The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact 0.7 cu ft, 700W microwave in stainless steel at $80, backed by 22,300 reviews and a 4.2-star average. It covers basic daily microwave needs in a small footprint and at a price most buyers can justify without much deliberation.
Singles, dorm rooms, small offices, or any space where counter real estate is tight and microwave use is limited to basic reheating. At 17.3 inches wide and 22.5 lb, it is genuinely easy to place and move.
Skip if
Buyers who regularly heat full-size dinner plates, large bowls, or need faster heating times should choose a 900W or 1000W model with a 1.0+ cu ft cavity. At 700W and 0.7 cu ft, both capacity and speed are at the compact-budget baseline.
Capacity 0.7 cu ft
Heating Electric
Wattage 700 W
Power levels 10
Installation Countertop
Width 17.3 in
Priced 71% below the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
Capacity of 0.7 cu ft - smaller than 78% of the 84 models we track
Wattage of 700 W - lower than 87% of the 84 models we track
Our scorecard
4.2/5overall
Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 22,300 owner ratings
Value for money4.3/5
$114 per cubic foot, below the category median
Popularity4.8/5
22,300 owner reviews, more than most models here
Storage space1.2/5
0.7 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 EM720CB7 is firmly in the entry-level compact tier: 700 watts, 0.7 cubic feet, and a 10-inch turntable cover the basics without extras. The stainless steel finish at this price ($80) is a genuine value add, most 700W units at this price are all black or white plastic.
At 13 x 17.3 x 10.2 in and 22.5 lb, the unit is small enough to fit almost anywhere. The 10 power levels are solid for a $80 microwave, the ability to run at reduced power is useful for defrosting and gentle warming, even at 700W total capacity.
The 22,300-review pool at 4.2 stars is a very strong reliability indicator. While 4.2 is not the highest rating in the category, for a budget model it means the vast majority of buyers find it performs as expected for everyday tasks. The 720 monthly sales confirm this is not a discontinued or stagnant product.
Pros
22,300 reviews at 4.2 stars is a highly stable satisfaction signal for a budget unit
Stainless steel exterior is uncommon at the $80 price point
10 power levels allow basic defrost and low-heat cooking control
17.3-inch width and 22.5 lb weight make it genuinely compact and portable
720 monthly units sold confirms active ongoing demand
Cons
700W output is among the slowest in the category, particularly for denser foods
0.7 cu ft and 10-inch turntable limit dish size, no full dinner plates
4.2-star average, while stable, is lower than the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB at a similar price and capacity
Specifications
Capacity
0.7 cu ft
Heating
Electric
Wattage
700 W
Power levels
10
Installation
Countertop
Width
17.3 in
Controls
Buttons
Color
Stainless Steel
Turntable
10.0 in
Dimensions
13 X 17.3 X 10.2 In
Weight
22.5 lb
Voltage
110 Volts
Smart
Not Smart Home Compatible
Performance notes
At 700W and 0.7 cu ft with a 10-inch turntable, performance is squarely suited to single-serving tasks: a mug, a small bowl, a frozen snack. The 10 power levels allow defrosting at 20-30% power without cooking the outside of food. Full-power heating at 700W is adequate for thin or liquid foods; denser items like a thick steak portion will take longer. The 110V operation is standard for US homes, no special electrical considerations needed.
What buyers say
With 22,300 reviews stabilizing at 4.2 stars, the EM720CB7 has a thoroughly established reputation as a budget unit that delivers on basic expectations. The 4.2 average suggests a small portion of buyers experience issues, typical for high-volume electronics where durability variation appears in large samples, but the majority find it a functional and fair $80 appliance.
How does the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 compare to the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB?
Both are 0.7 cu ft, 700W compact microwaves in the $68-80 range with 10-inch turntables, and both share the same 13 x 17.3 x 10.2 in dimensions. The COMFEE has a slight rating edge (4.4 vs 4.2 stars) and is priced about $11 less. The BLACK+DECKER offers a stainless steel finish and the recognition of a major appliance brand, which some buyers may prefer.
Can this microwave handle frozen meals?
Yes, at 700W it can heat standard single-serving frozen meals, though it will take longer than a 1000W unit. A meal that heats in 3 minutes at 1000W might need 4 or more minutes at 700W. Most frozen meal packages list both standard and low-wattage cooking times, so follow the package instructions for best results.
Is the interior finish easy to clean?
The interior finish material is not detailed in the available spec data. In general, microwaves at this price have coated steel interiors that clean up with a damp cloth. We recommend checking the product manual or manufacturer FAQ for specific cleaning guidance.
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