- Eleven power levels let users fine-tune heating from gentle warming to full cooking.
- Mute mode silences beeps by holding button 8 for even quiet reheating in mornings.
- Child lock and one-touch start buttons simplify use in busy family kitchens.
Cons
- 700W power takes longer to heat larger portions compared to higher wattage models.
- Limited 0.7 cu ft capacity restricts use for family-sized dishes.
- 9.6-inch turntable requires frequent repositioning for uneven foods.
- Small buttons challenge users with larger fingers or reduced dexterity.
Buying Guide
Power and cooking performance
With a 700 watt microwave you get reliable, even heating for reheating leftovers, cooking frozen meals and defrosting. Expect slightly longer cook times compared with 900-1,000W units (see our best 900w microwaves), so look for models with multiple power levels and consistent turntable rotation to avoid cold spots. If even, dependable heating is a priority, consider a trusted midrange model like the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. (Stainless), which balances performance and simple cooking controls.
Size, capacity and footprint
Most 700W countertop microwaves in this category are around 0.7 cubic feet-big enough for a dinner plate or a small casserole but not for large platters. When choosing, check these measurements:
- Interior usable diameter (10″ turntables are common) – confirms whether your plates fit.
- External footprint – measure countertop clearance and include door swing space for push-button or pull-door models.
- Removable turntable – makes cleaning easier and allows you to reconfigure space for taller items.
For compact setups where counter space is tight, a stainless compact model such as the Frigidaire 0.7 Cu. Ft. (Stainless) is a good example of a true small-footprint option. For more size-specific picks see our best 0.7 cu ft microwaves.
Controls, presets and user experience
Controls matter for everyday convenience. Digital panels with one-touch presets (popcorn, potato, defrost) speed common tasks, while numbered power levels give more control for delicate reheating. Other useful features include a mute option, child lock, and a clear LED display. If you want a model with extra presets and quieter operation, the feature-rich Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. (Premium) illustrates how presets and flexible power levels improve routine use.
Safety, cleaning and maintenance
Prioritize easy-to-clean interiors (non-porous enamel), removable turntables, and safety features such as a child lock and reliable door latch. Look for models that advertise easy-clean surfaces or simple turntable removal so spills don’t become a lingering odor problem. Regularly wipe interiors after use and avoid abrasive cleaners on the control panel to keep electronic buttons working smoothly.
Durability, warranty and overall value
Compare warranty terms and read real-user feedback on longevity before you buy-microwaves are typically simple appliances, but build quality varies. A longer warranty and a brand with responsive support can offset a slightly higher price. Decide whether you prefer a bare-bones, lower-cost unit for occasional use or a model with extra presets and sturdier construction if you rely on the microwave daily. If you’re aiming for a balance of features and price, our best mid-range microwaves roundup highlights solid options that offer improved durability without a big price jump.
FAQ
What are the best 700 watt microwave ovens for small apartments?
For small apartments you want a compact 0.7 cu. ft. microwave with a reliable turntable and simple presets. Models that balance size, power and easy-clean interiors tend to perform best for everyday reheating and simple cooking. If you want a solid all-around choice, consider the Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. (Stainless), which is praised for consistent heating and useful auto-cook settings. Measure your counter space and check turntable diameter before buying to ensure it fits your dishes. A child lock and mute option are nice extras in shared living spaces. For curated picks and comparisons see our best 700w microwaves.
How long does it take to reheat leftovers in a 700W microwave?
Reheating times vary by portion size, container and food type, but most single portions warm through in about 1 to 3 minutes on medium-high power. Stir or rotate halfway through to avoid cold spots, and let food sit a minute after heating so carryover heat evens out. Use a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to retain moisture and prevent splatters. If reheating dense items like casseroles, increase time in 30-second bursts until hot.
Are 700 watt microwaves good for cooking frozen meals?
Yes-700W microwaves are suitable for most frozen meals, especially those with clear microwave instructions for 700W or similar wattages. Use the microwave’s defrost or low-power settings to thaw items evenly before finishing at full power to avoid overcooking edges. Check the center temperature and rotate trays or stir as directed to ensure even heating. If a frozen meal recommends higher wattage, increase time rather than power to reduce the risk of drying.
Which 700W microwave is best for heavy use in a small office or shared kitchen?
For heavy communal use pick a model with durable controls, a sturdy turntable and easy-to-clean surfaces to handle frequent cycles. Commercial-style controls aren’t necessary, but look for units with multiple presets and a reliable door mechanism to avoid maintenance headaches. The GE 0.7 Cu. Ft. Compact is a good example of a practical, no-frills option made for regular daily use. Keep a microwave-safe utensil set and basic cleaning supplies nearby to prolong the appliance’s lifespan.
What features should I look for when buying the best 700 watt microwave oven?
Prioritize a turntable size that fits your plates, intuitive controls, and essential presets like defrost and express cook to simplify use. Safety features such as a child lock and an easy-to-clean interior will make daily use more convenient. If maintenance matters, models with steam-clean or removable turntables reduce effort when wiping splatters; for that reason some shoppers like the Whirlpool 0.7 Cu. Ft. (Steam Clean) for its cleaning feature. Finally, check customer reviews for reliability and consistent heating before you decide.
Final Verdict
Strong performers separated themselves by delivering reliable 700W heating, even results from a full-size turntable, dependable one-touch presets and easy-clean interiors; weaker options sacrificed control clarity, useful presets or a solid child-lock. Prioritize 0.7 cu. ft. capacity that fits your dishes, clear controls and presets (including defrost), a removable turntable and a child safety lock. The top models combine consistent heating, durable controls and simple upkeep for everyday use. For broader comparisons across sizes and power levels, see our best microwave ovens guide.
🏆 Best Overall: Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave – 700W, Auto Cook
💰 Best Budget: Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave – Auto Cook, Defrost
⭐ Best Premium: Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave – 10 Power Levels, Presets
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