Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts Review Compact Power and Convenience Explored

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Good Points of the Farberware Countertop Microwave

Using the Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, 0.7 Cu. Ft. has been quite the experience in my kitchen, especially considering its compact footprint. The 700 watts of power are surprisingly efficient for heating and cooking a variety of meals quickly. One feature I genuinely appreciate is the ten power levels, which allow me to fine-tune the cooking process. Whether I’m popping popcorn or defrosting meat, the multi-stage cooking options and six one-touch programs like potato and pizza make my life easier without having to guess the right settings.

The clear LED display is bright and easy to read, showing not just the cooking time but also functioning as a clock and timer, which I use frequently. I have a child safety lock enabled at home, and this microwave’s child lock feature gives me peace of mind, especially with my curious toddler around. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the easy-clean stainless steel interior and exterior, and the easy-grip handle on the door makes opening it a breeze even when my hands are full.

• Compact 0.7 cu ft size fits perfectly in small kitchens and offices
• Multiple power levels for customized cooking
• Child safety lock ensures security around kids

Limitations to Keep in Mind

While I’m generally satisfied, this microwave isn’t without its quirks. The capacity of 0.7 cubic feet is perfect for small meals but can feel cramped when heating larger plates or containers. I sometimes wish for a bit more space inside, especially when reheating leftovers in bulk. The weight of 22.5 pounds makes it a bit cumbersome to move around if you’re frequently rearranging your countertop, although it stays stable once positioned.

The 700-watt power output is adequate but not the most powerful you can find; cooking times can be a bit longer compared to higher-wattage microwaves, especially for denser foods. Also, the child lock function, while useful, takes a few seconds to engage or disengage, which might feel inconvenient if you’re in a hurry.

• Limited interior space for larger dishes
• Slightly heavy for a countertop appliance
• Power output can result in longer cooking times

Design and Build: Practical Yet Durable

This microwave sports a stainless steel finish that not only looks sleek but resists fingerprints and smudges better than many plastic-bodied counterparts. The dimensions of approximately 13 x 17 x 10 inches make it a solid fit for apartments, dorm rooms, or office break rooms without dominating the space. The large door handle is ergonomically designed, which I found much easier to grip than smaller, flush handles on other models.

Interior lighting is surprisingly bright, so I can monitor my food without opening the door and losing heat. The digital control panel is intuitive, avoiding complicated menus; this simplicity is a win, especially for folks who just want to press a button and go.

Performance and Cooking Features

The microwave’s ten power levels let me experiment with different cooking intensities, which is especially useful for delicate items like melting chocolate versus reheating leftovers. The defrosting options by weight or time are accurate and prevent overcooking, a feature I found handy when preparing frozen meals or thawing meat.

I tested the one-touch buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, and other quick meals, and they performed reliably. The memory function is a neat addition, allowing me to save personalized settings for my favorite dishes, so I don’t have to input the same time and power repeatedly.

Value Assessment: Is It Worth It?

Considering its features and build quality, this microwave offers a solid value proposition for small spaces. It doesn’t come with the bells and whistles of ultra-premium models but provides everything most users need at a competitive price point. For apartments, dorms, or offices where space is limited and ease of use is paramount, this model strikes a nice balance.

The energy consumption of 700 watts helps keep electricity bills modest compared to more powerful units. If you want a reliable microwave without paying extra for features you won’t use, this might be the right choice. However, if cooking volume or speed is a priority, investing in a higher wattage model might make more sense.

Alternative Offerings and How This One Stacks Up

Comparing this microwave to popular models like the Panasonic NN-SN686S or the Toshiba EM925A5A-SS, the Farberware stands out for its compact design and child safety lock, which some competitors lack. While those models boast higher wattage and larger capacity, they also take up more space and come at a higher price.

The Panasonic model offers more power (about 1200 watts) and advanced inverter technology, resulting in more even cooking. Toshiba’s version includes sensor reheating features for convenience. However, both tend to be bulkier and pricier. The Farberware’s strength lies in its simplicity and suitability for smaller kitchens where space and budget are limited.

User Experience and Practical Insights

My roommates and I found this microwave incredibly convenient for quick meals and reheating snacks. The child lock was a big hit for my sister with young kids visiting often, giving her less worry about accidental use. The LED display’s clock and timer functions are surprisingly handy in daily kitchen tasks beyond microwaving.

One minor annoyance was the slightly longer cooking time for frozen dishes compared to more powerful microwaves we’ve tried. Still, the even heating and customizable power settings made up for that by saving us from the frustration of cold spots or overcooked edges.

Drawbacks to Consider Before Buying

Despite its many perks, there are a few downsides worth mentioning. The relatively small interior limits the size of dishes, which can be frustrating if you like to cook larger meals or reheat multiple plates at once. The control panel, while simple, lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or smart connectivity found in newer models.

Another point is the weight, which could be a challenge if you plan to move the microwave often. Also, the child lock system, though secure, is a bit fiddly to operate quickly, which might irritate some users in a rush.

• Small cooking cavity restricts larger dishes
• No smart or sensor cooking features
• Child lock can be slow to toggle

Using the Farberware countertop microwave has been a largely positive experience, especially if you value straightforward, reliable performance in a compact size. It shines in small spaces and for users needing basic yet effective features without unnecessary complexity.

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