Mainstays Countertop Microwave 0.7 cu ft

Overview

Not a full-size family oven, this compact countertop microwave is built for reheating and defrosting in a dorm, office or small kitchen. Button controls set the power level, run quickset menus and start a one-touch cycle, with clock and timer shown on an LED display.

Small size and simple buttons make sense for a dorm desk or break room where it mostly reheats and defrosts. Modest power stretches cooking times on dense food, and the listing leaves out the outer dimensions while giving a weight that cannot be right.

Who it's for

Students, office workers and studio renters warming single portions get a simple box with clear presets. Households cooking larger meals or using big casserole dishes should go larger.

Pros and cons

Performance notes

Heating speed is set by the output of the microwave generator and the small cavity, which concentrates energy on a single portion but slows with dense or frozen food. Lower power levels soften heating for delicate items, and the weight defrost sets time from the entered weight rather than a guess.

Specifications