The Farberware FM09SSE is a 0.9 cu ft countertop microwave in brushed stainless steel at $98.12, earning a strong 4.4-star average from 1,100 buyers. For under $100, the rating and review volume put it among the better-regarded compact options in its price bracket.
Budget buyers who want a dependable compact microwave in a cleaner brushed stainless finish rather than standard black or flat stainless. At $98.12 with a 4.4-star average, it delivers solid value for singles, couples, and smaller kitchens.
Skip if
Anyone who needs confirmed wattage specs for purchasing decisions should verify current listing details, wattage is not available in the product record. Also skip if you need more than 0.9 cu ft; this is a compact unit for smaller portions.
Capacity 0.9 cu ft
Heating Radiant
Power levels 10
Installation Countertop
Width 19.1 in
Controls Buttons
Priced 64% below the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
Our scorecard
4.4/5overall
Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 1,100 owner ratings
Value for money4.5/5
$109 per cubic foot, below the category median
Popularity3.8/5
1,100 owner reviews, more 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 FM09SSE measures 15.9 x 19.1 x 11.5 inches and fits comfortably on standard countertops at 19.1 inches wide. The brushed stainless finish is a step up visually from the matte black common at this price point, matching well with modern kitchen appliances without the fingerprint visibility of polished stainless.
The heating method is listed as radiant, with 10 power levels providing solid control for a budget compact model. Wattage is not confirmed in available specs, though Farberware compact models in this size class typically run 700-900W based on their broader lineup.
At $98.12 with 1,100 reviews at 4.4 stars, this is one of the stronger value propositions in the under-$100 compact microwave segment. The 4.4-star average from over 1,000 buyers is a credible signal of reliable performance that exceeds expectations at the price.
Pros
4.4 stars from 1,100 reviews is a strong satisfaction signal for a sub-$100 microwave
Brushed stainless finish is a cleaner look than standard glossy or matte black options
10 power levels give above-average control for a compact budget unit
19.1-inch width fits standard countertops without dominating the space
At $98.12, it underprices many competitors with similar or lower ratings
Cons
Wattage is not confirmed in available specs, heating speed cannot be precisely benchmarked
0.9 cu ft limits capacity to smaller portions and standard-size bowls/plates
No turntable dimension listed, dish clearance inside the cavity is unclear
Specifications
Capacity
0.9 cu ft
Heating
Radiant
Power levels
10
Installation
Countertop
Width
19.1 in
Controls
Buttons
Color
Brushed Stainless
Dimensions
15.9 X 19.1 X 11.5 In
Voltage
120 Volts (Ac)
Performance notes
Radiant heating at the 0.9 cu ft scale is well-suited to standard reheating and defrosting tasks. Ten power levels let you step down from full power for delicate items like bread, chocolate, or butter. At 19.1 inches wide and 11.5 inches tall, the unit clears standard countertop-to-cabinet clearances in most kitchens. Voltage is 120V AC, standard for US kitchen outlets.
What buyers say
The 4.4-star average from 1,100 reviews is notably high for a sub-$100 microwave, indicating the unit consistently meets or exceeds expectations at its price point. Buyers in this category typically prioritize reliability and basic function over advanced features, and the strong rating suggests the FM09SSE delivers on those basics without common failure modes.
What does radiant heating mean in a microwave context?
In this context, radiant likely refers to the standard microwave radiation heating method, electromagnetic waves that excite water molecules in food to generate heat. It distinguishes the unit from convection or grill-equipped models. For everyday reheating and defrosting, radiant microwave heating is what you need.
Is the Farberware FM09SSE a good first microwave for a new apartment?
Yes. At under $100, a 4.4-star rating from over 1,000 buyers, and a compact footprint that fits tight spaces, this is a practical first-apartment choice. The brushed stainless finish holds up better aesthetically over time compared to painted black exteriors.
How does 0.9 cu ft compare to average countertop microwave size?
Most mid-range countertop microwaves run 1.1-1.6 cu ft, so 0.9 cu ft is on the smaller end of the standard range. It handles standard bowls, mugs, and plates up to about 10 inches in diameter without issue. For larger plates or family-size portions, a 1.2-1.6 cu ft model is more suitable.
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