Which compact countertop microwave is the best fit for your kitchen (and budget)?
You shared three popular, sub-$*** countertop microwaves that cover the most common use-cases: a 1.1 cu ft / 1000W BLACK+DECKER for full dinner plates, a 0.9 cu ft / 900W Chefman for small kitchens with handy extras, and a 0.7 cu ft / 700W BLACK+DECKER for dorms, offices, and tight budgets. Below is a clear, practical comparison
Snapshot: Specs That Matter
| Model | Capacity (cu ft / L) | Power | Exterior (W × D × H) | Turntable | Presets & Nice-to-haves | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 | 1.1 cu ft (~31 L) | 1000W | 20.2″ × 15.6″ × 12.1″ | 12.4″ | 6 presets, +30s Express, child lock | Full dinner plates, faster reheats, family basics. Amazon |
| Chefman 0.9 cu ft (RJ55-9-V2) | 0.9 cu ft (~25 L) | 900W | 18.9″ × 13.27″ × 11.52″ | Glass turntable | 6 presets, +30s, Mute, Eco Mode, memory, child lock | Small kitchens needing modern quality-of-life features. Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 | 0.7 cu ft (~20 L) | 700W | 17.3″ × 13.0″ × 10.2″ | 10″ | 6 presets, +30s Express, child lock | Dorms/offices; quick snacks, beverages, popcorn. Amazon |
(Liter conversions rounded from 1 cu ft ≈ 28.3 L.)
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Frequency : 60 Hz
- 1000 Watts Output with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking, Input power: 1600W
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 12.4” glass turntabl…
- Push-button door release for easy access
BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 — Most power & plate-friendly capacity
Why it stands out: At 1000W and 1.1 cu ft, this model heats faster and handles full-size dinner plates comfortably. You get 6 one-touch presets (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veg, beverage, dinner plate), +30 seconds express, child safety lock, and a 12.4-inch turntable. Dimensions: 20.2″ W × 15.6″ D × 12.1″ H.
Kitchen reality
- Reheats & frozen entrées: the extra wattage cuts wait time and yields hotter centers.
- Large plates & bowls: the 12.4″ tray and 1.1 cu ft cavity are forgiving for family portions.
- Usability: simple keypad, bright display, and classic push-button door.
Pros
- Fastest of the three; best for regular meal reheats.
- Biggest interior + largest turntable for wide plates.
- Straightforward 6-preset panel and +30s express.
Cons
- Larger footprint; check under-cabinet clearance.
- Fewer “extras” than Chefman (no mute/eco/memory callouts).
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, …
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 900W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, fr…
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. …
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave …
Chefman 0.9 cu ft (RJ55-9-V2) — Best small-kitchen features
Why it stands out: Compact 0.9 cu ft chassis with 900W output and modern conveniences: Mute button, Eco Mode to dim/disable the display, memory function for your most-used program, +30s button, and child lock. Dimensions: 18.9″ W × 13.27″ D × 11.52″ H.
Kitchen reality
- Daily basics: six one-touch presets make popcorn, pizza, veggies, potatoes, beverages, and leftovers painless.
- Apartment-friendly: Mute is great for late-night snacks; Eco saves a trickle of power.
- Cleanup: glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher-safe.
Pros
- Thoughtful features (Mute, Eco, memory) missing on many budget models.
- Good balance of size, power, and price for 1–3 people.
Cons
- Smaller than 1.1 cu ft; large platters may not rotate freely.
- No sensor menus; rely on presets/time.
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : 110 Volts.Rate…
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 — Best budget/compact pick
Why it stands out: A proven 0.7 cu ft 700W countertop unit sized for tight spaces and simple needs. It includes 6 auto menus, +30 seconds express, 10 power levels, child lock, and a 10-inch turntable. Exterior: 17.3″ W × 13.0″ D × 10.2″ H.
Kitchen reality
- Great for one person: coffee reheats, oatmeal, instant meals, popcorn.
- Light and compact: ideal for dorms, offices, studios.
- Expectations: 700W takes a bit longer; plan on an extra minute or two versus 900–1000W models.
Pros
- Lowest price/footprint; easy to place anywhere.
- Simple, reliable controls with familiar 6 presets.
Cons
- Slower heating on dense leftovers; may require stirring and extra time.
- Smaller 10″ plate area can limit larger dishes.
Head-to-Head: What to Buy (and why)
1) Speed & Even Heating
If you microwave full plates and want shorter cook times, pick EM031MB11 (1000W). It’s the most powerful here and paired with a larger turntable for better coverage.
If you’re reheating smaller portions, the Chefman (900W) is a strong middle choice; EM720CB7 (700W) is fine for snacks but needs more time.
2) Space & Interior Fit
Tight on counter space? EM720CB7 is the smallest. Chefman stays compact while fitting more features. If you’ve got room and big plates, EM031MB11 wins (largest cavity and turntable).
3) Convenience Features
Want Mute, Eco Mode, and Memory? That’s the Chefman sweet spot—handy in apartments or households with light sleepers.
Recommendations (Make the choice easy)
- Best Overall for Most Homes: BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 — 1000W, 1.1 cu ft, and a 12.4″ turntable make everyday reheats faster and more reliable on full-size dinnerware.
- Best Small-Kitchen Features: Chefman 0.9 cu ft (RJ55-9-V2) — compact body with Mute, Eco, memory, and +30s quality-of-life perks.
- Best Budget/Compact: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 — 0.7 cu ft, 700W, 10″ turntable, and familiar presets at the lowest cost/size.
Real-World Tips for Your Readers
- Cover & stir: for leftovers, cover with a vented lid or damp paper towel; stir halfway for even heating.
- Know your wattage: if a recipe expects 1000W and you own 700W, add ~30–40% time and check in intervals.
- Turntable clearance: if a plate can’t rotate freely, use a smaller dish or remove the turntable and rotate food manually mid-cook (always follow the manual).
Disclosure & Accuracy Notes (place in your blog footer)
- Include your affiliate disclosure: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
- Specs and features summarized from the official Amazon listings at the time of writing (power, dimensions, turntable sizes, presets, features). Always verify any price/stock changes before you publish.