Black & Decker 0.7 Cu. Ft. Digital Microwave, Stainless Steel

A compact microwave that keeps things simple

Small kitchens ask for compromises. In my galley setup, counter space is precious, so I’ve been living with a 0.7-cubic-foot microwave for the last several weeks to see if a small footprint can still handle everyday reheating and quick cooking. The compact Black+Decker 0.7-cu-ft microwave checks a lot of boxes for tight spaces and light-duty use, but it’s not a do‑everything workhorse—and durability is something to consider.

Design and footprint

The unit is genuinely compact at 10.2 by 17.3 by 12.7 inches. It slid under a cabinet without crowding my backsplash, and at about 21 pounds, it’s easy to reposition for cleaning. The stainless wrap looks tidy and neutral in a modern kitchen. It does show fingerprints—par for the course—but a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth keeps it presentable.

The door uses a pull handle rather than a push button. I prefer that because it’s more precise, and I can brace the microwave with my thumb as I pull to keep the lightweight chassis from scooting. If your counter is slippery, put a thin grippy mat underneath to keep it from shifting when you open the door.

Inside, the glass turntable is sized for small dinnerware. A 10-inch plate fits but feels snug; a large rimmed dinner plate won’t. Tall mugs and 24-ounce bowls are fine. The LED cavity light is just bright enough to see boiling and splatter, though not daylight-bright.

Controls and everyday use

The control panel is straightforward, with a bright green numeric display that’s readable across the room. One-touch buttons cover the basics: 30-second express, time defrost, weight defrost, and a handful of auto menus. There are ten power levels, which matter more than you’d think on a 700-watt machine.

A few small touches stand out:
- Mute mode is available. If you’re in a shared office or have a sleeping baby nearby, this is gold.
- The express add-30 function stacks. Tap it three times for 1:30—fast and natural.
- The clock and kitchen timer are simple to set, and the beeps are restrained out of the box.

Setup was trivial: plug in, set the clock, drop the turntable in place, and you’re done.

Heating performance: 700 watts in practice

At 700 watts, you should expect reheat times that are a beat or two longer than a 1,000‑watt unit. In day-to-day use, I had no issues getting food hot; I just added 15–45 seconds to tasks compared to a larger microwave.

My real-world timings:
- 12-ounce refrigerated soup: 2:30 at full power, stir at halfway; steaming hot at 3:00 if very dense.
- 8-ounce coffee reheat: 1:15 to 1:30 at full power.
- Oatmeal (rolled oats, 1/2 cup): 2:30 at power level 7 to minimize boil‑overs; a quick rest finishes it.
- Frozen burrito: 2:00 per side at full power; better results at power level 8 with an extra minute of rest.
- Frozen vegetables (12 oz): 5:00 at power level 8, stir halfway; good texture without rubberiness.

Where 700 watts shows its limits is in thick, high-moisture foods and larger portions. Lasagna, big casseroles, or dense leftovers benefit from reduced power and longer time to avoid hot edges and cold centers. The ten power levels help smooth that out; I used level 7 or 8 often. The turntable rotation and evenness were on par for the size category: good for single bowls and plates, less consistent at the edges with very full plates.

The popcorn preset was inconsistent with a standard 3.2-ounce bag—common for compact units. I had better luck manually setting 2:30, listening for the slowdown in pops, and stopping early to avoid scorching.

Defrost and auto menus

Time and weight defrost are both onboard and useful. Weight defrost did a decent job on a one‑pound package of chicken thighs, pulsing power to reduce edge cooking. I still prefer time defrost for delicate items like bread or pastries, starting low and flipping midway. Either way, plan to pause and separate pieces as the outer layers loosen.

The auto menus are basic—beverages, potatoes, frozen vegetables, pizza, and so on. They’re fine for quick tasks but rely on assumptions about size and starting temperature. I treated them as a starting point and adjusted as needed.

Noise, heat, and energy

This microwave hums at a mid-level volume and has a gentle fan sound that’s easy to live with. The exterior doesn’t run hot, and the venting is appropriate for tight spaces. As a 700‑watt unit, it draws less power than larger models, which is handy for older kitchens or dorms with sensitive circuits.

Build quality and longevity notes

The compact Black+Decker feels purpose-built for light, everyday reheating rather than heavy, multi‑meal cooking. The chassis is lightweight and the latch mechanism is plastic, which keeps the cost and weight down but also means it’s not invincible if you habitually slam the door. My test unit arrived square and behaved as expected over several weeks—no door misalignment or odd noises—but I would treat the door with care, avoid slamming, and keep the cavity and mica waveguide cover clean to prevent arcing.

Service and warranty are handled by the manufacturer (Midea) with a one-year limited warranty. Keep your receipt and the box for a bit in case you need to make a claim. As with any entry-level appliance, I wouldn’t expect a decade of use; think of this as a 1–3 year, light-duty solution rather than a long-term anchor for a busy family kitchen.

Maintenance tips for better performance

• Use a microwave cover to reduce splatter and keep steam in, which speeds heating in a low‑watt unit.
• Wipe the interior frequently, especially the area near the waveguide cover on the right wall. If you see residue, clean it gently and let it dry before next use.
• For dense foods, use power level 7–8 and add 30–60 seconds; let food rest for a minute to even out heat.
• If the unit slides when opening, place a thin rubber mat under it to protect the latch from side loads.

Who it’s for

• Small kitchens, dorms, and office break rooms where space is tight and 700 watts is sufficient.
• Users who mostly reheat drinks, soups, leftovers, and steam-fresh vegetables.
• Quiet environments that appreciate a mute mode and softer beeps.
• Budget shoppers who want a clean look without paying for higher wattage.

Who should look elsewhere:
- Households regularly cooking larger portions, big casseroles, or dense frozen meals.
- Users expecting 1,000‑watt speed and evenness.
- Anyone who wants a more rugged, heavy-duty build for years of daily cooking.

The bottom line

The compact Black+Decker microwave delivers what a small, budget-friendly unit should: a tidy footprint, easy controls, and reliable reheating for single portions. Its 700-watt output is slower than a full-size model, but with smart use of power levels and a little patience, it handles most everyday tasks without drama. The bright display, glass turntable, LED light, and thoughtful touches like mute mode round out a user-friendly experience.

I recommend it, with clear caveats. It’s a sensible pick for light-duty, space-constrained setups and budget-conscious buyers who understand the trade-offs: slower heating and a lighter build that benefits from gentle handling. If you need a primary kitchen workhorse for heavy, daily cooking or expect long-term durability, step up in size and wattage. For everyone else, this compact microwave is a practical, no-fuss companion for the quick jobs that keep a small kitchen moving.