The Magic Chef MCM990ST is a compact, no-frills 0.9 cu ft microwave that handles daily reheating tasks at a price that undercuts most name brands. At 900W with 10 power levels, it gives reasonable flexibility for an entry-level unit.
Budget-conscious households or small apartments that need a reliable reheating microwave without paying for features they will not use. It works well as a secondary unit in a garage, office, or dorm.
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Anyone who regularly cooks large portions or needs faster cook times should look at a 1,000W or higher model. The 0.9 cu ft interior limits what fits inside.
Capacity 0.9 cu ft
Wattage 900 W
Power levels 10
Installation Countertop
Width 19.1 in
Controls Buttons
Priced 38% below the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
Wattage of 900 W - lower than 71% of the 84 models we track
Weight of 28.7 lb - lighter than 63% of the 84 models we track
Our scorecard
4.4/5overall
Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 264 owner ratings
Value for money2.9/5
$189 per cubic foot, below the category median
Popularity2.5/5
264 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
Storage space2.4/5
0.9 cu ft, compact for this category
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other kitchen ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, range hoods and microwaves we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The MCM990ST runs at 900W across 10 discrete power levels, which is enough to reheat leftovers and beverages but slower than 1,000W+ competitors on denser foods. The 0.9 cu ft cavity fits standard dinner plates in most cases, and the 19.1-inch width keeps the footprint manageable on tight counters.
At around $170, this sits at a mid-budget price point for the spec set. The stainless steel color adds a cleaner look, and the button controls are straightforward to use without any learning curve.
With 264 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, buyer feedback skews positive relative to comparable budget units. The rating is notably high for this price tier, suggesting buyers find it meets their expectations for basic microwave tasks.
Pros
900W output across 10 power levels gives decent heating flexibility
0.9 cu ft cavity fits standard dinner plates
19.1-inch width is manageable on most countertops
4.5-star rating from 264 buyers indicates consistent satisfaction
Button controls are simple and intuitive
Cons
900W is slower than 1,000W+ models for denser foods
0.9 cu ft may feel cramped for larger cookware
No turntable diameter published, making it harder to gauge plate fit
Specifications
Capacity
0.9 cu ft
Wattage
900 W
Power levels
10
Installation
Countertop
Width
19.1 in
Controls
Buttons
Color
Stainless Steel
Dimensions
14.6 X 19.1 X 11.3 In
Weight
28.7 lb
Voltage
120 Volts
Performance notes
At 900W, expect reheating times to run roughly 10-15% longer than a 1,000W unit on the same food. The 10 power levels let you dial back heat for delicate items like butter or chocolate. The 19.1 x 14.6 x 11.3-inch exterior fits on most kitchen counters without crowding. Button controls mean no guessing with a dial - each setting is direct.
What buyers say
A 4.5-star average across 264 reviews is a strong signal for a budget microwave. Buyers at this price point tend to report satisfaction when a unit heats reliably and lasts without early failures, and the rating here suggests the MCM990ST delivers on those basic expectations.
The MCM990ST runs at 900 watts. That is sufficient for reheating and light cooking tasks, though it will be somewhat slower than 1,000W or 1,100W models when heating denser dishes.
How large is the interior cavity?
The interior is 0.9 cubic feet. This fits most standard-size dinner plates and bowls, though oversized plates or large casserole dishes may not fit comfortably. The exterior measures 14.6 x 19.1 x 11.3 inches.
Does this microwave have multiple power settings?
Yes, it has 10 power levels. This lets you lower the output for gentle reheating of delicate foods or defrosting without hot spots, which is a useful feature at this price point.
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