BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Microwave Oven Review: Compact Powerhouse for Everyday Use

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 microwave oven is a popular choice for small kitchens, dorm rooms, and office pantries. Designed to combine style, efficiency, and ease of use, this model has built a reputation for reliability in a compact package. In this review, we take a detailed look at the specifications, design, features, performance, user feedback, and whether the EM720CB7 is the right fit for your needs.

Key Specifications

Size, Design, and Build Quality

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is designed for those who need an efficient microwave that doesn’t take up much space. With a 0.7 cu. ft. interior capacity, it is perfect for reheating meals, making popcorn, or defrosting frozen items. Despite its compact size, the microwave is sturdy and well-constructed.

Its stainless steel exterior with black trim adds a premium look, making it suitable for modern kitchen décor. The control panel is clear and intuitive, with well-labeled buttons that are easy to press. The door opens smoothly with a push-button mechanism rather than a handle, which adds to its space-saving design.

Build Quality

For a budget-friendly model, the build quality is impressive. The door feels solid, the turntable moves smoothly, and the interior enamel coating is easy to wipe clean. The keypad is responsive, and the overall finish resists smudges and fingerprints reasonably well.

Aesthetics and Size

The aesthetic appeal of the EM720CB7 makes it stand out in the entry-level category. Its sleek stainless steel finish gives it a professional look, while the compact dimensions make it a perfect choice for:

• Studio apartments
• Office break rooms
• Dorm rooms
• RVs and campers
• Small countertops

At 17.3 inches wide, it fits comfortably even in tight spaces, yet offers enough room inside for a standard dinner plate or microwave-safe bowl.

Technology and Power

Though the EM720CB7 isn’t packed with cutting-edge smart tech, it offers solid core microwave features that are reliable and efficient.

Power Output

700 watts of power with 10 adjustable power levels means you can fine-tune the microwave to cook or reheat different types of food, from softening butter to heating leftovers.

While 700W is on the lower end of microwave power ranges, it balances energy efficiency and basic cooking performance well.

Defrosting Technology

Equipped with Time Defrost and Weight Defrost, the microwave can thaw meats and frozen items quickly and safely.

The unit automatically adjusts the power based on the input weight, reducing the chance of partially cooked or overcooked edges.

Features

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 includes a variety of practical features that make it user-friendly:

1. There are six pre-programmed buttons for common foods: popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage, and dinner plate. This eliminates the guesswork and simplifies reheating.
2. A one-touch express function lets you cook from 1 to 6 minutes at full power instantly.
3. Pressing a number from 1–6 starts the microwave for that many minutes automatically—ideal for quick heating.
4. Prevents accidental use or settings change, which is essential in homes with young children.
5. Illuminates food while cooking, allowing you to monitor without opening the door.
6. 10-inch turntable ensures even heating and is dishwasher safe.
7. A rare but welcome feature in budget microwaves—users can mute button beeps and end-cycle alerts.

Performance in Real-Life Use

1. Reheat a plate of leftovers in 2–3 minutes
2. Defrost ground beef in under 10 minutes (with even thawing)
3. Cook frozen dinners with no hotspots when turned halfway through
4. While 700 watts isn’t ideal for heavy-duty cooking, it reheats and defrosts with surprising consistency, especially when food is centered on the turntable.
5. The painted interior wipes clean with ease, and the turntable is easy to remove and wash. No complex crevices or parts that trap food.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact size fits small spaces
• Sleek stainless steel exterior
• Affordable price point
• User-friendly control panel
• 6 one-touch cooking presets
• Express cooking feature
• Child safety lock
• Sound on/off function
• Easy to clean interior

Cons

• No convection or grill functions
• No sensor cooking
• Interior capacity (0.7 cu. ft.) is too small for large dishes
  
• 700 watts may be underpowered for large meals
  

Customers Review and Rating

COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven Review: Compact Convenience at Your Fingertips

If you’re in the market for a compact yet reliable microwave oven that offers essential functionality at a budget-friendly price, the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven could be your ideal match. Designed with space-saving in mind, this microwave is perfect for small kitchens, apartments, dorm rooms, and office break rooms. Despite its small size, it packs a decent range of features aimed at making your life easier.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll cover every detail you need to know, including specifications, design, features, real-life performance, user feedback, and common complaints—so you can make an informed buying decision.

Key Specifications

Design and Build Quality

The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB boasts a sleek, minimalist design that blends well with almost any kitchen décor. The exterior is made of high-quality plastic with a glossy black finish that looks more expensive than its price tag would suggest. The build quality is surprisingly solid for a budget microwave. Buttons feel responsive and the door opens smoothly without needing excessive force.

The control panel is intuitive, and even those who are not tech-savvy can easily understand how to use the microwave. The LED display is bright, clear, and easy to read, even in low-light conditions.

Aesthetics and Size

One of the key selling points of this microwave is its compact size. Measuring just 17.3 inches wide, it is designed to fit in tight spaces without sacrificing functionality. Whether you’re setting it up in a studio apartment or a cramped office kitchenette, it won’t take up much counter space.

The modern black finish offers a clean, professional look, which makes it aesthetically pleasing in both residential and commercial environments. It may not have the stainless-steel glam of high-end models, but for the price, it looks surprisingly polished.

Technology and Power

At 700 watts of output power, the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is certainly not the most powerful microwave on the market, but it’s more than adequate for simple heating tasks. The 11 power levels provide flexibility for defrosting, reheating, and cooking various types of food without overcooking or drying them out.

It includes COMFEE’s signature ECO mode, which reduces standby power usage by 50%. This is a standout feature in the budget microwave category and makes it a good option for eco-conscious users or those trying to save on their electric bills.

Features

• There are 6 convenient auto cook options for popular foods such as popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and reheating dinner plates.
• You can defrost frozen items using either the weight or the time method, giving you more control over the process.
• ECO Mode reduces standby power consumption. A great way to cut down on energy use without any effort.
• You can turn off the beeping sound—a rare feature in budget microwaves that’s perfect for late-night snackers.
• This ensures that the microwave can’t be used accidentally by children, adding an extra layer of safety.
• It includes a digital LED display with a kitchen timer and clock function.

Performance in Real-Life Use

1. While the 700-watt power means it takes a bit longer to heat food compared to higher-wattage models, it performs reliably for most tasks such as reheating leftovers, warming beverages, or cooking small meals.
2. The 10-inch glass turntable rotates food evenly. Users report minimal hot or cold spots, especially for reheating tasks.
3. The defrost function is fairly accurate. It’s not lightning-fast, but it thaws most items without partially cooking them, which is common in lower-end units.
4. Operation is quiet compared to many competitors. The muted sound option further enhances its appeal for shared living spaces.
5. ECO Mode sets this microwave apart. For users conscious of their electricity usage, this function makes a noticeable difference over time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and space-saving design
• Affordable price point
• ECO Mode for energy savings
• One-touch cooking presets
• Mute option for silent operation
• Child safety lock included
• Stylish modern design

Cons

• Lower 700-watt power results in longer cooking times
• Plastic build lacks premium feel
• No convection or grilling features
• Interior light could be brighter
• Limited capacity—not ideal for large dishes

Customers Review and Rating

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven Review – 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4-Inch Turntable

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven stands out as a favorite among homeowners for its modern look, user-friendly features, and consistent performance. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this popular model—from key specifications to real-world performance—so you can decide whether it’s the right choice for your home.

Key Specifications

Design and Build Quality

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a solidly built appliance that offers both functionality and durability. It’s constructed from stainless steel and coated with a black exterior that not only adds elegance but also resists fingerprints and smudges. The door opens smoothly, and the control panel buttons feel responsive and sturdy.

Its internal cavity is made from easy-to-clean material and includes a glass turntable (12.4 inches) that ensures even cooking. Rubber feet on the base add stability, keeping it firmly in place even when the door is opened with force.

Aesthetics and Size

With a sleek black stainless steel exterior, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS seamlessly fits into both modern and traditional kitchens. Its relatively compact footprint makes it ideal for small apartments, dorms, and offices, yet it offers enough internal space to handle a full dinner plate or a medium-sized casserole dish.

At just 20.5 inches wide, this model balances counter space efficiency with usability. The large, bright LED digital display gives it a high-end look, and the minimalist control panel maintains a clutter-free design.

Technology

Toshiba integrates smart sensor technology in this model, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power level based on the humidity released by the food. This ensures dishes are cooked or reheated evenly without overcooking.

Additionally, the memory function allows you to program your favorite settings, and the power-saving eco mode helps reduce energy consumption when the microwave is not in use. The inclusion of a mute option to disable beeping sounds adds a thoughtful touch for those who prefer quieter operation.

Power

This microwave runs on 1100 watts, making it powerful enough to cook or reheat most foods quickly and evenly. You can choose from 10 power levels depending on your needs—from gently softening butter to rapidly boiling water.

The high wattage ensures that food gets heated thoroughly without leaving cold spots, which is a common issue with lower-wattage models.

Features

1. Smart Humidity Sensor: Automatically adjusts cooking time for optimal results.
2. One-Touch Buttons: Quick-start options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, or frozen vegetables.
3. Custom Defrost Settings: Two defrost modes by weight or time.
4. Power Saving Eco Mode: Conserves energy by turning off the display when idle.
5. Sound On/Off Option: Silence all beeping sounds with one touch.
6. Digital Display: Easy-to-read and user-friendly.
7. 12.4-Inch Glass Turntable: Ensures even heating for larger dishes.
8. Child Safety Lock: Prevents accidental operation.
9. Multi-Stage Cooking: Program multiple cooking stages in one go.

Performance in Real-Life Use

• The sensor reheat function is one of the best features of this unit. It does a great job with leftovers, especially pasta, rice, and meats, preventing dry or rubbery textures.
• With six auto cook settings, this microwave performs well for quick meals like baked potatoes, frozen dinners, and vegetables. It also supports multi-stage cooking, which lets you automatically shift from defrosting to cooking—a handy option for frozen meats or casseroles.
• The weight-based defrost mode is accurate, and users report that it avoids partially cooked or still-frozen centers. It’s especially reliable for defrosting meats evenly.
• Setup and operation are very simple. Whether you’re reheating a slice of pizza or making popcorn, the controls are intuitive, and the interior light and large turntable make monitoring easy.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Smart Sensor Technology ensures optimal cooking and reheating.
• Powerful 1100W Output heats food faster than lower wattage units.
• Large Capacity fits most standard dinnerware.
• Eco Mode reduces energy usage.
• Mute Option for silent operation.
• Sleek and modern appearance with fingerprint-resistant finish.
• Easy to clean interior and exterior.

Cons

• No convection or grill function, so not suitable for baking or crisping.
• Door is slightly loud when closing.
• Lacks smart home integration (e.g., no Alexa/Google Assistant).
• The glossy control panel may be hard to see under certain lighting.

Customers Review and Rating