If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably faced the daily challenge of needing quick meals, especially when kitchen space is at a premium. My old microwave had given up the ghost, leaving me scrambling for a convenient way to heat food, and I knew I needed a reliable, compact solution. The thought of constantly using the stovetop or oven for simple reheating was daunting, and I couldn’t afford a bulky appliance that would hog my limited countertop real estate. This is precisely why a product like the Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven, Black would have been a lifesaver in those moments, promising efficiency without the bulk.
Key Considerations Before Your Next Microwave Purchase
Microwave ovens have become indispensable kitchen companions, primarily solving the common problem of quickly heating, reheating, and defrosting food. For anyone with a bustling lifestyle, they offer unparalleled convenience, saving precious time that would otherwise be spent on more traditional cooking methods. You might be looking to buy a microwave if you regularly eat leftovers, need to defrost frozen ingredients, or simply want to warm up beverages and snacks in a flash.
The ideal customer for a compact microwave oven is someone with limited kitchen space – perhaps a student in a dorm, an individual living in a small apartment, or professionals looking for a quick heating solution in their office breakroom. It’s also perfect for those who primarily use a microwave for light tasks and occasional reheating, rather than full-scale meal preparation. If you’re a single person or a couple, a smaller model like the Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven, Black can be incredibly efficient and cost-effective.
However, a compact 700-watt microwave might not be suitable for everyone. Large families or those who frequently prepare big meals or microwave multiple large dishes simultaneously might find its capacity and power insufficient. If you need to cook large casseroles or roast entire chickens in your microwave, you should definitely look for models with higher wattage (900-1200 watts) and a larger cubic foot capacity (1.0 cu ft or more). Before making a purchase, consider crucial factors like wattage (which dictates cooking speed), capacity (how much food it can hold), physical dimensions (to ensure it fits your designated space), specific features (like preset buttons, defrost options, and child locks), ease of cleaning, and your overall budget.
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook...
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass...
Meet the Appliance: The Farberware 0.7 cu ft Microwave
Allow me to introduce you to the Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven, Black – a compact and reliable kitchen appliance designed to bring efficiency to smaller spaces. This microwave promises quick and easy meals with its 700 watts of output power and a range of convenient settings. When you purchase it, you’ll find the microwave oven itself, a glass turntable, and a user guide to help you get started. While it might not compete in sheer power or capacity with high-end, larger microwave models from brands like Panasonic or GE, which often boast 1000+ watts and multiple cubic feet, this Farberware unit carves out its niche by prioritizing space-saving design and essential functionality. It’s not an upgrade in terms of raw power from some older, larger models, but rather a perfect fit for a specific need.
This specific Farberware microwave is truly for individuals, couples, or anyone with limited countertop real estate, like those in dorms, small apartments, or offices. It’s ideal for heating up leftovers, preparing single-serving meals, or quickly defrosting ingredients. It’s not designed for someone who needs to cook large family dinners or process multiple substantial items at once; for those tasks, a larger, more powerful unit would be necessary.
Here’s a quick overview:
Pros:
* Compact and space-saving design, perfect for small kitchens.
* Easy-to-use touch controls and intuitive interface.
* Offers 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking for versatility.
* Features convenient one-touch preset options for common foods.
* Includes a child safety lock for added peace of mind.
* Interior and exterior surfaces are easy to clean.
* Excellent for reheating leftovers and quick snacks.
Cons:
* 700-watt power means longer cooking times compared to higher wattage models.
* The door can be somewhat stiff to open at times, requiring a firm pull.
* Moisture tends to accumulate inside after heating liquids, necessitating regular wiping.
* The glass turntable can sometimes wobble slightly during operation.
* Some users have reported concerns about long-term durability, specifically regarding the power cord.
Deep Dive into Features and Advantages
Designed for Compact Spaces
One of the absolute standout features of the Farberware’s 0.7 cu ft microwave is its perfectly proportioned size. Measuring 12.91″D x 17.75″W x 10.1″H, this appliance truly is a small-space champion. In my experience, it fits effortlessly onto even the most cramped countertops without dominating the area. It doesn’t feel like a compromise; instead, it feels like a smart solution. The interior, at 0.7 cubic feet, is just right for a standard dinner plate, a medium-sized bowl, or a couple of mugs.
The benefit here is undeniable: freed-up counter space. In a small kitchen, every inch counts, and this compact design means I can still have my coffee maker or toaster oven nearby without feeling overwhelmed. It’s an absolute blessing for dorm rooms, studio apartments, RVs, or even as an extra heating appliance in a home office or garage. While the capacity is smaller, it’s more than sufficient for reheating single servings or small meals, which is precisely what most people use a microwave for day-to-day. You won’t be cooking a whole chicken in here, but for warming up soup or last night’s dinner, it’s ideal.
Reliable Heating Performance
The Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven, Black delivers 700 watts of output power. While 700 watts might seem modest compared to the 1000-1200 watt units often found in larger kitchens, for its size and intended purpose, it’s remarkably effective. I’ve found that it heats food thoroughly and evenly, provided you allow for the slightly longer cooking times that typically come with lower wattage. A mug of coffee or a plate of leftovers might take an extra 30 seconds to a minute compared to a higher-powered machine, but the results are consistently good – no cold spots in the middle or overcooked edges.
The real benefit of this wattage, particularly in a compact unit, is its efficiency for everyday tasks. It’s perfect for reheating, defrosting, and cooking small portions without drawing excessive power. For someone who doesn’t need industrial-grade microwave capabilities, this strikes a fantastic balance. It reliably gets the job done for most common microwave tasks. One minor drawback I’ve observed is that after heating liquids, particularly for longer durations, some moisture does accumulate inside the oven. It’s nothing that a quick wipe with a paper towel can’t fix, and I haven’t noticed any rusting as a result, but it’s something to be mindful of to keep the interior pristine.
Customizable Cooking Controls
This Farberware microwave doesn’t just offer basic on/off functionality; it provides ten power levels. This level of control is surprisingly versatile for a compact unit. Whether I need a gentle defrost, a medium heat for simmering, or full power for a quick reheat, adjusting the power level is straightforward. Furthermore, the multi-stage cooking feature is a game-changer for more complex tasks. For instance, I can program it to defrost a frozen meal for a few minutes at a lower power level, and then automatically switch to a higher power level to cook it through, all without needing my intervention.
The benefit of these customizable controls is precision and adaptability. It means I can tailor the cooking process to almost any type of food, preventing common microwave pitfalls like rubbery textures or uneven heating. It gives me confidence that my food will be cooked just right, from delicate sauces to dense leftovers, enhancing both the taste and texture of meals.
Convenient One-Touch Presets
Speed and simplicity are at the heart of the Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven, Black, and its six one-touch options embody this philosophy. These presets include popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, dinner plate, and beverage. Simply press the corresponding button, and the microwave automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for that specific item.
For instance, the popcorn button has reliably produced perfectly popped bags every time for me, saving me the guesswork of manual timing. The potato option takes the hassle out of microwaving a baked potato, and the “dinner plate” setting is a godsend for quickly warming up a full meal. The benefit here is clear: unparalleled ease of use. It’s ideal for those busy moments when you just want to get food ready without fussing with settings, making it particularly handy for kids or anyone who prefers a no-brainer approach to meal prep.
Flexible Defrosting Capabilities
One of the unsung heroes of any microwave is its defrosting function, and the Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven offers both defrost by weight and defrost by time settings. This flexibility is incredibly useful. If you know the weight of your frozen item, the microwave can calculate the optimal defrosting time, ensuring even thawing without accidentally cooking the edges. If you’re unsure of the weight or prefer to eyeball it, the time-based defrost allows you to set a specific duration.
The benefit of these features is efficient and safe food preparation. No more forgetting to take meat out of the freezer hours in advance or risking bacterial growth by trying to rush thawing with warm water. This microwave ensures that your ingredients are perfectly thawed and ready for cooking, reducing food waste and making meal planning much more manageable.
Effortless Maintenance
Let’s be honest, cleaning is rarely anyone’s favorite kitchen chore. That’s why the easy-to-clean interior and exterior of the Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven are such a relief. Both surfaces are smooth, making spills and splatters simple to wipe away with a damp cloth. The removable glass turntable can be easily taken out and washed in the sink or dishwasher.
The benefit here is not just hygiene, but also longevity and appearance. A clean microwave is a happy microwave, preventing stubborn stains and odors from building up. This ease of maintenance means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meals, and it helps the appliance maintain its sleek black finish and overall aesthetic appeal over time.
Thoughtful User Interface and Design
Beyond its core heating capabilities, the Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven comes with several thoughtful design elements that enhance its usability. The clear LED display, with its bright digits, makes it easy to read the time and cooking settings at a glance. It also includes a kitchen timer and a clock, practical additions that simplify meal prep by helping you keep track of time for other tasks simultaneously. The interior lighting is another small but significant feature; it allows you to easily monitor your food as it cooks, ensuring it doesn’t boil over or get too dry.
These features contribute to an overall pleasant user experience. They make the microwave not just a heating device, but a convenient part of your kitchen’s daily rhythm. On a minor note, some users, myself included, have found the door mechanism a little stiff to open initially. It often requires a firm pull, which can sometimes cause the microwave to slide slightly on the countertop if it’s not held securely. However, this is a minor inconvenience that one quickly adjusts to.
Enhanced Safety Features
For families, especially those with young children, safety is paramount. The Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven addresses this with its child safety lock feature. Activating the lock is a simple process, typically involving a press and hold of a specific button, which then disables the keypad.
The benefit of this feature is immense peace of mind. It prevents curious little hands from accidentally starting the microwave, potentially causing spills, burns, or other hazards. This commitment to safety makes the appliance a more responsible and worry-free addition to any household where children might be present.
Instant Cooking with Express Options
Adding to its roster of user-friendly features, the Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven, Black incorporates an express cooking function. This allows you to start the microwave for 1 to 6 minutes simply by touching the corresponding number pad. For example, pressing “1” immediately starts it for one minute at full power, “2” for two minutes, and so on.
This feature is incredibly useful for those times when you need to quickly reheat something without having to punch in specific times or select power levels. It’s perfect for a quick snack, warming a drink, or just adding a bit more time to something that isn’t quite hot enough. It underscores the appliance’s dedication to making daily meal preparation as effortless and speedy as possible, adding yet another layer of convenience to its design.
Real-World Feedback: What Users Are Saying
Having scoured the internet, it’s clear that many users share my positive sentiments about the Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven. Many laud its compact size, stating it’s a “perfect fit for the space I have” and ideal for small apartments or office cubicles. The heating performance frequently receives praise, with owners noting that it “heats up well” and efficiently prepares meals, often concluding with a helpful five-beep notification. The thoughtful child safety lock is a recurring highlight, providing peace of mind for families. The overall sentiment points to a reliable and user-friendly appliance for everyday microwave tasks, though some note the slightly stiff door and occasional moisture buildup as minor points to consider.
Final Verdict: Reclaiming Your Kitchen Convenience
In a world where time is a precious commodity, the daily struggle for quick, convenient meals, especially in the confines of a smaller kitchen, is a very real challenge. Without an efficient solution, you might find yourself wasting time on longer cooking methods, resorting to expensive takeout, or simply enduring less-than-ideal lukewarm food. The good news is, you don’t have to. The Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven, Black stands out as a fantastic fit to solve this very problem.
First, its compact 0.7 cu ft design means it won’t overwhelm your precious counter space, making it perfect for apartments, dorms, or offices. Second, while 700 watts, it reliably heats and reheats your food with a variety of power levels and convenient one-touch presets, making daily tasks a breeze. Finally, features like the child safety lock and easy-to-clean surfaces add layers of practicality and peace of mind. If you’re ready to simplify your kitchen routine and embrace the convenience of quick, perfectly heated meals, this Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven, Black is undoubtedly worth considering. To explore more and make this efficient appliance yours, click here.
Last update on 2025-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API